Alert ears picked up every word said during Rouge and Sonic's...obviously private moment, wide sky blue eyes flickered between their two outlines from between the crack of the slightly opened kitchen door.
Listening in on private conversations like a gossip-monger is not what Tails intended to do, not at all. Though that's exactly what he did, a part of him wishes he didn't, just so he wouldn't have seen his older brother crumble like a wilted flower and break down in Rouge's arms.
The part that did make the kitsune listen in filled him with guilt, and deep down where he can't avoid it, he admits that he deserves to feel guilty. After all, he's one of the reasons why Sonic isn't himself...or rather who he wishes he could be anymore.
But...echoing in the teen's mind is the gut-wrenching sobs from his strong brother that'll forever leave an imprint in his memories...
"I'm confused, Rouge, by everything...I want to be free...but I'm scared because I don't know how to do this on my own."
What does he want to be free from? He's always been so happy, always so cheerful. That doesn't seem to be the case since Rouge is muttering comforting words to him while he cries out his heartache.
Tails didn't intend to listen in on their conversation. He most certainly didn't intend to get caught in the act by one angry echidna either. The kitsune's heart dropped heavily in his chest when he turned to meet the scrutinizing glare from Knuckles.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I- I uh-" Tails stammered out, having no idea what to say to ease the echidna's ire.
"That's what I thought." Knuckles reached out a hand and grabbed Tails' wrist in a light enough fashion where it didn't hurt, but also to where Tails couldn't break free either. "We're going to have a talk." Tails winced, this wasn't going to be a pleasant talk at all. "And you." Knuckles turned around to stare Shadow in the eyes. "I'll be dealing with you after this."
'Huh...I guess I'm getting what I deserve, I wonder what Shadow did to get on Knuckles' bad side...' Tails thought to himself when Shadow's red eyes flickered to meet Tails' own blue. Then he was dragged away from the kitchen into the living room where the room was a mess. Mud, water, and the sight and scent of blood lingered. Broken furniture resided here as well as a disheveled notebook he's once seen in Sonic's possession before in the past.
Maybe his ideas didn't lead to the good intended results he was hoping to achieve...