Hi, everybody! Happy Easter! We use this day to celebrate the wonderful gift that God gave us. And while I can't give anything nearly as good as God's salvation, I would like to give you all something. I started to write this short one- shot about two years ago. I finally decided to finish and post it. I hope you all like it. It takes place after my story Child In The Alley and the story His First Christmas.

(I am having slight problems with formatting. Fanfiction won't let me keep my Italytized or bold words, or extra spacing. So if something looks a little off, it could be that. I'll try and figure it out eventually.)

"Tails. Tails. Time to wake up."

The fox only groaned in response. He was not ready to get up yet. He wanted to keep his eyes shut and go back to the peaceful bliss of dreams. Besides, the bed was holding him captive with its warmth and comfort.

He felt his shoulder be gently shaken. "Tails, time to get up bud. I know you can hear me."

How on Mobius could he know that?! The fox dug himself into the bundle of quilts for a response. He was going back to sleep and there was no way Sonic could convince him otherwise!

"Come on Tails, it's Easter. Don't you want to see Cream and Amy?"

Nevermind. The child's eyes flew open and he immediately shot up in his bed. He had forgotten it was Easter!

Sonic laughed at his little brother's messy hair before ruffling it between his fingers. "Thought that would get you up. Now let's hurry and get ready. Breakfast is done."

Tails did not need telling twice. He slid out of bed and made a dash for the dresser that sat next to the bed. On top was laid a pair of black socks and black cuffed gloves. Next to that was a pair of black shoes. He always wore those on special occasions.

"Cweam, Amy, and Vanilla are goin' to church too right?"

Sonic nodded his head. "Uh-huh. So you better hurry unless you want them to leave without us." It was said as a joke, but Tails took it literally. The fox got dressed faster.

"Sonic, can you help me with my shoes?"

"Of course!" The blue hedgehog knelt beside his brother and tied a double knot in his shoes. It always amused him how smart Tails was, able to fix and build machines, but was still such a child.

The kit grinned at the neatly tied shoelace. "Thanks, Sonic."

"No prob bro! Now let's go eat. I'm starved. Last one to the table is a chililess chili dog!" He asked off in a blue wisp.

"No fair!" The fox followed after.

The hot oatmeal tasted good as the little fox shuffled it into his mouth.

"Miles Prower, slow down! You'll make yourself sick, " chided Sir Charles. He held down the young one's hand to prevent him from adding another spoon full.

"Buf mm wnf shm cwf!"

"Don't talk with your mouthful either, sonny. Chew and swallow what you have first."

Tails did as bidden, rather anoid. Why did chewing take twice as long when you wanted to talk? He swallowed. "I want to see Cweam!"

Sir Charles laughed. "I bet you do! Don't worry, we'll be off in just a minute."

The fox nodded and continued to consume his breakfast. A minute could be rather long by adult standards.

Tails smiled as he held his Sonic's hand. He loved having a big brother. It was something he thought he could only dream of having. He knew without a single doubt his Mamma and Pappa would have loved the blue-quilled hero.

The fox cub took in a deep breath of the cool, spring air and giggled at the warmth of the sun. Today was such a contrast to the one that Sonic had found him. It had been cold, raining, he was alone, hungry, and without a family. Sonic and Sir Chuck were his family now. He was forever thankful for their kindness.

The two hedgehogs and fox arrived on Mrs. Vanilla's front doorstep. Charles knocked, the door slowly opened, and revealed the face of a motherly rabbit. She was wearing a light blue dress and a dark blue sweater. "Hello, " she greeted. "I am so glad you made it. Come on in!"

She opened the door wide to give them entrance. She called down one of the halls in her soft voice. "Girls, they're here! It's time to go now!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

The mother rabbit once again returned to her guest. She tweaked Tails' ear with fondness. "My, you sure look handsome today. You both do."

The fox blushed and shuffled his feet awkwardly while Sonic tried to pretend he had not heard the comment.

"Tails!"

The fox's embarrassed smile turned into a large grin as he spotted his friend running across the room. "Hi, Cweam!"

