Sonic: The Madness

'God... where is she?' Tom Adriani sat in the casino restaurant, fidgeting in
worry. The clock read 8:33 PM. Playing with the salt shaker, he paid no attention
to anyone else.

"I take it the Boss went on an errand?" He looked up to see Victoria.

"Don't you have a kid to look after?" he asked. "Thought you'd have left by now."

"He's asleep. School tomorrow. I heard the Boss was out on some adventure or
whatever. You're taking it..." she saw his game with the salt shaker. "...well."

He sat the shaker down. "We had our first fight. I don't see why she has to run
off on some dangerous thing like this. She left that GUN group for me, I know
that much. I just thought... she was giving that dangerous stuff up..."

Her eyes widened. "You knew?" she asked in surprise.

"I'm not a total idiot, you know!" he shouted. "I found the communicator in her
glove the first night here. Then her commander called her after she quit, got me
on the phone."

"Did you tell her you knew?" Vic asked, amazed.

He replied, "what for? She kept it a secret from me to try and protect me, so.."

"She was on Space Colony ARK, helped keep it from hitting the Earth. And other
things I know about. She's strong, she knows what she's doing. She'll be back."

"I must look like I'm either weak or outright selfish for sitting here worrying
instead of being... I don't know, out there with her or something..."

"No, you're not weak," she replied. "If you were, you'd have given up on her. You
care about her. She has something to fight for now, something to come home to. I
like you. I respect you, and I think you'll be good as our new Boss."

"Well... I never thought about running a casino. But I guess I never thought
about dating someone who isn't human, either... don't take this the wrong way,
but full body fur doesn't do much for me! But Rouge has... such smooth skin. Most
of you... foxes, birds, whatever, you all have something covering you, and...
probably makes me sound like a bigot or something..."

"No, it doesn't," she answered. "If you hated me for being a different species,
yes, it would. But it doesn't mean you have to be physically attracted to
everyone either! Besides... I think you like Boss because she's more human than
you ever thought!"

He asked, "what do you mean?"

"Think about it!" She sat at the table, grabbing the pepper shaker for no reason.
"You do know about female human anatomy, I'd guess?"

"That's a personal question... but yes, I admit, I looked at pictures and such
when I was younger."


"And?" she tapped the salt shaker he held. "How does Boss compare?"

He thought the question over carefully. "She has those ears, and those big,
beautiful eyes... furry head and the wings. Plus that tail which I seem obsessed
with. But I guess... her body is quite a bit human when you think about it. I
mean, I know she's shorter than me, but I'm... five foot two, short for a
human."

"Yeah, I guessed," Vic said, "Boss did a pole dance one night here to boost
business. No stripping, but even the human customers were driven wild!"

"I think a lot of the humans I knew disappointed me though," he explained. "My
parents, the butt-kissing winery staff, my gold digger ex..."

"Adriani... I thought I knew that name. Your family's wine brought my husband
and I together that first night."

He smiled slightly. "Who knew..."

A plate hit the table. The largest burger Tom had ever seen sat in front of him.
"I thought you'd be hungry so I told the kitchen to get you something. Y'know,
Boss has lightened her mood some the past few days. She didn't seem to much like
kids before, but yesterday... she asked me how my son was doing."

He explained to her, "she said she had a dream about us having a kid."

"Then I would take that as a good sign for both of you!"

Picking up the burger, he halted to ask, "why doesn't the sun ever shine in this
city?"

Her answer, "I honestly don't know," trailed off in thought. No one knew why
Night Babylon was always dark. Tom looked at his arms and hands. "I think I'm
already starting to get a bit pale."


-------------------------------------------------

The group waited in the Westopolis Hospital. Eggman picked at the bandage from
where he'd given a blood donation to help Westwood. "This couldn't have gone any
worse!" he shouted.

Shadow pointed out, "actually, yes, it could have!" "SHUT UP!" Eggman paced the
room.

Karen walked out to the group, clean. "They let me shower off that blood, and
checked my face, but I think I'll have to wash in perfume for a month to get the
smell out!" Sonic took a whiff, reeling. Karen stank of the star-spawn's blood
still.

Vector shuddered. "That had to be the WORST tasting thing I've ever had in
my mouth!"

"Oh, god..." Espio gave a disgusting smirk. "You're gonna make me throw up!"

Knuckles entered the waiting room. "He's... stable. But..."

The doctor followed Knuckles out. "I'm afraid mister Westwood is bad off. He
suffered a broken rib in the fall along with the glass shard severing his spine,
not counting numerous bruises. If he lives, he'll be in a wheelchair for the rest
of his life. But I also got the report from the echidna doctor... his injuries
last night... and with his heart attack... his chances are low."


-------------------------------------------------

Tom sat in the apartment, waiting. It was past 9:30 now. A pair of arms wrapped
around him causing him to jump slightly. "I'm back." Rouge's wings wrapped around
both of them.

"I don't think you ever did that before," he commented, "I like it."

"I'm sorry it took so long, I had to stop somewhere first. I have something for
you," she explained, kissing him.

"Is that... cherry?"

She smiled. "Yes. I bought some nice lipstick. I thought you'd like it. I stopped
to do some shopping, I didn't think you'd mind waiting more." She pulled something
else from the bag. "New sheets. Silk."

"Oh... just as well, I put the bed sheets in the wash. I thought they could use
it after all the... well, you know."

"I'm sorry I went off like that, but they needed me after all," she apologized,
taking his hand.

