Chapter Text
They make their way out of the workshop, and walk to Vanilla's house, Cream's arm linked with Tails'. The sun has fully risen, casting a warm glow over the quiet path. As they approach the front door, Cream's grip tightens, her stomach churning with anxiety. "What happened with Sonic and Shadow?" she asks.
Tails sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. "They went home after I changed them back," he says, his voice carrying a weight Cream can't ignore. "They seemed to have had a really good time," he adds, "but Sonic wouldn't look me in the eye."
The thought of the drama she's created, the pain she's caused, is too much for Cream. She buries her face in Tails' chest fur, her body wracked with sobs. "I'm so sorry," she repeats, the words becoming a mantra as she clings to him.
Tails squeezes her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry about it right now," he murmurs. "I'll figure it out." His voice is gentle, but Cream can't miss the underlying tension, the unspoken question of what 'it' entails. She nods into his chest, her mind racing with thoughts of how she'll fix this mess she's made. "And Cream?"
"Yeah?" she sniffles, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
"Let's not tell your mom about yesterday," Tails said softly. "She has enough to be mad at me for without adding that on."
Cream nodded, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she had to keep this secret, at least for now. As they stepped into the house, the scent of fresh coffee filled the air, and the sound of Vanilla's footsteps grew louder. She emerged from the kitchen, her eyes narrowing when she saw the state of her daughter. "Cream," she began, her voice filled with concern.
"Mom, I'm okay," Cream forced out, her voice weak and trembling. She didn't want to lie, but the truth felt too heavy to bear right now. "Just had a bit of a... rough night."
Vanilla's gaze switched to Tails, her eyes sharp. "Young man, I had a very interesting conversation with Silver. I think you and I should talk privately."
Tails understood the gravity of the situation, and knew exactly what she was getting at. He looked at Cream, giving her a small smile of encouragement before squeezing her hand. "You can say whatever it is in front of Cream," he told Vanilla firmly. "I don't keep anything from her."
Vanilla raised an eyebrow, but the tension in her posture eased slightly. She took a deep breath and sat down at the kitchen table, gesturing for them to join her. "Fine," she said, her voice softer. "Care to explain what's going on with you and him?"
Tails squeezed Cream's hand before releasing it, then took a seat across from Vanilla. "What's going on is we have feelings for each other," he said, his voice clear and steady. "And we plan on exploring those feelings."
Vanilla's face flushed a deep shade of pink. "For Chaos' sake, Tails," she exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Do you just not care that you're going to be a father? You think this is the best time to be experimenting with boys?"
Tails stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. "I do care," he said, his voice firm. "More than you know. But I can't deny who I am, and I won't let anyone, not even you, dictate who I love."
Vanilla's eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Tails wasn't finished. "And I'm not experimenting with boys, or anyone else for that matter," he continued, his voice surprisingly steadier than he felt. "Silver is special to me, and we have feelings for each other that I never knew existed. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm going to be a dedicated father."
"Tails, you being with so many people is likely what caused you to make that mistake with Cream in the first place!" Vanilla shot back, her voice laced with accusation. "And now you want more?"
Tails' eyes flashed with anger, his voice rising in volume. "It wasn't a mistake, Vanilla!" he yelled, the words echoing through the kitchen. "I want to have a child with Cream, and she wants to have one with me!"
Cream moved her hand to her belly, then took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Vanilla’s with determination. "Mom, this is my life, so it’s my choice."
Vanilla's eyes darted between them. She could see the resolve in Tails' gaze, the love in Cream's eyes. Despite her reservations, she knew she couldn't change the past. All she could do was help shape their future. So, she just sighed heavily.
"You are going to build a nursery in your house," she said finally, pointing at Tails. "And it's going to be perfect."
Tails nodded, his own anger subsiding. "Of course," he said, his voice calm. "I'll do anything for them."
Vanilla turned to Cream. "And when it is done, you are going to move in with him," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "And you will stay there until that baby is born. After that, we’ll talk about what’s best to do from there."
Cream looked up with a mix of surprise and hope. "Really?" she whispered, her eyes wide.
Vanilla nodded. "Yes, really. But I expect you to take your responsibilities seriously," she said, pointing her finger back at Tails. "Both of you."
Tails nodded solemnly. "We will," he assured her, his eyes meeting Cream's with a silent promise.
"And I will be visiting every day," Vanilla continued, her voice unwavering, "to not only check on you two, but to evaluate the home of my grandchild. Is that clear?"
Tails nodded, his gaze locked onto hers. "Understood," he said.
