With Pleasure Comes Problem A Sonic the Hedgehog Story by Michael Toth Look out! Legalities! - All characters associated in this story, except for my own and others creations, are property of The SEGA corporation, Archie Comics, and/or DiC. Bookshire Draftwood is property of David Pistone. Sasha Nicole Acorn is property of Ian Patterson. This story is copyright (c) 1999 to the author and may be copied anddistributed as long as the following conditions aren't ignored: A) Do not even attempt to change one word. I see one change and not one more story will be produced by me. B) Try to sell it without my permission and we'll have a problem. And if you do want to sell it, contact me, (mike_256bit@hotmail.com) and we'll 'discuss' my cut. I'm fully aware of what Title 17 of the Copyright law does so don't try anything funny. Author's Note: After doing some reveiwin', I caught some major blunders so I fixed em up in this rewrite, keepin' in mind that this is my first fic, enjoy. Glad to hear you understand and agree. Now that it is all over with (Thank the Lord), you may continue with what I have entitled, "With Pleasure Comes Problem." (Oh and don't forget! *These* indicate thought!) * * * * * Time line: Pre-Doomsday * * * * * "C'mon, please Aunt Sally?" Tails had been arguing with Sally for the past three days. Seeing that he was getting nowhere, he decided to try pleading. "No Tails! Don't you listen? This is the last time I'll tell you, you can't have Sasha move in with you. At least not now." By now, Tails looked as if he were about to give up, until a spark of electricity caused a bulb to light up in his head. "But, uh, you're always trying to set an example, and that would probably mean having Sonic move out," "Well, ya see..." Tails knew he had it, it would only take one more push.. "...and you can't forget Antoine and Bunnie. I don't think they'd take it too well if they had to split." Tails smiled at the look that came over Sally's face; the look of defeat. "Oh, all right!!" But now it was Sally's turn to smile. And Tails didn't like this smile one bit. *"Uh oh. Not good..."* "But you have to follow one condition." "Damn!" Tails suddenly realized his folly. He blushed and then looked sheepishly toward Sally. "Oops, sorry Aunt Sally." Sally gave an evil smile that could make anyone shudder. "Make another mistake like that and I might have to reconsider. Now where was I? Oh yes. I want you and Sasha to keep it under control. If I ever, EVER, catch you with your paws in the wrong places, I will personally string you up by your tails over the ring pool. Got it?" All Tails could do in reply was stare with wide eyes and a slack jaw. "Good. Now I'll go tell Sasha while you go prepare your hut." As Sally walked past, she noticed that Tails was still staring. She waved her hand in front of his eyes. Seeing that he wouldn't respond, she rolled her eyes and pushed his chin up to close his mouth. *"Perhaps I went too far..."* She began to think, *"...I guess he'll eventually come out of it. I hope"* Leaving Tails to come out of his state-of-being, Sally continued her on journey to Sasha's hut which was purposely a long distance from Tails'. During the brief five minutes that Tails was is his trance-like state, a figure was watching from within the brush. It had a noticeably metal gleam on it's left arm. It had also taken in every word of the conversation that just transpired. "Keep it undah control, eh? We'll see 'bout that." The creature said it in a voice only heard by it. By now, Tails had finally managed to come out of it only managing one word before being smothered with kisses all over his face by Sasha when he turned around. During all this, all Tails could hear was Sasha saying, "Thankyou." over and over again. Only after a minute or so of this had Tails managed to pull out of it. "Sasha, what the hell is your problem?" "Well now your acting like you don't like it when I kiss you." Sasha said in a sad, 'you-don't-like-me voice'. Tails smirked as though to say 'You actually think that?' "No Sasha, it's just that you caught me by surprise." Sasha was now grinning. "Sally told me what you did. Thanks." Sasha was once again kissing him but now on the lips. "Yeah. I sorta caught that message." She was now hugging the young vulpine tightly. "I was so lonely alone in my hut..." Tails did the only thing he could in this situation, hug her back. After about another minute of this, Sasha pulled back with an even wider and more mischevious grin. "Come on, I got somethin' to show you." She was now pulling him towards his hut. "And mind telling me why it's in my hut?" "Well, it's not all your hut." Her grin turned into a smile. When they had reached the safety of the hut, Sasha had turned to lock the door. "Uh oh, what are you up to..." But he was cut off by a sudden kiss on the lips, and might I add, in full. This lasted for yet another couple of minutes. And might I also add that she had let her tongue slide into his mouth. He was surprised, but he wasn't complaining. "There," she had said after pulling out. "that was part one." Tails was still surprised, his expression said so. "Now for part two..." She was about to pull a speechless and very wide-eyed fox on top of her until she was stopped by Tails pulling away. By some miracle he regained the ability to speak again. "Wait! I mean, I can't, I mean, well..." He had begun to imagine what he would look like strung up on a branch by his tails. Sasha was becoming annoyed, "Let me guess, Royal Orders', right?" Tails nodded to confirm this, "Well, uh, yeah." "Don't worry Tails. Door's locked and shades are down. Who's gonna find out?" Tails looked concerned and deep in thought, "But still, it just...doesn't...seem ...right?" Tails slowed to a stop and his eyes grew wide for the third time that day at the sight he saw. Sasha had removed her vest and now stood undressed in the middle of the room. She had a smug look on her face. "Still have any objections?" Tails could only shake his head and muster the words 'uh-uh.' Sasha had used the vest to pull him towards her till they were nose-to-nose. He suddenly found himself on top of her being kissed deeply. He just couldn't resist. So he retaliated by returning each kiss just as passionately. But it didn't last long. There was a knock at the door. Tails had yelped and suddenly became very agitated. "Dammit!!" He growled. He tossed Sasha her vest who had then slung it into the corner near the door. Tails had opened the door just a crack to see who it was and found Sonic at his doorstep. "Hiya big guy!" Sonic had noticed the sweat coming from Tails' forehead. "You ok? You look mondo stressed." "Oh, hi Sonic, no, I'm fine, uh, just hot." Sonic found this hard to believe considering that it was only 78 degrees Fahrenheit. But he let it slide. He had something more important to attend to. "Ok, uh, you still got that tape I lent you? Ya know, the one with all the cool romantic songs on it?" Sonic had been trying to enter but to no avail. Tails realized which tape he was talking about. The one he borrowed when he invited Sasha over for the night they had planned. But considering that's part of the past, I won't bother to go into the subject. Tails was now motioning for Sasha to get under the bed. "Sure, yeah, hold on." Tails had begun to close the door when he was pushed back by Sonic's entering. He was wondering why Tails wouldn't let him in and he was determined to find out what he was hiding. But when he entered all he saw was Tails retrieving the tape from the desk. *"Oh. Guess I should have taken his word for..."* His thinking was cut off by Tails shoving the tape into his hands. "Here ya go Sonic." But he wasn't listening. Tails wasn't the only thing that had distracted him from his thinking. Sasha's unmistakably green vest would have done the trick nicely. Evidently she hadn't put it on. Tails followed his gaze to the vest while his mind screamed out, *"Aw shit! I'm gonna be in trouble!"* Tails decided to try and change the subject. "Uh, I guess I'll see ya later." Sonic was still distracted but managed to answer in a far away voice, "Yeah, see ya later T2." Sonic turned and left in a gust of wind that nearly pulled the vest with it; if it hadn't pulled the door shut. Tails let out a sigh of half relief, half bitterness. He had sat on the bed and immediately got back up after hearing the yelp of pain Sasha let out. "Sorry, but I think you deserved it." Tails said after Sasha pulled herself out from under the bed. "We almost got caught ya know. In fact, I'm not sure if we're out of the red yet." He was now handing Sasha her vest. But she pushed it aside and smiled. "I really don't think I'll be needing that yet." Tails looked at her with disbelief and thought *"Didn't you hear me?"* He then changed his look and said in a very distraught voice, "You are a very naughty girl, ya know that?" But he was smiling the whole time. They had restarted their little make-out scene. Since it's time for a new paragraph, I won't go into details. However, I will say this, neither had realized that the door was unlocked. * * * * * *"This is bad. He's going' too far."* Sonic had been thinking about what he had just seen at Tails' hut. *"I'd better get Sally, she'll know what to do about this. Of course, after she's done killing them."* After speeding back to his hut to drop off the tape, he began his search for Sally. "Hey Sal! Where ya' at?!" This had been going on for about 5 minutes. "Saaalllyyy!" Finally a very perplexed hedgehog sat down to consider what he saw. *"What's the little kit doing? Sal is defiantly gonna be way past unhappy bout this. I'd better talk with him, maybe I can knock some sense into him."