He pulled her close. "I shouldn't have- I should've known you'd be safe. You were
in GUN."

"You knew?"

"Yes, since you brought me home, I found the communicator in your glove. I know
you quit for me, but I wish you'd told me."

"I didn't know what you would think if you knew," she said.

"You don't have to keep secrets from me-" sniffing her, he pulled back.

"I need a bath, don't I?"

Shaking his head in agreement, he pulled her close. "But I'm gonna hold you
anyway!"

Leaning in, she nibbled his ear lobe. "You've been playing with my ears, so... I
thought it was time."

"That felt... good," he said, caressing her ear in return.

She rubbed her hands down his back. "I know you can't fly, but I like your back.
It's flat and smooth and I can hold you without hassle! Now... tomorrow, we get
you better acquainted with running the casino! You know any card games?"

He replied, "I know the rules of solitaire."

"That won't do at all," Rouge scolded. "Then we teach you poker!"

"Poker?" he asked. "What for?"

She nibbled his ear again, teasing, "So we can play STRIP poker! I think it might
be more fun if we have to earn it... I also bought some new nail polish. Blue or
purple?" He gave her a puzzled look. "BLUE, or purple? The color!"

"OH! Well, the purple would go with your clothes, but the blue would go with
your eye shadow better."

"But what if I wear the purple eye shadow?" she asked.

"Umm... have you worn purple?"

"Not lately. I guess I'll give up the gloves for a while... and I do have sandals
I can wear, I think... I'll need your help, especially with the toes, think you
can do that?"

He picked her up and cradled her in his arms. "Earlier, I said I would feed you
and any other thing if you were helpless! Baby, I'll paint your toenails and I'll
kiss your feet while I do it!"

"Bath first!" she commanded. "Although... I like being held like this..." They
looked into each others eyes, lost in the emotion.

"We could sit here and do this all night, just looking into each other," he
offered.

She blinked in ecstasy. "I do need a bath though... as nice as this would be."

"You wanna?" he asked, his
eyes finishing the sentence.

"I don't know... I'm not really in the mood right now. But I think we'll get
around that, we always do. And you know how I hate to waste bath water..."

He undid the clasps that kept her chest plate attached. "I can see why you wear
this thing... who knows how much those babies would jiggle if you didn't!"

"Ooh, already started, aren't we?" She licked her lips to edge him on.

He slowly lifted the plate with his finger. "You've been telling me about your
naughty fantasies lately, and I haven't... I said I'd give as I got, so..."

She gave him her devil grin. "I did run off on you tonight. About fantasies...
maybe you should tie me up so I can't run off again!"

His expression turned sour. "Bondage? I don't know... sounds a bit mean and
dangerous!"

Rubbing her hand under his chin, she explained, "no, nothing like that! No heavy
ropes or leather costumes. Just... gently tie my wrists to the bed. I have some
soft ribbons you can use..." She removed a glove and rested it on his shoulder.
"What do you say?"

"Okay. Might be fun... you think things will ever get boring between us?"

"I have lots of ideas," she replied, "so no, not for a long time. Besides, love
making isn't everything. We have other things we can do. Next month we'll have to
start work replanting the grapes on your property."

Pulling her slightly closer, he said, "about that... I don't know if I want to
make wine."

"You wanna sell the land instead?" she asked, puzzled.

"No... actually, I might have other plans for that property... I could never
sell that place. It's where I grew up, and where we first met. And it would
make a nice private second home for us, with some sunlight too."

She muttered gently, "you should probably check me for scratches." Looking her
over, he found a small scratch on her right bicep. It had already begun to scab
over.

"Just a small one, nothing important."

"You should probably put some alcohol on it!"

"Alcohol?" He remembered the rubbing alcohol incident. "You hate that stuff!"

A small kiss eased his mind. "It's okay, I know it'll burn, but I trust you to
do it right."


-------------------------------------------------

The group remained in the hospital. Karen held Knuckles' hand. Amy seemed to be
crying. Eggman, his arms crossed, looked around as if he was waiting to be hit by
a truck. "Where is that worthless doctor? Oh, and while I'm thinking about it..."
he handed a wad of money to Vector. "There's your stupid money, why are you
hanging around here?"

The Chaotix stared at one another. Vector pushed the money back, stating, "you
keep it!"

"What?" Ivo asked.

"Your friend needs medical care! You should pay for THAT, it's more important
right now!" Espio explained, wondering why he was refusing money to help out a
business rival.

"You should go back to your island," Knuckles suggested. Karen closed her eyes.

"No. Daddy's concerned and wants me to stay here. That man was the first outsider
our island ever had. And he did keep that guy from shooting me."

"Sonic, will Herb be okay?" Amy asked, her eyes still watering.

"I don't know... how about tomorrow, we go see a movie so I can take your mind
off this?"

She shook her head. "I don't feel like it."

Shadow entered the room, stating, "GUN finished their cleanup. The creature is
being taken to be studied. Judas is alive and in custody. All the guards at the
mansion were human, the only one not was the dead hedgehog they found. The
cultists in the basement were also human. They have the Chaos Emeralds locked
away."

The group saw a female cat approaching, an older woman in glasses. "I heard what
happened, I thought he could use my support."

"You must be Clara," Eggman greeted, "the one he seemed regretful over. Though
you did threaten to blind him once..."

She failed to return his accusing glance. "My stupid husband was picked up drunk
driving. Again... so I'm here instead of going to bail him out."

The doctor entered the waiting room, holding a sheet of paper. "Excuse me, are
you Ivo Robotnik?"

