"So, Tailsko," Began Amy, "How long have you been in town? Are you staying with Rouge?"

"No," Tails replied, walking with them down the sidewalks with her bags of clothes in tow, "I've only been in town for two, maybe three days… I'm… well. I'm staying with someone nice."

Rouge giggled. "She's staying with Shadow for now. Just until she can support herself."

Tails winced when Rouge told the girls everything. A chirp of interest came from all except Blaze.

"Shadow?" Amy asked. She didn't expect that answer. He would have been the very last person she'd thought of that this innocent, cute fox would be staying with.

Cream however was just surprised. She thought highly of Shadow, but to take in a stranger was not his in his character. "Do you know Mr. Shadow?"

Tails scratched her head. She had hoped to limit the amount of lies she would tell her friends. Each one was adding another lock of shame to the box of truth. However, she could be honest here. Afterall, Rouge would notice if the story changed. "No… He rescued me. I don't want to get into it."

"Science experiments," Rouge summed it up in those two words. They made Amy cover her mouth, Cream gasp, and Blaze visibly tense.

"That's awful!" Cream explained. Cheese agreed with her.

Tails reacted a little tense as well. There reaction mixed with the memories of being secured to a table and zapped by a transforming ray added up. The experience didn't' keep her up at night, it was hardly traumatic, but it was unforgettable. For everything in an instant to suddenly change and your life be turned around. It's not exactly a normal day.

"It's good Shadow found you. I can think of no better person to protect you. You're in good hands," Blaze assured.

"But we could do better," Amy commented. "Why don't you come live with me and Cream? Shadow is strong an all, but he's hardly someone you want to spend time with. Shadow can be really blunt and unpleasant to be a round. I couldn't live with someone like that."

"Amy," Cream scolded with chuckle, "That's rude."

"Now wait just a minute," Rouge began in defense of Shadow. She practically lived with him after all. "Shadow is not at all like that. Tailsko can tell you. He's very accommodating and quiet. And quite generous if you give him reason to be."

"Well, regardless," Amy huffed, "We'd love to have you. It's the least we can do for all Tails has done for us."

Tails looked down. "N-no thank you… I much rather stay with Shadow."

Rouge grinned mischievously. "Of course, you would."

"Rouge," Blaze scolded and shook her head. "It's understandable you would rather stay with him. I think he offers a better sense of safety after what happened to you."

Tails blushed and looked down bashfully. "He's been very kind."

"Okay, enough about Shadow," Amy giggled, "How about we take a look at the electronics?"

"Mmm," Tails shook her head in protest, a little bit of her old self coming out, "Most of that stuff is cheaply made, believe it or not. They over charge on a lot of high performance, high deterioration systems. I can build way better things with plastic wrap, paper clips and a cardboard box. Just give me a few days."

The girls seemed intrigued, but Tails wanted to slap herself. You and your big stupid mouth!

"So, you and Tails share an interest in electronic and machinery?" Amy asked.

And now Tails needed another lie. It was getting hard to keep track of all of them. "It was the one thing we had in common…" wait no, that sounds stupid! Your supposed to be a twin, damn it! "Heh, if you couldn't tell." She wiggled her two tails and laughed nervously but the girls took it as a real joke rather than a slip up. Whew. "We were inseparable at the time. We got really good ad taking things a part and putting them together. You probably knew that part. But… we had a falling out… It was bad enough he probably pretended I never existed…"

"Yeah, he never mentioned you," nodded Amy, "What happened?"

Tails was tired of lying today. She elected to tell Amy to stop asking questions. The polite way of course. "Listen, I know you mean well, and you've all been very kind. But I've just met you. Tails probably knows you all on a personal level… But I'm not Tails. So, I'm not sure it's your business. I'm sorry if that sounds mean… We've just met."

"Oh, of course," Amy said understandingly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. If you'd like, we won't mention him again."

Yes please! "I would like that… Maybe when we've become better acquainted, and I feel comfortable, we can talk about it later. I'm sorry again, really."

"You don't have to apologize," Blaze said softly, "We have been quite intrusive I think. No one should be afraid to mention when lines are being crossed."

