((A/N: This is simply a WARNING. There will be some sensitive subjects in this chapter, so read at your own discretion, do not moan about it if you don't like it, we warned you.))

Tikal appeared in front of Vanilla's door. Time to see if Cream's ready. She thought, before knocking on the door.

After a bit, Vanilla opened the door. "So, here for the day out, are you?" she asked.

"Yes. Oh, reporting on Amy's progress, she's in denial." Tikal replied.

"Come on, she's getting ready."

"Ok."

Vanilla offers Tikal inside and closes the door behind the echidna.

"How was your night?" Tikal asked, entering the living quarters.

"Tiring, but I'll manage."

"I see."

"Have some eggs, you'll need your energy."

"I had a nice warm breakfast, thanks." Tikal politely declined.

"Suit yourself." and Vanilla went into her room. "Hurry up, Cream. Don't keep your company waiting." Tikal simply giggled ad waited patiently.

It took another few minutes, but Cream managed to come out and greet Tikal. Her sleeveless dress was oddly coloured, but fit the young doe to a "T". "Sorry about taking so long, this is the first time I ever wore this dress." she said.

"Looks good on you." Tikal said. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, let's go." and Cream grabbed a quick piece of toast as she joined Tikal.

The two left and headed for the elevator. "So, how was your night?" Tikal asked the doe.

"Concerning, but I'll manage." Cream answered. "I can be around knives again..."

"Something happen?"

"Not gonna talk about it, it'll ruin the mood."

"As you wish, but I'm here if you change your mind." Tikal said, the two entered the elevator and hit ground floor, as the doors were about to close to go down, Mighty suddenly leaped inside. After he recovered, he wiped his head. "Phew, just made it." He said.

He looked around. "Oh...morning ladies." He said to the two.

"Hello again, how are things?" Tikal asked.

"Bad..." Mighty replied.

"It's my girlfriend, I don't know where I stand with her at the moment." Mighty sighed.

"What's the problem?" Tikal asked.

"Well, she dumped me the other day and I thought that was it, but she text me as if the whole conversation never happened, and I don't know if we're in a relationship, if we're not...and even so, she's making my life hard and I want it to work but she makes it really difficult..." Mighty explained.

"Hmm..." Tikal thought, she then took a business card and handed it to Mighty.

"What's this?" Mighty asked, taking the card.

"Tikal's Talk Show, at your service. If you want to come and talk to me about your problems, then that's the place to sign up for it." Tikal replied.

"Oh, thanks! I might just do that."

Weird. thought Cream.

The elevator hit the ground floor and the 3 exit. "Well, Thanks again." And Mighty runs off.

"Ah, love...such a complicated mystery." Tikal said.

"Tell me about it." added Cream.

"You can bring Tails and come to my show as well you know." Tikal said to the doe.

"No thanks."

Tikal smiled and hugged Cream a little, slipping a card into her pocket. "Just encase you change your mind. Anyway, let's go to the Ocean Tornado and see what those girls are up to first." She said as the two left the building.

It wasn't too long before the girls were on the Ocean Tornado.

"Hello, anyone home?" Tikal called.

"Marine, Blaze, are you two here?" Cream called out.

Blaze came out on deck. "We're here, but Marine's still slacking off." She said. "What can I help you with?"

"Tikal and I were planning on having a day out." Cream explained. "Just wanted to see if you girls will join us."

"I see...perhaps. Just a moment." Blaze said, she then returned inside the ship. Then the whole ship seemed to shake violently. "MARINE! GET YOUR ASS OUT OF BED ALREADY!" Blaze yelled.

Marine comes out her navy dress that she had bought during the events of "Rouge's Dress Malfunction", but she only had her right shoe on. "You know what, I was tryin' to iron this dress." she explained. "It looks great on me, but man..."

"So you finally woke up, huh?" Blaze questioned. "Tikal and Cream wanna go out for the day and want to know if we wanted to tag along."

"Obviously, you didn't hear me. I was ironing my dress." and Marine put her left shoe on. "Speaking of dresses, I like your dress a lot, Cream."

"Thanks, it's the first time I've worn it." said Cream.

"All those red, orange and yellow patterns, it looks wicked cool."

"Well, I tried. This is my guess of someone else's attire."

"Well, are we all ready to go?" Tikal asked.

"I am, but I wanna grab a bit of food along the way." answered Marine. "What about you, Blaze?"

"If you try to model me in any shape or form, Tikal, I'm leaving." Blaze said.

"Suit yourself." Tikal replied.

So the four girls left the ship and headed back toward town.

"Let's hit the club and see what Rouge is up to." Tikal said.

"Why not..." said Cream.

"Good, then I can hit the girl's room.' said Marine. My knickers are bunchin' up in the seat of my leggings." The girls continue on.

After reaching Club Rouge, the girls make their way inside, Rouge had finally gotten Shadow to help out around the place and Omega was in standby in the corner.

"Morning everyone." Tikal smiled as they walked in.

"The girls are back in town." Rouge joked.

"We're also going out for the day, want in?"

"Out for the day?"

"We're going to pick up Tails and have another girl's day out." Tikal cleared up.

"I'll head off to the girl's room now." said Marine as she went.

"A day out sounds interesting." said Rouge. "We aren't going bra shopping, are we?"

"Glad to see works not getting in the way." Tikal smiled.

"The tasks are pretty small at the moment, I'll handle them." Shadow said.

"Since when were you so nice?" Blaze asked.

"Since I found a reason to be." Shadow countered.

"That reason wouldn't happen to be a chaos emerald, would it?" asked Cream.

"Nope." Shadow said. "In fact." And he takes the cyan emerald and throws it to Blaze, who catches it. "Look after that, would you?"

"I don't get it..." Blaze replied.

"I can keep them all and have everyone believe they're my only reason for living, or I can prove otherwise, by handing them to those who I know can look after them from the Doctor."

"And what about the blue one my mom gave you?" asked Cream.

"That's going to Sonic."

"Could I look at it really quick?" Shadow tosses it over.

"SHADOW, CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCCESSFULLY FORNICATING WITH THE ORANGE FOREST CREATURE." said Omega.

"Actually, I haven't." Shadow replied to Omega. "Vanilla handed it over saying that if I received it after that, then that would have proven it was the only reason for my doing so, which isn't the case."

"Okay, you've completely lost me..." Blaze said.

"Well, I can tell you that my mom still has the blue chaos emerald." said Cream.

"Honestly. I don't care." Shadow said.

"This isn't a chaos emerald, it's a power gem. I remember seeing these before when Knuckles showed me one."

"Again, don't care." Shadow stretched. "She can keep it until it's needed."

"So you knew all along, yet you didn't say anything?" asked Marine.

"Done in the bathroom, I see." said Cream.

"You think I'd not know when a chaos emerald is real or not?" Shadow asked. "If Cream would know, why shouldn't I? I'm just not bothered. Besides, Vanilla is apparently quite capable of looking after it."

"Well, I guess you and Omega can handle the rest of the repairs here." said Rouge. "Let's go get fox girl and have a bit of fun. But after she's taken home, I want all of us to return here."

"Opening?" Tikal asked.

"That too, but I want all of your opinion on something I've decided to add to the menu. And this one is edible, not a drink."

"Interesting." Tikal said. "Well, let's go and pick up Tails then."

"We'll send her your kisses, Shadow." said Rouge as she walked from behind her bar.

"Sure, you do that." Shadow replied.

"Okay, that's just creepy..." Blaze whispered to the other girls, but failed to keep it from Shadow's ears too.

"You'll never understand." said Marine.

"And you can?"

"It's an intimate thing."

"Meh...May we go? Shadow being...not Shadow is confusing." Blaze moaned.

"Okay, let's go then." And Tikal leaves, followed by the rest of the girls. The crew were heading to Sonics' place.

"What was that all about?" Blaze asked.

"What?" asked Cream.

"The whole...Shadow not being an asshole...thing. You know, his usual character?"

"He's in love."

"That's hard to believe."

"Why do you say that?"

"This is Shadow we're talking about, right?" There was no response. "Seriously. Shadow's usually so far up his own ass that he can probably see the insides of his own stomach..."

"I remember you were like Shadow, Blaze."

"The way I was and how Shadow is are two different things."

"I disagree. You were pretty much a loner like Shadow was at the start, now you're open with the rest of us. This time, Shadow is opening up to us. I think it's great."

"By the way, where did you get the idea to don that dress, Cream?" asked Rouge.

"I figured I would wear it for a change." Cream answered. "Do I look fat in the hips?"

"No, but that design is fiery. I figured Blaze would wear something like this. Where did you buy it from?"

"I made it myself. It's my rendition of Princess Peach's Fire Dress."

"Anyway, I think it's a lovely dress." Tikal said.

"Blaze, you keep in touch with Peach and Daisy. What are those two doing right now?" asked Marine.

"The usual." Blaze replied.

"What's the usual?"

"Does it matter?" Blaze asked.

"Fine, don't answer me." Marine pouted. "I guess you're mad Shadow's interests are in the mother-to-be instead of you."

"Nope, not interested in the grouch." Blaze replied.

"Blaze is a lesbian." said Rouge. "With that said, let's get going."

"Wha..! I am NOT a Lesbian!" Blaze barked.

"Anyway, let's just keep going." Tikal said.

The girls continued on and eventually reached Sonics' house, where they knocked on the door, only for Sonic to answer.

"Party?" He questioned.

"Grab the fox and let us have her for a day." Rouge answered.

"She's sleeping still." Sonic replied.

Rouge turned to the girls. "Plan B."

