Well this is a few days late, but it's also a few extra thousand words so I hope that makes up for this was planned to be a short and sweet story, but I guess I got to invested and its gonna get a lot longer now. Whoops? Anyways hope you enjoy!

Orbot found himself humming in the morning, moving through the maze-like corridors of the laboratory. The path of where he was going was long memorized in his circuit board, in his hands was a tray of breakfast foods, bacon, eggs and two pancakes made especially for a certain prison-passenger that had found himself at home for the past few weeks. Moving up to a large red door, a keypad right beside the door. Balancing the tray with one hand, Orbot reached up and tapped in the four digit number, the door quickly clicked and slid open as he moved inside holding up the tray.

"Miles! It's time for breakfast!"

"Orbot!"

An excited voice spoke up from the side of the room, Miles looking over from a large work table covered in tools, papers, design sketches and robot parts. Half-hazardly shoved up onto his head were a pair of goggles and he had oil smudges all over him.

"Oh dear, were you up all night reworking schematics again?" The robot moved over to the young kit, taking the napkin off the tray and rubbing away at the grime on his face. "Miles we've told you before, you can't keep staying up all night like this!" Orbot chided the boy, who just grumbled and turned away from the napkin rubbing his whiskers

"I know, but I managed to finish up that new battery holder Doctor Eggman was trying to work on!" Miles pulled away from the other and held up a large paper, oil stains and possible drool in the corners but thankfully not on the work itself. It was a large machine design, seven holding slots for the 'batteries' and an area to properly siphon the energy and use it as power.

Orbot looked over the work, impressed that the boy had managed to finish such an idea in less than three weeks. He knew the doctor would be pleased, so he rewarded the boy for his work. Putting the napkin down, he gently ruffled the fur between the boy's ears.

"I'm impressed, truly, but you still can't be spending every night working! It's bad for you, here, you eat your breakfast and then get some sleep. I'll take this to the doctor and tell you what he thinks about it."

"What? No way! I wanna show him myself! Besides, I'm totally awake! Let me just eat and then we can-"

"No Miles, don't think you can just tell me you're fine. You can talk to the Doctor later, because I know if I let you go now you'll spend over two hours talking with him about plans on how to use it."

"But Orbot!"

"Breakfast and then bed mister!"

The fox grumbled at this, and stabbed his fork into the eggs before shoving it into his mouth, shooting a glare at the robot. Orbot didn't seem phased and gently rolled up the schematic holding it close to him.

"Good, now you finish eating and rest. We will talk again in at least seven hours."

"You're actually no fun."

"I'm not meant to be used for fun, I am a task accomplisher."

"Meh!" Miles stuck out his tongue at the other, Orbot rolling his eyes before heading out the door. The other watching it close behind him as he sighed and tried to shove an entire pancake into his mouth. Very aware that once that door was closed he wasn't allowed out.

Outside of the room, Orbot was hurrying back to Doctor Eggman, knowing that these plans would very much please the man. While not ideal he had found Miles awake, he had grown used to the fact the fox had a horrible sleep schedule. As he traveled through the hallways, Orbot thought back on the weeks the fox had been with them.

It had only taken a few days for the fox to start talking to Orbot surprisingly, the doctor saying it was most likely because he was a robot, and not a person. Still, the duo weren't going to look a gift horse in the mouth and he quickly started to befriend the young fox. Talking to him over breakfast and dinner whenever he brought it to the young child, seemingly, the child had been lonely because he quickly spoke about whatever was on his mind to the bot, even going on about how he was tinkering with the broken bots he would bring him.

Every conversation was recorded and watched by Eggman of course, the other learning about the fox to understand just how to approach him. He had even put his plans on finding the last of the chaos emeralds on hold to do so surprisingly. Saying something about how they had time before Sonic discovered their location. Orbot couldn't help but think back on when Miles and Eggman finally met in person.

"Orbot, I want you to bring Miles to me today. After he finishes breakfast." Eggman had been looking at his computer, Orbot dropping off his own breakfast and preparing to take the second plate to the fox. At hearing this, Orbot found himself freezing in surprise and looking over to him.