Vanilla sighed again, her shoulders slumping as she sat back in her chair. "Does this mean," Cream asked tentatively, "that you approve of us being parents?"
Vanilla's eyes softened, and she reached out to cover Cream's hand with her own. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" she said, her voice filled with a mix of resignation and love. "But I do want what's best for you, and for my grandchild."
Tails felt a weight lift from his chest. He reached over to take Cream's hand, their fingers interlocking in a silent promise of unity. "Thank you, Vanilla," he murmured.
Her mother's nod was all the permission they needed. Cream's eyes sparkled with joy, and she turned to face Tails, her arms wrapping around his neck. "Thank you," she whispered against his ear, her breath warm and sweet.
Vanilla cleared her throat, bringing them back to reality. "Now go," she said firmly, though there was a hint of affection in her tone. "You have some work to do, Miles. And if you've made decent progress, you can come over tonight and join us in the bath."
Tails' eyes widened in shock at the sudden change of topic. "E-excuse me?" he stuttered, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.
"Is there a problem, Tails?" Vanilla asked, her voice calm but firm. "I need to know that you're fully committed to this. To Cream, to the baby. No more... distractions."
Tails's mind raced. The thought of joining Cream and Vanilla in the bath was an unexpected curveball. But he knew Vanilla wasn't one to make idle suggestions. "And I agree with that completely," he managed to say, his voice steady. "But did you say... you want me to join you and Cream in the bath?"
Vanilla nodded, her gaze unwavering. "That's right," she said firmly. "We take baths together often, it's a mother-daughter bonding time." She paused, her eyes searching Tails' for any sign of hesitation. "If you're going to be a part of this family, you're going to need to start acting like it. Consider it another test."
Tails felt his heart race, his cheeks growing even redder. He had never been one to shy away from a challenge, but this was something entirely new. "Okay," he said, his voice a little shaky. "But what about... privacy?"
Vanilla waved a hand dismissively. "Privacy is for those who are not family," she said. "Besides, it's not like I haven't seen your bits before, and lord knows Cream has."
The blush on Cream's cheeks deepened as she realized what her mother was implying, and she felt a sudden surge of embarrassment. "Mom!" she exclaimed, trying to pull away from Tails' embrace.
Vanilla's eyes narrowed, and she gave her daughter a stern look. "Cream, I'm trying to make a point here," she said firmly. "If Tails is going to be a part of this family, he needs to be comfortable with us, and that includes our family rituals."
Feeling a sudden surge of courage, Tails swallowed his embarrassment and nodded. "Alright," he said. "I'll b-bathe with you."
Vanilla's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and satisfaction. "Excellent," she said, her tone clipped. "Now go, I'll send Cream to get you later."
Tails kissed Cream goodbye, the kiss lingering a moment longer than usual. It was filled with a mix of love, fear, and the unspoken promise to do right by their child. He felt the warmth of her embrace, the gentle swell of her belly against his own. He broke the kiss, his eyes meeting hers, filled with determination. "I'll make it perfect for our little one," he whispered before releasing her.
Cream watched him go, her eyes misting over. She knew he would. Tails had always been the reliable one, the one who could fix anything. Tails took a moment to compose himself before making his way to the front door. His hand hovered over the doorknob, unsure of what awaited him outside. With a deep breath, he turned it and pulled the door open.
Blaze stood there, her ear pressed to the wood, her cheeks a matching shade of crimson when she realized she'd been caught. She quickly straightened up, her eyes darting from Tails to the floor and back again. "H-hey," she stammered, her tail swishing nervously behind her.
Tails stepped outside and closed the door behind him, taking in the crisp morning air. He turned to face Blaze, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Blaze? What're you doing?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
"I was... listening in," she admitted, her eyes avoiding his. Her cheeks were as red as a ripe tomato. "I heard what Vanilla said about the nursery, and I was wondering... would you like some help?"
"That's awfully nice of you, Blaze," he said, "but I think she wants me to make it myself."
"I know," she said quickly, her voice earnest. "But I've got some experience with these things. And I just want to help. For... for the baby."
"Experience?" he repeated, "what do you mean?"
Blaze looked up, her eyes meeting his with a hint of pride. "I come from a big family," she explained. "I've got a ton of baby cousins. And my mom, she's like the neighborhood baby whisperer. I've helped set up nurseries before. I know what babies need, and I know what makes a good, safe space for them."
Tails nodded slowly, his gaze sticking to hers. "To be honest with you," he said, his voice sincere, "I don't even know where to start. I think I will accept your help. But there's one condition."