"That is?" Tikal asked.

"You have no ideas?"

Tails at this point came waltzing out and let out a long yawn, wearing her maternity gown. "I hear voices, is it breakfast yet?" She asked sleepily.

"Well, that answers that." Tikal replied to Rouge.

"I take it you're just waking from your sleep." said Cream.

Tails rubbed her eyes and stretched and yawned again. "Kinda, I've been sleeping on and off last night." She replied.

"You feeling okay?" asked Marine.

"I just couldn't get to sleep." Tails said. "What's with the gathering? Is it someone's birthday or somin'?"

"We were gonna have a girl's day out, but I see you're just waking up." said Cream.

"Gimmie ten minutes and I can grab breakfast in town..." And Tails sleepily returned to her room to change.

"Wow, I've never seen her like that before." Tikal said.

"She does it more often these days." Sonic replied.

"The insomnia, or the late mornings?" asked Cream.

"She comes out claiming not to have slept well, but sleeps into the afternoon's sometimes." Sonic shrugged. The girls had no responses, but a few worried groans left Cream and Marine.

"Something the matter, girls?" Sonic asked the two. "Hey, come on in and relax."

"You go ahead, I'll stay outside and think." Cream offered.

Sonic lets the girls inside, but stays outside with Cream. He touched her on the shoulder. "Everything okay?"

"I'm just trying to place a puzzle piece." Cream answered.

"Anything I can help with?"

"Nope, I just need to think."

"You would let me know if something concerns you about Tails, right?" Sonic questioned, letting Cream go.

"Yup."

"Okay." And Sonic left Cream in peace. Tails' pregnancy is doing some odd things to her. I hope she'll be okay. Thought Cream.

Back inside, the girls had made themselves comfortable and Sonic had fetched them each a quick soft drink whilst they waited for Tails to get ready.
"So, any plans for you girls? Or do you just plan to wing it?" Sonic asked the group.

"Girl stuff, nothing serious." Marine answered.

"I see." Sonic said. Tails came out of her room; she was fully dressed, except for her feet.
"Sonic, have you seen my shoes?" Tails asked.
"They're by the front door." Sonic replied.
"Thanks..." And Tails went to pick up her shoes.

After picking up her shoes, she returned to her room, threw on some socks, then slipped her feet into her shoes, before returning to the living room. "Marine, did I leave Lavender on the ship, do you know?" Tails asked Marine.

"My robot...." Tails sweat dropped. "You know, the little pod you kept frying when on ship."

"Does that mean you're ready to go?"

"Answer the question...Did I leave my machine on the ship?" Tails was getting slightly frustrated.

"Of course you did, but you won't need it anyway."

"Just checking to make sure I know where she is, is all..." Tails replied with a sigh. "Yes, I'm ready to go."
"Great." Tikal smiled.
"I'm surprised Amy's not here..."
"She's having some alone time."
"That doesn't answer why she'd miss one of these days out."
"What she doesn't know, let's leave it at that."

"It is still concerning, I thought she loved these sort of events." Blaze said.

"After going through that hell over you know who, it's best to let her relax." said Marine.

"I'll just go into another room so you can continue talking about me as if I shouldn't be mentioned." Sonic shrugged and walked off.

"Where did Cream go?" Tails asked.

"She's waiting for us outside." Marine answered. "Hey Sonic, get your arse out here and lock up after us."

"I'm not going anywhere, so don't worry about it." Sonic replied from the other room.

"We better go. He's probably busy with other things."

So the girls finished their drinks, Tails went to the kitchen and picked up a packet of cheese and onion crisps and the group left to meet Cream outside, the door being firmly shut behind them.

"Everyone ready to go?" asked Cream.

"Yup." Tikal replied. "So, two of you want to pick up breakfast, right?" She asked, looking at Tails and Marine in particular, Tails however seemed quite content eating her crisps to even reply.

"Well, I can always fast." Marine answered. "And push comes to shove, I can always see to it that our mum here doesn't feel so top heavy."
"Not this again." said Cream.

Tails rolled her eyes. "You're out of luck, Marine. Still filling up." She replied.
"That's enough already..." Blaze snapped. "Marine, behave!"

"I can't help it..." Marine said with a sweat drop. "Unlike the rest of your girls, I've come to terms with myself over her hootz's content."

"Since when did I become a personal milk dispenser...?" Tails questioned quietly, mainly to herself though.

"Relax, I'd still love you just the same, even if you weren't pregnant. There's just more of you to love."
"You really have issues" said Rouge.
"No. What I have is a slight case of maieusophoria."

Everyone stopped walking and looked at Marine. "My use of what?" asked Cream.
"Maieusophoria."

"Explain better, Marine..." Blaze conked the raccoon on the head.

Marine sighed. "Maieusophoria occurs when someone has an attraction to a girl who is, or appears to be pregnant. It explains why everyone's gunning for your milk." and Marine pokes Tails. "Individuals who have an interest, or arousal to pregnancy symptoms like getting pregnant, giving birth, or lactation have this. Sometimes, it's for play... and sometimes for pleasure."

Tails couldn't help but give Rouge an awkward look before returning her attention to Marine. After a long delay of what seemed unable to come up with a reply from our pregnant fox, she finally spoke.
"Could...we just get to town already and stop talking about me, my pregnancy and everyone's interest in anything to do with it?" She asked.

"I'll try, but I'm not making any promises." Marine answered.
"So the reason you did it with her was because of your suffering from maieusophoria?" questioned Rouge. "Interesting."
"No, that was out of love, but let's try not to mention that on the street."
Cream pulled Marine away from Tails by the ear. "You've done enough scaring her for one day." she said. "We'll let 'Miley' walk between Tikal and Blaze now."

"Well, I can suggest clothe shopping." Tikal said.
"You're not modelling me, Tikal." Blaze countered.
"Thanks for reminding me, nice to see you volunteering for today's model puppet."
"That's not funny."

"All in favour of getting Blaze into new clothes..." Marine gave a motion.

Blaze growled and glared at the group as if to say 'motion that and die'. However, Tails raised her hand.
"You do know that's not going to bode well for you, right?" Blaze said to the fox.
"I also know that whilst I am pregnant you can't and won't touch me, so I'm fine for this." Tails giggled.

"Make her sing Bippity Boppity Boo in her new clothes." Cream said while sticking out her tongue.
"The point of this is to get Blaze new clothes, not to give her a trip down memory lane." said Marine. "Let's just get Blaze some new threads..."

"I wasn't involved in that, so why should I suffer instead of each of you?" Blaze countered.

"Because it's your turn." Rouge answered. "Besides, it could be worse."

"And how could it be worse?"

"You can always be forced to sing 'It's a Small, Small World' in the plaza of the mall." Rouge whispered to Blaze.

"Oh, I love that idea." Tikal clapped happily. "There's your choice, Blaze, sing or dress."
"I hate you..." Blaze cursed.

"Make her sing Bippity Boppity Boo in her new clothes." Cream said while sticking out her tongue.
"The point of this is to get Blaze new clothes, not to give her a trip down memory lane." said Marine. "Let's just get Blaze some new threads..."

Blaze's line when you get back

"I will have my revenge..." Blaze cursed the group.

"If it makes you feel better, you can try getting me something new for fun." Tails replied.
"You're actually volunteering for this..?"
"You'd need to make sure it's maternity stuff, but yeah, I'm up for fun."
"This isn't fun, its torture, I thought you learned that the last time it happened to you."
"I could always think of it like that and dread it for every 7 to 15 days that this event accrues after I've dropped, or I can learn to enjoy it and make sure everyone else does it as well. But go ahead and think of it like you do, it just causes you to become pointlessly frustrated. Besides, I like getting complimented on my looks, but I guess that your bust doesn't do you enough justice for that..."
"That was a low blow, Tails..." Blaze replied.
"Oops...Sorry."

I never thought I'd meet a princess that dreads clothing shopping. thought Rouge.

"Besides, you don't have a choice between clothing and singing..." Tails added.
"Wh-what do you mean by that?" Blaze sweat dropped in worry.
"I want to go karaoke after shopping."
"You...are pulling my leg, right?"
"Did I sound like I was joking?"

Rouge just shook her head. I'm glad I have the CD ready. she thought.

"Okay, pick a shop then." Tails said to the others. "Where can we dress up Blaze first?"
"This won't go without consequence..."

"You know, let's find some cute, frilly stuff." said Marine.

Tails then points in the direction of a pink shop. "Perfect shop for that." She replied.

"So it begins...." Rouge trails and drags Blaze into the aforementioned store.

With this said, the girls go into the store and look at clothes. The only problem is that Blaze didn't find anything to match her tastes.

"I wonder why they suddenly changed the shop so much..." Tails pondered.

"Not sure." Cream answered.

"What about that dress shop I like, we can go there if you want." Tails suggested.

"Dresses make me look weird. I'll pass..." Blaze said, trying to get out of the whole thing.

"Act like a princess for once." said Marine.

"Could always try cosplay." Tails suggested again.

"Blaze would be a prize winner for Revolutionary Girl Utena." Marine joked.

Blaze's veins began to show on her forehead as she became more and more irritable.
"Well, there's a place nearby called Cosplay Planet, they have all sorts of different outfits from many franchise." Tikal said.

"That's a huge shop..." Tails said.

"You look like you're ready to blow." Rouge said to Blaze.

"I'll be fine..." Blaze replied. If I can get out of this... She finished in thought.

"You know, you'll never get a man unless you loosen up a bit."