* Before he could go any further in to the subject, Sonic's thoughts were interrupted by a tapping on his shoulder. "Hey sugar-hog. Are ya'll ok?" Bunnie was referring to the way he jumped when she tapped his shoulder. "Oh, uh, yeah, I'm fine Bunnie. Just thinkin'" "Ya'll didn't hurt yourself, did ya'?" Bunnie had to cover her mouth to stifle the laugh. Neither Sally or Bunnie could count the times Sonic had left himself open for that joke. "Funny, but this is serious." "Hold up sugar-hog. You, serious? That's even funnier!" Sonic was getting extremely annoyed. "Bunnie!! Will you be able to shut up and listen or do I have to tie you down." "Naw, it's ok sugar, ah was just havin' a little bit a fun." Bunnie was still trying to stifle the giggles. "Thanks. Ok, I think there's a problem with Tails and Sasha. I really think they're gettin' way too serious." After hearing this, Bunnie snapped into alertness. "Are ya'll sure? Ah mean, how do ya' know?" For Sonic, it was getting a little hard to explain. "Well uh, ya see, how do I put this..." "How 'bout now? What did ya'll see?" "Sasha's vest on the floor." Bunnie was clearly surprised. This certainly wasn't what she had expected. *"Wow, that is going kinda far."* But then rabbit was speaking, "Really? Gee, ah think ya'll bettah go an' tell Sally-girl." *"Wait! Bunnie what are ya' doin'? If Sally-girl finds out, it's ruined!"* "Well uh, maybe ya'll should uh..." But she was talking to air. During her brainstorming session, Sonic had apparently left. *"Not good!! Ah gotta get to Sally-girl first!"* Taking in the consideration that Sonic hadn't found Sally yet, Bunnie ran as fast as she could in the opposite direction with the same goal: find Sally. * * * * * "OOOOOHHHHH!!!! Wait till I get my hands on them!!!" Sally was fuming over the information she had just received. If it isn't obvious, Sonic had managed to find Sally and was now wishing he hadn't. Sally looked about ready to go on the warpath. "Hold on Sal, I mean, look, there only kids." Sally shot an icy glare right into Sonic's eyes. If you looked close enough, you would be able to see him move back a centimeter or so. "Don't you get it? That's the whole point! There only kids! There getting far too serious about this. Why did I give them the hut if they were just gonna do this?" Sally was now serious about her earlier promise. "I'll string them both up! There are soooo gonna get it!" Sonic had become confused at this point. "Wait, back up a bit Sal, string them up'?" Sonic had raised a brow when she leaned over to whisper something to him and raised them both when she finished telling him. "Sal! Why did you do that? Probably scared the hell out of him." Sally blushed as to say she was sorry but suddenly reversed this misleading by saying, "But now I'm serious." "Sally!! Stop it!" "Oh come on Sonic. Don't you think it would be cute?" "What? Cute? To have them hanging up-side-down for people to laugh at? It wouldn't be cute. It would be way past uncool and mean." Sally was shaking her head. "Sonic, you are so trusting. I wasn't serious. I just wanted to see how you would react. And looks like you passed the test." Sonic smirked, "Ah, I knew it all along. Do I get a reward?" Sally pulled him in, "You sure do." And suddenly Sally was giving Sonic one of there usual kisses. But unbeknownst to both of them, the same pair of eyes that had watched Tails and Sally, were now watching them. * * * * * While watching them, Bunnie was cursing herself for not getting there sooner. *"Dang it! This is even worse. Now how am ah sposed ta set things strait?"* Bunnie was now thinking hard but still keeping her eye on the still kissing Sally. *"Ah guess ah'll have ta let her in on the whole plot. Well, ah guess ah would have told her any ways." After a bit of waiting, Bunnie finally had the chance to talk to Sally. "Sally-girl!" Bunnie called out to a smiling Sally. "Oh hi there Bunnie. How are ya' doin?" "Oh , ah'm just fine Sally-girl. Ah just wanted to talk to ya'll about this whole Tails incident." The smile suddenly left Sally's face . "Bunnie, I kinda wish you hadn't reminded me." "Well, ah think ya'll change your mind after ah tell ya what ah know." As Bunnie dropped her voice to a whisper, the smile that had left Sally's face had returned only to grow as she was told about the plan that had begun to unfold. * * * * * Tails and Sasha had been kissing. They had been kissing for the past hour. That had also been the only thing they had done for that hour. It was as if breathing was the only other thing important. They had loved every minute of this since they started. Only one another could stop them now. But it didn't seem like that would be happening. ...Until Tails spoke. "Sasha, stop." "Yes Tails? What is it now?" The vulpine and the squirrel were on the bed at the time so when Tails tried to roll off her to the left, he fell strait to the floor. "Yeouch!! Oog, how 'bout a cold-pack?" "Hold that pose." Being that if he tried to move his neck it hurt like he was being stabbed repeatedly in the head, that's all he could do. Sasha was still undressed except for the boots, so when she got off the bed over Tails, it was only moments before the kit said something. "Good view from here." "Tails!!" Sasha said in half surprised, half delight. "Mmmm, yes?" He was smiling, but he frowned when he saw her approaching with an evil glint in her eye as well as the smile, always gotta have the evil smile. "Um, uh, You're uh, not gonna, do anything are ya'?" Tails gulped when he saw her kneel down next to him. "Like take advantage of you? Oh sure, why not?" The foxes sweat glands started to go into overdrive. And his sense of laughter did too when she began to tickle him. "No!!" Tails began shouting between spurts of laughter. "Please! I'm Sorry!!" "For what Tails? I didn't mind.." "Then...w..why are you tickling..me??" "Because it's fun to take advantage of you. It all depends on how you do it." Suddenly the laughter was out of his throat and Sasha's tongue was back in. "See what I mean?" After that neither said anything. Then Bunnie came in. Both parties froze. Until this moment Bunnie had walked in looking down a magazine. But now she saw what was going on and she was shocked. After about a minute of nobody saying anything, Bunnie spoke with disbelief, "What in the Hoo-Haw is goin' on in heah!! Tails! Sasha! Mind tellin' mah what ya'll is doin like that!?" She was furious. She was surprised by what Sonic had told her but she never figured it to be like this. Tails opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. He was suddenly up on his feet, ignoring the pain that infiltrated his head. The kit's voice was still gone. But he had managed to say something in a high squeak. "Bunnie! Uh, Hi?" Tails said weakly. He knew that when Sally found out, she'd be having the time of her life punishing him. "Bunnie, wait, this isn't, ya see, um, Sasha? Help?" He was visibly sweating. When he turned back to Sasha for assistance, she was nowhere to be found. It seems that when Bunnie was to busy giving Tails a tongue lashing, she had slipped out. "What did you think ya'll were doing? And where's Sasha? Ya'll two are gonna have a lot to answer to when Sally-girl finds out. Ya'll only eleven years old Tails! What were ya'll two thinkin'?" Tails had hung his head, and was breathing deeply. He looked about ready to cry. This softened Bunnie's look on the situation, but not by much. It was just enough to make a difference. "Tails, look ah'm sorry if.." "No, don't be. Your right." Tails voice was clearly choked. That did it. "Tell ya' what Tails," Bunnie had knelt down to Tails level. She pulled Tails' head up but he still wouldn't look her in the eyes. "Tails, look at me." The young fox reluctantly looked up. Bunnie could see why he didn't want to. Tears had already began to well up in his eyes. "Tails listen, I won't tell Sally-girl if you make a deal with me." Tails clearly cheered up a bit. He began to clear his eyes. "What kind of deal?" His voice had also begun to clear. "Well, if you do whatever ah want you to whenever ah call you, ah'll let you off the hook." Now Tails was annoyed. "a whole week!? Can't ya lighten up?" Bunnie smiled. "How bout we let Sally-girl decide?" She began to call her but Tails stopped her. "Fine," he growled, "a week it is." "Ok, see ya soon, sugar." Bunnie laughed at this as she left the hut. *"Sooner then ya'll think, Tails."* Tails watched Bunnie leave and the slumped onto the bed. He was almost hoping Sasha was under it, just for the sake of giving her a bit of what he received. But she wasn't under the bed, she was at the door. Tails narrowed his eyes and had a hint a hatred in his voice. "What do you want? I can't believe you just let me take it all. I really don't want to talk to you right now." She looked about to say something but then turned to go. "Wait! On second thought, I do have something to talk to you about. "Ya see, when we were kissing, didn't something feel sorta off?" Sasha had sat on the floor and was now shaking her head in reply. "Well, I noticed it even before we started, sorta like something is missing. Oh yeah sure, I like ya and everything. But it's kinda like we need it, something that we need to share but it's not happening. I think it's, well, love." Sasha was taken aback by this. She was about to say something in response, but Tails stopped her by holding up his hand. "It's like, without it, what we do is so casual, like it shouldn't be done, or like it's not important." Sasha had figured he was done and hade a thoughtful look in her eye. She then sighed and stood up. "You're absolutely right. It's like I've been taken you for granted the whole time." Now it was Tails' turn to be hushed. "Wait, I got something to say." She turned his head so their eyes were locked. "Listen to me, ever since I had laid my eyes on you, I had this feeling. I didn't know what it was so I just let it alone. But now I know what it is, it's the same love that you feel for me. I have loved you then, I love you now, and as long as a I live, I will always love you." Tails was surprised. This didn't sound like the Sasha he knew. But the fact that she felt like this made up for that. All the vulpine could do in response was smile. Just by gazing at each other, they knew what each other felt, the love for the other. The were soon embraced in a hug. "You serious?" "Do you really have to ask, Sasha?" She returned to smiling as did Tails. I can't be sure, but I've been told that they had stayed like this until supper. * * * * * "Aww, that is so nice. Hey Sonic, come here and check this out." Sonic had been visiting with Sally to discuss what Bunnie had told her. "What is it Sal?" "Them. They've been like that for the past hour and a half. I'm not even sure if they're still awake." Sally was referring to the sight of Tails and