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Sonic","description":"Join Sonic, Tails and Friends for amorous (mis)adventures!","count":"12","submission_right_submission_id":"1195702","submission_right_file_name":"1704218_valdisfoxy_tms_chap_05_departures_and_arrivals.doc","submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/1704/1704218_valdisfoxy_tms_chap_05_departures_and_arrivals.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/1704/1704218_valdisfoxy_tms_chap_05_departures_and_arrivals.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/1704/1704218_valdisfoxy_tms_chap_05_departures_and_arrivals.jpg","submission_right_thumb_huge_x":"300","submission_right_thumb_huge_y":"294","submission_right_thumb_large_x":"200","submission_right_thumb_large_y":"196","submission_right_thumb_medium_x":"120","submission_right_thumb_medium_y":"118"}],"description":"Hoo, boy. Does the world really need another gay Sonic Team fan fiction? Particularly one centered on Tails and Shadow? One's that's very dialogue-driven and will likely pan out to hundreds of pages by the time it concludes? Some of those pages embarrassingly filthy and explicit?\n\nOf [i]course [/i]it does. I'm not going to bore you, or delude myself, with too many details or the ambition behind this particular work. Perhaps later if people are curious. But most of us who like steamy, sticky relations featuring the main Sonic males know what they want and what it's about, so hopefully along the way I will accidentally amuse if not arouse.\n\nWhat [i]does [/i]need to be said is that the sex does NOT start up in Chapter 1. Each chapter will largely stand on its own so that casual readers can get something out of them while still contributing to an overall story arc. So you fappers in the back with the tissues and lube, please chill until Chapter 2. To the more patient and dignified readers, please enjoy and thank you all for peeking.\n\nDedicated to Miles \"Tails\" Prower, the original fox's fox, a guy who turns even straight guys' heads. Must be all those female voice actors. Rock on, hot little fox bro. [b] ***Note: Tails is AGED UP in this series to age of consent, thanks.***[/b]","description_bbcode_parsed":"Hoo, boy.  Does the world really need another gay Sonic Team fan fiction?  Particularly one centered on Tails and Shadow?  One's that's very dialogue-driven and will likely pan out to hundreds of pages by the time it concludes?  Some of those pages embarrassingly filthy and explicit?

Of course it does.  I'm not going to bore you, or delude myself, with too many details or the ambition behind this particular work.  Perhaps later if people are curious.  But most of us who like steamy, sticky relations featuring the main Sonic males know what they want and what it's about, so hopefully along the way I will accidentally amuse if not arouse.

What does need to be said is that the sex does NOT start up in Chapter 1.  Each chapter will largely stand on its own so that casual readers can get something out of them while still contributing to an overall story arc.  So you fappers in the back with the tissues and lube, please chill until Chapter 2.  To the more patient and dignified readers, please enjoy and thank you all for peeking.

