Work Text:
Sonic loves early mornings. Waking up as the sun shimmered, rising above the sea lines as it bleached the skies in pastel hues, or smelling the fresh scent that lingered in the air from the frigid night before. It gave him a feeling of serenity and peace. This was usually paired with one of his infamous morning runs across Mystic Ruins—at least, that was his plan. As it turned out, he got a very early morning call from none other than a busy Vanilla. She pleadingly asked Sonic if he could look after Cream, as she herself had to attend a crucial business meeting with one of her colleagues. Sonic didn't hesitate, accepting the offer without skipping a beat. If he could handle Eggman on a daily basis, he could definitely manage babysitting with minor issues.
Getting there was no problem, and neither was the babysitting part. Cream quietly entertained herself with a dollhouse and a few Mobian dolls, while Sonic lounged on the sofa with his shoes propped up on the table. It was getting home—in the rain—that made things difficult. It created terrible running conditions, turning every path into a slip-and-slide for the hedgehog. He always held a grudge against rain, as it tended to cause problems at the worst moments throughout his day. Luckily, there was a solution that didn't involve getting pelted by water droplets.
It was the public transit.
"Next station, Mystic Ruins. Please ensure that you gather all your belongings before checking out of the carriage," A robotic voice chimed through the overcrowded train. People were gazing at their phones, engrossed in whatever app they were using. The rest, who weren't hypnotized by their mobile devices, eyed the infotainment system, where bright text flashed the station name along with a countdown to arrival.
Sonic glanced with a side-eye, giving a quiet hum before leaning back into his seat, paws behind his head and eyes closed. He eavesdropped in on the nearby discussions—Some commenting on the lush, verdant nature they were passing, others complained about the rainy weather as water droplets streamed down the grimy windows of the crowded carriage.
Sonic could only be glad he wasn't outside—the ground, normally solid, was now too slippery to run on. He could only imagine the hysterical fit Tails would throw if he saw a muddy Sonic who had succumbed to the wrath of the rain. The idea didn't amuse him in the slightest, so he chose to be boring for a bit.
"Ah, young man, you must be the one and only Sonic the Hedgehog!" Sonic cracked open an eye, his face shifting into a look of annoyance as he glared at the source. It was a middle-aged man, his appearance resembling an archaeologist. He had a big leather backpack adorned with supplies, a sturdy pair of rain boots to protect against the weather, and all kinds of tools and gizmos strapped to his belt.
There was a deafening silence before Sonic reluctantly answered.
"Yeah?"
The man stuck out a hand, waiting for Sonic to accept it. Sonic hesitated for a moment, resenting the idea of starting a conversation now, but manners got the best of him. He grumbled, extending his paw to shake the man's hand.
"Pleasure to finally meet you in person, young man!" The man retracted his hand, grabbing his glasses instead. He shifted them, trying to get a clear view of the hedgehog, "If I may ask, where’re you getting off?"
"Mystic ruins," Sonic muttered, shutting his eyes as he slouched back into the seat. He hoped the gesture would signal that he wasn’t in the mood for chatting, but the man didn't seem to catch the memo, continuing despite his effort.
"What a coincidence, It so happens to be that it's also my station. Might I ask you, young man, what are you doing here in these woods?"
Sonic gave a casual shrug. "Taking a hike, enjoying the scenery. Whatever you normally do in a forest," he fibbed, not wanting to tell the man he lived here.
The archaeologist nodded thoughtfully before replying, "I could offer you a tour around these ruins. It isn’t my first time being here after all."
Sonic, however, wasn’t interested. He waved the offer away without a second thought. "I'm fine,".
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen. We are arriving at station, Mystic Ruins. Please ensure you have all your belongings before checking out." The train wheels began to slow down, emitting a low screech as it entered the station. Passengers rose from their seats, grabbing their baggage before squeezing through the thick crowd already gathered by the door.
Sonic also hopped out of his seat, rolling his stiff shoulders as the doors opened. Passengers spilled out of the carriage like a stream of water, all bumping into each other without remorse to escape the chaotic mess from earlier. Sonic gave it a few seconds, waiting till the crowd filtered out, and when it did, it left just enough space for him to slip through.
