I just wanted to rewrite this one shot because I feel I could do better with it. 3143 words!
As Tails was working in the workshop, Sonic arrived there with a bit of mail. "You gotta check your mail more often, buddy. Box was bursting out there." Sonic placed the mail on a countertop.
"Hey, Sonic." Tails greeted his friend. "Thanks a lot. It's mostly junk, although there may be some bills from my- ow!" Tails was working under Tornado and hit his head on the way out to see Sonic.
"You good?" Sonic looked at Tails. His fur was dirty and tarnished with soot.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I see what you mean." Tails rubbed his head where he hit it as he sorted through the mail.
"Looks good." Sonic looked at the plane. "Just needs a fresh coat of paint."
"We can do that later. Check this out." Tails showed Sonic a cream colored envelope, sealed with a pink heart sticker. "It's from Cream, and it's dated for yesterday."
"Open it up, let's see what it says." Sonic stood by Tails, reading the letter along with him. "To Sonic and Tails. I am having a party in three days' time at the local indoor playground, and I would like to invite you. Please don't bring any gifts, this is simply a get-together with all my friends. We will have pizza and cake, along with a visit from some Chao. I hope you can come! It's sure to be lots of fun. Signed Cream." Sonic read aloud.
Tails blushed lightly at the thought of playing like a child in front of Sonic but pushed it aside as he didn't have to worry about being teased for it. "Sounds like fun. Plus there's free food. Can't say no to that." Tails smiled.
"Since it was sent yesterday, that makes the party itself in two days' time." Sonic wrote a reply letter and placed it in the mailbox. "It's not just my feet that are fast!" He gave his trademark thumbs up.
"I'm gonna get cleaned up." Tails' stomach growled as he went towards the shower
"I'll get some food cookin'. You sound hungry." Sonic chuckled.
When it came time for the party, Sonic and Tails saw a few other friends were there as well. "Charmy!" Tails called.
"Heya, Tails!" Charmy hovered over and gave Tails a high five. "Haven't seen you in forever!" His shoes were already off. "Ray is supposed to be coming too. Hope he gets here soon."
"We can have fun with just the three of us." Cream joined the group with Cheese floating behind, both having cheerful expressions.
"You mean four of us?" Sonic smiled, placing his shoes in a cubby.
"Oh, Sonic! You're playing too? I thought you'd be too cool to play with us kids." Charmy teased.
"You kidding? This may be the last chance I get to have fun like this." Sonic smiled, placing a hand on Tails shoulder.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Tails placed his shoes next to Sonic's.
"Let's start over in the structure!" Charmy flew towards the structure. Sonic noticed Charmy had a ball on his stinger.
"Smart thinking, Vector." Sonic smiled and peered around, trying to spot Vector. Tails nudged Sonic, pointing to the eating area. There, he saw Vector talking to Vanilla with a small blush. "That sly croc. I bet this was his idea, so he could talk to Vanilla."
Cream beckoned Sonic and Tails. "Come on!"
Tails followed with Sonic close behind. The four of them climbed around the structure happily, with Sonic and Tails being close to one another. Sonic gave Tails a few tickles, which made the both of them laugh.
"This slide leads to the ball pit! Let's go!" Charmy slid down first with a happy squeal.
"It's ladies first, you silly bee!" Cream followed with Cheese on her lap. Cheese chirped happily as they landed in the pit.
Tails went next. "This is gonna be the best part! Wheee!" Tails slid down and landed belly first in the colorful balls.
"Guess that leaves me." Sonic smiled and went down. At the end of the slide, Tails was waiting to catch him. Sonic smiled wide and play tackled him into the pit. Cream and Charmy were throwing balls at each other. "I'm gonna get ya!" Sonic tussled with Tails, rolling around happily.
"Nuuuu!" Tails tried to tickle Sonic back, but knew it was in vain.
Sonic sealed his victory with a hug and a kiss in the forehead. "Your laughs are so cute."
Tails blushed and sank into the ball pit. Charmy was carrying Cream into the air and dropping her into the ball pit. Sonic sighed happily and laid on his back. "This will be a day to remember." Tails suddenly shot out of the balls, landing on top of Sonic. "Oof!" Sonic barely caught him in his arms.