"Yes, what do you want?" Eggman asked, disinterested.

The doctor explained, "I wish I'd known it was you here, we've been trying to get
ahold of you."

"So, GET ON WITH IT!"

Clearing his throat, the doctor continued, "The patient, Mister Westwood, has an
order on file giving you sole decision over his medical care in the event he is
incapacitated or otherwise unable to decide for himself. I'm afraid... as it is,
he will die. His heart can't take anymore. However, we have a donor heart
available, a close to perfect match. But in his condition, I can't guarantee
much."

"So, you want me to decide his fate. If I agree to this and he dies, then I have
his death on my conscience!"

The doctor nodded and said, "but if you do nothing, he's guaranteed to die. I
need your decision now."


-------------------------------------------------

Rouge held Tom's hands, gently pulling him towards the bed. Both were still damp
from the bath. Reaching into a drawer, she pulled out a long pink ribbon. "Here
we go..." Tying one end around her right wrist, she sat on the bed, leaning back.
"Come on, Tom... tie me down..." she ordered, raising her arms. Slowly kissing
her naked skin, he moved his way up, enjoying her nipples on his tongue, finally
feeding the ribbon through the headboard slots. Gently securing a bow, Rouge was
held down.

Feeling her, he brushed his hand over the bare patch above her pussy. "I wish you
hadn't shaved this... I kinda liked it," he said disappointed.

"But it was starting to itch from all the sweat," she complained, "besides... you
like it..." She cooed as he kissed the spot. "So smooth..." She said, moaning
from the gentle touches, "I'm sorry I ran off... I'm not leaving the apartment
for a week! I'm not leaving you for the rest of my life..."

"You don't need to apologize." Moving downward, he slowly parted both legs,
running a finger over her slit, slowly and with purpose. "Just tell me you love
me..."

"Tom... I love yoOOOOOO-OO-OO-OO!" The words stuttered as he kissed her vaginal
lips, driving his tongue inside. "Da-damn..." she muttered.

He said, "it's nice being able to give you a deep kiss while you talk. Now...
just lie back and I'll take care of you..."

Her legs arched up, giving Tom a good look at her tail. Gently ticking it, she
laughed slightly, the laugh turning to pleasure as he flicked her clit with his
tongue. He enjoyed the feel of her soft skin, the way she moaned, how wet she got
when she was turned on. He also enjoyed her dual nature- strong yet gentle half
the time, but very naughty the other half. "Tell me, baby... how often did you
masturbate before you met me?"

She looked down at him. "You dirty boy... getting personal now, are we?"

"Just a simple question," he answered, pausing to tease her clit. "I don't need
to know what- or who- you thought about, just... how often."

She closed her eyes, enjoying his fingers inside her, brushing against her
sensitive g-spot. "Once or twice a week..."

"Really?" he asked. "I don't believe you..." he responded, suddenly ramming her
with full force, fingers pushing in and out like a jackhammer, twisting around,
sending off every nerve in her cunt at once.

"O-O-OKAY! TOM! I-I-I-" he slowed down. "Wow... once or twice a week when I was
busy. Alone, nothing to do... maybe three or four times a day, in the bathtub,
in bed... you wanna do that again?"

He sucked her opening, tongue punishing her clitoris, licking up and down,
fingers curving to reach the g-spot better. "You're so wet and warm and tight,"
he complimented, "I love you..." The words hit her as strongly as the physical
sensations did, Tom speeding up his assault of pleasure, the three words still
in her mind. He could feel the internal muscles clamping down, he knew she was
ready. Dodging in time, he managed to avoid the squirt, a blast of pussy juice
that cleared ten feet.

Shaking and moaning loudly, Rouge shuddered like an earthquake, every muscle in
her body tense, pulling hard enough to break the ribbon binding her arms. As her
orgasm came to an end, she lay there, gasping for air, worn out. "Oh... wow..."
Noticing the ribbon snapped, her hands reached for her cunt out of instinct,
rubbing away. "Oh, damn, I'm wet..." she said as Tom untied the bows. "And you're
so hard, look at you!" Springing upright, Rouge jumped him, grabbing his cock,
stroking it hard. "You wanna cum now? Ah, I like your dick, so hard and big..."

While he wasn't anything but average for a human, Tom Adriani was more than
enough for Rouge's smaller statue. Mounting, she guided the head of his penis,
the tip coated in pre-cum, sliding in easily. She began to grind and bounce,
slamming up and down with full force. His breathing heavy, moans letting her
know she was doing her job, Tom grabbed her hips and began thrusting. "NO! Tom,
you let me do this... grab my tits and squeeze them! You know you want to! You
wanna- OOH- fondle my boobs, my big, wonderful tits!" she screamed, Tom, more
than eager to grab her chest, fondling the nipples, making her moan louder as
she arched her back, grazing the g-spot.

She could feel him explode inside of her, ejaculating hard, coating her vaginal
walls. The feeling pushed her over the edge, a powerful orgasm, a powerful squirt
all over Tom's crotch, two lovers screaming in pleasure. Once he gained control,
Tom kissed the love of his life passionately. "I love you, baby..."

"I love you, too, Tom," she managed, still panting. "I'm worn out... too much
tonight... bed time!"

He pulled down the covers, helping her crawl into bed, sliding in beside her. She
latched onto him, nuzzling close, kissing his chest. "So... about that question
you asked me..."

"Oh, right," he replied, "you want me to answer too... sorry, guess I got
carried away."

