Tails had to visit Sonic, sooner rather than later. It was clear everything wasn't ok. He couldn't get him off his mind. What was bothering him so much? Tails thought.

He had a sack of Christmas presents for Sonic. Sure Sonic had told him not to worry, but it was only fair. He was on his own this year, and he deserved it. Tails planned on taking the presents round later this week. But first, he needed to have a chat with Sonic on the phone, and really get down to what it is upsetting him so much, surely he would tell him. Right?

Tails was starting to feel worn down. The bags under his eyes heavy from lack of sleep, and he felt weak from not eating. Since the news of Sonic's degrade, Tails had found it difficult to eat anything. He would spend most of the time in his room led in his bed, worrying.

About an hour later, Tails had decided to give Sonic a call. He asked his parents what day would be good to visit, and next Saturday was free.

Picking up the phone, Tails dialed out the all-too-familiar phone number. It rang 8 times before Sonic picked up. What was taking him so long? Sonic ALWAYS answered the phone within a few seconds before...

"Hello?" The hedgehog asked.

"Sonic!"

"Tails!" Sonic's heart pounded heavily. He was hearing his brother's voice...

"How's it going, Sonic?" Tails questioned, knowing Sonic was going to lie, but he was not leaving until he at least tried.

"I'm, I'm ok... How about you?"

"I'm doing good. Sonic, buddy, we need to talk okay."

"What is it, bro?"

"First. I'm really sorry for not being in the other day. I would have liked to have seen you."

"Ah, it can't be helped. It was foolish of me to not let you know I was coming beforehand."

"Don't say that. And Sonic, are you really ok?"

"I'm fine Tails. Why'd you ask?" Sonic was getting concerned now. Was Tails sussing it out?

"You never sound yourself these days... You always sound I don't know, sad... and I don't want you to be sad."

"I'm fine. Honest, I'm not sad."

"Really, then what is it that's bugging you? Please, tell me what's wrong. Dad told me you looked unwell when you came round the other day, and underweight. I have been worried."

"There's NOTHING wrong! Please, why won't you believe me? And I have always been thin."

"Sonic, you are so stubborn!"

"I've already told you the truth!"

"Ok, if you wish."

"Tails!"

"Right. I am coming round this Saturday if you're free. I have some Christmas presents for you."

Sonic nearly dropped the phone. Did he hear it right?

"WHAT? You're kidding me?"

"Why would I do that?"

"Lil'bro, you didn't have to get get me anything, really, a card will be just fine!"

"Nope, no can do."

"Ok, I'm not going to talk you out of this, am I?" Sonic giggled.

"You know me too well. Say Sonic... Why have you given me so many Christmas presents this year? I mean I'm grateful and all, but why so many?"

Sonic was lost for words. He wasn't exactly going to tell him he'd been starving himself and going without gas and electric to fund the presents.

"Hey. I don't have to have a reason to spoil my little brother extra, do I?"

"I guess not. Any way Sonic I best be going. And I will say it one more time. Are you SURE you're ok?" Tails sounded worried now.

"I'm not even going to answer that."

"*sigh* Ok Sonic. Well I'm going to be here on Saturday, about 1 is that ok?"

"Yeah. I'll be in all day don't worry. Can't wait to see you."

"Me neither, I'm so excited. Any way I've got to go. Take care, ok?"

"You too, Tails..."

"Goodbye."

"Bye."

And with that, they both hung up.

Sonic nearly collapsed to the floor, he couldn't believe what he heard. His brother, was coming back HOME. He wandered around the room aimlessly, hands at his mouth. He had never felt so happy...

But of course, their was the huge worry at the back of his mind of his image... he knew he looked skinny, pale and unwell, and Tails was going to notice. He was not stupid. And Sonic worried he would bombard him with 'are you ok' questions, and he would have to lie, and fight back the tears.

And then there was his house. Everywhere you look there were smashed up objects, the ground was full of shards of glass, the place stank, there was no electric or heating, and the place was covered in dust.

Sonic shoved off the worry. He would tidy up later on in the week, to at least make an effort. All that matters was he was finally going to see his little brother again.