Sonic turned around and closed the door on the outside world. His house was now eerily quiet, the only sound to be heard was from the rush of traffic outside. Tears were still streaming down the hedgehog's face. He was missing Tails already and he had only been gone for like what, 5 minutes?
Sonic walked over to his old, hole-y sofa with food stains in several areas, and took a seat. He sat there with his head in his hands, and sobbed for what seemed like forever. He felt selfish. Tails was finally going to get the care he needed, the care he DESERVED from loving parents, and Sonic was moping around wishing the fox was still with him.
He sat there for ages thinking of Tails. Back when he first found him as an orphan in the huge, open forest whilst out on a run. He thought of Christmas', Birthdays, snow days, times when they were ill. And to think he would no longer share any memories with the little fox was too much to bare.
Sonic hated to admit it, but Tails was all he had. Sonic had lost his parents at a young age and when he found Tails that night, he finally had family again, he was no longer on his own, and this meant the world to Sonic.
What was he going to do now? He didn't know how to structure his new routine of life. Sure he could go out for his daily runs, but then he'd come back to his empty house, with no one to spend time with, no one to talk to...
Anger engulfed the hedgehog and suddenly he flipped. Picking up the nearest vase he lunged it at the nearest wall, and watched as it shattered into a million pieces.
"AGHHH. I HATE THIS! IT'S NOT FAIR!" Sonic screamed, all the whilst still crying.
...
Tails had been in his new home just a couple of hours . He was flabbergasted at how large the mansion was, with 10 bedrooms and just the 3 of them living here. He wondered how they could afford such a huge place. Where he lived with Sonic they only had 2 bedrooms, and tiny living space.
His parents had left him to unpack his stuff into his new bedroom and to settle in. It was fully furnished with blue painted walls, laminate flooring, a bunk bed and toys dotted around everywhere. This was Tails' surprise presents, and boy was he spoiled. Sonic could never afford to buy him much, but he did try his hardest, and Tails always understood.
He was unpacking his suitcases. He placed the toys from Sonic separately from the ones his new parents had given him. He had several framed pictures of him and Sonic, which he decided to place around his room, some he hung on the walls (there were already several nails around the area). Tails felt like he was living in a palace, and only wished Sonic could see...
He was already missing the hedgehog dearly, but was looking forward to a new start.
"Tails, tea's ready!" His Mother shouted up.
"Ok Mum, coming!" He responded.
Sighing, Tails halted in his unpacking and exited the room. He made his way down the long hallway and rushed down the enormous staircase and into the kitchen. It must've taken him several minutes to reach it.
"Hello love. I have cooked you your favourite. Sonic had mentioned what you like and dislike, and told me you love chilli dogs with extra cheese!" Gracie told her new son.
"Awesome!" Tails said cheerfully, as he went to take a seat at the 12-seated oak table. His parents sat opposite, joining him. Their meals consisted of jacket potatoes with cheese topping.
"So, how are you liking your new room?" Robert asked.
"It's really nice. So much bigger to the one I had at Sonic's! I was just in the middle of unpacking my stuff. Also thank you so much for all the presents, I love them." Tails smiled.
"Aw, I'm glad you're pleased. I was worried because I didn't know for sure what you're into." Gracie admitted.
"Hey it's ok. You'll find out soon enough."
"I was wondering Tails, how would you like to go to our local theme park for the day tomorrow? It has all the coolest rides!" His Mother asked.
"REALLY?! I'd love to! I love theme parks!"
"Theme park it is then!"
Shortly after, they had all finished their tea.
"Those chilli dogs were lovely. Thanks Mum, Dad!"
"You're welcome son." Robert spoke.
"And I've done you a lovely dessert. Vanilla ice cream with squirty cream on top!" Gracie said proudly.
"Oh wow. You're the best. Thank you!" Tails cheered.
"Only the best for my son." She added.
...
It was 10:30, and time for Tails to go to bed. The first night in his new bedroom. He was excited, yet nervous at the same time.
"Goodnight Mum." Tails spoke.
"Goodnight darling, sweet dreams." She hugged the fox tightly, giving him a kiss on the cheek and letting go of the embrace.
"Night Dad"
"Night, Tails." His Father replied, also pulling Tails into an embrace, in which he returned.
With that, Tails exited the living room where they had spent the night watching TV together and headed upstairs, back into his room.