She smiled up at him. "Wouldn't have it any other way, lover boy..."

He answered, "five times in one day is my jerk record."

"FIVE!?" her eyes widened. "Well... wanna break that record tomorrow? My pussy's
got to be better than your hand... though it, ah, does have it's uses," she
commented, recalling the finger banging.

"Break the record?"

"Yes... I'm too tired for an all-night love making session, or we'd try right
now," she said, grabbing his penis. "My new toy... I know how to wake you up in
the morning. Early start?"

Kissing her deeply, he responded, "early start. But... we could slow it down a
bit... enjoy the feeling."

"Deal," she agreed.


-------------------------------------------------

Thomas Adriani awoke, sounds of complaining coming from the bathroom. Opening his
eyes to find Rouge in the doorway, her bathrobe bundled up and a pitiful
expression greeting him. "Something wrong?"

"Oh... just my- Tom, you DO know what my 'time of the month' means, don't you?"
she asked.

"Yes, why wouldn't I, baby?" he replied.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry... just I get so crabby... I took something for
it, but it'll be a bit before they work. Just ignore me if I say anything nasty,
okay?"

Waving her over, he hugged Rouge, pulling her close, the bat wrapping her wings
tightly around them. "Breakfast?" he asked.

She answered, "just some juice for me. I'm not too hungry right now." Pulling on
his clothes, Tom headed for the kitchen, reaching into the fridge and producing
two small bottles of orange juice. Twisting the lids free, he made his way to the
couch, handing one to his lover. Grabbing the remote, Rouge took a sip, flipping
through channels. "Sorry," she apologized.

"For what?" he asked, confused.

Looking up at him, she explained, "for not making good on my offer from last
night!"

"It's not important," he responded, kissing her on the forehead. "Doing it with
you is nice, but it's not everything."

Curling up beside him, she commented, "you wanna go out and do somehting on your
own? I'm not gonna be up to much anything right now. All the blood loss this time
leaves me a bit sluggish..."

"No, I'll stay here with you in case you need anything."

"Tom, I got by just fine on my own every month, you go out and have fun while I-"

"No," he said, cutting her off. "You're my girlfriend now. You took care of me,
now it's my turn to repay that!"

Her eyes widened. "Girlfriend..." Rouge latched onto him hard, a vise grip on his
torso. "You don't know how long I've waited for someone to call me that..."
Tilting her back, Tom kissed her passionately, the two lovers intertwined for
what seemed like forever.

"I'm just happy you came back to me after last night..." he comforted.

"You're my boyfriend," she said, "I'm not gonna let some otherworldly horror take
me away from you!" Smiling up at him, she considered the day's activities. "We
should go to your mansion, pack up what you'll need for your stay here.
Besides... I've wanted to get a nicer look at the place. We might be living there
someday."

"Yeah," Tom agreed. "Probably not a bad idea."


-------------------------------------------------

Opening his freezer, Tom sorted through the contents. "Well, everything in the
fridge is beyond consumable... but the frozen goods, some of that is
salvageable." Steaks, ground meat, frozen vegetables all sat, unused. He handed
her a frozen popsicle. "Try this, made it myself out of frozen juice. Healthier
than that store-bought sugar crap". Rouge tasted it, fruit punch. Seducing him,
she slid it in her mouth and out, scrunching her eyes, looking at him. "Thought
we agreed you couldn't do that to me?"

"We did," she replied, "doesn't mean I can't tease you with the idea, though!
Anyway... come on, show me your room!"

"Hold on," he said, "You have some freezer space, right?"

"A little," she answered. "Good... we'll pack some of this and take it with us,
give me something to cook. Speaking of cooking..." Opening the cabinets, he
finally found it.

"What's that?"

Holding it up, he explained, "it's a small electric home grill. Cooks both sides.
Makes some smoke though... I'll cook meat when you're out, anyway, since you
can't eat it. Come on, you wanted to see my bedroom!"

Leading Rouge through the house, Tom stopped at his door. Inside was
a large bedroom, well-decorated with a few posters that seemed
out-of-place amidst the high-class furnishings. Rouge took particular
interest in one, a well-muscled bikini girl. "So... that's the type of
girl you like?" she teased, ripping the poster down before he could
grab at it. "Come on, tell me!"

Sighing, he said, "okay... yes. Happy? It's just a poster. Anyway, muscles...
look good on a woman. Not too many, but some..."

She looked back and forth from the poster and Tom's stare. "Really?"

"Yes, really!" he defended. "Beats fat or ribs... you already have some good
muscle tone. But you could work on it. Maybe those arms too, they are kinda
of... thin..."

She mulled over the idea. "Okay... you're gonna work out and become my muscle
hunk, so... maybe I'll work out with you."

"You can throw that poster in the garbage," he said, sifting through his drawers,
taking out clothes.

"Nah, I think I'll keep it... for motivation. To see what a woman can do if she
puts the effort into it!" Rolling it up, she tapped his rear with it. "Just don't
wanna ever catch you looking at it, you got me?" The smile and look betrayed her,
indicating her playful teasing despite a strict tone.

Perching on the bed, she stretched. "You okay?" he asked.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, fine... a bit tired, you know how it is- well, maybe you wouldn't,
actually..."

Looking out the window, Tom said, "yeah...a woman's life is pain, pain a man
can't know..."

"But you make it better... more bearable! And without pain, there couldn't exist
pleasure! So, what was your big idea for this place?" she asked, curious as to
his goals.

"Get a cleaning crew through the house, for one thing. Then... planting next
month. Dig up all the old grape vines and start over."

