Darkest Night: Chapter 7

Striking the wall with a resonant bang the restroom door burst inward, as a young, two-tailed kitsune bolted inside for cover. Frantically scanning the room, he quickly ducked into one of the private stalls, shutting the door and bolting it behind him. With quivering hands, Tails sat on the latrine behind him, shutting his eyes and leaning his head against the back wall. Beads of sweat laced his brow as his body shook timorously. After managing to calm himself somewhat he lowered his head into his hands, eyes filling with tears.

For some time he sat alone sobbing, as the shame of his actions weighed itself on his mind. He had been so ready, or so he though. Having loved and defended Cosmo so passionately since her return, he wanted nothing more than to solidify their commitment in matrimony. The notion of her becoming “Missus Prower” used to make his heart leap. Yet now, at the moment of truth, the one immense obstacle he had tried so hard to ignore finally reared its ugly head: his age.

While indeed the matter had crossed his mind before, Tails had scientifically rationalized that his age was irrelevant — being a mere digit to mark how many times Mobius had revolved around the Sun since he had been alive. A convincing lie, to be sure. Despite his vast intellect and ingenuity, he was still in the end, a child. How could he have believed even for a moment that he was remotely capable of settling down at this stage in his life? He had so much growing to be done, having hardly lived long enough to comprehend the meaning of such a level of commitment. So much improvement was needed upon himself. He was unworthy to be husband to one so wonderful as Cosmo. He was far too imperfect.

Thus he sat, crying in a bathroom, having left Cosmo unceremoniously at the table feeling confused and most likely rejected. What must she think of him now? Once his former intentions came to light, they would surely be the undoing of their once happy relationship. Not only had he forfeited his proposal, but the possibility of a future with Cosmo at all. He could not go back out there now. Not after his shameful behavior. He only hoped that someday, somehow, Cosmo would find it within herself to forgive him…

Footsteps outside the restroom alerted the fox's senses, as Tails scrambled on top of the toilet seat, standing on the lid to prevent his feet from being spied under the stall by anyone who might be in search of him. No sooner had he taken these measures than he heard the restroom door creak open, a pair of heavy feet tromping into the lavatory. Clasping a hand over his mouth to stifle his breathing, Tails listened as the unidentified person paced back and fourth across the tiled floor, stalking the confines of the restroom predatorily.

The footsteps came to a sudden halt directly in front of the stall occupied by Tails, who struggled to remain still as he shook with anxiety. In silence he waited, expecting one of his companions to force the door and find him cowering. Much to Tails' surprise, the footsteps paced their way back toward the exit, pausing briefly before he heard the door open and fall shut with a light thud.

As a precaution, Tails continued to wait silently, making certain that whomever had entered before did not return. Satisfied that he was once again alone, he climbed down from atop the toilet and unbolted the stall door, exiting its cover. Dragging himself to the sink he turned the faucet on and proceeded to wet his face, the water mingling with his tears as he tried to remain composed. Lost in self-loathing, Tails remained unaware of the dark, fuzzy form in the mirror behind him…

"Hey," said a familiar, gritty voice, eliciting a loud yelp from Tails. Quickly he spun on heel, only to face a familiar red-striped, onyx hedgehog. Clenching his teeth he growled at Shadow, raising his voice against the hedgehog.

"Don't ever do that to me again!!" Yelled Tails furiously. "I'm stressed out enough without you being a jerk!"

"Do you mind telling me what the FUCK that was out there?" Shadow demanded. "You just made an ass out of yourself and left Cosmo at the table by herself feeling like-"

"LIKE CRAP!?" Tails interrupted. "DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT!? I'm a screw-up! I get it! I let everyone down and I made Cosmo feel rejected! I don't need you telling me that!"

"WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM, PROWER!?" Roared Shadow as he edged forward intimidatingly, cornering the terrified fox against the sink. "WE DIDN'T SET THIS CONFAB UP JUST SO YOU COULD GET COLD FEET! YOU SELFISH, UNGRATEFUL, SELF-CENTERED LITTLE-"

"SHE DESERVES BETTER!!!" Screamed the fox.

