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This was a bit of a beast.  And I ain't talking about the naughty scene.  I wanted to try my hand at some things we've not yet seen: some interpersonal drama (think beginner's level--I generally like my characters to be happy) and the flagrant, self-indulgent inclusion of a setting/location from my own childhood.  One that I revisited this past March and is still very much the same and fresh in my mind.  \n\nFor the next installment, a long-awaited return home and some (hopefully) funny moments with friends both old and new, but also look towards a visit with Amy and her new special someone and other twists and turns I can cobble together.  And to those of you who allowed me to host your OC's in a cameo appearance or supporting role, thank you, thank you!  *hug hug*.  If you have suggestions or want full credit for your character's appearance just ask and I'll make it so.  [b] ***Note: Tails is aged up in this series to age of consent, thanks.***[/b]\n\nNow let's batten down the hatches, head for the hills, grab that tube of lube and enjoy [i]Take Me Higher![/i] ","description_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'><em></em>Greetings friends. :3&nbsp;&nbsp;Ooof!&nbsp;&nbsp;This was a bit of a beast.&nbsp;&nbsp;And I ain&#039;t talking about the naughty scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;I wanted to try my hand at some things we&#039;ve not yet seen: some interpersonal drama (think beginner&#039;s level--I generally like my characters to be happy) and the flagrant, self-indulgent inclusion of a setting/location from my own childhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;One that I revisited this past March and is still very much the same and fresh in my mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />For the next installment, a long-awaited return home and some (hopefully) funny moments with friends both old and new, but also look towards a visit with Amy and her new special someone and other twists and turns I can cobble together.&nbsp;&nbsp;And to those of you who allowed me to host your OC&#039;s in a cameo appearance or supporting role, thank you, thank you!&nbsp;&nbsp;*hug hug*.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you have suggestions or want full credit for your character&#039;s appearance just ask and I&#039;ll make it so.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> ***Note: Tails is aged up in this series to age of consent, thanks.***</strong><br /><br />Now let&#039;s batten down the hatches, head for the hills, grab that tube of lube and enjoy <em>Take Me Higher!</em> </span>","writing":"[u]Ten Miles of Shadow[/u]\n\nby Valdisfoxy\n\n[i]Disclaimer and warning.  This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.  I do not own the SEGA / Sonic Team characters or any guest/cameo OCs 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, September 2016 [/i]\n\nChapter 4 – Take Me Higher\n\n       Undone by an approaching tropical storm, the normally tireless South Island trade winds lay limp and listless, leaving the coast to bake in a rare heatwave.  Bestilled palms and sprawling trees provided merciful shade, but the lack of circulation made the air muggy and stale, a condition which worsened indoors, moreso for any souls brave or foolish enough to use an oven all day.  As fans turned up high droned in each room, Tails stood on a footstool at the kitchen island and bravely continued his hours-long lesson.  Brow sweaty and furrowed with determination, the fox boy licked his lips and dug in yet again with the whisk, whipping a large bowl of pinkish goo into stiff peaks per Shadow's instruction.  His apron, initially white, was now festooned with battle damage, from mashed strawberry to egg whites to vanilla extract to his own perspiration.  Less cosmetic was the pain that had built up in his limbs and back through the hours, but the cake was nearly done.  Whether it would be good, or even edible, seemed academic at this point.  The kitchen had fared little better.  Cupboards lay open, the floor sticky and the sink full.  Counters and chairs bore dirtied bowls, cups, pans, spatulas, racks, towels and ingredients strewn about by the ambitious trainee.  Ignoring Shadow's repeated advice to tidy between steps, Tails preferred a bake-first-wash-later approach that was fast nearing its endgame.  \n\n       “Mmm...  that seems about right,” nodded the fox, scooping some frosting with his finger and tasting it.  “Stands up, but not spackle.  Like Shad said.”  Setting the bowl aside and reaching for one of three round cake layers, he called into the hallway.  “Hey Shad?  Does it matter which one goes on the bottom?”  Sweat stung his eyes as he waited for a reply.  Wiping his face, the tired fox lay his arms on the counter and rested his head on them, ears folded as he muttered.  “Ugh... he’s [i]still [/i]talking.  My feet hurt so bad.  And my back.  This cake needs to be DONE already.  Stupid heat.”  Tails cocked an ear as he finally heard Shadow's low voice emerge from the hall, a glass of red wine in one hand and his phone in the other as it had been most of the day.\n\n       Sweaty but chipper, Shadow tilted the phone away from his mouth and sipped before answering.  “Any of them will do Tails, they're identical.  Just don't use the rejects from earlier.  And make sure the round is completely cool before you frost or the layers will slide.  All right?”  Shadow took another sip.  “I'm sorry but this call is important.  Be patient and I shall help you.”  The hedgehog spoke quietly into the phone once more as he returned to the living room.\n\n       “Been saying that all day,” muttered Tails, rubbing his back.  “Ow.  Can't people at your work do anything without you?  I could've used some help too, you know.”  Tails sighed and cleared a space for a cake platter, over which he tilted the first layer on its cooling rack.  Sliding the round down carefully, he winced as a large section broke away and flopped over the lip of the platter.  “Oh, no!” scowled the fox, eyeing the wayward chunk with dismay.  Briefly entertaining the idea of throwing the chunk across the room, he took a deep breath and tried fitting it back into place, causing smaller pieces to slough off in the process.  He set the down the rack and slumped.  “I can fix and fly an airplane,” he sighed, rubbing his brow with his forearm.  “But I can’t assemble a dumb ol’ cake?  Shadow's gonna think I'm an idiot.”  Tails wiped the crumbs from his hands.  “Shadow?  A little help, please?”\n\n       Returning, Shadow gestured for silence, taking a sip of wine and finishing his call as Tails rubbed his sore legs.  “No, just a few days more.  We’re down to analog roaming here and even that will likely go soon.  What?  No, you're under no restrictions.  But I would keep a low profile nonetheless.”  Shadow walked past Tails and sampled the frosting, silently nodding approval.  “Good!  Then consider this your long-term assignment.  Just don’t underestimate her.”  Shadow paused, a mischievous grin appearing on his face.  “Oh, the pleasure was all mine, I assure you.  You’ve still got it, D.  Take care,  Goodbye.”  Shadow slipped the phone into the pocket of his spotless black and red apron and surveyed the fox's progress.  “All right, I'm back.  So where are you— Oh.”  Shadow smiled and cocked an eyebrow.  “Botched the bottom, did we?  No matter, it’s your first one.  Frosting can easily disguise that.  Allow me.”  Setting his wine aside, Shadow centered the fractured cake round and fitted the broken piece in place.  “Pass me the bowl.”  \n\n       “Okay,” sighed Tails.  “Maybe it wouldn't have broke if you’d just shown me.”\n\n       “Sometimes adversity is the best teacher, kiddo,” chimed Shadow, frosting the cake with an expert's touch.  “You’re doing fine.  There's just been a lot of sudden activity at work.  A key facility is overheating.  The storm’s not even made landfall and networks are already tanking.  Events on the mainland require my input as well, but most calls aren’t going through.  I need my people where they'll be the most useful.”  Shadow glanced over at the teetering tower of goo-encrusted pans and dishes in and around the sink.  “Speaking of which, you could have cleaned while you were waiting, as I advised.  That trick alone, Tails, can separate great cooks from passable ones.”  Concentrating on the cake, Shadow failed to notice Tails look away and clench his fists.  “Now then, presentation is everything on a cake, so frosting and decoration take even greater care.  First let's get this covered, then on with the strawberries.  They’ve soaked long enough.  Here, finish the top but hold off on the sides,” said Shadow, offering the cake knife.  “Unless you need me to do it.”\n\n       “I know how to frost a stupid cake!” snapped Tails wearily, grabbing the knife and resuming where Shadow left off.\n\n       The hedgehog eyed his testy understudy for a moment before opening the refrigerator.  “I didn't mean it like that.  I was merely offering in case you need a break.  Would another glass of wine help?  Soothe the baker’s nerves, perhaps?”\n\n       “No, thank you.”  Tails wiped sweat from his eyes and proceeded cautiously, blinking intently at his handiwork.  “It kinda made me feel sick.  May I please have some water instead?”  Shadow nodded and, after some effort, found a clean glass and filled it.  “So, who's that G.U.N. guy you were talking to after?  Some evil spy lady or something?”  \n\n       Shadow cleared his throat, handing Tails the glass and returning to the refrigerator.  “They say ignorance is bliss,” he said calmly as the fox boy gulped.  The hedgehog retrieved a bowl filled with sliced strawberries sitting in spiced black rum and, returning to the counter, patted Tails gently on the rump.  “And if someone wants that [i]other [/i]lesson soon, he'd best forget whatever his pointy ears overheard today.”  \n\n       Tails shrugged.  “Pfff.  You've been saying that all week but you just keep on working.  We haven't... done anything fun since Monday.”  Tails frowned as he scooped more frosting. “You didn't even come get me for bed last night.”\n\n       Shadow smirked as he layered the slices on the frosting.  “It was not intentional, I assure you.  You fell asleep on the couch playing your game.  You looked comfortable.”  Shadow ate one of the slices and offered one to Tails, who shook his head.  “The bedroom was a damn sauna.  I got tired of lying there sweating and spent the rest of the night in the patio hammock.  Who do you think turned the fan on you, silly?”\n\n       “Sorry,” sighed Tails, finishing the top and proceeding to frost the sides.  “I just... I get scared when I wake up alone.  I never used to be like that.  Usually Sonic's right there...”  Tails trailed off, looking out towards the ocean.  “Next to me.”\n\n       Shadow suckled his fingertips and nodded.  “I understand.  This horrid weather is supposed to clear out tomorrow when the storm hits, but then we’ll have to deal with that.”  Shadow finished layering strawberries where Tails had frosted and set the bowl aside, wiping his brow.  “I said hold off on the sides.”  Tails winced and dropped the knife back in the bowl.  “As for Sonic, you'll see him in less than a week.  Aren’t you excited?  What's with all the mope?  It's not like he's back with Amy.  Unless that's the real reason he's not texting,” chuckled Shadow. \n\n       “Don't even JOKE about that, Shadow!”  Veins throbbing on his temple, the fox boy growled and slammed down the bowl, causing the knife to jump out and sizable dollops of frosting to plop onto the counter and Shadow's forearm.  Tails folded his arms tightly and glowered at the countertop.\n\n       “Easy!” frowned Shadow, sliding the cake free of the spill and shaking his head as he licked his forearm clean.  “It was just a bit of jest.  I failed, obviously.”  Shadow wiped his hands on his apron and, facing Tails, placed a hand on his hip.  “Out with it.  What's eating you?”\n\n       “I miss him, okay!?”   Tails looked askance at Shadow and took a deep breath.  “And Amy… I don’t even know how she’s gonna be around me when she gets back.  She stopped texting me at all.  This is hard for me, Shad.  I feel tangled up inside, worrying about what might—ah!”  Tails winced and rubbed his back over his kidney.  “Hnngg...  about what might happen.  Plus I've been sifting and stirring and whipping this… this stuff all day.  My arms hurt, my feet hurt, my back…”  The fox boy blew his orange bangs from his eyes.  “And it's not even Sonic's real cake for when he gets home.  It's a [i]practise [/i]cake.  I don't even want it anymore.”\n\n       Shadow nodded patiently.  “Don’t let it get to you.  My chats aren’t going through either.  And the situation unlikely to improve until the storm passes.”  Shadow eyeballed the next layer and positioned it.  “And I suppose a completely from-scratch recipe was too much to start you out with.  Especially in this heat.  Even a protégé has limits.”  Shadow effortlessly slid the layer into place.  “There's honestly not much left to do.  Go shower, I can take care of the mess,” he chuckled.  “I confess though, it's unlike you to quit.”\n\n       Tails shook his head.  “I wasn’t quitting, Shad.”  Wincing from sore muscles, Tails grabbed a large armful of spent bowls and utensils and dumped them unceremoniously in the sink atop others already present.  “Not unless one of your clueless field agents wants to come do all these dishes.”\n\n       “Ah, the modern hero,” snickered Shadow, frosting the next layer.  “Lay waste to everything, quit the scene and let nameless functionaries deal with the mess.  You insult my agents, boy.  And yet, they would gladly do it if I asked.  Even when they’re exhausted they do not complain, something you should consider trying.”  Shadow paused and poured himself a splash of wine and leaned on the kitchen island.  “Look at me.  I’ve survived being shot.  Several times.  Surgeries.  Explosions.  Bashings, bleedings beyond count.  Yet I am unbowed, unbroken.  You, on the other hand, are on the ropes.  And from what?  Missing your boyfriend?  A heat wave?  Ridiculous.”  Shadow smirked and took a sip.  “My agents are not the ones who need to sack up in this equation.”\n\n       Glowering, Tails’ cheeks flushed visibly as his voice rose.  “If they’re so great, why can't they do one THING without running it past you?  Do they also promise to help, but then run off and… and…  drink?  And talk on the phone all day!?”\n\n       Returning the glare, Shadow poured himself the last of the wine.  “An interesting question!  Allow me to answer with one of my own.”  Calmly swirling his glass, Shadow faced the upset fox and locked eyes.  “Do you happen to know when the real Miles Prower will be returning?  I ask because the whiny, vindictive ingrate standing here now is a very poor substitute.”  Leaning back against the counter, Shadow looked away and sipped pensively.\n\n       Tails shook his head, fuming as his eyes narrowed to angry slits.  “Knux is right, you know that?  You're an arrogant, edgy old f--”  The fox boy struggled to precisely quote the echidna.  “Fuck!  Yeah, Sonic’s helped you out.  Helped you not be such a jerk.  But you’re still so [i]full [/i]of yourself!”  Shadow’s eyes widened as he glanced at Tails, the fox holding out his arms.  “I tell you I’m hurt and scared and YOU tell me to sack up.  That’s a Shadow pep talk, all right.  It’s always about you, somehow.”  Tails exhaled and wiped his flushed, flour-dusted face on a towel.  “It’s no wonder you live alone.  Who else could stand you?  When Sonic gets back it won’t be a moment too soon.”  As he patted away perspiration, Tails heard the wine glass break on the floor, followed by deafening silence.  The fox opened his eyes to a blinking, stunned hedgehog, who placed a hand on the counter as if to steady himself.  Tails looked down at the broken glass, then up at Shadow.  Stifled seconds ticked past.  “Wait,” sighed Tails, flattening his ears and raising a hand.  “I-- Shadow?  I didn't mean that.”\n\n       Speechless at first, Shadow shook his head slightly and rubbed his chest ruff where it protruded from his apron.  When he did speak, his voice was unsteady.  “Didn't you?  It was remarkably candid.”\n\n       Tails grew anxious and blushed, shaking his head.  “No, I just… what I meant--” \n\n       “This may come as a surprise to you,” interrupted Shadow.  “But I do, in fact, have feelings.  And they can, in fact, be hurt.”  Shadow swallowed.  “Even so, I appreciate your candor.”  Removing his phone, Shadow slowly untied his apron and laid it across the back of a chair as he looked out the window towards the ocean.  “Our lessons are concluded, I am needed elsewhere.  You have my office number.  Call for help if you need it, day or night.  Someone other than myself will be here within minutes.”  Shadow looked askance at the increasingly worried fox.  “You did well on the cake, Tails.  Do not be so quick to discard what is difficult.  Farewell.”\n\n       Tails froze as Shadow turned and left the stifling kitchen.  Hand still outstretched, his mind raced for something, anything he might say, but nothing came.  Numbing shock crept over him like static, turning his legs to lead and tightening this throat.  His face grew fiercely hot.  “What just happened?” he whispered frantically.  Knots appeared in the fox boy's throat and stomach as an odd panic arose, urging his body awkwardly forward, though it was like stumbling through water.  He failed to find Shadow in the living room, bedroom, bathroom, patio or workshop.  Hearing the jingle of keys and a slamming door from the other direction, Tails ran to the front entrance as his eyes began to rapidly fill with tears.  He caught a glimpse of Shadow at the end of the drive, securing an overnight bag on his motorcycle and straightening his leather jacket about his shoulders after mounting.  “Shadow!”  Dashing past the stoop as Shadow kick started Dark Rider, Tails literally took off, flying to side of the hedgehog, who shot an angry glance as the fox boy landed with a dusty skid.  Tears streamed down Tails' face as he grabbed Shadow’s forearm and  pleaded with the stone-faced rider over the rumbling engine.  “Don't go, Shadow, please!  I'm sorry for what I said!”  \n\n       Shadow looked straight ahead and exhaled tersely.  His voice, though raised, was cold and stern.  “Let go of my arm, boy.”  \n\n       Tails gnashed his teeth and cried through hot, blinding tears, ears flattening as he gripped Shadow's arm and shook his head emphatically.  “No, Shadow!  Please!  I don't know why I said those things, it was wrong!  Everything hurts inside!  Please, [i]please [/i]forgive me!”  \n\n       “Stand… aside!”  Shadow’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the handlebars and revved Dark Rider ominously.\n\n       “No...” cried the fox, shaking his head in disbelief.  “I don’t want to be alone...”  Tails choked on sobs as a slurry of shame, confusion and fear overwhelmed, robbing him of speech and weakening his legs.  “Please...”  His grip slipping from Shadow's sleeve, the fox boy sank to his knees on the sandy drive, his small frame curling upon itself as he sobbed profusely into his hands. \n\n       Shadow's chest rose and fell, his ears ringing hotly.  Pain and rejection hissed inside like acid, but the matured, practiced hedgehog took precious seconds to think.  Noticing the corner of a note stuck in his jacket pocket, he pulled the wrinkled paper out with his fingertips and glanced at it:\n\n[i]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~\n[/i]\n       Clutching the note, Shadow closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath.  Then another.  Slowly he tucked the note back into his pocket and reached forward, killing the engine.  As the rumbling bike fell silent, Shadow leaned over and gently took Tails by the arm.  “Stand up.”  His reddened face wet with tears, Tails' crying abated somewhat as he rose on shaky legs.  Shadow carefully lifted the fox boy into the seat so the pair faced one another.  Reaching into another pocket, he found and flicked open a black and red handkerchief and placed it over Tails’ runny nose.  “Here… blow.”\n\n       Tails did as bidden before taking the handkerchief and wiping his eyes.  “Thu— thank you,” sobbed the fox, blowing his nose again.\n\n       “I suppose it would be rather melodramatic to go peeling off in a huff,” sighed Shadow calmly.  “And I detest drama.  Being the arrogant old fuck that I am,” he chuckled, wiping a tear of his own.  A watery-eyed snicker-sob escaped Tails' mouth.  Shadow took the handkerchief and gently patted tears from Tails' face as he looked softly into the fox boy's bloodshot blue eyes.  “The truth hurts.  Intensely at times.  But I've no excuse.  For running away.  Or hurting someone I love.  And respect.  Despite--”  Shadow paused and closed his eyes, wiping away a tear.  “Despite my pledge to never do so.”  Shadow looked away sheepishly, wiping away still more tears.  “Tails?  I…  I’m not worthy of it.  But I beg your forgiveness.”\n\n       “Uuhhggnn!”  Tails uttered half-sob, half-word as he threw his arms around Shadow, hugging the dark hedgehog as tight as could be.  “Shadow!”  Tails trembled as a renewed flurry of sobs came forth.   \n\n       Shadow squeezed the fox tight as tears streaked down his face and onto Tails' shoulder.  “Now, now,” he said, straining to steady his voice.  “It's unseemly for heroes to cry, don't you think?  Especially ones who’ve nothing to be sorry for.  I've got you, foxy.  I've got you.”  The pair simply held each other tightly as their composures returned.   \n\n       Rubbing his eyes as his tears dried, Tails leaned back and held Shadow’s hand.  “I’m the one who should be sorry, “he sniffled, “I didn’t mean those things.  I hear people say mean stuff about you, but they don’t even know you.  Not like I do.  You've been so nice, so kind to me, Shad.  All this time.  All the things you’ve shown me, all the things we’ve talked about.  It’s been wonderful.  I do miss Sonic, but you’re always there for me, watching out for me, helping me.  It’s one of the best feelings there is.”\n\n       “It’s yours for the asking, foxy.  And Sonic’s,” smiled Shadow softly, thumbing the fox’s palm reassuringly.  “Always.  My colleagues and friends give me purpose. A certain fox and hedgehog most of all.  Which reminds me, there’s something I need to share with you.  My chat with Sonic last night.  I’ve got a notification but we’ll need a network to get them.”\n\n       Eyes brightening, Tails squeezed Shadow’s hand.  “Sonic?  Did he call, like a voice mail?  Or text you?  