"How long will new grapes take to grow?" she asked.

"Grapes?" He turned towards her. "Grapes are trivial... no, I have bigger plans
for this place."

She cocked an eye. "Really?" With a yawn, she stretched, grabbing a pillow. His
scent was all over the bed, it perked her senses. "I can tell this is your bed,
smells like you..."

"Huh? How'd you-"

She cut him off, "bats have better senses than humans do. Come over here." Tom
left the window, joining Rouge on the bed. "Humans have such odd faces... that
nose just sticks out," she commented, drawing in for a kiss, nibbling on his
lower lip. "I am a bit tired... I think I'll take a quick nap. You finish
packing."

Wrapping an arm around her, Tom slid onto the bed. "No... think I'll stay here
with you. I can pack later."


-------------------------------------------------

Four Days Later


The shriek of the alarm clock woke Tom. "Huh? Why'd you set that?" he asked. No
answer. Looking over at Rouge's spot in bed, he found a note taped to the pillow.
'Meet me at the mansion. A ride is waiting for you outside,' it read. 'Wonder
what she's up to now?' he thought, grabbing his clothes.

Arriving at his mansion, the car left, leaving Tom alone. On his front door,
another taped note. 'Your bedroom. Now!', a scribbled heart and lipstick imprint
below the words. Opening the door, he walked through the empty house, echoes of
his footsteps the only sounds. Approaching his bedroom door, he found it cracked.
Pushing open, he saw Rouge sitting on his bed, wearing a button-up blouse, a
short skirt and high heels, the open toes showing off her painted blue toenails.
"Right on time..." she greeted.

"Oh.... wow..." he gawked.

"What's wrong? Pretty girl waiting on your bed?" she teased, kicking off the
heels. A finger waggled, calling him over. She explained, "I couldn't help
myself... this bed, this room... it smells like you. And this room... you could
fit most of my apartment in here!"

Bending down, Tom embraced her, kissing passionately, leaning her backwards.
"Doesn't take much to excite you, does it?" she complimented, gently chewing on
his lower lip.

He said, "you saved my life... gave me a reason to live. All the money I have,
this house... you're really all I have, Rouge."

"Tom, you're a real sweet-talker, you know that?"

Gently kissing her neck, he replied, "you got treated like crap too much by too
many guys... no more. I'm not letting that happen anymore, not to you. You don't
deserve that!"

A tingle ran up her spine, wings stretching out. "I love you so much, Thomas
Adriani..." "

I love you too," he said, reaching for the buttons on her shirt. "I'd ask you out
somewhere, but that's not why you dragged me here, is it?""

"No," she answered, "it's not. This is our day. My period's over... I'm going to
show you how much I love you!"

"Over?" he asked, smiling as he unbuttoned her shirt, kissing her breasts, sucking
the nipples. Rouge moaned softly. "I wanna see!" Moving downwards, Tom gently
tugged on her skirt, pulling it to her ankles. Hooking a finger into her panties,
he pulled them aside, taking a long look at her slit. "Clean..." Playing with the
lips, his tongue glided up and down. "Tasty, too!" he complimented, sliding in a
finger.

"OOH, yeah... that feel SO good," she moaned, "let me taste..." Pulling his
finger out, he held it up to allow her to suck her own juices off. She said,
"you're right, I do taste good. But don't lick me... please, take me now! On
your bed! Take me NOW!"

Without argument, Tom tugged down her panties, removing them, sniffing
the crotch. "Been horny all morning, haven't you?" he noted, tossing the
undergarment aside.

Pulling the blouse off her shoulders, she responded, "of course... thinking about
you... inside me..." Tom pulled his shirt off as Rouge drew down his pants,
grabbing his penis with anticipation, jerking back and forth slowly. "I love
foreskin..."

"Keep that up," he said, "and you might get a faceful you didn't expect!"

With her devil grin, she replied, "and what makes you think I wouldn't want you
blowing it on me? Might do that later... but first," she commented, perching on
the edge of the bed, "do me. Please..." Her legs parted, inviting him. "Make love
to me, this way... make me scream your name!"

Kneeling down, Tom grabbed the love of his life, sliding his hands downward
for a better grip on her hips. Looking into his eyes seductively as he slid
into her, a hot moan squeezing from her lungs. "I'm in charge so much... Tom,
it's your turn..." she explained, breathing heavily as he began thrusting,
slowly but gaining speed as he went.

In a steady rhythm, Tom panted, "I... I can't last... much longer... I'm too
damn horny!"

"YES! YES! Oh... fill me up!" she screamed in pleasure. Rouge didn't honestly
care if she got off at this point, she was enjoying this too much. Quickly, Tom
slid a hand around, thumb on her clit, rubbing violently. "Not- uh... without
you!" Her clit burned, her g-spot grazed by the thrusting, she was finally sent
to the brink as she felt his load firing into her, wad by wad. Screaming, her
orgasm drowned out his own moans of pleasure. Slowing down, Tom stopped, nearly
out of breath. Sliding out and crouching, he pulled her close, the couple making
out, tongues changing mouths in a fury.

"That was great!" she complimented.

"You were great!" Tom replied.

She felt him brush against her leg, staring down at his erection. "Still ready,
I see!" she slyly commented, smiling feverishly.

Grabbing her breasts, he said, "yeah... only this time, you're on top!"

Picking her up, he slid into the bed, lying back, perching Rouge on top of him.
Taking his dick in hand, she carefully eased down onto him. "Oh, yeah... Tom,
you know how much I love you?"

