In the five years that have passed since the end of the war against Robotnik, The Kingdom of Acorn had also founded an education system with the primary goal of teaching the younger generation of Mobians about the planet's past and the events that led to the current time of peace. Reminiscent of a modern thirteen year school system, it started off as just a local learning center with students just from Mobotropolis. But it quickly expanded to a worldwide education system that included students from all over the planet. Mobians who were deemed worthy and also had the right qualifications were made instructors of the classes, among them being Miles "Tails" Prower.

Currently in class, Tails looked out at his students from his desk, all of them talking amongst themselves as class was near its end. Though he had been an instructor for quite some time now, handpicked by Sonic and Sally themselves, part of him still couldn't believe that he was in such a position. He was only eight years old at the time when he was made an instructor, handpicked personally by Sonic and Sally themselves. The two of them firmly believed that Tails would be a great teacher to the younger generation of Mobians as, in their eyes, there was no one better to teach them about the history of Mobius as well as the war against Robotnik than someone who was their age when it happened and experienced it firsthand. Those hesitant at first, Tail accepted and gradually became more used to his new role and in time became one of the most adored and loved instructors in the kingdom. His new teaching role wasn't the only new major change in his life. Not too long after the war with Robotnik ended he was reunited with his long lost parents Amadeus and Rosemary, who had finally returned to Mobius from Argenium, the homeworld of the alien race known as the Bem and the three of them were finally living their lives as a real family, as it should have always been. Amadeus became a commander of the Royal Army while Rosemary became not only a member of Sally's Royal Council, but a popular writer as well.

A few moments later, the bell rang signifying the end of class. The kids all gathered their belongings and began to leave, bidding Tails farewell as they did so. "Bye Tails! See you tomorrow!"

A grin appeared on the fox's face as he waved at them. "Later everyone! Take care and see you all later! Make sure you all remember to do your homework on today's assignment!"

The kids waved back to him and, one by one, they took their leave from the class. Tails watched until he turned his head and saw one of his students, a female red squirrel with black hair, approaching his desk holding a textbook in her arms.

"Um, Mr. Tails?" she began, speaking in a soft timid voice.

"Yes Cynthia?' Tails asked, giving her his full attention. "Is everything okay?"

"Well um..." she said, trying to find her words. "I um, I'm worried about today's assignment..."

"Worried?" Tails repeated. "Why?"

Cynthia placed her textbook and opened it to a certain page. "I'm not sure I understand these questions..."

"Let's see..." said Tails as he looked at the textbook, seeing the questions associated with the subject today's class was about. "Oh, the questions having to deal with remembering certain years."

Cynthis nodded her head, fidgeting her feet slightly.

"I understand how these could be a bit on the tough side," said Tails. "Especially when you have to remember many of them."

Cynthia nodded again. "I only wanted to ask. I didn't speak up in class...I was too shy..."

A small smile appeared on Tails' face as he looked back at her. "Never be shy to ask a question. You never know. Others might have the same question as you."

"Really?" Cynthia asked before looking down. "It's just...some of the students are mean...they call people thick if they get a question wrong..."

A sympathetic look replaced the smile on Tails' face. "Is that right? Well believe it or not Cynthia, I had to deal with a lot of that myself when I was around your age."

Cynthia slowly looked back up at him. "You did?"

"Definitely," Tails replied, nodding. "When I was younger, I was constantly made fun of because I had two tails."

A sad look appeared on the squirrel's face.

"I heard it all too," Tails continued, memories of those days coming back to him. "Pretty much every joke you can think of. But you know what the important thing is to do in situations like that?"

"What?" Cynthia asked.

"Ignore them," Tails answered. "Don't sink to their level and give them the satisfaction of knowing they got to you. Just continue to be yourself, better yourself and prove everyone that thinks negatively of you wrong."

"Ignore them..." Cynthia said softly. "I try my best but its hard sometimes..."

"Yes, it can be," Tails agreed. "Believe me, I speak from experience. But I'll tell you something that someone once told me."

Cynthia nodded, listening to him.

"Don't live your life worried about what others think of you," said Tails. "Push what they think or say about you to the side, leave it in the rearview and just be yourself."

A small smile appeared on Cynthia's face. "Okay..."

