Note: Again thanks to Pybro2 for the beta-read

Sonic had returned to Tangle's home. After closing the door upon return, was then asked by Tangle, "So, how did it go?"

Sonic glared, "Not well, Whisper's now convinced you're infatuated with me. Did you ever consider if sending me on your date was a good idea?!"

Tangle grimaced, "I entirely forgot and didn't realize it was supposed to be a date so I was under intense pressure." She started crying, "Whisper is an incredible friend. I didn't know what to do and didn't want to ruin our friendship."

Sonic sighed, Seeing myself cry is so surreal. He then dialed it back and put a hand on Tangle's shoulder, "Look, I honestly had a better time than I was expecting, I see why you two get along so well. I never should have been the one on that date, but hopefully she'll forgive us. Let's try calling her."

Tangle, nodded, trying to find a phone before remembering, "Dang it, I forgot your phone at Tails' place."

Sonic frowned, "And I broke yours. Guess that's out…"

Tangle then sighed, "We'll have to see her later..." Tangle badly wanted to change the topic, "Want to go out to the forest one last time before it gets too dark?"

Sonic sighed then agreed, "That sounds fun! Let's get going!"

And so the swapped duo ran back out to the forest.

Amy had been determined to get to Spiral Hill ever since seeing Whisper crying. She might not be quite up to Sonic's Speed, but she could be plenty fast when the time called for it. And she definitely had thoughts about this, Sonic and Tangle had better have a good explanation for this!

Amy arrived at Spiral Hill, remembering the location of Tangle's home from her phone. Upon arrival she knocked on the door. There was no answer. Guess they're not here right now. Better go see Jewel then.

Amy then found her way to Jewel's place and rang the door. A very tired Jewel answered, "Can't I get some rest?...Oh, Amy. What brings you here?"

Amy explained, "I saw Whisper crying, Cream told me that Sonic was coming by to 'Hang out with Tangle', and I tried visiting but they were gone. Would you know what's going on?"

Jewel's expression was a combination of horror and concern, "That Sonic came by is news to me. But I think I do have an idea why. Come in."

Amy asked after taking a seat, "Have you noticed anything off about Tangle?"

Jewel thought about it, "She literally crashed here earlier."

Amy then said, "That does sound odd."

Jewel countered, "Hardly the first time. The strange part was hitting a chair with her tail on the way out."

Amy raised an eyebrow, "That tail is huge. What's weird about that?"

Jewel insisted, "It happened a lot when we were younger, sure. But, it hasn't happened in years."

Amy tilted her head, "Is that what made you angry?"

Jewel then told Amy, "No. What does is that Whisper was planning a dinner with Tangle, but for whatever reason Tangle got sidetracked by venturing into the forest all day."

Amy then corrected, "According to Whisper, Tangle did go on the date, but Sonic was there when she went to her house and she seemed more interested in him than Whisper."

Jewel spent time thinking about it, "Hmmmm…Sonic does remind me a lot of Tangle at times. Still, I know Tangle well enough to think she'd let Whisper off more tactfully than sending her away crying."

Amy thought about it too, "I don't see Sonic as the type to rudely get between her and Whisper either. Something's up and we need to confront them about this."

Jewel nodded, "Then we're in agreement."

Amy stood up, "We'll go wait outside Tangle's house for them."

Sonic and Tangle were in the forest, swinging and running respectively, Tangle then asked, "Sonic, can I stay here tonight?"

Sonic had a concerned look, "You know that's going to raise further questions, right?"

Tangle insisted, "It's just more familiar and comfortable to me and I don't feel like hitting any more trees today. Where do you usually sleep anyway?"

Sonic reluctantly accepted it, "Touché. It's your house, who am I to stop you? Though, if we've figured out what caused this, should we swap back first thing tomorrow?"

Tangle shook her head, "What's the rush? And…I still want a chance to be able to truly cut loose with your speed. Let's keep it our little secret."

Sonic thought about it, Haven't seen Eggman or any other villains lately... Sonic nodded, "Agreed. Shake on it?" Extending an arm.

Tangle reached out, "If it was me I'd probably shake with the tail. I could teach you a bit about that if you like. My tail's end is kind of like a hand."

Sonic folded arms with a grin and made a peace sign with the tail, "You think I don't already know that?"

Tangle was stunned, "Wow, I'm impressed."

Sonic pointed out, "You shook my hand with it when we met, remember? Good thing I wear gloves because there's no way this thing is sanitary."

Tangle teased back, "Like a guy who runs everywhere and hates water knows anything about sanitation."

Sonic counter-teased, "Wow, rude. But, I just shower at Tail's place. How often do you shower? I'm sure this tail's a nightmare to clean…"

Tangle sheepishly admitted, "...Not enough. But if you already realized how to use it like a hand, then why haven't you done that more?"