"I can only imagine," he responded, his hands sliding over her skin.

"I'm going to give you the ride of your life!"

-------------------------------------------------

June 27th

"Fun birthday?" Rouge asked, smiling.

"I guess," Tom replied, "but I don't see why we didn't have a huge party..."

"We already have that grand opening party next week!" she reminded him. "Why drag
everyone around for both?"

"Yeah, good point," he replied. The two had been out all day celebrating. Rouge
had spared no expense. He'd lost count, lost track of all they'd done. Movies,
dinner, anything she could drag him to.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she eyed him with a smile on her muzzle. "I
forgot! You have one more present... it's on the couch. Go get it, and be quick!"

"ANOTHER present? You got me more crap today than I'll ever know what to do with-
not that I don't appreciate everything you got me-"

"Go get it!" she shouted. He obeyed, leaving the bedroom.

Nothing was on the couch except the cushions. "Present on the couch... I don't
see anything. Maybe it's under the cushions! She IS tricky..." Lifting the
cushions, all he found was a few coins. "NO! Now what is she up- UNDER!"
Stooping, he checked underneath. Still nothing. Giving up, he wandered into the
bedroom, defeated. "I didn't see anything in there, you sure-"

He was silenced as the bedroom door slammed. Turning, he found Rouge against the
wall, wearing a legless, sleeveless body suit that showed off a good amount of
flesh. High heel boots to her thighs and gloves to her biceps, the entire outfit
made of black shiny vinyl with zippers. "Um... Rouge? Is that... is that a
WHIP?"

"I'm sorry... your last present was already in here." Gripping the whip in her
right hand, she dangled handcuffs from her left middle finger. "See this? This
rude gesture is what I intend to do to you ALL NIGHT! You scared, boy?"

"Yes," he replied. "Possibly terrified!"

Striding forward heel to toe, the whip flew, grabbing his ankle. A quick jerk
sent him to the bed, a sensual yet forceful "You should be!" her only response.
Straddling his chest, she placed the handcuffs around his wrist, latching the
other end to her own arm. "Now you can't run!"

"This might be forceful, even RAPE... if I wasn't willing to see where this
leads!" he shouted as she leaned closer, placing his free hand on the zipper
down her chest.

"So... you do have a devious side. You wanna dig and see how much you like it?"

"Like it, and fear it!" he said.

"Perfect... then be a good, obedient boy and unwrap your present!"


-------------------------------------------------

July 4th

The cemetery beckoned as Shadow waited for his partner to arrive. "Shadow. Been a
long time..." Ivo Robotnik didn't look at the black hedgehog. This place
depressed them both. Eggman said, "the reaper comes for all of us eventually..."

"But if we keep them in our memories," shadow replied, "they are never really
gone."

"yes, I suppose so... we should go pay our respects."

"Why do we do this?" Shadow asked. "Do the dead care if we go to their graves?"

Eggman answered, "this isn't for them, really... but for the living." The two
entered the cemetery.


-------------------------------------------------

Night had come. For an unknown reason, he attended the fireworks festival in
Central City. Perhaps he was hoping to have fun and forget about his troubles.
The explosions filled the air with bright colors in cheerful patterns. Out here
in the grass, away from the city, the lights of the buildings added to the
festivities.

"Shadow! Long time!" Rouge the Bat greeted him, sitting in the grass watching the
fireworks.

"Not since the mansion, no. Where's your boyf- where's Tom?"

She looked at him with a faint smile. "Thank you for calling him by his name. He
went to get us something to drink. I didn't think I'd see you at a place like
this..."

He replied, "no... but I thought I would try and have fun for a change." She
returned to the fireworks. "Tom and I are holding a party tomorrow night at the
winery. Will you be there?"

He pondered the offer. "I'll think about it," was the reply as he walked off.

Tom brought their drinks, saying, "I hope you like slushies, best I could get."

"I've never had one before... but I'm sure it's delicious!" He handed her the
cup.

"Careful, its cold. Come on, let's go see the city, place looks good after the
repairs and they have some carnival games going!"

They walked through the city holding hands, pausing to play the games along the
streets. Lost in the excitement, Rouge bumped into something. "I'm sorry!" she
said, looking forward. The wheelchair turned.

"Rouge the Bat! Long time!"

She smiled at the sight. "Herbert Westwood. Another person I
haven't seen since that night at the mansion!"

"Oh?" he asked, stumped.

"I saw Shadow earlier," she explained.

"Shadow... yeah, he and Ivo went to see Maria's grave this morning. I'm surprised
he came here, I thought he'd be moping about it all day!"

"Herbert Westwood, huh? I guess I owe you my life," Tom said, shaking his hand.

"Oh, that... no big deal. Just my work." Herb let out a hearty laugh. "Not
anymore though, I gave all that up."

Tom rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Yeah... uh, Rouge eventually
told me all about that. I guess I came close on that one."

Taking the mallet, he swung, the weight flying up and hitting the bell. "She has
helped me improve my life though and get back on track!"

Rouge stroked Tom's bicep. "He's got some muscle on him now. So... how have you
been doing?"

Herb placed his ice cream on a napkin in his lap. "I get around. The wheelchair
isn't so bad, really. My new heart is working good. No more pain pills or heart
meds. Just the pills to keep my body from rejecting my heart, but I'm almost off
those now."

A cat appeared from the crowd. "Friends of yours?"