None of mine will go through!  Is he okay?  What happened to him?”\n\n       “Calm down, we’ll pull it up when we can.”  Shadow leaned in and kissed Tails’ forehead and patted the fox boy’s thighs.  “I think we could both use a change of venue.  And some fresh air.”  Shadow dismounted and helped Tails off the bike.  “Let’s shower first.  I smell like a pile of old corks and you're part cake by now.  Get your overnight bag together, I’m taking you someplace special.”\n\n       “Okay,” smiled Tails curiously.  “But... but what about the cake?  Won't it spoil if we just leave it out like that?”\n\n       “Fuck the cake,” winked Shadow.  “We’ll make one with Sonic after he gets home.  All you'll have to do is help eat it.  Perhaps we’ll tie blue butt to the bed and use him as a plate.”  Tails giggled as the pair made their way back inside hand in hand, smiling at one another.\n\n       Even with the hot water turned off the shower was nearly tepid, but it was an oasis for two sore, overheated bodies.  The unpleasantness of midday circled the drain like soap suds as Shadow sat cross-legged on the tiles and helped scrub the encrusted fox boy.  The hedgehog took extra time to wash and massage Tails’ sore limbs and back, smiling to himself as the fox boy closed his eyes and moaned with relaxation.  Happy to reciprocate, Tails shampooed the seated hedgehog’s silky, jet black and crimson quills.  The hedgehog’s eyes closed, his mouth hanging open as Tails’ nimble fingers found and worked every part of his neck and scalp.  Scooping Tails into his lap, Shadow rewarded him with an energetic and sometimes ticklish foot scrubbing, the hedgehog gladdened by the return of that wonderful laugh.  Once all assorted hedgehog and fox bits were rinsed clean, Shadow knelt and hugged the wet fox boy tight, the pair looking at one another softly before kissing and nuzzling.  Placing his hands on Shadow’s shoulders as the hedgehog helped him brace, Tails stuck out his rump  and spun the water from his namesakes before they reached for towels.\n\n       As the sultry afternoon grew late, the freshly showered duo returned to the bike.  Shadow took Tails’ bag and secured it atop his own.  “Got what you need?  Phone charger, books, toothbrush, wallet, goggles?  Clean undies?”  Shadow smiled and checked over the other compartments, satisfied all was secure.  “Sit in front, I don't want your tails anywhere near the rear spokes or exhaust.”       \n\n       “Okay” nodded Tails, watching Shadow mount Dark Rider before climbing aboard.  “I think I got everything.  Plane’s in the hangar, everything’s locked.  So [i]now [/i]can you tell me where we’re going, Shad?”\n\n       “We’re getting out of this damn heat,” said Shadow, retrieving his phone and placing it to his ear.  “I have a place in Fern Forest near Sky High.  It’s nice and cool up there.  And I wouldn't mind keeping an eye on it while the storm passes through.”\n\n       “Fern Forest?” beamed Tails.  “It’s really beautiful up there, I haven’t been in ages!”\n\n       “My retreat,” smiled Shadow, nodding.  “Here, put these on while I try to get through.”  Shadow reached back into Tails’ bag and retrieved the fox boy’s goggles as he spoke into the phone.  “Ah, good.  Put me through to 623, please.  Blue?  Shadow here.  I am well, thank you.  Listen, sorry for the short notice but I need someone to come secure Sonic’s place tonight through Monday.  We’re going to hole up in Fern Forest for the storm.  Rock and Tide?  Perfect.  But get a support crew to clean and stock up the place first.  They’ll need a couple of AC units and a standby generator too.  Right.  Yes, it’s overtime.  Plus expenses.  Have them report in regularly.  If they need anything, send it.  Thank you, Blue.  My regards to 820.  Stay safe, the both of you.  I shall.  Goodbye.”\n\n       “There,” smiled Shadow, pocketing the phone.  “All taken care of.  Now lean forward, I need to fire her up.”  Tails crouched over the tank and watched over his shoulder as Shadow gracefully heaved himself upwards and kick started the metal steed to life.  Shadow smiled and playfully patted the fox boy’s rump before motioning him to sit up.  As Tails leaned back into Shadow, the hedgehog kissed his cheek before checking various gauges, speaking carefully into the fox’s ear.  “Ready?”       \n\n       “Yeah!” nodded Tails, leaning up and returning the peck on Shadow’s chin.  Donning his sunglasses, Shadow righted Dark Rider and hit the throttle.  Sand from the drive flew chest high as the pair roared onto the road and sped off, the fox boy’s twin tails and the hedgehog’s black and crimson quills whipping elegantly in the sunny, hot wind.       \n\n       The ride took them through a series of picturesque towns and hamlets that grew progressively smaller as they headed inland.  What few businesses were open were busy boarding up windows or securing loose items.  As they gained elevation, the traffic thinned, the scenery became greener and the forests thicker.  Rising into overcast uplands, the pair soon passed through a cool drizzle that persisted for miles.  Scattered orchards and farms yielded to forest, unbroken for miles save for old, moss covered lava flows.  The fox and hedgehog took turns pointing out novel sights as the cool air revived their spirits.  On straight stretches, Shadow explained the bike’s controls and gauges, eventually letting the thrilled fox take the handlebars himself as Shadow held Tails’ slender hips.  They zipped past a sign showing they’d reached four thousand feet, where much of South Island transformed, swapping its tropical vestments for cool, perpetually damp rainforest.  Rumbling into Fern Forest, the pair stopped for supplies and a bite to eat at the village store which, along with a café, post office, two eateries, a coffee shop, a laundromat and a hardware store marked civilization’s last hurrah before the road turned to the formidable wilderness and volcanic moonscapes of Sky High National Park.  As he sat on the bike and waited for Tails, Shadow serenely inhaled the cool, misty air, heavy with moss and the faint spice from untold thousands of bottlebrush-like red flowers cloaking nearly every tree.  Songbirds whose plumage matched the crimson blooms flitted throughout the evening canopy, singing in elegant, flute-like notes as they foraged tirelessly for nectar.  The hedgehog closed his eyes and listened.  The birdsong and breeze whispering through the branches soothed his being.  The damp air and earthy forest smells were a balm to his nose and lungs.  It was an ancient, sacred sweetness, a living dream far removed from the world and its troubles.  Relaxed at last, Shadow could hear Tails’ distinctive voice emerging from the open doors of the store.       \n\n       “Gosh, thank you, guys!  It’s delicious!” chimed Tails, waving goodbye to the shopkeepers as he emerged holding an ice cream cone.  The armadillo lizard and she-wolf within waved cheerfully back.  Goggles resting jauntily atop his head, the fox boy sported an unzipped green bomber jacket that bore a shoulder patch of the store’s logo.  “Look, Shadow!  She gave me free ice cream for getting this jacket!  You want some?”  Tails carefully licked the bottom of the multihued treat free of drips and offered it to the hedgehog.       \n\n       “Certainly, if that's what I think it is,” smiled Shadow, holding Tails’ hand and enjoying the offered treat.  “Ah, yes.  Serenity’s homemade five fruits.  Ambrosia.  She and Vengeance have sold it here for years, it’s a local favorite.  They go through buckets of it during tourist season.”  Shadow held the cone for Tails as the fox boy climbed back into his seat.  “Is that jacket going to be warm enough for you?  It’s cooler than I expected, the weather’s already turning.”\n\n       “It’s perfect!”  Carefully taking back the cone, Tails licked it back into shape.  “Thank you for the gift, I’m sorry I forgot to bring one.  That lady was saying they might get snow up on the mountains from the storm tomorrow.”  The fox again held the cone up for Shadow.       \n\n       “I wouldn’t bet against it,” smiled Shadow, taking a careful bite and patting Tails’ thigh.  “Mmm… finish it off foxy, I’m full, thank you.  The jacket is my treat, I’m always happy to support the store.  It wouldn’t be Fern Forest without it.  That reminds me, we have to get Sonic up here when the cafe is open, there isn’t a better chili dog on the island.  Even I eat one on occasion.”\n\n       “They must be good then,” giggled Tails, sucking his  fingertips clean.  “I’ve never had a burger with gravy and an egg on top, that was awesome!  Everyone is so nice up here.  They all know you or wave, or just start talking with you.”\n\n       Shadow nodded and smiled, rubbing Tails’ full belly.  “It’s a tight knit community.  They’re wholly dependent on visitors, agriculture and artistry.  Everyone’s welcome and everyone counts.”  Shadow looked through the treetops at the massive volcanic peaks glowing in the early evening sun.  “It’s where I come to reset.  Decompress, revive myself.”        \n\n       Tails nodded and slowly rubbed Shadow’s thigh.  “Thank you for bringing me, I already feel better.  The heat was so awful…”  Tails looked down thoughtfully at Shadow’s hand.  “It’s like it made me crazy.  And that other feeling, with Sonic… it’s like being really homesick, but for a person.”  Tails turned his head and looked up at the hedgehog.  “I’m really sorry for how I acted today, Shadow.”       \n\n       Shadow hugged Tails close.  “You needn’t keep apologizing, Tails.  Mishaps, misunderstandings… they happen.  My only concern is that you’re all right now and ready to enjoy the place.”          \n\n       “I sure am!”  Tails squeezed Shadow’s arms around himself.\n\n       Shadow nuzzled into the fox boy’s neck.  “Good.  Let no more harsh words pass between us, young Prower.  We’re supposed to be the smart ones, after all.”  Shadow winked as Tails giggled and returned the nuzzle.  “All right, off we go.  Not far now.”  Shadow smiled and kick started the bike.  Patches of blue sky broke through fluffy orange clouds as the pair cruised leisurely through the picturesque village on its narrow roads, taking them past old, widely spaced single story houses.  Some had impossibly lush yards while others were nearly swallowed by forest, with a nearby rusted vehicle or two succumbing to the greenery.  What few inhabitants they saw stopped and waved.  Shadow returned friendly nods while Tails became waver-backer-in-chief, bringing a smile to any who saw him.  Shadow soon turned on a narrow drive that wound upslope into a very large lot covered end to end with thick, damp forest.  Shadow dismounted briefly to unlock a chain strung across the drive.  As they continued, the house peeked through a clearing near the rear of the property: a modestly sized bungalow-like affair, medium brick red with a matching roof and coffee-black trim.  Almost a century old but in immaculate condition, the house had a large front porch with two white rocking chairs and several hanging flower baskets.  A substantial rock chimney towered above; below the house sat a large water tank for the catchment system.  A small koi pond beckoned to the side of the drive, leading to a rolling, hilly yard boarded everywhere with flowering shrubs, mossy rocks or low-lying rock walls with ferns and lichens springing from every crack.  Tails’ eyes widened at the sight as they rumbled to a halt near a tidy detached garage and workshop.  “Here we are, foxy.” Shadow turned off the bike and dismounted, carefully surveying the property for any signs of visitors, wanted or otherwise.  Tails climbed down and began to pull their belongings from the bike as Shadow offered his keys.  “We’ll get the bags in a bit.  I haven’t been back in a while so we need to turn everything on.  We should check the security panel too.”\n\n       “This place is cool!” marveled Tails, craning his neck to spot any of the dozens of birds calling and flitting in nearby trees.  The curious, mechanically inclined fox halved the time it took to ready the house, helping Shadow flip circuit breakers, ignite pilot lights, reset clocks, open water valves and prime the pump.  Shadow showed him a cryptic security panel hidden within a recess in the house’s crawlspace.  “Good.  All green, nobody’s been,” nodded Shadow.  “Something’s red, time to knock heads.  I’ll teach you all the codes for when you and Sonic come up or want to use the place.”\n\n       Tails blinked.  “You… you’d let us do that, Shad?”\n\n       “Of course,” smiled Shadow, patting Tails’ shoulders.  “What good’s a treasure if you don’t share it?  Besides, I trust you not to blow anything up.  Just don’t let Sonic press any buttons.  Now let’s grab our stuff and relax.”\n\n       “All right!” grinned Tails, zipping out to the bike.     \n\n       The inside of the house was equally inviting.  The living room was dominated by large two-sided fireplace, through which the main bedroom and its large, quilt-covered bed was visible.  An impressive collection of shark-toothed and other antique war clubs hung over the mantle beneath the tall ceiling, while tastefully framed paintings of flowers, birds and ancient South Islanders lined the walls.  Finely refinished, low-slung furnishings and heavy quilts gave the place soft, timeless look, a hidden retreat ready for long books and cold nights.  Nearly every window looked out into lush greenery; others glowed with stained glass in floral or geometric motifs.  The tidy kitchen with its large, old stove was open and accessible, making it easy to entertain while cooking.  Wood flooring and trim original to the house glowed from careful restoration; nooks and crannies abounded, filled with books, turned wooden bowls or old glass fishing floats.  Tails was immediately drawn to the books and artifacts as he walked in and set down their bags.  “Wow!  It’s even nicer than I remember.  Look at this cool stuff!”\n\n       “That would have been some four or five years back,” nodded Shadow.  “You were just a squirt.  I remember you running all over, collecting flowers and moss and pressing them in a book.  It’s probably still here, hehe.  Take a look around, make yourself at home.  I’ll get us some beverages in a bit.” Shadow sat on the couch and removed his gloves, shoes and socks, reclining and dozing for a while as Tails happily explored the house and the grounds beyond before the daylight gave out.\n\n       “Didn’t that lady who served us dinner say this house had a name?” asked Tails, bouncing his rump on the couch as Shadow blinked awake.  “‘Are you guys headed to Castle Shadow’, or something like that?  Oh.  Sorry, were  you napping?” \n\n       Shadow chuckled and shook his head.  “Nah.  Just resting my eyes.  Dex calls it Casa Shadow,” he yawned, stretching.  “But I detest that name.  I just call it Fern Forest.”  \n\n       “Who’s Dex?  Ooo!”  Tails spied a large book on South Island forest species on the end table.  Seeing the hedgehog had disrobed, Tails did likewise before retrieving the book, the fox boy nude but for his socks.  \n\n       “He’s dear old friend from work, I don’t believe you’ve met.  That’s him.”  Shadow pointed to a nearby framed photo that showed himself in full dress G.U.N. uniform pinning a medal on a tall, handsome hedgehog, winter white with pale, ice-blue eyes and impressive black banding that ran the length of his quills and down his sides.  “He’s a senior field agent now, but keep that to yourself.  Dex lived with me while I was being groomed for command.  The vetting I underwent was rather intense.”  \n\n       Tails balanced the book on his legs and looked up at Shadow.  “Someone had to live with you just to get your job?  I thought maybe he was… you know, like an old boyfriend or something.”\n\n       “A bit of both,” laughed Shadow.  “But the details, some of them at least, are classified.  So I cannot bore you with them.  But he’s a lovely fellow and I suspect you’ll meet at some point.”  Shadow smiled and patted Tails’ thigh.  “Now, can I get you something?  I’ve got coffee, tea, cider, cocoa… we picked up milk…  there’s various sodas in the fridge too, but they’re probably not cold yet.  I’ve got a full bar here too, but I suggest we stay out of it for now.”\n\n       “I like cider,” smiled Tails, thumbing through the book as Shadow stood.  “Can I help?”\n\n       “How about you get us a fire going?” smiled Shadow, heading to the kitchen.\n\n       “Sure!” grinned Tails, setting the book aside and padding over to the large stack of firewood by the mantle.  “I use the small stuff first, right?”\n\n       “Aye, kindling.  Matches are in that bowl, it’s all right there.  Be careful and make sure to open the flue first.”  As Shadow prepared drinks, Tails slipped inside the fireplace and pulled the chain to the flue, then knelt and set about building an admirable stack of interlaced logs with kindling nestled neatly at the base.  Within moments of striking a match, the fox boy was enjoying the fire, rubbing his hands and humming softly to himself.\n\n       Shadow placed steaming mugs on the end table.  “Here we are.  Ah, thank you foxy, that’s a lovely fire.  I’m accustomed to lounging in the altogether. I hope you don’t mind.  My home is very private.”  Shadow sat in the low, cushy couch and let out a deep sigh, staring serenely at the crackling fire.  The evening’s last light had faded, coaxing crickets to sing softly outside.\n\n       Tails looked over his shoulder and smiled at the nude, coffee-sipping hedgehog.  “I don’t mind at all.”  Turning back to the fire, Tails blushed and poked it gently.  “I like seeing you, Shad.  You know that.”  \n\n       “Well that’s good,” smiled Shadow, carefully sipping as his cock lay in repose between his legs.  “I like what I see too.”  The hedgehog admired the nude fox boy kneeling before the fire, his yellow-orange bubble butt resting atop the heels of his white socks as his twin tails lay elegantly to either side.  “I’d like a closer view, if that’s all right.”  Shadow patted the cushions softly.  Blushing under his grin, Tails stood and padded to the couch and sat close to Shadow.  The hedgehog kissed his forehead and slowly handed him his cider.  “Careful now, no scalded wieners allowed.”\n\n       Tails giggled and took the mug in both hands, blowing before a cautious sip.  “Mmm… that’s amazing, Shad.  What’s in it?”  \n\n       Shadow sipped his coffee and gently caressed Tails’ thigh.  “The cider is local.  Fern Forest is one of the few places on South Island cool enough to grow decent apples.  Add cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of ginger, couple cloves, dried orange peel and brown sugar.  The recipe says add bourbon too, but… maybe when you’re older,” winked Shadow, turning on his phone before taking another sip.  “Now, let’s see if there’s still network up here.  If not, there’s an old land line down at the store.  If you’re missing Sonic that badly I’m sure Venge or Serenity will let you make a call after breakfast.”\n\n       Tails nodded and leaned against Shadow.  “Thank you, Shad.  I know something's up.  Sonic and Amy were fighting last weekend, then he was happy and texting me a bunch.  So was Knux.  Even Amy was saying hi and hoped we were okay.  Then everybody got quiet.  Now it just says there’s no network.”  Tails sighed and laid his head against Shadow’s shoulder, watching the fire.\n\n       Shadow nodded and sipped.  “What was the last you heard from him?”\n\n       Tails looked down at Shadow’s hand and placed his on top of it.  “Yesterday, before the outages.  He said we need to have a talk when he gets back and that it's really important.  And…”  Tails blushed, smiling as he stroked the top of Shadow’s hand.\n\n       Shadow laced his fingers with the fox’s.  “And?”\n\n       “And That he loves me with all his heart.  No matter what.”  \n\n       Shadow squeezed Tails’ thigh.  “That sounds like rather [i]good [/i]news, don't you think?”\n\n       “But a big talk about what?” Tails looked up at Shadow.  “He usually tells me what he’s up to.  Most of the time, anyway.  What if it's bad?  Is he mad about… you know, the lessons?  What if it’s Amy, or he just wants to be friends?”  The fox began to rub his leg nervously.  “That’s the one that really scares me.”\n\n       Shadow chuckled softly and shook his head.  “You’re working yourself up over nothing.  Truly.  Except perhaps some clumsy suspense on Sonic’s part.  For someone seven years your senior, he hasn’t a lick more maturity.”  Shadow glanced over at his phone.  “Ah!  Good, we’re in luck.”  Shadow swiped the phone a few times and offered it to Tails.  “Now, don’t read any of my work chats.  Just Sonic’s.”  Tails nodded and took the phone as Shadow grinned broadly, rubbing the rim of his coffee cup as he leaned back and shoulder-surfed while the fox boy read:\n\n[Chat history has been cleared]\n\nThe Ultimate – 10:51 P.M. - Then we are fully agreed?  No reservations?  \n\nBlue Butt – 10:52 P.M. - Yeah its okay.  Honest shadz u guys can play.  But on 2 conditions\n\nThe Ultimate -- 10:53 P.M. -  Very well blue butt.  Name your terms. \n\nBlue Butt -- 10:53 P.M. - First off Tails is MINE.  Never forget that  \n\nBlue Butt -- 10:53 P.M.  Second you’ll have 2 deal with me now too when I get back. Tails and i come as a set  \n\nBlue Butt – 10:54 P.M. -  Especially now <3\n\nThe Ultimate – 10:54 P.M – Of course.  And I have every intention of /dealing/ with you, boy.  Over and over.  Count on it.  You are already some lessons behind your concupiscent partner.\n\nBlue Butt – 10:55 P.M. - Thats Tails right?  Srry brain is spinning.  OK we’re agreed.  Can't believe u want to play Shad. i always wondered. <3  Wish i was there now.  Gettin hard just thinking bout you guys hehe\n\nBlue Butt - 10:56 P.M. - You have 2 give me the lessons too Shadz.  Guessing u have way more experience.  Dirty ol hog. ;)\n\nThe Ultimate – 10:57 P.M. - Indeed I do.  And it will be my honor to share.  I want it just as badly.  Your fox's skills are much improved.  He and I shall make things very hard on you indeed.  *squeezes your ass*   \n\nBlue Butt – 10:57 P.M. - <3 <3 <3!  Oh hey pics finaly showed up  \n\nBlue Butt - 10:57 P.M. - OMG TDH ur cock is sexy.  I WANT IT :P~~\n\nThe Ultimate - 10:58 P.M. - Fortuitous.  Because it wants you.  Just imagine, blue butt.  How nice all of that would feel… in your hands…  brushing your face…  filling your throat… your tight little ass… \n\nBlue Butt - 10:59 P.M. - Ok I need 2 jack off.  Like rite NOW befor Knux gets back.  But promise me Shadz\n\nBlue Butt - 10:59 P.M. - One last thing\n\nThe Ultimate – 11:00 P.M. – I am here.  Spit it out.\n\nBlue Butt – 11:00 P.M. - Like I said u 2 can play.  