KMITS here with another chapter of Deception. Wanted to thank those who reviewed my first chapter and give you a shout out:

Shadow's Dark Angel: Thanks. Glad you like. I really like your stories too. Their really funny. Update soon!

Furious and Enraged: lol. Yeah, I get you. It is kind of confusing but it's meant to be. Don't worry, I'll explain later on, maybe even the next chapter. And also, I like your pename a lot. Reminds me of myself everytime I'm forced to go to school...damn parental manipulation!

da deltadasher demon: Hey, your on this story too! Yay! I got my people's reading all my junk. It get's me...right here (points to heart...if she had one). Anyway, thanks for the review. Nice to know I have a fan on more than one of my projects...yay!

mj: The wait is over. Here's chapter 2 just for my reviewers.

Capital C: Glad you have such high expectations about my fic. I only hope I can meet your expectations and I'll try my best to. Thanks for the review!

XFIRE: (hides behind fire proof metal door)...here's chapter 2, now please...don't hurt me. (cringes)

Now that I got that out of the way, here's another chapter from yours truly. Enjoy!

Disclaimer:...do I really need to say it?

Chapter 2: Torn

Shortly after the near accident a couple of policemen entered the scene, wanting to know the details of what nearly happened. Both the furries who had beared witness to it, the driver of the vehicle as well as myself were asked to testify. After every testimony was accounted for and reviewed several times, I was asked whether I wished to place charges on the man. I decided against it. After all, I was most at fault. I had been the one to rush into the middle of the street without warning. With no charges against him the man was set free and the furries with nothing better to see retired to their homes for the night, many offering words about their glee that I had come out of it unscratched, others wishing me a safe return home.

Shaking the hand of the last furrie I watched him fade into the distance, a sense of relief flooding through me. I was finally alone...or so I thought. A gloved hand was placed upon my shoulders and I turned to face Sonic. I had forgotten he was still here.

"I have a couple of things to take care of in Mystic Ruins. Your house is along the way so...mind if I walk you home?" he asked, studying me for a second.

I considered the proposition and found it much more prudent to decline. It would be too ackward. But then again, it would be even more so to say no. The look in his eyes when I did...the explanation I would feel compelled to offer...and I was too tired to deal with it right now. Besides, what harm could it do?

"Uh...sure Sonic...Thank you" I whispered.

He nodded and without another word began to walk in the direction of the train station, his shadow enveloping me in its wake. On instinct I ran until we were side by side. I didn't like to be left behind. That seemed too much like the old Tails, the one that constantly followed Sonic like a puppy. That wasn't me anymore...that would never be me again.

"Um...hey Sonic?"

"Yeah?"

"How did you know I was here?"

"I stopped by your house this afternoon but you weren't there. You'd left your door unlocked so I went inside. I looked all around but I couldn't find you and then I went to your kitchen. One look at the fridge told me you had probably gone out to eat and there's only one place you'll eat out at so, after a quick stop, I went to look for you."

"Oh...okay."

We walked in silence through the darkening streets of Station Square. It wasn't an ackward silence but rather a necessary one. Sonic and I were not as close as we once were. I don't know when it happened but it was suddently there, an invisible rift that kept us from being what we once were.

Uncounsciously I turned my gaze towards Sonic, his lack of attention assuring I wouldn't get caught staring. I couldn't help but notice he really had matured since the last time I had seen him, nearly a year ago. His quills had grown much longer. If they were straighter I would guess they would reach his mid back. His eyes had grown from an olive green to a bright jade and depending on the lighting would switch from one color to another. His arms and chest had become muscled and one could tell he was in his prime in that area. Due to his development in certain areas it had become much more prudent for him to wear clothing and he had opted for dark grey carpenter pants with the chain on the side, a red shirt covered by a grey vest. On his hands he wore fingerless red gloves. His most noticable change however was the earring he wore on his left ear, a very small silver hoop. We had all been surprised the first time he had shown it to us but we had simply regarded it as another way he wished to express himself. The only thing that had not changed about Sonic were his trusted red running shoes. I doubted they would ever change. They were just so much a part of him. I guess it was a link to his past, to himself, what told everyone that no matter how much he changed he would always be the hero, the adventurer, the dreamer Sonic the Hedgehog.

