A/N: I'm back in Sonic town. Been a while since I've been here but always good to come back. I've always been a (grown up)Tails/Sally guy (still working on 'Happy Endings' related stories) but I like this pairing to so I thought I give it a try. Hope you enjoy!

All characters belong to SEGA and Archie I believe.

Firsts

"Happy Birthday Tails!"

The vulpine practically fell back through the door had just entered as the loud chorus assaulted his ears like one of Robotnik's machines exploding from a Sonic Spin.

When he regained his balance as well as his composure, he let out a small laugh at the site of his friends all crammed into his apartment, smiles and bright faces all around. Streamers and balloons were littered all around and a large banner hung in the middle of the living room that read, 'Happy 26th Birthday Miles!'

A small explosion of confetti flew up into his face as Amy popped a streamer and pulled him into a rib crushing hug.

"Happy Birthday Miles!" The pink hedgehog squealed. "Thanks Amy." Tails managed to squeak out as all the air in his lungs were being forced out. She was pulled off by the True Blue Blur himself, Tails sucking in the air greedily.

"Easy there Amy. We want him to be around to celebrate his next birthday too." Sonic smirked. He straightened his 'little bro' and pulled him into another hug, this one much softer.

"Happy Birthday big guy." He told him. Tails hugged him back and shook his head with a large smile.

"I assume it was your brilliant idea to break into my place for this?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow up at him. Sonic was about to answer but another voice cut in before he could speak.

"Actually it was mine."

Tails looked past him and saw Sally standing behind Sonic with an embarrassed look on her face. The orange fox was genuinely surprised as he looked from the hedgehog to the squirrel.

"It was?" He asked her. Sally rubbed her arm in embarrassment as she approached him timidly. "We were originally going to surprise you at work but I know how busy you get at the shop so I thought it would be better to do it here. I hope you're not angry."

Tails pushed Sonic aside and sported a rather large frown on his muzzle.

"Let me get this straight," Tails began, "I bust my ass all day at work and all I want to do is come home and relax only to find out that I have to entertain guests on my OWN birthday?"

Sally's facial features morphed into one of fear and the other guest looked uncomfortably at one another. Tails pushed passed her and motioned to all the decorations.

"And now I'll have to clean up all this when all I want to do is get some god damn sleep! So you and everyone else here thought that this would be better!" He shouted with malice in his voice. Sally as well as everyone else all took a step back in shock. This wasn't what they were expecting. Tails marched up to Sally who looked like she almost shrunk in size from intimidation and fear. He narrowed his eyes at her, the entire room silent as a tomb. Tails had a look on his face like none she had ever seen before. Suddenly that look disappeared in an instant and was replaced by sheer amusement and laughter.

"Of course this would be better!" Tails exclaimed and pulled her into a hug. The heavy and awkward atmosphere in the room suddenly plummeted as everyone let out a laugh of relief. Sally pushed him away and smacked him hard on his chest.

"Don't ever do that to me again!" She screamed at him but she quickly pulled him back into a hug. "You may be twenty six but I will still ground you until your eighty." She chuckled.

"Thanks Aunt Sally. You're the best." He told her. Tails felt Sonic slap him on the back as the hedgehog laughed out loud.

"Oh man Sals! You should've seen the look on your face! He got you good!"

Sally pushed away from Tails and gave her husband an irritated look. "Yeah, he had me scared half to death and there seemed to be no support from my insignificant other." She growled at him. Sonic threw his hands up in defense. "Hey! I knew what the kid was up to! I would have pulled the same thing. Great minds think alike you know."

"Yeah. Too bad you don't have one." Knuckles snorted as he walked by to hang his jacket up.

"Cram it tentacle head." Sonic mumbled, sending a death glare at the red echidna. Tails laughed hard and turned back to his 'aunt'.

"I'm sorry Sally. I won't do that again, I promise. This is really wonderful. Thank you."

Sally gave him one of her many heartwarming smiles and kissed him on the cheek. "You're welcome Miles. Just watch it next time. I might not be so forgiving." She told him with a wink.

Tails chuckled and greeted the rest of his friends who scattered all over his flat. He shook several hands and accepted many hugs from everyone. Knuckles, Amy, Bunnie, Antoine, Cream, Vector, Charmy, Mighty, Espio, even Rouge had showed up. He excused himself briefly so he could change out of his work clothes. He pulled off his stuffy coveralls as he entered his room that were stained and smudged with grease and oil from hundreds and hundreds of plane repairs. He jumped in the shower and rinsed himself off quickly before quick drying himself and throwing on a more casual pair of jeans and a plain white shirt.