But plz dont poke Tails butt like take his cherry. I want to 2 be his first \n\nBlue Butt – 11:01 P.M. - Its important Shad.  I know hed let do him if you asked\n\nBlue Butt - 11:01 P.M. - Or am i 2 late? :`(\n\nThe Ultimate – 11:02 P.M. - No, I have not bred him.  And I promise.  An eager and unspoilt fox awaits you.  \n\nBlue Butt – 11:02 P.M. - Thank u TDH <3 <3 <3   \n\nBlue Butt – 11:03 P.M. - I got a promise for u too though \n\nBlue Butt - 11:03 - U can do us both after\n\nBlue Butt - 11:03 P.M. - Hows THAT for a deal  >:D\n\nThe Ultimate – 11:04 P.M. - Superb.  I approve and accept.  Now grab that big blue gun of yours and shoot off a couple of rounds.  One for your tight little orange BF...\n\nThe Ultimate – 11:04 P.M. - And one for me.\n\nBlue Butt – 11:05 P.M. - Hehe DEAL. Already doin it.  Heres a down payment for the promises \n\n[Image]\n[Image]\n\n       Thumbing down, the riveted, wide-eyed fox boy gasped as a slightly blurry, close-up picture of an attractive, fully erect and familiar cock filled the screen.  Leaking pre at the tip, its owner's balls and thighs were a rich medium blue.  Licking his lips, Tails thumbed to the second image, a fit pair of athletic male buttocks, blue, slender and spread to reveal a perfect pinkish ring.  “Sonic!?”\n\n       “Ah,” snickered Shadow, watching Tails enlarge the photos to see each alluring detail.  “Nothing like a successful negotiation.  And an eager student.  I forwarded this to your chats last night but clearly it hasn’t gone through.  Now then,” Holding his hand open, Shadow patted Tails’ thigh.  “What’s all this pap about Sonic not being yours?”\n\n       Tails seemed to be in shock for a moment before reluctantly handing back the phone.  He looked up at Shadow.  “You… you mean you guys planned it all?  The lessons, I mean?  Or didn’t you?”  The fox boy blushed, noticing his cock was now semi-erect from the pictures.  Setting his mug down, Tails shifted and faced Shadow, straddling the hedgehog’s leg and taking his hand in both of his, thumbing it nervously.  “I mean, why didn’t you guys include me?  I have a say too, don’t I?  I got so worried!”  \n\n       “Hang on, hang on.  There was no talk, no planning,” reassured Shadow, squeezing Tails’ hand.  “Not at first.  The only lessons I had in mind were cooking lessons.  The others… I honestly did not expect us to get on quite so well.  But we did.  More than well.  Wondrously.  You are sweetness itself, Tails.  I’ve not felt this wanted, this alive in a good long while.”  Ears flattening bashfully, Tails blushed and smiled before nuzzling in tender silence with Shadow, who looked him in the eyes.  “It’s safe to say we have very strong feelings for one another.  That’s a good thing.  May it always be so.  But I would never betray Sonic or cause you to do so.  You are his, after all.  So, I thought it best to confer before you and I did anything we’d all regret.”  \n\n       “I’m glad you did,” nodded Tails, sliding his fingers thoughtfully through the hedgehog’s chest ruff.  “I thought Sonic knew since you were gonna teach both of us.  I was so happy you liked me, so excited to be with you, to have someone.  You’re my mentor. Shad.  I love you and I want you to be proud of me.”  Tails lay his head against Shadow’s ruff and hugged.  “Guess I almost broke that one promise, big time, huh?”\n\n       “You didn’t know,” shrugged Shadow, hugging back and nuzzling.  “And yet, you caught yourself.  I [i]am [/i]proud of you.”  Tails smiled as Shadow slid his hands down his sides and squeezed his buns, patting them as he kissed the top of Tails’ head.  “I’ve seen the bond you and Sonic have.  It is profound.  Unbreakable.  I am honored to share in that.  I’ll always be around for you both.”\n\n       Tails smiled up at Shadow and returned the kiss on the hedgehog’s cheek.  “Mmn…  I’m glad.  ‘Cos I want you to teach us everything.  Sonic does, too!”\n\n       “I shall do my best,” chuckled Shadow, lightly stroking his fingertips over Tails’ buns in slow circles.  “Though I do need to return to my agency as soon as possible next week.  And you two will need some alone time.  To re-bond.  But we can space the lessons out, say on weekends.”  Shadow’s fingers drifted inward to give soft, feathery caresses to the fox boy’s taint and the back of his orbs.  “In any case, you and I will make sure Sonic gets one hell of a homecoming.”\n\n       “That tickles,” giggled Tails coyly, squirming softly into Shadow.  “Mmm…  I can’t wait!  Which ones should we teach him first?  Oh!  You really need to teach him how to kiss like you, where our tongues wrestle while you touch me all over.”  Tails shifted and looked down as his cock began to harden against Shadow’s, which was reacting in kind.   “Uh oh.  I guess I’m thinking about it a little too much.”  \n\n       Shadow slid his hand between their bellies and squeezed their cocks together, caressing them gently.  “A little planning never hurt anyone.  Tell you what.  Let’s finish our drinks, let the fire burn down a little bit… and after I’ve had a chance to freshen up, I think it’s time for that next lesson.”\n\n       Tails moaned softly, watching Shadow’s hand slide up and down and squeeze their pressed-together cocks, throbbing appreciatively.  Grinning and biting his lower lip, the fox boy slid his fingers through the hedgehog’s chest ruff, grinding into Shadow gently as his small frame began to tingle head to toe with excitement.  “Yeah…  look at how big they’re getting, Shad.  Sonic’s going to have so much to play with, hehe.  Maybe we should send him a picture of your cock in my--”  Tails paused and blinked, holding still for a moment.  “No, wait. We promised, Shad.  We can’t do that lesson right now.”\n\n       “Correct,” nodded Shadow, cupping Tails’ balls and rolling the soft orbs around in their velvety sack.  “That particular virginity will be Sonic’s to take.  But he did say we could play, and there’s an alternate lesson I think you’d enjoy.  We’ll simply switch places,” smiled Shadow, giving Tails’ cock a healthy squeeze.  “Come to think of it, it’s probably best you both learn how to top properly.  First time anal can be a bit of an ordeal.”\n\n       Tails’ eyes grew wide.  “Y-you want me to… to do your butt, Shad!?”   \n\n       “I do,” grinned Shadow, leaning in and nibbling the surprised fox boy’s neck, kissing and suckling the tender skin as Tails melted and moaned.  “Much as I love to give, I adore receiving as well.  Versatility is good.  There will be times Sonic will want you to give that tight blue bum of his a good, solid pounding.  Can a fox give a hedgehog what he needs?”\n\n       Tails blinked and licked his lips, looking over Shadow’s chiseled body with a mixture of lust and apprehension.  His small, cottony chest rose and fell while the hedgehog calmly tugged and rolled the fox boy’s velvety balls.  “I’ve never really done it.   J-just practiced on my pillows.  A lot.  And one time between Sonic’s cheeks while we were spooning.  But we got so excited we spurted before it even went in.”\n\n       “Par for the course,” chuckled Shadow, leaning in kissing Tails tenderly.  “Though I doubt either of you complained.  We’ll just take things nice and slow.”  Retrieving their respective drinks, Shadow clinked mugs with Tails as they smiled and sipped quietly with their bodies pressed together.  Once they finished , the fox curled his legs around Shadow’s torso as the hedgehog pulled him in for a long, deep, loving kiss, tongues tasting and twirling together in slow, suckling, coffee-and-cider tinged passion.  Tails slid his small hands up over Shadow’s chest to his face, holding the handsome hedgehog as they kissed deeper still and took turns sucking one another’s lips and tongues.  Their cocks pressed together hotly, Shadow traced his middle fingertip over Tails’ hidden nipples, tugging gently as the fox boy whimpered longingly into his mouth.  Leaning Tails back in his arms, Shadow attentively suckled and kissed his tender neck, chest and hard little nipples, eliciting a chain of long, dreamy moans.  Neither party rushed, the two males kissing and fondling and stroking freely as the fireplace crackled happily, casting their entwined shadows on the wall.  When their last kiss finally broke, a gossamer strand of saliva briefly connected their lower lips, matching the shiny strand of pre connecting their erections.  “Mmmm…” rumbled Shadow, clasping Tails’ wrists together and kissing his hands.  “Let’s make a little more room for ourselves.”  Shadow lay Tails down on the couch and stood, leaning over the fox and kissing his nose, then his chest, then the tip of his cock, bringing forth bashful giggle.  “I’ll just be a moment.  Keep that handsome fox cock nice and hard for me.”  \n\n       Tails nodded excitedly and stretched out, slowly stroking himself and intently watching the naked hedgehog’s athletic, sinewy body move about through the orange glow.  Shadow gathered large, thick quilts from shelves and chairs and laid them in front of the fireplace.  His deep amber eyes glinting with reflected flame, Shadow’s  impressive member and large orbs swung casually as he sauntered into the bedroom, then the bath.  Tails’ breathing grew heavy, drying his mouth as anticipation gripped him and began to build, his heart thumping loudly in his ears, his skin alight with shivers.  The fox boy swallowed hard and whispered nervously to himself.  “This is it, Tails… you’re really gonna do it.  You’re gonna make it with Shadow.  With Shadow!  Hnnngggg… gonna be a man now…  What’s it feel like?  Do we use spit?  Guess I’ll find out.  Okay, just… relax.  Don’t want to come yet.”  Tails let go of his penis, which throbbed and leaked on its own as he heard Shadow turn off the bathroom light.  “Here he comes…”\n\n       Smiling seductively, Shadow returned with two large pillows and dropped them on the quilts before setting a tube of lubricant on the hearth.  “There’s my foxy stud.  Did you say something just now?  Here, face this way.”  Shadow helped Tails swing his legs outward and knelt between them, caressing his slender hips and small love handles.  \n\n       Tails’ face blushed hotly.  “I… no, not really.  I’m just kinda nervous,” he chuckled, smiling across his body at Shadow, his toes curling and uncurling in his socks.  The fox boy swallowed hard.  “I can’t believe we’re really doing this.  I hope I’m good enough for you, Shad.”\n\n       “Of course you are, sweet fox.  Just relax.”  Shadow leaned in, their chest ruffs pressing together as he kissed Tails lovingly on the lips, then progressively lower, inch by inch over the fox boy’s body, nibbling and nuzzling from chin to neck to chest to belly and lower still.  “It’s not a race or a test,” murred Shadow softly, kissing Tails’ thighs and nuzzling the soft creases where his cock and balls met his body.  “It’s just you and I, sharing something very special and intimate.  Just like lesson one.  If we’re going too far, or too fast, just tell me and we’ll stop.  No regrets, no bad feelings.  I just want you to have fun and enjoy.”  Tails moaned and squirmed at the hedgehog’s attentions, watching as Shadow took hold of his erection, the fox boy squeezing the cushions as if gravity itself might stop.  The  hedgehog smiled softly, rubbing Tails’ warm cock over his face.  “Mmm… just look at you, all wound up from waiting.  Better get you nice and wet.  May I?”  \n\n       “You may,” panted Tails, nodding as Shadow cupped his balls and tugged them slightly downwards.  Shadow slid his other hand to Tails’ chest, caressing the ruff as he licked up the underside of the fox boy’s straining erection.  Hips squirming with pleasure, Tails moaned loudly as Shadow closed his mouth around the whole of his cock, sucking the tasty, curved fox boy flesh in a slow, deliberately wet manner.  Shadow used his lips to push down Tails’ foreskin, ensuring every little fold and curve became amply wet.\n\n       “NNnngghhh!  You do that so good,” quivered Tails.  “Licking the special places…  mmmfff!”  Rumbling into Tails’ hard, tasty pole as he suckled, Shadow was mindful to not overstimulate, allowing it to pop wetly from his lips and turning to the fox boy’s fuzzy ball sack, happily suckling and rolling the soft white orbs in his mouth before licking back up the underside of Tails’ cock.  As Shadow sucked Tails in once more, the fox grunted boyishly and grabbed the hedgehog’s head, urging him to slow down.  “C-careful, Shad!  It’s… I’m gonna come if you keep going,” he panted.  \n\n       Shadow carefully slipped Tails’ cock wetly from his mouth and blew on the underside, cooling it.  “Mmm..  as sweet as freshly shot fox cream is, we don’t want you popping your cork just yet.  Now you’ll be rock hard and you’ll blow a niiiiice big load… both of which your partner can feel.”  Kissing the tip of the flushed fox boy’s cock, Shadow turned around and crawled to the center of the quilts.  Peering seductively over his shoulder, the hedgehog presented himself to Tails on all fours, his drum-tight, basalt colored buttocks raised and spread, exposing an attractive, slate-colored ring with perfectly radiating folds.  “All yours,” he rumbled, slowly stroking his downturned cock.  “Come and get it, foxy.”\n\n       Sliding from the couch, Tails came up behind Shadow and grinned, slapping his jutting, curved member against the hedgehog’s hole and firm cheeks.  “You’ve got a really nice ass,” grinned Tails excitedly, rubbing and squeezing the perfectly matched onyx mounds and cupping the hedgehog’s hefty black balls.  “Did you put lube on?  Or do I do that?”\n\n       Shadow smiled and blushed a bit, handing Tails the tube.  “As I top, I usually take charge of the lube.  I warmed it up for us.  A pro tip, hehe.  I can put it on if you wish, but you should practice lubing your partner so you get a feel for the right amount.  And so you can finger them.  Fingering with lube helps the passive partner relax and stretch a bit.  That’s very important for anal, especially beginners.  Just mind your fingernails.”  Shadow sighed contently, eyes nearly closed as he relaxed and awaited the touch of warm lubricant or the fox’s finger.  The hedgehog gasped when, a moment later, he felt something unexpected.  “Tails!?”  Spreading the hedgehog’s firm cheeks, Tails pressed his soft face tightly to Shadow’s crack and thrust his long, wet tongue against the hedgehog’s ring, licking and rimming his mentor with surprising vigor.  The surprised hedgehog moaned and melted as the fox boy’s tongue worked  its way against and into the folds, lapping and prodding and pressing his slickened, masculine ring as it slowly relaxed.  Shadow rumbled deeply as Tails slipped his thumbs to either side of his hole, spreading it wide and allowing the tip of the fox boy’s tongue to wiggle its way fully in.  “UUHHhhh!!” moaned Shadow loudly, his cock rapidly swelling and leaking anew from the unexpected tongue-lashing.  Looking over his shoulder, Shadow glanced needfully at the lustful youth.  “That’s… VERY naughty,” moaned Shadow breathlessly as Tails growled into his most private flesh.  “Ohhh… yesss…  somebody has to have taught you that.”  Slipping an arm between his legs, Shadow began to jerk his engorged cock enthusiastically. \n\n       Tails paused, kissing Shadow’s inner cheek and spitting on his pucker before pushing the saliva in with his slender digit.  “Sonic and me found out on our own,” grinned Tails.  “We were practicing our rolling combo one night… and we started tickling and funny kissing...”  Tails spat again, gently twisted and pushing his finger in Shadow’s tight ring.  “We found out we could lick each other’s butts at the same time.  We both spurted real hard, I liked it!  And I know from using my toy that it’s important to get your butt really wet inside.”  Tails licked and suckled Shadow’s pucker and perineum with increased confidence as the hedgehog loudly grunted approval.  Widening the circle of his attentions, Tails licked the tip of Shadow’s cock, then all the way up the underside, over the hedgehog’s balls, taint and back to his ring, smacking the onyx fighter’s rump at intervals and repeating the circuit several times as Shadow leaked copiously on the quilt.    \n\n       Shadow moaned dreamily, reaching further back between his legs to fondle Tails’ erection.  “Mmm, you boys never cease to amaze.  Ohhh… rimming was another lesson entirely…  I approve of your independent research… nnnfff….”\n\n       Tails giggled and sucked each of Shadow’s tightening balls playfully.  “Oh, we’re still gonna take that lesson with all three of us.  Maybe we could put some chili sauce on our buns for Sonic.”  As the pair grinned knowingly, Tails opened the tube and squeezed some on his cock, stroking it over his length before applying some to Shadow’s freshly rimmed ring and fingering it inside.  “Um, Shadow?” asked Tails softly, setting the lube aside, “could you please lower your butt?  Or…  I guess I could stand.”\n\n       “I’ve a better idea,” smiled Shadow.  His face flushed and red, the hedgehog carefully turned himself over and placed a pillow under his lower back, raising his rump to an ideal height for the kneeling fox boy.  “I prefer to see you anyway,” smiled Shadow, lifting his spread legs and holding them in place.\n\n       Licking his lips excitedly, Tails knelt close and carefully guided his cock to Shadow’s ring, watching the hedgehog intently as he slowly pushed himself in.  As Shadow slowly stroked himself, the fox boy’s slickened, rock hard cock opened his tight hole, a long, hoarse moan escaping as Tails felt his lubed length disappear, inch by inch, into Shadow’s body.  Wiggling his hips slightly, he buried the rest of his rod, now balls-deep and throbbing tightly against the hedgehog’s silky, hot walls.  “Ohhh…. Shadow…” moaned Tails, watching Shadow’s cock throb and leak as the hedgehog’s balls tickled his belly  “It’s all in.  Does it feel okay?”\n\n       “More than okay,” rumbled Shadow, reaching up and squeezing Tails’ hip and firm little rump.  “You’re incredibly hard… nnnfff… I feel every part of you.  It’s fantastic.”  Tails throbbed inside Shadow, causing the hedgehog to gasp.  “Ahh!  Ohhh…  it’s been a while for me.  But I want it… now let’s move those sexy little hips…”  \n\n     His tails draped elegantly to either side, the fox boy curled his arms around Shadow’s legs and watched with open-mouthed excitement as his youthful curved cock began to slide slickly in and out of Shadow’s hot, hungry hole.  “Ohhh…  Shadow!  I’m doing it… you feel so good around me!”\n\n       “Good boy… yessss,” hissed Shadow, grunting appreciatively as he reached up and caressed Tails’ chest, freeing the fox boy’s slender hips and bubble butt to drive his prick in and out of the dusky hedgehog like a piston.  “Handsome foxy… I’m proud of you…  topping like a champ… mmmff…  [i]fuck [/i]me!”  Shadow stroked his prodigious rod faster as Tails’ thrusts followed suit, the sound of slick, rhythmic slapping mixing with the crackle of the fireplace as the fox boy found his rhythm.  His pert yellow-orange ass pinching in with each hilt, Tails panted lustfully as his tightening orbs smacked against Shadow’s sticky, lubed crack.  The hedgehog's large black balls bounced and jostled as Shadow masturbated feverishly, the fox boy’s belly tickling them from below.  Gyrating his hips and fucking harder still into the perfectly slick, gripping man-cunt, Tails felt perspiration bead and flow down his temples and back.  Teeth gnashing, the fox boy’s brow furrowed as he began to feel a powerful, feral pull in his loins, stiffening his body and causing his tails to rise and jut outwards.  His young, pounding frame felt like a spring, coiled with tension and threatening to release explosively at the slightest provocation.\n\n       “Nnnnggghh… Shadow...” huffed Tails, his face drawing to an assertive, sweaty, growling mask of impending release. His hips flew, seeming to act on their own.  “Hrrr... Gonna fuck you silly… NOW who’s the mentor… You’re a horny little [i]bitch[/i]… MY bitch!  You want it.  You WANT it, don’t you, bitch!?”  Tails’s eyes locked assertively with Shadow’s, the hedgehog’s face momentarily frozen in priceless, proud surprise.  Tails relished the taste of newfound dominance and thrust with all he could.  “Hrrrrffff!!!  Gonna blast my load deep in your ass…. Get ready, [i]Faker!”[/i]\n\n       Shadow nodded and cried out, feverishly jerking his cock as his tightened balls began to ache, the hedgehog’s ring hot and slick and raw from the fox boy’s rock-hard, relentless, piston-like thrusts.  “Y-YES!!  I’m your horny little bitch… filthy-mouthed fox, I [i]want[/i] it… I want your hot seed inside me!”  Shadow growled, flaring his small fangs as he felt Tails’ shaft begin to throb, readying to deliver the contents of the fox boy’s balls deep into his body.  “Breed me…  fill me…  come in my ass, hero…  Oh, fffffuck!”  Brow furrowing over his reddened face, Shadow gnashed his teeth as his ring began to clench and spasm around the fox’s cock.  “I’m there… I’m gonna blow, kid!”\n\n       “Ohhhh!!!  Sh- Shadow!  I--  I can’t…  I’m gonna…  I’m coming!”  His head rearing up, Tails’ eyes screwed shut as he smacked his body down against Shadow’s, grunting repeatedly and hilting his cock as he shot stream after creamy stream deep into Shadow’s body.  “HRRNNGGHH!  HRRNNGGHH!  HRRNNGGHH!  UHHHHH!  UHHHH!  OOOOHHH…..”  The fox boy’s cock jumped inside Shadow’s hot, raw confines as it flooded him copiously with cum. Feeling the fox boy's pulsing pole forcefully filling him, Shadow ejaculated, his lower pitched, more controlled grunts mingling with the verbal youth’s full throated orgasmic crescendo.  The hedgehog’s cum arced over his body, splashing both their bellies and chests, a goodly portion splattering on Shadow’s own face and neck, with still more hitting the pillow around his head.  The pair panted as their shared orgasms slowly subsided, the fox boy’s perspiration dripping from his tussled orange bangs onto his pinned lover’s damp chest. The last of their loads leaked from their spent, grateful  bodies, now soaked nearly end to end in a masculine mix of sweat, saliva and seed.  Relaxing his legs a bit, Shadow curled them around Tails’ rump and kissed Tails’ chin submissively.  “What are you doing, Shad?” huffed Tails happily.  “I can’t pull out now.”\n\n       “Exactly,” whispered Shadow sweatily, the hedgehog pulling the fox atop himself.  “I want to keep you… inside me for a while.”  As the pair closed their eyes and kissed deeply in the firelight, the first drops of nighttime rain began to drum on the roof and leaves, the crickets increasing their myriad songs approvingly.  \n\n\n[i]Meanwhile, on a silenced phone sitting in a nearby overnight bag...