"You're soft too." Tails nuzzled Sonic. Sonic pet Tails head.
"Let's go on the battle beam!" Cream suggested.
"Battle beam?" Sonic asked.
"Follow us!" Charmy lead the way. There was a foam pit with a balance beam over it and two handheld padded battering rams on either side. Tails went to one side, and Charmy went on the other. "I got this." Tails took his bat.
Cream decided to officiate to match. "Here's the rules. You must try to knock your opponent into the pit. You have thirty seconds to do it. No flying. Now approach!" Sonic got an idea and began humming appropriate music. Tails and Charmy met in the middle of the beam. "Bow!" Cream commanded, and the two obeyed.
"Get ready." Sonic joined, knowing what was coming next.
"Three. Two. One. Fight!" Cream and Sonic said together. Sonic belted out the Mortal Kombat theme.
"Perfect tune!" Charmy began striking Tails' bat. Tails took his time, letting Charmy tire himself out. Tails struck, but Charmy stood his ground. Soon Tails succeeded and knocked Charmy off the beam.
"Victory!" Tails thrust his bat into the air. Charmy laughed in the foam pit and floated out with ease.
Suddenly, a toy shuriken flew by Tails eyes. He saw Espio on the other side of the beam. "I will be your next opponent.
Charmy threw the shuriken back at Espio, who caught it between his index and middle fingers. "I know it's a toy, but you should still be careful, like you always tell me to be!" Charmy berated.
"Approach!" Cream announced. The two went to the middle of the beam. "Bow!" Sonic got ready to hum his tune. Cheese flew in the air between Espio and Tails. "Three. Two. One. FIGHT!" Cheese floated a bit higher to get a better view as Sonic hummed the Mortal Kombat theme. "Remember, you have thirty seconds!" Cream reminded.
Espio waited for Tails to move first. Tails bounced in place, also waiting for Espio to move. He knew he stood little chance against Espio, so he had to choose his moves carefully. He went for a fake high attack to attempt a low attack instead, but Epsio saw right through Tails and took the opportunity to whack Tails chest. Tails lost his balance a bit but didn't fall in the foam. He held steady and gave a soft growl of determination. "Don't think this is going to be easy." Espio warned, waiting for another attack.
"I knew it wasn't going to be. That doesn't mean I won't try!" He matched his bat with Espio's, simply trying to push him back, but Espio held firm. Their match was soon over as Cream called their time was up.
"We will fight again. I am interested to see what else you can do." Espio turned invisible, and behind him was Ray, who waved at Tails. Sonic saw him too, and they both went over to greet him.
"I almost thought you wouldn't make it, Mr. Ray!" Cream looked very excited to see him and gave him a short hug.
"I almost didn't! But man, this place looks ace!" Ray beamed with happiness, taking turns greeting everyone. "I haven't missed the Laser Tag match, have I?"
"Not yet. In fact, you're just in time for my match with Tails on the Battle Beam." Sonic smiled confidently.
"It'll be a fight to remember! I'll count you down!" Ray stood beyond the foam pit and battle beam, watching as Sonic and Tails got ready. Cream was whispering something in Ray's ear. When she was done, he nodded. "Approach!" He yelled. Sonic and Tails met in the middle. "Bow!" Tails bowed a little before Sonic did.
"Nothing personal, buddy." Sonic limbered up.
"I would hope not!" Tails took a deep breath, excited to get started.
"Three. Two. One. Fight!" Ray shouted with excitement. Charmy was the one singing the Mortal Kombat theme this time.
"Man!" Sonic blocked one of Tails attacks. "Sure is different up here, hearing that!" He dodged an attack by backing up slightly.
"You're telling me!" Tails was on the attack, trying all he could to knock Sonic down, just to prove he could. "But you get used to it after a round or two. Aye!" Tails took a hit on the shoulder but stayed firm.
"Halfway down!" Cream announced, letting them know they had fifteen seconds left.
"Time flies when you're having fun!" Sonic went for Tails sides but was blocked each time.
"You sure it's just time that flies?" Tails pushed against Sonic's bat, fanning his tails to give him a little more weight.
"Hey! That's cheating!" Charmy called.