"Who said I want a man?!" Blaze barked.
"So you are a lesbian then?" Tikal questioned.
"NO!" Blaze was now beyond reasoning. "I've had enough! Do whatever the hell you like and torture someone else, but leave me out of it!" With that she began to storm off.

Rouge went after Blaze. "So, you're giving up already?" she questioned the cat.

"Giving up on what?" Blaze asked, stopping.

"Getting new clothes. I mean, you've only been in one shop and you're ready to leave."

"I didn't want new clothes. That was your decision. I won't be used for your personal amusement." And Blaze continued walking.

"Blaze's kryptonite is shopping from new clothes... I expected a lot more bravery out of a princess who can harness sol emeralds."

Blaze stopped again and turned to face Rouge. "You're wasting your time if you think I'll sucker into that. I'm not Shadow and there's a difference between being scared and being pissed off during shopping, I am the lateral. I haven't forgiven you for that whole 'bust' incident, so if you think I'll allow you girls to mock me further, you've got another thing coming."

"So lemme get this straight..." Rouge folds her arms. "You're a princess who has pyrokinesis, you can harness sol emeralds, you can save the world and the parallel word from not one, but two Eggmen... but you can't even handle shopping for new clothes while getting ragged by the other girls?

"I get the fact that fox girl has a disdain for shopping to get girl's clothing, but she's pretty much being forced into womanhood here. Yet you can't handle it and you have no excuse? That's pretty sad, even for your standards. But hey, you're free to go back to the Ocean Tornado or keep Sonic company." and Rouge walked off.

Tails walked over to Blaze and whispered something to the cat, whom was none too happy with Rouge. After a short silence, and what seemed like Blaze contemplating something, the two girls returned to the group.
"Fine, I'll put up with you, but I will get my back pay."

"Rouge, what did you tell Blaze?" Cream whispered.
"I had to put a dent in her pride." Rouge whispered back.

"You know...I think I know a dress which might work for Blaze. I saw it the last time we went to that shop and Rouge had that little accident." Tails said.

"Fine, let's go to that store." said Cream.
"I'll follow, but I'm not going back inside that place." said Rouge.

"Wrong." Tails said. "If you want to make Blaze do something against her will, you can at least enter the shop."

"Fine, but you better come out of there with some clothes."

Marine laughed. "Don't worry about her, Blaze. She's still sore because her dress exploded." she said.
"My dress did not explode." Rouge retorts, red in the face.
"Rouge is right, Marine." said Cream.
"Thank you."
"It ripped, then it exploded."
"Dammit, that dress did not explode!"

"You shouldn't have crammed. I warned you that you couldn't fit into any dress in the shop." Tails added.

"But you didn't listen to me..." She shrugged.

Blaze had cooled down now, after Rouge became the target for some group mockery instead of her. This better work, Tails... She thought to herself.
"Rouge, take heart that I will admit that you now have a better chance of fitting in a dress in that shop than I do." Tails added.

At least her tits will still fit. Thought Rouge.

"I don't get it; Rouge's bust is still bigger than yours, Tails." Tikal said.
"Yeah, but there's no such thing as a 'fat girls dress' in that shop." Tails added.

"But you aren't fat." said Marine.

"Trust me, any dress of my size I won't fit in." Tails scratched her head. "Unless I want to look like a muppet."

After a quick walk, the shop was in sight.
"There it is." Tails smiled. However, before too long, there was a thud and Marine was on her backside having walked into someone, also on their backside.

"Whoa, that wasn't expected." Marine said, then took a look at who she bumped into. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you."

"It was...m-my fault, I wasn't looking..." The girl replied.
"Muri?" Tails questioned, looking at the large rabbit on the floor. "Where's Kirika?"
"In the shop still, I needed air. Can someone please help me? I can't get up..." Muri blushed.

"Let me." said Cream, who had managed to catch an eye of the collision.

Muri lifted her hands towards Cream for the help and was on her feet after a hand from Cream, her large bump now in proper view for the rest of the girls.
"You're pregnant?" Tikal asked.
"Um...yes..." Muri lowered her head a little, but Tails lifted her head.
"None of that, remember our classes." She told her.
"Okay..." Muri said.

"Man, what are the odds of this happening to me?" asked Marine.

Tails rubbed Muri's bump. "You both okay?" She asked."
"Um...y-yes..." Muri replied, blushing.
"Good." And Tails let the rabbit go. "Muri, these are my friends, Marine, Cream, Tikal, Rouge and Blaze. Everyone, this is Muri, we made friends during the first Lamaze class. She's a little shy, but she's very sweet."

She's practically Cream's age. Thought Rouge. And she doesn't look too happy about her pregnancy...
"You seem troubled, what's on your mind?" asked Marine.

"Um...n-nothing..." Muri replied.

"Oh, never mind then."

"Will you be at the next Lamaze?" Tails asked.
"Yes..." Muri said.
"So, what brings you and Kirika to town today?"
"Cot."
"Oh?"
"Yeah...And manga." Muri shows a book.
"Pita-Ten?"
"Yeah..."

Kirika comes out of the shop. "Oh, good morning Miley. Is Muri causing trouble?"
"I-I am not causing trouble..." Muri said, upset.
"Oh, don't take it like that; you know I didn't mean it." Kirika sweat dropped.

"I unintentionally bumped into her. Sorry about that, ma'am." said Marine.

"Hm, are you both okay?" Kirika asked.
"I'm okay." Muri said.

"I'm good." Marine answered.

"Then all is well." Kirika replied. "So, what are you up to today?"

"Clothes shopping." Rouge answered. "That and I'm trying to keep our mother here out of harm's hands."

"Hmm...I see." Kirika said. "Care for one more person to join you? If she wants to that is."

"I take it you want to come along for the ride?"

"Actually, I have something else to do which is not an appropriate for a certain pregnant young doe, but she refuses to let me leave her with Tia. Also, Muri has never before been one to willingly want to go out, ever since the Lamaze Class when she met Miley, she's been more outgoing. Most of our outings were her ideas."

Cream wasn't too keen on the idea, but stayed quiet anyway. "I understand your concern, but you are her legal guardian." said Rouge.

"I'll give you my mobile number for encase anything happens and I'll take responsibility if anything does, but I trust nothing will happen." Kirika said. "Like I said, this is just me making the offer for Muri, it's entirely up to you all if you want to take her and if she wants to go in the first place."
"I don't mind...but I wouldn't want to burden people..." Muri said.

"Hmm..." Rouge looked at Cream, then turned back to Muri. "This one's fox girl's choice."

"How long will you be?" Tails asked Kirika.
"Shouldn't be anything more than an hour or two." Kirika replied.
"Well, I don't see any problem with that, do you girls?" Tails asked the others.

"Hello, this is your choice, girlfriend." Marine answered.

"Fine, I say Muri can come with us for a little while." Tails replied.

"Make sure you get her info." said Rouge.

Tails nods and begin sharing information with Kirika, Tikal took this moment to whisper in Cream's ear.
"You don't seem keen on this idea." She whispered to the doe.

"I'm concerned." Cream whispered back.

"For Muri?"

"No, in general."

Tikal then pushes Cream away from hearing range from the group. "Talk to me." She said.

"Don't get me wrong, Tikal. I have nothing against Muri, but my mom told me about that girl after Miley's first Lamaze class. The reason she's quiet is because she hid her pregnancy. That, and what are we going to do if Marine's maieusophoria goes after this girl?"

"I'm pretty sure Marine is simply contented with only Tails, after all I heard that like you Marine developed quite the crush on our young fox when everyone believed she was a he. If it comes to it, we'll just have to make sure Marine stays a good few feet from our pregnant friends. But why does it concern you that Muri hid her pregnancy, that was her choice in the end."

"I guess I'm just being a worry wart. I mean, we can get along with a pregnant doe for a few hours, right? I need to be positive about this sort of thing."

"I will admit that I am not happy taking a young pregnant doe from someone with a pregnant vixen as well, it does mean we have to increase our concern from one to two and also...Have you seen the size of that girl? Either she's carrying 8 small kids or she could keel over and birth at any moment..." Tikal said. "But, Kirika has faith with us and like she said, it's not like it'll be for too long."

"One thing my mom has taught me when it comes to being around a pregnant doe is how to smell her gestation. I can smell her amniotic fluid, but she won't labour yet. Granted she isn't jarred again, Muri will make it through the day."

"Even still, it's not too concerning if she does go into labour. I have enough nursing experience to keep her good until real help arrives." Tikal said.

"Well, let's rejoin the girls." Cream nodded. "I'll trust your midwife skills, Tikal... and hope my nose is right."

Cream and Tikal rejoin the other girls. "What were you two talking about?" asked Marine.
"We were just wondering what Muri was having." Cream answered.
"I've chosen to stay in the dark on that." Muri told them.
"Well, we better get going." said Rouge. "Miley, did you get all of the info?"
"Yeah, we're good." Tails answered.
"Muri, have fun with the girls and I'll see you soon." said Kirika as she walked away.
"Bye..." Muri trailed off.

I'm glad this happened. It diverts the attention from me. thought Blaze.

And luckily for Blaze, it worked. Marine and company spent the portion of their time getting to know Muri, in addition to keeping both pregnant girls in safe proximity. Cream's prediction of Marine's maieusophoria did happen, but she limited it to rubbing mineral oil on the young doe's belly. "You're next, Miley." said Marine. "This oil will reduce stretch marks."
"I will oil down Miley." said Cream as she took the mineral oil from Marine.
"Fine, I'll give slack."