[/i]\n\nBlue Butt - 09:43 P.M. - Hi lil guy. <3  Amy’s new squeeze Dex gonna take her and Knux and couple buds biking up the coast for 2 weeks.  He knows rouge, can u believe?  U gotta meet this guy hes crazy nice.  Id go too but...feeling homesick\n\nBlue Butt - 09:44 P.M.  - Been a rough time.  Lots 2 talk about with u.  And Shadz\n\nBlue Butt - 09:44 P.M. - Missing my fox.  i know u r having fun with Shad but plz cutie dun go 2 crazy.  Gave shad a special request so go over it with him k?  save a lil for me ;)\n\nBlue Butt - 09:45 P.M. - Knux says hai and he's gonna tell u if I dont lol.  That big red ass.  U know what?  I will tell u\n\nBlue Butt - 09:46 P.M. - Tails?  Im free and clear.  I am yours.  I want you 2 be mine too foxy.  I’m ready if u are \n\nBlue Butt - 09:46 P.M. - miss u so much. but not long now\n\nBlue Butt - 09:50 P.M. - i just tried 2 call but says no lines open.  Sorry u had to hear it like this\n\nBlue Butt - 09:51 P.M. - but ill say it when I get home. over and over. I love you more than anything ever there was <3\n\nBlue Butt - 10:06 P.M. - btw Dex scored me a 1st class upgrade when everybody changed flights. i can use it on the 1st flight home thats not cancelled\n\nBlue Butt - 10:08 P.M. - gonna try 4 saturday cross fingers\n\nBlue Butt - 10:09 P.M. - i’ll send u and shad the deets. Love u my lil nerd butt\n\nBlue Butt - 11:52 P.M. - man clubs goin NUTS.  Knux is kickin it.  Not super into it tho i miss you\n\nBlue Butt - 12:31 A.M. - Hey saw weather on TV its gonna get bad down there. :P  B safe OK?? Don be afraid to hold shads tite if theres lightning ur safe with him\n\nBlue Butt - 01:02 A.M. - OK like Rock just txtd Knux him n Tide havin a storm party at our house with a bunch of peeps?? Where r u 2?!?  \n\nBlue Butt - 01:06 A.M. - Heyas squirt!  Knux here.  Sonic’s drunk texting gonna take his phone and put him 2 bed now. He’s rite tho, be safe u guys.  Blue buns will be home this weekend.  B sure to bone him silly the second he gets back lol.  Love u squirt.  Peace!!\n\nBlue Butt - 01:07 A.M. - Hey nice dick pix u guys.  No wonder Sonic wants home early <3\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"<span style='word-wrap: break-word;'><span class='underline'>Ten Miles of Shadow</span><br /><br />by Valdisfoxy<br /><br /><em>Disclaimer and warning.&nbsp;&nbsp;This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.&nbsp;&nbsp;I do not own the SEGA / Sonic Team characters or any guest/cameo OCs and no monetary gain was made or sought.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chapters contain adult themes and may include explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic and adult/teen).&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are under the age of eighteen, live where such material is not legal or find such themes offensive, read no further.&nbsp;&nbsp;The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer.&nbsp;&nbsp;This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Enjoy! -Valdisfoxy, September 2016 </em><br /><br />Chapter 4 &ndash; Take Me Higher<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Undone by an approaching tropical storm, the normally tireless South Island trade winds lay limp and listless, leaving the coast to bake in a rare heatwave.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bestilled palms and sprawling trees provided merciful shade, but the lack of circulation made the air muggy and stale, a condition which worsened indoors, moreso for any souls brave or foolish enough to use an oven all day.&nbsp;&nbsp;As fans turned up high droned in each room, Tails stood on a footstool at the kitchen island and bravely continued his hours-long lesson.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brow sweaty and furrowed with determination, the fox boy licked his lips and dug in yet again with the whisk, whipping a large bowl of pinkish goo into stiff peaks per Shadow&#039;s instruction.&nbsp;&nbsp;His apron, initially white, was now festooned with battle damage, from mashed strawberry to egg whites to vanilla extract to his own perspiration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Less cosmetic was the pain that had built up in his limbs and back through the hours, but the cake was nearly done.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether it would be good, or even edible, seemed academic at this point.&nbsp;&nbsp;The kitchen had fared little better.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cupboards lay open, the floor sticky and the sink full.&nbsp;&nbsp;Counters and chairs bore dirtied bowls, cups, pans, spatulas, racks, towels and ingredients strewn about by the ambitious trainee.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ignoring Shadow&#039;s repeated advice to tidy between steps, Tails preferred a bake-first-wash-later approach that was fast nearing its endgame.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Mmm...&nbsp;&nbsp;that seems about right,&rdquo; nodded the fox, scooping some frosting with his finger and tasting it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Stands up, but not spackle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like Shad said.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Setting the bowl aside and reaching for one of three round cake layers, he called into the hallway.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hey Shad?&nbsp;&nbsp;Does it matter which one goes on the bottom?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sweat stung his eyes as he waited for a reply.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wiping his face, the tired fox lay his arms on the counter and rested his head on them, ears folded as he muttered.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ugh... he&rsquo;s <em>still </em>talking.&nbsp;&nbsp;My feet hurt so bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;And my back.&nbsp;&nbsp;This cake needs to be DONE already.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stupid heat.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails cocked an ear as he finally heard Shadow&#039;s low voice emerge from the hall, a glass of red wine in one hand and his phone in the other as it had been most of the day.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sweaty but chipper, Shadow tilted the phone away from his mouth and sipped before answering.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Any of them will do Tails, they&#039;re identical.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just don&#039;t use the rejects from earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;And make sure the round is completely cool before you frost or the layers will slide.&nbsp;&nbsp;All right?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow took another sip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&#039;m sorry but this call is important.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be patient and I shall help you.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog spoke quietly into the phone once more as he returned to the living room.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Been saying that all day,&rdquo; muttered Tails, rubbing his back.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can&#039;t people at your work do anything without you?&nbsp;&nbsp;I could&#039;ve used some help too, you know.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails sighed and cleared a space for a cake platter, over which he tilted the first layer on its cooling rack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sliding the round down carefully, he winced as a large section broke away and flopped over the lip of the platter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Oh, no!&rdquo; scowled the fox, eyeing the wayward chunk with dismay.&nbsp;&nbsp;Briefly entertaining the idea of throwing the chunk across the room, he took a deep breath and tried fitting it back into place, causing smaller pieces to slough off in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;He set the down the rack and slumped.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I can fix and fly an airplane,&rdquo; he sighed, rubbing his brow with his forearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;But I can&rsquo;t assemble a dumb ol&rsquo; cake?&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow&#039;s gonna think I&#039;m an idiot.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails wiped the crumbs from his hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Shadow?&nbsp;&nbsp;A little help, please?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Returning, Shadow gestured for silence, taking a sip of wine and finishing his call as Tails rubbed his sore legs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;No, just a few days more.&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;re down to analog roaming here and even that will likely go soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;What?&nbsp;&nbsp;No, you&#039;re under no restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I would keep a low profile nonetheless.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow walked past Tails and sampled the frosting, silently nodding approval.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Good!&nbsp;&nbsp;Then consider this your long-term assignment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just don&rsquo;t underestimate her.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow paused, a mischievous grin appearing on his face.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Oh, the pleasure was all mine, I assure you.&nbsp;&nbsp;You&rsquo;ve still got it, D.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take care,&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodbye.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow slipped the phone into the pocket of his spotless black and red apron and surveyed the fox&#039;s progress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;All right, I&#039;m back.&nbsp;&nbsp;So where are you&mdash; Oh.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow smiled and cocked an eyebrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Botched the bottom, did we?&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter, it&rsquo;s your first one.&nbsp;&nbsp;Frosting can easily disguise that.&nbsp;&nbsp;Allow me.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Setting his wine aside, Shadow centered the fractured cake round and fitted the broken piece in place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Pass me the bowl.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Okay,&rdquo; sighed Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Maybe it wouldn&#039;t have broke if you&rsquo;d just shown me.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Sometimes adversity is the best teacher, kiddo,&rdquo; chimed Shadow, frosting the cake with an expert&#039;s touch.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&rsquo;re doing fine.&nbsp;&nbsp;There&#039;s just been a lot of sudden activity at work.&nbsp;&nbsp;A key facility is overheating.&nbsp;&nbsp;The storm&rsquo;s not even made landfall and networks are already tanking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Events on the mainland require my input as well, but most calls aren&rsquo;t going through.&nbsp;&nbsp;I need my people where they&#039;ll be the most useful.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow glanced over at the teetering tower of goo-encrusted pans and dishes in and around the sink.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Speaking of which, you could have cleaned while you were waiting, as I advised.&nbsp;&nbsp;That trick alone, Tails, can separate great cooks from passable ones.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrating on the cake, Shadow failed to notice Tails look away and clench his fists.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Now then, presentation is everything on a cake, so frosting and decoration take even greater care.&nbsp;&nbsp;First let&#039;s get this covered, then on with the strawberries.&nbsp;&nbsp;They&rsquo;ve soaked long enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, finish the top but hold off on the sides,&rdquo; said Shadow, offering the cake knife.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Unless you need me to do it.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I know how to frost a stupid cake!&rdquo; snapped Tails wearily, grabbing the knife and resuming where Shadow left off.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The hedgehog eyed his testy understudy for a moment before opening the refrigerator.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I didn&#039;t mean it like that.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was merely offering in case you need a break.&nbsp;&nbsp;Would another glass of wine help?&nbsp;&nbsp;Soothe the baker&rsquo;s nerves, perhaps?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;No, thank you.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails wiped sweat from his eyes and proceeded cautiously, blinking intently at his handiwork.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It kinda made me feel sick.&nbsp;&nbsp;May I please have some water instead?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow nodded and, after some effort, found a clean glass and filled it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;So, who&#039;s that G.U.N. guy you were talking to after?&nbsp;&nbsp;Some evil spy lady or something?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow cleared his throat, handing Tails the glass and returning to the refrigerator.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;They say ignorance is bliss,&rdquo; he said calmly as the fox boy gulped.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog retrieved a bowl filled with sliced strawberries sitting in spiced black rum and, returning to the counter, patted Tails gently on the rump.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And if someone wants that <em>other </em>lesson soon, he&#039;d best forget whatever his pointy ears overheard today.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails shrugged.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Pfff.&nbsp;&nbsp;You&#039;ve been saying that all week but you just keep on working.&nbsp;&nbsp;We haven&#039;t... done anything fun since Monday.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails frowned as he scooped more frosting. &ldquo;You didn&#039;t even come get me for bed last night.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow smirked as he layered the slices on the frosting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It was not intentional, I assure you.&nbsp;&nbsp;You fell asleep on the couch playing your game.&nbsp;&nbsp;You looked comfortable.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow ate one of the slices and offered one to Tails, who shook his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;The bedroom was a damn sauna.&nbsp;&nbsp;I got tired of lying there sweating and spent the rest of the night in the patio hammock.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who do you think turned the fan on you, silly?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Sorry,&rdquo; sighed Tails, finishing the top and proceeding to frost the sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I just... I get scared when I wake up alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;I never used to be like that.&nbsp;&nbsp;Usually Sonic&#039;s right there...&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails trailed off, looking out towards the ocean.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Next to me.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow suckled his fingertips and nodded.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I understand.&nbsp;&nbsp;This horrid weather is supposed to clear out tomorrow when the storm hits, but then we&rsquo;ll have to deal with that.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow finished layering strawberries where Tails had frosted and set the bowl aside, wiping his brow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I said hold off on the sides.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails winced and dropped the knife back in the bowl.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;As for Sonic, you&#039;ll see him in less than a week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Aren&rsquo;t you excited?&nbsp;&nbsp;What&#039;s with all the mope?&nbsp;&nbsp;It&#039;s not like he&#039;s back with Amy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless that&#039;s the real reason he&#039;s not texting,&rdquo; chuckled Shadow. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Don&#039;t even JOKE about that, Shadow!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Veins throbbing on his temple, the fox boy growled and slammed down the bowl, causing the knife to jump out and sizable dollops of frosting to plop onto the counter and Shadow&#039;s forearm.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails folded his arms tightly and glowered at the countertop.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Easy!&rdquo; frowned Shadow, sliding the cake free of the spill and shaking his head as he licked his forearm clean.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It was just a bit of jest.&nbsp;&nbsp;I failed, obviously.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow wiped his hands on his apron and, facing Tails, placed a hand on his hip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Out with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;What&#039;s eating you?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I miss him, okay!?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails looked askance at Shadow and took a deep breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And Amy&hellip; I don&rsquo;t even know how she&rsquo;s gonna be around me when she gets back.&nbsp;&nbsp;She stopped texting me at all.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is hard for me, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;I feel tangled up inside, worrying about what might&mdash;ah!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails winced and rubbed his back over his kidney.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hnngg...&nbsp;&nbsp;about what might happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus I&#039;ve been sifting and stirring and whipping this&hellip; this stuff all day.&nbsp;&nbsp;My arms hurt, my feet hurt, my back&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox boy blew his orange bangs from his eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And it&#039;s not even Sonic&#039;s real cake for when he gets home.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&#039;s a <em>practise </em>cake.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don&#039;t even want it anymore.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow nodded patiently.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let it get to you.&nbsp;&nbsp;My chats aren&rsquo;t going through either.&nbsp;&nbsp;And the situation unlikely to improve until the storm passes.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow eyeballed the next layer and positioned it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And I suppose a completely from-scratch recipe was too much to start you out with.&nbsp;&nbsp;Especially in this heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even a prot&eacute;g&eacute; has limits.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow effortlessly slid the layer into place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;There&#039;s honestly not much left to do.&nbsp;&nbsp;Go shower, I can take care of the mess,&rdquo; he chuckled.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I confess though, it&#039;s unlike you to quit.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails shook his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t quitting, Shad.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wincing from sore muscles, Tails grabbed a large armful of spent bowls and utensils and dumped them unceremoniously in the sink atop others already present.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Not unless one of your clueless field agents wants to come do all these dishes.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Ah, the modern hero,&rdquo; snickered Shadow, frosting the next layer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Lay waste to everything, quit the scene and let nameless functionaries deal with the mess.&nbsp;&nbsp;You insult my agents, boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;And yet, they would gladly do it if I asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even when they&rsquo;re exhausted they do not complain, something you should consider trying.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow paused and poured himself a splash of wine and leaned on the kitchen island.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Look at me.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve survived being shot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several times.&nbsp;&nbsp;Surgeries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Explosions.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bashings, bleedings beyond count.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet I am unbowed, unbroken.&nbsp;&nbsp;You, on the other hand, are on the ropes.&nbsp;&nbsp;And from what?&nbsp;&nbsp;Missing your boyfriend?&nbsp;&nbsp;A heat wave?&nbsp;&nbsp;Ridiculous.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow smirked and took a sip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;My agents are not the ones who need to sack up in this equation.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Glowering, Tails&rsquo; cheeks flushed visibly as his voice rose.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;If they&rsquo;re so great, why can&#039;t they do one THING without running it past you?&nbsp;&nbsp;Do they also promise to help, but then run off and&hellip; and&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;drink?&nbsp;&nbsp;And talk on the phone all day!?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Returning the glare, Shadow poured himself the last of the wine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;An interesting question!