Shadow was stunned, taken aback by the despairing fox who sank in-between the sinks onto the floor, clutching his knees as he broke into loud sobs. Retreating from Tails, the Ultimate Life Form took a moment to collect himself. Uncertain of how to proceed, his response was simple. "What?"

"I jumped the gun!" Tails choked out. "I thought, somehow our experiences made us more grown-up! I thought if I understood the challenges that somehow we might—I thought I was ready! I'm such an IDIOT!"

"Yes, we know that," quipped Shadow, "you made that very clear out there."

"Gee, thanks, Shadow. I can always count on you for encouragement," groaned the fox hopelessly.

"Let's… try this again," moaned the hedgehog, rubbing his temples, "why did you get up and leave the room?"

"Because, I can't do it," whimpered the fox.

"Oh, for God's sake, WHY THE HELL NOT!?" Said Shadow, raising his voice impatiently. "You can't really be hung up on your age group now!"

"But it's true!" He protested woefully. "I tried to ignore it, but I can't! I'm nine years old! NINE! Nine-year-olds don't think like this! My biggest worry should be my voice get deeper, not getting married!"

"Nine-year-olds don't build spaceships..." Shadow remarked pointedly.

"Besides, even if I did, Cosmo isn't ready," continued Tails, ignoring the hedgehog's remark. "I was selfish for even considering it…"

"Cut the bullshit, Prower," the Ultimate Life Form spoke abrasively. "Lie to yourself as much as you want, but you can't lie to me. I know for a fact that's not the real reason for this."

"DON'T—TELL ME HOW I'M FEELING! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO-"

"Like you have the right to determine how she's feeling?" Interrupted Shadow. "Isn't being ready for her to decide?"

"YES—NO—" Tails stuttered, struggling, "I know more about Cosmo than you ever will! I'd know if she's ready for something!"

"So you're making decisions for her now?"

"NO!" Defended the kitsune.

"So it stands to say that she might possibly be ready?" Pressed Shadow, raising an eyebrow.

"WH—yes?" He replied uncertainly.

"So it's YOU who aren't ready?" Shadow continued to interrogate the fox. "Some other vixen catch your eye?"

"NO! I LOVE COSMO!" Tails stated wholeheartedly. "I'M READY!"

"Then the problem is...?"

Tails found himself suddenly mute, unable to validate his fears honestly. His ears drooped as he hunched his body over, his namesakes dragging the floor sadly. Determined to pursue the issue, Shadow tapped his foot anxiously as he waited for the fox's response.

"WELL? What story are you going to go with?" Demanded Shadow. "Are you going to keep lying, or tell me the truth?"

"I—don't know…" Tails whispered.

"You don't know what?" Asked Shadow.

"I don't know—why I ran out." Whimpered the young fox. "I can't even figure myself out right now… There's no logical explanation!"

"Would you STOP being a scientist for just one second and think practically!" The Ultimate Life Form growled. "Of course there's an explanation; a very simple one! You're afraid…"

"How can I be afraid if I don't know WHAT I'M AFRAID OF?" Asked he desperately, once again finding his body quivering with anxiety.

"Very easily," answered Shadow mildly, "especially when making a decision as important as this. So much could go wrong."

"Yeah… she might say no," Tails rambled cynically, "and if she does, then Cosmo and I are over! She'll never forgive me—skipping ahead and asking a stupid question like that!"

"She might…" Shadow agreed, folded his arms.

"I worked so hard to get her back. Now I'm going to lose her because I was impatient."

"Possibly…" The Ultimate Life Form nodded.

"She probably won't even want to be friends, anymore!" Tails continued to exaggerate. "She'll be embarrassed by me!"

"And then you'll be left alone… just like you were before you ever knew Cosmo. No one else would have the patience to put up with your insecurities, or your techno-babble bullshit…" Interjected the hedgehog unfeelingly.

"You can stop whenever you want," murmured the fox, ears curving sadly toward the back of his skull.

"I assumed you were listing all of the undesirable outcomes for this scenario—I didn't want you leaving anything out," Shadow retorted sarcastically, "but have you stopped to consider—that maybe nothing will go wrong at all?"

At once Tails' nervous pacing came to a cease, turning on his heel to look at Shadow with an addled expression. Glancing at the floor the fox carefully mulled over the Ultimate Life Form's recent statement, its meaning becoming progressively clearer.

