Chapter 25: Tails' Birthday

Sonic anxiously ran along the isles of the store, checking each and every product on the shelves. His normally carefree attitude was replaced by an intent and focused one unusual for the blue hedgehog.

As he scanned the items, he felt a large hand gently rest on his shoulder. "Hey, settle down, buddy." Tom said, a fond smile plastered on his face.

"Settle down? How can I settle down?! Tails' birthday is coming up and I don't know what I'm supposed to get him!" Sonic exclaimed frantically, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Tom laughed at his hedgehog son's antics. "Well, I know running around without really looking at anything is going to find him a gift faster."

Ever since Tails and Knuckles had moved into the Wachowski household, Sonic had the genius idea of establishing birthdays for each of them.

With Tails' miles electric and some time calculations corresponding with the time differences between Earth and Mobius, they eventually managed to establish when each of them were born.

For Sonic, it was June 23rd. For Knuckles, it was February 2nd.

And for Tails, it was October 16th.

Tails' birthday was only a week from now, hence why Sonic, Knuckles, and Tom were now at the store looking for presents.

Maddie had taken Tails out for some errands as well as some mother-son bonding which the kit was all too happy to do.

Sonic let out a sigh, forcing himself to calm down. "Sorry, Dad. It's just… this is gonna be Tails' first birthday with us. I just… want to make it special for him."

"I agree with the hedgehog." Knuckles said, carrying a small bag. "Our brother's birthday should be a grand celebration in his honor! With no expense spared!"

Tom smiled fondly. "I'm glad you guys wanna give Tails a great birthday, but his birthday is a week away. Focus on the now."

Sonic reached into his quills, pulling out a slip of paper with Tails' handwriting on it. At the top, it read 'My Birthday List'. Under it was a list of things Tails had written that he wanted.

Many of these things were manageable, toys and video games were easy enough to get and order.

However, there was one thing on the list that they couldn't necessarily buy…


Earlier…

"You want a what?" Tom asked, he and Maddie double taking the list Tails had made for his birthday.

Tails looked up at his human parents, a bright smile on his face while his tails wagged. "A pt-17 stearman bi-plane. I've been wanting to replace the plane that I crashed in that big fight with Robotnik." He shifted bashfully. "I know it's a lot, but I'd really appreciate it."

Tom and Maddie both looked at the list before looking back at their youngest son. "Are you… sure this is something you want for your birthday?" Maddie asked unsurely.

"Yeah, because this is a tall order." Tom added.

Tails nodded eagerly. "Please, please, pleeeeease? I promise, I'll take really good care of it!" He begged, clasping his hands together, his ears flattening against his skull while he gave his parents the dreaded 'puppy-eyes'.

Tom and Maddie shifted uncomfortably under their son's adorable gaze, knowing it was nigh impossible to resist those orbs of vulnerability.

"Well… we'll see what we can do." Maddie hesitantly said.

"Yay! Thank you so much!" Tails cheered happily, hugging his parents before excitedly dashing out of the room.

"Did you have to say yes?" Tom asked exasperatedly.

"What did you want me to say? 'No, Tails, I won't get you the thing you want the most for your birthday'?" Maddie replied.

Tom sighed as he looked down at the list. "Well, at least the rest of this stuff is manageable. A Nintendo Switch, a toy robot, and some mints. How are we supposed to get him a plane? I don't even think we can afford one. Is it even legal to have one?"

Maddie gave him a tired smile. "Maybe we could get him a drone or something to make up for it." She suggested.

Tom nodded as the two walked off, unaware that Sonic and Knuckles had been listening in from the other room.


Sonic continued to stare at the list until Tom tapped his shoulder, telling him that it was time to go.

After purchasing the items, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tom headed home to wrap the presents, but Sonic still couldn't take his mind off the last thing on the list.

Once the presents were wrapped, Sonic headed into the living room and flopped onto the couch with a sigh as he glumly grabbed the TV remote and began flipping through the channels.

Knuckles soon walked into the room as well, noticing the forlorn look on Sonic's face, immediately becoming concerned.

"What troubles you, brother?" The echidna asked, sitting down next to the hedgehog.

Sonic sighed, holding up Tails' birthday list, with all the items on it crossed except for the last one.

Knuckles immediately realized what was going on. "I see." He said.

He placed a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder. "I understand you are sad about not giving young Tails the birthday present he wants."

"What are we gonna do? Tails is gonna be so disappointed on his birthday. His first birthday with us! His family!" Sonic said before he looked down.

Knuckles nodded sadly. "Yes, it is a shame we cannot simply build the plane that he wants for him."

Sonic was quiet for a moment before a lightbulb went off in his head. "Actually, Knux, that's exactly what we're gonna do!"


"You want me to help you what?" Tom asked in mild disbelief.

"We're gonna build Tails a plane!" Sonic said, placing his hands on his hips proudly as he stood in front of the local junk yard.

Knuckles furrowed his brows. "While I respect your intentions, brother, I fail to see how the three of us will be able to build an aircraft in time for Tails' birthday."