"Thank you for being so understanding," Tails smiled, "You are very kind people. I do hope we can all be friends." Again… Tails sighed internally.

"Of course," Amy cheered.

"We'd love to," Cream added, and Cheese once again agreed with her.

Rouge hummed as she saw the eateries nearby. "How about a little bite to eat. I'm getting a little hungry with all this walking around. And it's so hot."

"That sounds delightful," Blaze concurred.

"Some ice cream would be nice too," said Cream.

Amy nodded affirmatively. "That settles it. let's eat then finish with an ice-cream. Is that okay, Tailsko?"

"I'd like that," Tails smiled.

She had never spent time with the girls like this before. It was a nightmare to her before but now that the circumstances were changed she found herself enjoying it. She wouldn't mind doing this again with them sometime.

X

Tails laughed as Amy had finished her story. The girls had walked her all the way to Shadow's apartment door. "Thank you so much for taking me out, Rouge. I enjoyed it."

"I told you," Rouge let down her sunglasses and winked. "I have to get home. I don't have another clean change of clothes and I don't want to miss my favorite programs new episode. It airs in a few hours. So long."

"Bye Rouge."

"Good night, Miss Rouge."

"Have a safe trip home."

"Mm hmm," Rouge waved and turned around when she entered the elevator. "Tell Shadow hi for me."

"Okay," Amy waved back. Tails about knocked on the door but froze to first take a dep breath. "Something wrong?"

Tails shook her head. "No, nothing wrong." She knocked on the door and shortly after, the door opened.

Shadow stood there and looked down at Tails. "Mila, welcome back." He looked up to see the three other girls. "I see you brought company. Good evening, Blaze."

"It's good to see you Shadow," Blaze nodded. "I trust you and Silver were successful in your endeavor."

Shadow shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. We had a minor setback and we decided to cancel. We will try again next week."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Blaze crossed her arms and shook her head. "I told Silver to plan ahead. He can be so naïve. Thank you for being there for him."

"It was no trouble," Shadow assured. "Would all of you like to come in?"

Amy about stepped forward to do just that, "Ye…"

Blaze reached over and pulled her back. "No, thank you, I thank you have entertained company long enough and Tailsko is tired by now, I'm sure."

"But…"

"Yes and it's getting very late," Cream agreed. "It would be rude for us to intrude at this hour. Thank you for offering." Amy gave up and decided to remain silent.

Shadow gave Blaze and appreciative nod and Cream a glance. "I see. You can come in, Mila. You must be tired."

"Very," Tails said in a yawn. "Thank you for your time girls. Let's do it again sometime."

"Definitely," Amy replied, "Good night, Tailsko. It was great meeting you."

"You as well Amy, Cream, Blaze. Goodnight." The girls replied accordingly, and Shadow shut the door.

"How was it?" Shadow asked.

Tails huffed and dropped all her bags next to the counter. "Girly, chatty, nosy, but… kind of fun…" Tails fell back on the sofa and laid there. "I enjoyed it. I didn't think I would, but I did."

Shadow hummed in response. "You are female now, Tails, you see the world differently now."

"Tailsko."

"Hmm?"

Tails cleared her throat and felt the need to explain herself. "I think it might be best if… you refer to me as my female name. Tailsko. Even in private…. You know… just so you get used to it. That was you might not slip up…" Telling Shadow that was actually rather redundant. He'd never forget something so trivial like she would.

"If that's what you want, Tailsko," Shadow said, digging into a cupboard for some tea.

"Th-thanks," the now dubbed Tailsko smiled. "Shadow…"

"Hmm?"

"If there's any way I can repay you for everything… please let me know. I want to thank you properly. You've done a lot for me over the past few days. I feel guilty I haven't returned any favors."

Shadow was stirring some tea when she had let him know. His stirring stopped for a brief moment. Then it continued. "It's as I said before, you don't owe me anything."

Tailsko laid back down on the sofa. "You said that before. What do you mean by it?"

Shadow didn't reply immediately. "Just like it sounds, Tail… Tailsko. I'm not keeping a tab on you. You'd do the same thing for me."

Tailsko smiled blushed. "Well, yeah… sure, and even you would try to thank me. Right?"

