Station Square really is beautiful in the spring, when it's not being invaded. Or bombed from airships, or attacked by giant monsters, or besieged by Zeti- I could go on. Mom straight up admitted she would've moved years ago had Sonic and company not lived here to keep us safe.

Well, that and Vector, but I try not to think too much about that.

Getting back on track, Station Square figuratively and literally blooms when spring rolls around. The plant life comes back in full force, spreading color and fragrance throughout the city. The temperature goes from chilly to warm and breezy, perfect weather to go on walks or just hang out on the patio. It's just such a pleasant place, and that's before taking into account how people start actually leaving the house, thanks in part because all the ice and snow had beat it. Some people insist that summer is the best time of the year, but if you ask me, spring is prime time, and that's for two reasons. One, Station Square summers just cook you alive.

Two, and more importantly: CHAO SEASON! WOO HOO! Gimme five, Cheese!

Chao are amazing, adorable, and all around excellent creatures. I should know, since I have an old one hanging every day. He may have gotten up there in years, but for such an old Chao, he's still spry and as affectionate as ever. And every spring, tons of different Chao come out of their winter homes to swarm Station Square, much to the joy of every Mobian with a soul. It makes the city feel vibrant and alive, watching tons of the cute goobers flying around, up to their antics. It always puts a smile on my face. And if you're in the market for a good smile, the best place to go for Chao Season is good ol' Ring Lake Park. Chao are drawn to that place like flies are drawn to bright lights, or like raccoons are drawn to sea water.

Or maybe that's just Marine. My reference pool for raccoons is admittedly a bit narrow.

Normally, on days like these, I'd be indulging myself with a visit to Ring Lake to see all our little friends, taking Cheese with me. It usually helps me relax, and it does good for Cheese to hang out with fellow Chao than just Mom and I all day. Today, however, I'm there to help keep my head clear, and focus. For me, the mingling Chao actually makes for a nice background, helping me stay on top of whatever is troubling me. It also helps me stay positive if what I'm thinking about gets too heavy. And after that long talk with Mom, things feel heavier than a cement mixer.

Please ignore the fact I know several Mobians who can easily bench press a cement mixer, it kind of ruins my point.

I recline on the bench, Cheese happily munching on some popcorn by my side. Occasionally, I glance down at him to make sure nothing bad is happening- he's wandered off "without permission" before, and Chao hunting is not a priority today. No, right now I need to figure out how to sort through everything piled up in my head. Mom had given me plenty of good advice, but she's right, love is a bit different for every Mobian. What worked for her and Dad, or her and Vector, might not work for me. I also keep tripping up on what to do when the time comes to tell him. Mom said "speak with your heart," and "it's only as complicated as we make it," which knock around in my head constantly.

What on Mobius does any of that mean? And how are they supposed to help?

I sigh, looking up at the sky. Above me is a lovely painting of blue skies and fluffy, white clouds, coming together like a monument to simpler times. In the past, I would see which clouds looked like what, playing with whoever was with me. Usually, it was Mom, but as I grew older, it was Blaze, or Silver, or Amy, or whoever was in charge of "babysitting" me. Those days are gone now, but I don't miss them. Finally being able to handle myself in a fight feels way better than having to duck and cover whenever a villain sneezes.

Shout outs to Vector and Shadow for showing me how to rock those wispons.

The memories of cloud-watching makes me too nostalgic to really think about anything else, so I fix my gaze back at ground level. I glance at Cheese, who's now happily sharing popcorn with a gaggle of younger Chao who have come up to him. They thank him and dance around with their new snacks, and the whole sight is like an even cuter version of an old woman feeding ducklings with old bread. He turns his head to me, smiling and pointing as if to say "see, I did good, Mommy," and I smile back. Sometimes I wish I could be a Chao, without a care in the world, able to solve any problem with a simple snack and a nap.

As I watch Cheese continue to make new friends, I start thinking about my next move. A confession is out of the question right now- I have no idea what to tell him, or how to do it without falling flat on my face. However, thanks to Mom, I know it has to happen or things are going to get awkward fast. Mom and Vector said they'd be open to helping out more, but then I start thinking about the whole "different for every Mobian" thing. I'll need to talk to more people if I want a clear picture of what to say and how to say it.

Well, as the stepdaughter of a PI, I know the first step: gather info. And I know just where to start.

I take my phone out of my handbag and pull up my contacts. "Okay, Cheese, I'm going to be on the phone. I need you and your friends to be super quiet, okay?" Cheese nods with a serious expression, then motions for his new playmates to keep it down. It's a heartwarming sight- thus is the power of Chao.

What widdle babies.