“This is my queue. See ya!”
Within a flick of the eye, Sonic was gone, the old man’s farewell fading into the distance. He sped across the platform, hopping over every puddle that adorned the roughly tiled station floor. Most people took their leisure time, calmly making their way down the stair flights. Sonic, however, didn’t. He practically beelined for the staircase, gripping the railing tightly to avoid slipping as the rain trickled down the steps of the crude staircase.
By the time he reached the workshop door, he was soaking wet, water trickling down his quills and gloves. He fumbled for the key, clumsily inserting it into the tiny keyhole before twisting the doorknob. As the door opened, the hedgehog was engulfed by the warm atmosphere inside the cozy but mechanical workshop. It was like another world, completely detached from the grim, gray world that laid outside the confines.
The hedgehog gave a quick, relieved sigh, tossing his muddy shoes aside as they clattered against the doormat. Pulling off his gloves, he draped them over the warm radiator, which emitted a hot, but comforting aura. Sonic could stand there all day, basking in the warmth of the heating element as the rain quietly pitter-pattered against the roof outside. Though strangely enough, the rain wasn’t the only sound he could hear. A faint noise echoed from the kitchen, almost sounding like kitchenware clanging together. It was as if someone was trying to cook or maybe make something.
The hedgehog gave a slightly amused huff—What did Tails get himself into this time?
Entering the kitchen, he was greeted by what could only be described as a mess. The countertops were littered to the brim with materials. From metallic bowls filled with ingredients to baking products lying left and right. In the middle of it all, two bushy tails stuck out, eagerly swishing back and forth as the fox nosed in one of the wooden cabinets. He quietly hummed along with a tune on the radio, which was perched on one of the cupboards. Finding the correct material, he placed it on the countertop, looking over to his cookbook for the next step.
Sonic gave a low whistle, leaning against the kitchen doorframe, paws on his hips. "Hard at work, I see, huh, bud?"
Tails let out a startled yelp, snapping his head around as his wide blue eyes pierced Sonic's emerald ones. The spoon he held slipped out of his grasp, clattering against the countertop with a harsh ring as the fox's face flushed completely.
“Sonic!" he gasped. "I—I thought you were at Vanilla’s place.”
Sonic raised an eyebrow, giving Tails a look of confusion. "I was."
“B-b-but you told me you'd be back around noon!" Tails stammered.
"Well, sometimes stuff doesn't go as planned." Sonic shrugged nonchalantly. "Vanilla came home earlier. I wasn't gonna sit around and do slow-mo stuff all day!"
An awkward silence followed, the crackling of the radio breaking the tense atmosphere that hung inside the dry air as they stared into each other's eyes. One was visibly confused, while the other was completely lost, gears inside his mind twisting and turning to catch up.
"Oh—" Tails finally murmured, a frown creasing his muzzle ever so slightly.
Without another word to say, the fox turned and quietly fetched the metallic bowl. Clutching it loosely in his paws, he shuffled toward the trash can, his grip faltering with each drag of the foot he made.
"Woah-woah-woah, bud, wait a Sonic sec here," Sonic called, raising his hand in a 'time-out' gesture, palm out and fingers splayed. "What’s going on here? I’m a little lost with what your smart brain's trying to achieve."
Tails froze, his paws hovering over the trash can. "It's nothing important," he mumbled.
"It totally is when it's gettin' ya to act up like that!"
"I'm just baking, that's all."
“I never even thought ya liked baking?”
Tails hesitated for a moment, his namesakes flicking behind him nervously. He bit his lip, glancing at the metallic bin as if it had all the answers to his problems.
“I don't…” he conceded in a small voice.
Sonic strolled over to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Then why’re you doing it, buddy?” he asked, his voice warm and sincere.
Tails stayed silent, his eyes lingering on the trash as he searched for the right words. “It—I—Never mind it,” he muttered. "It's ruined anyway—“.