"But—we're still so young," he spoke slowly. "What if we don't last?"

"What if you do?" Shadow countered.

"It could ruin our friendship!" Tails argued back. "I couldn't handle that!"

"Or you might grow even closer…" Shadow continued with uncharacteristic optimism.

"I could lose her all over again…"

"Or you could gain her entire being," the onyx hedgehog spoke poetically. "Isn't that worth the risk?"

Once again Tails found himself unable to legitimize any of his excuses; for that was all they were, excuses. His own irrational fear of rejection was the only thing holding him back from the possibility of a life with Cosmo, a life he craved with every fiber of his being. Unable to justify his fears he felt his willpower crumble, as he himself crumbled on the floor in tears. "I'm scared, Shadow," he admitted, "and I don't know what to do! I can't propose to her like this—not if I can't get ahold of myself!"

Weeping silently the fox waited for the Ultimate Life Form's cold rebuke. When it did not come, Tails slowly raised his head to make eye contact with the hedgehog. Much to his surprise, his gaze was met with a smile, along with an extended hand. Accepting this gesture, Tails took Shadow's hand, rising from the floor as he was helped to his feet by the hedgehog, who then placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Tails, we all knew you were too young. That was obvious from the beginning," he said gingerly. "The point was never how young you were, though…"

"Then why have you and Jaran been encouraging me?" Asked Tails, wiping at his eyes. "What's the point, Shadow?"

"The point, Tails, is that you ARE young!" Exclaimed Shadow, his red eyes lighting up.

"Wh- you just said it wasn't about how young we are!" The fox spoke confused. "You're not making any sense!"

"No, you weren't listening. I said it was about being young, not how young you are!" He clarified. "You grew up too fast, friend. Your spark, your love for life—it's easy to forget those things when you face destruction, war, and death as you did. You live on your own, you make a living on your own, you survive on your own! No kid should live that way. When Cosmo came into the picture, though, your spark—it was all there! It was just buried under years of struggling against impossible odds. It's as though she helped you find what you were missing. You deserve to have that, to be a child; and you bring that out in each other. It's as Vanilla said, you keep each other young. So go ahead. Marry her, be reckless and stupid, and when the time finally comes to grow up, grow together, instead of doing alone…"

For perhaps the hundredth time that day the fox was without words, having been completely disarmed by the level of sincerity in Shadow's words. Having always known him as detached and emotionless, to hear him take such passionate interest in his plight was almost frightening. "What—what's happened to you, Shadow?" He stuttered. "You've changed so much lately. No one else seems to see it, but I do. When did you start caring so much? Why do you care what happens to me and Cosmo at all?"

Shadow shifted uncomfortably, a slight hint of red touching upon his cheeks. With much hesitation the hedgehog opened his mouth, speaking lowly to the kitsune. "You and Cosmo defy everything I have come to believe over my exceedingly long life… I lost my will to live long before you were even an idea. Watching Gerald slave over a cure for Maria's disease, only for her to die a pointless death anyways—what's the point of life if it just ends? You pulling the trigger and launching us at Cosmo, having your hands tied and being forced to murder her—I was angry. Not at you, but at life; and I was envious. It was unfair that you could chose to end your life to be with her again whenever you saw fit, but because of my design I could never die. I could never be with Maria again. I would continue existing pointlessly until time stopped. You kept going, though. You found a new reason to keep living apart from Cosmo, which is something I was never able do. Then… Cosmo came back. Not only did you have another reason for living, but you could enjoy your life WITH her instead of just living FOR her. You stuck to your dreams, and now they're going to be realized. Honestly, Miles, still envy you. BOTH of you. I envy your ability to find meaning in life despite the hardships; and I'm inspired by you. If you can find meaning after what you've been through, then maybe I can find meaning for myself as well…"

Looking down the fox stared at the velveteen box cradled in his paw, submerged in his thoughts. His ears involuntarily rose and fell in sync with his racing mind, his namesakes twitching nervously behind him. Uncomfortable with this seemingly endless silence, Shadow cleared his throat.

"So… what are you going to do?" He asked.

