#ALR GOODNIGHT LADS

[catboyklug]

Hit & Run

characters: Amy Rose (she/her); Metal Sonic (thinks he/it, actually she/her)

warnings: internalized ableism; hatred of amy's incredibly good home decor; mild mentions of emeto;

notes: dividers by bernardsbendystraws!

They fought, as they did almost daily now, with tooth and nail.

Metal on metal,

Skin on...

Each time they fight becomes more vicious than the last, with her training making her far stronger, and it being given new tricks.

And yet, despite that fact, neither of them ever become more than superficially damaged.

A scrape here, a scuff there, but it never is forced to limp back. She never manages to humiliate it, however hard she claims to go.

Metal isn't stupid. It knows exactly why she does this. Why she fights and refuses to hurt it. Why she tries to chat with it while it attempts to destroy her.

She wants it to be anything but what it is.

A cold, heartless, psychopathic machine.

Well, she's not getting that wish.

No matter what she-

"METAL!!!"

She falls back, propping herself up against her hammer - that last attack seems to have hit her surprisingly hard.

"I-..." she huffs, making a pathetic attempt at chatting even when kicked down, "I redecorated my house yesterday, and everybody else is too busy to hang out, so, hff..."

"DO YOU WANNA COME SLEEPOVER???"

...

On some level, Metal knows this is just another one of the many ridiculous attempts to give it pause, make it reconsider its position in the Eggman Empire. Perhaps even give her an opening for attack, if she feels so cruel.

But, even still, they can't help but simply stare blankly at her for several seconds, the fight entirely forgotten.

Taking their shock as an opening, Amy continues.

"If... If you try to break anything, I'll have to kick you out," she says, maintaining an aura of confidence even as her voice begins shaking, "And you can't bug anything, either! But... o-other than that, you can come over and stay for as long as you like."

...She's completely serious about this.

It's amazing that anyone could possibly be more naive than Sonic, but here she is, stealing his spotlight.

As idiotic as this is, it gives Metal an idea - it doesn't need to bug her house in order to learn more about her and the rest of that foolish 'Resistance'...

Considering every aspect of this, Metal can't just not accept the offer, can it?

Putting in a few more, entirely artificial, moments of 'deliberation' in, it finally nods, causing Amy to beam one of the brightest smiles it's ever seen.

If it weren't entirely inorganic, it would feel sick at the sight.

Everything about Amy Rose's home is as bright as ever. Turquoise shelves on soft orange walls lined with rainbow trinkets that look better suited for a children's coloring book than a nearly adult woman's.

But yes, even if much is the same, she did redecorate - dark, earthy tones mixed in with the brights. More contrast, more breaks for the eyes, and even several items in black.

Black candles; black sketchbooks; a beautiful art-deco black-cream-pink vase holding wildflowers.

Beautiful. Mature. Girlish. Soft... and yet, inexplicably neutral.

Not inherently tied to any gender, creed or style. All Amy's own.

Metal feels a twinge of envy...

And pushes it down.

Continuing through the house, the sensory experience only gets worse. Everything is in bright, soft colors, intentionally meant to be pleasing on the eyes - the polar opposite of the sharp shadows and harsh lighting of Eggman's many bases and factories.

Deeply uncomfortable.

If it didn't need the information here, it would leave immediately.

But, it's stuck here until the job is done.

Amy sits down on a pink-and-orange striped-cushion couch. One of the armrests has a little wooden board on it, apparently for holding books, documents, and coffee cups - at least, assumedly, considering all the coffee stains on it.

She gestures for it to sit on the chair near it, a similar coloring but with the stripes reversed. It complies.

"So..."

It's clear she's already thought of what she wants to say a hundred times over, but the sheer tension in the room makes every word come out awkward, as if she's reading from a script.

"I have a few Culpable Cog games we could play... have you played any of those before?"

It doesn't respond. It can't respond. Why is she doing this?