Tails returned her smile with one of his own. "Atta girl. Now then, when it comes to these questions you asked about, do you happen to have your notes that I asked for everyone to take during class?"

"I do yes," said Cynthia as she took off her backpack and reached inside, taking out a folder that had the notes Tails asked about.

"There's a reason I had you all take those," said Tails. "They'll help lead you to the answers you're looking for."

Cynthia looked over the notes and she saw that they indeed would help her. "Thank you so much Mr. Tails."

The two-tailed fox chuckled. "You're welcome Cynthia. And by all means, if you happen to have any more questions or need help, all you have to do is ask and I'll do all I can to help you."

Cynthia's smile grew. "Thank you so much. I feel more confident now."

"Atta girl!" said Tails. "Much better!"

Cynthia gathered all her belongings in her backpack before slinging it over her shoulders. "I'll see you tomorrow! Thanks again!"

"You're welcome Cynthia," said Tails as he watched her leave, waving to her as he did so. Once she was gone and Tails was alone in the classroom, he stood from his seat and walked over to one of the windows, looking out and seeing the kids all either walking home or being picked up by their parents. 'Another day done. They're all coming along really well.' He took a soft deep breath. 'Its still crazy that I'm teaching kids about the war. It wasn't that long ago that I was the same age they all are now. But I've really come to love teaching and I'll keep doing my best to be the best teacher I can be to them and make Sonic and Aunt Sally proud.'

Smiling once more, Tails took another look at the departing students before gathering up his belongings and beginning to head home. As he was doing so, he heard a familiar voice call out his name.

"Tails!"

Looking to the direction of the voice, Tails saw a female rabbit with cream fur and brown eyes standing in the doorway of the classroom. She was dressed in a red and orange sundress and white sandals. She was also accompanied by a small blue Chao and had a warm smile on her face as she waved at him. "Cream! Cheese!" Tails said, his smile growing as he saw her.

"Hey there!" said Cream, walking into the room with Cheese floating behind her. "You have a good day?"

"Yeah, just wrapping up actually," he responded. "And you? How're you doing today?"

"I'm good, thanks," she answered, her smile still on her face.

"Cool!" said Tails. He then noticed Cheese starting to fly circles around him. "Hey Cheese! It's good to see you too!"

"Chao, chao!" Cheese chirped happily as he continued to fly around Tails.

Cream couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"So, where were you guys headed?" Tails asked.

"We were both just in the neighborhood," Cream answered. "We were passing by the castle when we saw the time. It was close to time for the classes to be over so we thought we'd come by and say hello to everyone."

"I see," said Tails. "Just you and Cheese?"

Cream nodded her head. "Yeah."

"How's your mom?" Tails asked. "She doing okay?"

"She's doing great," said Cream. "She's been feeling tired though."

A small look of concern appeared on Tails' face. "Really? Why?"

"She's just getting on in years, you know?" Cream answered. "She's not as young as she used to be. But she's still healthy and happy."

Tails nodded. "I understand. But the important thing is that she's healthy, as you said. That makes me really happy to hear."

Cream smiled and nodded back to him.

Seeing her smile on her face, Tails couldn't help but smile himself. Ever since the two of them met all those years ago during the war against Robotnik, they bonded fairly quickly, mainly over the fact that the two of them were the two youngest members of the Knothole Freedom Fighters. Soon, they had become very good friends and had grown close to one another. Cream had also become well acquainted with Tails' parents as he had with her mother, so much so that their parents claimed the other as their own child.

"Say um..." Tails began. "I'm heading back home now that my day of teaching's done. If you're not busy, would you like to come with me? I'm sure my mom and dad would like to see you."

Cream's face lit up more. "I'd love to."

"Really? Cool!" Tails responded happily.

Still smiling, Cream linked one of her arms with one of Tails. As she did so, the fox couldn't help the small blush that appeared on his face. "Ready to go?" he asked, after regaining his composure.

"I am, yeah," Cream answered.

Smiling, Tails picked up his own backpack, slinging it over his free shoulder and began to walk out of the classroom with Cream and Cheese. Turning off the lights in the room, Tails closed and locked the door before heading down the hallway with Cream and Cheese. Cream stepped closer to Tails and rested her head on his shoulder, walking alongside him with Cheese flying beside him, chirping happily as he did so.