"Let's him have it." Ray allowed. "It's about having fun anyway." Tails wasn't budging against Sonic. Sonic made a last second big move, pushing Tails back. While he was successful in pushing Tails off the beam, he lost his balance thanks to the force he used and fell in, too. Tails was giggling happily.
"Who hit the foam first, Cheese?" Cream asked her floating Chao friend. Cheese pointed to Tails, indicating that Sonic narrowly won.
"Awesome!" Sonic celebrated. "Now help me outta here!" He had trouble moving in the foam. Charmy floated along and carried him out, while Cream helped Tails out.
"Let's take a lunch break, then it's laser tag time!" Charmy suggested.
"Good thinking. I'm feeling a little hungry." Tails agreed.
"Gotta fuel up for our laser tag game." Sonic supported with his trademark thumbs up.
"There you are." Vector appeared behind them. "Just wanted to let you know, we got pizza and cake ready in the party room. Vanilla is in there waiting for you." Vector gestured to the party room.
Vanilla was standing outside the party room and gave a warm smile and wave as everyone looked towards her. She then beckoned them. "Come get it while it's hot!" Everyone rushed over to her. Cream gave her a hug as she passed. "Are you having fun, sweetie?"
"Am I ever! This might be the most fun I've ever had!" She squealed happily.
Tails smiled and gave Sonic a hug, unable to contain his happiness at the sight. Sonic returned the hug, patting Tails on the back. They sat next to each other and began eating. "Ooh! This pizza has a bit of a kick!" Tails fanned his mouth and drank some water.
"You're right!" Sonic licked his lips, also fanning his mouth.
"Don't worry, it was just that pizza." Vector smiled mischievously, showing the fact there were two different pizzas, and they just happened to pick the spicy one.
"You sly croc." Charmy giggled mischievously.
"Here, lemme try!" Ray took a slice of the spicy pizza. He was soon guzzling water to cover the heat. "Yeowch! How did you two handle that so well?!"
"Chili dogs." Sonic and Tails said together.
"Man... I'll stick to regular pizza." Ray took a normal slice.
Once everyone was done eating, Sonic and Tails led the way to the laser tag arena. But once they arrived, Tails gave a despaired look. "Oh no!"
Sonic read a notice on the door. "Laser tag is temporarily closed for repairs."
Charmy growled. "Thay can't be!" There were windows up high that peered into the arena. Charmy floated up to look. The lights in the arena were on, and a few workers were shooting handheld lasers, clearly testing targets and equipment. Charmy sighed. "I guess they are repairing things." He buzzed down sadly.
"Don't worry, I have an idea! Follow me!" Ray led the way to the bouncy castle area. There was a rather large and long inflatable. "Say hello to the obstacle course!" He clapped once.
"It's looks awesome!" Charmy buzzed happily.
"Theres two lanes for racing, but only five of us." Cream began thinking of a solution.
"Ya mean six of us?" Vector strolled over.
"You kidding? You'll beat all of us for sure!" Cream declined.
"I can go twice." Charmy volunteered. "Once against Ray, and once against Cream."
"Wouldn't that make it unfair?" Tails suggested. "You'd know the layout and be faster the second time."
"Ahem." Sonic cleared his throat and gestured to Cheese, who chirped happily.
"Oh, of course! I'm sorry, Cheese!" Cream hugged her Chao companion.
"That makes me versus Sonic, Charmy versus Ray, and Cream versus Cheese." Tails summarized. "Sonic and I will go last. Vector, get on the exit and let the next-"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll let ya know when to go." Vector waltzed to the end.
Ray narrowly won against Charmy, and Cheese won against Cream. "You did so well, Cheese!" Cream hugged her Chao companion, who chirped happily.
"That was a blast!" Charmy high five Ray, congratulating his win.
"Now it's up to Sonic and Tails." Ray went to inform them of what to expect. "Okay, boys, listen. The first obstacle is punching bags. Some stand still, others move towards you. After that is a net you have to crawl under. Third is a wall you have to climb up, which leads to the finale, a slide into a small ball pit. You got it?" He finished his report.
"Got it, sir!" Tails saluted and took a rigid stance, playing along with Ray's soldier like commands. Sonic giggled.
"I said, do you got it, private Sonic?" Ray repeated to Sonic.
"Er... yes, sir?" Sonic gave a weak salute.