"Are you sure sir?"

"Incredibly so. I've decided it's time to get the fox used to me so he can start working." He waved the bot off, but the other hesitated for a moment

"Sir, while I trust you- what if you scare him?"

"I won't scare him, you useless pile of bolts! I've been watching how you interact with him, how he interacts with things. Also despite what you may think I'm very capable of dealing with children. I may not like the little rats but that doesn't mean I'm not able to be around them." Eggman waved him off, and Orbot just shook his head

"If you're sure sir.." He left after that, to the glass cell, just from the outside he could see Miles already awake and messing with the machine parts. He had managed to rebuild at least three badniks in the last three days, and considering he had never seen such things before, it was impressive. Orbot wouldn't say he was close to the child, he was just doing his job, but he supposed he had some type of care for the other. As much as his processors could produce anyways.

But he was just stalling for time, after a quick knock on the door, he typed in the password keeping the door locked before entering. Holding up the tray of food he put on his chipper voice as the other looked over to him.

"Breakfast time Miles! I can see you're up already, still working away at the other robot?"

"Hi Orbot! And yes I am! I think I might be able to figure this one out today! After that you'll bring me a new one right?" As always, the kit was excited for what could come next, Orbot hummed and offered him his breakfast.

"Of course, but one step at a time, how about you eat your breakfast first?"

"Oh right- I guess I am hungry." He took the plate and happily started eating. Thankfully after a few days of constant food the fox stopped inhaling everything on his plate. Instead taking time to enjoy his food, not to mention the others shape was filling out rather nicely for a child.

Neither Orbot or Eggman had realized just how thin the child was until he started putting on weight. It was surprising, Orbot could remember how the Doctor frowned at seeing this fact in front of him. Yet he never told Orbot just why he had that look on his face.

Snapping back into focus, Orbot realized that Miles had started talking about the robot again. His tails flicking up and down happily behind his back, Doctor Eggman wanted to see him, so Robot might as well get this over with.

"Actually Miles, today we'll be doing something different." He cut the fox off, the other looking over and blinking in surprise.

"Huh? Different how?"

"You're going to meet my creator today. He wishes to see you."

"Your- creator..?" There was a spike of nervousness in the other's breath.

"Yes, his name is Doctor Eggman, but please don't worry. He's the one that programmed me and he's the one that has me bring you robots and food every day. He simply just wishes to say hello to you in person. He means no harm."

"I...I guess…" Miles frowned for a moment, shoving a piece of potato into his mouth. Thinking about it, he supposed someone WOULD have had to create Orbot and give him his tasks, Orbot was nice so- his creator had to be nice too right? Eggman was a funny name at least, maybe he wouldn't be mean like the other adults he had met.

"Alright, when you're finished eating we will go see him."

"We'll go?"

"Why yes, he's in his lab of course, wouldn't it be nice to go take a walk? You've been in this room for a while now Miles."

The outside? Well that sounded incredible to Miles and yet- well it was kinda funny. He had spent the start of being here only thinking about how to escape, and yet… this place had become a safe place for him in a way. Leaving it, back into the unknown, made him- anxious.

He slowed down in eating, not wanting to let this spoil his breakfast but still not wanting to eat fast enough to make himself sick. Finishing up his food, he put the plate aside and moved over to the waiting robot

"Okay, I'm ready."

"Wonderful, follow me Miles." Orbot didn't take another moment and left the room, Miles following after for a moment and hesitating at the door. He found himself swallowing before pushing through and hurrying after the robot.

If anything, he didn't want to get lost in this place, who knew who he'd make mad…

The walk was silent, and while Orbot didn't seem to mind, Miles felt himself getting more and more tense as time went on. He was looking around, now being able to see the place where he had been. He had no idea how to keep track of the days aside from when his meals were dropped off. But even then, he really wasn't sure… maybe a week or two? He chose not to think about it in the moment, squeaking when he suddenly walked into a now stopped Orbot and stepped back in surprise

"We're here Miles. Doctor Eggman is just inside." Orbot gestured to the door as Miles stepped closer, his tails staying low to the floor from his nerves

"So we're just going to talk to him?"