Shadow hummed affirmatively in response. "I suppose I would."

Tailsko rolled to her side. She wrestled with herself to ask more questions. One in particular. Day by day, she was getting used to living as a female and in a way… she'd come to like it. So, she reasoned this question was important. "Shadow… if I can't fix this… If I… never change back. What do you think that'll mean…for us?"

Shadow sipped his tea and froze at the mention of the question. He looked at her, still stoic but clear puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Tailsko felt she went too far. "I mean… You're helping me, and we're the only ones who know I was a boy. Maybe the science is more complicated that we thought. What if I can't change back? What will you do?"

Shadow set his tea down. He seemed more understanding. "You're afraid I'll kick you out and tell everyone the truth?"

Tailsko pretended he was right. "Well… I didn't say that…but…"

Shadow hummed. "Tailsko, I'm not going to make you leave this apartment. I'm helping you because it's the right thing to do. You've done me a few favors, now I'm making us even."

"And when my balance is empty, what then?" Tailsko asked, sitting up on the couch crisscrossed. "What are you going to do?"

"Hmph," Shadow closed his eyes and sipped his tea. "Taisko, trust me… Your chips aren't running out any time soon…"

Tailsko's ears twitched, and she caught a glimpse of guilt on Shadow's face. He stood up, came around the couch then sat across from him on the bar. "What do you mean? There's no way I did this much for you. Shadow, you're hiding something."

"Nothing new there," Shadow retorted as he become stoic again.

"Shadow what is it?" Taisko leaned ono the bar. "You can tell me. I won't tell anyone…" She tried reading him, but he was a blank page. Then his eyes slipped up. "Why do you want to help me so badly?"

"It's not like that, Tailsko. It has nothing to do with you," Shadow sighed. "Leave it alone."

Tailsko looked at the counter. She had remembered Shadow mentioning he and Doctor Pam had a brief history. Could it have something to do with that? "You feel responsible for what Doctor Pam did to me, don't you?" Shadow's wall crumbled. He looked at her ins surprise. That was probably the most emotion she had ever seen him display. "You can't seriously think this was your fault, Shadow."

Shadow took a deep breath, his composure returned, and he drank his tea. "Doctor Pam was my responsibility. I was her supervisor while she worked. She had a… wobbly deal with GUN. They knew she was unorthodox, so I was supposed to keep her in line. For a while, it worked. She produced amazing results and delivered more than she promised. Then she started talking to me. I came to respect her… And she used that against me… I helped her escape, made it look like an accident. When she got free, she unhinged. Experiments she ran had higher stakes at the expense of the subject. You could say I was indifferent at first… Then I pulled you out of a linen cart."

Tailsko actually smiled. "So, I hit a little closer to home, huh?" She probably shouldn't be as proud of that as she was.

"I realized she could hurt any of you," Shadow explained, "And in a matter of minutes it seems she destroyed your life. You can't even face them without lying to the now. You have to start from the bottom. So, I thought that if I helped you, I might heal a wound, I might have caused. So… you don't owe me anything."

Tailsko smiled a little brighter. "And neither do you." Shadow stood up to wash is cup. "Shadow," Taisko came around the bar and leaned on the kitchen counter next to the sink. "What she does is not your fault. She manipulated you, used you! If anyone owes anyone anything its her who owes you. Did she destroy my life? Well, almost. I'm still me. Different, but me."

Shadow grunted and put his cup on a drying rack. "I suppose. But I'll settle the score later. For now, I have to help you." Shadow froze in place as Tailsko wrapped her arms around him. He looked down at her, a little surprised by the gesture.

"Thank you, Shadow. For everything, I guess. I used to think I could only depend on Sonic… but I'm glad it was you who found me… Besides, I don't think anyone else would understand losing who they are. Not like you would."

Shadow slowly closed his arms. He didn't do this often and it was clear to Tailsko. "No… I suppose not."

Tailsko daringly looked up, reached up on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek. Another gesture he was not used to. Tailsko pulled away, brushed her bangs to the side, and bashfully looked away. "I should… go take a shower. Thanks again."