Sasha. She had been leaning against her dresser gazing at them through the window the whole time. Sonic followed her finger to the two figures in the window. Sonic chuckled. "Yeah, that is kinda cute." They continued looking at them only to find him looking back with a glare. "Cute?! CUTE?! You think it's cute to watch someone like that? How long have you been looking at us?!" Before closing the shade, he mumbled something about privacy. "Ya know Sal, he's right. It wasn't cute, it was hilarious!" Sonic was now on the floor laughing his quills off. Sally sighed and rolled her eyes. She reached down to grab his hair-quills. She began to drag Sonic to the dinning hall. Sonic was now giggling uncontrollably, he was too distracted to notice the pain brought by Sally dragging him around like that. "Don't expect them to be there." He was about to enter another fit of laughter but he realized what Sally was doing. "I guess you won't mind if your chili dogs go into the trash." Sonic then was finally back to full alertness. "Hey Sal, way uncool. Threatening a hedgehog like that when his chili dogs are concerned." Sally raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Well why doesn't this hedgehog go get a certain fox and squirrel?" By some unseen force, Sonic was able to compose himself. "Ok, Sal, ok. You win. But I ain't leaving until I give you your own hug." "Sonic," But it was too late, she was already in his tender embrace. "What now, Sal?" She smiled. "Actually, I was going to say not to go yet." Sonic smiled to himself. "Deal." The hugged for a couple of minutes. Then Sally broke it off. Ok, -now- you go get them." Sonic had finally let go. "All right then, save me a chili dog, Sal." Suddenly, Sonic was gone in a gust of wind. *"He's mine. And I'm happy."* Sally thought as she continued on her way to the dinning hut. * * * * * "'Allo my prinzess. Allo Bunnie. How eez it zat you are being today?" Antoine said in his usual annoying french accent. They were all now seated in the dinning hut. "Just fine Ant'" Was Sally's reply. But before Bunnie could say anything, Sally had cut in, "Hey Ant', how would you like to be let in on a little secret?" Sally glanced over to Bunnie as if to ask for her approval. Bunnie merely shrugged so Sally figured it was ok to let it out to Antoine. "Oui, I would be to liking zat very much." "Uh, yeah, well ya' see, mah, Sally-girl, an' sugar-hog, are all..." She never got the last words out. In fact, no one had said anything else after there defining crash. What followed the crash was the unmistakable agitated voice of Tails. "OUT!!" He screaming, "SONIC, GET THE HELL OUT!!" What followed was yet another crash. I guess it could be identified as a door slamming. No one said anything, no one dared. All that could be heard, was the sound of limping footsteps. There was a gasp. A big gasp. Considering that the whole hut had done the same thing at once, stare at the pumbled hedgehog in the doorway. Before he or anyone could say anything, he had fallen unconscious in the doorway. "Ouch, what did sugar-hog do this time?" But Sally wasn't listening, in fact she wasn't there. She had run to her hedgehog's side. "Sonic! Sonic!! Dammit Sonic, wake up! Antoine! Take Bunnie and go get Bookshire! NOW!" "Oui,.." Nothing followed for Bunnie had already pulled him from the hut. * * * * * Before he received his thrashing, Sonic had done something you should never do, interrupt a fox singing in the shower. It seems that neither Tails nor Sasha heard him knocking. Tails couldn't because he had his waterproof headphones on in the shower. Sasha couldn't because she was hanging up some of her vests in the closet and was listening to the radio. Not seeing Sasha anywhere, Sonic began to worry. He began to think that maybe they had went as far as to... *"Nah, he wouldn't..."* He thought this until he saw one of Sasha's extra vest on the floor and mistook it for the one she was wearing previously. *"He would! That's it! He's gonna get it plan or not!"* Sonic was angry and he wanted to make sure this would not happen again. He quietly crept up to the door. All he could hear was the sound of running water and the faint sound of someone singing. He opened the door as quietly as he could so not to make them aware that he was there. He looked in the corner near the sink, all he saw were Tails' shoes and gloves. He thought it odd that Sasha's boots weren't there as well. He could now hear Tails' singing and he had his opinions on it. But they were pretty mean so I won't put them. But he was wondering how Sasha put up with it. Sonic was preparing his words before he pulled aside the curtain. Tails couldn't see his outline because he was singing into a bar of soap with his eyes closed. As soon as the sound from the shower curtain being pushed aside entered his ears, he opened his eyes. He turned to face the one who dared to come into his hut, into his bathroom, and to interrupt his shower. He looked into the eyes of Sonic who had the look of someone who had been wrong on his face. Tails took a deep breath and put down the soap. Then he calmly removed the headphones and turned off the water. He reached past Sonic to get his towel and then wrapped it around his waist. He once again turned to Sonic with no anger in his eyes or anything of the sort, and punched Sonic in the stomach as hard as the little vulpine could. Sonic had doubled over in pain and was soon eye-to-eye with Tails who had one of those 'I'm-going-to-kill-you' looks. Tails once again pulled his fist back and delivered another punch to Sonic's face. There was no doubt in either mind that the crack they heard was Sonic's nose breaking. Tails was now trembling in anger. By now Sonic got the idea and began to run out of the hut, but not before receiving a kick in the shin. After all this, Tails had begun his screaming fit as Sonic ran for dear life to the door. He then crashed out the door. Tails followed with Sasha close behind who had been brought out by all the commotion. The second crash was Tails slamming the door on his way back in, splintering it at the lock. * * * * * "Bookshire! We are to be needing you immediate in zee prinzessess hut!" The raccoon was bent over a computer console but was now looking at a frantic Antoine attached to a more calm Bunnie. "Why? Is something wrong with Sally?" "No, Booky, it's sugar-hog. He got a brutal beating." "SWATbots?" "Nope. Little ol' Tails." "Oh I see," Bookshire suddenly realized what she had just said. "Did you say Tails? I gotta' have a look at this." "You ain't kiddin', Booky." Bunnie was then dragging both Bookshire and Antoine to Sally's hut. She almost didn't give him enough time to grab his cane and his supplies. When they arrived, Bookshire was still in disbelief when he saw the number Tails did on Sonic. "Are you sure Tails did this, looks more like the work of Knuckles." "I'm sure." Everyone turned to the voice that came from the doorway. There stood Tails, with Sasha right beside him. "Sally, listen before you say anything, I just want to apologize, but after what he just did ..." Sally wasn't looking at him, she was actually holding resentment to him. "Tails, first of all, what did he do?" Sally said firmly. Tails was then blushing. "Well uh, hold on..." "He interrupted him in the shower." Tails turned to Sasha while everyone else returned their gaze to Tails. One more word and the whole hut would break out in laughter. "Uh, yeah. Exactly." Rotor was the first to recover from the impending break-out. Even though he still couldn't stifle what had already escaped his lips. "Well that's all good, but we have a more pressing matter here." "Do ya have anything for me to do?" "No Tails, but it's nice to see you want to help..." "Actually Sally-girl, ah got something for him ta' do." "Ok then Bunnie, he's all yours." "Of course, if Sasha doesn't mind me keepin' him." Tails looked to Sasha with an expression that said 'Please say you do.' However, she didn't answer his prayers. "No, I don't need him, yet." This comment made Sally look up. *"Yet?"* She dismissed it and went back to work with Rotor and Bookshire. After everyone had left Bookshire began the MedScan. "Oh my gosh." Said Rotor, "The kid broke his nose!" "That's not all Rotor," continued Bookshire, "he's also severely bruised his shin and stomach." "Gee, Tails was not happy. What did Sonic do? Catch him singin' in the shower?" * * * * * "Ok Tails, ah need ya'll ta go ta the kitchen an' get these ingredients." Tails had officially begun his first day of 'duty' for Bunnie. His first assignment, get ingredients. "Oh, an' while ya'll there, try an' see if ya'll can barrow a grill. Mine ain't workin' right now." Tails had also realized that if he wasn't cheerful about his work, Bunnie gave him a look that said she would tell Sally any minute. "Will do Bunnie!" Tails said in feigned happiness. Tails WAS happy when he got out of there. Bunnie had been running him ragged since last night when she had him help her and Rosie make a dress and a suit. The suit fit Tails surprisingly well. And now, before he could even have breakfast, Bunnie was calling him again. He was now flying toward the kitchen. "Lessee," Tails said looking down at the list Bunnie had given him. " Lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives, and cucumbers. Hmm, sounds like a good salad. What else, uh, pike fillets, flour, and butter. Ugh, I can't stand fish. Okay, last few things. Sounds like a dessert. Vanilla ice cream, orange sherbet, oranges, eggs, cream of tarter, wonder what that is, and sugar." While Tails was talking to himself, he hadn't realized he was flying a strait bee-line into a tree. When he looked up, he did. A scream echoed through Knothole that day. One of severe pain. Tails knew of this first-hand. "YEOUCH!!!!!!! My nose! Owwy owwy owwy!!" Tails was jumping around holding his nose. Bookshire had heard him clearly and groaned. "Oh no, not another nose incident." When he arrived, there was already a crowd of people surrounding him. He could hear Sally trying to keep them back. Finally he managed to get through and with the help of Sally, got him back to his hut. On the way, Sally was beginning to ask questions. "Please Sally, at least wait until we get him back to my hut." Immediately after