And that was the problem.

Sonic was, is, and would probably always be a dreamer. I had become a realist. He would always see the good in people, I could only see their hidden motives. He could see the light at the end of every tunnel, I could see the false hope the light brought. He saw life as an adventure, I saw it as a chore. We had become as different as night and day...and that was why we had drifted.

And even then, with all our differences, I could still be his friend, still follow him blindly if only he did me one favor, the one thing that permenantly kept us apart...let me go. Not me me but Tails me. The me that was the pretender, that was born from lies...the one I wanted to forget, to destroy. But he would never do that. He refused to. And as long as he did, I could never return to his side.

Feeling my gaze his jade eyes tuned towards mine. I watched as the setting sun cast its final rays upon him, highlighting his face with a warm glow, embedding itself within his fur like a burning star. His eyes once again became their former olive green color and for a second I could see my older brother, my best friend Sonic. But only for a second.

Shaking my head of the thought I turned my eyes away and we continued to walk in a much more painful silence.

The trainride home led us to submerge ourselves within our own little worlds again. He turned towards the window, observing the vista outside while I listened to my music, closing my eyes to rest. I don't know when or how it happened but I fell sound asleep.

The soft sound of a crickets song jarred me awake. I opened my eyes, sleep distorting my vision. When finally they focused, I could make out Sonics face above mine, my face buried in the crook of his neck, my small frame in his arms.

He was carrying me home.

A twinge of annoyance passed through me. I hated that he treated me like a weakling, like I needed him. I wasn't that little Tails anymore that depended on Sonic for strength. I stood on my own two feet now and he needed to understand that.

I began to squirm in his grasp but he wouldn't put me down. I could only stare at him with an incredulous expression. I began to squirm harder but he only held me tighter.

"Sonic, put me down!"

His emerald eyes locked onto mine and he gave me that lopsided grin that only Sonic could pull off.

Suddently, my world became distorted, a blur as he broke into Sonic speed. The roar of the world around me filled my ears and I instinctively held him tighter as my body and mind became lighter and lighter.

The rush was beginning to hit me, an adrenaline I had not felt since my childhood days with him. I withdrew my head from its resting place in his neck and tilting my head towards the oncoming wind. I closed my eyes and allowed my mind to merge with my surroundings, to break its limitations.

But just as quickly we stopped, a ringing in my ears and a rapid heartbeat my reward.

"We're here" he whispered, placing me upon my homes front porch.

For a few moments my mind was blank, disoriented but I quickly regained my wits.

"Why did you do that!" I asked regaining some of my anger.

"I thought you liked it when I did that. When we were younger..."

"You've just discovered the main phrase Sonic. When we were younger...but were not young anymore are we?"

He sighed, closing his eyes.

"No were not...I should have realized that before. Because the Tails I knew wasn't such a bitter bastard" he whispered.

He hooked his thumbs through his red bookbag straps and, taking it off, placed it at my feet before turning to walk away.

"Take it if you want. From this poing on it's not my concern."

And with that he was gone, a mild gale and the shifting of leaves the only proof he had been there.

I growled low in my throat, hands clenched.

"Damn him" I gritted through my teeth, angry at his words, angrier still that they could affect me.

I swiftly turned to enter when my eyes caught sight of the bookbag. I felt compelled to simply leave it there just to spite him. If he didn't care about it, why should I? But the more I stared at it, the more curious I became. I knew if I just left it there it would plague my mind.

I sighed, picking up the large bookbag.

I hated when Sonic won.

