A/N - Thanks to all yo wonderful reviewers!

36: For the Best

As the Chaotix exit his office, Sonic turns to Tails. His lips are pursed as he looks at the fox cub who gingerly sips his tea. "I think it'd be best if you waited for me in the waiting room while I'm at work," Sonic finally says.

Tails looks up at Sonic, over his mug, revealing no emotion. "If that's what you want."

Sonic frowns. "That's how it has to be. You cause or get into too much trouble on your own."

Tails puts his mug down and stands, blanket slipping to the floor. "Okay. And I'm feeling better now." He heads for the door. "You want me to send Big in, right?"

Baffled and slightly suspicious of the fox cub's speedy recovery, Sonic says, "Uh, yeah," Then, "Are you sure you're better?"

"Much better," Tails says before sidling out the door. He is smiling.

In the waiting room he finds Vector talking to Big. Espio and Charmy stand outside the large glass window, looking in. Tails waves at them. They glare at him.

"Sorry to interrupt," Tails says breaking into the cat and crocodile's conversation. "But Sonic says he needs to talk to Big. He says it's really important."

Big glowers at Tails. "Excuse me," he says to Vector and then goes into Sonic's office, closing the door behind him.

Now alone, with only the eyes of a bee and chameleon on them, Vector faces Tails. "I warned ya," he says.

Tails gives a sidelong glance at the window. "You did," he replies. Then looking Vector straight in the eye, he says, "And things turned out better than I could have ever planned." He sticks his hand out. "Sonic will be calling you sometime tomorrow about that filing cabinet."

Vector blinks several times, then hesitantly takes Tails hand. "Um…Don't really know what this is about, but thanks."

Tails shakes his head. "No, thank you." And then releasing Vector's hand, he gives the crocodile a big hug, smiling smugly at Charmy and Espio all the while.

In Sonic's office Big sits—something one is always advised to do when hearing bad news—on the couch. After asking Big if he's comfortable, Sonic discloses the bad news. When he has, he stands rigid before his desk, awaiting Big's reaction. He hopes he will not have to find a new (as Sonic calls Big) desk person.

Big, seeming to want to torture Sonic, waits a full minute before responding. His face is blank. When he speaks his voice is clear. His answer is short and unexpected. "Well, I suppose it's for the best."