they entered, Sally once again began her interrogation. "Tails, how'd this happen?!" She was cleaning the blood off his muzzle. "I was flyin' with my 'ead down, an' when I looked up, I hid da tree." Tails speech was obviously impaired. "What on Mobius made you fly with your head down?" His nose had begun to stop bleeding and was now extremely congested. "I wad lookin' ad de list Bunnie gave me." Suddenly, two sets of footfalls could be heard racing for the door from outside. One had the familiar faint metal clang to go with it. "Where is he!" Sasha scanned the room for any sign of him and when she caught sight of the condition he was in she let out a gasp. "Tails! Are you ok? Are you hurt?" She was near hysterics. "No, I'm not ok, and yes, I'm hurt." Came his distorted response. "Tails, ah'm sorry 'bout what happened..." Tails waved it off with his free hand. He was using the other to cover his nose. "No, don't worry about id Bunnie. Id was my fault. I should hade been payin' adention." Bunnie winced at the way Tails was speaking. "Well, don't worry. Ah'll get the ingredients but we're still keepin' our deal." Soon Bunnie was gone with the list the fox had been carrying around ever since he left her hut. "Well Tails, I'd advise you to get some rest, you almost broke your nose, in fact, I'm surprised you didn't. You must have hit the tree just as you were turning your head up." "Uh, ok Bookshire, whadever. C'mon Sasha." Tails began to walk out the door but before he could, he fell flat on his face. Now Tails was extremely dizzy and light headed. "No, really, I'm fine, just great. Just perfect." "Tails!" Sasha rushed over to her boyfriends side. "Tails?" But he couldn't hear. He was out of it, and would be for a while. "..And that's why. Sally you'd better help Sasha get Tails back to his hut. Sonic had the same problem." He was referring to the still unconscious hedgehog in the corner. "You forgot? How? Are you really that inane that you couldn't pick up the clues?" Tails was on some sort of barren landscape. He could see to figures off in the distance arguing. He had already identified the first one as Sasha. But he was still trying to make out the next one. He was about the same size as him..." Maybe I could have if you left intelligent clues!" He froze. He knew who the second one was, it was him. "Your one to talk about intelligence! I still don't see how this makes up for you forgetting..." *"...Sasha's birthday!"* After this unsettling and brief dream, Tails had managed to come out of it. He looked over to his bunkmate to see her sound asleep in a chair next to his bed. *"Wow. She watched over me the whole time."* Tails slipped over to the side of the bed and got down. He then slowly crept to the wall that supported the calendar. *"Let me see, it's now Monday so in 6 days it'll be her B-day. I'll have to get her something, but what? Well, I could but Sally might..."* Sasha had begun to stir. *"Maybe I can start by putting her to bed."* So he crept back over to Sasha and ignoring his slight headache, picked her up and then placed her in her bunk. After slipping her under the blankets he was soon tucking her in. *"See ya tomorrow Sasha."* He thought while kissing her on the forehead. Tails could swear he saw Sasha smile. After that, he walked back to his own bunk for what he hoped would be a good night. * * * * * Tails could vaguely hear his name being called. He was still half asleep but could clearly feel him self being shaken by... "Tails! Wake up Tails! Bunnie's at the door!" Sasha was trying to wake Tails up for the past three minutes. "Ohhh, c'mon Sasha, what time is it any ways?" "11:00 AM. Now will you wake up?" Tails was now at full attention. "11:00 AM? How tired was I?" "I don't know but Bunnie needs you for something." Tails had already begun pulling on his shoes and gloves. "Ok see ya later Sasha." He said when he was done. He gave Sasha a kiss on the cheek and began to walk to the door. "Wait! How long is she gonna keep you?" "That's the part I don't know. Why?" Sasha was now hugging him from behind. "I thought we could go for a swim later." Tails smiled, "I don't think I'll be that long. How's this, first chance I get, I'll meet you at the ring pool. Ok?" "That's fine with me. Now you should go before Bunnie decides to come in here." *"How does somebody sleep so late? What he do? Stay up till 4:00 AM?"* Bunnie had been patiently waiting for Tails and it seemed that this patience she had was wearing thin. *"If he's not out heah now, ah'm gonna' go in there."* But she stopped short when, as if on cue, Tails appeared in the doorway. "Hiya Bunnie. Good mornin'. Sleep well?" Bunnie turned to Tails. "Why yes, as a mattah a fact, ah did. What about ya'll? Ya' look like you only got an' hour of sleep." Tails dismissed it by starting to walk towards Bunnie's hut. "No, just, ya' know, just tired I guess." Bunnie began to follow him. "Well, ah got a lot for ya'll ta do taday. So ah'm gonna need you in good shape. Ah'll hold off work 'till aftah lunch. How's that?" Tails stopped and turned. "Really? Thanks. I'll see ya later then." Tails sped off in the direction of the dinning hut. But he stopped when he reached Sasha. "Hi." Sasha turned to see Tails floating behind her. "Tails? What are you doing here? Doesn't Bunnie need you anymore?" She had been startled when she saw him but was now smiling inside. "No she's giving me an early lunch break. So what do you want to do until then? Lunch isn't for an hour..." The smile that was in Sasha was now showing on her face. "Hmm, we could take in that swim we're supposed to do later." Sasha walked her fingers up his chest until they reached his nose. "Sounds good to me. Meet ya there in 5 minutes." "Great!" Sasha said after taking her finger off his nose. "But why wait 5 minutes? Why not go now?" Tails put his hands on his hips. "You gotta get your suit on." Sasha gave an audible groan. "No, your wearing a suit and that's it. I'm not getting into anymore trouble than I already am. Yeah sure I'm not happy about it either..." "Fine, you win, but I'll remember this." Before Tails could question her any further, she was running towards their hut. Only two souls could be found at the ring pool that hour before lunch. One had the familiar shape of a two-tailed vulpine, the other, a figure not unlike a princess's. From what I could perceive they were discussing something. "Sasha!," Sasha was repeatedly pulling Tails under the water and basically having the time of her life. "Please Sasha! Stop!" He managed to get a good breathing when he was pulled under for the final time. Whilst under the water Sasha pulled him close and kissed him. They began to float upward and when they broke the surface, Sasha let go. Still trying to recover Tails swam back over to pool side. Once there, he began to towel-off. When he looked back to Sasha, she wasn't on the surface anymore. He crouched down to the water to see if she went deeper in. But when he couldn't spot her, he started calling her name. He stopped when he spotted her......in the reflection. Before he could brace himself, Tails was pushed in by Sasha. "Woooh!" Tails hit the water with a large splash. Then Sasha followed with an equally big splash. Now Sasha was confused. She couldn't see him anywhere and was sure he didn't pass her on the way up. Tails crouched in the hole. He only need wait for Sasha to pass for him to pull her in. He got his chance. The instant he saw Sasha's arm, he grabbed it. Sasha, still in confusion, didn't realize what had grabbed her and she began to struggle. When she caught sight of the two tails she calmed herself. She noticed that they were traveling through some sort of flooded tunnel. She also noticed that she was losing her breath and began to panic again. Tails allayed the problem by pulling her up for air. "Wait, I thought the entire..." She lost her breath again when she saw where they were. They were in some sort of underground cavern. It was huge. Torches lined the walls and a stream ran through the center. "Oh my gash Tails. It's beautiful. How did you find this place?" Still in awe, she didn't realize that Tails had left her side. "Tails?" "Over here Sasha." She turned to his voice and saw him at some sort of panel. a few switch throwings later, and the place was lit by florescent lights up and down the ceiling of the cavern. "Neat, huh? I found it that one year when everyone thought I had drowned." "I remember that, don't ever scare me like that again." She said firmly but soon went back to staring. "Any ways, I turned it into a hangout." Sasha only nodded her head and noticed everything else in the cavern. One side contained a complete workshop. It was well larger than Rotor's only because of space. The other side contained more of a bedroom type style. The stream separated them but a bridge was built over it. The bedroom contained two beds, a desk, and other items that made a house a home, really. Tails walked over to the Workshop and began to turn on the computers. "How many of those do you have?" "Only 3. Two for my workshop and one for my temporary bedroom." "Temporary?" Tails walked over the bridge to Sasha who had wandered over to the bedroom. "Well, whenever, I'm upset or mad enough to last me the night, I usually spend it down here." Sasha began to shiver. She noticed the draft and began to wonder. "But aren't you cold down here with that draft?" "Actually, that's warm air, it only feels cool because the water is evaporating off your skin. Ya see those cracks is the wall where the other end of the stream goes?" Tails pointed to the large cracks in the wall. They were almost slits. "Uh-huh." "Well, the stream goes to the Lava Pools just on the other side of that wall. Now when the wind from the Great Unknown blows across the pools, it travels through the cracks to heat the cavern. In fact, if you were to touch the wall, you'd see how warm it can get in here." Sasha began to travel to the wall. "...But I wouldn't. It's enough heat to burn off the fur." Sasha immediately stopped, turned, and looked as if she were going to scold him. However, before she could, the fox interrupted. "C'mon, it's about time to go back." * * * * * *"Ah could swear ah saw em' swimming in the ring pool."