"Er, well... if you haven't, the latest game's pretty friendly to newer players, I think! At least, gameplay wise, it is."

She gives it a smile. It's forced - it can see the way her lip trembles a little, how the edges of her mouth look almost square - but she's still trying to talk to it.

Chat with it.

"...But, if you don't want to play a fighting game, we could do something a little more traditional?" she offers, warmth still seeping into her voice, somehow. "We could do blindfolded make-overs... oh! Or a pillow fight, maybe? Vanilla gave me a huge bag she got on sale, so we don't have to worry about running out when we break them..."

Ahhh.

There it is again.

The belief these freedom-fighters hold:

That just because they have a choice, means everyone deserves one.

They're all fools. Each and every single one of them.

To believe that someone like Metal could ever get, let alone deserve, a choice in any part of its life...

...

. . .

...Wait.

Did she say "pillow fight"?

As soon as it fully recognizes that is, indeed, what she said, it stands to attention, sitting straight up, looking straight ahead - clearly excited.

To her credit, she doesn't laugh at this sudden change of demeanor. But nothing can stop her eyes from lighting up, and it's Metal who has to restrain itself to not shrink into a ball at the sight.

(And why, why, why, why does it want that? Why shouldn't it just curl into a ball, run away, attack her, hide? Why shouldn't it-)

"Ohhh, I haven't had an honest-to-goodness pillow fight in so long!" Amy chirps, interrupting Metal's spiral, "Alright, I'll go get the pillows!! Oh, unless you want to do something else first...?"

It shakes its head in response, deeply aware of how smooth (real) the motion looks, and she grins in response.

"Alright!" she booms, pumping the air with her fist, "Go wait for me in my room, I'll be right back!"

With a tiny "yessss" she's sure Metal couldn't hear, and a genuine smile she's convinced Metal couldn't see, she runs off to her storage shed, and Metal is left alone.

She's genuine, it can't help but notice. She always has been so wonderfully genuine.

...

All that means is that when she's finally broken by the Eggman Empire, it will only be all the more satisfying.

Looking around, it notes that Amy's room is just as lovingly decorated as the rest of her home.

A beautiful, handmade and hand-carved desk sits in a corner, covered with what seems to be hundreds of comics about her and her friends. The bed is perfectly made, covered in plushies of flowers, critters, and... her friends. There's a little shelf under the window, with trinkets - rocks, letters, postcards, buttons, junk, from...her friends.

Posters of her friends.

Even figurines.

Hand-painted. Hand-drawn. Handmade.

Hardly anything produced with the precision of a machine, just the 'care' of a person.

It's as if her entire room is a monument to herself. Her likes, her interests, and the people who made her the woman she is today.

It's all so warm, and so fuzzy. As if even the cracks in the wallpaper have only love inside them.

Yet another revolting piece of the disturbing puzzle that is Amy Rose's life.

Before it can attempt to throw up without a mouth, of course, Amy rushes in, carrying a massive bag full of pillows.

How she even fit it in the door is a mystery.

"Got 'em!" she grins, "They look so fluffy... But they're solid, too! Perfect for our battle!"

It only takes a moment for her to unzip the case and drag several of the ridiculously large pillows out handing one to Metal and hugging one tightly to herself.

She's right. The pillow metal holds has a weight to it, but is still... soft.

It's almost glad it was given the ability to feel outside of its chassis, just to be able to touch it... And know she wasn't lying.

"I bet you already know the rules - you can only hit the other persons with pillows, and whoever collapses first loses," she states, matter-of-factly, "...I'm ready as soon as you are."

This is it.

It knows she's been holding out on it. Being so utterly careful as to not harm it when they spar. But this? This is far different.

It can tell she won't hold back this time.

More than excited to see her true potential, it nods.

Determined, confident, and dangerous, she nods as well.

And thusly doth the fight begin.

The start is deeply awkward, the two exchanging jabs more than blows as they attempt to figure out how they're even meant to do this.