Cream's big problem was that she was starting to see herself as Muri. But the point was to keep from fighting with her and making Tails happy. Either way, the girls still enjoyed the company and everyone got along just fine. After a while, the girls were all eating lunch in the food court. But that turned for the better as there was a hotdog eating competition. "Man, look at those two eat." said Blaze.
"I'd probably be sick after eating all of those dogs." said Marine.
"Sonic would've definitely lost his 'challenge' if your mom hadn't intervened." said Rouge.
"I'm just glad we won't have to worry about those two being hungry after this." said Cream.

"So much food..." said Tails.
"I was hungrier than I thought." said Muri.
The many spectators just watched Tails and Muri go through the hotdogs like two hot knives through butter. Eventually, the contest had to be called because they ran out of hotdogs. "What a shame, I'm still hungry." said Muri.
"Me too." said Tails.

"You're still hungry...after all that?" Blaze asked. "That's just scary."

"You put Sonic and Knuckles combined to shame..." Tikal added.

"If they were free enough to compete." Cream said, giving Tikal odd looks.

"What are you looking at me like that for?" Tikal questioned.

"Just don't mention that again." advised Cream.

"What did I say?" Tikal asked, seemingly confused and saddened.

"So, where are we going next?" asked Marine.

"Karaoke." Tails grinned.

"Looks like it's time to sing." said Rouge.

"I can't...sing..." Muri blushed.
"Honestly, I don't think anyone can, but its fun." Tikal smiled. "Anyone want to make this more interesting?"

"Let's just go to karaoke." said Rouge.

So the group stand and head down the town once again. They only had to stop twice for Muri to rest, but got there after a short amount of time. Entering the building, the place looked fairly nice, but what's surprised the girls was that Charmy was here cleaning the floor.

"Charmy, what are you doing here?" asked Cream.

Charmy looked up at the girls, and quickly followed by flying up in front of them. "This is what chaotix is reduced to, because we're lacking so much in customers, we're stuck to manual labour and nasty sick-cleaning jobs in these places just to make the cut." He ranted before landing and near enough crying.

"Tikal, you can give Charmy a better job than this." said Rouge.

"Yeah...probably. I'll visit the chaotix later, I'm sure I can arrange something, you could also help as well, if the Chaotix really are at ends meet you could always use a new bouncer since Knuckles is a little more busy these days and they can use the work." Tikal replied. "Put up with it for now, Charmy, but I'm sure I can get you and the chaotix some better jobs soon."
"Yay!!" Charmy cheered before fluttering back to his cleaning.

Shite! Marine thought. The days of detectives are over... luckily for me, there are still things that need navigators.

"Anyway, we should get some songs in before we change our minds." Tails said.

"Go ahead, I got last dibbs." said Rouge.

The girls then head to the counter and get a private room in order to sing, they got several CD's of their choice and headed into a very nice room which had plenty of leather padded seats, which poor Muri had trouble keeping on because she kept sliding on them. After discovering she was able to sit comfortably in the corner of the chair, she finally relaxed some.
"So, who's up first?" Tails asked.

"Tikal's first." Marine answered. "I'm a bit hoarse for singing."

Tikal hopped up happily and went to the tracks. "Let's see then..." She pondered. "About my making it more interesting. How about you decide the song as a group and that's the song that must be sung, despite what."

Tikal hopped up happily and went to the tracks. "Let's see then..." She pondered. "About my making it more interesting. How about you decide the song as a group and that's the song that must be sung, despite what."

"I really don't care." Rouge answered.

"Why don't you sing one of Rouge's favourite songs?" Tails asked.
"What one is that?" Tikal questioned in return.
"Fly in the Freedom, I think it was called."

"Let's hear that." said Rouge.

And so, the song began to play and Tikal happily took up the mic. She sang slightly off tune to the music, but it wasn't too far apart to really make a difference to the girls, she sang it nicely and gave it plenty of feeling and most of the girls thought she sang it too nicely to really give bad criticism and mocking towards Tikal.

"Eh...I was hoping she'd be awful at this so that we could at least laugh." Tails whispered to the other girls, so not to distract.

"Not bad, not bad at all." said Rouge.

And so the song finished, Tikal took a bow and returned to the crew. "Oh this is fun. So who's next?" Tikal smiled.
"Votes on Marine." Blaze said.

"Well, I'm not quite ready to sing yet." said Marine.

"Any volunteers?" Tikal asked.

"Told you, I got last dibbs." said Rouge.

"Cream, up for a duet?" Tails asked.

"Mmm... I guess it couldn't hurt." Cream answered. So the girls went up to the song list, found a song the both liked, but weren't as successful in singing it as Tikal was with her song, and it turned into quite the comical laugh, but neither of the girls were embarrassed, in fact they began to mock the song and even change the lyrics for a good laugh.

After the song ended, they returned to their seats and Tails took a load off.
"Oh, that was good fun." Tails said.
"Muri's still in stitches." Tikal said, motioning toward the young pregnant doe who was on her side on the chair in a fit of laughter. "That's the happiest I think I've seen her since she joined us today."

"It's good to see her happy face for a change." said Marine. Eventually Muri calmed down from her laughter and just lied on the chair, it was okay since there was loads of room and she was a small rabbit.
"So, what's up next?" Tails asked.

"I guess the other princess gets to sing now." said Rouge.

"Eh..." Blaze said. "I don't really..."
"Ah, ah, ah...there's no ifs or buts. You'll be singing eventually, so don't try to worm your way out of it." Tails interrupted.
"Can't Marine go first?"

"Can't Marine go first?" Marine mocked Blaze.

"Shut up, Marine!" Blaze snapped.

"Fine, I'll go first." and Marine went to grab a mic.

"I understand why you don't want to sing, it's embarrassing." Muri said, still on her back on the chair. "Can...someone help me up please?"

Marine was just about ready to take her cue, but she suddenly tripped. As this happened, all the girls have noticed the raccoon's top betray her... showing some very interesting items on the ground. "Wait a minute..." Cream said and took one of the items. "This is bra padding."

"I can't see..." Muri moaned.

"Hey, come on, give that back." said Marine.
To add more misfortune, her dress caught hold of something and ripped, exposing her bare chest to the girls. Luckily for Muri, Tails had helped her to a base where she could see. "Wow, bra padding and a-cups... how small..." Cream joked.
"It's not funny, mate." said an embarrassed Marine.
"No, but those are... ITTY BITTY TITTIES!" Blaze let out a massive grin from ear to ear almost.
"Wow...even I have a bigger bust than that..." Muri said.

"That's all I needed to hear." said Rouge as she pushed Marine off stage. "It's time once again to sing." and the music of shame began to play.
Awww shite! Marine thought.

"Early singing for Rouge it seems." Tails said.

"It's now time to clap along." said Cream. "Welcome to the ritual haze, Muri." Thus began Rouge's singing of Bust.

Marine tried to plug her ears, but Blaze made sure to remove them for the duration of the song.

"Ritual?" Muri questioned. "This song is awful..."

Tails should fill her in on this... thought Cream.

Tails lifted Muri's ear and whispered to the doe, before receiving a satisfying 'Oooh...' as Muri understood.
"Sing along." And Tikal sings along to the song.

After the wily antics of Karaoke, the girls leave the "Mic and Music" glory behind them as they walk down the street. "We have a very interesting sisterhood, Muri." said Cream.

"Oh?" Muri questioned. "That was fun."

"That wasn't fun for me." said Marine, still embarrassed from her mishap.

"Everyone has to suffer some form of humiliation at some point. Who's left?" Tails asked.

"Actually you, but we'll get you later." said Rouge.

"Excuse me, if you recall, I've had my humiliation..." Tails narrowed her eyes. "Or do you forget the whole forcing me to wear panties for your amusement?"

"Girls wear panties... unless you like public breezing."

"I didn't want to do it, if you recall." Tails stuck her tongue out. "Also, I'm not the only one who hasn't had an embarrassing moment if you don't count that one. We still got Tikal and Amy, even if she's not here at the moment. And Tikal, why didn't Shade come for this, has she gone home already or something?"

"She wasn't available." Tikal replied.

Even at this stage, fox girl can't keep certain things in. thought Rouge. "We can't rag Muri, right?' Rouge asked.
"Temporary parts of the inner circle don't get rousing until later." added Cream.

"Meaning?" Questioned Blaze.

"I'm sorry?"

"What do you mean?"

"As far as what goes?"

"The inner circle thing."

"All of us are part of Miley's inner circle. We are her girls and we've known her for years. Besides, we all get our share of being ragged on."

"I see." Blaze said.
"So, what are we going to do ne-..." And Tails mobile began to ring. She wasn't slow in pulling it from her pocket and answering. "Hello?" She said. "Oh, hello Kirika, I assume you're done with your business?"

That was pretty quick. thought Marine.

"You okay? You sound kind of ill... Oh okay, so, when do you want to meet up?" Tails paused for a moment. "Are you sure you're okay? You don't sound it....Oh, okay. Well, talk later then, bye." And Tails hung up.

"And what's going on..." said Marine.

"We gotta meet up in an hour by a cafe in the main square." Tails replied.

"Oh."

"It sounded almost like she was about to feint though...it was odd..."

"Really?" asked Cream.

"Well, I'm no doctor, but I know when someone is alright or not, even if she said she was fine..."
"She probably had another fight..." Muri blurted.

"Fight, with who?" asked Marine.

"Tia is my guess...or...someone else..."

Rouge shook her head. "Let's just get going." she said.

"We still have an hour, what shall we do?" Tails asked.

"Mother's choice."