Dedicated to Miles "Tails" Prower, the original fox's fox, a guy who turns even straight guys' heads.  Must be all those female voice actors.  Rock on, hot little fox bro. ***Note: Tails is AGED UP in this series to age of consent, thanks.***","writing":"[b]Disclaimer and warning.[/b] [i]This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only. I do not own the characters and no monetary gain was made or sought. Chapters contain adult themes and may include explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic and adult/teen). If you are under the age of eighteen, live where such material is not legal or find such themes offensive, read no further. The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer. This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit. Enjoy! -Valdisfoxy July 2016[/i]\n \n[center][t]Chapter 1 - Footprints[/t][/center]\n The Gem Coast never looked better. The midday sky was vivid and clear but for scattered cotton ball clouds wafting lazily inland aboard the trade winds. The cool breeze tickled the sedate clusters of palms as the tan beaches below welcomed the whitecaps curling in rhythmically from the shimmering, sweet-smelling ocean. Luminous fields of aqua and turquoise reef teeming with fish lay offshore, the deep blue channels beyond them empty save for the occasional breaching whale. Those ambitious enough to trek a few miles south from where Gem Coast Road dead-ended were rewarded with untrodden sands, quiet coves, pristine tide pools and sculpted, shelter-giving lava cliffs draped in greenery. An inspired place by day, it dazzled overnight sojourners as well, draped end-to-end with mind-boggling sweeps of tropical stars. \n\n For all its indolent summer perfection, the Gem Coast worked hard in winter, when eager throngs were permitted to visit South Island and flock to its postcard-perfect sands, lush upland forests and small, picturesque towns. The island was big and offered something around every corner, drawing enough visitors at peak season to outnumber the locals, most of whom were Mobians. For the most part, locals welcomed “offlanders” and the booming business they brought. But by season's end, the relentless weeks of congestion, noise and tumult made the off-limits period a well-earned, almost sacred respite. During the lull, some islanders took the opportunity to travel, visit friends and relatives, take seasonal work abroad or just to play tourist themselves. Most, however, were content to stay and savor summer’s blissful humdrum. \n\n On this particular day, the southward sands bore just two sets of barefoot tracks. The larger set took a purposeful path along the water's edge and trailed from an athletic, obsidian-hued hedgehog, his broad chest sporting an elegant white ruff that set off his piercing, wine-red eyes. A pair of sunglasses sat atop an impressive mane of spiky, midnight-black hair, streaked in a bold crimson that matched his speedo. The other set followed the hedgehog's but deviated frequently, zigzagging into the surf or to this or that point of interest. They belonged to a blue-eyed fox boy, cheerfully yellow-orange in hue and clad in baggy green swim trunks dotted with airplanes. Behind him trailed not one, but two elegant, white-tipped tails that complimented his slender build and soft extremities. The hedgehog was relaxed as he sauntered down the beach with the fox, who was busy inspecting an attractive shell freshly plucked from the wet sand.\n\n “Curmudgeon? That's just a fancy word for grouch,\" chuckled the hedgehog. \"A stick in the mud. I'm not exactly a morning person, but I'm not unsociable. I've had plenty of nice dates. Not counting Amy, of course.” The hedgehog nonchalantly checked his fingernails. “Those dry Eggman years got wet in a hurry once I left.”\n\n The fox's brow furrowed as he inspected his shell. “What's dating got to do with rainfall?”\n\n The hedgehog gently rolled his eyes. “It's just an expression. I'm saying girls found me more approachable when I wasn't busy destroying things.”\n\n “Okay,” nodded the fox. “Then why did you give the brush-off to those girls up by the road, Shadow? They sure seemed to be having fun.”\n\n Shadow raised an eyebrow. “Conduct is character, kid. Let's see...” he raised his fingers and counted them off. “Drinking at noon. Playing their radio so loudly I wanted to kick it into the ocean. They didn't bother to ask my name. Or yours, for that matter. Double points for the one gal's tramp stamp. Misspelled and doubtless seen by hundreds of grunting morons.” Shadow shuddered. “A prima facie disqualification.”\n\n Tilting his head curiously, the fox carefully pocketed the shell. “Primo what?” \n\n “Prima facie, Tails.” Shadow laced his hands behind his back as they strolled, smiling as the sun warmed his body. “It means 'on its face'. If something seems clearly good or bad on first inspection, a closer look is unlikely to change your opinion.”\n\n Tails nodded, scanning the surf for new treasures. “So like, if you go to the kitchen to make a sandwich, but when you get the bread out it's all moldy and gross, you don't need to open it up and taste it to be sure?”\n\n “Precisely,” nodded Shadow. “Or those shells you're after. You know pretty quickly if one's a keeper or not.” \n\n Tails peered intently over the wet sands. “Yeah, it's hard to find one that's not—hey, look!” Tails knelt and scooped up a second shell, turning it over in his fingers. Almost perfectly fan shaped, its pinkish-yellow curves and intricate sunset ridges glistened attractively. Tails stood, grinning at the choice find and gingerly placing it in his pocket before catching up with Shadow. “But what about not judging a book by its cover? Sonic's told me that a bunch. You don't always know what people are like on the inside.”\n\n Shadow cocked an eye. “And when was the last time you saw Sonic with a book?” \n\n “Well, I—oh. Good point.” The young fox seemed disappointed at the revelation.\n\n “Look, I know you love the big blue goof. I'll admit, he's...” Shadow twirled a finger, searching for the right words. “I've grown quite fond of him too. Even though he picks his toes on the couch and leaves wet teabags on the counter.” Eyes narrowing, Shadow's soft tone strained a bit. “And despite the fact he sings in the shower even when he knows I'm still trying to sleep. Or the way he talks over movies. He dishes out advice, but seldom heeds it.” Shadow mimicked Sonic nasally. “We can just pay for it later, Shads! Only a grouch likes to slouch! Turn that frown upside-down! Have you tried therapy?” Tails giggled, fingers to chin as Shadow threw up his hands. “And who agreed to let him cook!? I actually [i]know [/i]how to cook. He's a disaster. I still haven't fully recovered from Saturday's monstrosity.”\n\n “We were out of buns, remember?” offered Tails apologetically. “So we just put hot dog chunks and chili and hot peppers and pickles and onions and cheese and stuff into a frozen pie crust. We called it Chili Dog Pie a la Sonic!”\n\n “I know,” moaned Shadow, rubbing his stomach. “It should have been buried, not given a name. And it wasn't even a pastry crust, it was a graham cracker one! Never use sweet where savory is called for, boy. I'm going to have to teach you how to cook before we all get food poisoning.”\n\n “You really want to teach me?” chimed Tails, hiking his shell-laden trunks a bit higher, “I'd like that! I hardly ever get to spend time with you.” The young fox smiled at Shadow before running ahead to search a promising tide pool. \n\n “It’s settled, then. We’ll start tomorrow.” Shadow watched as Tails stooped over his mirror image and rifled through the pool, his namesake appendages held neatly clear of the water as the fox hummed contentedly. Shadow couldn’t help but smile at the sight. As much as the storied fighter could be broody and pessimistic, the sunny-hued young flier was contagiously polite and upbeat, dulling Shadow's cynicism like sugar spilling into vinegar. The coming days might prove interesting. “If you pass, I'll make you assistant chef. You can have the honor of demoting Sonic to dishwasher when he gets back.”\n\n Tails laughed as he turned over a few more flat stones, sending small fish and crustaceans zipping for cover. Finding no treasures of note, he stood and wiped his hands on his rump. “You have to teach Sonic too, Shad. He has even more to learn than me, it’s only fair.”\n\n “Heroes,” chuckled Shadow. “Always with the fairness. Fine, I’ll teach him too. But Sonic starts at the bottom, with Boiling Water 101. Make it official?” Shadow offered a high-five, which Tails slapped.\n\n Another gorgeous vista unfurled as the pair rounded a bend. Running ahead with his arms outstretched like an airplane, Tails reconnoitered the wet sands and scattered pools. It wasn't long before his keen eyes caught a colorful glint in the tumbling surf. Veering on the spot, he spied an especially choice shell just below the hissing foam, a large, iridescent orange and purple gem of the type that gave the coast its name. Splashing to his knees, he excitedly scooped up the prize before the next wave could whisk it away. “Whoa!” he yelled over the surf, his eyes widening at the jackpot, “This one's really nice, Shad!”\n\n “It certainly is,” muttered Shadow, who could only see the fox's soft back and rump from where he stood. Shell held aloft, Tails returned triumphantly and handed it Shadow, who carefully inspected the fan-shaped masterpiece. Its fine, nearly flawless exterior was painted in eye-popping sunrise colors, with pinks and yellows blending into oranges, reds and purples. The inside bore iridescent layers of mother of pearl, glowing like frost in a full moon. “A lovely and rare find, Master Prower. Is this one for me?” he teased gently. “We [i]are [/i]on a date of sorts.” \n\n Hand still outstretched, Tails blinked at the question, then chuckled bashfully as he curled his arms behind his back and rocked on his feet. “Well... I guess I could give it to you, Shad. If you really like it that much.” Tails smiled up shyly at Shadow with his big sapphire eyes. “Maybe it'll remind you of me when you look at it.”\n\n Shadow felt as if sunlight had passed through his chest. Of course the fox would give it to him. Speechless for a few moments, he contemplated the shell, turning it over in his fingers and watching the light play on its surfaces. Bending down, he took Tails' hand and placed the shell in the fox's palm before gently curling his soft fingers around it. “That's very sweet of you. Very. But seeing how excited it made you… I think I’ll let you keep this gem. Your smile is enough for me. Besides,” Shadow stood back up and yanked the waistband of his speedo, snapping it like a rubber band, “no pockets!” \n\n Tails laughed brightly, holding the shell to his chest and glancing at the hedgehog's swaying prominence. “Guess there’s only room enough for you in there, huh? Okay, I'll keep it safe. For both of us! You can come see it anytime you like.” He carefully pocketed the shell before they continued down the beach. “Hey, Shad?”\n\n “Mmm?” The hedgehog stretched his arms and loosened his neck, eyes nearly shut as his dark, muscled limbs soaked the soothing rays. \n\n “That reminds me, tourist season's over now, so...” Tails glanced nonchalantly at the hedgehog's loins. “Why're you still wearing a suit?”\n\n Shadow grinned, catching the fox's peek from the corner of his eye. It hadn't been the first that day. “I could ask the same of you, Miles.”\n\n Tails' nose rumpled. “Don't call me that. I'm wearing trunks because I need the pockets.”\n\n Shadow chuckled. “Plus it might stop a crab from pinching your butt.”\n\n “That too,” grinned Tails, eyeing some of the burrowing crabs poking out of their sandy bunkers. Seeing the fox distracted, Shadow deftly reached over and playfully pinched Tails’ rump, eliciting a startled yelp. “Gah! Giant Shadow-crab!” Rubbing the spot, Tails smirked at Shadow. \n\n “The worst kind, very sneaky and pinchy. They like cute butts,” grinned Shadow. “But since you ask, most offlanders just don't go flopping about in the altogether, thank goodness. So when winter comes, we accommodate them. It's better for South Island's image. I just got used to it, to be honest. The support feels nice, plus it leaves something to the imagination while still turning some heads.” Without looking, Shadow could tell the fox’s eyes were on him once more. “Including yours, I see.”\n\n “What? Nuh-uh!” protested Tails, quickly turning away. “I've… I’ve seen it before. Everybody has, we don’t even [i]wear[/i] clothes at home. I was just...” Tails huffed and folded his arms. “Never mind.”\n\n Shadow rubbed his chin and eyed the fox after the odd exchange. “Tails,” he offered placidly, “it's perfectly natural for a boy to be curious. About girls, about boys, about all sorts of new experiences. I won’t presume to lecture you about your body or its urges. Just know that I don't mind you looking or asking me questions. I’m really quite flattered.” The hedgehog smiled. “Besides, you're terrible at hiding it.” \n\n “You saw that, huh?” Tails blushed and rubbed his elbow self-consciously. Tilting his head, the fox shyly admired his statuesque friend. “You do have a really nice body, Shad. Like Sonic. Knux is all ripped, just like his surfer pals. Silver is handsome too, plus he's always so nice to me when he and Blaze visit. But next to you guys,” Tails stomped on an empty crab burrow, collapsing it. “I just see stubby little old me.” \n\n “Nonsense,” reassured Shadow, “You're just right. You're nimble, fast and good in tight spaces. Offlanders are enchanted when they meet you. Always on about those big blue eyes and famous tails. How many had you pose with them this year, or sign their little autograph books?”