Sonic shrugged, "Same reason you've struggled with my speed."

Tangle then said, "No argument there. Pound it." As Sonic moved an arm, Tangle requested, "How 'bout with the tail." To which Sonic obliged by creating a fist with Tangle's tail and did so.

Sonic then noticed the setting sun, "We should probably head home now."

Tangle agreed with a nod. On the walk back, she asked, "Is there a place you like to go that's friendlier to learning how to run so fast?"

Sonic answered, "Yes, I'll take us there tomorrow. It's an old home of mine."

However, little did they know what awaited their arrival back in Spiral Hill…

Amy and Jewel were waiting, both ready to grill their friends like it was a court drama if needed. Still, Amy asked Jewel, "I want to give the benefit of the doubt. Is Tangle just prone to forgetting?"

Jewel shook her head, "Not really, she tends to remember important events with friends and family. Maybe she didn't register how important this was to Whisper. Still, we need to let them know."

That's when they noticed Sonic and Tangle approaching. They were talking before the latter noticed Jewel and Amy (Ugh, of course Amy would show up). Upon which Tangle said, "Oh, hi there Jewel and…Amy, What are you doing here?!" Then Tangle made a devious smirk (Well, if she's here suspecting I'm on a date, let's lean into it.) before she winked and made a heart shape behind her and Sonic with the tail, "Are you jealous I might be stealing your man?"

Sonic was confused and looked behind, blushing for unclear reasons. (I'm unsure if I should be impressed or disturbed…)

Amy became flustered, blushing red hot with embarrassment, taking deep breaths to not lose her cool. Recognizing this, Jewel chimed in, "We aren't here about whatever you two are doing. We're here about Whisper."

Tangle dropped the pose and asked sincerely, "What did she do?"

Amy answered, "She left that date crying. Was it because Sonic hijacked it?"

Sonic looked shocked (Whisper, I'm so sorry!) but insisted, "Don't blame me, I had no idea and encouraged Tangle to go through with it."

Tangle showed barely restrained rage in her grin as she bitingly snarked back, "When I wasn't at all ready for it! And now we see the full consequences of that."

Sonic turned around and slumped (I know…).

Jewel was caught off guard by Tangle's uncharacteristically blunt response, "But why did you forget it in the first place?"

Tangle sighed, "Look, there's no easy way to say this, but I've had the weirdest day. I genuinely forgot until she dropped my phone off and I tried to reschedule it."

Amy was flabbergasted, "That's a worse excuse than the time Sonic forgot about my date while reading a book!"

Tangle was defensive, her tail becoming frazzled, "I wasn't mentally ready, okay! I knew my headspace would lead to disaster going through with the date which is why I tried to reschedule! I did have a fun time with Whisper, genuinely, but this was the inevitable result."

Jewel wasn't convinced, "But to the level of Whisper crying? That's not like you at all Tangle. It's like you're a completely different person!"

Tangle's expression became one of alarm (Uhoh, she's catching on. Better dig myself out of this fast!), "I'll tell Whisper I'm sorry next time I see her, I promise."

Jewel thought about it and noticed something specific was very off: Tangle wasn't crying. Jewel grew up with Tangle and knew she would cry in situations where she really screwed up. Maybe I'm onto something, she must not actually be Tangle! Jewel then accused Tangle, "The real Tangle would be crying by now. Care to explain or out yourself as Mimic?"

Tangle was sweating in a panic (Crap. She's got me there. But Mimic? Have I heard that name before?). She countered, "Doesn't it seem rather sexist of you to assume I'd cry over-"

Sonic then chimed in with a melancholy tone, "She's not Mimic." Sonic then turned around, "He could only imitate the tail if it was him, not its abilities. She is the genuine article."

Amy noticed tear streaks on Sonic's face, but Jewel then asked the toughest question yet, "…How do you know that, Sonic? Have you met Mimic?"

Tangle facepalmed as Sonic now panicked, "I met him before the war?"

Amy then thought, Tangle isn't crying, Sonic is, and both know or lack knowledge where they should or shouldn't. Does that mean?... Then it hit Amy like a train, Maybe Sticks was onto something! Amy then tapped Jewel on the shoulder, whispering, "I think I know what's going on, let me handle it from here."

Jewel nodded, "Go for it, Amy."

Amy confidently accused Tangle, "You're not actually Tangle, are you?"

Sonic answered, "I already told you, she's not Mimic!"

Amy continued, "No, because you're the real Tangle, that's why you're crying."

Both 'Sonic' and 'Tangle' looked like a "deer in the headlights" at that accusation. Jewel, however, wasn't expecting a claim that out there and was flabbergasted, "Amy, have you lost your mind?!"