&nbsp;&nbsp;Allow me to answer with one of my own.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Calmly swirling his glass, Shadow faced the upset fox and locked eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Do you happen to know when the real Miles Prower will be returning?&nbsp;&nbsp;I ask because the whiny, vindictive ingrate standing here now is a very poor substitute.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaning back against the counter, Shadow looked away and sipped pensively.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails shook his head, fuming as his eyes narrowed to angry slits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Knux is right, you know that?&nbsp;&nbsp;You&#039;re an arrogant, edgy old f--&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox boy struggled to precisely quote the echidna.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Fuck!&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, Sonic&rsquo;s helped you out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Helped you not be such a jerk.&nbsp;&nbsp;But you&rsquo;re still so <em>full </em>of yourself!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow&rsquo;s eyes widened as he glanced at Tails, the fox holding out his arms.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I tell you I&rsquo;m hurt and scared and YOU tell me to sack up.&nbsp;&nbsp;That&rsquo;s a Shadow pep talk, all right.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s always about you, somehow.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails exhaled and wiped his flushed, flour-dusted face on a towel.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s no wonder you live alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Who else could stand you?&nbsp;&nbsp;When Sonic gets back it won&rsquo;t be a moment too soon.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he patted away perspiration, Tails heard the wine glass break on the floor, followed by deafening silence.&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox opened his eyes to a blinking, stunned hedgehog, who placed a hand on the counter as if to steady himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails looked down at the broken glass, then up at Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stifled seconds ticked past.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Wait,&rdquo; sighed Tails, flattening his ears and raising a hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I-- Shadow?&nbsp;&nbsp;I didn&#039;t mean that.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speechless at first, Shadow shook his head slightly and rubbed his chest ruff where it protruded from his apron.&nbsp;&nbsp;When he did speak, his voice was unsteady.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Didn&#039;t you?&nbsp;&nbsp;It was remarkably candid.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails grew anxious and blushed, shaking his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;No, I just&hellip; what I meant--&rdquo; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;This may come as a surprise to you,&rdquo; interrupted Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;But I do, in fact, have feelings.&nbsp;&nbsp;And they can, in fact, be hurt.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow swallowed.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Even so, I appreciate your candor.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Removing his phone, Shadow slowly untied his apron and laid it across the back of a chair as he looked out the window towards the ocean.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Our lessons are concluded, I am needed elsewhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;You have my office number.&nbsp;&nbsp;Call for help if you need it, day or night.&nbsp;&nbsp;Someone other than myself will be here within minutes.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow looked askance at the increasingly worried fox.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You did well on the cake, Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;Do not be so quick to discard what is difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp;Farewell.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails froze as Shadow turned and left the stifling kitchen.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hand still outstretched, his mind raced for something, anything he might say, but nothing came.&nbsp;&nbsp;Numbing shock crept over him like static, turning his legs to lead and tightening this throat.&nbsp;&nbsp;His face grew fiercely hot.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;What just happened?&rdquo; he whispered frantically.&nbsp;&nbsp;Knots appeared in the fox boy&#039;s throat and stomach as an odd panic arose, urging his body awkwardly forward, though it was like stumbling through water.&nbsp;&nbsp;He failed to find Shadow in the living room, bedroom, bathroom, patio or workshop.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hearing the jingle of keys and a slamming door from the other direction, Tails ran to the front entrance as his eyes began to rapidly fill with tears.&nbsp;&nbsp;He caught a glimpse of Shadow at the end of the drive, securing an overnight bag on his motorcycle and straightening his leather jacket about his shoulders after mounting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Shadow!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dashing past the stoop as Shadow kick started Dark Rider, Tails literally took off, flying to side of the hedgehog, who shot an angry glance as the fox boy landed with a dusty skid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tears streamed down Tails&#039; face as he grabbed Shadow&rsquo;s forearm and&nbsp;&nbsp;pleaded with the stone-faced rider over the rumbling engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Don&#039;t go, Shadow, please!&nbsp;&nbsp;I&#039;m sorry for what I said!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow looked straight ahead and exhaled tersely.&nbsp;&nbsp;His voice, though raised, was cold and stern.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Let go of my arm, boy.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails gnashed his teeth and cried through hot, blinding tears, ears flattening as he gripped Shadow&#039;s arm and shook his head emphatically.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;No, Shadow!&nbsp;&nbsp;Please!&nbsp;&nbsp;I don&#039;t know why I said those things, it was wrong!&nbsp;&nbsp;Everything hurts inside!&nbsp;&nbsp;Please, <em>please </em>forgive me!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Stand&hellip; aside!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow&rsquo;s knuckles whitened as he gripped the handlebars and revved Dark Rider ominously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;No...&rdquo; cried the fox, shaking his head in disbelief.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to be alone...&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails choked on sobs as a slurry of shame, confusion and fear overwhelmed, robbing him of speech and weakening his legs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Please...&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;His grip slipping from Shadow&#039;s sleeve, the fox boy sank to his knees on the sandy drive, his small frame curling upon itself as he sobbed profusely into his hands. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow&#039;s chest rose and fell, his ears ringing hotly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pain and rejection hissed inside like acid, but the matured, practiced hedgehog took precious seconds to think.&nbsp;&nbsp;Noticing the corner of a note stuck in his jacket pocket, he pulled the wrinkled paper out with his fingertips and glanced at it:<br /><br /><em>Thanks a million, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;I owe you BIG time!&nbsp;&nbsp;I know you and Tails will get along just fine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Please take care of the lil&#039; guy, I love him more than anything.&nbsp;&nbsp;Love you too, TDH.&nbsp;&nbsp;See you on the 27th.&nbsp;&nbsp;Will bring back goodies for ya both.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonic~<br /></em><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clutching the note, Shadow closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then another.&nbsp;&nbsp;Slowly he tucked the note back into his pocket and reached forward, killing the engine.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the rumbling bike fell silent, Shadow leaned over and gently took Tails by the arm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Stand up.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;His reddened face wet with tears, Tails&#039; crying abated somewhat as he rose on shaky legs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow carefully lifted the fox boy into the seat so the pair faced one another.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reaching into another pocket, he found and flicked open a black and red handkerchief and placed it over Tails&rsquo; runny nose.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Here&hellip; blow.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails did as bidden before taking the handkerchief and wiping his eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Thu&mdash; thank you,&rdquo; sobbed the fox, blowing his nose again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I suppose it would be rather melodramatic to go peeling off in a huff,&rdquo; sighed Shadow calmly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And I detest drama.&nbsp;&nbsp;Being the arrogant old fuck that I am,&rdquo; he chuckled, wiping a tear of his own.&nbsp;&nbsp;A watery-eyed snicker-sob escaped Tails&#039; mouth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow took the handkerchief and gently patted tears from Tails&#039; face as he looked softly into the fox boy&#039;s bloodshot blue eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;The truth hurts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Intensely at times.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I&#039;ve no excuse.&nbsp;&nbsp;For running away.&nbsp;&nbsp;Or hurting someone I love.&nbsp;&nbsp;And respect.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite--&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow paused and closed his eyes, wiping away a tear.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Despite my pledge to never do so.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow looked away sheepishly, wiping away still more tears.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Tails?&nbsp;&nbsp;I&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m not worthy of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I beg your forgiveness.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Uuhhggnn!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails uttered half-sob, half-word as he threw his arms around Shadow, hugging the dark hedgehog as tight as could be.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Shadow!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails trembled as a renewed flurry of sobs came forth.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow squeezed the fox tight as tears streaked down his face and onto Tails&#039; shoulder.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Now, now,&rdquo; he said, straining to steady his voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&#039;s unseemly for heroes to cry, don&#039;t you think?&nbsp;&nbsp;Especially ones who&rsquo;ve nothing to be sorry for.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&#039;ve got you, foxy.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&#039;ve got you.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The pair simply held each other tightly as their composures returned.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rubbing his eyes as his tears dried, Tails leaned back and held Shadow&rsquo;s hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;m the one who should be sorry, &ldquo;he sniffled, &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t mean those things.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hear people say mean stuff about you, but they don&rsquo;t even know you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not like I do.&nbsp;&nbsp;You&#039;ve been so nice, so kind to me, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;All this time.&nbsp;&nbsp;All the things you&rsquo;ve shown me, all the things we&rsquo;ve talked about.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s been wonderful.&nbsp;&nbsp;I do miss Sonic, but you&rsquo;re always there for me, watching out for me, helping me.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s one of the best feelings there is.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;It&rsquo;s yours for the asking, foxy.&nbsp;&nbsp;And Sonic&rsquo;s,&rdquo; smiled Shadow softly, thumbing the fox&rsquo;s palm reassuringly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Always.&nbsp;&nbsp;My colleagues and friends give me purpose. A certain fox and hedgehog most of all.&nbsp;&nbsp;Which reminds me, there&rsquo;s something I need to share with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;My chat with Sonic last night.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve got a notification but we&rsquo;ll need a network to get them.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eyes brightening, Tails squeezed Shadow&rsquo;s hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Sonic?&nbsp;&nbsp;Did he call, like a voice mail?&nbsp;&nbsp;Or text you?&nbsp;&nbsp;None of mine will go through!&nbsp;&nbsp;Is he okay?&nbsp;&nbsp;What happened to him?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Calm down, we&rsquo;ll pull it up when we can.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow leaned in and kissed Tails&rsquo; forehead and patted the fox boy&rsquo;s thighs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I think we could both use a change of venue.&nbsp;&nbsp;And some fresh air.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow dismounted and helped Tails off the bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s shower first.&nbsp;&nbsp;I smell like a pile of old corks and you&#039;re part cake by now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Get your overnight bag together, I&rsquo;m taking you someplace special.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Okay,&rdquo; smiled Tails curiously.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;But... but what about the cake?&nbsp;&nbsp;Won&#039;t it spoil if we just leave it out like that?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Fuck the cake,&rdquo; winked Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll make one with Sonic after he gets home.&nbsp;&nbsp;All you&#039;ll have to do is help eat it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps we&rsquo;ll tie blue butt to the bed and use him as a plate.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails giggled as the pair made their way back inside hand in hand, smiling at one another.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even with the hot water turned off the shower was nearly tepid, but it was an oasis for two sore, overheated bodies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The unpleasantness of midday circled the drain like soap suds as Shadow sat cross-legged on the tiles and helped scrub the encrusted fox boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog took extra time to wash and massage Tails&rsquo; sore limbs and back, smiling to himself as the fox boy closed his eyes and moaned with relaxation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Happy to reciprocate, Tails shampooed the seated hedgehog&rsquo;s silky, jet black and crimson quills.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog&rsquo;s eyes closed, his mouth hanging open as Tails&rsquo; nimble fingers found and worked every part of his neck and scalp.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scooping Tails into his lap, Shadow rewarded him with an energetic and sometimes ticklish foot scrubbing, the hedgehog gladdened by the return of that wonderful laugh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once all assorted hedgehog and fox bits were rinsed clean, Shadow knelt and hugged the wet fox boy tight, the pair looking at one another softly before kissing and nuzzling.&nbsp;&nbsp;Placing his hands on Shadow&rsquo;s shoulders as the hedgehog helped him brace, Tails stuck out his rump&nbsp;&nbsp;and spun the water from his namesakes before they reached for towels.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As the sultry afternoon grew late, the freshly showered duo returned to the bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow took Tails&rsquo; bag and secured it atop his own.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Got what you need?&nbsp;&nbsp;Phone charger, books, toothbrush, wallet, goggles?&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean undies?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow smiled and checked over the other compartments, satisfied all was secure.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Sit in front, I don&#039;t want your tails anywhere near the rear spokes or exhaust.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Okay&rdquo; nodded Tails, watching Shadow mount Dark Rider before climbing aboard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I think I got everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plane&rsquo;s in the hangar, everything&rsquo;s locked.&nbsp;&nbsp;So <em>now </em>can you tell me where we&rsquo;re going, Shad?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;We&rsquo;re getting out of this damn heat,&rdquo; said Shadow, retrieving his phone and placing it to his ear.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I have a place in Fern Forest near Sky High.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s nice and cool up there.&nbsp;&nbsp;And I wouldn&#039;t mind keeping an eye on it while the storm passes through.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Fern Forest?&rdquo; beamed Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s really beautiful up there, I haven&rsquo;t been in ages!&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;My retreat,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, nodding.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Here, put these on while I try to get through.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow reached back into Tails&rsquo; bag and retrieved the fox boy&rsquo;s goggles as he spoke into the phone.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ah, good.&nbsp;&nbsp;Put me through to 623, please.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blue?&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow here.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am well, thank you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Listen, sorry for the short notice but I need someone to come secure Sonic&rsquo;s place tonight through Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;re going to hole up in Fern Forest for the storm.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rock and Tide?&nbsp;&nbsp;Perfect.&nbsp;&nbsp;But get a support crew to clean and stock up the place first.&nbsp;&nbsp;They&rsquo;ll need a couple of AC units and a standby generator too.&nbsp;&nbsp;Right.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, it&rsquo;s overtime.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus expenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Have them report in regularly.&nbsp;&nbsp;If they need anything, send it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thank you, Blue.&nbsp;&nbsp;My regards to 820.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay safe, the both of you.&nbsp;&nbsp;I shall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodbye.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;There,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, pocketing the phone.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;All taken care of.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now lean forward, I need to fire her up.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails crouched over the tank and watched over his shoulder as Shadow gracefully heaved himself upwards and kick started the metal steed to life.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow smiled and playfully patted the fox boy&rsquo;s rump before motioning him to sit up.&nbsp;&nbsp;As Tails leaned back into Shadow, the hedgehog kissed his cheek before checking various gauges, speaking carefully into the fox&rsquo;s ear.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ready?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Yeah!&rdquo; nodded Tails, leaning up and returning the peck on Shadow&rsquo;s chin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Donning his sunglasses, Shadow righted Dark Rider and hit the throttle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sand from the drive flew chest high as the pair roared onto the road and sped off, the fox boy&rsquo;s twin tails and the hedgehog&rsquo;s black and crimson quills whipping elegantly in the sunny, hot wind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The ride took them through a series of picturesque towns and hamlets that grew progressively smaller as they headed inland.&nbsp;&nbsp;What few businesses were open were busy boarding up windows or securing loose items.&nbsp;&nbsp;As they gained elevation, the traffic thinned, the scenery became greener and the forests thicker.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rising into overcast uplands, the pair soon passed through a cool drizzle that persisted for miles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scattered orchards and farms yielded to forest, unbroken for miles save for old, moss covered lava flows.&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox and hedgehog took turns pointing out novel sights as the cool air revived their spirits.