\n\n “Oh man!” Tails flopped his hands atop his head. “Hundreds and hundreds! Sonic said I should start charging next year, we'd be rich!”\n\n “He's right for once. And on that note, you can fly. Most boys would kill for that. Well, I would have, if I couldn't hover,” winked Shadow, bringing a giggle to the fox. Shadow rubbed Tails' shoulders. “There's that smile. Tails, you have years to grow and work out who you want to be. For now though, let's slow down and enjoy what we have while we have it.” Shadow took a deep, relaxed breath, filling his lungs with the sweet ocean air. \n\n Relieved, Tails smiled up at Shadow. “I'm glad I'm with you, Shad. Who needs a dumb old music festival, anyway?” \n\n “Not me, once was enough,” said Shadow, shaking his head. “But let them have their fun. Knux has gigs with his all his DJ pals. Amy sings and has boatloads of friends she wants to see. And Sonic? Well, he's supposedly helping Knuckles and boasted all winter about going, so he dug his own grave, so to speak. I bet my right foot he and Amy end up in separate rooms.\"\n\n “Why didn’t you go, Shad? Amy made it sound like the best thing ever.”\n\n Shadow thought for a moment. “Remember the girls back at the road? Trampy-stampy?” Tails nodded. “Well, imagine paying good money and flying for hours so you could pack in with ten thousand people just like them, all yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs while a couple of good bands and dozens of terrible ones grunt out noise in the blazing hot sun. People are intoxicated. Groping. Mashing lips. Pounding down greasy food and lukewarm beverages. Puking. People reek of sweat, smoke, cheap perfume or nefarious substances. Assuming you can avoid the background odor of overflowing rubbish bins and portable toilets. Burnt skin and ringing ears. People accosting you to sell or beg something. Stumbling drunks. Shoving. Glacially slow lines. Surly security. If you want all your senses offended at once, an open-air music festival isn't a bad option.”\n\n Tails was incredulous. “That sounds awful!”\n\n “And sometimes, as a bonus, they feature a group or two with a thuggish following, so the threat of violence is increased. Last time I went, a clot of them impolitely demanded my shoes. I asked them to let me pass and, in exchange, I wouldn’t pummel them senseless.”\n\n Tails worriedly placed his fingers on his lips. “What happened?”\n\n “I pummeled them senseless.” Shadow grinned and shrugged. “Apart from that, I didn’t enjoy the festival that much. You’ll just have to experience it and judge for yourself one day.”\n\n “At least now I see why you have to be eighteen.” Putting it out of his mind, the fox smiled. “Still, Sonic guys got their trip, so we get to have our own fun! No rules, no bossy girls, no chores, no fixing stuff that everyone else keeps breaking. I wanna stay up all night!”\n\n “You're in luck,” smiled Shadow, patting Tails' shoulder. “I'm a night owl myself.” \n\n “Yes! Amy got the latest season of [i]Game of Bones[/i], it's got gore and dragons and head chopping and boobies and stuff. It's scarier at night, you'd like it. Or maybe we could play Spacefox 9, make some double fudge sundaes, or try one of Knux's beers he said I could have. That reminds me, Knux and I were playing Robosplosion, it’s a cool tabletop game. If you want, you can take his place while he’s gone.”\n\n Shadow cocked an eye. “You... you DO know I'm an adult, right?” \n\n “Hey!” beamed the fox, “That reminds me, we still got all those leftover fireworks in the shed. We could have a bottle rocket fight! Or shoot off some roman candles from my plane, like me and Sonic did at New Year's. That would be--”\n\n “Highly illegal,” interrupted Shadow, raising his hands. “Look, I'm all for brainstorming. I want us to enjoy the next two weeks. But Sonic was abundantly clear I'm to keep you safe while you’re in my charge. That means no explosives, no burning the house down, no trips to the emergency clinic. Bedtime is negotiable, as are movie choices. But fireworks? Stunt flying? No way.”\n\n “Aww,” Tails crossed his arms indignantly, “you're no fun.”\n\n Shadow crossed his arms as well. “Auguring into a mountainside because a roman candle caught your plane on fire is not my idea of fun. But I've got some ideas. As for letting you have a beer or watch Game of Blood Dragons or whatever...” Shadow thought for a moment. “I'm NOT saying no. Not outright. But--”\n\n “Really!?” interrupted Tails, his eyes widening enthusiastically. \n\n Shadow help up a finger. “BUT, those might be privileges you can earn. If the next two weeks remain problem-free. That means stay out of trouble and do as I say.” Shadow cocked his eye at the fox. “Or else.”\n\n Eyeballing Shadow right back, Tails hiked his trunks defiantly. “Or else [i]what[/i]?”\n\n Shadow picked up a flat stone and skipped it far into the waves. “I can't go anywhere without someone asking where Sonic's gone or what I'm doing in town. I can just tell them the truth...” Shadow grinned deviously, peering right into Tails' eyes. “That Sonic asked me to babysit you.”\n\n “Don't you dare!” snapped the fox, his tails poofing in sudden agitation. “I am NOT a little kid and I don't need a... a sitter!” \n\n “Said the boy who wants to play Spacefox 9 in his jammies. Look, Sonic was clear about it. He was relieved that I was willing, you know, to sit with you, keep you safe, make sure you eat well, bathe and not stay up too late. I'd reasonably call that babysitting, wouldn't you?”\n\n “Sonic still thinks I'm eight sometimes,” grumbled Tails, waving his arms. “Well, I don’t care what he called it. He told me that you're staying until he gets back.” Tails puffed out his chest and held his chin high, walking with mature determination. “You might be in charge of G.U.N., but you're not in charge of me, Shad. I'm my own fox.\"\n\n Shadow rolled his eyes. “Well then, apparently I'm the maid. Sonic gave me a chore list and pretty much all of it revolves around you, big man.”\n\n Tails' ear twitched. “A list? About me?”\n\n “It was on the kitchen counter,” nodded Shadow, “I think I remember most of it. Let’s see. Don't forget the dirty socks under Tails' bed when you do laundry. Use the heavy wash cycle. Make sure he takes his vitamin, bottle by fridge, has dinosaurs on it.” Shadow grinned. “Dinosaurs?” Tails blushed peevishly, refusing to dignify the question with an answer. “Tell him no stashing candy in his room so we don't get ants. Again. No welding without supervision, he’s allergic to bees, he is to stay OUT of Amy's room...” Shadow shrugged. “It’s a big list. Lots for a sitter to keep track of.”\n\n Tails' ears flattened. He hiked up his trunks, face reddening as he stared straight ahead. “Just because you got a dumb list doesn’t put you in charge, Shad. I can take care of myself,” Tails cast an ominous glance at Shadow, “in more ways than one.” \n\n Shadow pretended not to hear. “But hey, you're a good kid. I'm sure babysitting you will be a breeze. What else did it say? Ah! Tails has a thunder buddy doll if it storms at night, but don't freak if he just gets in bed with you.” Shadow rested his cheek on his fingers. “That's adorable! As you know Miles, I do snore a bit. And I can only spoon on my left. Old war wound, you see.”\n\n Tails’ eyes drew to angry slits, his fists starting to tremble as they clenched. “You’ll get a new one in a minute if you don’t quit teasing me, [i]faker[/i]. I mean it!”\n\n “He brushes his tails twice a week, so give him a hand if he asks. He eats more veggies with cheese on top. Make sure he flosses...” Shadow touched his chin. “Wait, what was that really choice one? Oh yes! FYI, he sits when he pees because one time the lid fell and whacked him pretty good, poor guy. So please leave the lid down.”\n\n “Oh, that’s [i]it!\"[/i] shouted Tails, cutting Shadow off and running down the beach as the amused hedgehog stopped and placed his hand on his hip. Tails reeled and pointed angrily at his tormentor. “That stuff’s private! You can CRAM that stupid list. If it's even real, that is. I got one of my own!” Tails counted off his fingers. “One! It's [i]my [/i]house, so[i] I'm[/i] in charge! Two! I do what I like, when I like, where as I like! And three! Obey rules one and two! Anyone who doesn't is going down!”\n\n Shadow chuckled and slowly shook his head. “Sorry kid, but I gave Sonic my word. He obviously knows what's best for you. In more detail than I cared to know, frankly. We’re sticking with his list.”\n\n “So, a rule three violator, huh?” huffed Tails, cocking an eye and placing his hands on his hips. “Then I'll just have to take you down, Shad. Sorry, I don’t want to, but you leave me no choice.”\n\n “Choice? This is SO not going to happen,” guffawed Shadow, his hands open. “Look, Tails. I know you're pushing. Sonic's not here, it’s summer, you’re young, excited, you see an opening. You want to go nuts. I get it. But you’re not old enough to make those choices. Sonic asked me to stay with you for that very reason. HE wrote that list, not me.” Shadow sighed. “I like you, Tails. I really do. We’ve come a long, long way from those days where we all fought. All I want is—”\n\n “You want your ass in the sand,” grinned Tails, patting his rump. “What kind of fighter talks trash but then backs out? Bullies cut people down. Heroes stand them up!” Fishing around in his pocket, he retrieved a pair of tinted goggles, donning them with grim determination before pointing at Shadow. “And [i]I[/i] stand for my house and my list, faker. Prepare yourself!”\n\n Shadow's eyes drew to annoyed half slits as he crossed his arms. “No. And please stop calling me that. That was a very unhappy time for me and I don’t need snide reminders from a [i]kid[/i], thank you.\"\n\n The grinning fox was undaunted. “Aerial attacks count! No dirty tricks! If your butt touches the sand just once, I win, faker.”\n\n Shadow glared at Tails. Exhaling loudly through his nostrils, he humored his challenger and assumed an elegant fighting stance. Nodding in grim silence, Tails hooked his thumbs into his waistband and slipped off his baggy trunks, tossing them carefully at the foot of a nearby palm. The be-goggled fox assumed his own warrior stance in all its naked glory. Shadow stifled a laugh in this throat. “Ah, to grapple nude, as the ancients did. Very brave, kid. But I don't think the intimidation factor is working for you.”\n\n Blushing behind raised fists, Tails' resolve cracked a little. “Loose clothing is dangerous when I fly,” he offered sheepishly, looking askance at his trunks. “And I don't want my shells to get broken.”\n\n “Very sensible,” smirked Shadow as he calmly advanced. “You can string them into a nice victory necklace for me after you’re done playing around. Nice cock, by the way.”\n\n Tails blinked, easing his stance a bit more. “You… you think so?” He looked down for a moment and slowly wagged his nicely just-above-average bits, comically tinted green by his goggles. “Thanks. Sonic says it’s a good size for a boy my HEY WAIT A MINUTE!” The sight of Shadow convulsing with suppressed laughter aggravated Tails anew. “Oh, now I’m gonna [i]pound [/i]you!” he snarled, whirring his namesakes to life and blowing sand about as he quickly spooled up the needed thrust.\n\n “Now that’s a date,” snickered Shadow. Closing slowly but confidently, he raised his voice over the building drone and rushing wind of Tails' posterior propeller. “Tails, I'm not going to spend the next two weeks worrying while you run wild. Just let me be in charge like Sonic asked. I’ll get us some ice cream to start things off. I'm thinking mint chocolate chip for you, coffee flavor for me. It's that easy! What do you say?”\n\n “You can't bribe me, Shad!” yelled Tails brashly, tightening his goggle straps and crouching. “Besides, you'll be fetching me ice cream every day once[i] I’m[/i] in charge. Don't worry, I'll go easy on ya, faker. I might even let you lick the melty bits off my feet!”\n\n “You're serious.” Shadow was perturbed by now. Something about the taunt managed to dig its way in, almost like one of Sonic’s. Clenching his fists as the pair stared one another down, the onyx fighter's eyes became fiery, his voice grave. “I take real challenges very seriously, fly-boy. Consider yourself warned. When you lose, and you WILL,” he pointed ominously at Tails, “your ass is [i]mine[/i].”\n\n Tails spat grittily to the side. “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you, faker? Too bad. Heroes [i]never [/i]lose! HYAAAAAAH!!” Debris and hapless crabs scattered in all directions as the twin tails roared to full throttle, rocketing the fox straight up. The beach and the incensed hedgehog crouching upon it shrank away at dizzying speed as the fox zipped effortlessly past the palm-tops, then arced gracefully seaward like a vintage fighter plane. \n\n “Impressive,” muttered Shadow, shielding his eyes. His scowl gave way to begrudging admiration as he tracked the flying fox's skyward arc. “There's still a real fighter in there. Under those thick layers of nerd, that is. I shouldn't have goaded him. But obey his list? Preposterous. The last thing I need is explaining to Sonic why his house is a smoldering crater and the kid’s in a cast.” Shadow limbered his neck muscles and took a deep breath. “Still, it's just as well we settle this now. We'll just [i]see [/i]who ends up getting pounded, my cocky little hero friend.”