"Hey-hey-hey, we don't talk like that in this super cool household!" Sonic shifted his hand, looping it around the fox's waist. Lifting him up, he pulled out one of the crooked bar stools, carefully plopping the fox down onto it with a soft thud.
“Breath in, and breathe out, then explain me what your genius brain was doing.” He instructed, grabbing the bowl from Tails' hands to set it aside.
Tails inhaled deeply, sucking in all the air he could muster, chest puffed out and inflated. Steadily, he exhaled, reaching behind him to curl one of his fluffy tails around his lap. He fiddled with them, plucking the bright white tips till they looked all ruffled.
“I was baking…” He said quietly, voice barely audible beneath his breath.
Sonic hummed, “Yea I know, but why?”
Tails squirmed, his claws shifting from plucking to gripping. It was starting to sting, giving a burning sensation where the claws dug into the skin, but that didn't deter him from putting more tension on it.
A sturdy grip on his shoulder made its presence again, gently applying pressure as a means to relax him. The pressure wasn't too hard, nor too soft, just enough to ease his nerves. Slowly, his posture relaxed, the sturdy grip on his tail faltering. It was as if he gave up on the internal war that raged inside his head, surrendering before the pressure that was placed on him.
The fox let out a quiet sigh.
"For you..." He admitted, hushed and quiet.
Sonic frowned, a lopsided smile marking his muzzle “Oh buddy—. You didn't need to, you know”
The fox adverted his gaze to the ground, ears wilted against his head, "yea I do”
"Who said that?"
"It's common sense,"
Sonic gave another careful squeeze on the shoulder, "Why's that common sense?"
Tails drew a big breath, hoping to keep his composure from shattering into a million different pieces. He knew after all that Sonic had a grudge against crying; Sonic almost never doing it himself.
"Y-you do cool stuff for me all the time" he quietly stammered. "I wanted to do something cool for you too. You deserve it after all—maybe even more than I do.”
"Hey, bud, Listen" His voice was stern but warm "Just because I always do something mega cool for you doesn't mean you have to. You being here is already way too cool for me" Sonic stated, raising his hand to jab a thumb at his chest.
Tails' eyes were still glued to the floor, his mind getting the better of him while he tried to wrap his thoughts into a presentable package. "B-b-but, how am I suppose to prove to you—"
"You don't have to prove anything to me, buddy. You've already proven to me enough times in those big, scary fights we had"
"I can't count the amount of times you've saved my butt from a big mech or monster. And from what I can tell, most foxes who are 5 can't say that!" He swiftly turned his bare hand around, this time prodding a finger into the fox's white chest fur, Tails now peering up as their gazes met.
"y-you sure?" he faintly inquired, a tinge of uncertainty lacing his vocal cords.
"Yep! I'm definitely one hundred and one percent sure! Who wouldn't want someone this cool as their little brother?" Sonic proclaimed, prodding his finger deeper into the fox's chest fur.
The fox gave Sonic a look of doubt, not fully convinced by the strength of his arguments. The hedgehog seemed to pick up on the signal, sending him a reassuring smile in return—a token of support. Sometimes, Tails just needed a little nod of approval—something to tell him he was on the right path, doing what was best for himself and those around him.
"Bud, I'm sure." Sonic doubled down.
That seemed to convince the kit as his doubt turned into wind, blowing the clouded fog away from his eyes. His mood wasn't entirely rainbows and sunshine yet, but it was miles better than what previously hung.
"Still, I wanted to do something special. You also deserve a gift..."
Sonic pulled his arm back, flitting it in the air, hand in a fist and index finger pointed up. "How about this, pall. Next time I'm gone, you make me the coolest of coolest gifts, okay?"
"And you're not gonna spoil it?" Tails pressed.
"You know me bud, a deal is a deal."
"Really?"
"Yep, really."
"Really, Really? Like you mean it?"
"Positive," Sonic answered.
A subtle smile creased his muzzle, Not entirely happy, but content nonetheless. "Thanks."
Sonic smiled back, giving the fox a few pats on the back. "Atta boy! Now let's get back to where you're busy with!"