"And I don't even know how to make a plane." Tom said.

Sonic's smile never wavered. "Not to worry, that's why Unit's here with us!" He said, gesturing to said drone.

"I already have the schematics for the plane downloaded." Unit said, rolling up in his treadmill body. "I am also familiar with many of the parts in this junkyard that can prove essential for the construction of young Master Tails' aircraft."

"Exactly, we've got everything need here." Sonic said. "And, I also brought along some help."

At that moment, Knuckles and Tom could hear the sound of several footsteps coming from behind them, forcing them to turn around.

To their shock, practically everyone in the town of Green Hills had arrived, even Wade and Crazy Carl were there, along with Chris, Helen, Daniel, and Frances.

"Woah…" Tom gasped in surprise before turning to Sonic. "How did you even get all these people to help?"

"That young boy helped save our town!" Crazy Carl said. "This is the least we can do to repay him!"

The crowd behind him all cheered loudly.

Sonic smirked. "Well then, let's get to work!"

For the next few days, Sonic, Knuckles, Tom, and all the people of Green Hills worked tirelessly on the plane, with Unit helping to provide details and adjustments to certain parts of the plane.

All of this was of course kept secret from Tails as Sonic, Knuckles, Tom, and Maddie did their best to distract the young fox cub from the junkyard and the fact that the town was strangely empty a lot of the time.

Eventually, they all finished building the plane, giving it a nice paint job for the finishing touch.

Sonic stood back and admired the finished plane with a proud smile. He felt a hand clasp his shoulder, causing him to look over and see Knuckles smiling at him, as well as Tom and Maddie.

"It's ready." Sonic smirked, to which the crowd of people cheered.


Tails groaned as he woke up on his bed, only to be greeted by the sight of his family sitting in front of him.

"Happy birthday!" Sonic, Knuckles, Tom, and Maddie all cheered.

Tails giggled. "Aw, thanks, you guys!" He smiled, blushing bashfully.

"C'mon, birthday boy! Let's get you some breakfast!" Sonic exclaimed, gently grabbing Tails' hand and pulling him downstairs while Knuckles, Tom, and Maddie followed.

Heading into the kitchen, Tails was surprised to see several plates of pancakes prepared for all of them at the table, all of them fresh off the griddle.

As they all sat down around the table, Tails used his fork to pick up a piece of pancake and stuff it in his mouth. His eyes then widened as he recognized the taste.

"Are these mint pancakes?!" He asked in shock.

Tom nodded with a smile. "Yep, made just for you, birthday boy! Do you like 'em?"

"Like them? I LOVE them!" Tails cheered, eating the pancakes as fast as he could, much to the amusement of his family.

"Well, prepare yourself, brother! For you are about to experience the greatest birthday party that has ever been held!"

Tails smiled. "Can't wait!" He cheered before he suddenly paused. "Uh, it doesn't have to be a huge party though."

Maddie shook her head with a smile. "Hey, it's your first birthday with us, sweetie. And we want it to be special for you." She leaned in and kissed Tails on the forehead, earning a giggle from the fox cub.

"Eat up, little bro! We've got a lot to do today!" Sonic said as they continued to eat their pancakes.


After finishing breakfast, the family headed out to the local arcade where they had a lot of fun playing the games. Each of the boys had a particular favorite game; Sonic's being Dance Dance Revolution, Knuckles Mortal Kombat 2.

And Tails?

Tails loved the Jurassic Park shooting game.

"Whooo! Come at me, raptors! Come face the fox!" Tails laughed evilly as he shot at every dinosaur in sight.

Now one would think that being the genius prodigy child that he is, Tails would enjoy something a bit more sophisticated. However, the opposite would prove to be true as Tails loved any game where he could cause total mayhem wherever he went. Perhaps this was him taking after Sonic, or maybe this was his way of letting out his wilder side, but either way it was extremely amusing to watch.

It also helped that Tails loved the Jurassic Park movies in general.

"You know, this is why we don't let you use bigger guns more often." Sonic remarked with a smirk, leaning against the seat as he shot at the dinosaurs as well.

"Shut up and let me shoot!" Tails retorted, not taking his eyes off the screen as he continued to mow down every velociraptor in sight.

Sonic laughed as he and Tails continued to play the game while Knuckles talked with Tom and Maddie to make sure Tails' 'special surprise' was ready.


After they were finished at the arcade, the Wachowski family stopped to buy some ice cream on the way home for Tails before arriving at their house.

Once the songs were sang, the candles blown out by Tails, and the mint chocolate cake eaten, it was time for the young two-tailed fox to open his presents.

From Tom, he got a new coloring book and a set of crayons, which Tails was very happy about as he had already finished his last coloring book.

From Maddie, he got a Nintendo Switch and a few games that came with it, which also made Tails very happy.

From Knuckles, Tails got an ancient ceremonial echidna tribe bracelet. ("For me…?" Tails asked in astonishment, gingerly taking the bracelet. Knuckles smiled fondly. "You are part of this tribe, young Miles. You deserve it." He said before the young fox hugged him tightly.)