The entire walk back to Tails' home, he and Cream talked the entire way, enjoying each others' company and talking about whatever came to their minds. Eventually the two of them, as well as Cheese, made it the Prower household and Tails rang the doorbell. A few seconds later the door opened, revealing a middle aged orange/brown vixen wearing a purple dress on the other side. "Oh, Tails!" she said in a cheerful tone. "You're home!"

Tails smiled warmly at the vixen. "Hey Mom!"

Rosemary smiled at her son before looking and seeing Cream and Cheese. "Cream! It's wonderful to see you dear! And you too Cheese!"

Cheese chirped happily at Rosemary while Cream smiled and bowed her head slightly. "Hi Ma'am. It's great to see you too."

Smiling at the rabbit, Rosemary stepped to the side and held the door open. "Come on inside!"

"Thanks Mom," said Tails before looking to Cream. "After you."

Cream smiled nodded to him. "Thanks. Come on Cheese."

Cheese chirped as he followed Cream into the house, followed behind by Tails as Rosemary closed the door behind them. "How was your day today Sweetheart?" she asked Tails. "Everything go okay with the class?"

"Yeah, it did Mom," Tails answered, a smile on his face. "Another great day."

"He told me a lot today," said Cream.

"Oh yeah?" Rosemary asked.

Tails nodded his head. "Cream and Cheese came by the class as I was wrapping up and getting ready to come home. We talked for a little bit before I asked her if she would like to come back here with me and she said yes. On the way here I told her about my day teaching the kids."

Cream's smile grew. "He's a natural with them."

Rosemary grinned as she went to her son and ruffled his hair. "That's my boy!"

A grin appeared on Tails' face as well as a slight blush. "Aww, cut it out Mom!"

Cream smiled at the sight as she took Cheese into her arms, gently stroking his head.

Rosemary stopped ruffling her son's hair, planting a small kiss on his head. "Come. I was in the living room with your father and uncle."

That got both Tails' and Cream's attention. "Uncle Merlin's here?" the fox asked.

"Wow, is he really?" Cream asked.

"It's not every day we get to see him," said Tails. "Especially with him traveling so much and all."

"I know right?" Rosemary agreed. "Him stopping by was definitely a nice surprise."

"Amazing!" said Cream, excitement in her voice.

Rosemary smiled at how ecstatic the rabbit was. "I'm sure he'd like to see you three."

"Yeah, same here!" said Tails. "It's been a while!"

"I'd love to see him too," Cream added.

Rosemary nodded before beginning to walk. "Come with me."

Tails, Cream and Cheese followed behind Rosemary as she led them into the living room. As they walked inside, Cream took note of all the family pictures around the room. Ever since Tails had been reunited with his parents they spent as much time together as they could, making up for so much lost time and creating new memories together. There were also pictures of not only her in some but the rest of their friends as well and Cream couldn't be happier any happier for Tails if she tried.

The four looked and saw two foxes sitting across from each other and conversing with one another. One was clearly younger than the other and was adorned in a jacket adorned with the colors of the Acorn Army as well as having a patch over his left eye. The older fox was wearing a dark blue cloak and holding a wooden staff in his hands.

The younger fox looked over as the four entered the room and smiled. "Look who's here."

The older fox looked too and a warm smile appeared on his face. "There's my nephew. And Cream and Cheese as well? What a delight this is."

"Hey Dad! Uncle Merlin!" said Tails happily. "It's great to see you!"

"Likewise son," said Amadeus. "And Cream and Cheese as well."

Cheese chirped cheerfully at Amadeus, smiling at him.

"How have you been?" Cream asked, patting Cheese's head.

"Yeah Uncle Merlin," Tails piped in. "How has your travels been?"

"Ah, they've been something else, my boy," Merlin answered. "My travels have taken me to many places and I've seen amazing things."

"Really?" Cream asked. "Like what?"

"Just how much Mobius has changed in the past five years," said Merlin. "It truly does look like it did before it fell into the hands of Robotnik."

Rosemary walked over and had a seat next to Amadeus. "I'm sure its been quite the experience."

"It has," said Cream. "We've all been through so much to get to where we are now."