Entering my home I went straight to my room, tired by the days events to do anything else. I walked upstairs and passed one of the many labs that littered my home. It had been a long time since I had worked on them, longer still since there was an actual need to. A year has passed since the last time Eggman had attacked and although I suspected it wouldn't be long until he came back with some annoying plan to rule our world, the thrill I once had to build was gone. Everything was already set should he come but additional machines were just not in my future right now.

With one last glance at the door I continued walking down the hall and into my room.

I turned the lights on, my gaze wandering over my sparcely furnished habitation. It wasn't much really, nothing like Amy's which housed an assortment of mirrors, drawers, dressers, pictures (mostly of Sonic) curtains, carpets etc. It was a bed, a large bureau with a mirror, and a computer by the window. That was it. And I was okay with that. So I wasn't the traditional girl with dozens of plushies, a drawer for every dress, a closet full of shoes, jewelry, hair accessories littering everywhere. I mean, I wasn't the traditional girl...period but seriously, who really needed so many things? They just seem like a waste of space if you ask me.

I walked towards my bed and dropped the bookbag onto the neatly made sheets. Grabbing my towel, soap, toothbrush and comb from my drawer I entered the bathroom, hoping a nice warm shower would take away the stress from my body.

An hour later I walked out, using a towel to try and dry my mane. Opening my drawer I pulled out my pair of red pajama pants and a large red shirt, both pretty old but comfortable.

I walked towards my bed and threw myself down, too lazy to pull the sheets back. The vibration of my fall caused the bookbag to fall within my line of sight, reminding me of its existence.

Sitting up I brought the bookbag towards myself and opening it, viewed its contents. I was astounded. I placed my hand inside and withdrew a large loaf of bread, placing it on the sheets. I once again submerged my hand within its confines and withdrew a container of juice.

I couldn't believe it. Without thinking I flipped the bookbag upsidown, emptying it of its merchandise. My bed was soon littered with mangos, pears, oranges, blocks of salami and cheese, containers of juice and milk, boxes of instant food such as soup, macaroni and cheese, spagetti, baked goods such as bread, cupcakes, coffee cake, donuts and many other assortment of foods.

I was dumbfounded. Were these...groceries?

"He bought me groceries" I whispered to myself, trying to understand it.

'One look at the fridge told me you had probably gone out to eat and there's only one place you'll eat out at so, after a quick stop, I went to look for you.'

"After a quick stop..."

A chord was struck within my heart and I had to turn away or risk tears. He had taken the time to go and buy me food...had cared enough to do so even after all the heartache we've put each other through.

I couldn't help but allow a rouge tear to cascade down my face.

How I wished things were different. At another time, in another world, where the Tails I had created actually existed I could have simply thanked Sonic for his kindness and saw it as nothing more. But that wasn't the reality I lived in. In this world...this ran so much deeper...it represented so much more. How I wished I could just lean on him and let him take care of all my worries, like when we first met. But I couldn't depend on him...it would hurt so much more if he ever...I couldn't...I wouldn't...NO!

Jumping from my bed I ran out of my room, afraid to look back. If I did I knew I would crumble and I just couldn't. I couldn't let Sonic get close again...not like he once had. He could no longer be my older brother...I had to look after myself. I had to distance myself.

Running downstairs I ran into my living room and dropped myself upon the sofa. I would stay here until I could regain my control...until I could remember exactly why I did this, why I distanced myself to begin with.

"It's for the best, for the good of Sonic, for my own good. I can't go through it again."

I chanted the words over and over until my heartbeat had finally slowed, my tears finally stopped. Taking a deep breath I exhaled slowly. I was okay. I was in control. I remembered.

To emphasize the fact I turned on the television.

'Everythings okay now. I'm back to normal.'

"In other news, recent studies have shown that eating red apples before every meal can significantly reduce the risk of..."

My eyelids began to drop down and I found it harder to concentrate on the news. My last thought before I fell sound asleep was one I had everytime I watched the news.