I would ask about someone being top heavy, but that's probably not the case right now. thought Marine.
"I guess we can go and get some sherbet." said Cream.

"Sherbet sounds good right about now." said Rouge. "Let's grab a few scoops."

"Okay, let's go." Tails agreed. So the girls went off to get scoops. On the way there, Muri started showing signs of discomfort.

"You know what I like about sherbet? The fact that it's ice cream made differently than the usual stuff." said Cream.
"You can never turn away ice cream, can you?" asked Rouge.
"Nope." Cream said happily.
"I like how it's made with milk and sugar and cream." said Marine. "Speaking of milk..."
"Marine, no..."
"Any of you two donating?"

And here we go... thought Cream and Tikal.

"D-donating?" Muri asked.
"Marine, do me a favour. Stop - asking - in - public!" Tails told the raccoon.

"Let's just say I like milk from a girl's hootz, Muri." Marine cleared up.
Can I smack her one good time? thought Cream.

"Are you a lesbian?" Muri asked.

"Not sure... I guess I'm bi-curious." Marine answered.

Muri took in a deep breath and then cringed in pain slightly, before rubbing her chest. "Ouch..."
"I'm gonna assume you're about to blow up top..." Tails said.
"Have been for some time, but Kirika is usually the one who takes care of it..."

"Can I do it?" asked Marine.
"Absolutely not!" Cream yelled. "Muri, come with me, away from the freaky raccoon and I'll help you out."

"Okay..." And Muri makes sure to hide behind Cream from Marine.

"Let's go... I got you covered."

Cream takes Muri to the privies while Tikal and Tails make sure Marine doesn't follow. Rouge just shook her head. The last thing we need it Marine wanting to inject chocolate syrup into another lactating girl's chest. she thought.

The two does enter the privie and Cream locks the door. "Trust me, Marine isn't always this weird." she said to Muri. "Usually, she's annoying or energetic. But she is dealing with issues at the moment."

"She wants breastfeeding, right?"

"It's a current fetish of hers... pregnant mothers." and Cream hands Muri a breast pump. "You know how to work one of these, right?"

"No... Kirika always did it." Muri replied. "Well, except the one time where I had to breastfeed, but...no, I haven't a clue."

Cream sweat drops. "O-kay. Well, I guess I'll have to show you. Um... you're gonna have to expose your girls."

"Um...okay but, I'd need to unzip the back of my dress and I can't reach..." Muri said, turning around.

"That's what I'm here for." and Cream works the zip. Maybe I should've had someone else do this. she thought.

"Why, is it a problem for you to do it?" Muri asked.

Cream stopped unzipping. She wasn't sure what to do as far as that reaction. "Anyway," she continued to work the zip to the middle of Muri's back. "I was wondering if Kirika is a boxer in her spare time."

"No, we just have issues..." Muri replied.

"Well, you're free on the zip, so...." And Muri lowers the top of her dress and rests it over her bump and then reaches to untie her bra, clearly not wearing a maternity bra, again however she was unable to reach, so Cream had to help out. "Anyway, Marine and Miley have been closely bonded as of late." Cream continued.

"Oh?" Muri questioned, turning around removing her bra and exposing her blouse.

Cream wigged out. "Sh-she loves her." Cream said.

Muri tilts her head. "Is...something wrong?"

"You're bigger than I am. But aside from that, they are close from it."

"Please keep in mind that mine are full of milk where yours are not..." Muri looked a bit sad. "They really hurt now..."

"Well, take this in your hand and I will help you adjust it to your breast." and Cream hands Muri the breast pump again.

Muri lifts the pump and looks at it funny. "Um...okay."

"So, which one first?"

"They hurt evenly, so the right one first..." Muri replied.

"Right. This round part is where you go. It's like placing yourself in the bra cup. Go ahead, try it on."

Muri nods and the proceeds to place the cup on her right breast.

"Okay, the thin tube works the pump. It uses air suction to cause stress to..." Cream stopped herself. "Sorry, you already know how it works. This knob here adjusts the pressure for you and this container is 6.5 ounces. Set your pressure accordingly and flip the switch." Muri tilts her head and does as she's instructed.

It took several minutes for Muri to completely empty, but the whole experience had caused her legs to give way and she was on her butt. "I'll never get used to that..." She sighed.

It was at that moment where Cream's nose got a stronger scent of Muri's pregnancy. "Is that normal for you go have your legs buckle like that?" she asked.

"Huh?"

"Do you usually end up on your butt after you milk yourself?"

"More recently..."

Muri lowered her head slightly. "It's hard as I get heavier and heavier everyday. Sometimes I can't even stay standing."

"Well, you could've told me that before you were hooked up."

"I forgot, why, is something wrong?"

"No, but having you go from a standing milking position to knees buckling and down on your rear is something I would like to avoid."

"My tummy is churning, mind if I stay here for a minute?" Muri sighed, rubbing her oversized belly.

"Why not? I am here to help you after all..."

However it wasn't long before a knock at the door. "What's going on? It doesn't take this long to empty up, does it?" Tikal asked from the other side.

"This isn't Miley, you know." Cream responded to Tikal.

"I'm just checking up on you, we're all a little concerned you know, myself especially."

"You act like I'm Marine."

"You know what I mean, Cream..." Tikal sighed on the other side.

Cream turned to Muri. "Has your bunny stopped rolling around?" she asked in a tone inaudible to Tikal.

"I think I'm safe to move..." Muri replied.

"We'll be right out, Tikal."

Muri then places her bra in place and Cream helps lock it in place, after that Muri lifted her dress back up and Cream does the zipper.
"Thank you..." Muri said to Cream. "I hope I wasn't too difficult, I know you didn't want to do this."

"Let's just say I haven't done this with the other mother in the group." said Cream. "I'm just shocked to find that you were so tolerant."

"We're both girls and both rabbits, so why would I not be tolerant, especially since I was in pain..." Muri questioned, as she was helped to her feet.

"I didn't want to add to your issues." Cream answered. "Uh... any plans for this milk of yours?"

"Satisfy your friend." Muri said. "I have a personal question..."

Ask away." and Cream put proper tops on the containers.

"Do you love Miley too?"

"Of course. We're close too, but I'm not freaky like Marine. I do worry about her from time to time, but my mom says it's because I care."

"I know Miley is conflicted..."

"Are you done yet?" Tikal asked from the door, getting impatient.

"Trying to get Muri fully dressed here." Cream said.

"I'll wait with the other girls." And Tikal leaves.

"Don't tell me you have a thing for her too..." Cream returned to Muri.

"No, but I sense her angst..." Muri replied. "I already have a fox in my life...sorta..."

"Well, that's interesting to hear. And are you sure you want Marine to have this stuff?"

"Will it stop her from asking for a tittymeal?"

"Not as long as you're pregnant."

"Well....I doubt I can use it. It'd go bad before I get it frozen..."

"I'll hold onto it then."
After that, and a bit of fixing up, both does return to the rest of the girls.

"Took you long enough." Blaze commented.
"Sorry..." Muri said sadly.

"Cut it out." said Rouge. "For all we know, one of them had to take a wiz."

"So, let's go get those snacks, shall we?" Tails said.

Right" said Cream.

So the girls walk off towards their destination again.

"So, are the mothers okay?" Tikal asked.
"I'm good." Tails replied.
"Me too." Muri said.

"So, what's everyone's favourite type of ice cream?" asked Marine.

"Chocolate with Banana..." Muri said.

"Rocky Road for me." said Rouge.
"I like Vanilla." Cream answered.

"Strawberry." Tails said.
"I prefer Vanilla as well." Blaze said.
"I prefer to mix flavours, so a Vanilla Chocolate Strawberry is great for me." Tikal smiled.

"Leave it to Mrs. Happy-go-Lucky to enjoy Neapolitan." said Marine.
"Just leave me the strawberry section of Neapolitan, you can have the rest." said Cream.

"What's wrong with that?" Tikal asked Marine.

"You're just old-school when it comes to ice cream. Me, I have real taste when it comes to ice cream."

"Do tell." Muri said.

"Four words, luv: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough."

"Marine's ice cream.... Give me a tub of that, a pair of sweats, and a good movie marathon and I'm good for a few hours." said Rouge.
"You're also gonna gain ten pounds from eating all of it by yourself." Cream joked.

All of a sudden Tails stops walking and squeaks a bit, before rubbing her stomach a little.

"Now your belly's rolling around?" asked Cream.

"I think she kicked me..." Tails said, her voice high, almost in shock.

"I guess your daughter has her own favourite kind of ice cream." said Marine.

"Can I feel?" Tikal asked, all giddily like a school girl.
"Um, sure I guess." Tails replied. Tikal then rushed over and placed her hands on Tails belly.

Tikal truly is excited about her baby. Cream thought. I guess I'll understand a little later.

"You know, you might as well let Tikal feel on your bump as well, Muri." said Marine.

"There's no action over here." Muri said.

"Oh wow, she is kicking, that's magical. Rouge, you should feel this!" Tikal squealed.

"I might as well." said Rouge and walked over to get in on the foot action.

"Might as well enjoy it whilst she's active." Tails sweat dropped.

As a result, everyone got to feel Lavender's kicks, including Muri. the kicking put a smile on Muri's face, more than it did everyone else. including Marine.

Miley seems so happy about all of this. I wonder why I can't have her enthusiasm... Muri wanted to feel bad, but it wasn't happening for her.

"I guess it's nice to know that she's active for a while." said Rouge.
"Yeah, even unborn people needs love and friends." said Cream.
Love and support... for unborn people.... the words seemed to echo in Muri's mind.