"That we did Hun," said Rosemary as she held Amadeus' hand. "For years my husband and I spent our days on Argenium, away from our home and son." She looked over to him. "We wished so much that we could return home and help our family and friends in the war as well as return to our child."

Amadeus nodded and held his wife's hand firmly and lovingly. "It was such a stressful time."

Tail sighed softly as he had a seat on one of the sofas, joined by Cream. "I know the feeling," he said in a slightly sad tone as he remembered the years without his parents in his life. "So many nights when I would lie in bed and think of you, wondering where you both were and if you were thinking of me too."

A sad look appeared on Cream's face and she placed a comforting hand on Tails' shoulder.

"Of course we were Hun," said Rosemary. "Not a day went by when we didn't. When we returned home and reunited with you, it was the happiest day of our lives besides the day you were born."

"It sure was," Amadeus agreed. "It was wonderful to finally be back home and with you again son."

Tails smiled at his parents and also to Cream, thankful for her support and placed his hand over hers.

"It warmed my heart to have my brother and sister-in-law back as well," said Merlin, smiling at the two of them.

"Likewise," said Amadeus, returning his brother's smile. "It's great to be back brother."

"That it is and we're so happy you came by today," said Rosemary.

"As am I," said Merlin. "Everyone is truly at peace now that the nightmare of Robotnik is over. So many happy faces I saw on my journey, too many to count."

Smiles of happiness appeared on everyone's faces.

"They have their normal lives back," said Rosemary. "As do we all."

"And it'll stay that way," Tails added.

"It sure will," said Cream before she looked down at her beloved Chao in her arms. "Won't it Cheese?"

"Chao, chao!" Cheese replied happily, nodding his head.

For the rest of the afternoon Cream and Cheese spent the day with the Prowers until it had gotten dark outside.

Cream looked outside through one of the windows in the living room and saw that night had arrived. "Wow, where did the time go? It's already dark."

Tails looked outside as well. "Whoa, no kidding. It seems like we only got here not too long ago."

The rabbit turned her head to him, smiling. "Time sure does fly when you're having fun."

"Sure does," Tails said, returning her smile. "So its about time for you to be heading home?"

"Sadly yes," Cream answered. "But it was lovely seeing you all."

"Likewise Cream," said Rosemary as she walked over to Cream and gave her a hug. "It's always a pleasure having you over."

Cream hugged the vixen back. "Thank you Ma'am."

"You're very welcome dear," Rosemary responded as she pulled back from the hug.

"Take care Cream," said Amadeus. "And tell your mother we all said hello."

Cream nodded and slightly bowed to the fox. "Will do sir, I promise." Standing back up straight, she looked over to Cheese. "Come on Cheese, its time for us to go home."

Cheese nodded and rose up from the sofa. "Chao, chao!"

"I'll walk you both to the door," said Tails.

"Thank you," said Cream, smiling as she held Cheese close to her and walked with Tails to the front door, which he opened for her and Cheese. "I'll see you again soon?"

"Yeah, definitely," Tails answered. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," said Cream as she looked up at the fox. "Today was so much fun. Spending time with you and your family. I can't wait to again."

"Same here Cream," said Tails. "You be careful heading home okay?"

"I will, don't you worry," said Cream, smiling at his concern for her.

Tails returned the smile and nodded. "Great."

Cream turned to leave but before she did, she turned back to Tails, leaned up to him and softly kissed him on his cheek. Almost instantly, Tails felt his entire face warm up and he blushed a deep red. He didn't expect her to do that at all and was taken completely by surprise. Cream slowly pulled back from him, gave him a warm smile and walked out through the door. Tails watched her walk out, lifting his hand and placing it on his cheek where she kissed her. Once she was a few feet away, Cream turned back around and waved at him. Waving back, Tails watched as Cream turned back around and skipped off into the night. Afterwards, he stepped back into the house and closed the door, turning around and seeing huge grins plastered on his parents' and uncle's faces.

"What?" he asked, feigning ignorance as he was pretty sure he knew the reason why.

"We saw that," Rosemary answered, her smile turning into a cheeky smirk.

Amadeus walked over and patted Tails on his back. "Well done boy!"

If possible, Tails' blush grew more. "W-What're you talking about?"

Merlin chuckled from his seat on the couch. "Come now nephew. You know very well."