Even with Amy's significantly deeper knowledge on the rules of sleepovers, she's never pillow-fought with someone who she could afford to be rough with... or went to any sleepovers in the last few years, truly.

And Metal...

Everything holds it back, and propels it forward.

It must destroy her, be better than her - better than Sonic and all of his friends. But.

She is squishy, and soft, and malleable. But behind that exterior is an intense strength. One that would certainly benefit the Eggman Empire.

Perhaps, instead of breaking her, it should temper her. Mold her into a perfect soldier.

So that they may continue sparring, even after its creator finally wins...

With its reasoning finally sound, it begins attacking her with more fervor, and she responds in kind.

They exchange blows, her wielding hers like a hammer, it acting as if its is a knife. Precise, stabbing motions against heavier, harder ones.

Quickly entering her spin mode, she falls back, hitting the bag with the rest of the pillows. She grabs another one, and throws it, hard.

With its superior reaction skills, it dodges, barely. There's a dull thud as the rogue pillow collides with the ceiling lamp which swings dangerously above them, but two are so pumped up on adrenaline they hardly notice.

With its guard down, she attempts to rush it- but it manages to slip her up by sliding below her and grabbing hold of her leg.

Shocked, she forgets the pillow-only rule and kicks its carapace with enough force to knock it onto its back.

She stands over it, pushing it down then whaling on it, holding nothing back in her rampage. From her point of view, she might as well have already won...

But it has a plan.

The intense amount of force she exerts in hitting it is causing it to get pushed backward. Now, it simply has to wait for her to push it to the edge of the bed, and then-

It 'raises' its arms-

She raises hers-

and

The pillows

explode

upon contact.

There is a moment of agonizing (terrifying) still, where the only noise is the hardly-audible flow of feathers in the currents caused by the carnage, then,

Amy laughs.

Her laugh is light, and warmth, and everything good, and it's so sharp and clear and wonderful it shocks Metal from fear into sheer disbelief.

It can't help but listen. Her laughter fills the room, and each curve in the walls and ceiling do nothing but amplify it, make it so that's all it can hear, all it can think about.

Sitting under her, looking up at her, it feels... a little funny.

And, even though it's probably going to hate itself for this not too long from now, it 'breathes' in.

And 'laughs' with her.

It took almost an hour to clean up, and by that time the sun was already beginning to set.

Now, the two slowly make what will be Metal's bed for the night - a large, soft matress, covered in the pillows they avoided tearing to shreads.

Metal puts covers on each of the pillows, while Amy looks through her down blankets, trying to assuage which may be the most comfortable (and durable) for it.

This day has been remarkably odd for the both of them, to say the least.

But, perhaps not every oddity or abnormality is one that absolutely must be crushed under Metal's heel.

...Yes.

It can say, for absolute certain, that this one should be allowed to flourish.

[imagine-upon-a-star]

‘Cross my heart and hope to die doll’ Bucky laughed leading a small brunette to bar to order her a drink. ‘It really did happen’

The restaurant was full of soldier’s uniforms and twirling dresses. The air filled with expensive perfumes, alcohol, nicotine and sweat coming from people moving to the band playing swing. The last night before soldiers were going to leave the country to fight. The night to remember. 

The smile quickly disappeared from Bucky’s face when he looked at the red bar chairs. He had been looking there for over an hour trying to see yours reaction at him changing partners and dancing with them through the night. This time though you weren’t alone like you had been only minutes ago when he escorted his current partner outside because it was too stuffy for her in the room. This time you were in a company of a man. Also soldier judging by his uniform. A soldier who just made you laugh and whose hand, in Bucky’s opinion, really didn’t have to rest on the back of your chair.

‘James?’ a high-pitched voice next to him brought him back from his trance ‘Is everything okay?’ 

‘Pardon me sugar’ Bucky looked at her quickly before his gaze returned to you ‘Let’s get you this drink shall we?’  before she could answer he already started walking towards you making the girl move faster to reach his pace and don’t lose contact with his arm.