The three-year-old gave him a tight hug. "Do wike dwess?" The little rabbit was wearing a brand new white and pink dress. The hems were trimmed with lace and flowers were embroidered on the bottom. Mrs. Vanilla had sewed the entire thing. She always wanted her girls to be dressed nice, even if she could not afford much. She was a very resourceful woman.

"It's berry pretty Cweam," answered the kit. Cream smiled and her hug became tighter.

"Uh, where's Amy?" asked Sonic. He did a full turnaround and was still unable to spot the pink hedgehog.

At that moment the door to the girls' bedroom opened and out walked the pink hedgehog. She was wearing a new dress that matched Creams, only it was accented in a pale green instead of pink. She gave a twirl in front of everyone then batted her eyelashes at the blue hedgehog. "Hey, Soni~ic."

Sonic waived his right hand. "Sup, Ames?"

The girl smiled but kept looking at him like she was waiting for something. Sonic wracked his brain for what he missed. Luckily, a quick nudge in the ribs from his uncle reminded him what it was. "Oh! Uh…. you look nice."

The girl's eyes lit up like they were filled with a hundred lightning bugs. "Really?!"

The young teen rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, yeah?"

Amy beamed. Sonic shifted from one foot to another under her gaze. He had no idea why she often gave him that funny look that she did. It always made him uncomfortable. He knew Amy well, he considered her his sister after all, but there were times when she felt like a complete alien. He sighed. Girls.

The six Mobians went through the door and started the walk to church. It did not take long and the only incident along the way was a bee that kept chasing the fox. Apparently, it was a fan of yellow.

Church service was wonderful. The congregation sang many songs and there were a few specials that had been prepared. When church was over, the members stood outside in the spring weather talking together.

Tails tugged on the end of Sir Charles' vest. "Sir Chuck, where's Sonic?"

"Um…." The older hedgehog craned his neck to look around the yard. He spotted his nephew. "Ahah! There he is." He pointed a finger. "He's over by that big oak talking to Sally."

"Okay! Dank you!" The fox left the hedgehog and the rabbits to go talk to his brother and friend. The hedgehog and chipmunk were sitting on the ground in the cool shade of the tree. They were bent over a small handheld device. "Hey, Sonic! Watchya doin'?"

Sonic waved him over. "Hey, buddy. Sally was showing me the new update Rotor made."

"You want to see," asked Sally.

Tails squealed with joy. Anything technical was right up his alley. And if Rotor made it? He would definitely be interested. He curled up in Sally's lap as the chipmunk showed him the update.

"I'll take that as a yes," she chuckled. She put the small rectangle in the child genius's hands. "You know how Nicole can take pictures, right? Well, Rotor recently programmed her camera to record videos." She clicked a button on the side of the device. "Wave hi, Tails."

The fox kit gave a shy wave. "Hi…."

Sally clicked the button again and set Nicole to the side. "Now the video of you will be sent to the computer at HQ. Is that not cool?"

It was cool. Tails liked it a lot. When he gets older, he's going to build lots of stuff like that too. Maybe Sonic will take him on missions as well.

The blue hedgehog grinned at his brother. "It's gonna help out a lot on missions. It would have been nice to have a while back." He cringed as he remembered one of the Freedom Fighters' first mission together.

The three friends talked for a while until Amy came over. She was holding little Cream's hand. "Hi, Sally," she greeted. "How are you doing?"

The chipmunk smiled at the sight of the other girl. She held up Nicole. "Great! Rotor updated Nicole. Now she can send video feedback to the base."

"Really? That's so cool!" Amy gave out a little squeal.

"Would you like me to show you how it works?"

Amy's shoulders drooped. "Yeah, that would be awesome, but you'll have to show me another time." She turned to Sonic and Tails. "Your uncle said to tell you it's time to go home. Mrs. Vanilla has to finish dinner at home."

The blue hedgehog leaped to his feet. He grabbed the fox's hand. "Come on Tails! I'm starving! Bye, Sal!" He dashed off leaving the others to catch up.