Tails froze at the mention of those words, a realization dawning on him—what was he gonna do with all of the supplies now? The surprise was already ruined, wasn't it? He cautiously peered past Sonic, examining the baking supplies before flicking his gaze to the metallic bowl next to him.
Sonic observed him, noting the doubt that lingered in the fox's baby-blue eyes. "Whatcha thinkin', bud?"
"What are we gonna do with all of the stuff for the cookies?" he questioned, eyes still fixed on the shiny bowl full of fresh ingredients "The surprise is ruined after all."
"Well, tell me. What do you want to do?" Sonic crossed his arms
"I dunno, throw it away or something?"
Sonic tapped his shoe impatiently on the ground, the clacking of the impact reverberating through the barren kitchen. "Any other options that don't involve the trash can?"
"Nope..." Tails replied.
Sonic raised an eyebrow at the fox before scanning the environment. Two big shiny bowls stood high and proud on the counter along with a few ingredients scattered about. Flour was also spread on top of it, most likely a misspour from the kit. However, from what he saw, it was still recoverable. Sure, it was a mess, but it was nothing he could fix.
"Well," He uncrossed his arms, pivoting one arm to scratch the side of his head. "We could make the most awesome thing together? Nothin’ beats us, after all!"
"But I thought you also hated cooking?" Tails tilted his head, gaze now locked on the hedgehog's emerald eyes.
"I do. But I wouldn't wanna pass out the awesome option to bake with my little bro!" The hedgehog grinned, quickly snapping his hand out to ruffle the fluffy, yellow bangs of the kit.
“Sonic! Stop!" Tails cried out, giggling loudly as he tried to swat away the bare hand.
"I'm not stoppin' till ya feel happy!" Sonic retorted, clasping his other hand around the neck of the fox, trapping him in a neck lock.
"Alright, Alright, Alright!" Tails squirmed, his facial features scrunching up as he tried to not topple off the wooden stool he was perched on.
"That's the spirit!" Sonic exclaimed.
Finally, he let loose of the young kit. Sinking to the floor, Tails tried to regain his composure, still heaving heavily after the sudden surprise attack that the hedgehog dished out. He looked horrendous. Hair was sticking out in every direction possibly imaginable. It made him look like one of those mad scientists he always sees on TV, hair statically charged and pointed out after an electrical explosion.
"You're horrible! I hope you know that!" Tails heaved, making an effort to restyle the ruffled-up bangs.
"That's where big brothers are for!" Sonic proclaimed with a tsk, Extending his hand towards the fox, who accepted it after correcting his messy fur.
"Sure," He replied sarcastically, preparing himself to continue his endeavor in the world of baking
The hedgehog cleared his throat. "Okay, First, kitchen etiquettes. Where's your apron. You're gonna mess up ya fur if you don't wear one!" Sonic instructed as Tails scampered away, returning with a red and white striped apron. In the middle of it, black text stood with the words "World's Best Chef" written on it.
It was a tad too big for the fox’s size—the panel of fabric trailing on the floor in front of his feet—but it did its job. The dragging was only a minor inconvenience in Sonic’s eyes; the only thing he didn't need to try was sprinting or hopping around with it on.
The fox tugged the loop of the apron over his head, swiftly spinning his back to the blue hedgehog. "can you tie the back for me?"
Sonic gave a hum of affirmation, whacking the two bushy tails—which were in the way—aside. Tails giggled, lashing the two appendages back as they collided with Sonic's face. Now with a mouthful of fox hair, he once again swatted them away, spitting the yellow strands of fur out to his side. "If ya don't stop, I'll tie a bow in your Tails instead of the apron!"
Tails gave another playful laugh "I wanna see you try!"
The hedgehog grumbled, tying a big, wide bow into the back of the fox's apron. Giving a few tugs on it, he inspected the sturdiness, nodding in approval once done. "All ready!"
Sonic stumbled over to the counter, Tails zipping next to him within the blink of an eye, metallic bowl ready in hand. He hopped onto the stepping stool arranged next to the hedgehog, giving a few gentle, big wags of his Tails. With his small height, his shoulders barely peeked above the counter, thus needing a stool. After all, The house was made with humans in mind; Sonic barely tall enough himself to use it.