"No, you're going to talk to him, I still have duties for the day. When you're done I'll retrive you and we'll head back to your room."

That- was not something Miles was aware of when he had left to do this.

"W-wait I have to talk to him alone?!"

"Yes Miles, he wants to talk to you."

"But-but what if-"

"What if what? Miles you'll be fine, I don't know why you have this intense fear of others, but you will not be harmed. The doctor is nothing like that."

Miles bit his lip thinking about it, he knew Orbot had a point, the logical part of his brain knew very well he had no reason to be afraid here. This Doctor Eggman gave him a rather nice room to stay in, he fed him, let Orbot talk to him, he was nothing like the-

He cut off his thoughts with a violent shake of his head and took in a deep breath

"Okay, let's just- do this before I lose my nerve." Stepping up to the door, Orbot hummed before knocking on it as it opened. Miles' eyes widening as he saw the inside of the room.

The others lab was incredible, computers, work tables, electronics- honestly there was a lot of stuff Miles didn't even know what it was called, yet it still enamored him. He walked inside, looking around as he let out a soft wow, the urge to start touching everything growing inside him.

"Doctor, I've brought Miles, please notify me when you wish for me to retrieve him." Orbot's voice snapped him out of his curious state, and he quickly focused on the large chair straight ahead of him. Looking out a huge window that appeared to show the entire island from the highest mountain…. Miles swallowed as he heard the chair creek from movement, and a male voice spoke up from behind it.

"Thank you Orbot. You are dismissed." A glove appeared from behind the chair, waving dismissively as the robot left, the door closing behind him. Miles swallowed again watching the chair, that voice ringing out again, making Miles jump "Miles, correct? Orbot hasn't been getting your name wrong has he?"

Miles felt his voice die in his throat, but he took a breath and managed to push something out.

"Y-yes, my name is Miles… M-Miles Prower."

"Miles Prower huh?" Miles felt like he was about to suffocate, he didn't know why- but this felt wrong for some reason. Felt terrifying. Something worse than just the bullies who would chase him around.

"Y-yes sir-!" His voice cracked as he hunched down on himself, his ears folding back as he heard laughter.

"My my, you sound nervous. Though, I suppose that's only fair." The other seemed to adjust in his chair before it turned around. Miles' eyes widening at what he saw, in his mind, this doctor had been a mobian, but to his surprise he was a human. Miles hadn't actually seen one of those before- His fear vanished for a moment as he blinked again. The man standing up from his chair. Red and yellow jacket, a large mustache and some glasses he couldn't see through.

The man walked over to him as Miles felt his nerves snap back to life and he swallowed, almost stepping back before Eggman stopped and knelt down. Offering a hand to him.

"I would first of all like to say I'm sorry for not introducing myself to you sooner. You seemed like an easily frightened child, so I made sure you were comfortable first." The man's voice suddenly felt far warmer than before. Miles blinked once more in surprise as he looked at the other hand. "My name is Doctor Eggman, and it's good to finally meet you Miles."

Miles watched him for a moment, before reaching out and taking the others hand. The doctor's hand completely swallowed his, yet it was still a gentle grip as they shook hands.

"N-nice- Nice to meet you too…"

"Still nervous huh? Oh, I know just what might make you perk up!" The doctor smiled at him and stood up, moving back to the table in front of the chair he had been in. Grabbing something, Miles blinked for a moment before seeing what the other was holding and couldn't stop the gasp that escaped his throat.

"T-Pup!"

In the doctor's arms, was a small robot dog, one he had- found in the past and repaired and made into his own little buddy. He thought the other had been long gone!

"Ah so this is yours? I found the little thing broken when you first showed up, so I took it upon myself to fix it up in my spare time." Eggman looked over as the kit quickly hurried to his side, a small grin on his face as he offered the other the robot dog.

Miles quickly took it and hugged the robot close to him, a large smile and tears coming to his face.

"I thought he was gone forever! Oh thank you so much for fixing him!"