\n\n His fur and goggle-straps whipping in the wind, Tails gracefully reeled high above the deep blue swells, his body abuzz with the powerful drone. The air aloft was cool and bracing, the open sky a second home, friendly, familiar, filling him with confidence. This was his turf. Peering resolutely down at his target, he loosened his neck and checked his bearings. The sun's angle was nearly perfect. Banking inland, he expertly aligned himself to take full advantage of its blinding rays. “Aim high,” he exhaled, “one solid hit should do it. Gotta put Shad in his place. Too bad, though. I'm really starting to like him. Maybe if I just ask, we could— No!” Tails shook his head. “NO mush, no mercy, Tails. Think of the freedom! Think of the ice cream!” Reaching the apex of his attack run, the fox dipped his nose earthward and dove, goggles glinting as he poured on all he could. The beach raced dizzyingly upwards back into view as the fox gnashed his teeth and targeted Shadow's white chest ruff, his arms outstretched and ready to tackle. \n\n The yellow-orange dive bomber's incoming drone grew ominously, its pitch rising with speed. Shadow estimated he had perhaps six seconds before Tails closed the gap; eons of time for a practiced fighter. Five seconds. He calmly flicked his sunglasses down from atop his head, undoing whatever advantage an attack out of the sun might have had. Four seconds. His amber eyes glinted intently, locking on the fox-shaped missile barreling down on him. Three seconds. Enhanced reflexes tingling, Shadow saw Tails' close in for the kill as if in slow motion. Two seconds. The opponents' squinting eyes locked for less than a heartbeat. Shadow suddenly moved. One second. Anticipating evasion, Tails instantly corrected course. There would be no escape.\n\n Something was wrong. Multiple things in fact, but Tails could not focus. A full-force flying tackle should have happened by now, somewhere around Shadow's chest or midriff; Tails' arms would wrap around to help torpedo the target into the sand while safely arresting his own momentum. But the moment had come and gone. He was still flying, somehow, but in an aggressive death spiral at dangerously low altitude. Instinctively cutting thrust, he desperately tried to angle his nose upward and right himself, but his wrist and ankle were immobile. Catching a glimpse of Shadow's feet turning below, he dimly realized he wasn’t flying, but rather being spun, like an Olympic hammer, face down and pinned by centrifugal force. This had gone badly. Negotiations seemed in order. “Guaaaaaauuuaaaahhhh! Shaaaaaaadow!?! Stoooooop!!”\n\n Turning gracefully in the wet sand like a track star, the hedgehog grinned confidently as he spun his catch a bit faster. “What was that, [i]hero??[/i] Fling you into the waves, you say?”\n\n “Guaaaaaaahhh!! No, don't!” screeched Tails, struggling in vain. “Let me doooooooooown!!”\n\n The boy's panicked pleading was music to Shadow’s ears. “Very well. But first...” the hedgehog was obnoxiously calm and seemed immune to dizziness as he reeled mercilessly. “Tell me, boy. WHO is in charge?”\n\n Tails' vision blurred as the beach, ocean and foliage chased one another in nauseating revolutions. He gasped tearfully, going nearly limp. His capitulation, it seemed, would be unconditional. “Shadow is!” sobbed the fox, “You're in charge, you're in charge! Please, Shad, [i]pleeease!![/i] I'm getting siiiiiiick!”\n\n “Victory is mine!” exclaimed Shadow jubilantly, twirling to an elegant stop. Around, down, up, then down again went the fox an instant later, manhandled through a dizzying midair tumble. Tails felt Shadow release his limbs, then grab his body here, then elsewhere, then elsewhere again, the whole affair ending with audible, breath-stealing thud in the sand. \n\n Face up and motionless at last, Tails' stomach swarmed with butterflies as he caught his breath, the fox apparently unharmed but for his pride. “Wha... what happened?” Blinking, Tails found his field of vision filled by the dark, towering torso of Shadow, grinning down as he straddled his captive’s hips. \n\n “Welcome back to earth, Captain Prower.” Shadow slipped his shades back atop his head, then leaned in and peeled off Tails' goggles before casually tossing them aside. Pressing his hands to the fox boy's shoulders, he smiled at the downed flier. “As Guy in Charge, I commend your bravery in combat. I am honestly impressed. But as it was your butt that has kissed the sand this day, I must now regretfully inform you of the terms of your surrender.”\n\n “Oh, no...” His head flopping sideways in defeat, the de-goggled fox looked away distantly as the state of his fortunes began to sink in. \n\n Shadow cleared his throat. “I, the victorious Shadow, hereby take possession of the posterior, and all associated parts, of one Miles 'Tails' Prower for as long as I see fit. Your so-called list is now [i]null and void[/i].” Pausing, Shadow reached into the front of his speedo, the bulge of which pressed snugly against Tails' smaller package, and produced a small square of paper, which he carefully unfolded and showed to his captive. Tails gasped, recognizing both the handwriting and stationary, a kitchen notepad with a running shoe motif. Shadow casually held the note between his fingers. “I give you Sonic’s List, which shall be in full force during your custody.” Using Tails' goggles as a paperweight, Shadow carefully set the note in the sand and placed his hands on his thighs. “Does the fox have anything to say?” Swallowing hard, Tails' face reddened conspicuously as his blue eyes began to well with hot tears. Angrily averting his gaze, Tails turned his head and said nothing. Shadow quietly watched for a some moments as the boy tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to keep his composure. “I guess Sonic forgot to put ‘no dive bombing’ on the list.”\n\n “So that’s it!?'” blurted Tails, his voice cracking with sobs, “I don't get to do [i]any[/i]thing fun? Plus I'm your… your slave or something now!?” Fresh tears replaced those that fell, staining his cheeks and turning simple embarrassment into burning shame. \n\n Placing a hand atop Tails' soft chest, Shadow felt it tremble and heave, surprised at how personally the kid was taking his defeat. He gently patted the cottony ruff. “Oh, come now. I was just gloating a bit. You did throw the first punch, and I did beat you fairly. On your own terms and without a scratch to either of us, I might add. So I expect you to keep your word. Just trust me and let me call the shots.” Tails sniffled quietly, wiping his eyes and still refusing to make eye contact. “Hey.” Shadow gently tapped Tails' chest with a fingertip. “Guy in Charge here. Look at me.” Reluctantly Tails complied, lips quivering as tears continued to pool in his bloodshot blue eyes. \n\n “Ugh,” sighed Shadow, meeting Tails' vulnerable, sniffling gaze, “those eyes will be my undoing.” Shadow carefully slid off Tails' hips and reclined on his side next to the fox. Resting his head on one hand, he drew small circles on the boy’s soft belly with the other. “Sonic's told me about your past. A couple of times. I gather he told you a bit about mine, back when we were... rivals.”\n\n “Yes,” sobbed Tails, albeit with more composure. “You mean back when you were a [i]jerk[/i]. A bully who wouldn't listen!”\n\n Shadow nodded, pensively combing his hair with his fingers. “I know. But that was my past. Which... comes back from time to time. I know who started it. And when I've gone too far.” Shadow slid his hand under Tails' jaw and gently turned the boy's tear-stained gaze into his. “Tails, I apologize. For teasing you and being a bully. Especially after you asked me to stop. I’m sorry.”\n\n Taking a deep breath, Tails blinked and wiped away his tears before looking at Shadow hopefully, his voice still coarse. “You mean it?”\n\n “I mean it.” Shadow kissed Tails' forehead and extended his pinky finger to the fox, who reached up and curled his own with it. “As the alleged adult here, I should be showing you a good time, not how much of an asshole I can be.”\n\n “You swore for real,” giggled Tails softly. A small smile sprouted in the corner of the fox's mouth. “I’m sorry too, Shad. That I got all mouthy and tried to deck you, I mean. It’s just… I'm always getting bossed around and no one ever gives my ideas a chance. I know Sonic means well. Everybody does, for the most part. But I've never been... away from all that. Now, with the house empty except for us, I just wanted to see what it's like.”\n\n “We don’t have to follow [i]all [/i]the rules,” smiled Shadow, “I don't even care about half of them. I just don't want you to get hurt or for Sonic to worry. He obviously loves you, why else would he scribble it all down for me? I, uh...” Shadow looked off towards the ocean, a small blush warming his cheeks. \"It's not like I don't have feelings for you too.”\n\n Tails' ear perked. Rolling on his side, he placed his hand on Shadow's ruff and innocently kissed him on the cheek. “I like you too, Shad.” Tails smiled softly and looked over Shadow’s chest, brushing sand from the former target. “Sonic once told me you're really sweet, even if it doesn't always show.” Tails tilted his head and smiled. “We shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you know.”\n\n Blushing harder, Shadow gently took hold of Tails’ forearm and stammered. “I... I meant to ask, is your wrist all right?”\n\n “Yeah,” smiled Tails, flexing it for Shadow. “The hammer throw was almost kinda fun, actually.” Tails took Shadow's hand, encouraging it to draw more circles on his belly and chest. Shadow obliged. “Maybe we could try it for real sometime. It would be like a combo move, you throw me and I crank up the ol’ tails at full speed. I’d be like a two-stage rocket! But... but only if I ask you, okay?” Tails clutched Shadow's hand. \n\n “I promise,” nodded Shadow. “And to make good on that, I also promise to never say I babysat you. You’re much too old for that, the word is dead and gone. We're staying together, just us guys.”\n\n “Just us guys,” nodded Tails, smiling once more.\n\n “Looks like we both got off easy,” smiled Shadow, brushing sand off the prone fox’s chest, belly and legs. “Here...” Shadow plucked the note from the sand and gave it to Tails. “You can keep the list. Just for that last part.” As Shadow stood and brushed sand from himself, Tails skimmed to the end of the note:\n[i]\nThanks a million, Shad. I owe you BIG time! I know you and Tails will get along just fine. Please take care of the lil' guy, I love him more than anything. Love you too, TDH. See you on the 27th. Will bring back goodies for ya both. Sonic~[/i]\n\n Tails smiled warmly. He hadn't realized how much he missed Sonic already; rereading the note was almost like hearing his voice. The fox squinted at bit. “Hey Shad, what’s TDH?”\n\n “Huh? Oh, that,” blushed Shadow over his shoulder, waving his hand dismissively, “that—it's nothing. Just my old initials.” Shadow quickly went to retrieve Tails’ nearby trunks. \n\n “Nice try,” grinned Tails, “But there's no 'S' in TDH. What's it really stand for?”\n\n “Fine,” huffed Shadow, returning with trunks in hand. “It stands for tall, dark and… hedgehog.” He winced as he said the last word, distracting himself by folding Tails’ trunks into a neat bundle, the pockets turned inside so as not to spill their payload of shells. \n\n Tails' legs curled with immediate laughter, the fox clutching his belly as he rolled in the sand at Shadow’s feet. “Sonic calls you that!? Oh, man! I gotta do it too… TDH!”\n\n Shadow rolled his eyes, regretting the decision to give Tails the note as giggle fits kept the fox squirming. He tried to explain over the boy’s laughter. “Sonic started it after he quit calling me ‘faker’. A lateral move, if you ask me.” Shadow stooped and retrieved Tails' goggles. Standing and snapping his fingers, Shadow peered confidently skyward as his hover shoes, carefully hidden some yards away, jetted into view and landed themselves at his feet. “Unless you want me to start calling you Miles, I suggest you keep TDH to yourself. Deal?” Shadow stepped into his shoes, which secured themselves. \n\n “Deal,” giggled Tails, standing back up. “Though it would be totally worth it.” The fox shook out as much sand as he could from his tails before wiping his belly, thighs and buttocks. “Um, Shadow? May I have my trunks back?”\n\n “Put these on instead.” Shadow handed the goggles to Tails. “No need for trunks, nobody’s going to see you. I'm taking us home. First class on Air Shadow.” He stooped and offered his back to Tails, who slipped on his goggles and eagerly climbed aboard. Wrapping his arms around Shadow’s broad shoulders, Tails grinned bashfully as Shadow playfully patted his bottom and took hold of the fox's legs. “Ready?”\n\n Tails adjusted his goggles, then held on tight with arms and legs alike. “Ready!” \n\n Bursting into a black-red-orange blur, Shadow roared back towards Gem Coast Road at breakneck speed while the fox’s tails and goggle-straps fluttered madly. By the time anyone even realized something had passed, all they could hear was Tails’ excited echo from far down the road as the scent of superheated air tickled their nose. [i]\"Wooooohooooo! Go Shad, go!! Yeeeaaaahhh!!\"[/i]\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Disclaimer and warning.  This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.  I do not own the characters and no monetary gain was made or sought.  Chapters contain adult themes and may include explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic and adult/teen).  If you are under the age of eighteen, live where such material is not legal or find such themes offensive, read no further.  The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer.  This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit.  Enjoy! -Valdisfoxy July 2016
 