Anyway, I tap Amy's number and wait. After four rings, she picks up. "Cream?"

"Amy, hi! How are you doing?"

"Honestly? I've been better. Right now I'm playing host to one very grumpy Ultimate Lifeform."

"Oh no, what happened? Did Rouge kick him out again?" Shadow and Rouge have been roommates for years, but they never really saw eye-to-eye when it came to living together. They're like the Odd Couple, except he's a living weapon and she's a cat burglar.

"No, but they're definitely fighting. Tikal told me there was a huge argument between her, him, and Knuckles. Rouge is siding with the echidnas, and I don't blame her." A heavy sigh comes through the receiver. "So now Shadow is pouting like a child, refusing to apologize."

"I can hear you, Amy," I hear over the phone. It's a gravelly growl- definitely Shadow.

"Good," Amy snaps.

"What were they arguing about?" I ask. I didn't know Tikal could ever argue with anyone. All things equal, she always played peacemaker and mediator, keeping our clan of weirdos together with a gentle touch. To have her actually participate seems bizarre, especially against Shadow. I thought the two of them were on better terms than that…

"Basically, Shadow punched out some jackass at a bar. Knuckles thought Shadow was out of line, and the two started arguing. Tikal tried stepping in to settle things, only to be insulted by Mr. 'They're Air Shoes, Actually.' He called her 'naïve;' among other things."

"I was drunk and angry," I heard Shadow object.

"You still need to apologize!" Amy shouted back. "Sorry, Cream. What did you want to talk about?"

I hesitate. Amy sounds irritated, and given what's unfolding, I don't think she'd want to talk about teenage crushes. "Um, well, it's kind of small compared to what you're going through. Maybe I can try another time?"

"No, Cream, please. I want to help. And I really need something to take my mind off of Shadow."

I pause again. I believe Amy when she says she wants to help, but when she's riled up like this, it can boil over pretty easily. I don't want to be the reason she explodes.

While I'm debating this, Amy pokes back in. "Cream?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you scared I'm in a mood?"

"...Yeah."

"Sorry about that. It's just been a messy couple of days. I promise, if it's bad news, I'll keep it together."

"Really?"

"Acorn's honor."

I giggle. I remember when Amy was an Acorn Scout. She idolized Sally when she was my age, and who could blame her- she's one heck of a hero. Up until she graduated from her troop, Amy took her duties very seriously. She likes to joke about those days, but even then, some of that scout attitude shines. "That makes me feel better."

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah." I take a deep breath. "I, uh, have some pretty strong feelings about a guy."

"Ah, and you need some help from the matchmaker herself, huh? Well, count me in. Who's our lucky lad?"

"D-do I have to tell you?"

"Well, you don't have to, but if I know who it is, I can offer actual advice. Every Mobian approaches love in a different way, you know? I can give some generic tips, but the primo stuff depends a lot on who our secret candidate is."

"Umm…" I stall. I was hoping to avoid this- if Tails found out before I told him, things would get so messy I don't think our friendship could survive. Normally, I trust Amy to keep a secret, but there's a gnawing voice in the back of my head insisting I keep it a secret.

"Remember, Acorn's honor. I promise not to judge, or tell the guy. I'm just here to help. Put some trust in our second best friend."

"Second? Why not, just, 'best?'"

"Heh, I think I lost that title to Tails years ago. I swear, the two of you are closer than we ever were! Honestly surprised the little guy hasn't tried-" there was an abrupt pause in speech. "Oh."

Never before have I been scared senseless by a one word sentence. I've seen all sorts of deathbots with all sorts of weapons. I've seen monsters and nightmares from across spacetime. I've even heard Mom scream my full name after doing something stupid and dangerous. But somehow, someway, hearing Amy utter that one-word revelation put me in as much panic as those life-threatening scenarios.

Oh no, I think my life's flashing before my eyes- oh wait, it's just Cheese. He sees I'm having a hard time and is trying to see what's wrong.

"It's Tails?" Amy asks. "You've got feelings for Tails?"

Cheese has given up trying to get my attention and is now hugging my hip in an attempt to make me happy. It's not working, but I appreciate the effort.

"I guess it was only a matter of time. You two always got along, but I guess now that you're spending a lot more time with him…anyway, I'm happy for you, Cream."

"You're not going to tell him, are you?" I start returning Cheese's hug by cupping my hand around his body. A stress cuddle would be good right now.

"What? Of course not. That'd be an awful thing to do. Not only would I be betraying your trust, but I'd be throwing a wrench into a beautiful friendship. And for what, drama? Like I said, you can trust me. Not a word of this conversation leaves this call."