"Clara, yes... Rouge the Bat and her lover. Err, boyfriend. Err, significant
other... whatever." Clara pushed her glassed further up her nose. "Clara and
I..." Herb explained, "...we're not really dating. More like old friends. We're
too old for that, really."

"I left my idiot husband," Clara muttered.

Herb took her hand, claiming, "every day after that mansion has been a gift to
me. A new life. One I never got to live before. I'm thankful."

Rouge put an arm around Tom. "We're holding a party at the Winery tomorrow, you
should come. Both of you!"

"Why not?" Herb replied. "Birthday, is it?"

"No, just an announcement party," Tom explained. "My birthday was last week,
actually."

"Who else is gonna be there?"

Rouge thought briefly. "Sonic and Amy, Tails, probably Knuckles and Karen... the
Chaotix said they might show up, I found Omega, Cream and her mother might be
there... a few friends from work and such... and maybe Shadow. I mentioned it to
Eggman, but he didn't seem interested."

"Yes, I know," Herb said. "He's been working with Tails at the GUN labs, but he's
been avoiding the old group a lot. Bad blood and all."


-------------------------------------------------

July 5th

Knuckles entered the mansion. Despite being invited, he'd not been looking
forward to this at all. "Knuckles..." Tom greeted him.

"Uhh... hi."

Tom asked, "you okay? You look nervous..." Knuckles grinned like an idiot, trying
to hide his fear. "Well, the last time we talked, things weren't so good between
us, as I recall you and I-"

"I'm willing to put the past behind us."

Karen nudged Knuckles. "Give him the present..."

"Oh, right! I heard your birthday was last week, so Karen and I got you this."
The echidna handed him the box. "It's a home movie player!"

Karen smacked him on the back, shouting, "you don't tell him what it is!"

Rouge noticed Amy pacing the room, likely looking for Sonic. "Did you check the
snack table?"

"Oh, Rouge! No, where is it?" She pointed Amy towards it.

"Amy... I know you and I never really got along before. But I know that someday,
you will grow up to be a fine, strong woman. Now, go find Sonic!"

"Thanks... Rouge. I'll follow in your lead and get Sonic to be my boyfriend, just
watch!"

E-123 Omega stood motionless. It didn't really understand why it was invited. "Do
you expect trouble tonight?"

"Of course not," Rouge answered it. "I invited you because you're a friend!"

"Understood," the robot replied, even though it didn't fully understand the
meaning of the party. It watched Cream play with her pet Chao, Cheese, though it
chose to remain standing in its predetermined spot.

Herbert Westwood gathered with Shadow and the Chaotix. "So what's the deal with
Judas, anyway?" Espio asked.

"The news said that crackpot was going off to a mental institution!" Vector
chuckled.

Shadow replied, "hardly."

"Yeah, you don't
try and feed the souls of the people to a dark god and get sent to the funny
farm," Herb explained. "He's going to prison for the rest of his life."

Charmy looked stumped. "Prison? But the news said-"

"GUN is covering up the event," Shadow pointed out.

Herb rolled his eyes. "They'd about have to! The guy was screaming his head off
into the news cameras about Cthulhu! But... the public will buy it. Robert Judas
LOOKS crazy."

"Hey, Sonic!" Tails found the hedgehog filling his plate with food. "Tails! Did,
uhh... Eggman show up?"

"No, he said he wasn't feeling well. Which means he didn't want to see you."

"Guess we still have the past between us," Sonic muttered, grabbing more food.

Tom pulled Shadow aside. "Shadow... hello. Listen, I need to ask you something
about Rouge... in private."

He shook his head, hand to his forehead. "For the millionth time, I am not
jealous of you and Rouge being together... why does everyone ask me that? I never
had romantic feelings for her, she was always like a distant sister to me, nothing
more!"

"That- that's not what I wanted to talk about," Tom explained, slightly confused.
"I know this is the first time we've talked, and well, you have been avoiding
us, but still, if you wanted me out of the way, you wouldn't have risked
yourself for me. That much I know, and I know you'll do whatever you can to keep
us together and safe. Rouge told me I can trust you. And you've known her longer
than me... I just need to ask your opinion on something."

Shadow turned away from the crowd. "Very well."


The crowd gathered around their hosts. "So what's this big announcement you two
dragged us out here for, Boss?" Victoria asked.

"Yeah, I've been waiting all night to hear this!" Sonic agreed, still stuffing
his face.

Tom addressed the room. "Tomorrow, we officially resume business here! However...
the Central City Winery no longer exists!" A wave of confusion poured from the
crowd. "My parents ran that business... it's not my legacy. I don't like
alcoholic drinks."

"I've never been big on them, either," Rouge shouted, "they don't mix with
flying."

"Anyway," Tom continued, "tomorrow the Adriani Rouge Fruit Company opens! I know
you can't see outside for the dark, but we have grapes, strawberries, cherries,
and apple trees growing! We will produce a wide range of jellies, jams, juices,
and packaged fruits for sale! I know this may not be as profitable as the wine
business... but this is my decision. And it is my decision to sell our produce at
affordable prices. My parents prided themselves on charging high prices for their
goods... I'm not them. I make the decisions in my life now!"

The crowd cheered and applauded him. He continued, "and also... Rouge not only
saved my life... but she restored my will to live. That is why... that is why..."
Shadow gave him a thumbs up to encourage him. Pulling a ring from his pocket, he
kneeled. "Rouge the Bat... you're the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Will
you... will you... willyoumarryme?"