Blaze looked at him, curiosity and anticipation in her gaze. "What's that?"
"This," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, "has to stay between us."
Blaze nodded, her eyes wide with understanding. "Of course," she murmured. "Whatever happens in that nursery, it's just us."
Tails sighed with relief, his shoulders dropping slightly. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "Let's get started then. What's first?"
Blaze nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "First, we need to figure out the theme," she said. "What do you think the baby would like?"
Tails thought for a moment, then grinned. "How about an airplane theme?" he suggested.
Blaze nodded with enthusiasm. "Perfect," she said, her eyes lighting up. "It's unique, and I know exactly where to get the materials."
They start walking towards Tails' workshop, the dew-kissed grass cool under their feet. The sun had fully risen, casting long shadows across the lawn as they moved in sync, their conversation a low murmur as they discussed color schemes and furniture options. The scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the faint smell of paint and sawdust from the workshop ahead, setting the stage for their creative endeavor.
As they enter, Blaze looks around, taking in the organized chaos that is Tails' workspace. "So, what paint colors do we have to work with? What should we go with?" she asks, her eyes scanning the shelves lined with various cans.
Tails shrugs. "Whatever you think would be best, I don’t have much," he says. "I trust your judgment."
Blaze pulls out a few paint chips, holding them up to the light. "How about this?" she asks, showing him a soft shade of mint green. "It's neutral, but still calming and gender-friendly."
Tails nods. "That's perfect," he says, his voice filled with excitement. "Cream will love it."
Blaze seems pleased with his reaction. "Now, before we start, we need to know where we're placing the nursery," she says, her voice business-like. "It needs to be in a quiet, safe space where the baby can sleep without distraction."
"We've got the perfect room," Tails says, his voice growing more confident as he leads her out of the workshop and to his house. "It's the one right beside mine."
"Sounds good," she says, her voice thoughtful. "We'll need to install some soundproofing though, just in case."
Tails blinks, his mind racing. "Soundproofing?" he repeats, his voice incredulous. "What for?"
Blaze looks at him, her expression serious. "Babies have sensitive hearing," she explains. "And with your... extracurricular activities, we don't want them waking up every time someone has a little too much fun."
Tails’ cheeks heat up at the implication. "Right," he murmurs. "I don't have the materials for soundproofing."
"Don't worry," Blaze says with a wink. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve." She pulls out her phone and starts typing away, her fingers a blur. "I'll order some sound-absorbing panels. They'll be here by tomorrow."
Tails nods, his eyes widening slightly. "Okay," he says. "But what about today?"
Blaze gives him a gentle smile. "Don't worry," she responds, her voice reassuring. "We can grab the essentials today. It's mostly organizing and cleaning we'll do."
After they get to the room, she rolls up her sleeves and starts moving furniture around, her movements efficient and purposeful. Tails watches her, his heart swelling with gratitude. He knew he could always count on Blaze, but seeing her like this, taking charge and offering her help without asking for anything in return, made him realize just how much she cared.
He quickly joins her, the two of them working side by side to clear the space. They move the bed and dresser out, leaving the room bare and ready for transformation. The room feels different, filled with potential.
"If you ask me," Blaze says, her voice soft as she picks up a stray piece of lint. "You're going to be an amazing father."
Tails looks up, his eyes meeting hers. "Thanks, Blaze," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "But what makes you so sure? I feel so unprepared."
Blaze pats him on the back, her hand lingering for a moment. "You're more than capable," she assures him. "You're smart, caring, and you've got a big heart. That's all you need. The rest will come."
They spend the rest of the day painting the walls and assembling a crib, their laughter and chatter filling the once-bare room. Blaze's experience shines through as she points out the best spots for the changing table and the rocking chair, while Tails eagerly puts together the mobile that will soon lull their baby to sleep. They work together in a silent harmony, each movement calculated and precise. The tension from the morning's confrontation with Vanilla fades away, replaced by a newfound excitement for the life growing inside Cream.
As the sun begins to set, they stand back to admire their progress. The room is almost unrecognizable, transformed from a spare bedroom to a cozy nursery. The mint green walls are adorned with clouds and tiny airplanes, the crib a vision of white. The floor is soft with a plush carpet, perfect for midnight feedings and early morning cuddles. Tails' heart swells with pride at the sight of it all.
"I've noticed you know," Blaze says softly, her eyes on Tails' profile. "How much you want to be there for Cream. It's really sweet."