&nbsp;&nbsp;On straight stretches, Shadow explained the bike&rsquo;s controls and gauges, eventually letting the thrilled fox take the handlebars himself as Shadow held Tails&rsquo; slender hips.&nbsp;&nbsp;They zipped past a sign showing they&rsquo;d reached four thousand feet, where much of South Island transformed, swapping its tropical vestments for cool, perpetually damp rainforest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rumbling into Fern Forest, the pair stopped for supplies and a bite to eat at the village store which, along with a caf&eacute;, post office, two eateries, a coffee shop, a laundromat and a hardware store marked civilization&rsquo;s last hurrah before the road turned to the formidable wilderness and volcanic moonscapes of Sky High National Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;As he sat on the bike and waited for Tails, Shadow serenely inhaled the cool, misty air, heavy with moss and the faint spice from untold thousands of bottlebrush-like red flowers cloaking nearly every tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;Songbirds whose plumage matched the crimson blooms flitted throughout the evening canopy, singing in elegant, flute-like notes as they foraged tirelessly for nectar.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog closed his eyes and listened.&nbsp;&nbsp;The birdsong and breeze whispering through the branches soothed his being.&nbsp;&nbsp;The damp air and earthy forest smells were a balm to his nose and lungs.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was an ancient, sacred sweetness, a living dream far removed from the world and its troubles.&nbsp;&nbsp;Relaxed at last, Shadow could hear Tails&rsquo; distinctive voice emerging from the open doors of the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Gosh, thank you, guys!&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s delicious!&rdquo; chimed Tails, waving goodbye to the shopkeepers as he emerged holding an ice cream cone.&nbsp;&nbsp;The armadillo lizard and she-wolf within waved cheerfully back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Goggles resting jauntily atop his head, the fox boy sported an unzipped green bomber jacket that bore a shoulder patch of the store&rsquo;s logo.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Look, Shadow!&nbsp;&nbsp;She gave me free ice cream for getting this jacket!&nbsp;&nbsp;You want some?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails carefully licked the bottom of the multihued treat free of drips and offered it to the hedgehog.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Certainly, if that&#039;s what I think it is,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, holding Tails&rsquo; hand and enjoying the offered treat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ah, yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Serenity&rsquo;s homemade five fruits.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ambrosia.&nbsp;&nbsp;She and Vengeance have sold it here for years, it&rsquo;s a local favorite.&nbsp;&nbsp;They go through buckets of it during tourist season.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow held the cone for Tails as the fox boy climbed back into his seat.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Is that jacket going to be warm enough for you?&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s cooler than I expected, the weather&rsquo;s already turning.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;It&rsquo;s perfect!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Carefully taking back the cone, Tails licked it back into shape.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Thank you for the gift, I&rsquo;m sorry I forgot to bring one.&nbsp;&nbsp;That lady was saying they might get snow up on the mountains from the storm tomorrow.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox again held the cone up for Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t bet against it,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, taking a careful bite and patting Tails&rsquo; thigh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmm&hellip; finish it off foxy, I&rsquo;m full, thank you.&nbsp;&nbsp;The jacket is my treat, I&rsquo;m always happy to support the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;It wouldn&rsquo;t be Fern Forest without it.&nbsp;&nbsp;That reminds me, we have to get Sonic up here when the cafe is open, there isn&rsquo;t a better chili dog on the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even I eat one on occasion.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;They must be good then,&rdquo; giggled Tails, sucking his&nbsp;&nbsp;fingertips clean.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never had a burger with gravy and an egg on top, that was awesome!&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone is so nice up here.&nbsp;&nbsp;They all know you or wave, or just start talking with you.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow nodded and smiled, rubbing Tails&rsquo; full belly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tight knit community.&nbsp;&nbsp;They&rsquo;re wholly dependent on visitors, agriculture and artistry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Everyone&rsquo;s welcome and everyone counts.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow looked through the treetops at the massive volcanic peaks glowing in the early evening sun.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s where I come to reset.&nbsp;&nbsp;Decompress, revive myself.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails nodded and slowly rubbed Shadow&rsquo;s thigh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Thank you for bringing me, I already feel better.&nbsp;&nbsp;The heat was so awful&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails looked down thoughtfully at Shadow&rsquo;s hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s like it made me crazy.&nbsp;&nbsp;And that other feeling, with Sonic&hellip; it&rsquo;s like being really homesick, but for a person.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails turned his head and looked up at the hedgehog.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;m really sorry for how I acted today, Shadow.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow hugged Tails close.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You needn&rsquo;t keep apologizing, Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mishaps, misunderstandings&hellip; they happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;My only concern is that you&rsquo;re all right now and ready to enjoy the place.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I sure am!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails squeezed Shadow&rsquo;s arms around himself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow nuzzled into the fox boy&rsquo;s neck.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Good.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let no more harsh words pass between us, young Prower.&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;re supposed to be the smart ones, after all.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow winked as Tails giggled and returned the nuzzle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;All right, off we go.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not far now.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow smiled and kick started the bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;Patches of blue sky broke through fluffy orange clouds as the pair cruised leisurely through the picturesque village on its narrow roads, taking them past old, widely spaced single story houses.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some had impossibly lush yards while others were nearly swallowed by forest, with a nearby rusted vehicle or two succumbing to the greenery.&nbsp;&nbsp;What few inhabitants they saw stopped and waved.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow returned friendly nods while Tails became waver-backer-in-chief, bringing a smile to any who saw him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow soon turned on a narrow drive that wound upslope into a very large lot covered end to end with thick, damp forest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow dismounted briefly to unlock a chain strung across the drive.&nbsp;&nbsp;As they continued, the house peeked through a clearing near the rear of the property: a modestly sized bungalow-like affair, medium brick red with a matching roof and coffee-black trim.&nbsp;&nbsp;Almost a century old but in immaculate condition, the house had a large front porch with two white rocking chairs and several hanging flower baskets.&nbsp;&nbsp;A substantial rock chimney towered above; below the house sat a large water tank for the catchment system.&nbsp;&nbsp;A small koi pond beckoned to the side of the drive, leading to a rolling, hilly yard boarded everywhere with flowering shrubs, mossy rocks or low-lying rock walls with ferns and lichens springing from every crack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails&rsquo; eyes widened at the sight as they rumbled to a halt near a tidy detached garage and workshop.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Here we are, foxy.&rdquo; Shadow turned off the bike and dismounted, carefully surveying the property for any signs of visitors, wanted or otherwise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails climbed down and began to pull their belongings from the bike as Shadow offered his keys.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll get the bags in a bit.&nbsp;&nbsp;I haven&rsquo;t been back in a while so we need to turn everything on.&nbsp;&nbsp;We should check the security panel too.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;This place is cool!&rdquo; marveled Tails, craning his neck to spot any of the dozens of birds calling and flitting in nearby trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;The curious, mechanically inclined fox halved the time it took to ready the house, helping Shadow flip circuit breakers, ignite pilot lights, reset clocks, open water valves and prime the pump.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow showed him a cryptic security panel hidden within a recess in the house&rsquo;s crawlspace.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Good.&nbsp;&nbsp;All green, nobody&rsquo;s been,&rdquo; nodded Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Something&rsquo;s red, time to knock heads.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ll teach you all the codes for when you and Sonic come up or want to use the place.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails blinked.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&hellip; you&rsquo;d let us do that, Shad?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Of course,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, patting Tails&rsquo; shoulders.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;What good&rsquo;s a treasure if you don&rsquo;t share it?&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides, I trust you not to blow anything up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just don&rsquo;t let Sonic press any buttons.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now let&rsquo;s grab our stuff and relax.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;All right!&rdquo; grinned Tails, zipping out to the bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The inside of the house was equally inviting.&nbsp;&nbsp;The living room was dominated by large two-sided fireplace, through which the main bedroom and its large, quilt-covered bed was visible.&nbsp;&nbsp;An impressive collection of shark-toothed and other antique war clubs hung over the mantle beneath the tall ceiling, while tastefully framed paintings of flowers, birds and ancient South Islanders lined the walls.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finely refinished, low-slung furnishings and heavy quilts gave the place soft, timeless look, a hidden retreat ready for long books and cold nights.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearly every window looked out into lush greenery; others glowed with stained glass in floral or geometric motifs.&nbsp;&nbsp;The tidy kitchen with its large, old stove was open and accessible, making it easy to entertain while cooking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wood flooring and trim original to the house glowed from careful restoration; nooks and crannies abounded, filled with books, turned wooden bowls or old glass fishing floats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails was immediately drawn to the books and artifacts as he walked in and set down their bags.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Wow!&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s even nicer than I remember.&nbsp;&nbsp;Look at this cool stuff!&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;That would have been some four or five years back,&rdquo; nodded Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You were just a squirt.&nbsp;&nbsp;I remember you running all over, collecting flowers and moss and pressing them in a book.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s probably still here, hehe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Take a look around, make yourself at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ll get us some beverages in a bit.&rdquo; Shadow sat on the couch and removed his gloves, shoes and socks, reclining and dozing for a while as Tails happily explored the house and the grounds beyond before the daylight gave out.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t that lady who served us dinner say this house had a name?&rdquo; asked Tails, bouncing his rump on the couch as Shadow blinked awake.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;&lsquo;Are you guys headed to Castle Shadow&rsquo;, or something like that?&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry, were&nbsp;&nbsp;you napping?&rdquo; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow chuckled and shook his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Nah.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just resting my eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dex calls it Casa Shadow,&rdquo; he yawned, stretching.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;But I detest that name.&nbsp;&nbsp;I just call it Fern Forest.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Who&rsquo;s Dex?&nbsp;&nbsp;Ooo!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails spied a large book on South Island forest species on the end table.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seeing the hedgehog had disrobed, Tails did likewise before retrieving the book, the fox boy nude but for his socks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;He&rsquo;s dear old friend from work, I don&rsquo;t believe you&rsquo;ve met.&nbsp;&nbsp;That&rsquo;s him.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow pointed to a nearby framed photo that showed himself in full dress G.U.N. uniform pinning a medal on a tall, handsome hedgehog, winter white with pale, ice-blue eyes and impressive black banding that ran the length of his quills and down his sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a senior field agent now, but keep that to yourself.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dex lived with me while I was being groomed for command.&nbsp;&nbsp;The vetting I underwent was rather intense.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails balanced the book on his legs and looked up at Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Someone had to live with you just to get your job?&nbsp;&nbsp;I thought maybe he was&hellip; you know, like an old boyfriend or something.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;A bit of both,&rdquo; laughed Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;But the details, some of them at least, are classified.&nbsp;&nbsp;So I cannot bore you with them.&nbsp;&nbsp;But he&rsquo;s a lovely fellow and I suspect you&rsquo;ll meet at some point.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow smiled and patted Tails&rsquo; thigh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Now, can I get you something?&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve got coffee, tea, cider, cocoa&hellip; we picked up milk&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;there&rsquo;s various sodas in the fridge too, but they&rsquo;re probably not cold yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve got a full bar here too, but I suggest we stay out of it for now.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I like cider,&rdquo; smiled Tails, thumbing through the book as Shadow stood.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Can I help?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;How about you get us a fire going?&rdquo; smiled Shadow, heading to the kitchen.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Sure!&rdquo; grinned Tails, setting the book aside and padding over to the large stack of firewood by the mantle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I use the small stuff first, right?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Aye, kindling.&nbsp;&nbsp;Matches are in that bowl, it&rsquo;s all right there.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be careful and make sure to open the flue first.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Shadow prepared drinks, Tails slipped inside the fireplace and pulled the chain to the flue, then knelt and set about building an admirable stack of interlaced logs with kindling nestled neatly at the base.&nbsp;&nbsp;Within moments of striking a match, the fox boy was enjoying the fire, rubbing his hands and humming softly to himself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow placed steaming mugs on the end table.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Here we are.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, thank you foxy, that&rsquo;s a lovely fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m accustomed to lounging in the altogether. I hope you don&rsquo;t mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;My home is very private.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow sat in the low, cushy couch and let out a deep sigh, staring serenely at the crackling fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;The evening&rsquo;s last light had faded, coaxing crickets to sing softly outside.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails looked over his shoulder and smiled at the nude, coffee-sipping hedgehog.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t mind at all.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning back to the fire, Tails blushed and poked it gently.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I like seeing you, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;You know that.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Well that&rsquo;s good,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, carefully sipping as his cock lay in repose between his legs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I like what I see too.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog admired the nude fox boy kneeling before the fire, his yellow-orange bubble butt resting atop the heels of his white socks as his twin tails lay elegantly to either side.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;d like a closer view, if that&rsquo;s all right.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow patted the cushions softly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blushing under his grin, Tails stood and padded to the couch and sat close to Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog kissed his forehead and slowly handed him his cider.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Careful now, no scalded wieners allowed.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails giggled and took the mug in both hands, blowing before a cautious sip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmm&hellip; that&rsquo;s amazing, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;What&rsquo;s in it?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow sipped his coffee and gently caressed Tails&rsquo; thigh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;The cider is local.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fern Forest is one of the few places on South Island cool enough to grow decent apples.&nbsp;&nbsp;Add cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of ginger, couple cloves, dried orange peel and brown sugar.&nbsp;&nbsp;The recipe says add bourbon too, but&hellip; maybe when you&rsquo;re older,&rdquo; winked Shadow, turning on his phone before taking another sip.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Now, let&rsquo;s see if there&rsquo;s still network up here.&nbsp;&nbsp;If not, there&rsquo;s an old land line down at the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re missing Sonic that badly I&rsquo;m sure Venge or Serenity will let you make a call after breakfast.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails nodded and leaned against Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Thank you, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know something&#039;s up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonic and Amy were fighting last weekend, then he was happy and texting me a bunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;So was Knux.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even Amy was saying hi and hoped we were okay.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then everybody got quiet.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now it just says there&rsquo;s no network.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails sighed and laid his head against Shadow&rsquo;s shoulder, watching the fire.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow nodded and sipped.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;What was the last you heard from him?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails looked down at Shadow&rsquo;s hand and placed his on top of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Yesterday, before the outages.