*You know what? You guys are awesome! I've been getting quite a few suggestions for new stories lately and just AGH! I LOVE IT! I've already started planning out some of your ideas, and I can't wait to start writing them!

It will be quite some time, though, before I can since I'm in the middle of this story and have several other fics planned out to start posting after this one is finished. None the less I thank you all for your ideas, and keep them coming!

If you'd like to get a taste of what you can expect in the next few months, years?

...

However long this takes, (shrug) check out my profile. I have a list of all the fics I have planned to write. When I post the last chapter, I'll give ya'll an update on what's in store. Until then, enjoy!*

After Eggman had left Sonic to rest, he immediately went to confront Metal about the incident. The doctor wanted so badly to explode in anger and fury at the badnick for almost killing Sonic and ground him for life! But he refrained from blowing out all his anger at the badnick with great restraint. Keeping in mind Metal was based on his organic copy and that there were some emotions and feelings based on the badnick's actions, not just cold computerized code that had glitched on his orders.

Taking their serious discussion with this viewpoint, Eggman uncovered the badnick's jealousy over the blue blur. The poor robot had felt abandoned since Sonic's arrival as second in command and had concluded that the doctor didn't love him anymore now that he had the "original." Thinking that the only way to be back in the doctor's good graces was to eliminate his copy.

Eggman felt his heartbreak, hurt that he had made one of his precious creations feel that way, and apologized profusely. Assuring Metal Sonic that though they had a new addition, his love for the badnick remained the same as before. He promised to spend more time with his creation and mentioned that having Sonic as a second was only in title as Metal still held all his previous responsibilities. If he wanted, the two could either share the title, or he could give it all back to Metal if Sonic didn't want to stay as second in command.

The badnick agreed, apologizing as well. Creator and creation made up, though Metal would still be punished (no video games and internet access for a week, and he had to do a thorough cleaning of the whole base). Metal and Sonic still had to get over their differences, but now that the badnick and Eggman's relationship was patched up. Everything was looking on the bright side!

Except for Sonic's increasingly bad cold. The poor thing was stuck on bed rest (doctor's orders) with a high fever, sore throat, and dripping nose. Eggman did everything he could to make the blue devil comfortable and help him get well with plenty of hot water bottles, blankets, soup, and yucky-tasting medicine. He even had the service bots install a tv for the sick hog to watch when he was awake so he wouldn't be too bored and had given the blue baby back his diapers and baby bottle.

Sonic miserable as he was gratefully thanked the doctor for his kindness and care. Keeping wrapped up in the blankets cuddling his hot water bottle, Sonic felt better after he had a diaper back on around his bum. Like his security blanket had been returned to him. The doctor stayed by the sick hedgehog's side as much as possible as the poor thing had become clingy and needy after the incident while he was unwell. Eggman spent this time giving Sonic lots of attention and love to make the blue blur feel safe and comfortable. He also helped explain to the blue devil what he might experience with his PTSD, how it affected the way he acted lately, and how he could cope with his condition.

Sonic didn't understand why he had been so emotional lately as he had always had a firm grip on his emotions in the past but now had lost all control. The doctor explained that it was the stress of his PTSD that made effortless actions in the past near impossible now and how the hedgehog had a history of acting childish and that this was just a part of it that was exaggerated now due to his condition. The explanation relieved some pressure off of Sonic and answered his questions; he could concentrate on improving his control now, knowing what was up.

Several days later, it was almost time for Shadow and Rouge to pay their weekly visit, and the snowstorm was still going strong. Sonic had not gotten over his cold yet, either.

After blowing his nose for the hundredth time today, the blue blur balls up the used tissue sticking his tongue out and aims for the trash can; he tosses the paper, landing straight into the can. He silently cheers, pumping a fist in victory, and reaches for his bottle of orange juice to keep hydrated. A groan grabs his attention, and he turns to look at the doctor who was fiddling with the tv, "That should do it. Now let's test it out...you decent?" Eggman asks. Sonic quickly hides his bottle underneath the pillow behind him, pulls the blanket closer, makes sure his diaper isn't showing, and pulls a thumbs up. Nodding, the human sets himself down in a chair beside the hospital bed, punching some buttons on a remote; the tv screen lights up. A buffering bar appears with the sound of a phone ringing.