He peered into the cookbook straddled on the counter, papers dirty and full of gunk. “So, where did ya leave off?”
Tails inspected the paper quizzically, scouring over the dozens of instructions and steps that were written on it. He gave a hum once he found the correct step. Flicking his hand out, he pointed his index finger to step two. “There.”
“Gradually blend the flour into the butter mixture.” Sonic parroted, reading the instructions out loud. "Tails, Will ya pass me the flour?"
"Coming right up!" Tails reached over the counter, nabbing the white package of flour. Dropping it off in Sonic's hand, he snatched the book from him, assessing the amount of flour needed in the mixture. "According to the paper, we need two hundred and seventy-five grams exactly."
Not hearing a word from the hedgehog, Tails glanced over, expecting to see him carefully measuring out the flour to ensure they’d make the perfect cookies. Yet, much to the dismay of the fox, that wasn’t the case. Instead of doing what Tails had told him, he was just eyeballing it—no measurements at all.
"Sonic!" Tails pouted, folding his hands in front of his chest, "It's supposed to be two hundred and seventy-five!"
"So what! A gram less or more isn't gonna hurt!" Sonic carelessly declared, tipping the formed chute a tad bit forward before yanking back. "Besides, I'm pretty good at guessing."
"Sonic! That's not how baking works! There's a reason why measurements are given!" Tails snagged the bowl away, hoping to dissuade any further damage. As he examined the bowl, he gave a deep sigh, alleviated to see minimal damage. It was just hopefully enough to keep the cookies stable.
"See, bud. Told ya I'm good at guessin'.” Sonic proudly proclaimed, cockily rubbing his nose with his flour-coated hand—Nose now covered in white flour, making his cocky demeanor seem more silly than cool.
Tails held his breath, struggling to keep his laughter in check, his cheeks puffed up and inflated.
"What so funny?" Sonic prompted, Raising an eye at the fox who barely held in his giggles.
"You should see yourself!" Tails snickered, unable to contain a few of the giggles. "You're nose is all white and powdery!"
Sonic huffed, "I see how it is. You're making fun of me now, huh? Is that where it has come to?"
Tails was too occupied with his laughter to notice Sonic's hand reaching into the bag of flour, drawing a heap of the white powder. Within a split second, Sonic sent a powdery storm in the direction of the young fox, blowing as hard as he could possibly muster.
Tails yelped—Fur previously bright yellow, now a tint of white. He stood there, mouth agape in complete shock, his mind floundering to process the event. Along with his ruffled fur, he was also now completely white, looking more like a snowman than a yellow two-tailed fox.
Sonic bellowed out a burst of laughter, finger pointed at the white fox as he almost collapsed. Tails still stood there, wide-eyed and absolutely dumbfounded by what happened.
"You look fabulous, lil' bro." Sonic cracked up, clinging to the kitchen counter as if it were a lifeline for his hysterical fit.
Tails blinked a few times, shock gradually morphing into a smug grin, carving his muzzle bit by bit. If Sonic could do it, he can also do it—with double the payback. "You think you're funny, huh?" Tails exclaimed playfully, a sinister tinge lacing his voice.
Sonic flicked his gaze to Tails, his laughter immediately subsiding as he full well knew what was gonna happen next.
"No, you don't! Don't you dare! Tails! No!" he commanded, but his pleas went in vain, Tails' smug grin only growing wider whilst his fluffy tails whipped around with excitement.
Sonic took off within mere seconds, Tails snatching the bag of flour as he pursued him. The chase went on throughout the entire house. Over the couch, around the kitchen, and through the workshop. It proved to be more of a challenge than Tails originally anticipated, especially with the oversized apron he was wearing. Still, that didn't deter him from pushing and giving it all his might, his bangs blowing all about and namesakes lashing as he couldn't contain his excitement. In the end, Tails finally managed to catch Sonic, leaping on top of him as he graciously dumped the entire package over his head.