"I think—" Tails spoke slowly, raising his head, bearing a smile upon his face, "I'm ready now…"



While this was transpiring in the men's restroom, a certain, uninvited pink hedgehog had grown impatient and decided to take the liberty of investigating this unusual mishap. Having made her way out of the dining room under the false pretense of needing to use the restroom herself, Amy posted herself outside the restroom door for a good portion of the ordeal, listening as intently as the thick drywall would allow. Of what little she had managed to pick up, one particular statement was audible enough to be heard quite clearly, "Cosmo and I are over!"

Amy was stunned, pulled her ear away from the door as her mouth hung agape. Tails, whom she had believed to love Cosmo with all his heart, was going to break up with her. It took little time for her despair to become inflamed into a nasty temper as she marched into the ladies' room and leaned agains the back wall.

"How could he do this to her!?" Thought the coral hedgehog to herself. "She gave her life for him AND left her family behind just so she could come back to him! This is going to kill her!" The pink hedgehog trembled, pacing quickly to the sink and opening the faucet, splashing water on her face. Looking into the mirror she moaned, running a hand through her rosy quills. "I have to tell her," muttered she to herself…

With much apprehension the coral hedgehog approached the door, reaching out for it's brass knob. As her hand closed in she found herself hesitant, not wishing to be the bearer of bad news. With a heavy sigh she turned her back on the exit, leaning against it and gazing up at the ceiling with vacant eyes as she once again began to converse with herself. "I don't know if I can tell her," she spoke in a hushed tone, "I don't know what she'll do. The whole reason for her being here is Tails! That is literally what she's living for! Take that away, and she'll have nothing left!" Tightening her fists she pulled them back, thrusting them against the wooden door behind her. "DAM—DANGIT, TAILS! I love you! You're one of my best friends! I don't want to hate you, but if you do this, I WILL hate you for it!"

The hedgehog remained in the restroom while she caught her breath. The number of minutes that passed were unknown to her, for time seemed to reduce itself to a dreadful crawl. With one last sigh and a heavy heart she finally left the restroom, walking slowly toward the dining suite. As she tread the lavishly carpeted hallway, it came to her attention that a familiar white bat stood between herself and the suite door, propped casually against the wall with a cool facade. Ignoring her presence, Amy attempted to avoid her promiscuous associate by diverting her path around the bat, to which Rouge responded by stepping into the middle of the corridor. Already on the verge of losing her temper, Amy growled at the shapely flyer.

"DO YOU MIND!? You're in my way!"

"Relax, Pinkie. I just want to talk," Rouge spoke with cool temperament. "You know anything about what's going on here? I'm lost, along with everybody else; and Cosmo's in there worrying her little green head about it."

"What's it to you?" The hedgehog scornfully rebuked. "You don't care about them anyways!"

"For your information, I care about those kids a lot more than you think," she scoffed, turning her nose up at the hedgehog. "It's sweet… the way they act. I guess it touches my feminine side. So are you going to stop being PMS and tell me what's up?"

Amy hesitated, staring in silently at the female bat who's expression reflected one of genuine concern. While reluctant to share what she had learned with anyone, she contemplated the benefits of sharing with the presumably more experienced bat. Tugging on the bustle of her dress the hedgehog moaned despairingly, lowering her head. "I think Tails is about to leave Cosmo," she finally answered.

For a moment Rouge's jaw hit the floor, her already massive eyes swelling to the size of dinner plates as she was taken back with sheer disbelief. Her reaction was momentary, however, as Rouge quickly regained her composure and resumed her particular controlled expression. "Can't say I'm surprised…" she spoke apathetically.

"WHAT!?" Screeched Amy, shocked. "What do you mean you're not surprised!?"

"Because he's a guy," the bat oversimplified. "That's why I don't understand why you chase Sonic the way you do. You think that he's 'the one', but in the end they're all just men. Always on the move and never satisfied with one woman…"

"B-but—this is TAILS!" Amy said in denial. "He's always been so loyal! He's not—"

"He's not like that?" Interrupted Rouge, folding her arms. "Look, I don't care how sweet fox-boy is. He's still a guy. You can't really blame them for being jerks. It's in their nature. To them, nothing is as good as what they don't, or can't have. Eventually you'll figure that out, and hopefully Cosmo, too."