"That meal was wonderful, Vanilla." Sir Charles set his fork down on his empty plate. A chorus of agreement came from the children.

"Why thank you," said the mother rabbit. "Cooking is such a pleasure when making it for one who enjoys it so much." She started to remove the dishes from the table.

Sir Charles stood up. "Kids, why don't you help Mrs. Vanilla clean up? I have something I need to check on."

"Yes sir!"

The kids started to help. While they were working, Tails walked up to Sonic and Amy. He wanted to ask about something that bothered him. "Sonic?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a question 'bout the easter bunny?" He twiddled the tip of one of his tails in his fingers.

The hedgehog nodded his head. He was sure hoping the whole Easter bunny thing did not turn out like the Santa Clause incident. "Sure, buddy. Ask Away!"

"Does the easter bunny really walk wound laying eggs in your backyard? And how does he lay eggs with jelly beans inside?"

Sonic face balmed. Was his brother the only kid that came up with this stuff? "No Tails, the Easter bunny does not lay the eggs."

The fox tilted his head to the side. "Where does he get them then?"

"Uh….. Ducks. He gets them from special ducks that lay colorful eggs with jelly beans inside!"

The yellow kit squinted his eyes at his brother before breaking out into a smile. "Oh. Okay. Danks Sonic!" He skipped off.

The teen let out a sigh. Why did Tails always have to ask these types of questions when Uncle Chuck wasn't around. He was hesitant about the answer he gave. Oh, please don't come back and haunt me.

The lash dish was put away and all the chairs were pushed back around the table. Sir Charles walked back inside the house with a large grin. "Guys, the Easter bunny must have visited while you were eating, because I believe I spotted a few eggs…."

The two girls and Tails jumped up and down full of excitement. Sonic just smiled. "Let's get our baskets!" squealed Amy. She grabbed Sonic's hand and began to drag him out the door. "Stop being so slow, you slowpoke! You're the fastest thing alive!" Sonic groaned while Tails and Cream giggled.

After the children were gone, Vanilla gave Charles a warm smile. "Thank you, Charles. You made my girls very happy."

"No problem at all. It was the least I could do after that feast you prepared all by yourself. Besides, the boys will enjoy it too. Sonic says he's too old to hunt for eggs, and that he's only doing it for the kids, but I know he secretly likes it still."

Vanilla laughed. Charles then noticed what she was doing. She was wrapping up a full plate of food as if she were saving it for someone. "You still miss him, don't you?" he asked.

She froze at his words then lowered her eyes to the floor. "Yes," she answered softly. "It has been over three years and the hurt is just as strong. I still expect him to come walking through that front door most nights. Guess that's why I make him a plate sometimes. I wish he had meant Cream though before…." She sighed.

Charles squeezed her hand in sympathy. "You are a strong woman, you know that? Not only are you raising your daughter by yourself, but you also took Amy in as well. And may I point out what lovely women they are growing up to be? You have taught them how to be caring and kind. They are very happy."

"Same to you, Sir Charles." She squeezed his hand back. "You took in your nephew and now Miles. They are good kids." She shook her head. "I still wish he were here though. I miss him so much."

"I know…. I know…."

"I found a yellow one!" The small fox held up his round treasure in triumph. How a duck could lay an egg that was so different than any other bird egg was way beyond him.

Sonic gave a thumb's up. "Good job, bro!"

Cream ran in dozens of circles pointing at all the colorful eggs. "Ball! Ball!"

"Look, there's one in the tree!" called Amy. She plucked the egg that was wedged between two low branches.

Sonic mostly collected eggs that were blue.

Tails turned the yellow egg in his hands. His nose scrunched in confusion. Sure, the shell was thin like an egg, but the material felt just like plastic! He so needed to take it home and study it. Perhaps Sir Chuck could help him decipher what its chemical makeup was.

The children continued to hunt for eggs. Some were hidden in the grass, some in trees, some were wedged in the oddest of places. The green ones were the most tricky to find. They blended in well with the grass.