Tails ducks his head, a blush staining his cheeks. "Thanks, Blaze," he mumbles, his voice gruff. "But it's not just for Cream." He pauses, swallows hard. "It's for the baby too."
Her hand squeezes his shoulder, comforting and warm. "I know," she says, her voice gentle. "But it's not every guy who'd step up like you are."
Tails’ throat feels tight. "It's the least I can do," he whispers, his eyes never leaving the crib.
They stand there in silence for a few moments before Blaze breaks it. "So, is it true? About you and Silver?"
Tails sighs, his shoulders drooping. "It's complicated. True, but complicated," he admits.
"If you need to talk about it, I'm here," Blaze says, her voice understanding.
Tails’ eyes flicker over to her. "No offense, but are you the best person to talk to about that?" he asks, his voice low and hesitant. "You know, considering your history with him?"
Blaze looks at him, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe that's exactly why I'm the best person to talk to," she says, her voice gentle. "I know what it's like to love someone who's... complicated."
Tails nods. "Can I ask, how did it make you feel when he came out to you?"
Blaze's gaze softens, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Shocked, at first," she admits. "But mostly, I felt like an idiot for not seeing it sooner."
Tails looks at her, his eyes widening. "Why would you feel like an idiot?"
"Because it was right there, all along," she says, her voice wistful. "The signs were there, but I was too blind to see them. Or maybe I didn't want to."
"But he's bi, not gay," he says finally, his voice tentative. "Doesn't that mean you guys could still, you know..."
Blaze shakes her head. "It's not that simple," she says. "When Silver came out to me, he made it clear that he wanted to explore his feelings for other guys. And I couldn’t get in the way of that, I didn’t want to."
Tails nods, his eyes searching hers. "Sure, but what about your feelings?" he asks, his voice gentle.
Blaze sighs. "Honestly, it hurt at first," she admits, her voice raw. "But I knew I had to support him. And I've learned to deal with it. It's not about what I want anymore."
Tails sets down his tools, walking over to her. He reaches out, taking her hand in his. "But why can't it be about what you want?" he asks. "You're important too."
Blaze's eyes widen at his touch, and she feels something stir in her chest. She looks down at their joined hands, feeling the warmth of him. "It's just..." she starts, her voice trailing off.
She stares at him in silence. The weight of her doubt is palpable in the room, but as she looks into the depths of Tails' cerulean gaze, she sees something that gives her pause. A spark of sincerity, a hint of vulnerability that mirrors the look Silver had given her when he'd confessed his own truth. Her hand feels warm in his, and she wonders if maybe, just maybe, Tails could be the one to fill the void Silver had left behind.
"Tails..." she starts, her voice barely above a whisper. She takes a step closer, her heart racing. His eyes widen slightly, but he doesn't pull away. She can feel the tension between them, a taut wire ready to snap at any moment.
But then, there's a knock at the door, and the moment is shattered. Tails' hand falls from hers as he jumps, the sound echoing through the quiet house like a gunshot. He turns, his eyes darting to the door with a mix of fear and annoyance.
A few seconds later, Tails reappears, his expression a mix of urgency and apology. He whispers into Blaze's ear, "It's Cream. I have to go." The warmth of his breath sends shivers down her spine, and she nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Thanks so much for your help," he adds. "I'll make it up to you soon."
Blaze nods, her cheeks still flushed from their conversation. "No problem," she murmurs, her eyes following him as he rushes out the door, leaving her alone in the nursery. The room feels eerily quiet without his presence, the echo of their laughter and the sound of their work the only reminders of the day they'd spent together.
As the front door clicks shut, she releases the breath she'd been holding. Her hand lingers where he had touched her, his warmth still imprinted on her. She looks down at her hand, her thoughts racing. What was it about Tails that made her feel so... alive? So seen?
"No," she murmurs to herself, shaking her head. "No, no, no. Don't even think about it, Blaze." She stares at the spot where Tails had been standing, his words echoing in her mind. She couldn't let herself get drawn into this mess, not when she'd just started to heal from her last heartache. "It's impossible."
But as she packs up the paintbrushes and tools, she can't help but wonder. What if Tails could offer her something Silver couldn't? Something stable, something real. Her heart skips a beat at the thought, but she quickly pushes it aside. Now was not the time for this.
The sun has set by the time Blaze finishes cleaning up. She takes one last look at the nursery, feeling a strange sense of accomplishment. It's not her baby, but she's helped create a space where love and happiness will grow. She heads towards the front door, a single thought going through her head as she does. What if it was her baby…