&nbsp;&nbsp;He said we need to have a talk when he gets back and that it&#039;s really important.&nbsp;&nbsp;And&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails blushed, smiling as he stroked the top of Shadow&rsquo;s hand.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow laced his fingers with the fox&rsquo;s.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;And That he loves me with all his heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter what.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow squeezed Tails&rsquo; thigh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;That sounds like rather <em>good </em>news, don&#039;t you think?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;But a big talk about what?&rdquo; Tails looked up at Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;He usually tells me what he&rsquo;s up to.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the time, anyway.&nbsp;&nbsp;What if it&#039;s bad?&nbsp;&nbsp;Is he mad about&hellip; you know, the lessons?&nbsp;&nbsp;What if it&rsquo;s Amy, or he just wants to be friends?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox began to rub his leg nervously.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the one that really scares me.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow chuckled softly and shook his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&rsquo;re working yourself up over nothing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Truly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Except perhaps some clumsy suspense on Sonic&rsquo;s part.&nbsp;&nbsp;For someone seven years your senior, he hasn&rsquo;t a lick more maturity.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow glanced over at his phone.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ah!&nbsp;&nbsp;Good, we&rsquo;re in luck.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow swiped the phone a few times and offered it to Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Now, don&rsquo;t read any of my work chats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just Sonic&rsquo;s.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails nodded and took the phone as Shadow grinned broadly, rubbing the rim of his coffee cup as he leaned back and shoulder-surfed while the fox boy read:<br /><br />[Chat history has been cleared]<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 10:51 P.M. - Then we are fully agreed?&nbsp;&nbsp;No reservations?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 10:52 P.M. - Yeah its okay.&nbsp;&nbsp;Honest shadz u guys can play.&nbsp;&nbsp;But on 2 conditions<br /><br />The Ultimate -- 10:53 P.M. -&nbsp;&nbsp;Very well blue butt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Name your terms. <br /><br />Blue Butt -- 10:53 P.M. - First off Tails is MINE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Never forget that&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Blue Butt -- 10:53 P.M.&nbsp;&nbsp;Second you&rsquo;ll have 2 deal with me now too when I get back. Tails and i come as a set&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 10:54 P.M. -&nbsp;&nbsp;Especially now &lt;3<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 10:54 P.M &ndash; Of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;And I have every intention of /dealing/ with you, boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over and over.&nbsp;&nbsp;Count on it.&nbsp;&nbsp;You are already some lessons behind your concupiscent partner.<br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 10:55 P.M. - Thats Tails right?&nbsp;&nbsp;Srry brain is spinning.&nbsp;&nbsp;OK we&rsquo;re agreed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can&#039;t believe u want to play Shad. i always wondered. &lt;3&nbsp;&nbsp;Wish i was there now.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gettin hard just thinking bout you guys hehe<br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:56 P.M. - You have 2 give me the lessons too Shadz.&nbsp;&nbsp;Guessing u have way more experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;Dirty ol hog. ;)<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 10:57 P.M. - Indeed I do.&nbsp;&nbsp;And it will be my honor to share.&nbsp;&nbsp;I want it just as badly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Your fox&#039;s skills are much improved.&nbsp;&nbsp;He and I shall make things very hard on you indeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;*squeezes your ass*&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 10:57 P.M. - &lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3!&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh hey pics finaly showed up&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:57 P.M. - OMG TDH ur cock is sexy.&nbsp;&nbsp;I WANT IT :P~~<br /><br />The Ultimate - 10:58 P.M. - Fortuitous.&nbsp;&nbsp;Because it wants you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just imagine, blue butt.&nbsp;&nbsp;How nice all of that would feel&hellip; in your hands&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;brushing your face&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;filling your throat&hellip; your tight little ass&hellip; <br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:59 P.M. - Ok I need 2 jack off.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like rite NOW befor Knux gets back.&nbsp;&nbsp;But promise me Shadz<br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:59 P.M. - One last thing<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 11:00 P.M. &ndash; I am here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spit it out.<br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 11:00 P.M. - Like I said u 2 can play.&nbsp;&nbsp;But plz dont poke Tails butt like take his cherry. I want to 2 be his first <br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 11:01 P.M. - Its important Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know hed let do him if you asked<br /><br />Blue Butt - 11:01 P.M. - Or am i 2 late? :`(<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 11:02 P.M. - No, I have not bred him.&nbsp;&nbsp;And I promise.&nbsp;&nbsp;An eager and unspoilt fox awaits you.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 11:02 P.M. - Thank u TDH &lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 11:03 P.M. - I got a promise for u too though <br /><br />Blue Butt - 11:03 - U can do us both after<br /><br />Blue Butt - 11:03 P.M. - Hows THAT for a deal&nbsp;&nbsp;&gt;:D<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 11:04 P.M. - Superb.&nbsp;&nbsp;I approve and accept.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now grab that big blue gun of yours and shoot off a couple of rounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;One for your tight little orange BF...<br /><br />The Ultimate &ndash; 11:04 P.M. - And one for me.<br /><br />Blue Butt &ndash; 11:05 P.M. - Hehe DEAL. Already doin it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Heres a down payment for the promises <br /><br />[Image]<br />[Image]<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thumbing down, the riveted, wide-eyed fox boy gasped as a slightly blurry, close-up picture of an attractive, fully erect and familiar cock filled the screen.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaking pre at the tip, its owner&#039;s balls and thighs were a rich medium blue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Licking his lips, Tails thumbed to the second image, a fit pair of athletic male buttocks, blue, slender and spread to reveal a perfect pinkish ring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Sonic!?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Ah,&rdquo; snickered Shadow, watching Tails enlarge the photos to see each alluring detail.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Nothing like a successful negotiation.&nbsp;&nbsp;And an eager student.&nbsp;&nbsp;I forwarded this to your chats last night but clearly it hasn&rsquo;t gone through.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now then,&rdquo; Holding his hand open, Shadow patted Tails&rsquo; thigh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;What&rsquo;s all this pap about Sonic not being yours?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails seemed to be in shock for a moment before reluctantly handing back the phone.&nbsp;&nbsp;He looked up at Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&hellip; you mean you guys planned it all?&nbsp;&nbsp;The lessons, I mean?&nbsp;&nbsp;Or didn&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox boy blushed, noticing his cock was now semi-erect from the pictures.&nbsp;&nbsp;Setting his mug down, Tails shifted and faced Shadow, straddling the hedgehog&rsquo;s leg and taking his hand in both of his, thumbing it nervously.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I mean, why didn&rsquo;t you guys include me?&nbsp;&nbsp;I have a say too, don&rsquo;t I?&nbsp;&nbsp;I got so worried!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Hang on, hang on.&nbsp;&nbsp;There was no talk, no planning,&rdquo; reassured Shadow, squeezing Tails&rsquo; hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Not at first.&nbsp;&nbsp;The only lessons I had in mind were cooking lessons.&nbsp;&nbsp;The others&hellip; I honestly did not expect us to get on quite so well.&nbsp;&nbsp;But we did.&nbsp;&nbsp;More than well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wondrously.&nbsp;&nbsp;You are sweetness itself, Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve not felt this wanted, this alive in a good long while.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ears flattening bashfully, Tails blushed and smiled before nuzzling in tender silence with Shadow, who looked him in the eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s safe to say we have very strong feelings for one another.&nbsp;&nbsp;That&rsquo;s a good thing.&nbsp;&nbsp;May it always be so.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I would never betray Sonic or cause you to do so.&nbsp;&nbsp;You are his, after all.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, I thought it best to confer before you and I did anything we&rsquo;d all regret.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad you did,&rdquo; nodded Tails, sliding his fingers thoughtfully through the hedgehog&rsquo;s chest ruff.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I thought Sonic knew since you were gonna teach both of us.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was so happy you liked me, so excited to be with you, to have someone.&nbsp;&nbsp;You&rsquo;re my mentor. Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;I love you and I want you to be proud of me.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails lay his head against Shadow&rsquo;s ruff and hugged.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Guess I almost broke that one promise, big time, huh?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; shrugged Shadow, hugging back and nuzzling.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;And yet, you caught yourself.&nbsp;&nbsp;I <em>am </em>proud of you.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails smiled as Shadow slid his hands down his sides and squeezed his buns, patting them as he kissed the top of Tails&rsquo; head.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve seen the bond you and Sonic have.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is profound.&nbsp;&nbsp;Unbreakable.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am honored to share in that.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;ll always be around for you both.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails smiled up at Shadow and returned the kiss on the hedgehog&rsquo;s cheek.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmn&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m glad.&nbsp;&nbsp;&lsquo;Cos I want you to teach us everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonic does, too!&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I shall do my best,&rdquo; chuckled Shadow, lightly stroking his fingertips over Tails&rsquo; buns in slow circles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Though I do need to return to my agency as soon as possible next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;And you two will need some alone time.&nbsp;&nbsp;To re-bond.&nbsp;&nbsp;But we can space the lessons out, say on weekends.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow&rsquo;s fingers drifted inward to give soft, feathery caresses to the fox boy&rsquo;s taint and the back of his orbs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;In any case, you and I will make sure Sonic gets one hell of a homecoming.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;That tickles,&rdquo; giggled Tails coyly, squirming softly into Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmm&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I can&rsquo;t wait!&nbsp;&nbsp;Which ones should we teach him first?&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh!&nbsp;&nbsp;You really need to teach him how to kiss like you, where our tongues wrestle while you touch me all over.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails shifted and looked down as his cock began to harden against Shadow&rsquo;s, which was reacting in kind.&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Uh oh.&nbsp;&nbsp;I guess I&rsquo;m thinking about it a little too much.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow slid his hand between their bellies and squeezed their cocks together, caressing them gently.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;A little planning never hurt anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tell you what.&nbsp;&nbsp;Let&rsquo;s finish our drinks, let the fire burn down a little bit&hellip; and after I&rsquo;ve had a chance to freshen up, I think it&rsquo;s time for that next lesson.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails moaned softly, watching Shadow&rsquo;s hand slide up and down and squeeze their pressed-together cocks, throbbing appreciatively.&nbsp;&nbsp;Grinning and biting his lower lip, the fox boy slid his fingers through the hedgehog&rsquo;s chest ruff, grinding into Shadow gently as his small frame began to tingle head to toe with excitement.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Yeah&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;look at how big they&rsquo;re getting, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonic&rsquo;s going to have so much to play with, hehe.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe we should send him a picture of your cock in my--&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails paused and blinked, holding still for a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;No, wait. We promised, Shad.&nbsp;&nbsp;We can&rsquo;t do that lesson right now.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Correct,&rdquo; nodded Shadow, cupping Tails&rsquo; balls and rolling the soft orbs around in their velvety sack.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;That particular virginity will be Sonic&rsquo;s to take.&nbsp;&nbsp;But he did say we could play, and there&rsquo;s an alternate lesson I think you&rsquo;d enjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll simply switch places,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, giving Tails&rsquo; cock a healthy squeeze.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Come to think of it, it&rsquo;s probably best you both learn how to top properly.&nbsp;&nbsp;First time anal can be a bit of an ordeal.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails&rsquo; eyes grew wide.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Y-you want me to&hellip; to do your butt, Shad!?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I do,&rdquo; grinned Shadow, leaning in and nibbling the surprised fox boy&rsquo;s neck, kissing and suckling the tender skin as Tails melted and moaned.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Much as I love to give, I adore receiving as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;Versatility is good.&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be times Sonic will want you to give that tight blue bum of his a good, solid pounding.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can a fox give a hedgehog what he needs?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails blinked and licked his lips, looking over Shadow&rsquo;s chiseled body with a mixture of lust and apprehension.&nbsp;&nbsp;His small, cottony chest rose and fell while the hedgehog calmly tugged and rolled the fox boy&rsquo;s velvety balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never really done it.&nbsp;&nbsp; J-just practiced on my pillows.&nbsp;&nbsp;A lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;And one time between Sonic&rsquo;s cheeks while we were spooning.&nbsp;&nbsp;But we got so excited we spurted before it even went in.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Par for the course,&rdquo; chuckled Shadow, leaning in kissing Tails tenderly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Though I doubt either of you complained.&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll just take things nice and slow.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retrieving their respective drinks, Shadow clinked mugs with Tails as they smiled and sipped quietly with their bodies pressed together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once they finished , the fox curled his legs around Shadow&rsquo;s torso as the hedgehog pulled him in for a long, deep, loving kiss, tongues tasting and twirling together in slow, suckling, coffee-and-cider tinged passion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails slid his small hands up over Shadow&rsquo;s chest to his face, holding the handsome hedgehog as they kissed deeper still and took turns sucking one another&rsquo;s lips and tongues.&nbsp;&nbsp;Their cocks pressed together hotly, Shadow traced his middle fingertip over Tails&rsquo; hidden nipples, tugging gently as the fox boy whimpered longingly into his mouth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaning Tails back in his arms, Shadow attentively suckled and kissed his tender neck, chest and hard little nipples, eliciting a chain of long, dreamy moans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Neither party rushed, the two males kissing and fondling and stroking freely as the fireplace crackled happily, casting their entwined shadows on the wall.&nbsp;&nbsp;When their last kiss finally broke, a gossamer strand of saliva briefly connected their lower lips, matching the shiny strand of pre connecting their erections.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmmm&hellip;&rdquo; rumbled Shadow, clasping Tails&rsquo; wrists together and kissing his hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s make a little more room for ourselves.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow lay Tails down on the couch and stood, leaning over the fox and kissing his nose, then his chest, then the tip of his cock, bringing forth bashful giggle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;ll just be a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep that handsome fox cock nice and hard for me.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails nodded excitedly and stretched out, slowly stroking himself and intently watching the naked hedgehog&rsquo;s athletic, sinewy body move about through the orange glow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow gathered large, thick quilts from shelves and chairs and laid them in front of the fireplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;His deep amber eyes glinting with reflected flame, Shadow&rsquo;s&nbsp;&nbsp;impressive member and large orbs swung casually as he sauntered into the bedroom, then the bath.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails&rsquo; breathing grew heavy, drying his mouth as anticipation gripped him and began to build, his heart thumping loudly in his ears, his skin alight with shivers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox boy swallowed hard and whispered nervously to himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;This is it, Tails&hellip; you&rsquo;re really gonna do it.&nbsp;&nbsp;You&rsquo;re gonna make it with Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;With Shadow!&nbsp;&nbsp;Hnnngggg&hellip; gonna be a man now&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;What&rsquo;s it feel like?&nbsp;&nbsp;Do we use spit?&nbsp;&nbsp;Guess I&rsquo;ll find out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, just&hellip; relax.&nbsp;&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t want to come yet.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails let go of his penis, which throbbed and leaked on its own as he heard Shadow turn off the bathroom light.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Here he comes&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Smiling seductively, Shadow returned with two large pillows and dropped them on the quilts before setting a tube of lubricant on the hearth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;There&rsquo;s my foxy stud.&nbsp;&nbsp;Did you say something just now?&nbsp;&nbsp;Here, face this way.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow helped Tails swing his legs outward and knelt between them, caressing his slender hips and small love handles.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails&rsquo; face blushed hotly.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&hellip; no, not really.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m just kinda nervous,&rdquo; he chuckled, smiling across his body at Shadow, his toes curling and uncurling in his socks.&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox boy swallowed hard.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t believe we&rsquo;re really doing this.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope I&rsquo;m good enough for you, Shad.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Of course you are, sweet fox.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just relax.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow leaned in, their chest ruffs pressing together as he kissed Tails lovingly on the lips, then progressively lower, inch by inch over the fox boy&rsquo;s body, nibbling and nuzzling from chin to neck to chest to belly and lower still.