"That's what you get!" Tails jostled the package a few more times, ensuring that all the content laid on the hedgehog's head.
Sonic was sent into a sneezing fit, puffing out big, white clouds. "You win, buddy. You win.” he managed to signal between his sneezes.
Tails' grin only grew wider. "So, you admit it?"
Sonic, who was still pinned to the ground gave a signal of defeat. "I do! I do! Just—" he bellowed out another powdery cloud, "Just get off of me, will ya."
"Nah!" The fox chirped, still firmly planted on top of the hedgehog.
"Well in that case—"
Sonic looped an arm around the fox's waist, slinging him off with ease. Giving a high-pitched squeal, Tails landed on the ground. He gasped, realizing the roles were now reversed, him sprawled out on the ground and the hedgehog standing tall and mighty.
"Sonic! No! This is not fair!" Tails shrieked, hands planted before his face to guard it as the hedgehog fetched a wad of flour, bombarding the almost-white kit with a hazy storm.
"This is what ya get for trying to get payback on me, pal." Plowing his bare hands into the pile, he fetched another mountain of the white powder, hurling it onto Tails with grace.
Flinging yet another bunch, Sonic felt a sturdy hand clasp around his ankle. Before even having a chance to glance down, he was yanked to the ground, almost flopping on top of Tails. The fox couldn't contain his giggles, both of them now sprawled out, covered from top to bottom with flour.
Sonic groaned, his body completely tangled with the fox's. "Okay, I give up! You win!"
"I thought we already knew that?" Tails giggled, puffy clouds puffing out with each laugh that exited his muzzle.
"Don't get too cocky." Sonic warned, shifting his hand to poke the fox's apron a few times, "Ya try again, and I'll fire back with double the power."
Letting out a few more giggles, Tails prodded him back. However, rather than targeting his chest, he poked his side, earning a tiny jolt from the hedgehog.
"Watch out, bud. You're gettin' into the dangerous territory now!" Sonic flicked his hand to also jab the fox in his side, causing him to flinch away. "If you dare to continue, I'll have to punish ya even harder!"
Tails snickered, cautiously giving another prick at a distance. "And what may that be, huh? Another one of your lame tactics?"
"Try, and you’ll find out the hard way, squirt!"
"Are you challenging me now?"
"Try it." Sonic dared.
Tails hesitated, not quite sure if he would want to face the wrath the hedgehog dared onto him. Ultimately, having already been drained by the white-coated battle they fought, he selects not to, slowly backing away from the hedgehog on his knees.
"That's what I thought, chicken."
"I'm not a chicken, Sonic!" Tails whined, slowly getting on his feet.
"Yes, you are!"
"No!"
Also rising from the ground, Sonic stumbled over to Tails, giving him a light nudge. "Chicken."
"You really think you are funny, huh?" Tails retorted, wiping some of the flour from his face and flicking it in Sonic's direction.
"That's right, bud. Funniest of the funniest!" Sonic confidently proclaimed, flicking his finger against one of The fox's large ears. A poof of flour came off of it, slowly pluming to the ground where the rest of the substance laid. "Ya know what's even funnier than me… You cleaning all the mess you’ve made!"
"Sonic—" Tails whined, his face completely flushing as he glanced over at ground zero of the disaster.
"Yep. You get the dustpan ready, ‘cuz I ain't cleanin' your mess!"
"B-but I don't wanna!"
"No buts! You do it, or no mints for you!"
"Fine..." Tails reluctantly agreed, "But let me clean myself off first."
"Fine by me—Oh, and be sure to also clean the trail of disaster ya leave in your wake" Sonic called, shaking the thin layer of flour from his blue quills. They weren't spotless, but it was feasible enough. The rest could be tackled with a hot shower later.
The cleaning went about as well as expected with a flimsy plastic dustpan. Making multiple trips to the trash, it looked half-decent—a fine, almost unnoticed white tint still adorning the old wooden floor. That was a problem for later in Tails' book. A quick wipe with the mop would fix it, but he'd have to postpone that since the sink was still stuffed with baking goods.