Tailsko raced off with her bags of clothes then shut the door to Shadow's room and braced against it. Oh my gosh! I actually did that! I literally kissed his cheek! Tailsko started feeling a little giddy. She took a deep breath and dug out some sleep wear then raced off into the bathroom, not even bothering to look at Shadow or figure out what he was doing.

Once she reached the bathroom she closed the door, locked it, and leaned on the sink counter. She couldn't stop blushing. Looking at herself in the mirror, she stared at her reflection then touched her lips. Maybe she was right. Only Shadow could understand what she was going through. Not exactly what she was going through but just enough to help her through it all. And he was. Not because he would get anything out of it, but because he wanted to.

"Maybe… I do have a chance. Maybe I don't have to change back." She started to undress and set her cloths on the floor. As a habit, she started looking at her body again. The first time she saw it, she felt ashamed. Like she was doing something wrong. Now she felt normal. Like this was all natural. She cupped her breasts and bounced theme a little, "Round breasts." She traced her hands down her sides. "Curvy frame." She turned around, examined her back and rear then stopped her hands there. she gave it a squeeze and a circular rub. "Firm butt." She looked down and around her body and giggled to herself. "I'm perfect. Just like this." She turned on the water for a shower and made a content sigh. "Tailsko." That was her name. she thought it was ridiculous. Stupid. A desperate attempt to cover up a slipup she nearly made a day ago. But now, she liked it.

Once the water was at a comfortable temperature, Tailsko stepped inside and began to massage her body. She reached over to grab one of the cheap bottles of shampoo but then eyed Rouge's. "I'm sure she won't mind." Taking the bottle, she starting lathering herself with the expensive product. It smelled really good. "So that's where Rouge gets her lavender scent."

Tailsko rinsed off then felt a familiar need rise in her lower reaches. Taking a deep breath, she reached down and let her breath out as she traced her slit. "Mmm." She imagined Shadow here with her. Shadow would wash her back then start lathering the rest of her body. Tailsko bit her lip and started messaging her sides then traced each hands to their respective targets. Her left at her right breast and her right hand to her middle. Shadow, would hug her close, his lips would kiss her cheek, travel down, and stop at her neck. She had to abandon her right nipple to message the bundle of nerves, longing for Shadow's kiss. "Shadow." Tailsko whispered to herself pretending to beg him to stop his teasing. But he wouldn't. No one could tell him what to do. He was the master; she was the willing slave, and this was a reward, so she should be grateful.

Shadow was now rubbing a little faster. He was making circular motions and pinching a little harder on her nipple then stretching it out. Maybe he'd reached around and start sucking a nipple. Tailsko lifted her left breast and managed to fit it in her mouth. It wasn't the same, but it still felt good. Both her nipples were being stimulated now, and she was getting close. She rubbed a little faster. "More… more… Shadow, please don't stop!" But then, she did. "Wha… why?" Because she wasn't allowed to… yet. She had just come up with that on the fly, hoping to feel the pleasure longer. But now that she thought about it, it was really hot. She let go of the breast she was sucking and looked at the shampoo bottles. She grabbed one of the cheap hotel bottles but put it back. What Rouge didn't know, wouldn't hurt her.

The bottle was almost perfect in size. Tailsko was only concerned that the top might open while she was using it… No, if anything was going in, it would have to be the real thing. She'd just have to be patient. Even in every fiber of her body wanted to use it, she drew the line there. that place was reserved for Shadow now. And not even a shampoo bottle would compromise that. Instead, she put it between her legs and rubbed it back and forth. Its ribbed pattern actually helped a little. It didn't feel as good as her fingers though. Everything was screaming for her to just line it up and insert it, but she fought against it. Disappointed, she put the bottle back and used her fingers again.

"Shadow… Shadow please," She begged quietly. "Let me… let me do it. I need to do it." Shadow would give her a smug look then lean over her. She was helplessly on her back, needing him but as close as he was, nothing was rewarding her. Beg more, and I'll consider it. Tailsko gasped as the shower water hit just right on her womanhood. It was a detachable head. She never thought to use it, but now that she had an idea of what it felt like, she had to try it. She imagined Shadow taking the shower head while she stood back up and reached for it. Now they were standing up, he was behind her again and he switched the setting to yield more pressure.