"But that's the only reason she's here!" Amy almost pleaded. "He's her only reason to live!"

"Then maybe it's time she found a better reason for living than a man?" The bat argued.

"How can you say that when you're head-over-heels for Knuckles!?" Jabbed Amy.

"Is that what you think we are?" Sneered the bat, amused. "Hon, Red's a good friend, and a good lay, but that's all there is to it. Sure, we've gone out a couple of times, but it's never permanent or even exclusive. He's got at least one other girl he's involved with, though I'm not really sure what Juli-su has over me… If I tied myself down to him my heart would be broken all he time, so I keep myself open!"

"So you use them just like you say they use us?" Amy said with disgust. "Isn't that a little backward?"

"Hey, they use me for their needs, I use them for mine. It's a win/win. Besides, who has the broken heart, and who doesn't?" Rouge countered tastelessly.

"I-" Amy sputtered, appalled by her narcissism, and vindictiveness, and... truth of her words. Yes, it seemed Rouge was correct, for of all her years chasing after Sonic, all it had earned her was an empty heart and an unfulfilled desire. Now, Cosmo would suffer the same torment. Despite what she thought of Rouge's risqué lifestyle, perhaps the bat had made the wiser choice in the end. "So... should we tell her?" She asked hesitantly.

"Bad idea, Pinkie. Tails obviously planned all of this out to soften the blow, so let her enjoy tonight. It'll hurt, but it'll hurt a hell'a lot more if we embarrass her by telling her in front of everybody."

"So we just let this happen?" She asked hopelessly.

"Yeah, sad to say."

"And there's nothing we can do?" Amy said desperately.

"Afraid not," Rouge answered, shaking her head. "Just give her a place to crash when Tails asks her to move out…"

"Right…" The pink hedgehog groaned.

"And don't go in there acting like there's something wrong!" Scolded the bat. "If she picks up that you're upset then she's going to start asking questions. So go back in there and fake it, got it?"

"Yeah…" Moaned Amy, putting on an obviously fake smile.

As the two prepared to return to their seats, came Shadow the Hedgehog from the men's restroom followed closely behind by Tails. The two girls stared with spiteful gaze at the fox and the Hedgehog, the latter of whom passed obliviously between them and re-entered the dining suite. Upon the approach of Tails, however, Amy found herself unable to hold her tongue as she leaned down to the fox's level, hissing into his ear venomously. "She's been so good to you. That's not enough though, is it? You're a sad excuse for a man. I'm ashamed of you!"

"Wh-huh!?" Sputtered the startled fox.

Shaking her head at Amy, Rouge placed a hand on her shoulder nudging her along as she glared over her shoulder at Tails. The two disappeared into the dining room, leaving Tails behind in the hallway, stunned and highly discomforted.

Within the lavished dining suite, Cosmo remained at the table exactly where Tails had left her, legs crossed as she fondled her bodice nervously. Her gaze lifted upon Shadow re-entering the room, followed by Rouge and Amy, the latter of whom appearing highly unsettled. This did nothing to help Cosmo's nerves, as the floral young girl shifted in her seat anxiously.

"Is everything alright?" She asked the three entering parties. "Is Tails okay?"

"He's fine" Shadow answered in monotone.

"What happened?" She continued to press, not satisfied with his answer. "That didn't seem much like Tails at all!"

"He was… concerned," said the Ultimate life form truthfully, despite omitting the vast majority of the details. "He was afraid you disliked the arrangements and became overly-emotional. Rather pathetic, even for an inferior life form…"

"You got that right," spat Amy, who received a sharp blow to her right foot from Rouge's stiletto heel, clasping her hand over her mouth to silence squeal.

"Oh," was the Seedrian's only response, seeming no less concerned than before, "well, I think it's all lovely! I don't understand why he would be so worried…"

"Yes, it all seems rather odd…" Remarked Vanilla, glancing at Shadow. Her gaze then shifted to Kai, who's attempted blank expression did poor to hide his smug pride. He knew something, that much she was certain.