‘One apple blossom please’ Bucky said leaning against the counter. He moved to the right bumping in the soldier’s back. ‘I’m so sorry I didn’t notice you’ he said waving his hand around.

‘That’s alr-’ the man turned around and started but was quickly cut off by Bucky.

‘Y/N!’ Barnes almost shouted ‘I didn’t see you here’ 

‘That’s surprising since it’s where you left me and Steve and left with Dolores or Claudia or Jane’ you said taking a sip of your drink.

‘What can I do? I couldn’t let beautiful ladies stay at their tables all the time in a night like this’ Bucky laughed but his gaze was focused on man next to you ‘Oh I didn’t introduce myself’ he reached his hand ‘James Barnes. Sargent James Barnes’ he said shaking man’s palm and emphasising his military rank. He knew it wasn’t the highest one but still hoped that the man would be impressed. 

‘Nicolaus Johnson’ the man smiled.

‘He is captain’ you said smirking when Bucky’s smile fell a little bit ‘And who is your companion right now?’

‘Well this lovely lady’ Bucky said looking for the first time at the girl at his side since he had stopped by the bar ‘Gave me an honour to dance with her for the last couple of songs and I must admit she is a delightful company’ he added making the girl giggle when he put his arm around her waist. 

‘I don’t doubt that’ you smiled squeezing your glass a little bit tighter. ‘What happened with your previous one?’ 

‘Her boyfriend interrupted us’

‘What a bastard’ you said sarcastically turning a little bit more in your chair so you sat on it sideways. 

‘Right? Fortunately this beauty helped me with my misery’ he said winking at his companion making her blush.

You cleared your throat and looked at the edge of your red dress fixing it a little bit. Looking at Bucky with this girl made you feel hot outside in the worst way possible and it wasn’t something you wanted to admit.

‘Well aren’t you a lucky lad?’ you said. Just then the band started playing new song.

The girl made a high pitched sound and started lightly pulling Bucky towards dance floor ‘It’s my favourite song James! Come on’ 

‘Yes James go’  you said ‘Don’t worry about me. I have a good company’ you added putting your hand on captain’s wrist and smiling at him.

Bucky felt like he was boiling. He clenched his jaw and was about to say something when the girl pulled him harder and made him follow her on the dance floor. 

You looked at the wall opposite the bar. Colourful bottles with alcohol reflected the lights casting shaking, rainbow-like shadows on the floor.

‘Is he someone important for you?’ Nicolaus’ voice brought you back. 

‘No one you should worry about’ you put on a fake smile and looked at your companion ‘Absolutely no one’ sweet liquor made its way down your throat. 

‘Good’ the soldier’s voice went an octave lower as he moved his chair closer to you.  He gently grasped your free hand and raised it to his mouth. 

Bucky twirled his partner completely deaf for her cheerful laughter and comments. The more he was looking at you and Nicolaus the more and more grim his face looked. When captain’s lips moved softly to your wrist Bucky’s feet stopped moving. 

‘James?’ the girl almost lost her balance ‘Why are...’

‘I’m sorry love’ Bucky said letting go of her hand. 'I’m feeling sick’ he gave her a tight smile before started manoeuvring through the crowd. As far as it was possible from you, from the captain, from the burning feeling in his chest. 

Chill evening air kissed his flushed skin the moment he opened the door. Outside the street was almost empty except few drunks leaving one bar to enter another. 

The music was muffled and the light coming from the bar was dimmed when he approached the wall and started kicking it before hitting it with his fist. 

‘Big guy try to find someone your size’  the music became louder for a second the moment your voice torn through the air. ‘Did your date not appreciate your dancing skills? Hurt your pride so decided to leave her?’ 

Bucky didn’t even look at you as his hands moved to the buttons of his jacket to put them in place. ‘What are you doing here? Weren’t you busy?’ 