"Now remember, don't mention anything about what happened between you and Metal, ok? If G.U.N. found out about what happened, they may try to take you away." Sonic nods and gives the doctor an okay sign of understanding just as the ringing stops and a white bat appears on the screen, "Doctor? To what do I owe the pleasure of you calling me?" she says with a surprised purr. "Hello, Rouge! Well, I just wanted to let you know that we might need to cancel our interviews tomorrow."

"Oh?"

"Yes. You see, Sonic here's caught a terrible cold." the man gestures to the little blue body beside him, "Hey Rouge!" Sonic waves his voice a little stronger than a few days ago, but still scratchy, "Oh Blue, you poor, poor thing! This nasty weather hasn't been doing you any favors, has it?" she playfully winks, making the blue hero blush. "Not at all! I'm better than I was, but I'm still kinda sickly."

"Yes, his fever's gone down, so there's no risk of him being contagious, but I'd rather we still keep from doing anything too strenuous, and the weather is still frightful out—no need to have you getting sick; as well."

"Yes, cause Mr. Ultimate Lifeform doesn't have to worry about such things like us mere mortals!" Rouge shouts, narrowing her aqua eyes back to presumably her partner loitering in the background, a loud grunt is said in return, and Sonic hides his giggles behind his hands. The bat returns her attention to the screen with a brief smirk before switching to an exaggerated sad pout with a sigh. "I see no reason why we can't wait another week. You two have kept a good track record so far, so I think we can let this one slide. Unless you have something to say, big blue?" she raises a manicured brow, "Nah-cough-I'm good! Tell Shadow I said hi, and if you guys could check on Tails for me, so he knows this isn't a trick, I'd appreciate it."

"Sure, dear, you just get better, and we'll see you next week! Buh bye~!" Rogue smiles with a small wave, "Bye!" the doctor and hedgehog wave back as the screen goes dark.

"Now to contact your little fox friend. Just give me a second...do you think it'd be best for me to leave the room while you two talk?" Sonic frowned as Eggman fiddled with the remote, rubbing underneath his nose; he replied, "Um...yeah. I think he'd be suspicious if he saw you around. Sorry."

"No, no, I understand!" Eggman waved his hands in a calm down motion smiling reassuringly, "He's just worried about you being with me, is all. I have some things to do anyway; I'll check back on you later." Sonic smiled apologetically with ears slightly bent back, "Ok."

Nodding again, Eggman gives the hedgehog's ears a brief rub and leaves. Sonic takes a deep breath blowing it out noisily to settle his nerves before grabbing the remote and pointing it to the screen, dialing the fox's number. A few rings later, and the call clicks with a round face and big pointy ears popping up on the screen, "Sonic?!"

"H-hey Tails!" the hedgehog clears his throat, "How's it going?"

"I'm good. But why are you calling me? Is something wrong?!"

"No, no!" Sonic waves his hands, "Nothing is wrong. I just called to let you know I won't be able to visit you this week." Tails' eyes narrow in suspicion, "Sonic, what's going on? Are you in trouble?"

"No! I'm sick-cough-oh, I said that too loud ouch...ahem! I'm sick."

"What? How? You never get sick!"

"Yeah, well...hehe, I kindaaaa sortaaaa maybe...got stuck outside for a few hours during that big snowstorm, and it took a while before Eggman got me back inside. Turns out almost going into hibernation and getting a bit of frostbite will give you a nasty cold." he sheepily scratches the back of his head. He knew that telling his already worried little brother about this probably wasn't the best idea. Though they hadn't told Rouge what had really happened, Sonic felt like he needed to be honest with his best friend. Tails looks at his brother with dismay and worry in his eyes, "How did that happen?! I thought you said Eggman wouldn't hurt you?!"

"He didn't! Eggy was gone for a meeting, and Metal tricked me and locked me out of the base. Actually, Eggman said if it wasn't for my collar, he wouldn't have known about what was wrong and found me before it was too late. Soo...he kinda saved my life." he smiled warily, hoping that last part eased Tails' anxiety and doubt. The fox kit looks at him in disbelief, "Eggman saved your life...and he's taking care of you now that you're sick, right?" the blue blur nods, "Please don't tell Rouge and Shadow about what really happened, Tails! Eggman is getting so much better, and it wasn't his fault. I really want to make this work, so please don't mention anything about this one little mistake!"