Chapter 1 - Footprints

     The Gem Coast never looked better.  The midday sky was vivid and clear but for scattered cotton ball clouds wafting lazily inland aboard the trade winds.  The cool breeze tickled the sedate clusters of palms as the tan beaches below welcomed the whitecaps curling in rhythmically from the shimmering, sweet-smelling ocean.  Luminous fields of aqua and turquoise reef teeming with fish lay offshore, the deep blue channels beyond them empty save for the occasional breaching whale.  Those ambitious enough to trek a few miles south from where Gem Coast Road dead-ended were rewarded with untrodden sands, quiet coves, pristine tide pools and sculpted, shelter-giving lava cliffs draped in greenery.  An inspired place by day, it dazzled overnight sojourners as well, draped end-to-end with mind-boggling sweeps of tropical stars.  

     For all its indolent summer perfection, the Gem Coast worked hard in winter, when eager throngs were permitted to visit South Island and flock to its postcard-perfect sands, lush upland forests and small, picturesque towns.  The island was big and offered something around every corner, drawing enough visitors at peak season to outnumber the locals, most of whom were Mobians.  For the most part, locals welcomed “offlanders” and the booming business they brought.  But by season's end, the relentless weeks of congestion, noise and tumult made the off-limits period a well-earned, almost sacred respite.  During the lull, some islanders took the opportunity to travel, visit friends and relatives, take seasonal work abroad or just to play tourist themselves.  Most, however, were content to stay and savor summer’s blissful humdrum.  

     On this particular day, the southward sands bore just two sets of barefoot tracks.  The larger set took a purposeful path along the water's edge and trailed from an athletic, obsidian-hued hedgehog, his broad chest sporting an elegant white ruff that set off his piercing, wine-red eyes.  A pair of sunglasses sat atop an impressive mane of spiky, midnight-black hair, streaked in a bold crimson that matched his speedo.  The other set followed the hedgehog's but deviated frequently, zigzagging into the surf or to this or that point of interest.  They belonged to a blue-eyed fox boy, cheerfully yellow-orange in hue and clad in baggy green swim trunks dotted with airplanes.  Behind him trailed not one, but two elegant, white-tipped tails that complimented his slender build and soft extremities.  The hedgehog was relaxed as he sauntered down the beach with the fox, who was busy inspecting an attractive shell freshly plucked from the wet sand.

     “Curmudgeon?  That's just a fancy word for grouch," chuckled the hedgehog.  "A stick in the mud.  I'm not exactly a morning person, but I'm not unsociable.  I've had plenty of nice dates.  Not counting Amy, of course.”  The hedgehog nonchalantly checked his fingernails.  “Those dry Eggman years got wet in a hurry once I left.”

     The fox's brow furrowed as he inspected his shell.  “What's dating got to do with rainfall?”

     The hedgehog gently rolled his eyes.  “It's just an expression.  I'm saying girls found me more approachable when I wasn't busy destroying things.”

     “Okay,” nodded the fox.  “Then why did you give the brush-off to those girls up by the road, Shadow?  They sure seemed to be having fun.”

     Shadow raised an eyebrow. “Conduct is character, kid.  Let's see...” he raised his fingers and counted them off.  “Drinking at noon.  Playing their radio so loudly I wanted to kick it into the ocean.  They didn't bother to ask my name.  Or yours, for that matter.  Double points for the one gal's tramp stamp.  Misspelled and doubtless seen by hundreds of grunting morons.”  Shadow shuddered.  “A prima facie disqualification.”

     Tilting his head curiously, the fox carefully pocketed the shell.  “Primo what?”  

     “Prima facie, Tails.” Shadow laced his hands behind his back as they strolled, smiling as the sun warmed his body.  “It means 'on its face'.  If something seems clearly good or bad on first inspection, a closer look is unlikely to change your opinion.”

     Tails nodded, scanning the surf for new treasures.  “So like, if you go to the kitchen to make a sandwich, but when you get the bread out it's all moldy and gross, you don't need to open it up and taste it to be sure?”

     “Precisely,” nodded Shadow.  “Or those shells you're after.  You know pretty quickly if one's a keeper or not.”

     Tails peered intently over the wet sands.  “Yeah, it's hard to find one that's not—hey, look!”  Tails knelt and scooped up a second shell, turning it over in his fingers.  Almost perfectly fan shaped, its pinkish-yellow curves and intricate sunset ridges glistened attractively.  Tails stood, grinning at the choice find and gingerly placing it in his pocket before catching up with Shadow.  “But what about not judging a book by its cover?  Sonic's told me that a bunch.  You don't always know what people are like on the inside.”

     Shadow cocked an eye. “And when was the last time you saw Sonic with a book?”

     “Well, I—oh.  Good point.”  The young fox seemed disappointed at the revelation.

     “Look, I know you love the big blue goof.  I'll admit, he's...”  Shadow twirled a finger, searching for the right words.  “I've grown quite fond of him too.  Even though he picks his toes on the couch and leaves wet teabags on the counter.”  Eyes narrowing, Shadow's soft tone strained a bit.  “And despite the fact he sings in the shower even when he knows I'm still trying to sleep.  Or the way he talks over movies.  He dishes out advice, but seldom heeds it.”  Shadow mimicked Sonic nasally.  “We can just pay for it later, Shads! Only a grouch likes to slouch!  Turn that frown upside-down!  Have you tried therapy?”  Tails giggled, fingers to chin as Shadow threw up his hands.  “And who agreed to let him cook!?  I actually know how to cook.  He's a disaster.  I still haven't fully recovered from Saturday's monstrosity.”

     “We were out of buns, remember?” offered Tails apologetically.  “So we just put hot dog chunks and chili and hot peppers and pickles and onions and cheese and stuff into a frozen pie crust.  We called  it Chili Dog Pie a la Sonic!”

     “I know,” moaned Shadow, rubbing his stomach.  “It should have been buried, not given a name.  And it wasn't even a pastry crust, it was a graham cracker one!  Never use sweet where savory is called for, boy.  I'm going to have to teach you how to cook before we all get food poisoning.”

     “You really want to teach me?” chimed Tails, hiking his shell-laden trunks a bit higher, “I'd like that!  I hardly ever get to spend time with you.”  The young fox smiled at Shadow before running ahead to search a promising tide pool.

     “It’s settled, then.  We’ll start tomorrow.”  Shadow watched as Tails stooped over his mirror image and rifled through the pool, his namesake appendages held neatly clear of the water as the fox hummed contentedly.  Shadow couldn’t help but smile at the sight.  As much as the storied fighter could be broody and pessimistic, the sunny-hued young flier was contagiously polite and upbeat, dulling Shadow's cynicism like sugar spilling into vinegar.  The coming days might prove interesting.  “If you pass, I'll make you assistant chef.  You can have the honor of demoting Sonic to dishwasher when he gets back.”

     Tails laughed as he turned over a few more flat stones, sending small fish and crustaceans zipping for cover.  Finding no treasures of note, he stood and wiped his hands on his rump.  “You have to teach Sonic too, Shad.  He has even more to learn than me, it’s only fair.”

     “Heroes,” chuckled Shadow.  “Always with the fairness.  Fine, I’ll teach him too.  But Sonic starts at the bottom, with Boiling Water 101.  Make it official?”  Shadow offered a high-five, which Tails slapped.

     Another gorgeous vista unfurled as the pair rounded a bend.  Running ahead with his arms outstretched like an airplane, Tails reconnoitered the wet sands and scattered pools.  It wasn't long before his keen eyes caught a  colorful glint in the tumbling surf.  Veering on the spot, he spied an especially choice shell just below the hissing foam, a large, iridescent orange and purple gem of the type that gave the coast its name.  Splashing to his knees, he excitedly scooped up the prize before the next wave could whisk it away.  “Whoa!” he yelled over the surf, his eyes widening at the jackpot, “This one's really nice, Shad!”

     “It certainly is,” muttered Shadow, who could only see the fox's soft back and rump from where he stood.  Shell held aloft, Tails returned triumphantly and handed it Shadow, who carefully inspected the fan-shaped masterpiece.  Its fine, nearly flawless exterior was painted in eye-popping sunrise colors, with pinks and yellows blending into oranges, reds and purples.  The inside bore iridescent layers of mother of pearl, glowing like frost in a full moon.  “A lovely and rare find, Master Prower.  Is this one for me?” he teased gently.  “We are on a date of sorts.”