Amadeus grinned a bit and placed his hand on Tails' head. "You like her, don't you?"

"W-What?" Tails stammered. "Me? Like Cream?"

Rosemary chuckled as she held Amadeus' free hand. "It's kind of obvious son."

"Sure is!" Amadeus agreed, grinning.

Merlin couldn't help but add his two cents in as well. "You're as red as an apple nephew."

Amadeus and Rosemary chuckled softly as they saw their son fumble around, trying to find the right words to say.

"It's that obvious?" Tails managed to ask.

"Uh yeah," Rosemary answered, holding back a giggle.

Tails scratched the back of his head bashfully.

"You definitely have good taste son," said Amadeus. "Cream is a sweet girl."

"That she is Tails," said Merlin. "You're quite fortunate to have a young woman such as her for a friend."

"And you two have grown quite close over the years," Rosemary added, smiling.

"That's true..." said Tails.

Amadeus gently ruffled Tails' head. "You never know son. There just might be something there with you and young Cream."

Rosemary nodded approvingly. At the same time, she noticed the look of uncertainty on her son's face. "No pressure kiddo. Just some advice from your parents."

Tails looked at his mother and father, a smile coming to his face. "I know, and I really do appreciate it. Thanks so much."

"No need to thank us son," said Amadeus. "We're your parents. It's our job."

Tails nodded at his father before yawning, covering his mouth as he did so. "I think I'll turn in for the night."

"It has been a long day for you," said Rosemary as she stroked her son's head. "You deserve some rest."

"Thanks Mom," said Tails before he looked to his uncle. "Uncle Merlin, will you be sticking around?"

"I think I will," Merlin replied with a smile. "Even with magical abilities, traveling as far for as long as I have begins to take its toll. And there's that age-old saying - there's no place like home."

Amadeus smiled at the older fox. "It's good to have you back around brother."

"Sure is," said Rosemary. "And you're more than welcome to stay here. There's more than enough room."

Merlin smiled in thanks and nodded. "Thank you both."

"Like I just told Tails, no need to thank us," said Amadeus. "You're family. And that's what family's supposed to do - always be there for each other."

Rosemary smiled and gave her husband a kiss on his cheek. "Couldn't have said it better myself Hun."

Tails also couldn't help but smile. For so long he was deprived of his family, all of them separated from one another as a direct result of Robotnik's invasion. And now at long last, they were reunited. This was the one thing he'd always wished for and he was eternally grateful and thankful to have his family back in his life.

After getting settled down after such a long but fun day, Tails decided that before going to sleep to call Sonic and check in with both him and Sally. Laying in his bed and turning the speakerphone on, Tails dialed Sonic's number on his cell phone down on his chest as he laid back, placing his hands behind his head and looking out the window at the full moon in the sky. As he waited for an answer, his mind trailed to the day he had spent with his family and Cream and the surprise kiss she had given him before leaving on her way home.

Seconds later, the ringing stopped on Tails' phone and he heard the voice of his best friend on the other end. "Yo lil' bro!"

Tails smiled at the voice. "Hey Sonic. How's it going? I'm not calling at too late an hour am I?"

"Oh no, not at all!"

Tails sighed softly in relief as he was slightly worried he had called too late. "I was just calling to check on you and Aunt Sally."

"Everything's all good bro. Just resting up. Good timing you got because we were just about to call it a night ourselves, heh."

Tails grinned a bit.

"How's things going over at the school?"

"Everything's going great," said Tails. "The kids are coming along so well."

"That's great to hear! No drama?"

"Nope, none at all," said Tails. "Though I did have a talk with one of my students because of some slight bullying that she goes through."

"Oh yeah? And how did that go?"

"I told her the same thing you told me a long time ago," said Tails. "To not let those who're talking down on her get to her, ignore them and keep doing her, as you would say."

"Atta boy!"

Tails' smile grew as he heard Sonic's approval. "You know, at first when you and Aunt Sally asked me to be an instructor I was hesitant. I mean, I was still just a kid myself. But when I look at my students I think to myself, 'I was their age when all of what I'm teaching them was going on.' I didn't have the chance to have a childhood like them. But I'm glad my experiences and what I know are being put to good use, teaching them about Mobius's past."