Tails doesn't respond for a few moments; confliction spread across his face about what his brother just said before he sighs heavily with defeat, "Ok...just, please call me or Shadow and Rouge if he does anything suspicious. Hey, aren't you guys supposed to have a visit from them today?"

"Normally, yeah, but with this weather and me being sick, we agreed to cancel for this week. But don't worry! Everything is fine, bro, I promise!" Tails lets out another tired sigh rubbing his temples, "I know, Sonic. I can't help worrying about you. This isn't the longest we've ever been separated, but-"

"I know I know me being with Eggman scares you." Sonic nods rolling his eyes at the worry wort of a fox on the screen. Honestly! No matter what I say, it doesn't help him call down anymore! There's gotta be some way to reassure that fox that I'm alright. He puts that thought on the back burner to worry about for his next visit. He warmly smiles, "It's ok, I know. Just please try not to worry about me too much, ok? I know that if anything should happen, you and the guys have my back, and they've got yours's too." his words at least slightly cheered up the fox as he sat up a little brighter on screen. "Thanks, Sonic." the kit smiles, "I'll see you next week then?"

The blue devil winks and gives a thumbs up, "You bet! By the way, Shadow or Rouge may stop by to check in on you for me later and tell the rest of the gang to save a chili dog for me!"

"I will see ya, bro!" Tails laughs, saluting Sonic hung up.

Two days later, Sonic had made a full recovery from his illness and was back in his teenage bedroom. Much to the blue devil's disappointment, as he had expected to be allowed back in the nursery now that he didn't have to stay in that hospital bed in the lab's med area in the basement. When he grumbled and asked Eggman what was up, the obese human just smiled gleefully and said to be patient.

Patient for what?! I just wanna be back in my crib! What do I have to wait for? Is he redecorating the whole nursery or something?

...

Actually, it would be pretty cool if he did!

He got his answer early the following day.

Sonic was sleeping deeply when a hand gently shook his shoulder to wake him up, "Sooooniiic~ Soooooniiiic~ It's time to wake up, baby." he moaned, rubbing his eyes, wondering why Eggman was waking him up so early. "I wanna sleeeeep." he whined with a huff, "I know, but your surprise is ready and waiting for you. Don't you wanna see all your presents? I even had Metal make you your favorite breakfast this morning."

He slowly lifts his head from the pillow at that, slurring hopefully, "Chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream and peanut butter?" Eggman nods, lightly scratching the blue blur's back that rises like a kitten in response. "Ok." Sonic relents, letting out a large yawn and holding his arms up. The doctor picks him up and pats his bottom, nuzzling his fuzzy cheek to wake him up further. As Eggman carries him, the hedgie felt the need to pee; he was about to ask the doctor to let him go to the bathroom when he happily remembered he was wearing a diaper. Sighing, he let go taking in the warmth growing on his bottom, smiling widely.

Just after he finished, the two entered the old nursery. Sonic's eyes flicked around what little he could see, curiously wondering what the surprise could be and if any changes had been made since he last visited the nursey. Everything looked the same until Eggman put him on the floor, facing a large pile of gift-wrapped boxes in the center.

The blue devil's jaw dropped, and any sleepiness in his eyes disappeared as they sparkled in childlike wonder. He had never seen so many pretty presents before! "Whoah! That's a ton of gifts, Eggy! Who's having a birthday party?" The doctor chuckled, sitting down in the rocking chair so he could enjoy the show, "It's no one's birthday. These are all for you!"

Emerald eyes widen in shock, "What!" Sonic shouts, tentatively pointing out to himself, "M-me?!" Eggman chuckles again, rubbing his hands together, "Yes! I know it's not your birthday, but since we've gotten together so well and you've been behaving, I decided to celebrate. When you said you wished to be treated like a toddler again, and I didn't have much in the way of toys, clothes, and such. I decided this would be the perfect way to celebrate!"