'CNN sucks.'

The sound of a light tap upon my door brought me out of unconsciousness. At first I had no idea as to whether it had been my imagination or an actual knock. In fact, I had no idea what was going on...period. My mind was still hazy from sleep. But the next knock, a much louder one brought me out of my dreamy stupor. On instinct I grabbed one of the couch cushions and, placing it over my head, let out a groan. It was too early for this. But by the fifth knock I knew whoever it was wasn't going to leave.

Getting off the couch I stumbled towards the door and opened it to find the bright smiling face of a certain doe.

"Hello Tails!"

"Oh...hey Cream" I yawned and stepped aside to let her in.

"I'm sorry but I can't stay too long. I just came by to show you this" she said handing me a poster.

I took it and examined it, reading and rereading the words over and over but they simply refused to register in my head. The sound of a muffled laugh forced me to turn my gaze towards her, a large smile on her face.

"Your still half asleep aren't you?" she asked.

I gave her a cheesy grin and ran a hand over her soft tuft of hair.

"Sorry about that...I'm not a morning person. Mind reading it to me?"

"Sure" she chirped and grabbing the poster from my hand read it aloud.

Dear Twinkle Park customers,

We are holding our annual fireworks display today and wish to share this truly once in a lifetime experience with all the young love birds out there. We are holding this show free of charge but only to cute couples. It is part of Twinkle Parks "Lovers Month" and we will begin the extravaganza at 8 o'clock sharp. Don't be late!

Sincerely yours,

Twinkle Park entertainment commision

Somewhere in between young love birds and "Lovers Month" did a warning sound begin to shoot off in my head. I hoped this wasn't going where I thought it was going but one expectant look from her face told me all I needed to know.

"Cream, I really can't..."

"Oh, come on Tails! You say that all the time! I know you haven't been working in your lab and besides, you rarely come out of your house unless its to eat. Come on, please!...unless...its me you don't want to be around..."

"No Cream, you know that's not true. I love hanging around with you. Your one of my best friends, its just..."

"Just...?"

I sighed. I had been avoiding this for too long and I couldn't deny her anymore without rousing suspicion.

"I'll pick you up at six"

She leaped into the air before throwing herself ontop of me, giving me a hug to emphasize her happiness. I gave her a gentle pat on the head, a smile crossing my face. It was amazing, how a simple act could make someone so happy. I was glad I could at least make someone smile.

"Thank you so much Tails! I promise you won't regret it. And guess what? Sonic and Amy are coming with us too. Won't that be wonderful?"

I paled. Oh God, why did they have to come too?

"Uh...yeah, that sounds...really fun"

"Great! I'll see you at six. Don't be late"

And with that she was gone, a fading shadow into the distance. I softly closed the door and, walking towards the couch, threw myself down again, burying my face within the soft leather. How I wished I could just disappear, that I could just bury myself right here and die.

I felt my guilt return once more, bombard my mind and heart. I was leading Cream on again. I was using her for the sake of my image, to avoid suspicion without thinking about her heart or the fact she was a living, breathing, feeling creature.

I knew she was in love with me...or rather the fake me, my counter image. And it hurt me every time she tried to gain my attention with a new dress or when she tried to get me to go out with her. Because I knew I could never respond to her love. She was wasting her time on someone that didn't exist.

Don't get me wrong, I did love her, but only as a sister, as a best friend. And that was why my deception hurt all the more.

Out of all the people I was deceiving, all the fear I felt at their rejection, I feared hers the most. It wasn't the anger I feared but the tears, the sadness. I would carry them around with me forever like a festering scar, reminding me of my deception. I only hoped that she would find someone else before it happened but she was grabbing on too tight.

And maybe, deep down in my heart...

I was too afraid to let go.

That's it for Chapter 2 of Deception. Thank you for your time and remember, 5 reviews to get Chapter 3.