Tails ran up to his brother and showed him the basket full of treasures. "Look Sonic! I founded lots of eggs!"

"Uh, Sonic?" called Amy worriedly. She ran up to the blue hedgehog. "Have you seen Cream?"

Sonic's head zipped in all directions trying to locate the little rabbit. She was gone. "Cream!" he shouted. "Cream where'd you go?!"

No answer.

Sonic cradled his head. "Vanilla's going to kill us!"

"Seriously? Is that what you are worried about?" growled Amy. She staired her friend down. "Cream could be lost. Or hurt! We've gotta find her. Cream! Cream!!!"

Sonic laid his hands on Amy's shoulders to try and calm her down. Not that he was all that collected himself. "Calm down Amy. We'll find her. She was just here a second ago so she couldn't have gone far. Okay?"

"I know, I know. It's just-" She paused when Tails started tugging on her dress. "What is it, Tails."

The little boy pointed towards the right of them. "She's ober dare."

The older kids' hearts settled with relief as they saw the small bunny running towards them. The little girl was giggling happily. "Amy! Amy! Amy! I fwound egg! I fwound egg!" The little rabbit, either unaware or simply did not care about the commotion she had caused, grabbed her sister's hand and started pulling her. "Come see! Come see!"

Amy, Sonic, and Tails followed Cream to where she led them. They ended up behind a series of bushes. Tails gasped. Sitting on the grass was the biggest egg he had ever seen. It was larger than Cream. The top was yellow with white spots that faded to a white background with blue spots. The fox tilted his head. "So….. Is dare a baby bunny inside?"

Sonic sighed and ran his gloved hand down his face. His little brother was still hung up on the whole easter bunny confusion. "No, Tails, there is no baby bunny inside." The hedgehog circled the large egg in thought. "You know what? I think it's a Chao egg."

"Really?" asked Amy. "I have never seen one before."

"I've seen a few on my adventures. They can vary in color, texture, and pattern, but I believe this is what the majority looks like."

Cream hugged her little arms around the egg. "The Easter bunny bwot me a choa!"

"How do we get it back home?" asked Amy.

The egg was carefully picked up by Sonic. "They are very light. I'll carry it back, but we are going to have to walk slow."

"Tails' eyes widened in surprise. "You can go slow?"

Both of the hedgehogs chuckled at that. "Yes, Tails," answered Sonic. "I can go slow. I just don't like to. After all, speed is my middle name."

Now the fox kit was completely confused. "I thought your middle name was-"

"DON'T FINISH THAT SENTENCE!!!"

Mrs. Vanilla and Sir Charles were sitting at the table enjoying hot cups of coffee when four children came bursting through the door. Little Cream practically jumped into her mother's arms almost causing the woman to spill her burning beverage. "Mama! Mama! Easter bunny bwot me egg! A big egg!"

Vanilla carefully set her cup down to hold her daughter properly. "He did? How nice, dear. You will certainly have to write him a thank you letter. Won't you? Did the rest of you children find any eggs?" Her gentle smile froze when she looked up at the other kids. Amy and Tails were practically vibrating with excitement while Sonic just stood off sheepishly to the side. Holding a giant egg. A Chao egg.

"Surprise!" announced Sonic somewhat strained. Her expression was making him antsy. "Cream found it nearby hiding in the bushes."

The little rabbit giggled. "Ewster bunny bwot it!"

Mrs. Vanilla slowly turned to face Charles. Her burning brown eyes told a different story than her smile. "Did he now?"

The older hedgehog threw both his hands up in surrender. "I swear, I had nothing to do with this."

The mother sighed and her shoulders sagged. "Cream, honey, we talked about this. I already said no to having a Chao."

"But Ewster bunny…." Cream's eyes began to water and her bottom lip trembled.

As heartbreaking as it was, Vanilla had practiced defense against puppy dog eyes. She could not afford to say yes to all her daughters' wishes. She drew the line at a Chao. She turned to the other children. "Sonic, can you please put it back where you found it?"