"Well, at least she'll have a lot of love and caring." Tails giggled, scratching her head.

"Both of your baby's will." said Marine.

"M-mine too?" Muri question, shocked.

"Of course yours too. Why wouldn't your baby not have TLC?"

"Well...because...you don't know me all that well..." Muri blushed and twiddled her fingers.

"And the only one else would be...Kirika."

"But you said it yourself that she helps you." said Cream.

"She does..."

"Is there something about Kirika that we should know that conflicts with your pregnancy?" asked Rouge.

"It's complicated..."

The girls looked amongst themselves. "Complicated huh?" asked Marine. "Looks like you two preggos are in the same boat besides baby classes..."

"I don't wanna talk about it. But, I wonder, do you have a responsible father for your baby?" Muri asked Tails.

Tails didn't quite know how to answer that one. "It's compromising." she told her friend.

"Likewise..."

"I guess we'll be strong that way."

"Is it that boy you were with in twinkle park?" Muri asked.

"You mean Daichi? Well...." Muri waited patiently. "No, not biologically."

"I see."

Muri then thought. "So...is he otherwise?"
"I think we should change the subject." Tikal suggested.

"While on the baby thing, have you thought up a name for yours?" Tails asked.

"I don't know the gender."

"How come?"
"That's fine." said Rouge, cutting off Tails. "Knowing the gender of your child after the birth is more exciting."

"No, I just haven't had a proper examination..." Muri corrected.

I didn't know that one. thought Tails.

"Anyway, are you done playing with the baby?" Muri asked.

"For now, she's stopped moving around." Tails answered. "I guess we can get going then."

"Yeah." So the girls continue on.

So the girls continued their walk along to grab their ice cream. Now despite the fact that Muri informed everyone about the lack of medical care, things have kept a pleasant mood. Once everyone arrived at the parlour, Tails and Muri went to grab a seat as the others watched them. "Now that those two are away from all of us, I want to make a very important point stick in your heads." said Cream.
"What is it?" asked Rouge.
"While I was helping Muri, that girl read my thoughts like it was nothing. So keep mental cues to a low profile."
"No way, that's wicked cool." said Marine. "Well, to an extent anyway."
"Anyway, cough up your green and I'll grab our treats." said Rouge.
"Here, but I want a bowl and not a cone." Marine said as she hands Rouge her money.
"Fine."

"She read your mind?" Tikal asked.

"Yeah and it really was something that had me change the mood." Cream answered as she passed her money to Rouge.
"Hey you mums, do you want cones or bowls!" Marine yelled to Tails and Miley.

"Cone!" Muri called with a coy smile.

"Cone!" Tails called out.
"Too bad, you're both getting bowls!" Rouge yelled back to them. "Tikal, Cream, you two come with me, and you girls rejoin our bumps over there."

Hey, that's not nice...she can't ask us and then refuse us..." Muri looked sad.

Tails giggled. "Remember, we aren't eating for ourselves." she reminded her friend.

"Bu-but...she...that's mean..." And Muri teared up a little bit.

"Hey, none of that. Besides, Marine asked the question and Rouge is being considerate for all four of us. You aren't lactose intolerant, are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can eat milk-based ice cream, right?"

"I think so."

"Well, does eating milk-based ice cream make you sick?"

"No."

"Then please explain."

"I don't understand myself to explain anything..." Muri looked sad again.

"Oh, you mean that. Well, the four of us are you, me and our babies."

"I got that much,"

: Muri sighed. "I should be fine."

Meanwhile, with Rouge, Tikal and Cream, the other girls had gone back to the mothers-to-be.
"What do you need?" Tikal asked.

"Help with carrying this stuff." Rouge answered.

"Why not use all of us instead of just us two, surely there's some other motive as to why you kept us aside from the others..." Tikal scratched her head.

"I don't need that much help carrying ice cream."

"Never mind." Tikal sighed. "I have a question though."

"Ask."

"If Muri can really read our minds, what's to stop her from finding out information we don't need or want her to know?"

"Just think about other stuff." Cream answered.
"Also, call Dr. Quack. I'm gonna need to make an appointment." said Rouge.

"For what?" Tikal asked.

"For medical purposes. Just dial the number and give me the phone when we're in line."

"Before or after ice cream?"

"Call him while we're in line."

"Okay then," And Tikal takes her mobile and turns it on.

"We aren't in line yet." said Cream.

"Just turning it on." Tikal said. "It takes a while to load sometimes, we'd probably finish the line if I turned it on later."

With that, the girls enter the line for orders. Tikal dials the hospital and puts the phone to her ear and waits.
"This shouldn't take long." She said.

I said while we're in line, not as soon as we got in line. thought Rouge with a sweat drop.

So the line began, and after 4 minutes, Tikal pushed a button on her phone, then back to her ear. 8 more minutes, the line was still more than half to go and Tikal sighed. "I hate being on hold, at least play decent music." She said.

"Man, this is boring." said Cream. "At least Blaze and Marine are watching the pregnant girls."

"Yeah, I wonder if it would be 'safer' if it was Cream instead of Marine watching them." Tikal thought.

"Blaze will keep Marine in line."

"I gu- Oh hello, could I be passed onto Dr Quack please?" Tikal said, suddenly talking to the phone. "Oh, okay......back on hold." And she sighed again.

"Graceful." commented Rouge.

"We'll be done in line at this ra-..Oh, hello Dr Quack, how are you?" Tikal asked, before laughing nervously.

"Rouge wanted to arrange an appointment, I'll pass her on." And she offers the phone to Rouge. "Here you go."

Rouge takes the phone. "Hey doc, how are you..."
Meanwhile, Blaze, Marine, Tails and Muri sat at the table.

"I'm kinda dizzy." Muri said, rubbing her head.

"Just relax." said Tails. "They shouldn't be too long."

"It's the sun." And Muri rests her head in her arms on the table.

"Let's get a table in the shade." offered Marine.

"Please..."

With a quick switch to a nearby table, and a chair in the shade, the girls were out of the sunlight. "Feeling a little better?" asked Marine.

"A bit..."

"Cool. That's good to know, but you should feel better after our treat." said Tails.

"The treat should make me feel bett-..." Muri was repeating happily before being interrupted.
"Muri? What are you doing here and where is Kirika?" Said a voice from in front of her, it appear someone else had walked over.
"Shena....go away, Shena." Muri said.
"You insolent brat! Where's that stupid Kirika gone? She's finally gotten fed up with you and dumped you on these poor fools I see, what a shame." Shena barked angrily at Muri.

"What's your problem, Shena?" asked Tails.

"Nothing that concerns another careless girl." Shena barked at Tails. "Where is Kirika."
"She's busy doing something else." Muri said.
"Probably off getting shagged again, like the whore she is." Shena insulted. "Well, I better take you myself then."
"Kirika is not a whore! And I'm not going anywhere with you!" Muri cried.
"Stop whining like a brat, or I'll throw you in Irum's pen again."
"Just go away!"

"I wasn't careless." said Tails.
"Now you look here." said Marine. "I don't know what your problem is, but don't bring that crap to our table."

"To be pregnant, single and at your age, you were clearly careless, as for you, little rat, stay out of this." Shena said to Tails and then Marine, then turned her attention to Muri. "You, come with me, now!"
"Okay, that's it, I've had enough." Blaze stood, hands flaming.
"You can't touch a pregnant woman." Shena said to her.
"I'd rather defend a bullied pregnant girl than care about forcing a bullying pregnant slut to leave. So, I'll only warn you once." Blaze yelled. "You don't bully my friends, no matter what your problem is."
"Just you wait, Muri. When I get the chance, you'll spend a whole day with Irum, then we'll see how obedient you are. Later, losers..." And Shena left the table in a stress. Muri just buried her head in her arms and burst into tears and Blaze tried to cool down.

After the ordeal at the ice cream parlour, the girls were headed to the hospital. "So, anyone wanna talk about that rude broad Shena?" asked Marine.

"What was that bitch's problem anyway?" Blaze was still pissed.

"Shena is in our Lamaze class." Tails answered.

"That's not the point, she had an attitude." Blaze replied.
"She hates me." Muri said.

"Who is Irum?" asked Tails.

"Um.....Kirika's daughter..."

"That doesn't explain much." Blaze said.
"She's Kirika's daughter, but she's...a bit different than normal."

"And the pen is for?" asked Marine.

"To keep her contained." Muri sighed a bit. "She's uncontrollable, she's a raging monster. It's not something I should speak of in public."

"So, at least I know what you're going through now." said Cream.

"If we took a less public path to where we are going, I'll explain. I need to tell someone anyway..." Muri said.

It didn't take long for everyone to reach the hospital and get to the waiting room. "Well, now we just wait." said Rouge.

Muri looked around and saw it was empty but them. "Shall I tell you more or are you no longer interested?" She asked.

"We'd love to know, but let's so somewhere not so commercial." said Cream.

"So why are we here anyway? I'm not scheduled to come in again for another week." said Tails.

"Wait, you're not?" Muri questioned.

"Nope, she isn't." and out comes Dr. Quack. "So tell me young lady, who might your pregnant friend be?"
"This is Muri, we're in the same Lamaze class." Tails answered.
"Good, that answers my question." and Dr. Quack fixes his parabolic reflector. "I'll need you to come with me. Well, both of you mothers can come along."

"Wait, but I didn't..." Muri started.

"Don't worry, Miley here will give you all the support you need." said Dr. Quack. "Now come along, this won't be so bad."