For several minutes the party kept to themselves, speaking with only their cliques near which they sat. This left Cosmo feeling very isolated at the head of the table. Glancing to her right she noticed Amy and Rouge whispering conspicuously between each other. Leaning as far over the table as she could without appearing nosey, she attempted to ascertain the nature of their conversation. Her attempt failed, as Amy quickly noticed the eavesdropping Seedrian and fell silent.

"Amy, what's going on? I know you know something!" Accused Cosmo. "Please, if it's about Tails then don't I deserve to know?"

"N-no," Amy said, as Cosmo's pleading eyes began to chip away at her guilty conscience, "why do you ask?"

"It's just not like him to run out of a room so suddenly!" Worried the Petali. "I've never seen him quite so shaken up! I know he's hiding something! I've sensed that for several months now, but he's consciously blocking out our link! I thought our link was a gift that would help us understand each other even more deeply, but he's more a mystery now then ever! I'm afraid he's keeping something awful from me!

"Cosmo…" The hedgehog said slowly, her eyes growing misty as her willpower was shaken, "he—"

"Is your man," Rouge saved. "It's none of our business."

"I… suppose?" The Seedrian replied, noting Rouge's ready response. "Perhaps I should just trust him?"

"He's buttering you up…" Said Amy suddenly, her face buried in her arms.

"Ames, bad time!" Snapped Rouge, raising in her chair a bit.

"No, I can't do this to her!" Amy suddenly raised her head, tears streaming from her eyes. "She's the closest thing I have to a sister! I can't lie about something I know is going to hurt her! Cosmo, Tails is going to-"

"AMY," Rouge raised her voice attempting to drown her out while not alerting the others at the table, "I need to see you in the restroom right NOW!"

Too late did come Rouge's response, however, for despite her attempts the words flowed from Amy's mouth readily, and were heard and understood by Cosmo. The little Seedrian was silent, her blue eyes widening as she stared agape at Amy. Slowly Rouge lowered her head into her open hand, shaking her head in defeat. A dreadful silence fell between the three as the mind of the young Seedrian maiden raced, outpaced only by her heart which beat painfully inside her chest. The Amy's covered her mouth with her hand, leaking tears as she struggled not to cry out at the populated table. "I'm so sorry… I didn't want to have to tell you." She whispered.

"Look, kid… I know this is rough," Rouge began, "but he's been buttering you up all night. He knows what he's about to do is going to hurt you, so he's doing this to make it easier."

"B-but—I don't—" Cosmo weakly objected, "Tails would never—"

"He would never do that to you…" Rouge interrupted, rolling her eyes. "I've heard it already. Cos, It happens. Guy gets over his girl, so he butters her up with nice things so that either it will hurt less, or she doesn't kill him when he breaks it off…"

"But—Tails says he loves me!" Objected Cosmo desperately. "If he does then he wouldn't—"

"What's love, kid? Is it that fuzzy feeling in your stomach when you're around someone you have the hots for?" Quipped the winged harlot. "If that's it then I'll tell you now, that goes fast, especially for men. Tails is a sweet guy, but that's all he is in the end, a guy."

"No! Tails is different!" The Petali argued fruitlessly. "He's not a normal—"

"Stop…" Rouge cut in harshly, "if you're about to say 'he's not a normal guy' then please, spare me. I've heard every bit of this before. If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then guess what? It's a duck."

"But… Tails is a fox," said Cosmo, oblivious to the metaphor.

"Honey…" Rouge moaned, rubbing her head sorely, "you need to just accept that Tails isn't going to be yours for much longer. Like I said, he's just another guy. Go find another one. If you get really lucky you might find one who will stick around a little bit longer. Losing your first love is always the hardest, but I'll get easier. Whether you want to believe this or not, he's not your only reason for living."

Cosmo found herself lost for words, as Rouge's message conflicted with everything she had come to believe about Tails. In her mind he was still her Golden Knight—kind, generous, smart, and funny; but given recent events and the information she had just been told, it seemed that her hero's golden armor had suddenly become stained. Apparently she did not know her fox as well as she would have liked to believe, were she able to call him her fox for much longer…

"No," said she suddenly, glancing at Rouge with determined resolve, or perhaps, simply stubborn stupidity, "I won't believe it. Not until Tails tells me himself. I appreciate your advice, but I won't assume the worst of him. I can't…"

"Hm, fine," grunted the bat, folding her arms stubbornly, "be a stupid little twat! Don't come crying to me when he drops you face down in the dirt, though!"