‘Could ask the same thing’ you approached him slowly crossing your arms over your chest. Your heels made a soft clicking sound that made James look at you. 

‘Not feeling it. But go. Nicolaus is probably lonely. Especially his lips. Must be getting cold poor things’ 

Clicking stopped ‘Excuse me?’ 

‘Why are you here Y/N?’ Bucky sighed pinching the bridge of his nose for a second. 

‘You left...’

‘I did. And?’ James interrupted you shrugging ‘Didn’t know I had to report myself’

‘Girls weren’t enough or their boys got mad?’ 

‘Not my type of crowd’

‘Well you are surprising me’

‘Because you must know everything?’

‘What’s your problem?’

‘My? I don’t have a problem’

‘Oh of course not... Steam is coming out of your ears you noticed?’ 

‘Cold weather. Maybe you should go back inside. I believe nice and warm soldier jacket is waiting there’

‘Are you jealous?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous! About what? Him?’ Bucky laughed bitterly ‘Why would I care?’

'Oh my God! Why are you such a baby?!’ 

‘Sorry it is not the way you want it to be princess!’

‘Could you just calm down and talk to me?!’ 

‘Talk to... DAMN IT!’ Bucky shouted spinning in place‘You drive me wild!’ 

‘What?!’ you moved closet to him so you were almost chest to chest 

‘You spent the night with some fella who seems to be glued to your skin and then expect me to just talk to you?!’

‘What the hell James!’ you pointed your finger in his chest ‘Oh so you are allowed to swim around and catch every lady that is fainting over your square jaw but I can’t have a company?! I can’t believe you!’ 

You moved away ‘I do what I want with who I want and who do you think you are to make decisions for me?’ 

‘I’m...’

‘My WHO?!’ you shouted ‘You’ve just said you don’t care’ your voice went lower ‘So don’t. I’m done. Goodnight’ you swallowed hard and looked him up and down before turning around and heading back to the bar. 

‘I’m an ass Y/N’ soft voice made you turn around ‘A player. A coward’ you have never seen Bucky’s face this sincere, desperate and hopeless at the same time. ‘It’s my last night before I’m leaving and I’m still nothing more than that’ 

‘James....’

He raised his finger ‘You wanted me to talk so I talk’ a humorless laugh escaped his throat. ‘I’m a coward remember, might stop every moment’ 

You closed your mouth listening intently. 

Bucky took a shaky breath ‘As I said it’s my last night and I’m fighting with someone I never wanted to fight with. Nor hurt. And I must have a talent because I achieved both’ 

‘So before anything else - I’m sorry. Truly. I am sorry. But the thing is you do drive me wild. You can be cocky, talk too much, completely ignore me and my fragile masculinity is not ready for that’ your soft laughter stopped shaking of his voice ‘You can annoy me and anger me and make me jealous and be a real pain...’

‘I thought you were apologizing’

‘And interrupt me’ Bucky raised his eyebrow pointedly ‘But...I like it. And I can’t give up on you, especially not because of my own stupidity. So if it is the last night then Y/N Y/L/N you must know one thing and I expect nothing in return’ he closed his eyes before his blue orbs met yours ‘I love you’ 

Your breath hitched the moment those three words left his mouth. You had no idea how long you had been frozen until you saw a small, sad smile quirking Bucky’s lips. He took out his cap from the pocket of his jacket and put it on his head before turning around and slowly walking down dark street. Next thing you remembered was your hand on his elbow, his surprised face and his soft lips meeting yours.

When you pulled away the world came back to its regular motion and bubbly laughter left your lips upon seeing Bucky’s face - eyes still closed, cheeks flushed, lips puckered. His blues slowly came to view when his face turned into silent question. 

‘Ditto soldier’ you whispered taking hold of his lapels and pulling him once again ‘I love y...’ the last word was swallowed by James’ lips closing on yours and his arms caging you in the most desperate and loving embrace.

Oh yes you drove him wild. 

gifs