* It was 12:00 PM in Knothole and everyone was traveling to the dinning hut, except for three. Two were no where to be found. The other had been searching for the others for about ten minutes. Bunnie was standing at the edge of the pool peering down. Seeing no one, she decided to scan the land. No sign of either Tails nor Sasha could be found. Tails poked his head through the holes opening and checked for onlookers. Seeing none, he motioned for Sasha to follow him up. When the hit the surface, someone screamed. "What the? How'd ya'll stay undah for so long?" Tails and Sasha exchanged nervous glances. "Uh, we were, uh, seeing who could hold there breath longest." Then Tails spoke up. "Uh yeah, looks like you won Sasha." They both quickly got out when Tails realized that his towel was still at the bottom of the ring pool. *"Dammit!!"* Without a word Tails dove back into the pool. "Tails! Where are you going?" Sasha saw that he swam past the opening. *"Oh my gosh! Where's he going?"* Sasha dropped to her knees calling to him. Suddenly without another word of her own, Sasha dove in after Tails. During all this Bunnie had already begun to walk back to the dinning hut. When she turned to see what they were doing, she groaned. *"Not again. Ah'll have to tie em' down."* Bunnie ran back to the pool only to find Sasha's lonely towel. *C'mon ya'll, lunch is almost over."* Bunnie waited another two minutes for them and suddenly snapped into an extreme state of worrying. Sasha grabbed hold of Tails' foot. Tails looked back with an expression that said "What are you doing?" Sasha replied by pulling him back up to the surface. Seeing that she was not going to have enough air, Tails having even less, she decided to make a detour in to the cavern opening. Her lungs began to scream with pain and the need for fresh oxygen. Finally she reached the cavern entrance. Tails seemed to have stopped struggling. When she looked back to Tails, she saw that he had stopped breathing. Her mind screamed louder than the pain, *"Get him to the surface! NOW!"* So ignoring all pain that was in her chest , she swam full-force to the top. Sasha gasped. They had reached it. But she didn't care about her own well being. She literally tossed him to the shore. As quick as a flash, she was out of the water and to the side of Tails. When Bunnie had seen they weren't coming up, she had went to fetch Sally and Bookshire. However with them came a very large crowd. "Please Tails! Breathe! I said breathe! Breathe dammit!!" Sasha had been preforming CPR for the past 15 minutes, and no one tried to stop her. Suddenly, in sheer exhaustion, she collapsed by her boyfriend. By now Bookshire was able to get through. But then, when it seemed like all hope was lost, Tails began to dribble water from his mouth. And what soon followed sounded like coughing. A few watery coughs later and Tails was sitting up though still weak. "Get them both to my hut! Now!" Sasha was soon awake once more. "Tails? Tails, your ok!" The pain still plagued her. "Didn't I tell you not to scare me like that again?" Tails smiled weakly and then just laid back down, Sasha did the same, grateful that he was still with her. Sonic blinked. Then slowly he began to sit up. His vision was blurred but he could see the bandages on his nose and stomach. He wasn't sure, but he bet that he had a bandage on his shin as well considering the pain that seemed to linger in that area. His head was just as bad. But, he could still hear the running footsteps and the shouts headed for the hut. Then two familiar figures entered the doorway, most likely to be followed by more. "Sally? Bookshire?" Both figures turned to Sonic, one gasped. The other seemed to have more pressing matters to attend to. "Sonic? Sonic you're up!" As the figure ran towards him, he could clearly identify her as Sally. "Sal? What's goin' on? Who's in trouble? And how'd I get like this?" "Well, Tails and Sasha nearly drowned. If it weren't for Sasha, Tails would have, at least. As for you? I think that's a conversation better saved for when you get better. In the meantime, I hope you feel better." She leaned over and gave Sonic a kiss on the forehead. *"Wow, Sasha an' Tails almost drowned, I wonder what Sasha did any ways."* While Sonic thought, Sally went over to help Bookshire with the new arrivals. "That's the second time in two days, Tails. It's almost like you're trying to avoid something. Is there something you should tell Sally?" Tails was being checked over by Bookshire and had been for the last half-hour. "No, I guess it's just bad timing." "Well, in any case, your free to go. Sasha and Bunnie are waiting for you." "Ok, thanks doc." After Tails had left, Bookshire moved to the now revived Sonic. "Well Sonic, how are you doing? Are you dizzy? Loss of appetite? Headache?" "Uh no, just a little bit of dizziness. So what's up with Tails? Is he going to be all right?" Bookshire made a wisdom-filled face. "Hard to say, long term or current?" "Long term, how's he gonna be?" Bookshire pulled up a chair and set his cane on the back. "Well, it was a slight flooding of his left lung. So eventually it will seep into his bloodstream and give him a slight case of nausea. But it will eventually be flushed out of his system through waste." Sonic couldn't help but laugh. It made him feel better to know that his best friend through-out Mobius would be feeling better at the moment. Heck, he was happy he didn't just drown period. "So, what did Sasha do any ways? Sal said if it weren't for her, Tails would be long gone." Bookshire smiled. "Just a little CPR. And heroics. From what I hear, he dived in, and didn't come back up. So Sasha dove in after and grabbed him. Then pulled him to shore and did the CPR." Sonic looked like he understood. "I see, I see. What's CPR?" Now Bookshire was laughing. "Well, when someone stops breathing, breathing for them may be the only way to save them. So let me put it this way. This is one time Sasha did not kiss him for fun." Before Sonic could respond, the raccoon got up and traveled to the door. "Gotta have lunch. Didn't eat all day. I'll be back in an hour." When Bookshire left he was still laughing slightly. He left a confused hedgehog to ponder his words. * * * * * "I still don't see why your always needing him to do something. Why can't you just get Antoine, or Rotor, or someone else?" Sasha was fed up. She had watched Bunnie take advantage of Tails over some deal and now Sasha wanted to know what was going down. "Ah got him pinned to the wall, that's why. And half of it is your fault." Sasha was taken aback. "My fault? Your trying to put this on MY shoulders? How and why would it be half of my fault? And why haven't I taken any brunt of this?" "Maybe because he actually took the blame for something he did instead of slinking away to let someone else take the wrap. And ya'll wanna know what ya'll did, huh? How bout that little make-out scene ah caught ya'll in the middle of? Ah suppose you forget each day because then ah find you off doin' it again. And besides, what ah got him doin' is for your benefit!" "What could this do..." "BOTH OF YOU JUST SHUT UP RIGHT NOW!!" Both snapped their heads in the direction of the brute voice. There stood Tails, mad enough to do just about anything. He had been standing there the whole time taking in every word. He too was now fed up with both of them. He was tired of Sasha's constant complaining over the subject. He was also tired of Bunnie keeping this whole thing a secret. He wanted Sasha to just accept it when he was needed, and for Bunnie to open her mouth. "Now both of you listen! Sasha, I really wish you would just drop it. I'll be needed for the rest of the week and that's it!" Sasha was about to protest. "I'm not finished yet! Do not interrupt! And Bunnie! I'm sick and tired of being left in the dark about all this! Either you tell me what the deal is, or I'll go tell Sally what I did myself! Do you both understand now?" He crossed his arms and began to tap his foot. "I'm waiting..." Though both were still in shock by his attitude, they both managed to nod. "I'm sorry Tails.." Sasha said in I meek voice. Tails sighed. "It's ok . Why don't you go to the hut, I'll catch you later." With and slight slouch, Sasha slowly went back to the hut for a bath. When she reached the door, she looked back to see the same apologetic look on his face that was on her's. "Ah'm sorry too sugar. Ah'll tell ya' all about this when we get back ta mah hut." Tails was smiling. "That is a great idea Bunnie! Who came up with it?" Bunnie began to inspect her nails in a show of modesty. "Yours truly, sugar. So you happy now? You'll still help?" Tails smile widened. "Of course I will! Anything for Sasha." "Glad ya feel that way. Now ya'll can help me with some cooking." She began to stand and noticed Tails had a thoughtful look in his eye. Then his regular grin turned into a mysterious one. "Tails? What are ya'll thinkin' now?" To answer, Tails reached into the small pouch he had carried around since the drowning incident last year. "What is in that sack any...oh mah stars. Tails! It's beautiful!" Tails had pulled out a black box. When he opened it Bunnie was filled with a sense of mesmerizing awe. "Don't ya'll think you'd be goin' too far?" She said after snapping out of it. "No. In fact, I wouldn't expect it to take place until after the Robotnik Wars." Bunnie smiled and gave Tails a hug. "Ya'll is quite the gentleman Tails." "Thanks Aunt Bunnie. Now, how bout I help you with that cooking?" Bunnie was already at the grill. "Ah nearly forgot! We only got about a day to prepare!" Tails had joined her in the kitchen. "Well, I guess we can make the salad tomorrow to keep it fresh." "Right. How bout we start with the fish? Ah'll read 'em off while you get the ingredients?" "Ok, works for me." Sasha was now pouring the bubble bath in the tub. She needed to relax and this seemed like the perfect way. *"Ah. Quiet, hot, and bubbly. Just the way I like it. Well, actually, I can think if something else. More like someone."* She couldn't help but giggle. She could just imagine Tails' reaction to the question. *"'What? Are you out of your mind?' Yep, that's exactly what he'd say."* Sasha was now outright laughing. *"He's just playing hard to get. I'll bet on it. But it still would be nice."