"Aw my boy, it was the least I could do, especially after I found out how rough it was for you to come here. I had only sent those robots to retrieve Orbot after he suddenly came back online. I never expected them to bring back a panicking fox kit!"

Miles looked up at him, he couldn't see his eyes but his voice sounded genuine and he felt himself slowly relax.

"No, it's okay you don't have to apologize. You didn't mean for it to happen… and you even fixed up T-pup, no one else would have ever done that for me." Miles frowned at the thought, not noticing how Eggman nodded at him.

"Ah yes, I had assumed so from the start."

"You- assumed..?" Miles looked at him in confusion, Eggman looking at him with- pity..?

"Well, West Side Island isn't exactly famous for just it's beautiful landscape my boy, it's notorious for being very… oh how do I put this lightly." Eggman turned away from him, seemingly caught up and nervous about his words. It made Miles nervous, unsure of what he would say "Well, they're known to be very- against people who are different, oftentimes those who visit the island feel so un-welcomed that they're chased away."

Oh- Miles knew that fact well, no one ever liked him there, he was different- they always reminded him he was different.

"Oh.."

"They didn't treat you the best did they? A fox with two tails."

The blunt statement made Miles swallow, hugging T-pup tighter as he tried not to think back on it too hard.

"N-no, No I guess they didn't." He looked down for a moment, trying to will the tears welling up in his eyes to go away. "I was always a freak to them because of my tails and how I liked to make machines."

"You certainly do have a way with machines, Miles." That got the other to look up at him in one had ever- complimented his ability…

"Y-you think so?"

Eggman smiled and put a hand on his shoulder, gently guiding the fox to the large window to overlook the island.

"Oh I know so. Say Miles, how about you and I make a deal? I see so much potential in you, I can help you understand any machine or power you want. You'll never have to be the freak again, you can be the smartest fox in this world! All you have to do is work with me, help change this world in amazing ways." He made Miles look over the island "We can change this place, make it so no one is ever considered a freak here again, wouldn't that be nice?"

That… that would be nice. No longer considered the freak, bullied and chased out for his tails or his creations.

Miles looked over the island, Eggman's hands on his shoulders. A strange feeling welled up in his chest, for a moment it felt wrong, but then it was smothered by a growing want for such a world.

"That… that would be nice. That would be amazing."

"I knew you'd think so, you can become my protege Miles, and together we will change the world. Do we have a deal?"

Miles finally pulled his eyes away from the island and looked up at Eggman, his smile looked so sincere. This was everything he had ever wanted, someone to care for him, someone that wouldn't hate him and appreciate what he could do.

He could prove himself, he could prove everyone wrong like he always wanted to!

"Deal."

He'd give anything for this chance of freedom, unknowingly locking himself in another cage at the exact same time.

After that, Orbot had been assigned as almost a caretaker of the fox, the doctor being far too busy to raise and take care of a child. He had been moved into an actual room and not a contained and constantly monitored cell.

Given actual work and allowed free range to build, not just repair broken down bots. To Miles, it would have seemed like a dream come true. To Orbot, it was the lesser of two evils, Miles got the semblance of a home, and Eggman got the help that he needed to fulfill his plans.

Orbot stopped thinking about it as he entered the lab, the doctor already awake and working on new plans for another base on the island.

"Sir, I have a report for you."

"Speak Orbot, and hurry it up!" The usual snap of the other didn't phase Orbot much, he simply moved over and gave Eggman the plans.

"Miles finished this just an hour or so ago. I believe you may be happy to see it." The paper was all but snatched out of Orbot's hands as Eggman started to read over, the usual frown of the doctor becoming a large grin.

"Oh ho ho ho! This is it! Keeping that fox around was a good idea after all! Orbot, you are to send this plans out and get them built right away!" The paper was shoved into the robots face, he flailed for a moment before grabbing the paper and folding it up up

"Right away sir."

As Orbot left the room, Eggman looked up from his work and out the window over the island with an evil grin. His greatest invention was about to become a reality! And thanks to that fox now he had a way to power it with the chaos emeralds as well!

"It's almost time. Soon my Death Egg will come to fruition and the world will be mine!"