"You-sniff-you got all of this...for me?" Sonic softly whispers tears were shining in his eyes, gazing at the gifts then at Eggman again. He had never had his own toys before heck; he hadn't really seen a toy until Tails came along, and then all the playthings went to the fox and not him. Sonic had considered himself too mature for such things even if some of them looked really cool, and no one had given him any since they never saw the hedgehog play with toys before. Now that he was regressed, his caregiver was filling this gap in his life.

The doctor nods with a huge grin, and the blue blur beams dashing up to Eggman's lap, hugging him tightly, "Thank you!" he says, gratefulness oozing out of the hedgehog. The man kisses his forehead and hugs back, "Anything for you, my little hedgie. Now go on, " excited to watch the hedgehog unveil the gifts, he sets Sonic on the floor, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb, and turns the blue baby back to the boxes, encouraging him with a pat on his diapered bottom, "open them!"

The little hedgehog is overwhelmed by the number of shiny boxes in front of him; some are even bigger than he is! He rubs his nose and hesitantly approaches a small one close to his feet, plopping down with a squish; he pulls the sparkly green box closer and gently removes the paper. Sonic's eyebrows grow to his ears when he sees what's inside, "Pacis!" he squeals, pulling out a box of assorted pacifiers of all the colors of the rainbow.

He had been sad before that somehow his old paci got lost, especially while he was sick, having to resort to sucking on the blankets every time Eggman gave him medicine. But now, he had a box full of even prettier pacifiers. Some were covered in glitter, some had pictures on them, and others were simple but very pretty in color.

Opening the container, he picks a pink one with a lavender handle and pops it in his mouth, happy to have something to suck on again. Moving on to the next present, a light blue box with a purple ribbon and decorated with rattles, he again gently rips the paper to reveal a box of multi-colored bibs with cute sayings like, "Yummy in my tummy" and "Starts in my belly. Ends in my diapee."

This process went on for a while; Sonic felt like he was at a baby shower, except he was the baby unwrapping all the presents instead of an expectant mother. He got several packs of diapers, these puffier than those he was currently wearing with designs all over them like for real babies. He found crayons, coloring books, squishy toys, a dollhouse, puzzles, blocks, finger paints, light-up toys, pretend instruments, and soft blankets. The amount was endless! Sonic felt like the doctor was spoiling him with the amount of baby and toddler gear he acquired; he even had clothes!

He breathed out another 'wow' as he pushed a pile of ripped wrapping paper away; the hedgehog's ears turned up to the doctor picking up a strange noise. He looked up and tilted his head, watching Eggman pull something out behind his back. "One last present." the man winked, handing Sonic a bag filled with tissue paper. The blue blur took the bag and set it down, reaching inside, wondering what more the doctor could have possibly thought of to give him?

His hand grabbed something soft and squeezable, slowly pulling the object out. Sonic's jaw dropped as he gazed upon the gift. It was a plush Eggman wearing his old red and yellow outfit, smiling at him, complete with a fuzzy mustache, cape, and noodle-like arms and legs. "For when I'm not around." a gravelly voice comments as the hedgie silently gazes on the plush.

Eggman tugs his collar nervously when the hedgehog doesn't react for an unexpectedly long amount of time, "Do you not like it? It's ok I knew it was probably a longish-" a whimper stops the doctor's babbling; he looks down at the blue blur looking back up at him, happy tears on the verge of breaking, hugging the plush tight, saying, "I love it!" Eggman stares at him for a moment before saying, "You do?"

"Yeah!" Sonic squeaks quickly, nodding his head, "I'm gonna call him Ivo!"

"Ivo? Why's that?" he asks, scratching his bald head, "Cause he looks like one!"

Well, that makes sense. Eggman chuckles, relieved that the blue baby loved his hand-made plush, and gets up, walking toward the hedgehog and picking him up off the floor. "Come on, let's get you changed, eh?" gently laying Sonic on the changing table, Eggman turns back to the menagerie of gifts and picks up a few things placing them beside the hedgehog.

Sonic's eyebrows furrow curiously, watching Eggman wondering why he was delaying the change, his attention drew back to his plush, and he hugged Ivo with a cute smile around the pacifier. After the doctor returns, he pulls the tapes off the wet diaper and grabs a wipe; Sonic looks back to watch the human as he worked.