Slipping the ring on her finger, Rouge admired the jewel in the center. A pure
diamond. "YES!" Her arms wrapped around him tightly. "YES! I will..."

Loud cheers and applause filled the room. "Wow, Rouge is getting married! I'm so
happy for her!" Amy cheered, grabbing Sonic's hand. Speaking of which..."

"Oh no... can we talk about this later?"

Knuckles extended his hand. "Congratulations, you two..." Tom shook it.

"Knuckles, thanks. I'm inviting you, of course-" Rouge shouted out, "everyone in
this room is invited! I want this to happen soon... but I want to plan first, I
want this to be perfect."

"Yes, and it might take some time to find a wedding dress that'll accommodate a
set of bat wings, I think..." Rouge nudged Tom gently for the comment.

Shadow stepped forward. In his best effort, he forced a smile. "Uh... close
enough, you'll get better at it," Tom encouraged.

"I almost forgot... your ex-girlfriend," Shadow said.

"Yeah, the gold digger... what about her?"

"I arrested her and her current lover. They were selling drugs. I thought it
would be a fitting birthday gift, and with this... it's my gift to you.
Congratulations, I wish both of you the best."

"I know this will work," Tom said.

Rouge replied, "we have a long life of happiness ahead of us."

"That, I don't doubt... and Shadow..." The hedgehog turned to face them. "I know
you'll be on watch to protect us. Besides, if I ever do anything bad to Rouge,
you'll be there to kick my butt the hard way. But don't worry, if I ever do
anything like that, I'd be disappointed if you didn't do something."


-------------------------------------------------

5 years later

Herb sat on the front porch. "I like this... no more research, no more paranormal
garbage, just retirement... and you, Clara." The cat rubbed Herb's shoulders. "Do
you ever regret divorcing your husband and marrying me this late in life?"

"No, my only regret was letting you go when I did. That, and my first husband
being worthless. I know kids are out of the question for us, so..." Clara sat a
kitten in his lap. "It's not the same, but it'll do."

Herb petted the tiny animal. "From anyone else, I might think it was a joke.
Thank you, Clara... I'm sure we'll care for this animal as if it was our child."

Sonic sped along the ground. "Keep up, Amy!" The pink hedgehog ran after Sonic.
"You're getting better at this, keep it up! Someday, you'll be as fast as me!"

"Someday? How about..." Picking up speed, Amy passed Sonic in a pink blur.

"What? Amy, you just passed-" Stopping, she tripped Sonic to the ground. Leaning
down, she held her face to his. "What was that for?"

"Shut up Sonic... you like it!" she said, kissing him.

Knuckles ran outside. He felt good on this island with his own kind. The Master
Emerald was of no concern anymore, being locked away on Angel Island behind
layers of reinforced steel and concrete. "Son, there you are!" He found the small
orange echidna playing in the dirt.

"I'm gonna dig good just like my daddy!" the child blurted out.

"Come on inside, it's getting late!"

Karen tightened around the egg. "Knuckles, if you're gonna go out, at least leave
me the TV remote! You know I can't leave the egg unless it's absolutely
necessary!"

"Oops, sorry..." he apologized. "At least the egg will hatch soon. Any idea what
it'll be this time?"

Karen closed her eyes. "We have a boy... I'm hoping a girl to balance it out. And
if it is a girl, I'll train her to be the best boxer I can!"

He sighed. "If she wants to be a boxer..."

"And why wouldn't she? I'm not giving it up, and my daughter will be as tough as
I am! What about you, you gonna run for Mayor or what?" "Oh, that... I haven't
really decided yet..."

Rouge opened the apartment door. "You're back!" Tom said, kissing his wife.
"How'd the dentist go?"

She took his hand. "Tom, what's the happiest memory you have of me?"

"Happiest? I can't pick just one... the time you met me, when you saved my
life... when you took me into your home, when you and I got married... or the
first time we made love..."

She forced him onto the sofa. "I didn't go to the dentist. I went to see the
doctor." "DOCTOR?" he screamed. "Are you... oh no..." She let out a small laugh.

"Not that doctor, and stop worrying! No... Tom... I'm pregnant!"

He stuttered, "preg- pregnant..."

"I'm going to have our child, yes. I didn't want to tell you until the tests came
back. I wanted to make sure the child would be safe."

"Safe?" he asked, confused.

"I had a genetic test run," she explained. "To make sure the child would be safe
to deliver. And it will be. Your genes will be mostly recessive, and I will give
birth to a bat. I had to make sure... if your human genes were dominant, the fetus
would be too big to carry, and I..."

He sighed. "You would need an abortion if that happened. I know..."

"Yes... I had to know now. If an abortion would be necessary, I would want it
done now. But I won't have to! The child will be safe, the tests say it will!"
she assured him.

"Let's not talk about that, it's depressing and pointless! We can't raise a kid
here! I know, we'll move to my mansion. Quiet and empty, a good place to raise a
kid! This changes a LOT! We'll have to make some real changes and-"

"TOM! Stop babbling... we have to make changes. I know. But we'll be okay! We've
worked for this day for years." She smiled at him.

"I guess this means we won't be getting intimate for a while, at least."

"No," she said, "we'll take a short break. I'll gain a little weight, the
baby will come, and we'll raise our child. I'll get back in shape, and we will be
as intimate as we ever were! It hasn't gotten boring in five years, and it won't
from now on! And we have a little time still..."

He shook his head in disbelief. "What, NOW? But-"

She placed a finger on his lips. "Yes, now. And tomorrow, and the day after that.
And even after... you get the idea."