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not a race or a test,&rdquo; murred Shadow softly, kissing Tails&rsquo; thighs and nuzzling the soft creases where his cock and balls met his body.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s just you and I, sharing something very special and intimate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just like lesson one.&nbsp;&nbsp;If we&rsquo;re going too far, or too fast, just tell me and we&rsquo;ll stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;No regrets, no bad feelings.&nbsp;&nbsp;I just want you to have fun and enjoy.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails moaned and squirmed at the hedgehog&rsquo;s attentions, watching as Shadow took hold of his erection, the fox boy squeezing the cushions as if gravity itself might stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;&nbsp;hedgehog smiled softly, rubbing Tails&rsquo; warm cock over his face.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmm&hellip; just look at you, all wound up from waiting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Better get you nice and wet.&nbsp;&nbsp;May I?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;You may,&rdquo; panted Tails, nodding as Shadow cupped his balls and tugged them slightly downwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow slid his other hand to Tails&rsquo; chest, caressing the ruff as he licked up the underside of the fox boy&rsquo;s straining erection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hips squirming with pleasure, Tails moaned loudly as Shadow closed his mouth around the whole of his cock, sucking the tasty, curved fox boy flesh in a slow, deliberately wet manner.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow used his lips to push down Tails&rsquo; foreskin, ensuring every little fold and curve became amply wet.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;NNnngghhh!&nbsp;&nbsp;You do that so good,&rdquo; quivered Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Licking the special places&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;mmmfff!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rumbling into Tails&rsquo; hard, tasty pole as he suckled, Shadow was mindful to not overstimulate, allowing it to pop wetly from his lips and turning to the fox boy&rsquo;s fuzzy ball sack, happily suckling and rolling the soft white orbs in his mouth before licking back up the underside of Tails&rsquo; cock.&nbsp;&nbsp;As Shadow sucked Tails in once more, the fox grunted boyishly and grabbed the hedgehog&rsquo;s head, urging him to slow down.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;C-careful, Shad!&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&hellip; I&rsquo;m gonna come if you keep going,&rdquo; he panted.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow carefully slipped Tails&rsquo; cock wetly from his mouth and blew on the underside, cooling it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmm..&nbsp;&nbsp;as sweet as freshly shot fox cream is, we don&rsquo;t want you popping your cork just yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now you&rsquo;ll be rock hard and you&rsquo;ll blow a niiiiice big load&hellip; both of which your partner can feel.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kissing the tip of the flushed fox boy&rsquo;s cock, Shadow turned around and crawled to the center of the quilts.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peering seductively over his shoulder, the hedgehog presented himself to Tails on all fours, his drum-tight, basalt colored buttocks raised and spread, exposing an attractive, slate-colored ring with perfectly radiating folds.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;All yours,&rdquo; he rumbled, slowly stroking his downturned cock.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Come and get it, foxy.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sliding from the couch, Tails came up behind Shadow and grinned, slapping his jutting, curved member against the hedgehog&rsquo;s hole and firm cheeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve got a really nice ass,&rdquo; grinned Tails excitedly, rubbing and squeezing the perfectly matched onyx mounds and cupping the hedgehog&rsquo;s hefty black balls.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Did you put lube on?&nbsp;&nbsp;Or do I do that?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow smiled and blushed a bit, handing Tails the tube.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;As I top, I usually take charge of the lube.&nbsp;&nbsp;I warmed it up for us.&nbsp;&nbsp;A pro tip, hehe.&nbsp;&nbsp;I can put it on if you wish, but you should practice lubing your partner so you get a feel for the right amount.&nbsp;&nbsp;And so you can finger them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fingering with lube helps the passive partner relax and stretch a bit.&nbsp;&nbsp;That&rsquo;s very important for anal, especially beginners.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just mind your fingernails.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow sighed contently, eyes nearly closed as he relaxed and awaited the touch of warm lubricant or the fox&rsquo;s finger.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog gasped when, a moment later, he felt something unexpected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Tails!?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Spreading the hedgehog&rsquo;s firm cheeks, Tails pressed his soft face tightly to Shadow&rsquo;s crack and thrust his long, wet tongue against the hedgehog&rsquo;s ring, licking and rimming his mentor with surprising vigor.&nbsp;&nbsp;The surprised hedgehog moaned and melted as the fox boy&rsquo;s tongue worked&nbsp;&nbsp;its way against and into the folds, lapping and prodding and pressing his slickened, masculine ring as it slowly relaxed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow rumbled deeply as Tails slipped his thumbs to either side of his hole, spreading it wide and allowing the tip of the fox boy&rsquo;s tongue to wiggle its way fully in.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;UUHHhhh!!&rdquo; moaned Shadow loudly, his cock rapidly swelling and leaking anew from the unexpected tongue-lashing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking over his shoulder, Shadow glanced needfully at the lustful youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;That&rsquo;s&hellip; VERY naughty,&rdquo; moaned Shadow breathlessly as Tails growled into his most private flesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ohhh&hellip; yesss&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;somebody has to have taught you that.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slipping an arm between his legs, Shadow began to jerk his engorged cock enthusiastically. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails paused, kissing Shadow&rsquo;s inner cheek and spitting on his pucker before pushing the saliva in with his slender digit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Sonic and me found out on our own,&rdquo; grinned Tails.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;We were practicing our rolling combo one night&hellip; and we started tickling and funny kissing...&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails spat again, gently twisted and pushing his finger in Shadow&rsquo;s tight ring.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;We found out we could lick each other&rsquo;s butts at the same time.&nbsp;&nbsp;We both spurted real hard, I liked it!&nbsp;&nbsp;And I know from using my toy that it&rsquo;s important to get your butt really wet inside.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails licked and suckled Shadow&rsquo;s pucker and perineum with increased confidence as the hedgehog loudly grunted approval.&nbsp;&nbsp;Widening the circle of his attentions, Tails licked the tip of Shadow&rsquo;s cock, then all the way up the underside, over the hedgehog&rsquo;s balls, taint and back to his ring, smacking the onyx fighter&rsquo;s rump at intervals and repeating the circuit several times as Shadow leaked copiously on the quilt.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow moaned dreamily, reaching further back between his legs to fondle Tails&rsquo; erection.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Mmm, you boys never cease to amaze.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ohhh&hellip; rimming was another lesson entirely&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I approve of your independent research&hellip; nnnfff&hellip;.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tails giggled and sucked each of Shadow&rsquo;s tightening balls playfully.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Oh, we&rsquo;re still gonna take that lesson with all three of us.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe we could put some chili sauce on our buns for Sonic.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the pair grinned knowingly, Tails opened the tube and squeezed some on his cock, stroking it over his length before applying some to Shadow&rsquo;s freshly rimmed ring and fingering it inside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Um, Shadow?&rdquo; asked Tails softly, setting the lube aside, &ldquo;could you please lower your butt?&nbsp;&nbsp;Or&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I guess I could stand.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve a better idea,&rdquo; smiled Shadow.&nbsp;&nbsp;His face flushed and red, the hedgehog carefully turned himself over and placed a pillow under his lower back, raising his rump to an ideal height for the kneeling fox boy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I prefer to see you anyway,&rdquo; smiled Shadow, lifting his spread legs and holding them in place.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Licking his lips excitedly, Tails knelt close and carefully guided his cock to Shadow&rsquo;s ring, watching the hedgehog intently as he slowly pushed himself in.&nbsp;&nbsp;As Shadow slowly stroked himself, the fox boy&rsquo;s slickened, rock hard cock opened his tight hole, a long, hoarse moan escaping as Tails felt his lubed length disappear, inch by inch, into Shadow&rsquo;s body.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wiggling his hips slightly, he buried the rest of his rod, now balls-deep and throbbing tightly against the hedgehog&rsquo;s silky, hot walls.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ohhh&hellip;. Shadow&hellip;&rdquo; moaned Tails, watching Shadow&rsquo;s cock throb and leak as the hedgehog&rsquo;s balls tickled his belly&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s all in.&nbsp;&nbsp;Does it feel okay?&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;More than okay,&rdquo; rumbled Shadow, reaching up and squeezing Tails&rsquo; hip and firm little rump.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;You&rsquo;re incredibly hard&hellip; nnnfff&hellip; I feel every part of you.&nbsp;&nbsp;It&rsquo;s fantastic.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails throbbed inside Shadow, causing the hedgehog to gasp.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ahh!&nbsp;&nbsp;Ohhh&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;it&rsquo;s been a while for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;But I want it&hellip; now let&rsquo;s move those sexy little hips&hellip;&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His tails draped elegantly to either side, the fox boy curled his arms around Shadow&rsquo;s legs and watched with open-mouthed excitement as his youthful curved cock began to slide slickly in and out of Shadow&rsquo;s hot, hungry hole.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Ohhh&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow!&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m doing it&hellip; you feel so good around me!&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Good boy&hellip; yessss,&rdquo; hissed Shadow, grunting appreciatively as he reached up and caressed Tails&rsquo; chest, freeing the fox boy&rsquo;s slender hips and bubble butt to drive his prick in and out of the dusky hedgehog like a piston.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Handsome foxy&hellip; I&rsquo;m proud of you&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;topping like a champ&hellip; mmmff&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>fuck </em>me!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow stroked his prodigious rod faster as Tails&rsquo; thrusts followed suit, the sound of slick, rhythmic slapping mixing with the crackle of the fireplace as the fox boy found his rhythm.&nbsp;&nbsp;His pert yellow-orange ass pinching in with each hilt, Tails panted lustfully as his tightening orbs smacked against Shadow&rsquo;s sticky, lubed crack.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog&#039;s large black balls bounced and jostled as Shadow masturbated feverishly, the fox boy&rsquo;s belly tickling them from below.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gyrating his hips and fucking harder still into the perfectly slick, gripping man-cunt, Tails felt perspiration bead and flow down his temples and back.&nbsp;&nbsp;Teeth gnashing, the fox boy&rsquo;s brow furrowed as he began to feel a powerful, feral pull in his loins, stiffening his body and causing his tails to rise and jut outwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;His young, pounding frame felt like a spring, coiled with tension and threatening to release explosively at the slightest provocation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Nnnnggghh&hellip; Shadow...&rdquo; huffed Tails, his face drawing to an assertive, sweaty, growling mask of impending release. His hips flew, seeming to act on their own.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hrrr... Gonna fuck you silly&hellip; NOW who&rsquo;s the mentor&hellip; You&rsquo;re a horny little <em>bitch</em>&hellip; MY bitch!&nbsp;&nbsp;You want it.&nbsp;&nbsp;You WANT it, don&rsquo;t you, bitch!?&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails&rsquo;s eyes locked assertively with Shadow&rsquo;s, the hedgehog&rsquo;s face momentarily frozen in priceless, proud surprise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tails relished the taste of newfound dominance and thrust with all he could.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Hrrrrffff!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Gonna blast my load deep in your ass&hellip;. Get ready, <em>Faker!&rdquo;</em><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shadow nodded and cried out, feverishly jerking his cock as his tightened balls began to ache, the hedgehog&rsquo;s ring hot and slick and raw from the fox boy&rsquo;s rock-hard, relentless, piston-like thrusts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Y-YES!!&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m your horny little bitch&hellip; filthy-mouthed fox, I <em>want</em> it&hellip; I want your hot seed inside me!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shadow growled, flaring his small fangs as he felt Tails&rsquo; shaft begin to throb, readying to deliver the contents of the fox boy&rsquo;s balls deep into his body.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Breed me&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;fill me&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;come in my ass, hero&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, fffffuck!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brow furrowing over his reddened face, Shadow gnashed his teeth as his ring began to clench and spasm around the fox&rsquo;s cock.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;m there&hellip; I&rsquo;m gonna blow, kid!&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Ohhhh!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;Sh- Shadow!&nbsp;&nbsp;I--&nbsp;&nbsp;I can&rsquo;t&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m gonna&hellip;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m coming!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;His head rearing up, Tails&rsquo; eyes screwed shut as he smacked his body down against Shadow&rsquo;s, grunting repeatedly and hilting his cock as he shot stream after creamy stream deep into Shadow&rsquo;s body.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;HRRNNGGHH!&nbsp;&nbsp;HRRNNGGHH!&nbsp;&nbsp;HRRNNGGHH!&nbsp;&nbsp;UHHHHH!&nbsp;&nbsp;UHHHH!&nbsp;&nbsp;OOOOHHH&hellip;..&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fox boy&rsquo;s cock jumped inside Shadow&rsquo;s hot, raw confines as it flooded him copiously with cum. Feeling the fox boy&#039;s pulsing pole forcefully filling him, Shadow ejaculated, his lower pitched, more controlled grunts mingling with the verbal youth&rsquo;s full throated orgasmic crescendo.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hedgehog&rsquo;s cum arced over his body, splashing both their bellies and chests, a goodly portion splattering on Shadow&rsquo;s own face and neck, with still more hitting the pillow around his head.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pair panted as their shared orgasms slowly subsided, the fox boy&rsquo;s perspiration dripping from his tussled orange bangs onto his pinned lover&rsquo;s damp chest. The last of their loads leaked from their spent, grateful&nbsp;&nbsp;bodies, now soaked nearly end to end in a masculine mix of sweat, saliva and seed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Relaxing his legs a bit, Shadow curled them around Tails&rsquo; rump and kissed Tails&rsquo; chin submissively.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;What are you doing, Shad?&rdquo; huffed Tails happily.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t pull out now.&rdquo;<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Exactly,&rdquo; whispered Shadow sweatily, the hedgehog pulling the fox atop himself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I want to keep you&hellip; inside me for a while.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the pair closed their eyes and kissed deeply in the firelight, the first drops of nighttime rain began to drum on the roof and leaves, the crickets increasing their myriad songs approvingly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><em>Meanwhile, on a silenced phone sitting in a nearby overnight bag...</em><br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:43 P.M. - Hi lil guy. &lt;3&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy&rsquo;s new squeeze Dex gonna take her and Knux and couple buds biking up the coast for 2 weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;He knows rouge, can u believe?&nbsp;&nbsp;U gotta meet this guy hes crazy nice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Id go too but...feeling homesick<br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:44 P.M.&nbsp;&nbsp;- Been a rough time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lots 2 talk about with u.&nbsp;&nbsp;And Shadz<br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:44 P.M. - Missing my fox.&nbsp;&nbsp;i know u r having fun with Shad but plz cutie dun go 2 crazy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gave shad a special request so go over it with him k?&nbsp;&nbsp;save a lil for me ;)<br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:45 P.M. - Knux says hai and he&#039;s gonna tell u if I dont lol.&nbsp;&nbsp;That big red ass.&nbsp;&nbsp;U know what?&nbsp;&nbsp;I will tell u<br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:46 P.M. - Tails?&nbsp;&nbsp;Im free and clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;I am yours.&nbsp;&nbsp;I want you 2 be mine too foxy.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&rsquo;m ready if u are <br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:46 P.M. - miss u so much. but not long now<br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:50 P.M. - i just tried 2 call but says no lines open.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sorry u had to hear it like this<br /><br />Blue Butt - 09:51 P.M. - but ill say it when I get home. over and over. I love you more than anything ever there was &lt;3<br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:06 P.M. - btw Dex scored me a 1st class upgrade when everybody changed flights. i can use it on the 1st flight home thats not cancelled<br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:08 P.M. - gonna try 4 saturday cross fingers<br /><br />Blue Butt - 10:09 P.M. - i&rsquo;ll send u and shad the deets. Love u my lil nerd butt<br /><br />Blue Butt - 11:52 P.M. - man clubs goin NUTS.&nbsp;&nbsp;Knux is kickin it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not super into it tho i miss you<br /><br />Blue Butt - 12:31 A.M. - Hey saw weather on TV its gonna get bad down there. :P&nbsp;&nbsp;B safe OK?? Don be afraid to hold shads tite if theres lightning ur safe with him<br /><br />Blue Butt - 01:02 A.M. - OK like Rock just txtd Knux him n Tide havin a storm party at our house with a bunch of peeps?? Where r u 2?!?&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />Blue Butt - 01:06 A.M. - Heyas squirt!&nbsp;&nbsp;Knux here.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sonic&rsquo;s drunk texting gonna take his phone and put him 2 bed now. He&rsquo;s rite tho, be safe u guys.&nbsp;&nbsp;Blue buns will be home this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;B sure to bone him silly the second he gets back lol.&nbsp;&nbsp;Love u squirt.&nbsp;&nbsp;Peace!!<br /><br />Blue Butt - 01:07 A.M. - Hey nice dick pix u guys.&nbsp;&nbsp;No wonder Sonic wants home early &lt;3<br /><br /></span>","pools_count":1,"title":"TMS Chap. 4 - Take Me Higher","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"application/msword","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"2","rating_name":"Adult","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"4","name":"Sexual Themes","description":"Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal","rating_id":"2"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"t","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"19","views":"813","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}