While Cosmo would have loved to believe every word she had just said to Rouge, a shadow of uncertainty had cast itself over her mind—or possibly had been there all along. Regardless of how hard she tried to hang on to her faith in Tails, it was now already too late. The seed of doubt had already been planted. Anxiety and distrust began growing and spreading in her mind like a weed. Now all she could do was wait for her suspicions to be abolished, or heaven help her, confirmed. The night seemed to become much longer.

Cosmo found her train of thought abruptly broken, for no sooner had she formulated a response to the bat's remark than did Tails re-enter the room, drawing all attention in the process. With a lowered head he returned to his seat next to Cosmo, feeling everyone's eyes beating down upon him. Slowly he glanced upward, meeting everyone's gaze with a sheepish expression.

"Yo, buddy…" Sonic spoke first. "You okay, there?"

"Uh, y-yeah, fine!" Replied he sounding rather uncertain. "I just had—ah—"

"Either you had the worst shits ever or you're hiding a dirty secret!" Said Knuckles grossly, just before a tiny blue spark jumped from his fork onto his right hand, eliciting a painful yelp from him. The crimson echidna shifted his gaze aggressively in the direction of Jaran Kai, who held his pointer finger against the metal lining of the table, scowling.

"You disgust me," he snarled with distain.

"No! I'm not hiding anything!" Protested Tails fervently, perhaps a bit too much so.

"Hey, I'm not complaining!" Interrupted Vector the Crocodile. "I don't accuse the fox who's paying for the ticket!"

"Freeloaders…" murmured Shadow dryly.

For the next few minutes the meal proceeded quietly, almost uncomfortably so. This did not concern Tails nearly as much as the sensations he was receiving from Cosmo through their shared psychic bond, which were of almost debilitating intensity. Resentment, distrust, and most of all, sadness. Turning to Cosmo he placed a gloved paw on her leg, speaking as lowly as he possibly could. "Honey, what's the matter? I know you're mad at me. I can feel it. I'm not sure what I did, but whatever it is, I'm really sorry…"

The Seedrian made no response, poking at her food with her fork anxiously before finally facing Tails. "Do you love me?" She asked suddenly, her face reflecting upmost seriousness.

"Wh—Cosmo, of course I do!" Tails replied, unable to prevent from chuckling. "You mean the world to me! Why on Mobius would you ask that?"

"I'm not—" hesitated the flower girl, running her left hand through the back of her leafy hair, "I don't know… I just don't feel like you see us the same way you did when I first arrived here. You've been such a mystery lately. I'm afraid—"

"Afraid of what?" He asked, taking her hands into his as he gazed at her with the same love and affection that he always did. While his mind was still on lockdown, Cosmo became aware of him intentionally leaking a few trace emotions from behind his mental barrier. Of the things she read from the confines of his mind, one thing she sensed still remained absolute: his constant love and loyalty, and it all for her…

Cosmo was at a crossroad, feeling more conflicted now than she had after speaking with Amy and Rouge. Her heart said to trust Tails, but the evidence said otherwise. Consciously choosing to uphold her faith in the fox, the Petali chose the simplest path, the one which she should have taken to begin with—ask…

"Tails…" She began, stumbling over her words as she fought back tears, "I love you so much, and I want you to be happy. You don't have to bribe me anymore. If you want to leave me then tell me now. I won't be upset. Just tell me if that's what you think will make you happiest—and I'll be happy knowing you are…"

"WHAT!?" Tails yelled aloud flailing his arms about, managing to knock his fork onto the floor and underneath the table, unintentionally gathering the attention of the entire table. The fox froze as all eyes were again on him. Blushing heavily he bowed his head in embarrassment. "Excuse me," he said ducking his head underneath the table.