"S-sorry. I'm just…" I'm not sure how to finish that sentence. What would be the right word here? There's so many emotions swirling around that picking one would be difficult. "H-he's my best friend, and I-I-"

"You don't want to lose that, don't you?" Her tone is like my mother's- kind, sympathetic, and more interested in listening than talking over me.

"Yep." I scoop up Cheese and put him on my lap, a move he responds to with a soothing coo.

"I understand how you feel, but I think you and Tails can work something out if he doesn't feel the same way. You guys have a strong bond- I don't think it can be broken that easily."

"But what if I'm not able to handle just being friends?" I scratch Cheese on his favorite spot, eliciting a giggle.

"I can see where you're coming from. But to be honest, you don't strike me as that kind of Mobian, Cream. Sure, it might hurt if he says 'no,' but time heals all wounds, and I bet that a sweetheart like Tails will make it all the easier."

"I…"

"I'm guessing you haven't told him yet? He doesn't know?"

"Gosh, I hope not. I want to be the one to tell him. No, I have to be the one to tell him. If I don't, things are only going to get more complicated."

"You're right about that. Any choice words you've been thinking of?"

"Other than 'I really like you?' Not really. I'm not sure where to start." By this point, Cheese is fast asleep, curled up in a fold in my blouse.

"I see. I think this calls for a workshopping session."

"What?"

"Cream, this isn't really something we can do over the phone. It's going to get messy. Intensive. And really, really emotional. Maybe we can meet up at my place tomorrow? I'd have you come over now, but I have a fire I need to put out…figuratively speaking. There's no actual fire, just a moody jerk with a foul mouth."

I nod, feeling a bit better already. A session with Amy could be a huge step forward. "Sure thing. Is noon okay?"

"Of course. I'll mark my calendar…hey, Cream."

"Yeah?"

"It's going to work out. I'm sure. Sometimes, love is complicated, but there are definitely things we can do to 'uncomplicate' it."

I blink. "My mom said something like that."

"Ah, she's a fellow love guru, then! Guess she's returning the favor, huh? Anyway, I gotta go- Shadow's about to get a talking to."

"Right. Take care, Amy." I hang up first, letting Amy's words stew around in my head. There was her optimism about Tails and I working out regardless of whether the confession goes well, which was uplifting. On the other hand, it wasn't enough to fully throw out my doubts. Then there was her echoing Mom's little proverb. Maybe I'm overthinking this whole situation. I won't know for sure until tomorrow…or until I finally get in front of him and pour my heart out.

It doesn't take long for my phone to ring again, startling Cheese. "Sorry, buddy." I checked the ID on screen, and found a name I hadn't seen in months. "Blaze? Is that really you?"

"Yes indeed. It's been too long, Cream."

"Cream!" cried Silver. It must've been on speaker, given how fuzzy it was. "Oh man, it's been way too long."

"Right? Oh goodness, we haven't seen you two since New Year's."

"Yeah, that was one heck of a way to kick off the year."

"That night was magical," Blaze agrees wistfully. "However, I didn't call to catch up."

"Really?" I ask. "Is everything okay?"

"We're fine," Silver replies. "Stressed, but fine. We're just letting you know we're visiting soon!"

"That's great!"

"We have business in Station Square and Central City," Blaze explains. "There are just some things you can't find in Sol, unfortunately. That, and I need to talk to several of you in person."

"Same here," Silver chimed in. "Got a lot of errands that need to be done in-person. Think you can help us when we get there?"

"Of course," I say. "Doesn't matter if it's ninety-nine percent work, if I can just see you guys again, it'd be work."

I can almost see Blaze's smile despite the phone. "You're a great friend, Cream. We should be touching down next Friday. We can't wait to see you."

"You too! I'll let everyone else know."

"No need. You're who we called first, but everyone else is getting called later."

"Or at least a message," Silver added. "I mean, when was the last time Shadow picked up his phone?"

"Well, he's probably going to keep that streak going," I giggle. "Rouge threw him in the dog house."

"Again?" Blaze chuckled. "You know what, nevermind, we've got a lot to do. Best wishes, Cream. I hope you're the first person we see on Friday. We should have a lot to talk about."

I nod. "Yep, tons." Well, that's one good thing to come out of this- if I can make it until Friday with my relationship with Tails intact, I get to catch up with the "Amazing Princess Blaze."

I'd say I can't wait, but I still have some business of my own to sort out, so I guess I absolutely can.

A/N: The plural of "Chao" is probably "Chaos," but since I already used "Chaos" as a swear of sorts, it felt awkward. Anyway, this isn't the last time we'll see Silver, Blaze, or Shadow, so stay tuned. I know I move slow, but we'll get there eventually. Acorn's honor.