Lastly, from Sonic, Tails got a remote controlled toy robot, which the young fox was very excited to tinker and modify.

"Thank you so much for all these presents, guys." Tails smiled, tears gathering in his eyes as his heart filled with joy. "This is probably the best birthday I've ever had."

Sonic smiled, placing a gentle hand on his little brother's shoulder. "Well, we still got one present left." He grinned.

Tails tilted his head in confusion and surprise. "Really? What is it?"

Sonic's smile widened. "C'mon, we'll show ya."

Heading out the door, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Tom, and Maddie walked down the street before taking a turn off the road and onto the dirt path towards the junkyard.

"What exactly is this surprise?" Tails asked as Sonic covered his eyes.

"Can't tell ya, 'cause then it wouldn't be a surprise." Sonic said as they approached the junkyard.

"Are we there yet?" Tails questioned just as they approached the entrance to the junkyard.

"Why, yes, we are." Sonic said before removing his hands from Tails' eyes. "Ta-da!"

Tails blinked his eyes open as they adjusted to the brightness of the setting sun before he let out a gasp, his eyes now widening in shock.

In the middle of the junkyard sat a freshly built bi-plane, the exact one that Tails said that he wanted. The wings and hull perfectly welded together to the point of being seamless. The paint job being a beautiful blend of blue and yellow, with the word 'Tornado' painted in red on each side.

Around the plane, everyone in Green Hills could be seen, including Wade, Crazy Carl, Chis, Helen, Daniel, Frances, and even Unit.

"SURPRISE!" Everyone there cheered.

Tails was left gaping at the sight, utterly speechless.

"I know you said we didn't have to do this, but since it's your first birthday with us, we figured we should do something special." Tom explained. "I know it's not perfect but-"

"I love it."

"What?"

"I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!" Tails exclaimed, smiling widely as he bounced up and down. "Oh my gosh, look at this!" His namesakes twirled as he flew up into the cockpit of the plane. "There's even an engine too?!"

Tails then peaked out of the cockpit. "How… how did you guys even do this?"

"You would be surprised how many people in this town are fond of you, fox." Knuckles remarked, gesturing to the crowd of people around them.

"It was actually Sonic's idea to build this for you." Maddie pointed out.

Tails' eyes widened as he looked at Sonic, who shuffled sheepishly in his place.

"You… you did…?" Tails murmured.

Sonic chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, uh… I kinda overheard you talking with Mom and Dad and I may have… convinced everyone in town to help build it."

Tails stared at him for several seconds, eyes wide and mouth agape before tears suddenly began to well up in his eyes.

"Oh, no, no, no, don't cry!" Sonic exclaimed, panicking a little. "I know you said we didn't have to do this, b-but I wanted to make it special for you and-"

He was cut off when Tails leaped into his arms, tackling him in a tight hug.

Sonic blinked in surprise before he felt Tails' shoulders beginning to shake, followed by the sound of the young fox sobbing.

"Happy birthday, Tails." Sonic smiled, delicately hugging his baby brother back.

For the rest of the evening, the party went on with several pictures taken and many laughs and tears shared around.

Later that night, when it was time to go to bed, Sonic waited until Maddie closed the door to the attic after bidding them goodnight.

Sonic turned onto his side, pulling his blankets up, snuggling his head against the soft pillow of his racecar bed.

His eyelids were heavy as he kept them shut, but even then he could hear the sounds of fabric moving and the telltale creak of the old wooden boards of the attic as footsteps came closer to him.

"... Sonic? Are you awake?" He heard a young voice whisper.

With his eyes still closed, Sonic couldn't fight the smile that spread across his face. "No." He whispered back jokingly.

He heard Tails giggle at that, causing Sonic to finally crack an eye open to find the young two-tailed fox cub perched at the foot of his bed, staring at him with wide, baby blue eyes that almost seemed to glow in the dark like stars in the night sky.

Without a word, Sonic shuffled to the side of the bed, making room for his little brother as the little fox crawled next to him and covered both of them with the blanket before snuggling into the blue hedgehog's chest, wrapping his arms around him in a loving hug.

Tails nuzzled his head underneath Sonic's chin as the blue hedgehog wrapped his arms around him in turn, resting his cheek atop his head in between his triangular ears.

"Did you have a good birthday, bud?" Sonic whispered.

Tails nodded. "The best birthday I've ever had in my life." He murmured happily. "I love you, Sonic."

Sonic felt a tug at his heart, holding his little brother close as he remembered everything Tails had told him about his past. How his parents had been absent all his life, the people in his village tormented him for his two tails, and how he had never had a friend of family before.

But that same thought also caused Sonic's heart to warm as he knew Tails had all of that now, friends, family, people who loved and accepted him for who he was. People who would make sure that he would never be alone again.

"I love you too, little bro." Sonic whispered, lovingly kissing Tails on the forehead before settling his head back into the pillow.

And as he succumbed to the warm embrace of sleep, Sonic swore to himself that every birthday Tails had would be the best.

Happy birthday to Tails!