On the brighter side, the kitchen wasn't included in his cleaning mess, as he instantly insisted it was the hedgehog's doing, blowing the powder smack-dab in the middle of his face. It took some coaxing, but eventually, the hedgehog agreed—not, of course, without any caveats. Sonic demanded an extra cookie for the sake of cleaning.
The rest of the baking also went at a leisurely pace, carefully mixing Sonic's concoction of flour—which turned out better than Tails expected—and pressing it into thin little batter cylinders. They decided to split the tray in two, with the idea that they could choose their own topping. Sonic went plain and simple with some dark chocolate chips, meanwhile, Tails being Tails, sprinkled them with little pieces of crushed-up mint.
The next step was baking them. Not having the money to buy an actual oven, they made use of the combination microwave. Sure, it wasn't the best for baking, but it did its job Sonic supposed. Slowly, but surely, the batter rose, turning from a light beige to a dark, appetizing color. Tails observed the process carefully, his mouth drooling from the hot, delicious air wafting from the bulky machine. Sonic also enjoyed it, but from a distance. He was perched on the living room couch, legs propped over the armrest.
"Yo, Tails," Sonic called, snapping the young kit out of his trance. "Why don't ya come sit here with me. I bet we can watch some cool stuff on the TV."
"I wanna watch the cookies." Tails called back, resting on one of the creaky barstools in front of the bulky microwave.
"Why’s that?" Rising up from his slouched position, Sonic peered at the now-cleaned fox, who was eyeing the cookies like they were some kind of black magic.
"I wanna see how they turn out."
“You seriously gonna sit there for thirty minutes and watch some batter rise out of a mold?"
"Well, uh—"
"The cookies don't need to be supervised, ya know?” The hedgehog waved his hand, signaling Tails to come sit "Now come sit here, bud. I heard they released a new episode from that way-cool crime show we always watch!"
Tails gasped, cookies completely forgotten as he shifted his focus to the hedgehog. "You mean the one 'bout the undercover agent that busts bad guys!"
"Yep!" Sonic exclaimed, popping the 'p' extra loud. "Is that enough evidence to get you off that lame chair?"
“Sure thing!”
Sonic moved aside, reserving a big, wide spot on their crummy couch. It was practically held together by hopes and dreams, with a few strips of tape, and other shoddy repairs preventing it from crumbling into dust. After all, Sonic was a hedgehog—a spiky one, at that.
Hopping off the chair, Tails scampered towards the sofa, a mischievous grin glinting on his muzzle. Sonic knew that face all too well, especially after the fiftieth time that week. It was trouble at its finest.
Luckily, he already had a contingency plan in mind, nabbing the nearby pillow for protection. Preparing himself for the worst, he used the flimsy shield against Tails, who hurled himself full-force at the hedgehog, making a cunning attempt to pounce him.
Unfortunately, It didn't go exactly as Sonic had hoped—the pillow, being a weak defense, was easily whacked out of his hand, barreling across the room and hitting the wall. Before he knew it, he had a handful of fox on his lap, bearing a sheepish grin that stretched from one side of his muzzle to the other.
"You okay there, pal?"
"Yep," Tails amusingly nodded at a fast pace.
Sonic grunted in discomfort, shiting his seating position to accommodate the fox that laid on his lap. "Ya know what I said about jumping on me?"
Tails nodded again "Mhm—I know, but it's funny..."
Sonic tried to reply, but Tails hushed him before he could out his sentence, gesturing with a finger at the splash screen on tv. Giving a huff of defeat, Sonic reluctantly agreed. He’d talk about that later. Rules were rules after all—even if you’re Sonic the Hedgehog.
Watching the episode unwind, they both settled into a zone of comfort, Tails pointing out the numerous plot holes in the show, and Sonic attentively listening to his little brother’s rambling for minutes on end. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for them. It was just how they liked it.
The cookies, however, were forgotten. That was a problem they could tackle later. What mattered now was the fact that Tails was happy, and when Tails was happy, Sonic was also happy.
It was a spoiled surprise turned fun—Another fond memory ready to be added to their growing collection.