     Hand still outstretched, Tails blinked at the question, then chuckled bashfully as he curled his arms behind his back and rocked on his feet.  “Well... I guess I could give it to you, Shad.  If you really like it that much.”  Tails smiled up shyly at Shadow with his big sapphire eyes.  “Maybe it'll remind you of me when you look at it.”

     Shadow felt as if sunlight had passed through his chest.  Of course the fox would give it to him.  Speechless for a few moments, he contemplated the shell, turning it over in his fingers and watching the light play on its surfaces.  Bending down, he took Tails' hand and placed the shell in the fox's palm before gently curling his soft fingers around it.  “That's very sweet of you.  Very.  But seeing how excited it made you…  I think I’ll let you keep this gem.  Your smile is enough for me.  Besides,” Shadow stood back up and yanked the waistband of his speedo, snapping it like a rubber band, “no pockets!”  

     Tails laughed brightly, holding the shell to his chest and glancing at the hedgehog's swaying prominence.  “Guess there’s only room enough for you in there, huh?  Okay, I'll keep it safe.  For both of us!  You can come see it anytime you like.”  He carefully pocketed the shell before they continued down the beach.  “Hey, Shad?”

     “Mmm?” The hedgehog stretched his arms and loosened his neck, eyes nearly shut as his dark, muscled limbs soaked the soothing rays.  

     “That reminds me, tourist season's over now, so...”  Tails glanced nonchalantly at the hedgehog's loins.  “Why're you still wearing a suit?”

     Shadow grinned, catching the fox's peek from the corner of his eye.  It hadn't been the first that day.  “I could ask the same of you, Miles.”

     Tails' nose rumpled.  “Don't call me that.  I'm wearing trunks because I need the pockets.”

     Shadow chuckled.  “Plus it might stop a crab from pinching your butt.”

     “That too,” grinned Tails, eyeing some of the burrowing crabs poking out of their sandy bunkers.  Seeing the fox distracted, Shadow deftly reached over and  playfully pinched Tails’ rump, eliciting a startled yelp.  “Gah!  Giant Shadow-crab!” Rubbing the spot, Tails smirked at Shadow.  

     “The worst kind, very sneaky and pinchy.  They like cute butts,” grinned Shadow.  “But since you ask, most offlanders just don't go flopping about in the altogether, thank goodness.  So when winter comes, we accommodate them.  It's better for South Island's image.  I just got used to it, to be honest.  The support feels nice, plus it leaves something to the imagination while still turning some heads.”  Without looking, Shadow could tell the fox’s eyes were on him once more.  “Including yours, I see.”

     “What?  Nuh-uh!” protested Tails, quickly turning away.  “I've… I’ve seen it before.  Everybody has, we don’t even wear clothes at home.  I was just...”  Tails huffed and folded his arms.  “Never mind.”

     Shadow rubbed his chin and eyed the fox after the odd exchange.  “Tails,” he offered placidly, “it's perfectly natural for a boy to be curious.  About girls, about boys, about all sorts of new experiences.  I won’t presume to lecture you about your body or its urges.  Just know that I don't mind you looking or asking me questions.  I’m really quite flattered.”  The hedgehog smiled.  “Besides, you're terrible at hiding it.”  

     “You saw that, huh?”  Tails blushed and rubbed his elbow self-consciously.  Tilting his head, the fox shyly admired his statuesque friend.  “You do have a really nice body, Shad.  Like Sonic.  Knux is all ripped, just like his surfer pals.  Silver is handsome too, plus he's always so nice to me when he and Blaze visit.  But next to you guys,” Tails stomped on an empty crab burrow, collapsing it.  “I just see stubby little old me.”  

     “Nonsense,” reassured Shadow, “You're just right.  You're nimble, fast and good in tight spaces.  Offlanders are enchanted when they meet you.  Always on about those big blue eyes and famous tails.  How many had you pose with them this year, or sign their little autograph books?”

     “Oh man!” Tails flopped his hands atop his head.  “Hundreds and hundreds!  Sonic said I should start charging next year, we'd be rich!”

     “He's right for once.  And on that note, you can fly.  Most boys would kill for that.  Well, I would have, if I couldn't hover,” winked Shadow, bringing a giggle to the fox.  Shadow rubbed Tails' shoulders.  “There's that smile.  Tails, you have years to grow and work out who you want to be.  For now though, let's slow down and enjoy what we have while we have it.”  Shadow took a deep, relaxed breath, filling his lungs with the sweet ocean air.

     Relieved, Tails smiled up at Shadow.  “I'm glad I'm with you, Shad.  Who needs a dumb old music festival, anyway?”  

     “Not me, once was enough,” said Shadow, shaking his head.  “But let them have their fun.  Knux has gigs with his all his DJ pals.  Amy sings and has boatloads of friends she wants to see.  And Sonic?  Well, he's supposedly helping Knuckles and boasted all winter about going, so he dug his own grave, so to speak.  I bet my right foot he and Amy end up in separate rooms."

     “Why didn’t you go, Shad?  Amy made it sound like the best thing ever.”

     Shadow thought for a moment.  “Remember the girls back at the road?  Trampy-stampy?”  Tails nodded.  “Well, imagine paying good money and flying for hours so you could pack in with ten thousand people just like them, all yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs while a couple of good bands and dozens of terrible ones grunt out noise in the blazing hot sun.  People are intoxicated.  Groping.  Mashing lips.  Pounding down greasy food and lukewarm beverages.  Puking.  People reek of sweat, smoke, cheap perfume or nefarious substances.  Assuming you can avoid the background odor of overflowing rubbish bins and portable toilets.  Burnt skin and ringing ears.  People accosting you to sell or beg something.  Stumbling drunks.  Shoving.  Glacially slow lines.  Surly security.  If you want all your senses offended at once, an open-air music festival isn't a bad option.”

     Tails was incredulous.  “That sounds awful!”

     “And sometimes, as a bonus, they feature a group or two with a thuggish following, so the threat of violence is increased.  Last time I went, a clot of them impolitely demanded my shoes.  I asked them to let me pass and, in exchange, I wouldn’t pummel them senseless.”

     Tails worriedly placed his fingers on his lips.  “What happened?”

     “I pummeled them senseless.”  Shadow grinned and shrugged.  “Apart from that, I didn’t enjoy the festival that much.  You’ll just have to experience it and judge for yourself one day.”

     “At least now I see why you have to be eighteen.”  Putting it out of his mind, the fox smiled.  “Still, Sonic guys got their trip, so we get to have our own fun!  No rules, no bossy girls, no chores, no fixing stuff that everyone else keeps breaking.  I wanna stay up all night!”

     “You're in luck,” smiled Shadow, patting Tails' shoulder.  “I'm a night owl myself.”

     “Yes!  Amy got the latest season of Game of Bones, it's got gore and dragons and head chopping and boobies and stuff.  It's scarier at night, you'd like it.  Or maybe we could play Spacefox 9, make some double fudge sundaes, or try one of Knux's beers he said I could have.  That reminds me, Knux and I were playing Robosplosion, it’s a cool tabletop game.  If you want, you can take his place while he’s gone.”

     Shadow cocked an eye.  “You... you DO know I'm an adult, right?”  

     “Hey!” beamed the fox, “That reminds me, we still got all those leftover fireworks in the shed.  We could have a bottle rocket fight!  Or shoot off some roman candles from my plane, like me and Sonic did at New Year's.  That would be--”

     “Highly illegal,” interrupted Shadow, raising his hands.  “Look, I'm all for brainstorming.  I want us to enjoy the next two weeks.  But Sonic was abundantly clear I'm to keep you safe while you’re in my charge.  That means no explosives, no burning the house down, no trips to the emergency clinic.  Bedtime is negotiable, as are movie choices.  But fireworks?  Stunt flying?  No way.”

     “Aww,” Tails crossed his arms indignantly, “you're no fun.”

     Shadow crossed his arms as well.  “Auguring into a mountainside because a roman candle caught your plane on fire is not my idea of fun.  But I've got some ideas.  As for letting you have a beer or watch Game of Blood Dragons or whatever...”  Shadow thought for a moment.  “I'm NOT saying no.  Not outright.  But--”

     “Really!?” interrupted Tails, his eyes widening enthusiastically.  

     Shadow help up a finger.  “BUT, those might be privileges you can earn.  If the next two weeks remain problem-free.  That means stay out of trouble and do as I say.”  Shadow cocked his eye at the fox.  “Or else.”

     Eyeballing Shadow right back, Tails hiked his trunks defiantly.  “Or else what?”

     Shadow picked up a flat stone and skipped it far into the waves.  “I can't go anywhere without someone asking where Sonic's gone or what I'm doing in town.  I can just tell them the truth...” Shadow grinned deviously, peering right into Tails' eyes.  “That Sonic asked me to babysit you.”

     “Don't you dare!” snapped the fox, his tails poofing in sudden agitation.  “I am NOT a little kid and I don't need a... a sitter!”  

     “Said the boy who wants to play Spacefox 9 in his jammies.  Look, Sonic was clear about it.  He was relieved that I was willing, you know, to sit with you, keep you safe, make sure you eat well, bathe and not stay up too late.  I'd reasonably call that babysitting, wouldn't you?”

     “Sonic still thinks I'm eight sometimes,” grumbled Tails, waving his arms.  “Well, I don’t care what he called it.  He told me that you're staying until he gets back.”   Tails puffed out his chest and held his chin high, walking with mature determination.  “You might be in charge of G.U.N., but you're not in charge of me, Shad.  I'm my own fox."

     Shadow rolled his eyes.  “Well then, apparently I'm the maid.  Sonic gave me a chore list and pretty much all of it revolves around you, big man.”

     Tails' ear twitched.  “A list?  About me?”