Muri gave a sad look, but followed when Tails took her by the hand and pulled her toward Dr Quack, Muri followed surprisingly obediently, despite her former reluctance."

Cream looked towards Rouge. "Explain." she said.
"After hearing how Muri hasn't gone through much medical care, so I figured an emergency check-up would do Muri wonders." Rouge told the other girls. "Besides, after hearing what just occurred, I think a check up can't hurt Muri."

"So, someone mind explaining what caused Muri to be so upset earlier?" Tikal asked.

Marine cleared her throat. "Shena came up and threatened to take her from us. She even cracked on-"
"Let's just let it go." Cream cut Marine off.

"Who is this Shena person? A guardian of Muri?" Tikal asked.

"I know she's in the Lamaze, but she must know Muri beyond that."

"Who knows... but I believe Shena and Irum have to do with Muri's issues." Cream said.

"Irum sounds familiar..." Tikal said. "I wonder why."

"Either way, I've taken the liberty of letting my mom know about this incident." said Cream.

"I have known Kirika only a short time, but something tells me she's somewhat incapable. We'll see..."

Meanwhile back with Tails, Muri and the doc.
"What am I here for?" Muri asked, scared.

"A check-up." Dr. Quack answered.

"But..."

"Don't worry, it won't cost you a thing. A certain bat and I arranged that one."

Muri gave in. "Okay..."

"Now relax on the table, this won't be rough."

"Can I get some help? I can barely lift myself off my own bum let alone onto a table..." Muri blushed.

Tails and Dr. Quack helped Muri onto the table. "Muri, what's the deal with Shena wanting to put you in 'line' like that?" asked Tails.

"In line?"

"I don't want to repeat how she used her tone."

"A good way to explain...take an ageist, a racist and a sexist, throw it all together with an attitude where she hates generally everything else, you have Shena." Muri said. "But....I don't know why she hates me, she always has."

"I feel sorry for her baby." said Tails.
"She has a child?" asked Dr. Quack.
"She's in our Lamaze class." Tails and Muri say.

"I see. Well, let's get back to our affairs."

After everything went through, the girls rejoined their group. "So, how did everything go?" asked Cream.
"Well." Tails answered. "Despite being sad and late on check-ups, both of them are fine."
"Muri's a lucky lady." said Dr. Quack.
"We also found out about Muri's child too from a picture."
"Nice." said Marine. "So what's the verdict, Muri?"

"At least we're healthy..." Muri replied.

"And your bunny, buck or doe?" asked Cream.

"Buck."

"Well, that's good to hear."

Everyone turns around. "Mom, I'm so glad you're here." said Cream.
"Good to see you again." said Marine.

"Hello again." Muri said to Vanilla.

"So you're having a boy, congratulations." said Vanilla. "Miley, we may have to schedule him and lavender a play date sometime."

"Thank you." Muri blushed slightly. "What do you mean 'play date'?"

"After both of you girls have your kids, in addition to having them used to mom for a few months, the two of you can get together and let the buck and vixen become baby buddies."

"Childhood friends, how lovely." Tikal smiled gleefully. "And you always have Knuckles little brother as well, you can make a trio."

"I forgot about Kneecaps... though, he'll be the oldest." said Tails.

"Well, Knuckles is the oldest of you, Sonic and himself, so it makes sense, right?" Tikal continued. "I'm glad to know everything's all well with you and your son, Muri."
"Thank you." Muri replied.

"Yeah, we all love cosplay." said Cream.
"Moving on, let's get you girls to my place." said Vanilla.
"But what about Kirika?" asked Tails.
"Don't worry, it's okay."

"Weren't we supposed to meet her?" Blaze asked.

"Relax, let's just go." Vanilla assured all of the girls.
"Go on ahead, I have a few words with the doc." said Rouge.

"Okay." Blaze said, and the girls follow Vanilla, except for Rouge who stays behind.

Dr. Quack just watched them go. "Well, now it's your turn." he said.
"Yup." said Rouge.

*

It took twenty minutes, but the girls managed to get to Vanilla's apartment. Once there, Blaze and Marine left for the Ocean Tornado and Tikal headed off to prepare for her show.

"Thanks for this, Vanilla." said Tails.
"No problem, girls." said Vanilla. "Muri, how's the tea?"

"It's...different..." Muri said.

"By the way, Kirika is asleep in the back. We'll let her sleep for now."

"I'm confused now." Muri said.

"Is she okay?"

"Just tired."

"Oh, okay." Muri said. "Also, I decided, the tea has a unique taste to it. I like it."

"So what now?" asked Tails.
"Simple." Vanilla began. "Muri and Kirika are going to stay the night here. You're welcome to stay.... no, I encourage you to stay with Muri. Besides, you two have class tomorrow and I was informed of your Shena incident."

"Shena is just a big bul-..." Muri stopped and squeaked. "Oh my...it must be about 8 or 9 o'clock..."

"I see." said Vanilla. "Well you two, better relax. I wanna make sure that both of you have a nice night. But for now, lie back in your seats and expose those kids of yours. I'll need to walk in the back for a moment and grab something." and off into the back she went.

"Muri, I wanna tell you something." said Tails.

"Oh?" Muri questioned, looking at Tails.

"I wanna tell you about... my situation."

"Your situation?"

"The truth is... I was raped. My rape was the biggest, horrifying, dramatic and painstaking moment of my life." the fox began fighting back her tears. "As a result of being raped, I got pregnant. I had to suffer electric shocks, vaginal tearing and scraping... and a lot of psychological hell.

"It was rough for me... no, it is rough for me. Sure, I have all of my friends here, but I still have... I still have omens from my rape. It was something I will never forget, but I don't blame Lavender for any of it. I chose to keep her because I wanted to be able to... be able to remain strong through all of this. I have no regrets about anything that I've done so far. And on the plus side, I've met some interesting faces... both friendly and unfriendly."

"I.....I see...." Muri was at a loss for words. How do I reply to that...? She thought.

"I figured that I would tell you so you wouldn't have to feel so bad about yourself anymore."

"My child is......" No....I can't tell anyone, he'd never forgive me and I'd be thrown with Irum... She thought. "I feel sorry for you."

"Being raped is rough, but living through it takes real strength. I don't know what happened to you before we entered the Lamaze class, but let's be strong together."

"Yeah, I can do that." Muri smiled. "At least we know one thing..."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, no matter our hardships, our babies will grow up happy and will always have a friend, each other. Right?"

"Sure. Now you were going to mention something at the hospital?"

"Irum..."

"Tell me."

Muri leaned back in her chair. "She's insane and always has been. She's kept in a cage, shackled to a wall, for safety..."

"That's so cruel."

"She is often used as a punishment for me...whenever I am disobedient."

"You mean by Shena?"

"Not just Shena, Tia, and...Nazaruda. The only one who saves me from it is Kirika who ends up taking a beating from Tia or Shena in replace."

That's why she sounded so weak... Tails had a disdainful look on her face. "Wow, that was something crazy."

"It's a good way to keep me in line...it isn't fun to have both your arms broken in 3 or 4 different ways..."

"Ouch."

"Yeah, but I forgive Irum for it..."

"So, the reason you deal with Shena is because you have to?"

"I don't like to tempt Irum, she's blood thirsty, but I got off very easy the last time. So I put up with Shena and Tia's abuse..." Muri was becoming upset, clearly.

"But what's the real deal with Nazaruda?"

"He's a hard topic." Muri said. "He....well..."

Tails wrapped her arm around Muri. "You don't have to explain anymore."

"Irum has the mind of a child, she should be taken in 'real' care. She can't learn any better because she's unreasonable. The reason I came out unscathed last time was because I was thrown in naked and I ended up breast feeding her." Muri said. "I want to save her, she's not safe where she is..."

"Okay girls, I'm back." Vanilla returned with a bottle of vitamin oil. "And apparently you two were busy storytelling to bare those bellies of yours. Now, let's see those kids of yours."

With a bit of help, Muri and Tails had their bare bellies out and exposed. Muri's bellybutton was popped out, a normal sign for most pregnant mothers, while Tails' bellybutton looked normal. And here they are, a fox's daughter and a rabbit's son. Vanilla thought to herself. Sure, the gestation periods are galaxies apart, but each of them can have a bright future ahead of them. Vanilla sits down in from of Tails and Muri. "As you can see, this is the vitamin oil that I will be placing on those round kids of yours." she explained. "The purpose of this is to make sure the two of you relax and enjoy a bit of peace and tranquillity.

"Think of it as a mini spa treatment, for delivering mothers."

Muri smiled slightly as she rubbed her own belly, she began humming an unfamiliar tune, but it was somewhat catchy as a lullaby.

"What's that called?" asked Tails.

"Huh?" Muri questioned. "Oh, that song? It's not called anything, it's something that Kirika always sings whenever I get scared and she has to pat me down."

"I have to grab something, be right back." said Vanilla as she got up and left the girls to themselves.
"Well, I guess we're gonna be a lot closer when all of this is over." said Tails.

"I'm glad we met. But, whilst we're again alone, I wanted to know if you wanted to talk about something that I sense is bothering you?" Muri replied.

"Like what?"

"The crossroad you're stuck in."

"I guess it's because I'm unsure of what lies ahead for us. Sure, I have a lot of support and care, but there is a lot that I just want to leave behind... yet, I can't."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure... I guess it's new mother's worries."

"I was more or less talking about the 'love crossroad', which from what I feel involves your friends Marine, Cream, Daichi and a hedgehog who you have long been friends with, but have deeper feelings for." Muri then stopped and covered her mouth. "Oh no, I'm doing it again. I shouldn't." And she bopped herself on the head. "Bad Muri, Bad."

