Ink On The Rose pt28

Sonic’s body went cold, his hands were shaking and his throat suddenly felt dry. He was at a loss for words; saying nothing would cause Knuckles to be hurt, right? Knuckles took his hands back and pushed his dread behind his shoulder,
  “I just think you’re right. If I’m going to start dating I’ll need someone I can trust to help me get comfortable again. So…?”
Sonic quickly stood up; he would need to choose his words carefully in this sensitive situation.
   “Kn-Kn-Knuckles! C-Couldn’t you ask Sally? Wave? T-Tails?! I-I just think this is a little weird...b-besides wouldn’t it be more productive to do a test drive with a GIRL?”
Knuckles raised a brow skeptically,
   “Yet you found it necessary to mention Tails? Look, I know it’s weird, but couldn’t you just do this ONE favor? I promise I won’t ask again if it’s a disaster! Just please do this for me?”
Sonic felt his face burning with embarrassment and confusion, the thinking in his head was sporadic. He wanted to say no, though he also wanted to say yes, but why? Could it be because he felt obligated to help his friend, to help regain his confidence? It was just a test drive, but to Sonic it sounded more serious. Knuckles just stared and waited for an answer, hoping Sonic would just believe he’s only doing this to help him, but really it was to actually go out with him without fully admitting his feelings. A safe way to see how Sonic and he would be like as  a couple without the excruciating embarrassment of possibly being rejected before he even got a chance. Sonic eyed Knuckles again, thinking the proposal over and over again, until finally…
   “Okay…I’ll help you, but on one condition.”
Sonic sat on the bed again, looking the echidna dead in the eye. Knuckles was relieved to finally hear a yes, but then replied with slight suspicion.
    “What kind of condition?”
Sonic then crossed his arms.
    “You have to promise to at least try to patch things up with Julie.”
Knuckles stood up now, crossed his arms and stomped all the way to his front door, steaming with attitude. He had already said he was done with her, yet here Sonic was again pushing the idea of getting them back together. Why couldn’t that stupid hedgehog just let it be? As much as he wanted to deny the condition…he couldn’t. Especially if doing this would guarantee his date. Knuckles had to admit it; that damn hedgehog had him beat.
    “I’ll do the condition, but just know that if you don’t help me cover all the basics, you’ll blow any chance of Julie taking me back.”
Sonic nodded and reached for Knuckles’ hand, the echidna then grabbed it and gave it a good deal shake. Sonic walked to the door, smiling and determined to help his friend; giving a slight turn he softly asked,
    “Pick you up at 8?”