Once he was clean and the old diaper disposed of, Eggman unfolded the new one, and Sonic's eyes widened; it was one of the new diapers! When the doctor laid him on the new padding instantly, the blue blur could tell the difference between this one and his old diapers. These were much poofier, and after Eggman dusted him with baby powder and pulled the front up, Sonic's legs were forced to spread wider to accommodate the colorful padding between his thighs.

Just when he thought the doctor was done, Eggman pulled out a pair of footies and put his feet and legs into the pajamas. "Sit up, please." the man requested, and Sonic did as asked as the doctor maneuvered the clothing up to his back. Poked his tail and back quills out the accommodating holes and pulled his arms out of the sleeves, zipping up the back. Picking the dressed hedgie into his arms, Eggman turned to the wall and pressed a button that revealed a full-length mirror.

Sonic jumped in astonishment at the reflection; he gazed upon his appearance in wonder. The pajamas were a light blue with teddy bears scattered all over; his bottom was puffy from the diaper; he was sucking on his pacifier and clutching Ivo in one arm while the other gripped Eggman, who was smiling at him in the mirror. "Weeeell~?" the doctor sing songs bouncing the blue bundle gaping at the mirror in his arms, "What do you think?"

"I-I'm-I'm a little baby!" Sonic squeals in a childish tone giggling at his reflection with delight and the biggest grin on his face hugging Ivo to his chest. He couldn't believe his eyes! Eggman had turned him into a little baby hedgie...

And he loved it!

"Thank you, Eggy!" Sonic dropping his toy, hugs his caregiver putting all the love he could muster into it, purring loudly. Eggman laughs and coos at him, swinging the hedgehog back and forth, "You're welcome, my little hedgie!" Sonic giggles as he's swung, and he didn't know why? No one had said a joke, and nothing funny had happened, but maybe it was because he was so happy, and everything seemed brighter, more colorful, and silly when he was in his little space.

His eyes light up, spotting all the toys on the floor, and he gasps, "Can I play with all my new toys, Eggy?!" Eggman stops swinging and looks at the questioning blue blur, "Aren't you hungry? Metal made you pancakes remember?" Sonic gasps again with a sparkle in his eyes and mouth-watering, "PANCAKES!" he shouts, clapping excitedly, bouncing in the man's arms.

Chuckling, Eggman takes away the pacifier sets the hedgehog down, and grabs a tray hidden underneath the changing table and a mat, setting both down on the floor. He then grabs a bib and ties it around Sonic's neck, "There you are, eat up, babyhog."

"Yay!" he cheers, hopping on his diapered bottom and digs in; the doctor pulls his hidden breakfast into his lap and sits in the rocking chair, eating as well while Orbot and Cubot enter, picking up the trash. "Orbot Cubot! Lookie lookie, what Eggy got me!" Sonic says with a stuffed mouth picking up and showing off the egg-shaped plush.

The robots, taken aback by the action, awkwardly voice their approval and say how nice that was of the doctor. They were not used to the blue blur taking his childish antics to this degree.

After breakfast, Eggman wipes Sonic's sticky face and joins the hedgie in playtime after being begged and given the puppy dog eyes. The two enjoy Sonic's new toys and goodies until lunchtime, which is had again in the nursery. After that and another diaper change, Eggman declares its naptime as Metal Sonic takes away the pile of dishes.

"But I don't-yawn-wanna nap. I wanna play with you some more." the hedgehog whines rubbing his eyes, "We can play later, but growing babies need their sleep. Come on; I'll tuck you in." Eggman grunts picking up the pouty hedgie and laying him in the crib. Sonic yawns as he's tucked in with a soft yellow blanket, "Ivo." he whines, "He's right here." the doctor says lowly, placing the plush under the covers beside the blue blur.

Rubbing an ear, a large hand draws down to caress a sleepy fuzzy face; he whispers, "Goodnight, baby." turning on the mobile, the lullaby the doctor sang to the hedgehog a few nights ago plays. He walks away and turns the light off just as Sonic sleepily replies, "Night night Eggy."