When he came back out, he found himself quickly dragged into the living room and plopped down on his couch. A loud and somewhat off key rendition of 'Happy Birthday' rose up in the air as Sally brought in a large cake lit with twenty six flickering candles. She set it down in front of him just as the song ended. Taking a big breath, he blew a gust of air over them. They all flickered and died, streams of grey smoke floating into the air. Applause graced his ears and hands slapped him on the back. Sally cut the cake and passed pieces to all. But before Tails could even bite into it, presents were shoved into his arms.

From the Chaotix Agency, he received a brand new six string new guitar. Music had become a bit of a side hobby for him. Knuckles had given him a new set of tools specifically made for propeller repairs and Cream presented him shyly with a new CD of a band he enjoyed. Tails gave her a kiss on the cheek in thanks causing the young rabbit to blush profusely. He got a new pair of aviator goggles from Amy and a set of blueprint sheets from Antoine and Bunnie. He was very thankful for that as blueprint paper was not cheap.

He excused himself once more to go the washroom before receiving Sally and Sonic's gift, only to be pulled aside by Rouge who gave him her gift in the form of the hottest open mouth kiss he had ever had. She patted him on the cheek as he wobbled from side to side a bit dazed.

"Happy Birthday, stud." She said with a sultry smile. Once he regained his composure, he made his way to the washroom (contemplating taking another shower. A cold one). Tails returned as Sonic and Sally presented him with their gift. Sonic handed him an envelope and he opened it curiously. When he realized what it was he shook his head, mouth slightly agape.

"I can't take this. It's too much." He said, handing it back to them. Sally pushed it back to him shaking her own head.

"No Tails. It's for you."

"Sally, I don't need it."

"It doesn't matter. It's for you to spend on something special." She told him. "Yeah, you were always bugging the hell out of us for an allowance when you were ten so why you whining now!" Sonic chided with a toothy grin. Tails sighed knowing that it was useless to argue with them, especially Sonic. He accepted their overgenerous gift and gave them both an extra tight hug.

The party went into a more relaxed state as everyone sat or stood around conversing about their day to day lives now. Tails could only smile as he nursed a bottle of lager that had been given to him quite forcefully by Mighty.

Things were so much different since the war ended.

New Mobotropolis was thriving like never before with jobs and business taking off every day. The group of individuals that stood before him all had more, well, normal lives now that they had to no longer live in fear of Robotnik or the Iron Domain.

The Chaotix Agency and Knuckles still had their active roles as before but with much less stress with the peace finally here. Rouge still had her involvement in GUN but seemed to be on fewer missions than before. Cream was in her second year of college studying microbiology and Antoine and Bunnie had bought themselves a nice little place in the country just outside of the city. As far as Tails knew, Antoine was still serving in the Royal Army and Bunnie was looking into opening some sort of daycare center. Amy had achieved quite a lot of success as the writer of a popular teenage book series based off the exploits she shared with the very same people in the room.

That only left the two people that Tails loved most in this world.

Sonic and Sally were no mystery. They had long ago tied the knot and were presently staying at Castle Acorn, Sonic being groomed to be the next King. Tails chuckled when he would think back to when Sonic would talk his ear off about the long and extremely boring sessions of proper royal etiquette. It was due to this laid back and rather uninterested attitude that made many doubt the hedgehog's ability to govern a kingdom. But when it would eventually come down to it, Tails knew he and Sally would be the best rulers anyone would ever see.

His ears suddenly twitched as a timid and somewhat quiet knock came from his door, barely rising above the noise of the party.

"I'll get it!" He heard Sally call out as she headed for the door. She opened it up and a very familiar and very large walrus came through the door.

"Where is that little genius?" He hollered. Tails felt another smile wash over his face as he approached his old friend and hugged him.

"Rotor! I haven't seen you in ages!" The fox shouted in surprise and glee. Rotor snickered and rubbed the fur on his head.

"Well Sally's father still has me very busy in his old age."

"I'll say, he's got you working so hard you're losing strength. That was a pretty lame knock."

Rotor gave him a quizzical look but then softly chuckled as he motioned to the door. "That wasn't me Mr. High IQ. That was…" He stopped when he noticed that he doorway was empty. The walrus scratched his head in confusion.