"Shadow… please…" She begged. And he aimed the head at her middle. It was a whole new sensation. It was almost better than her fingers. She rubbed it up and down, conscience of the difference of sound it would be making so being cautious to ward off suspicion. She was getting close now. "I'm close, I'm close! please, let me do it… let me cum!" She begged under her breath. She was taking a while already, so she didn't deny it this time. She reached orgasm and shook. Her eyes rolled at the back of her head and finally she could relax. Shadow chuckles into her ear and calls her a good girl then Tailsko sighs.

"If only…" She put the showerhead back and turns the setting then rinses off and calms down. She felt happy with herself again. But still longing for a real touch like she imagined it. "I wonder if he would want kids…"

That was a random thought! Tailsko gasped at herself and giggled nervously. She didn't know if she was brave enough to bare children. She had seen and heard that doing it bore a lot of pains and trials for both sides in the couple. Then childbirth? She couldn't do it. There was no way… Not yet anyway. Or maybe she just needed to let it happen. How does a woman know she's ready for that sort of thing? Maybe it's just random, they just do. Or maybe its planned and the couple has to talk about it and the mother just accepts that. Or maybe it's a feeling, like "now is the time" sort of thing. What would they even name them or what would they look like? So many questions. But it was so interesting and Tailsko wanted to explore all of the questions. She just wished she could talk to someone about it. Someone like Sonic…but not Sonic. She needed that level of trust just smarter, is what she meant. But who?

Tailsko shut off the water and stepped out of the shower. She began drying off and prepared to brush her teeth next. She started asking herself questions about children again. Mostly just exploring names for them. She brushed her teeth and whispered a few to herself. Shade was a nice name either boy or a girl. Maybe Miles. That made her chuckle. Maybe not. Fiona was a cool name for a girl. Or Ryle. Maybe Ryan and Ryle if there were twins.

Tailsko spat and rinsed her mouth then took Rouge's hairdryer and started to dry her fur. The warm air felt nice and relaxing on her fur. Her mind drifted from the kids topic into the imaginary romance. Maybe she and Shadow finished their lovemaking in the shower and were planning a round two in the bed. He would turn on the hairdryer and start blow-drying her hair. He'd run his fingers through her fur to get ever bit of water out. He'd press his lips into her head and smell her fur then compliment her on it. She'd giggle and hug him then he message her head, still using the hairdryer to dry her fur.

Tailsko got a pleasant shiver when she aimed the warm drier at the back of her neck. She hummed in contentment, imagining it was Shadow and not some dry hot air. But all good things had to come to an end. She was nearly done with her new nightly routine and soon her fantasy would have to end. Switching off the hairdryer, she picked up a pair of panties and slipped her supple legs through them and up as far as they would comfortably go. She looked herself in the mirror and turned around. Giving her reflection a wink as though it were a boy ogling her. Then she put on a tank top and a pair of pajamas Rouge had bought her. It was Tailsko's choice. Something to deter Rouge from buying a skimpy nightgown. She was content with this choice. Sure, it was a bit baggy, something Rouge hated, but it was comfy, and the material felt nice.

Finally finished, she gathered her dirty laundry and towel and stepped out of the bathroom. The cool air for once didn't mean anything to her. It was refreshing actually. She placed her laundry in a basket and looked for Shadow. He wasn't in the living room. So, she peaked into his room and found him sitting in his chair, reading the romance novel from yesterday. Tailsko smiled and entered pretending she hadn't kissed his cheek a while ago.

"Shadow, I put my dirty clothes in the basket next to your washer and dryer, is that okay?"

He finished a sentence in his book, placed his finger down and looked up at her, "Yes, that's fine, I'll wash them later."

"Oh, I can wash them myself. You'll have to teach me how to use the machines, of course, but I might as well pitch in and do some chores around here, if I'm going to stay."

"That's not necessary," Shadow assured as he saved his spot in his book and taking off his reading glasses.

"I know," Tailsko said, flopping on the bed. She sighed in content then turned around on her back. "I just want to. You don't think I owe you anything, but I am morally obligated to do some chores here while I am staying here. There's no point in arguing, Shadow, you're just going to have to let me do it."