* Sasha was still thinking about this when she slipped into the tub. Thinking about Tails, there lives together, and what the future held for them. "Two quarter-pound pike fillets?" "Got 'em." "Flour?" "Uh....yep." "Half-tablespoon butter?" "It's here." That was the start of the dinner Bunnie and Tails were cooking. They had started, of course, by gathering the ingredients. "Ok. Let mah see heah. Tails, uh, preheat the oven to 500 degrees. No wait don't. I forgot, we ain't heatin' it until tomorrow." "Ok then, now what?" "Get the fish," Tails reached over and grabbed the baking pan with fish on it. "Now, season with the salt and peppah." He then reached for the shakers and did as he was told. "Ok, now start dipping the fillets in the flour." This directing continued for a while. They worked in silence from that point on. Bunnie was thinking about what Tails had showed her. Tails was running over in his mind how Sasha's birthday was going to go. "Well, ah'll but this in to the fridge until tomorrow. Why don't ya'll go back to your hut and talk to Sasha?" "Ok Aunt Bunnie. Cya later then." Tails happily walked out the door and onto the paths of Knothole." Sasha must have fallen asleep for when she came to, she found her self on her bed. She looked over to see Tails hanging up the towel he must have used to dry her off. *"Funny, I wonder why I didn't wake up when he dried me. Guess this proves how gentle he can be."* Sasha giggled at another of her little jokes. This brought the attention of Tails. "Nice to see your up. I can't believe you fell asleep in the bathtub! You could have been killed." "Yeah, but thanks to you, I didn't." Tails smirked. "Actually, the no-slip pads at the bottom did. I was just there to get you out of there. How long were you in that tub any ways? The water was ice cold. You could have froze to death." Sasha thought. "Well, what time is it now?" "Let me see," Tails glanced down at his watch. "Quarter to four." "I was in the tub for three hours!?" She was shocked. *"How did I ever manage to do that?"* Well, no. I spent one hour drying you off. It took me so long because I didn't want to wake you." Sasha got up and gave Tails a hug. "Aww Tails, that was so sweet." Tails began to rock her back and forth. "Your welcome. Now c'mon. Dinner is almost ready." * * * * * Sonic began to toss and turn. Sonic opened his eyes to find the he was no longer in Bookshire's hut. Instead, he was on the same field that Tails found himself on. When he looked at his body, he realized that he was completely healed. Still puzzled, the hedgehog looked around. Then as far off as the visibility could allow, he saw two figures. One was very short. The other about as tall as him. When he gave it a closer look, he realized that the smaller one had two tails and the taller one had quills. He was even more puzzled to see himself and Tails. And then he was shocked to see what was going on. It looked like Tails was beating on Sonic. Tails delivered two good punches to the stomach and face. And a good kick in the leg. ...Right where his bandages were. Sonic sat bolt-upright. *"Tails? Now why would he do this?"* He was wracking his brain for answers all night. When Bookshire walked in, Sonic was still up and thinking. "Ah, your up. Feeling any better?" "Oh yeah, fine. Would you mind getting Sally? I gotta talk to her." Bookshire gave it a thought. "Sure. Wait here. Don't move." Sonic closed his lids half-mast and gave a sarcastic laugh. "Ha ha. C'mon. Stop foolin' Booker." He was still trying to stiffle the laughs. "Ok, ok. Geez, you don't have to spoil all my fun." "Usually when your havein' fun, your not doing anything else." Bookshire made a gesture with his free hand to stop. "You win. I'll go get Sally. Bookshire hobbeled out of the hut while Sonic continued thinking about the current situation. "Sonic?" He looked up to see Sally standing there. He had only just started when she came in. "What did you need to tell me?" Bookshire soon followed her in. "She wasn't hard to find, Sonic. In fact, she was hanging around the front of the hut." Sonic looked towards him and nodded. "Thanks Booker, now I kinda need to talk to Sal in private. "Gotcha. Call me back in when your done. I still got to check you over." Bookshire left the room to continue with whatever he does. "Now what's this all about Sonic?" Sonic settled into a new position to get more confortable. "Well, I want to know what happened to me, how'd I get like this Sal?" Of course, he already had his suspitions, he just wanted to confirm them. Sally sighed. "Sonic, look, I already told you, not 'til..." "Now Sal, I want to know NOW." He crossed his arms and if he could he would be tapping his foot. "I'm waaaaaaiiiiiting." Came his tradmark show of impatience. Sally sighed again, only this time in defeat. "Fine, but you're..." "Not gonna' like it, I know. Just get on with it." Sally bowed her head down and looked for the right words to start with. "Ok, listen. Remember when we were watching Sasha and Tails?" He nodded. "And also when I told you to go get them?" "Ye...yeah. C'mon Sal, stop drawing it out." "When you went into the hut, you kinda, well,..." "Spit it out Sal!" "You caught him singing in the shower." Sonic settled back down. He was expecting more stalling but what he got felt like another punch in the face. "So he was really mad enough to put me in bandages?" She nodded...then looked up. He was surprised that Tails had really done this but even more so to see Sally smiling. "But, if you ask me, you deserved it." She got up, ajusted her vest, and headed for the door. "Hope ya feel better Sonic." She called over her shoulder. "Sal? Sally wait! Where ya' goin'?" "Just for a stroll." Sonic was going to ask what she ment by this, but he would have been talking to himself. She had gone, and once again, someone had left the hedgehog to wonder about their words. * * * * * After Sally had closed the door, she began to snicker. In reality, this little stroll she told Sonic she would be taking was going to lead her straight to Bunnie's hut. On her way, she caught sight of Tails. He was going the opposite direction on the path towards his hut with a note in his hand. "Hiya Tails! Why haven't you been talking to me? Did I scare you a little too much?" Tails hadn't even seen her until she knelt down to stop him. He was far too deep in thought. "Aunt Sally? Oh, hi." She came and hugged him. "Aunt Sally, I'm sorry, it's just that Bunnie has me doing thing because..." "Shhh, honey, I know all about. Because your Aunt Sally is in on this too." She winked at Tails who was now smiling again, but then a look of stupidity crossed his face. "That's not all you know, is it?" Sally looked puzzled but then soon had a forgiving look on her face. "Tails, honey, look. When Sonic told me what you did, I hit the roof, but when I watched you and Sasha, I realized that you two will probably end up together your whole lives. But just promise me one thing." Tails nodded. He was happy enough that Sally was being so forgiving. "I just want you to promise me to at least keep this to a minimum. I never did really expect you to hold it off till you were 15 anyways." Tails was confused. "15? What does that me.." Sally inturupted him. "I'm also happy that your helping out with Sasha's birthday." "Why wouldn't I? Just don't act too surprised when it happens Aunt Sally." "Wait, now why would I...Tails? Where did you go? Tails?" Before she even realized it, Tails sped off to his hut. There was a rapping at the door. Sasha had just gotten out of the shower for about an hour ago, Sally had told her she needed her to model a dress she made and that she'd like her cleaned up for it. *"Whoops, better get my vest on."* So, without any words from her mouth she threw on her vest and walked bare-foot to the door. "Yes? Oh hi Tails. What's up?" He didn't say anything but just handed her the folded piece of paper. She looked at it quizically and when she was about to ask about it, Tails motioned for her to stop, bowed, and then sped off. "Huh, what's this all about?" She unfolded the note and read it. Then she happily smiled and dropped the note on the desk. It had read, Dear Nicole Alicia Acorn, I would be delighted to have you join me for dinner tonight. If you will, please join me in the Garden Circle at 7:00 PM. Of all the ocasions we have been together alone,I think that this one will be the most special one of all. Sincerely, Miles Tails Prower From that moment on until 7:00, there was a definate spring in Sasha's step. * * * * * Antoine and Tails were busy preparing the dinner scene in the Garden Circle. The Garden Circle was a part of the forest where most of these dinners were held. Six paths led outward from the cirle from six points. One going to Knothole, the others going who-knows-where. At each enterance was an arch with beautiful wildflowers growing on them. In the center was a covered platform with a well built and very nice looking table. All around the railing of the dinner platform were beautiful vine plants. It was a place often enjoyed by many couples young and old. Since this place was quite a distance from Knothole, they would have to bring mobile food warmers and coolers. While Antoine was setting up this equiptment, Tails was busy stringing lights across the arches to the center pravillion. He had planned on making sort of a spider-web pattern and was almost done. Seeing the trouble Antoine was having, he figured he'd have to hurry up to help him before he started going off in his french laguage. Too late. Just as he got close enough, Antoine exploded in frusturation while kicking the device and speaking spontaneous french words at it. Tails couldn't understand what he was saying, but he guessed that he was swearing. Just when Antoine was about to unsheath his sword to put the thing out of it's misery, Tails grabbed his arm. "Antoine! Chill! I don't need to have to go back with you to get another one! Now what's your problem?" Antoine began to calm down. He put his sword back and began to apologize profusely. "Pleaze to be forgiving me mon ami, but zis, contraptionate will not be cooperating." Tails looked it over and then raised an eyebrow. He saw a box near the back which had an indent the same size as the box. He looked back