It was Christmas Day. Sonic and Tails' first Christmas away from one another. As far as Sonic was concerned, Christmas was cancelled this year. He hadn't bothered with Christmas decorations, he had torn up every Christmas card he had received, and didn't bother getting in any Christmas food, seeing as he barely ate anymore, and no longer went out.

Sonic had heard nothing from Tails since their argument last week. Sonic was getting weaker and weaker, the pain in his chest continuing. He was skin and bones, his fur was becoming paler by the day, and, he would keep having outbursts of rage.

He had nothing anymore. No family, no friends, no life and no home. He just wished his life would end- promptly. Everything was falling apart, and his luck was getting worse every day, if that was even possible.

Sighing, Sonic brought over Tails' bag of presents to the sofa (about the only piece of furniture still standing and not destroyed). He took a seat, and read the label.

To Sonic,

Merry Christmas!

All my love,

Tails

xxx

This made Sonic smile, but, his smile disappeared as quickly as it had come. Tails hadn't gone as extreme with the kisses as Sonic had, and this was before their argument. Tails no longer wished he had given Sonic the presents, and he felt he didn't deserve them and should give them back.

Sonic shook his head, no, he was too eager to know what Tails had gotten him. Peering into the bag, Sonic started opening the presents.

Tails had gotten him a new jacket, a book of famous landmarks to travel to, several DVDs, a digital watch, box of chocolates, a joke book, some smellies and a couple of mini handheld games.

And at the bottom of the bag, there was a card. Sonic had wondered where it was. He figured Tails forgot you're meant to give out cards BEFORE Christmas.

He tore open the envelope and to his surprise, the card was handmade. On the front, it read Merry Christmas Big Brother in red and blue bubble writing, and a picture of him and Tails doing the peace sign. They were stood on grass underneath a sun. The inside read:

To my big brother, Sonic

Merry Christmas!

Love you always,

Tails

xxx

PS: I miss you.

Tears of joy formed in the hedgehog's eyes and his smile spread wider. He hugged the card near to him. It was the only card this year he wasn't about to tear up. He had to hand it to Tails, his spelling and drawing skills were excellent.

Sonic appreciated each and every present, because they were from Tails, and he had put thought into it. But the card... the card is what he liked best. He had gone out of his way to spend the time drawing it, and then colouring it in.

Despite Tails' independence for his age, the hand-drawn card is what showed off his young, more innocent side.

Sonic had to phone Tails and apologise, he couldn't stand not being able to talk to his brother.

Sonic had a sudden wave of nausea hit him, and suddenly felt ill again. He had only nibbled on some biscuits this morning. Maybe he should get something more to eat, he thought.

And at that moment, the phone rang. Heart pounding, Sonic rushed to answer the call immediately.

Please be Tails. Please, please... He thought.

"Hello?"

"Sonic. Look, I'm-"

"No Tails, I'M the one who's sorry. It was my fault, I should've remembered to be there that day."

"No Sonic, it's me. Really, I shouldn't have said the things I did. I didn't mean it, honest!"

"Apology accepted."

"I wanted to thank you for all the presents but, you shouldn't have! This stuff... cost a fortune. How the heck did you afford it all?!" Tails asked, with heavy suspicion.

"Uhh, let's just say it took a lot of saving heheh."

"Oh. Well I love it all! Especially the framed picture of us, I'm going to put it pride of place in my room. Tails smiled, you're the best big brother ever."

"And you're the best little bro in the entire universe!"

Tails laughed.

"And, thank YOU for the presents. They are all lovely. And the card, well... had me lost for words."

"Did you like the jacket, huh Sonic? Because if it's the wrong size you can take it back..."

"No no Tails, I love it. Anyway how's your first Christmas with your new Mum and Dad? I hope they've spoiled you!"

"Oh, it's been brilliant! You should see the stuff they've given me. Sonic, get this- I had a brand new blue metallic bike, top of the range swing and slide, a trampoline, PS3, laptop, about 10 DVDs... I could go on forever! And my Auntie and Uncles are coming round this afternoon, so have even more stuff on its way!"

"Way past cool! Glad they spoilt you rotten, you deserve it." Sonic smiled.

"Yeah. And apparently I have an even bigger surprise coming! But my parents wanted to wait for me to phone you first, not sure why though."

"Oh. That's strange." Sonic admitted.

"I know right. Anyway, how's your Christmas going? Hope you're having a great day!"

"Yeah. It's been GREAT!" Sonic said, sarcastically.

"Oh, that is good." Tails responded happily. Obviously not picking up on Sonic's sarcasm.

Suddenly, a stabbing pain shot through the hedgehog's chest. He almost dropped the phone, doubling over in pain.

"UGH" Sonic spoke, eyes closed, hunched over in pain.

"Sonic, Sonic you ok?" Asked a rather worried Tails.

No answer.

"Sonic, bro, what's wrong?!"

Gasping for breath, room suddenly spinning, Sonic managed to pull himself together.

"I'm fine, just had a cramp suddenly. Anyway Tails I've got to go. Enjoy the rest of the day, ok?"

"Ok Sonic. Are you sure you're alright?" Tails wasn't convinced.

"Yeah yeah, I'm fine."

"If you say so then. I love you." Tails smiled.

"I love you too lil'bro. Bye..."

"Goodbye."

And with that, both brothers hung up. Both with smiles on their faces. Pleased that they had finally made up.

...

Half an hour later...

Tails and his parents were sat in the living room, eating belgium chocolates and watching a Christmas movie on their 40 inch plasma TV, waiting for family to come round in time for Christmas dinner.

"Gracie love, do you think it's time we told Tails the surprise?" Robert whispered.

"Yes. I think he's been waiting long enough." Gracie responded.

Turning around to face Tails (who was stuffing his face with chocolates all the whilst watching TV. His Father hesitantly approached the little fox.

"Tails. Your Mother and I think it's about time we let you know of the surprise." Robert said, smiling alongside his wife.

"Really? I can't wait to find out! What is it?!" Tails asked, excitedly.

"Well, son. We've kept it a surprise until now, as we wanted to surprise you on Christmas Day..."

Tails sat there, fidgeting in his seat, full of pent up excitement. He looked like he was about to burst.

"We're moving abroad, to Spain! At the end of next month. Your Mother and I have found a marvelous mansion which we fell in love with. Tails my son, you are going to LOVE IT!" Robert cheered, excitedly.

Tails' expression was unreadable.