"Yeah, I guess I'm playing the field right now."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't pry."

"Is there something you aren't telling me?"

"I sometimes sense things, not by choice. Sometimes people will think things and I hear it almost like they said it normally..." Muri said. "It's not something I choose to do, it just happens."

"Oh..."

"If I were to go on...I sense that you love one dearly, and one just slightly less, but still do, but you're uncomfortable with same gender relationships. Then there's Daichi, who only leaves you with confusing feelings, but there is something there...and then there's the last one. The one you love with your whole heart, but feel he won't accept you as anything more than a friend..." Muri explained.

"Yeah... I think I'll leave that alone."

"I'm being weird aren't I?" Muri said. "Sorry, I don't want to creep you out, forget I said anything."

"I think I understand why Shena wants to lock you up constantly all of a sudden."

"D-d-does th-that mean that you...want to hate me too?" Muri asked, budging away from Tails, slightly scared of her now.

"No, but I think this mind peering thing is probably a reason why Shena seems to hate you. You said that this 'gift' of yours happens unintentionally for some reason. Perhaps there was a time in your life that you mentally overheard something regarding Shena and she found out. You then managed to enrage her by some reason which lead to abuse... maybe the trauma caused you to forget about that, or the event was somehow erased from your mind completely. But that's just my guess."

"Can you read minds too?"

"No. Some call me a genius, but I'm nonow mind reader... or soothsayer for that matter."

"You hit that on the head..."

"Oh... I guess we should try not to pry into each other, huh?"

"I can't tell you what I know of Shena. Because she can threaten to kill me all she wants and I'd still tell, but she knows how to keep me quiet..."

"It sucks..."

"You're so active at nights, silly boy..." Muri said, poking her own belly, which then seemed to move in reply.

"At least he's aware of things."

"Yeah, I guess." Muri replied.

"Him being aware of things is good though."

"I know. But...sometimes he makes me feel like I am about to burst open. I often have to keep very still until the feeling goes away."

"Unborn children can sometimes be a handful." said Vanilla as she stood behind the girls. "Sorry about the delay, I was checking on your aunt."

"Is she okay?"

"Just tired and stressed. Cream is making sure to keep her in a peaceful state." Vanilla cleared up for Muri. "Currently, she's giving her a massage."

"Oh, that's good." Muri replied with a smile.

"Now, how about we deal with those kids of yours?"

"Okay."

Vanilla walked around and sat in front of the two girls again, then pulled out a spray bottle. "Now we'll begin." she said with a smile on her face. "Think of this as a quick little wash."

Vanilla began spraying Muri's belly. The sprayed liquid was an off blue colour and appeared to make Muri's belly shine. After that, it was Tails' turn and the liquid had the same effect. "You know something Muri, I was the one who found out about Miley being pregnant here." she said.

"Oh?" Muri questioned.

"She was very scared about her pregnancy early, and even hid it... or at least she tried to. You couldn't believe how worried she was when I found out. It took her a while to finally muster up the courage to tell all of us."

"I...I see..."

"It took her a while to understand that there was no need to hide anything from me."

"Well, finding out you're pregnant isn't always the greatest experience." Muri said. "When you're scared to tell people..."

"Both of your cases were like that."

"Yeah, you can say that." said Tails.

"This stuff tickles..." Muri said, referring to the sprayed liquid.

"Yup... and now for the removing." said Vanilla and began to wipe off the two bellies.

Muri's belly was wiped off first, then Tails' belly, resulting in two nicely shined bumps. "And there you go, all clean." said Vanilla with a smile. "Muri, I want you to know that if you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

"Like what?"

"Your choice, however I can help."

"I think I am okay for now, but I am getting sleepy."

"Looks like you're starting to relax." said Tails.

And Muri closes her eyes.

"And what about you, Miley?" asked Vanilla.
"This does help me relax." Tails answered.
"Good. Now I will rub the vitamin oil on both of you."

Vanilla poured some of the oil into her hand, rubbed it in both hands, then onto Muri's belly. A smile never left her face as this process occurred and Tails was at a loss for words. One thing about Vanilla that will always remain, is that she truly gives a mother's love to anyone who needs it. she thought. Muri must go through a lot when she leaves class. And to have Kirika fight for her just so Muri can try to have a safe term? no wonder she rarely smiles. So much worry in her heart... at least she can finally relax, at least for one night.

"Thank you...for all this..." Muri said, sleepily, her eyes still closed.

"Don't you believe that you deserve this?" asked Vanilla.

"Is to thank mean I don't feel deserving?"

"Being grateful is different from being deserving."

Muri opens her eyes a little. "Then I don't understand your question..."

"Don't you believe that you deserve the chance to relax and feel loved?"

"I don't know."

"Do you believe that your son should be loved?"

"He deserves to be happy....something that....won't happy if I have to be near Tia and Shena..." Muri looked like she was about to cry again. "Kirika can't keep us safe forever..."

"No, but she will try." said Tails. "Kirika won't give up fighting for you, you've seen it."
"You even have some support from us as well." said Vanilla.

"Thank you." And Muri closed her eyes again and rested her head back.

"Now for the baby girl." and Vanilla poured more oil into her hand to apply to Tails' belly. "What is certain is that both of you have so much in common, more than you think."

"Oh?" Muri asked.

"I understand why you hid, Muri."

"Do you?"

"Yes, and it deals with that Nazaruda fellow."

"Take that guy Hiei, remove emotions, give him insanity and severe violence and you're still not at Nazaruda..."

"I guess his raping you only makes more sense, doesn't it?"

Muri lowers her head. "Um...."

"You don't have to comment on it. But that's the general deal you're going through. It's because of him that you're pregnant. And because of him that you hid it from everyone, even your aunt. You don't have to feel regret or shame for it. Stones won't be thrown by us."

"How on earth did you guess that?" Muri looked at Vanilla, tears falling down her face. "No one knows, so how did you...?"

"Your disdain and uncertainty when you speak of him, or even hear his name... it's like torture to you. I overheard your talk about it and put everything together. In truth, you told the story yourself, but not in the exact way.

"Regardless, you don't have to hide it from me. I may not know your pain, but I know how to ease it."

Muri couldn't reply, just let the tears flow from her eyes as she could no longer contain her sadness.

Whoa.... Tails thought.
"Go ahead and let your tears flow, Muri."" Vanilla finished rubbing Tails belly down. "Know that you are in calming arms tonight. You and your aunt."

Muri wiped her face and then buried it in her palms, trying in vain to calm down.

Tails wrapped her arm around Muri. "Allow me to lend you my strength... and my shoulder to cry on." she said. Muri simply couldn't contain herself and she wrapped her arms around Tails and cried hard.

Vanilla took this time to hum softly, rubbing Muri's belly in the process. Yes... we should calm her down soon. she thought.

It took Tails and Vanilla five minutes to calm Muri down, but the young doe finally ceased her tears and crying. Which is a good thing too, as Vanilla was sensing the pregnant does becoming distressed. As a result, more rubdowns were given to Muri and it helped her out.

Cream managed to walk out from the back and brought out some blankets for the girls. Both of them were changed into pyjamas, Muri borrowing some maternity PJ's from tails, propped up and blanketed before heading off to sleep.

Tails fell asleep soundly. However, Muri still couldn't rest.

"Muri, you still can't settle yourself for sleep..." said Vanilla.

"...no...sorry..." Muri replied.

"Well, we're the only ones up, so you might as well tell about your mood."

"He makes me so miserable..."

"Well, his misery can't and won't harm you here. Even if you feel the world is at an end, you have somewhere to turn."

"Yeah, I know." Muri replied. "I'll be okay though, thanks. Miley told me she experienced the same thing. Isn't it a weird coincidence that two girls of a similar age, go the same Lamaze class, have the same problems and the same type of conception?"

"Perhaps, but think of it as a blessing."

"Yeah, I guess." Muri said. "So, what's going to happen now?"

"You will rest here and then we will see." Vanilla answered. "Besides, Lamaze class is tomorrow, so it's best to buddy up and go."

"Yeah...So, will you tell me what happened to Kirika?"

"You really do care about your aunt, don't you?"

"She's the only one who looked after me before today... Without her, I'm lost."

"Well, she's fine now. What's best is that you know that your family is safe here."

"Okay, thank you..." Muri said. "Could I get something to drink please?"

"Like what?" asked a curious Vanilla.

"Just a glass of water would do fine."

"Sure." Vanilla gets Muri a glass of water, then gives her the glass.

Muri takes the glass. "I'll try to sleep after this."

Vanilla smiled. "Get your rest, Muri. and no more thoughts that'll cause you to cry. You and Kweli need to relax."

Kweli?" Muri questioned.

"Of course." and Vanilla rubs Muri's head. "It's something that came in my head as I rubbed our belly. I guess that's what I chose to call that young buck of yours."

"Kweli..." Muri repeated to herself. "Thank you, Vanilla. Good night."

"Sleep well you two." and Vanilla finally saw Muri drift off to sleep.
"Are those two finally down for the night?" Cream asked as she approached her mother. She rubbed her eyes as her right hand was touching the wall.
"Yes, Muri and Kweli are down for the night." Vanilla answered.
"Kweli huh... that's a nice name for a buck."
"Yes, I think so too. But that's Muri's choice whether to officially name her son that or not."

With this said, Cream and Vanilla retire to Vanilla's room. Once again, the household was at peace and silence accompanied all who dwelled here.