"And you're doing a great job lil' bro! Teaching them all they need to know!"

"Thanks Sonic," said Tails. "I'm doing my best."

"Your best is always great!"

Tails smiled before going silent for a second as he contemplated what he was about to say to Sonic. "By the way Sonic, there's something else..."

"Yeah? What's up?"

"It's um..." Tails began, biting his lips a bit. "It's about Cream..."

"Cream huh? Well spit the lyrics to me lil bro. What's going on?"

Tails began to fumble on his words. "I uh...I think I...Well I, uh..."

"Come on bro! You know you can tell me anything! Spit it out!"

"I think I..." Tails began before swallowing hard. "I think I like her..."

"Oh-ho really? Well I don't blame you!"

Tails raised an eyebrow, looking down at his phone. "Really?"

"Yeah! The girl's a real sweetheart!"

"Hmm? What're you boys talking about?"

Tails recognized the new voice immediately. "Oh, Aunt Sally. Hi."

"Hey there Honey."

Tails heard Sonic quietly whispering something to Sally, most likely telling her about what they were talking about. A few moments later, he heard Sonic's voice again.

"Check this out bro, if you like Cream you should tell her how you feel."

"You really think so?" Tails asked.

"Of course," said Sally. "You never know Honey - from how close you two have gotten I wouldn't be surprised if she feels the same about you. And why wouldn't she? You're an amazing young fox and we should know. We practically raised you."

"True that!" Sonic added with a laugh.

Tails grinned a bit as well before he heard Sonic again.

"Dig these blues kid, if you like Cream, tell her."

"Sonic's right Tails," said Sally. "Never keep your feelings inside, especially not ones such as what you're feeling. We both can tell just from how you spoke - you do like her a lot."

Tails was quiet for a bit once again before relenting, coming to terms with his feelings. "I do...She's been a really great friend ever since we met her."

"And you two have grown a lot closer to each other these past couple years," Sally added. "It's quite cute, honestly."

"I know right!?" Sonic said with a chuckle.

Tails thought about what Sonic and Sally had told him and came to a conclusion. "Okay, I'll tell her. But I'll wait until the time's right to let her know."

"That-a-boy!" said Sonic.

"I'm sure everything will go well Honey," said Sally. "Just remember whenever that day comes just to have faith in yourself. You might be surprised."

"Thanks Aunt Sally," said Tails. "I'll remember, for sure. And I won't rush it either."

"Smart choice bro!" said Sonic.

"Thanks so much you guys," said Tails. "I'll keep everything you told me in mind. Oh, how're you feeling Aunt Sally?"

"I'm doing great Sweetheart," Sally answered. "All's well with both me and your nephew or niece."

Tails smiled big. "Great! I can't wait to meet him! Or her!"

"Same for us Honey," said Sally.

As much as Tails wanted to keep talking with them, he knew that it was late and they all needed their rest, Sally especially. "I know its late. I should let you both go so you can rest."

"That goes for you too," said Sally. "After your day of teaching the young ones. You need all the rest you can get."

"Yeah, you're right," said Tails as he yawned. "I should get some sleep. Goodnight you guys. Sleep tight and stay safe."

"You too Sweetheart," said Sally.

"Night bro!" said Sonic. "Maybe tomorrow we can hook up and do something after your day of teaching if I don't have anything else going on around that time!"

Tails smiled more. "Cool! Sounds like a plan Sonic!"

"Right on! Well until then, get you some much needed rest and we'll see you tomorrow!"

"Will do," said Tails. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight Honey," said Sally.

"Peace!" said Sonic before he hung up.

Tails smiled as he placed his phone on the side of his bed and turned over, getting comfortable. He felt more reassured after the advice from his family, Sonic and Sally and more at ease with his feelings when it came to Cream. Just as he was going to fall asleep, he heard his cell phone go off alerting him that he had a text message. Taking back his phone and looking at it, he saw the message was from Cream:

"Made it home safely. Had a great time with your family and I can't wait to see you again. Goodnight and sweet dreams. Sleep tight and stay safe."

Tails' smile grew at the text message and he responded by sending a message of his own back to her. Afterwards, he placed his phone to the side once more and got more settled into bed, closed his eyes and let sleep take him, Cream being the last thing on his mind.