"That's what I thought. Take your marks." Ray instructed. Tails took a funny pose while Sonic took an actual runners start pose. "At ease, Sonic. I'm joking, ya know." Sonic exhaled and took a more relaxed stance. "Ready! Set! Go!"
While Sonic did spring forward first, he got whacked by a few of the punching bags, which slowed him down a bit. Tails took a more careful approach, making it through the punching bags and to the next obstacle just before Sonic did. Tails got to crawling with Sonic closely next to him. Sonic made it out first while Tails seemed to halt inexplicably. Sonic began to proceed but realized Tails was stuck. "You alright, buddy?"
"Don't worry... I got this..." Tails struggled but couldn't figure out what was halting his advance.
"Your tail fur is knotted. Hold still a sec." Sonic got to work undoing the knot.
"Ow! Be gentle!" Tails blushed as his tails were messed with.
"There we go." Sonic freed Tails
Tails wormed his way past the net and soothed the pain in his tails. "Thanks, Sonic." He hugged Sonic.
"You know I always got your back, buddy." He squeezed Tails in return, enacting a squeak from the fox which made him blush more.
"Should we finish the course together?" Tails suggested.
"Of course." Sonic met him at the climbing wall and met Tails' pace as they climbed together. At the top, they slid down together, tumbling into the ball pit. They both laughed as they tumbled over each other. The others were waiting there for them.
"Seems like one last romp is the big ball pit is called for." Charmy suggested.
"Heck yes!" Ray seconded.
"A good way to end the day." Sonic stretched and yawned.
"Won't you stay for cake?" Cream asked.
"Of course." Tails almost slobbered at the idea of cake but wiped his mouth quickly. "Sorry. Ball pit time!" Tails bolted to it and jumped in with a happy squeal.
"Boo!" Sonic emerged from under the balls right in front of where Tails landed. To Sonic's delight, Tails gave a small yelp and pinned Sonic down in a hug. "Easy, buddy. It's just me." He pet Tails head.
"What a day to be a kid again." Tails purred.
"And we're capping it off with cake!" Sonic tossed Tails into the air and caught him on the way down, swung him around, and hugged him. "I love ya, you little nerd." He gave Tails a noogie.
"Sonic! That tickles!" Tails tried to escape Sonic's grip. Cream gave him a helping hand by giving Sonic a little tickle. Once Tails was free, he tackled Sonic into the balls, growling playfully. "I got you now! Grrrr!"
"Okay, okay! You win!" Sonic surrendered, trying to get Tails off him.
"Come and get it!" Vector announced.
"Yay! The cake is served!" Cream ran to the party room, with Cheese and Charmy close behind. Sonic and Tails walked there together, and ate the delicious cake.
"Is that caramel I taste?" Charmy asked.
"It's sure is. Sure to get you eating more." Vanilla smiled gleefully. "I'm so glad you all had fun today. And I do hope you come back for her actual birthday."
"Mom, we don't know if it's gonna be here!" Cream protested.
"I didn't say come back here, honey." Vanilla smiled.
"Honey??" Charmy buzzed.
"Figure of speech, Charmy." Vector said, somewhat exasperated.
Sonic chuckled. "Maybe we oughta help the Chaotix out on a mission, hmm?" He suggested to Tails.
"Sounds like fun. But for now, we enjoy this day, then kick some Eggman butt!" Tails punched the air and looked at Sonic with a smile.
"Our heroes." Cream smiled teasingly. "Thanks for coming!" She hugged everyone goodbye as they left. She gave Tails a kiss on the cheeks, and he blushed the most he had ever blushed that day.
Sonic smiled, knowing they liked each other a lot. "You little casanova." He guided Tails out. "Bye!" He waved goodbye as did Tails, although his face was covered by his namesakes.
Once outside, the fresh air helped calm Tails down. "Thanks for the fun day, Sonic."
"What do you mean? Thank Cream, shes the one who invited us." Sonic shrugged.
"Well, you made it super fun. I'm sure this will be a core memory for us." Tails stretched his arms towards the sky.
"Now let's rest for tomorrow. I'm sure Eggman has something in store for us, and we gotta be in tip top condition for it." Sonic got ready to run.
"I'm right behind you! Always!" Tails sped off with Sonic into the night.