Shadow chuckled. Tailsko's eyes popped. He actually chuckled! She faced him and sat up in clear surprise. "I suppose I will, won't I? Alright, Tailsko, you win."

"Yes!" She pumped both her arms. "Thanks, Shadow."

"Thank you," he replied as he opened his book back up and redonned his glasses. Tailsko smiled at him. She liked ow he wore reading glasses. There was no way he needed them, but he used them anyway. It was odd.

"What are you reading, anyway?" she asked as she car around and hovered over his side, reading a random page.

Shadow didn't look up but her answered her question. "It's just a novel about a woman who buys a property and falls in love with the groundskeeper. I haven't really enjoyed it thus far, but I've already started so I figured I should finish it."

"Do you like romance?" Tailsko asked bluntly, leaning closer over his shoulder, and getting a better view of the page.

"Not as much as I do fantasy. In fantasy, the writer has to dream up a world, whereas romance a writer usually inserts their ideal relationship."

"What about military or sci-fi stuff?" Tailsko asked, "I like a good science fiction."

Shadow shook his head and growled. "Aah, I don't care about those as much. Unless its nonfiction, I prefer to stay away from either. Get one ore two facts wrong and you might keep me but if the whole story is wrong based on nothing, but the writer wanted it to happen, you might lose me. A lot of those stories have agendas I'm tired of seeing. Sci-fi in particular. Military fiction is a hit or miss otherwise. Best to just stick to a genre that you understand won't be based on facts."

"But isn't that all of fiction?" Tailsko smirked as she sat on the arm of the chair.

Shadow sighed, realizing his complaints didn't hold all of the water. "Well… in a sense, but if you're going to tell a story about something you hardly know, it's also to be expected someone who knows about it, can't enjoy it to its fullest. Suspension of belief only gets one so far into a story. I find, the less you understand, the easier it is to enjoy."

"So, why isn't romance at the top of your list?" Tailsko asked in a laugh. She covered her mouth and snickered to herself. "I'm sorry that just popped out."

Shadow glared up at her. She continued to snicker to herself until it turned into full on laughter. She eyed him as she laughed to see his expression. He had closed his book and was now shaking his head and covering his eyes. While he was otherwise expressionless his actions and words let Tailsko know he was amused by the joke. "Alright, laugh it up."

Tailsko finally calmed down. "Okay, okay. I'm done. Eh hem, I'm done. I promise; I'm done." Shadow nodded then opened his book back up so he could continue to read. Tailsko stretched as she stood up, rubbed her read end to ease the pain from the uncomfortable armchair and yawned. "Do you mind reading it out loud?"

Shadow looked up and eyed her. He had just finished another chapter and only had four left. "It's not proper to start a story in the middle, you know."

Tailsko looked over at Shadow's bookcase then started reading over the options. "Then I guess you'll just have to start at the beginning somewhere… Ooh, I love this one. Have you read this one yet?"

Shadow put his book down then grabbed the book Tailsko was handing him. "Metro 2033? You liked this book?"

Tailsko nodded, "I've read it a few times. I'm a bit of a sci-fi horror fan. I just thought the apocalyptic world was so interesting."

Shadow opened it up. "I didn't think you enjoyed horror anything, Tailsko. But yes, I've read every book on that shelf. Those are all my favorite books. Ones I've read more than once." Shadow reclined I his chair and fixed his glasses as he found the first page. Tailsko laid on her belly, at the corner of her bed and stared at Shadow expectantly, her feet up and her head propped up by her arms. Shadow started to read and Tailsko was immediately captivated by his voice. He gave the book tone, brought it to life. She was far too captivated to sleep.

Shadow glanced up at her occasionally only to find her smiling at him and kicking her feet back and forth. It had taken about three chapter for her to show any signs of sleeping. He made it midway through the fourth when he looked up and finally saw her laying down and lightly snoring.

Placing a pen inside the book, he put it down and stood up then pulled the sheets back and put Tailsko under them. He covered her up and sat back down then returned to his chair and returned to his first book. Shadow opened to his most recent page. But not before looking back up at Tailsko and offering a soft smile.