     “It was on the kitchen counter,” nodded Shadow, “I think I remember most of it.  Let’s see.  Don't forget the dirty socks under Tails' bed when you do laundry.  Use the heavy wash cycle.  Make sure he takes his vitamin, bottle by fridge, has dinosaurs on it.”  Shadow grinned.  “Dinosaurs?”  Tails blushed peevishly, refusing to dignify the question with an answer.  “Tell him no stashing candy in his room so we don't get ants.  Again.  No welding without supervision, he’s allergic to bees, he is to stay OUT of Amy's room...”  Shadow shrugged.  “It’s a big list.  Lots for a sitter to keep track of.”

      Tails' ears flattened.  He hiked up his trunks, face reddening as he stared straight ahead.  “Just because you got a dumb list doesn’t put you in charge, Shad.  I can take care of myself,” Tails cast an ominous glance at Shadow, “in more ways than one.”    

     Shadow pretended not to hear.  “But hey, you're a good kid.  I'm sure babysitting you will be a breeze.  What else did it say?  Ah!  Tails has a thunder buddy doll if it storms at night, but don't freak if he just gets in bed with you.”  Shadow rested his cheek on his fingers.  “That's adorable!  As you know Miles, I do snore a bit.  And I can only spoon on my left.  Old war wound, you see.”

     Tails’ eyes drew to angry slits, his fists starting to tremble as they clenched.  “You’ll get a new one in a minute if you don’t quit teasing me, faker.  I mean it!”

     “He brushes his tails twice a week, so give him a hand if he asks.  He eats more veggies with cheese on top.  Make sure he flosses...”  Shadow touched his chin.  “Wait, what was that really choice one?  Oh yes!  FYI, he sits when he pees because one time the lid fell and whacked him pretty good, poor guy.  So please leave the lid down.”

     “Oh, that’s it!" shouted Tails, cutting Shadow off and running down the beach as the amused hedgehog stopped and placed his hand on his hip.  Tails reeled and pointed angrily at his tormentor.  “That stuff’s private!  You can CRAM that stupid list.  If it's even real, that is.  I got one of my own!”  Tails counted off his fingers.  “One!  It's my house, so I'm in charge!  Two!  I do what I like, when I like, where as I like!  And three!  Obey rules one and two!  Anyone who doesn't is going down!”

     Shadow chuckled and slowly shook his head.  “Sorry kid, but I gave Sonic my word.  He obviously knows what's best for you.  In more detail than I cared to know, frankly.  We’re sticking with his list.”

     “So, a rule three violator, huh?” huffed Tails, cocking an eye and placing his hands on his hips.  “Then I'll just have to take you down, Shad.  Sorry, I don’t want to, but you leave me no choice.”

     “Choice?  This is SO not going to happen,” guffawed Shadow, his hands open.  “Look, Tails.  I know you're pushing.  Sonic's not here, it’s summer, you’re young, excited, you see an opening.  You want to go nuts.  I get it.  But you’re not old enough to make those choices.  Sonic asked me to stay with you for that very reason.  HE wrote that list, not me.”  Shadow sighed.  “I like you, Tails.  I really do.  We’ve come a long, long way from those days where we all fought.  All I want is—”

     “You want your ass in the sand,” grinned Tails, patting his rump.  “What kind of fighter talks trash but then backs out?  Bullies cut people down.  Heroes stand them up!”  Fishing around in his pocket, he retrieved a pair of tinted goggles, donning them with grim determination before pointing at Shadow.  “And I stand for my house and my list, faker.  Prepare yourself!”

     Shadow's eyes drew to annoyed half slits as he crossed his arms.  “No.  And please stop calling me that.  That was a very unhappy time for me and I don’t need snide reminders from a kid, thank you."

     The grinning fox was undaunted.  “Aerial attacks count!  No dirty tricks!  If your butt touches the sand just once, I win, faker.”

     Shadow glared at Tails.  Exhaling loudly through his nostrils, he humored his challenger and assumed an elegant fighting stance.  Nodding in grim silence, Tails hooked his thumbs into his waistband and slipped off his baggy trunks, tossing them carefully at the foot of a nearby palm.  The be-goggled fox assumed his own warrior stance in all its naked glory.  Shadow stifled a laugh in this throat.  “Ah, to grapple nude, as the ancients did.  Very brave, kid.  But I don't think the intimidation factor is working for you.”

     Blushing behind raised fists, Tails' resolve cracked a little.  “Loose clothing is dangerous when I fly,” he offered sheepishly, looking askance at his trunks.  “And I don't want my shells to get broken.”

     “Very sensible,” smirked Shadow as he calmly advanced. “You can string them into a nice victory necklace for me after you’re done playing around.  Nice cock, by the way.”

     Tails blinked, easing his stance a bit more.  “You… you think so?”  He looked down for a moment and slowly wagged his nicely just-above-average bits, comically tinted green by his goggles.  “Thanks.  Sonic says it’s a good size for a boy my HEY WAIT A MINUTE!”  The sight of Shadow convulsing with suppressed laughter aggravated Tails anew.  “Oh, now I’m gonna pound you!” he snarled, whirring his namesakes to life and blowing sand about as he quickly spooled up the needed thrust.

     “Now that’s a date,” snickered Shadow.  Closing slowly but confidently, he raised his voice over the building drone and rushing wind of Tails' posterior propeller.  “Tails, I'm not going to spend the next two weeks worrying while you run wild.  Just let me be in charge like Sonic asked.  I’ll get us some ice cream to start things off.  I'm thinking mint chocolate chip for you, coffee flavor for me.  It's that easy!  What do you say?”

     “You can't bribe me, Shad!” yelled Tails brashly, tightening his goggle straps and crouching.  “Besides, you'll be fetching me ice cream every day once I’m in charge.  Don't worry, I'll go easy on ya, faker.  I might even let you lick the melty bits off my feet!”

     “You're serious.”  Shadow was perturbed by now.  Something about the taunt managed to dig its way in, almost like one of Sonic’s.  Clenching his fists as the pair stared one another down, the onyx fighter's eyes became fiery, his voice grave.  “I take real challenges very seriously, fly-boy.  Consider yourself warned.  When you lose, and you WILL,” he pointed ominously at Tails, “your ass is mine.”

     Tails spat grittily to the side.  “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you, faker?  Too bad.  Heroes never lose!  HYAAAAAAH!!”  Debris and hapless crabs scattered in all directions as the twin tails roared to full throttle, rocketing the fox straight up.  The beach and the incensed hedgehog crouching upon it shrank away at dizzying speed as the fox zipped effortlessly past the palm-tops, then arced gracefully seaward like a vintage fighter plane.  

     “Impressive,” muttered Shadow, shielding his eyes.  His scowl gave way to begrudging admiration as he tracked the flying fox's skyward arc.  “There's still a real fighter in there.  Under those thick layers of nerd, that is.  I shouldn't have goaded him.  But obey his list?  Preposterous.  The last thing I need is explaining to Sonic why his house is a smoldering crater and the kid’s in a cast.”  Shadow limbered his neck muscles and took a deep breath.  “Still, it's just as well we settle this now.  We'll just see who ends up getting pounded, my cocky little hero friend.”

     His fur and goggle-straps whipping in the wind, Tails gracefully reeled high above the deep blue swells, his body abuzz with the powerful drone.  The air aloft was cool and bracing, the open sky a second home, friendly, familiar, filling him with confidence.  This was his turf.  Peering resolutely down at his target, he loosened his neck and checked his bearings.  The sun's angle was nearly perfect.  Banking inland, he expertly aligned himself to take full advantage of its blinding rays.  “Aim high,” he exhaled, “one solid hit should do it.  Gotta put Shad in his place.  Too bad, though.  I'm really starting to like him.  Maybe if I just ask, we could— No!”  Tails shook his head.  “NO mush, no mercy, Tails.  Think of the freedom!  Think of the ice cream!”  Reaching the apex of his attack run, the fox dipped his nose earthward and dove, goggles glinting as he poured on all he could.  The beach raced dizzyingly upwards back into view as the fox gnashed his teeth and targeted Shadow's white chest ruff, his arms outstretched and ready to tackle.    

     The yellow-orange dive bomber's incoming drone grew ominously, its pitch rising with speed.  Shadow estimated he had perhaps six seconds before Tails closed the gap; eons of time for a practiced fighter.  Five seconds.  He calmly flicked his sunglasses down from atop his head, undoing whatever advantage an attack out of the sun might have had.  Four seconds.  His amber eyes glinted intently, locking on the fox-shaped missile barreling down on him.  Three seconds.  Enhanced reflexes tingling, Shadow saw Tails' close in for the kill as if in slow motion.  Two seconds.  The opponents' squinting eyes locked for less than a heartbeat.  Shadow suddenly moved.  One second.  Anticipating evasion, Tails instantly corrected course.  There would be no escape.

     Something was wrong.  Multiple things in fact, but Tails could not focus.  A full-force flying tackle should have happened by now, somewhere around Shadow's chest or midriff; Tails' arms would wrap around to help torpedo the target into the sand while safely arresting his own momentum.  But the moment had come and gone.  He was still flying, somehow, but in an aggressive death spiral at dangerously low altitude.  Instinctively cutting thrust, he desperately tried to angle his nose upward and right himself, but his wrist and ankle were immobile.  Catching a glimpse of Shadow's feet turning below, he dimly realized he wasn’t flying, but rather being spun, like an Olympic hammer, face down and pinned by centrifugal force.  This had gone badly.  Negotiations seemed in order.  “Guaaaaaauuuaaaahhhh!  Shaaaaaaadow!?!  Stoooooop!!”

     Turning gracefully in the wet sand like a track star, the hedgehog grinned confidently as he spun his catch a bit faster.  “What was that, hero??  Fling you into the waves, you say?”

     “Guaaaaaaahhh!!  No, don't!” screeched Tails, struggling in vain.  “Let me doooooooooown!!”