'Sonic' then added, "Yeah, Amy, we may be kindred spirits, but you don't magically become someone else."

'Tangle' then needled her, "What kind of whack job gave you that idea?"

Amy confidently smirked, "You know exactly the one! Or care to explain why Sonic, who famously never cries, is suddenly crying?"

'Sonic' was silent while 'Tangle' then replied angrily, "Men aren't allowed to cry, Amy?"

Amy then said, "You should ask yourself that question."

'Tangle' had a look of intense thought on 'her' face, She's got me there…Or does she? 'Tangle' smirked and then 'confessed', "Okay Amy, it's time you knew the truth."

Amy continued her pressure, "Then spit it out already!"

'Tangle' then explained, "...I've been preparing to join you guys on your adventures."

'Sonic' tilted 'his' head while Amy proudly jumped, "Yeah I knew it!" Then metaphorically crashed back to earth, "Wait, WHAT?!"

'Tangle' proceeded, "It's been a long time coming, but I'm tired of the same routine on this one island. It's time I saw the world and Sonic was looking for another member in Knuckle's absence. Sonic warned me Eggman would use anything he can against me and that I needed to learn to not let him get under my skin. That's why I'm not crying, I've gained better control over my emotions." 'She' finished with a confident smile.

Amy was infuriated, Oh you are not getting away that easily!, "You still didn't explain why Sonic is crying."

'Sonic' smiled, Sonic, you're a genius! 'He' then went to confirm, "I'm just crying because I feel bad for poor Whisper. Tangle made the hard decision to place this calling over a stable relationship with her. Whisper decided the level of attention was too much for her to handle, and it broke my heart. Just because I put on a strong face against Eggman doesn't mean I never cry, Amy. I'm disappointed in your narrow view of me."

'Tangle' then confirmed, "Yeah, Amy. But, I assure you'll be glad to have me on your team!" The two of them put their arms around each-other's shoulders, both winking and giving a thumbs with 'Tangle' doing an extra tail-thumbs-up practically saying, Thought you had me, didn't you Amy?

Jewel shrugged, "Makes more sense to me."

Amy now felt cornered, I know I'm right, I can't give up here! Amy then made a request, "As…Annoyingly plausible as that explanation is, before you write me off as crazy Jewel, could you please do me one favor?"

Jewel nodded, "I'm listening."

Amy insisted, "Ask 'Tangle' over there something only the real Tangle would know."

Jewel obliged, but in her drowsiness struggled to think of something. She eventually asked, "What did we do around the campfire with Belle?"

'Tangle' maintained a confident grin, "Psh, too easy. Cooked marshmallows and did a reading with Amy's fortune cards!" 'She' made a malicious grin at Amy, who was fuming at her last ditch effort going up in flames.

Then 'Sonic' blurted out, "Man, that sounds fun. Almost as fun as going on a log ride down a canyon with Belle to save the Camp Ranger's son!"

'Tangle' suddenly had a panicked look on 'her' face and Jewel eyed 'Sonic', "That sounds suspiciously like Tangle's adventure on that trip…"

'Tangle' desperately countered, "I told him about that, isn't that right, Sonic?"

Amy then nailed them, "Even if Tangle went into that much detail, which she didn't, Sonic can't swim. That is waaaaaaayyy too glowing a description of falling into water for it to be Sonic talking."

Jewel realized, "I can't believe I'm saying this Amy, but you're right." She prodded 'Sonic', "You've had quite the day, haven't you…Tangle."

Sonic facepalmed as Tangle's eyes shrank, "I just gave us away, didn't I?"

Sonic annoyedly answered, "That you did." With their cover blown, he frustratedly sighed, "Why do you have to be friends with Sticks, Amy?"

Tangle then wondered, "So that's how she got the idea we were body-swapped? I met her earlier. She figured me out because I was caught swimming. She seems smart."

Sonic sheepishly grinned, "Not exactly, but she has a knack for accurately guessing things sometimes. It's kind of uncanny."

Jewel interjected, "With that out of the way, how did this happen?!"

Sonic reluctantly explained, "Remember, that meteor which knocked us both out? It swapped our bodies too."

Amy then asked, "But Tails had rubber gloves ready for grabbing it. Why didn't those protect you?"

Sonic and Tangle laughed very awkwardly with embarrassed grins, Tangle following, "Uh…We didn't wait to put those on."

Amy and Jewel proceeded to facepalm. Amy groaned, "Of course you didn't!" Thinking, I'm seeing why Whisper could take suddenly seeing Sonic with Tangle so personally.

Sonic then suggested, "It's getting late. We need to make sleeping arrangements."

Jewel then offered, "I have more room in my place. How about we all go there?"