All three of the older children's faces saddened at the command. Miles was about to cry. "But it was all alone…."

She turned to the child's guardian hoping for some extra strength only to be met with Charles hiding behind his hands, stifling laughter. Oh, dear. "Charles…."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Those kids!" He took a deep breath and calmed himself. "You heard Mrs. Vanilla. She said no. Now go put the egg back."

The children sadly left with the egg. Cream and Tails were crying, Amy almost in tears, and while the teen would never admit it, Sonic was teary-eyed as well.

The two adults were silent for a while.

Vanilla rubbed her forehead. "Sir Charles?"

"Yes?"

"Talk me out of this."

The hedgehog raised his brow. "Talk you out of what?"

The mother took a deep breath. "Letting the girls keep the Chao. I know they want to, but it's a bad idea."

Chuck took a sip from his coffee. "Alright, start listing off why it's a bad idea."

"I'm already taking care of two children by myself while providing for my family," she started. "I don't need the extra stress of raising a Chao! I already told the girls no. If I give in now over this, what will I give into in the future? Would we even be able to properly take care of one? Chao requires special care that I don't know." She let out a long sigh. "But ….. Chao are protective and it would always be nice to have an extra pair of eyes to keep on the girls. And I know they would be responsible for taking care of it…." She buried her head in her hands. "But I already established the no pet rule. I can not go back on my word."

The greying hedgehog rested one of his hands on hers. "You know, rules are good to have. They set boundaries and keep people safe." He squeezed her hand. "But sometimes things change. The world evolves and children grow up. A rule that might be best now or before may not always be what is best in the future. You have a right to say no, Vanilla. You know what is best for your family. But don't limit yourself just because you don't want to let things change."

"Charles?"

"Yes?"

"I'm going to regret this."

Tails held onto his brother's arm as they all made their way towards where the egg had been found. Sonic was carefully carrying their treasure while Amy was holding the crying Cream. The fox bit his lip hard. He didn't want to cry. He wanted to be brave like his brother! But the lump in his throat hardened and his eyes stung.

Don't worry," reassured the blue hedgehog. He gave what was supposed to be a comforting smile but Tails could see how it did not reach his eyes. "The Chao will be just fine. Most Chao are born in the wild anyway. When they hatch, they'll go and find a Chao garden and make lots of friends."

"Will he habe a family?" asked the kit.

Sonic laughed a little. "Yeah, I'm sure they will."

Tails was about to ask if he could take a turn holding it when he heard Sir Chuck call. "Kids! Wait up a minute!" They all turned to see the older blue hedgehog jog up to them with Mrs. Vanilla not far behind.

"Is something wrong?" asked Sonic.

Sir Chuck shook his head. "Oh, no. Everything's fine, sonny. Mrs. Vanilla just wanted to talk to the girls for a moment."

The mother rabbit walked in front of her two children. Amy and Cream looked up at her curiously. "If I let you keep the Chao, do you promise to take care of it?"

Amy's eyes widened. "Do you mean….?"

"Yes," she answered.

Cream started jumping up and down. "Chao! Chao! Chao! Chao!"

Both girls rushed up to Vanilla and tackled her in a tight hug. "We promise to take care of it," said Amy. "Thank you!"

She smiled. "You're welcome, girls. Now, come on. We better take it home. We have no idea when it'll hatch."

The two families walked home together happily. It was well afternoon, but they still had much time to finish celebrating the holiday.

Friendship is a strange thing. Sometimes two people bond immediately after meeting. Sometimes it's after slowly getting to know each other through a long period of time. Friends can be identical to one another or the polar opposite. Friendships can even form between those who were previously rivals or enemies. An odd circumstance of friendship that most people don't consider is deciding you are friends before even knowing of the existence of the other. That was what Cream did. For months she waited for a Chao to come into her life. Now that one did, she knew that their bond would never be severed.

Hope you like it! Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like. And happy Easter!

I drew a picture for this! ;)

https//remnantsoffantasy/art/The-Easter-Egg-Sonic-and-gang-875145559?ga_submit_new=10%3A1617395333