at Antoine who was still rambling. "...I just don't know why zis thing won't be working..." "Antoine, did you try putting in the battery?" Antoine looked dumbfounded. "I knew I was to be mizing something." "Antoine, just, just, put it in." Tails sighed and got back to lighting the path. Antoine was still red from blushing. "Finally, I hope they like the lighting job. I better get back before Antoine messes up the food." Antoine was far from doing that. In fact, the food was already in the right places and both machines were operating smoothly. "Wow Antoine, I'm inpressed, did it right without messing everything up like you usually do." "Ah, I am to be thanking you mon ami...wait just zis minute! What eez it zat you mean by usually?" Tails was rolling on the ground laughing. "You just leave yourself open too much, Antoine." He rolled his eyes and continued arguing with Tails. Somewhere in the forest, another pair of creatures were arguing. It sounded as though it were coming from Knothole. * * * * * "Stop fideting and hold still!" "Ouch!! Why did you do that?" "It was your fault, you moved into the needle." "Will both of you hush? Listen, we only have two hours, So we have to finish. Now if possible but it looks like that's not going to happen." Sally, Sasha, and Rosie were working on the dress for the surprise planned for Sasha's birthday. Luckily it haden't been let on that this wasn't about that. As for as Sasha knew, she was just having dinner. But she didn't forget her birthday of course. And since it seemed that no one, not even Sally, remembered, she was just not in the mood. "Sorry Rosie. It's just that, Sasha won't cooperate." "What does that mean? Besides, I got plenty of good dresses I could wear..." "But we figured why not have a new one." Sasha shot a glance in Rosie's direction and then continued bickering with Sally. Rosie walked back to were she was sewing something that looked kinda like a scarf. *"Hmmm, I'm surprised she didn't catch sight of this earlier. Well, all the better, now she'll definatly be suprised. Why not? Winter's on it's way." She continued thinking to herself and sewing, listening to the steady talk of two of the closest people she knows. "Done. I swear, any more, my fingers would be pincushions." "Well, I'm glad it's over. Now what?" "Now we wait." It was 6:00 o' clock, almost time for the big surprise dinner. Rosie had finished the scarf and came over to see if she could help Sally at all. But, it turned out that she had it under control. Now they were all sitting, enjoying the break they recieved. Except for Sasha who was told to stand as to not wrinkle the dress. "Sally, I'm really proud, that is some fine stitch work." Thanks Rosie. It could have went faster though." Sasha flashed an irritated look at Sally who was actually smiling. "I suppose we might as well do something to pass the time. C'mon Rosie. I got a bit of work I need help with." As they got up to leave, Sasha tried to stop them. "And what about me?" "You? You get to wait til 6:30. Bye Sasha. We won't have too much fun." They were grinning. Grinning at Sasha. Grinning at the whole situation. "Hmph." Sasha said as she decided to sit down anyways. "This is kinda fun Sally, glad you talked me into it." Rosie and Sally were out of the hut and on their way to Sally's. "So, what do you want to show me?" Sally opened the door, reached into a draw and pulled out Nicole. Rosie looked extremly confused. "Nicole, but, isn't that her on your boot?" Sally smiled. "Not Nicole, but Natalee. I had Uncle Chuck make a duplicate of Nicole for Sasha. And I made a name change program if she doesn't like the name. I just figured why not have them similar?" Rosie was looking at Natalee. "Wow, they look exactly alike." "No, I wouldn't say that." Rosie jumped. A high voice with a hint of annoyence came from the computer. "I also gave it more of an attitude. Matches Sasha perfectly huh?" Rosie couldn't help but giggle. Sally soon joined in. But what surprised them both was that the computer joined in only for a different reason. "You what?" "I recorded that little remark for Sasha to hear. Pretty sneaky huh?" It was strange to Rosie. Now Sally and Natalee were arguing. "Sneaky? That was down-right rude." "And so was that little remark. I'm sure Sasha will agree." Rosie wasn't thinking it was strange anymore. In fact, she thought it was quite amusing. "Looks like you got the attitude too good. That little thing's got you pinned to the wall." Sally glanced at Rosie with frustration in her eyes. "Hmm, maybe I can use that name-change program to call you Mud'." This earned her a zap with Natalee's laser. "Do, and Sasha won't only hear what you said, but I'll make sure to edit it just right to make it sound really incriminating." Sally rubbed her hand. It didn't hurt, but it shocked her that the computer did that. "Fine, you win. I can't believe this. A computer did this to me!" After that, Sally stormed out of the room making sure to slam the door extra-hard. "Maybe, just maybe I went to far." Rosie looked at the computer with puzzlment. "Huh? You mean that's not how bad Sally programmed that little 'tude of yours?" What cofused Rosie even more was that Natalee flashed a suprised looking smily face on her screen. "No, I was just messing with her. She just took it too far. I guess I should apologize" "Yes you should. Now I'm going to go get Sally back in here so you can do just that." After Rosie left, Natalee let out a spurt of sound that sounded like laughter. * * * * * "C'mon Ant! I need that tux! Give it to me!" Antoine was holding Tails' tuxedo high above his head. And he was laughing it off too. "No no mon ami. Zis eez just zee little paying you back for what ezz it that you have been doing to moi. It eez fair, no?" "Of course it's not fair!" Tails said not understanding what Antoine ment. "Your not the one who has to actually look nice for tonite. But you wouldn't know that since you've aquired a bad taste!" "Zat is an inzult!" "It sure is Ant! Now give me my suit!" And to Tails' surprise, he did. Then he began to walk away mumbling something he couldn't hear. "Ant? Where ya going?" He didn't respond. And all Tails could say after that was, "Oops." *"I must have really hurt his feelings. I better go after him"* Tails hurried to catch up with the other fox. "Hey Ant! Antoine!" He still didn't reply. "Hey man c'mon. I didn't mean that. I just wanted my tux." "That eez all you had to be saying mon ami. Insteed of whinings about it." Tails growled under his breath. "Listen, I still need your help setting up the music. And I'll get the food. Alright? I don't need to do this by myself. No, scratch that, I can't do it by myself. Truce?" Antoine looked at Tails' outstreched hand and sighed. "Truce. Now we must to be hurrying. Zay will being here in about, oh, I am to be guessing ten minutes." Tails did a double take. Not because of the time they had left but because he had left Sasha's gift on his bed. "Awww crap. Ant, do you think you can cover me? I got to get that box." Antoine groaned. "But didn't you not just zay we needed to be working together?" Tails smirked. "No, not quite. I said I needed your help, and while I get that box, you can be a big help by setting the table and setting up the music." And before Antoine could recover from the trap, Tails was off, tuxedo in hand. *"Where is it? I need that freaking box!"* And suddenly his prayers were answered when it appeared...attached to Sasha's hand. "Lookin' for this?" Tails turned and almost fainted. "Oh wow Sasha, you look beautiful! But uh, where did you get that? I kinda need it." Sasha looked at her hand. "Oh well, it was on the bed. I came in here just about a minute ago after getting the works from Sally. I didn't have time to open it." Tails sighed a sigh of relief. "...And I guess I won't since it looks like you don't want me to." Tails accepted the box with at least ten 'Thank You's'. Pretending to put it back on the desk he secretly slipped it into his pocket for later use. "Hey, what did happen?" Sasha looked puzzled. "Huh?" "With Sally." "Oh, oh. Well," she said sitting, "I guess it started like this..." * * * * * It didn't take long for Rosie to find Sally. It seems that she left for Rosie's hut and once she saw Sasha, began yelling. *"Uh oh. Looks like Sasha's getting the brunt of this. I better stop her."* Rosie ran to the hut as fast as she could. When she opened the door, a whole barage of screams, yells, and swearing came from the hut's interior. Rosie was becoming angry. "Will you both..." "What is wrong with you? Your so freaking uptight!!" "...Please could you just..." "Well your an irresponsible little brat! What am I supposed to do?" "...I'd appreciate it if you would..." "It would do me some good if you would just shut the hell up!!" "ENOUGH!" Silence. That's what followed Rosie's sudden outburst. They both snapped their heads in her direction. "Both of you! There is no time for this! not only that, if your going to do that, do it on your own time and in your own hut." Rosie was trying to calm down. Sally looked down. "Sorry Rosie. But..." Rosie hushed her. "No Sally, not me. Apologize to her. She's not the one who insulted you like that anyways." Rosie then wished she could take her words back and slice them into oblivion. * * * * * "...and well, the rest is nothing. I wondered about what Rosie was talking about, but niether explained." While she was talking, Tails proceeded to put on his tuxedo. "Wow, you got off easy." Tails began to giggle, but this caused him to lose his balance and he fell over while trying to put on the slacks. Sasha only needed to look at him before she began to laugh herself. Then she realized the time. "Oops! C'mon, hurry Tails! Were almost late!" Tails staggered to his feet. "Right, now all I gotta do is put on my shoes...ah, here we go." Tails reached behind the door to pull out a pair of loafers. "Loafers? But don't you..." "Hey like you put it, Royal Order'." This confused Sasha even more. "But isn't this your idea?" He didn't answer. At least, not her question. All he said was, "Let's get going." "Well, there they go Rosie. When are we supposed to go again? And where is Bunnie?" Rosie also noticed that Bunnie didn't seem to be around. "Hold on Sally. One question at a time. Bunnie said to go at 8:00, and as for Bunnie herself, I really don't know. "Hmm, think we should look for her?" "No. I do think that maybe we should just check her hut considering that niether of us has been in there so that's most likly where she's at." "Oh. Well I guess. Ok, let's go." Rosie smiled. *"Looks like two people got the better of you today Sally. Or should I say, one person and one thing."