With a huff Cosmo shook her head, the others returning to their dinner. After passing out of sight for almost thirty seconds, however, her curiosity began to get the better of her. "Miles," she murmured lowly, "it doesn't take that long to get a—"

"What—the fuck!?" Knuckles cursed suddenly. "The hell are you doing—Tails?" Again all heads turned toward Tails, including Cosmo's. This time, however, the sight that greeted them was, for lack of a better word, astounding…

Upon one knee the fox knelt, gazing into Cosmo's eyes with only a gentle smile. Cradled in shaking hands was a small, black box of velvet, with rounded edges and polished golden hinges. The Seedrian returned his stare vacantly, uncertain of his actions—until, all at once, the floodgates of his mind opened. Every kept secret until then burst fourth into her mind overwhelmingly, as though they had been waiting to be released; and all at once, she knew what was to happen, as her eyes widened in wonderment. As all were occupied with this sight, no one could see the wicked grin that began spreading across Jaran Kai's face.

The room stopped. Nary a sound was made as all who observed finally began piecing the puzzle together. The coral hedgehog and the white bat watched slack-jawed as the scene unfolded before them. The young kitsune cleared his throat, preparing for what he wanted to—nay, what he must say…

"I knew this girl once…" He began, "who fell from the sky. She came to us with the hope that she could save others from the harshness of her world. We took her into our home—we learned her name. She gave us trust when we were owed none. She told us of the danger we faced. We took to the stars, while she tagged along, thinking nothing of her own life and everything of the people who might be saved from her world's conquerors. She came as a guide, and showed us the stars. She had nothing to give, and still managed to give us everything she had. I loved her for that—but I was a coward; and before I could tell her what she meant to me, she was stolen from us. She had nothing to give but her life, and that's exactly what she did. She gave us her life…"

The tales of days not long past struck a cord with all at the table. Not just with Cosmo, but Sonic, Amy, Shadow, Knuckles, and the entire crew of the grand ship, the Blue Typhoon. More than a team, a family. They smiled, save Amy, who's tears had already gotten the better of her as they listened to Tails continue.

"I never thought it would happen; my Eternal Angel, lost to me, for me, to save me. I fought to go to her, a mistake I'll always regret, only for her to come back to me. I'm a scientist. I've never believed in miracles—until you happened, Cosmo…"

The Seedrian smiled, her eyes swelling with tears as her heart swelled with joy, hanging on each and every word Tails said…

"We would never have happened if it hadn't been for our Dark Guardian. A man with a funny name with bad manners, but under it all undeniably good. No possession I have could ever compensate him, because he gave me the greatest gift anyone could possibly receive: a second chance. I told myself that I would use it to its fullest! I would miss no chance to tell you how much I cared! Even now with the Other, Xemus, plotting against us, in possibly our Darkest Night yet, I cannot bear to leave your side. I need you now more than ever…"

With a flick of his thumb the box flipped open, as a sparkling jewel mounted on a white gold band dazzled itself in the warm light of the fading twilight. A glass shattered, carelessly dropped from the limp hand of Vanilla at the end of the table. The diamond, while not particularly large, was cut to perfection and took advantage of each and every facet to reflecting light brilliantly. It was now that Cosmo began to shake, stunned with fear, excitement, and overwhelming joy, all in perfect chorus…

"Cosmo, these are the things I think to myself every morning when I wake up next to you. We've come so far for our age. Whether that's good or bad doesn't really matter to me. I won't waste a single moment of the second life you've been given being afraid to tell you what I think, and how feel, about you. I know it's stupid, believe me, and I know it'll be rough sometimes in the future, but I can't imagine weathering through that with anyone—except for you. You're everything I could want, and more than I deserve. You save my life every day, and I owe every bit of it to you in return. That's what I want, Cosmo. You've already given me your life, now take mine. Cosmo, I'm asking you, please… will you marry me?"

The young Petali cupped her hands over her mouth, tears streaming in rivers down her cheeks as she gazed into Tails sincere eyes. The others at the table stared in sock and awe, confounded by the shy fox they once knew, now suddenly appearing stronger in their eyes. Remaining on his knee, Tails waited for her reply. Whether it be yea or nay—it didn't matter. What he had done felt right; and that is all he could have wanted…

"YES!!!" Screamed out Amy, practically leaping from her seat as she stood. "YESSS!!! SAY YES!!!"

Her voice cracked as she struggled to speak, fighting her overwhelming emotions as finally, perhaps the most important answer she would ever give to any one person, passed her lips…

"Miles—"