     The boy's panicked pleading was music to Shadow’s ears.  “Very well.  But first...”  the hedgehog was obnoxiously calm and seemed immune to dizziness as he reeled mercilessly.  “Tell me, boy.  WHO is in charge?”

     Tails' vision blurred as the beach, ocean and foliage chased one another in nauseating revolutions.  He gasped tearfully, going nearly limp.  His capitulation, it seemed, would be unconditional.  “Shadow is!” sobbed the fox, “You're in charge, you're in charge!  Please, Shad, pleeease!!  I'm getting siiiiiiick!”

     “Victory is mine!” exclaimed Shadow jubilantly, twirling to an elegant stop.  Around, down, up, then down again went the fox an instant later, manhandled through a dizzying midair tumble.  Tails felt Shadow release his limbs, then grab his body here, then elsewhere, then elsewhere again, the whole affair ending with audible, breath-stealing thud in the sand.  

     Face up and motionless at last, Tails' stomach swarmed with butterflies as he caught his breath, the fox apparently unharmed but for his pride.  “Wha... what happened?”  Blinking, Tails found his field of vision filled by the dark, towering torso of Shadow, grinning down as he straddled his captive’s hips.  

     “Welcome back to earth, Captain Prower.”  Shadow slipped his shades back atop his head, then leaned in and peeled off Tails' goggles before casually tossing them aside.  Pressing his hands to the fox boy's shoulders, he smiled at the downed flier.  “As Guy in Charge, I commend your bravery in combat.  I am honestly impressed.  But as it was your butt that has kissed the sand this day, I must now regretfully inform you of the terms of your surrender.”

     “Oh, no...”  His head flopping sideways in defeat, the de-goggled fox looked away distantly as the state of his fortunes began to sink in.  

     Shadow cleared his throat.  “I, the victorious Shadow, hereby take possession of the posterior, and all associated parts, of one Miles 'Tails' Prower for as long as I see fit.  Your so-called list is now null and void.”  Pausing, Shadow reached into the front of his speedo, the bulge of which pressed snugly against Tails' smaller package, and produced a small square of paper, which he carefully unfolded and showed to his captive.  Tails gasped, recognizing both the handwriting and stationary, a kitchen notepad with a running shoe motif.  Shadow casually held the note between his fingers.  “I give you Sonic’s List, which shall be in full force during your custody.”  Using Tails' goggles as a paperweight, Shadow carefully set the note in the sand and placed his hands on his thighs.  “Does the fox have anything to say?”  Swallowing hard, Tails' face reddened conspicuously as his blue eyes began to well with hot tears.  Angrily averting his gaze, Tails turned his head and said nothing.  Shadow quietly watched for a some moments as the boy tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to keep his composure.  “I guess Sonic forgot to put ‘no dive bombing’ on the list.”

     “So that’s it!?'” blurted Tails, his voice cracking with sobs, “I don't get to do anything fun?  Plus I'm your… your slave or something now!?”  Fresh tears replaced those that fell, staining his cheeks and turning simple embarrassment into burning shame.

     Placing a hand atop Tails' soft chest, Shadow felt it tremble and heave, surprised at how personally the kid was taking his defeat.  He gently patted the cottony ruff.  “Oh, come now.  I was just gloating a bit.  You did throw the first punch, and I did beat you fairly.  On your own terms and without a scratch to either of us, I might add.  So I expect you to keep your word.  Just trust me and let me call the shots.”  Tails sniffled quietly, wiping his eyes and still refusing to make eye contact.  “Hey.” Shadow gently tapped Tails' chest with a fingertip.  “Guy in Charge here.  Look at me.”  Reluctantly Tails complied, lips quivering as tears continued to pool in his bloodshot blue eyes.  

     “Ugh,” sighed Shadow, meeting Tails' vulnerable, sniffling gaze, “those eyes will be my undoing.”  Shadow carefully slid off Tails' hips and reclined on his side next to the fox.  Resting his head on one hand,  he drew small circles on the boy’s soft belly with the other.  “Sonic's told me about your past.  A couple of times.  I gather he told you a bit about mine, back when we were... rivals.”

     “Yes,” sobbed Tails, albeit with more composure.  “You mean back when you were a jerk.  A bully who wouldn't listen!”

     Shadow nodded, pensively combing his hair with his fingers.  “I know.  But that was my past.  Which... comes back from time to time.  I know who started it.  And when I've gone too far.”  Shadow slid his hand under Tails' jaw and gently turned the boy's tear-stained gaze into his.  “Tails, I apologize.  For teasing you and being a bully.  Especially after you asked me to stop.  I’m sorry.”

     Taking a deep breath, Tails blinked and wiped away his tears before looking at Shadow hopefully, his voice still coarse.  “You mean it?”

     “I mean it.”  Shadow kissed Tails' forehead and extended his pinky finger to the fox, who reached up and curled his own with it.  “As the alleged adult here, I should be showing you a good time, not how much of an asshole I can be.”

     “You swore for real,” giggled Tails softly.  A small smile sprouted in the corner of the fox's mouth.  “I’m sorry too, Shad.  That I got all mouthy and tried to deck you, I mean.  It’s just… I'm always getting bossed around and no one ever gives my ideas a chance. I know Sonic means well.  Everybody does, for the most part.  But I've never been... away from all that.  Now, with the house empty except for us, I just wanted to see what it's like.”

     “We don’t have to follow all the rules,” smiled Shadow, “I don't even care about half of them.  I just don't want you to get hurt or for Sonic to worry.  He obviously loves you, why else would he scribble it all down for me?  I, uh...”  Shadow looked off towards the ocean, a small blush warming his cheeks.  "It's not like I don't have feelings for you too.”

     Tails' ear perked.  Rolling on his side, he placed his hand on Shadow's ruff and innocently kissed him on the cheek.  “I like you too, Shad.”  Tails smiled softly and looked over Shadow’s chest, brushing sand from the former target.  “Sonic once told me you're really sweet, even if it doesn't always show.”  Tails tilted his head and smiled.  “We shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you know.”

     Blushing harder, Shadow gently took hold of Tails’ forearm and stammered.  “I... I meant to ask, is your wrist all right?”

     “Yeah,” smiled Tails, flexing it for Shadow.  “The hammer throw was almost kinda fun, actually.”  Tails took Shadow's hand, encouraging it to draw more circles on his belly and chest.  Shadow obliged.  “Maybe we could try it for real sometime.  It would be like a combo move, you throw me and I crank up the ol’ tails at full speed.  I’d be like a two-stage rocket!  But... but only if I ask you, okay?”  Tails clutched Shadow's hand.  

     “I promise,” nodded Shadow.  “And to make good on that, I also promise to never say I babysat you.  You’re much too old for that, the word is dead and gone.  We're staying together, just us guys.”

     “Just us guys,” nodded Tails, smiling once more.

     “Looks like we both got off easy,” smiled Shadow, brushing sand off the prone fox’s chest, belly and legs.  “Here...”  Shadow plucked the note from the sand and gave it to Tails.  “You can keep the list.  Just for that last part.”  As Shadow stood and brushed sand from himself, Tails skimmed to the end of the note:

Thanks a million, Shad.  I owe you BIG time!  I know you and Tails will get along just fine.  Please take care of the lil' guy, I love him more than anything.  Love you too, TDH.  See you on the 27th.  Will bring back goodies for ya both.  Sonic~

     Tails smiled warmly.  He hadn't realized how much he missed Sonic already; rereading the note was almost like hearing his voice.  The fox squinted at bit.  “Hey Shad, what’s TDH?”

     “Huh?  Oh, that,” blushed Shadow over his shoulder, waving his hand dismissively, “that—it's nothing.  Just my old initials.”  Shadow quickly went to retrieve Tails’ nearby trunks.

     “Nice try,” grinned Tails, “But there's no 'S' in TDH.  What's it really stand for?”

     “Fine,” huffed Shadow, returning with trunks in hand.  “It stands for tall, dark and… hedgehog.”  He  winced as he said the last word, distracting himself by folding Tails’ trunks into a neat bundle, the pockets turned inside so as not to spill their payload of shells.  

     Tails' legs curled with immediate laughter, the fox clutching his belly as he rolled in the sand at  Shadow’s feet.  “Sonic calls you that!?  Oh, man!  I gotta do it too… TDH!”

     Shadow rolled his eyes, regretting the decision to give Tails the note as giggle fits kept the fox squirming.  He tried to explain over the boy’s laughter.  “Sonic started it after he quit calling me ‘faker’.  A lateral move, if you ask me.”  Shadow stooped and  retrieved Tails' goggles.  Standing and snapping his fingers, Shadow peered confidently skyward as his hover shoes, carefully hidden some yards away, jetted into view and landed themselves at his feet.  “Unless you want me to start calling you Miles, I suggest you keep TDH to yourself.  Deal?”  Shadow stepped into his shoes, which secured themselves.  

     “Deal,” giggled Tails, standing back up.  “Though it would be totally worth it.” The fox shook out as much sand as he could from his tails before wiping his belly, thighs and buttocks.  “Um, Shadow?  May I have my trunks back?”

     “Put these on instead.”  Shadow handed the goggles to Tails.  “No need for trunks, nobody’s going to see you.  I'm taking us home.  First class on Air Shadow.”  He stooped and offered his back to Tails, who slipped on his goggles and eagerly climbed aboard.  Wrapping his arms around Shadow’s broad shoulders, Tails grinned bashfully as Shadow playfully patted his bottom and took hold of the fox's legs.  “Ready?”

     Tails adjusted his goggles, then held on tight with arms and legs alike.  “Ready!”  

     Bursting into a black-red-orange blur, Shadow roared back towards Gem Coast  Road at breakneck speed while the fox’s tails and goggle-straps fluttered madly.  By the time anyone even realized something had passed, all they could hear was Tails’ excited echo from far down the road as the scent of superheated air tickled their nose.  "Wooooohooooo!  Go Shad, go!!  Yeeeaaaahhh!!"

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