Sonic declined, "I don't trust Amy around me or my body. How about she sleeps at your place?"

Amy then teased, "Fine, but you're the one who taunted me as Tangle claiming to be Sonic's new girlfriend."

Tangle then agreed, "Not gonna lie, that was a little messed up, Sonic."

Sonic clapped back, "Says the person who forced me to go on their date. First date of my life too."

Tangle drooped as Amy then countered, "What about our date at Twinkle Park?"

Sonic narrowed his eyes, "Where we got in for free as a 'Cute Couple' and split near immediately to continue on our own adventures? Not much of a date if you ask me."

Amy sighed and insisted, "It at least won't sound crazy." Sonic shrugged as if to concede. Amy continued, "But, why didn't you tell Whisper about your situation?"

Sonic had the most infuriated grin, "I did! But Whisper treated it like I was Tangle playing a game of pretend!"

Jewel sighed, "Having grown up with Tangle, that does sound plausible."

Tangle sheepishly admitted, "Guilty as charged."

Amy then sighed, "Is there a particular reason you were so determined to keep this secret?"

Tangle embarrassedly confessed, "No special reason."

Sonic grimaced, "Knuckles would have a field day if he found out, so I'd rather he didn't."

Amy inquired, "With that all sorted out, we're going to fix this when we get back to Tail's place, right?"

Sonic and Tangle awkwardly laughed, Sonic explaining, "I kind of agreed to let Tangle go to a place where she can truly cut loose with my speed first."

Tangle confirmed, "Running into trees all day isn't my definition of experiencing Sonic's speed."

Jewel sighed, "That's about what I expected."

Amy was similarly frustrated, "Fine, but you'd better swap back immediately after that!"

Tangle then went over to hug Amy, "Thank you so much Amy!"

Amy began blushing incredibly hard as she was unable to process this type of affection coming from Sonic's body. She was rendered completely speechless.

Sonic then pulled Tangle back with her own tail, "Stop it Tangle. I think you broke her."

Tangle scratched the back of her head, "...Sorry."

Amy stayed a blushing mess for a few seconds before regaining her composure and giggled, "It's more affection than Sonic himself has ever given me. If Twinkle Park doesn't count, then you know we'd have done a more proper first date Sonic if you hadn't been lost in your reading."

Tangle raised an eyebrow, "Wait, you agreed to a date with Amy twice?"

Sonic's eyes shrank, "I forgot about that one. Long story, but short version is that it makes me becoming you look normal by comparison."

Jewel then finished, "I think this conversation has gone long enough, let's just split up for the night."

So they did so. As Sonic and Tangle went back to her home, Sonic pondered, "How do I keep your tail from keeping me awake all night?"

Tangle giggled, "Great question. I just try to avoid thinking about it but if it really becomes a problem you could just snuggle with it." She finished in a half-joking voice.

The thought of such a thing just seemed weird. But, lacking a better idea, Sonic said, "Thank you, Tangle. Are you ready for tomorrow?"

"You should know, I'm ready for anything! Including being a world famous fast hedgehog." Tangle exclaimed.

Sonic smirked, "I don't think you fully understand what that entails, but I can't fault your enthusiasm."

The duo then got ready for sleeping. Tangle showed Sonic her bathroom drawers, "Here is my toothbrush and toothpaste, here is my toiletries, and here are my-."

Sonic suddenly blushed awkwardly and incredibly hard in horror at being shown the full cabinet and immediately interrupted, "We should be back to normal by tomorrow night, I don't think that'll be necessary!"

Tangle sheepishly apologized, "Nevermind then. Let's just get ready to sleep."

Amy and Jewel had their own pre-sleep discussion. Amy said, "I always underestimate how much of an adrenaline junkie Sonic is."

Jewel nodded, "Same for Tangle. I lost count of how many times I bailed her out of danger."

Amy mused, "I'm glad they lack any romantic spark because I don't think I'd stand a chance with Sonic if they did."

Jewel chuckled, "I don't even want to imagine a life dealing with both of them, Tangle is more than enough. Let's just hope they don't lose their chance to fix this."

Amy smiles, "They will fix it, given enough time."

Jewel nervously grinned and tiredly followed, "Yeah, I'm sure it'll work out."

Amy then asked, "Before I forget, could you contact Whisper?"

Jewel, struggling to stay awake, nodded, "What should I say?"

Amy knew what, "Tell her Sonic and Tangle aren't dating."

Jewel nodded, she tried her best to stay awake and send that text, giving a thumbs up after finishing, "Done! I'm guessing she's about to sleep though, we'll have to see if she responds in the morning...And she rarely does."

Amy smiled, "Good night, Jewel." And they then went to sleep.