He slept with a little side-light at his side. Ever since he was little Tails had been afraid of the dark. He figured it stemmed back to when he was a baby, abandoned in a dark, open forest. He had brought the light with him.
Tails snuggled into bed on the lower bunk. His mind was racing. He was sure he wouldn't get much sleep tonight.
He felt today had gone well. He had had a good time with his adopted parents, getting to know one another and he let them in on his interests, his dislikes, his phobias, just so they could get to know one another better. They seemed like a loving, caring couple.
Sonic had been equally on his mind. He wished so badly that the hedgehog could be here with him right now, to comfort him. Tails wondered if he was doing alright on his own, as guilt still hung over him, albeit only slightly. He thought maybe giving Sonic a call tomorrow was a good idea, just to see if everything was ok and to let him know how he was doing.
Tails figured he'd better try and get some shut eye, because tomorrow was going to be a busy day. Tails loved theme parks, he had only been twice, those being his 6th Birthday and one time in the Summer with Sonic. And could hardly wait to go again.
And with that, Tails drifted off to sleep.
...
It was the evening of the following day. Sonic had not had any sleep. The bags under his eyes were present. He refused to have any tea last night, and the only thing he had nibbled on since Tails' departure yesterday was half a sandwich.
He spent the day indoors. Sat on the sofa staring blankly at the TV, not taking any of it in. His mind focused on one thing and one thing only-Tails. His little brother... and he so badly wanted him back, just wanted to see him again. He was starting to think how he was going to cope in the long run and it had only been a day.
Sonic had wanted to give Tails a call, but shoved off the urge, as he wanted to give him time to settle in, and not to interfere. However he decided tomorrow evening, he would go ahead with it. He figured Tails would be happy to hear from him, and Sonic himself was eager to know how Tails was getting along.
...
It was 6:30 the following evening, and Sonic had spent most of the day sat in Tails' bedroom. He had kept his bed, wardrobe, drawers, TV, etc. just so he could lie to himself that Tails was still with him, just gone on vacation for a while. He felt at ease, sitting in his room. Because it felt Tails was still with him.
He had filled his day up getting out the photograph albums. He sat on Tails' bed and peered through them. He felt a mixture of sadness and happiness, happy that he had these memories close to him, yet sad they were going to be no more...
Sonic was starting to feel unwell. Just a couple of days on his figure was already starting to slim, from not being able to approach a meal. Sonic used to love eating, but right now, the thought of putting anything down his throat made him want to vomit.
Closing Tails' bedroom door behind him, Sonic made his way downstairs and over to the phone. He stood there for 10 minutes, anxiously pondering what he was going to say. He figured it was best just to ask how he was getting on, and was not willing to mention how much his absence was upsetting him. He didn't want to ruin it for Tails.
Picking up the phone, Sonic nervously dialed out Tails' number. His hand shook in the process. It rang several times until the call was received the other end.
"Hello?"
"Tails buddy!"
"Sonic! Boy am I glad to hear from you!"
"How's it going little bro?"
"It's going really well! My parents are lovely. You should see my room- it's HUGE!"
"Heheh nice one. I'm glad you're getting on really well. I was going to call sooner, but figured I would give you time to settle in first."
"That's ok. Oh, I forgot to say I got treated to so many presents on my arrival. I had a dozen new toys!"
"Way past cool!"
"I know right. My parents took me to the theme park yesterday, I had such an amazing time! It took me back to when you last took me."
"Yeah, it was a good day wasn't it little bro."
"It was yeah. How are you any way?"
"I'm doing pretty good thanks, same old same old."
"That's good, Sonic. I miss you Y'know."
"I miss you too..."
"Sonic, I've got to go. My Dad's calling me for something. It was nice hearing from you. Keep in touch. Okay?"
"I will. See you later."
"Bye Sonic!"
"Bye."
And with that, they both hung up.
Boy did Sonic feel so much better hearing his little bro's voice again. It healed all his pain almost instantly. He wanted to take it further and ask to meet up, but figured it was too soon and was going to leave it for now.
Whilst he was happy, he was equally very, strongly upset. Tails seemed happy, very happy in fact. It seemed he had already settled into his new home. Sonic had created false hope, hell, he had RELIED on Tails not liking it, being unhappy... because as much as Sonic hated to say it, he was expecting Tails to come back to him, he was hoping, praying he would get homesick and end up coming home. Sonic wanted him...
The phone call was the final straw...
Tails was happy in his new home.