* * * * * * Snoring. Yes, that's what it was. Rosie and Sally found Bunnie slumped over her desk sleeping the hours away. Rosie looked to Sally who just shrugged. Then she wispered, "Should we at least wake her?" "What are you asking me for? I don't know. But I wonder what kept her up all night to get her to sleep this late." Rosie began to tilt Bunnie back into her chair. "Why not find out?" When she was clear, they took a look at what she had been doing, then gasped in awe and wonder. "Oh my gosh Rosie, it's beautiful!" Rosie turned and sushed her. Sally regained her whispered tone and replyed, "I had no idea she could sew like this. This is so accurate. It looks just like them." Rosie continued gazing at it. "Yes, this is very good. I'm sure Sasha will appreciate it." What they had been admiring was sewn picture of Tails and Sasha hugging, surrounded by a forest pattern. "I couldn't even get it this good without going straight into the night to dawn. I suppose we better let her sleep." Sally picked it up and covered her mouth to hide her giggling. "Look, she got it straight down to the split-ends in Sasha's hair." "Well that's all good, but let's hurry and get this wrapped. "Watch out Tails! My dress!" Tails swooped to avoid a low flying branch. "Time for a landing." He pretended to drop her just for effect. "Tails! Don't do that!" She scolded firmly. But was then hand in hand with Tails walking down the path. She wasn't sure, but she thought she heard... "Like the music?" Sasha smiled and nodded. Soon they entered the clearing and Sasha gasped. "Tails, you did all this? By yourself?" He smiled modestly and replyed, "No, had a little help from Antoine. No big deal. Now, please, take a seat while I get dinner." Sasha walked up the terrace with Tails trailing behind. She started to pull the chair out but Tails put his hand on her shoulder. "Please, allow me." "You didn't spend all day learning how to be a gentlman for me, did you?" He kept smiling politly and said, "Would you perfer I began acting otherwise?" Sasha merely sat down in reply and was then being pushed in by Tails. He then proceeded to put the napkin on her lap. Then he left towards one of the entraces to retrieve two dishes. *"Wow, he really out did himself just to give me a dinner date."* "Now tell me you cooked this yourself, because this is really great. I didn't know you knew I loved fish." They had begun the main course and were already engaged in conversation. "No, the cooking was with help, too. Bunnie's. That why she needed me most of the time. But you really like it?" "It's great! But, this just seems like you went so far just for me. Why?" Tails almost choked. "Why? I can't believe you just asked me that. Why wouldn't I? That's the question you should be asking." Sasha had just about finished and was poised to ask the question, "What else do you have planned?" Tails proceeded to take the plates then bent down so only she could hear, "It's a secret." Sasha looked confused. "A secret?" He was already off to retrieve the dessert. "And this is it." He pulled the cover off so she could see. "Oh no, no no no, you didn't! You did! You made me Orange Baked Sherbet! I haven't had this in so long! Where did you find the recipe?" Tails only set it down in front of her. "I'll be right back." But she was already scarfing down the dish. "Almost ready?" "Yeah Sonic. Just remember when to do it." Tails had went over to one of the entrances to see Sonic. He needed to clear something before he continued with the big surprise. Coming back to the table, he saw that she had finished. "It was that good huh?" All he got was a big hug. "Well, I don't suppose you'd care to dance." She pulled back and looked him straight in the eye, "I'd love to." So, on they danced. The clock was nearing 9:00. Almost time. "How come we never do that, Sonic?" Sally was wispering across the entrance to the one next to her's. "Not now Sal. Just prep for a black-out." "Hmph, fine. Do it." "What was that?" Sasha was referring to the buzzing she heard. Like the power was going to.... "Damnit! Blackout. Better hit the back-up. Wait here, I'll be right back." So, left alone, Sasha began to wonder what was going on until one by one, each archway lit up to reveal a figure in it. * * * * * "Happy birthday, Sasha!" Sasha looked around the once again lit clearing to see everyone with a gift to offer. All except Bunnie. "What's going on? I thought this was just a dinner." "Oh, but it is. It just has a birthday party after it." Sasha was about to cry. "But," Her voice was choking so she cleared it. "But I thought you all forgot." Sally stepped up. "No, we would never forget. Especially when it concerns something as important as you." She just let it go. Sasha began to cry. "Thanks Sally." It was all she could say. "Yeah, besides, what would happen to all the chili dogs I made if we didn't have the party?" Tails kicked Sonic in the shin lightly. "Sonic..." Sonic was hopping up and down holding his leg. "Ahh, ow, bad shin. Sorry." Tails went to Sally and Sasha and said, "So, should we start the party?" Then Sasha moved from Sally to Tails and hugged him fiercely. "I guess so Tails. I'll go change the music." Even though she had her head buried in his shoulder, he could hear her say, "Thank you so much Tails." Suddenly, someone else stepped into the clearing. "Sorry ah'm late ya'll. Slept in." "That was great! Thanks again everyone. Sally for the computer, Bunnie for the sewn picture, Sonic for boots, Rotor for the new communicator, Tails for...Tails, wait, you didn't..." He put his fingers to her lips. "Sit down. This party ain't over." He reached into his pocket and grasped the box. Sliding it out, Bunnie managed to catch sight of it and held her breath. Sally turned to her. "What's wrong?" She pointed and said, "Just watch." Tails walked in front of her and began to talk. "I'm sure you remember that talk we had. Well, I thought about what you said, about that feeling you said you felt, and I feel the same way. Ever since that time, I've been wondering when I should give this to you. And I figured now would be perfect." He dropped to his knee and revieled the ring inside. It had a gold band. A piece of silver on the top with diamond imbedding in it. Then Sally caught her breath and everyone else just stared. "Sasha Alica Acorn, will you marry me?" Sasha also stared and the tears began to well up in her eyes again. She tried to answer but was only able to mouth it. In any case, the answer was "Yes." "Happy birthday Sasha." "Sally! Sally wake up!" Sonic was shaking Sally in a vain attempt to get her up. Then she blinked. "I know it didn't happen. I must be hallucinating." She sat up, cringed, but continued to stand. Where are Tails and Sasha?" Sonic then knew what she was talking about when she said "It didn't happen." "Under the pravilion. But Sal, I think you'll be surprised." "Nevermind that now, let me through." She pushed past the crowd around her to get to the couple at the table. Tails saw her and made a mental note to run at the first sign of potential killing. "Both of you. Over here, now." They both slowly made their way over. "Now, did I not here you propose marriage?" Tails swallowed, "Y-yes, you did. But please listen, I..." "No Tails, you listen. What is wrong with you? Your eleven years old and your doing this. And I thought that little..." "Sal, stop. Let him finish." Sally glared at Sonic and then turned back to the two. "Alright, you got two minutes to explain yourself." He took a deep breath and began. "Well, yes I proposed, but it's planned that the actual marriage will not even happen until after the Robotnik Wars. Even if it were to end tomorrow, we know well enough that its wouln't be right to have it now. If that were the case, then we'd at least be responsible enough to hold it off for a while." Sally was looking for words to retort with but found none. They had the whole situation under control. The had beaten her. Sally sat down. Rosie then came over. "That's three Sally. You must be losing your touch." Sally looked up at Rosie, and in spite of her feelings, smiled. Then she turned to the young fox and squirrel. Then smiled at them. * * * * * "Ouch! Damn this hurts after a while." "Oh, don't even say anything. What about me? My wrists are killing me." "Looks like I kept my promise, huh?" Tails, who was hanging by his tails, looked to Sally. "I didn't actually think that a little proposal could get you to do this." Sally looked suprised. "Oh, don't be so naive. Well, you two hang tight, only two hours to go." She walked off laughing her head off. "Well, I guess your right Sasha." Sasha, who was suspended by her wrists on a rope, looked up at Tails. "Huh?" "Well what you said about Sally, ya know, the..." "Be quiet Tails! Not here! Someone might hear you." Then, a blue blur came speeping in and stopped at the ring pool, looked up, stared and then sped off. "What's up with that?" Sonic came running up behind Sally and then said, "Sal, you are sick." She then grabbed him, hugged him and said, "Now they won't break my rules. See?" Sonic shook his head and then sped back to the two unfortunates. "Ow, thanks Sonic. We owe you." Sonic had decided that they didn't quite deserve something this severe and cut them down. "Well, just stay out of Sally's sight and you'll be okay." Sasha grabbed Tails hand and began to drag him toward their hut. "Later Sonic. She's got me working now. Maybe it was a mistake. Sonic laughed as Sasha slapped Tails. "Say that again and your going back up there." Now Tails was laughing. "Sorry Mrs. Prower." He began laughing again but Sasha wasn't. *"Hmm, Sasha Alicia Prower, has a nice ring to it."* * * * * * Well? Did you like it, hate it, love it, want to burn it, what? Please send all comments to me.(Remember? mike_256bit@hotmail.com) Hope you did enjoy it any ways. Peace out. * * * * *