"We're here!" Tom yelled.
As soon as the car was parked Sonic immediately unbuckled his seat belt and slide out of the car. Tails followed quickly behind, lining up next to the car. Knuckles seemed hesitant, eyeing the parking lot, the cars, and the people.
"How can I be sure we will remain safe?" he asked as he eyed a family walking past the car.
"Don't worry, Sweetie," Maddie cooed, "this place is completely safe, I promise."
She watched as he turned his gaze to her, his amethyst eyes meeting hers, reading them. Finally he seemed satisfied with her words and slid out of the car. He trusted me…that's a start…" she thought.
"Alright, ground rules…" Tom started. All three boys looked at him, Tails bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"Ugh…rules…borrrrring!" Sonic chided. "Come on, where is the trust?"
Tom rolled his eyes and laughed. "The trust is there…but come on, work with me here." Sonic rolled his eyes but gave him a humoring smile. " Rule 1. We stick together…NO wandering." Sonic rolled his eyes again and smiled. "2. You have to listen. There will be a lot of people here, we need you guys to be on your best behavior." Tails stiffened up and puffed out his chest in agreement. "And 3. NO powers. No running, no punching, no flying…got it?" His eyes met with Knuckles who gave a curt nod of assent.
"Alright, let's go." Maddie said, and she reached out her hand toward her eldest. He eyed her hand for a moment, then looked up to meet her eyes. She smiled and reached toward him a bit further. He took her hand.