"Huh. She was with me just a second ago."

"Who? And where did Sally go?" Tails wondered himself. He went to the door and looked out into the hall. He spotted the princess at the end where a corner turns into another hallway. It looked like she was talking to someone. Frowning, he made his way down there, picking up the conversation as he neared.

"Come on. He'll be so happy to see you. It's been years."

"But I have nothing to give him. It is in bad form to attend one's birthday with no gift to offer is it not?"

"He won't care about that. You know he won't. What's this really about?"

"I just…don't feel comfortable coming uninvited."

"Who said you weren't?"

"I…well…that is…"

"Hey Sal, who you talking to?" Tails interrupted as he finally reached her. Sally turned to him with a smile and a slight roll of her eyes. "Someone who should have said hello a long time ago." She said and pulled forward the mystery guest.

Tails eyes widened as a very familiar figure stood before him, rubbing a bare arm in embarrassment.

"Hello Miles. Happy Birthday." Nicole softly said through a shy smile. Tails could only stare. It had been a few years since he had seen the A.I. unit and things had certainly changed.

She was older now. Well, as old as a super advanced computer wanted herself to look. In truth she looked no older than himself if not a year or two older. Her jet black hair was no longer tied in those braids at the side but rather a long ponytail, her bangs still classically hanging to one side of her face. She was tall, slim and lean with slender legs that hid themselves behind her easily recognizable purple toga. Green eyes stared back at him nervously, her long eyelashes occasionally fluttering with each blink.

"Nicole," He breathed, "You look…"

"I know. I apologize for coming so underdressed to such an event." She replied with an ashamed look.

"I was going to say amazing." Tails told her with all sincerity. The lynx turned a bright shade of red and adverted her eyes from his own. "Well don't just stand there, give me a hug!" He shouted and pulled her into an embrace. Her chocolate brown fur was warm to the touch and it felt soft and silky as his own brushed against it. Forgetting that he still held an ice cold bottle in his hand, the base of it touched Nicole's bare shoulder in the hug and she jumped from its icy touch.

"Oh crap, sorry! Wait…" Tails paused as he looked at her, then to Sally, then back to her. "You…actually felt that?"

Nicole nodded sheepishly and said, "Yes. There have been many advances in computer simulations over the years, mostly in part to Rotor's own contributions and I underwent an advanced upgrade. I am now able to utilize the five senses to full functionality."

"Holy shit!" Tails gaffed in amazement, running a hand through his head fur. Sally gave him a stern stare for his use of language.

"Alright now, let's calm down before we get a little too excited. Let's rejoin the party shall we?"

"Oh, right. Sorry. Ladies first." Tails said, bowing a little. Sally rolled her eyes and Nicole giggled as they headed back to the party.

The celebration of Tails' birth went long into the night. They played a few games, reminisced about old adventures and even shared a new one when Vector embarrassingly got his wide shoulders lodge in between the doorframe of the bathroom. But after some good natured ribbing and some cooking oil, they popped him out of there in a matter of fifteen minutes.

It was a little past midnight now and everyone had paired off in their own little groups, low key conversation and relaxation filling the room. Tails laughed at a joke in the kitchen that Charmy had told wrong which caused Espio to slap a hand over his face in embarrassment for the young bee. He turned his attention to the living room and could see Sonic and Sally relaxing on the couch. The princess nestled close to his side, gently caressing his chest, Sonic's arm draped lazily over her shoulder. The fox smiled at them but it quickly formed into a frown when he noticed that Nicole, who was on the opposite side of the room, was also watching them. Her face held an expression filled with anger and contempt. The digital feline turned around and quietly slid open a glass door behind her and stepped onto the balcony.

Tails excused himself from the two agents and walked over to the sliding door. He opened it silently and watched Nicole as she leaned against the ledge, staring out into the lights of the city.

"Nicole?" He called out. She turned around somewhat startled but calmed when she saw the two tailed vulpine.

"Oh. I'm sorry Miles. I did not mean to come out here without permission." She said.

"Don't worry about it. That's what it's for." He chuckled. The two former Freedom Fighters then stood in silence, the other not really sure what to say. It had been so long. Tails took a swig of his drink and then suddenly blurted out, "Oh hell, I'm sorry Nicole. Did you want something to drink? I'm still getting use to you being more…uh…"

Nicole smiled as she watched the fox try and come up with a word for her new advancements. That was the Tails she remembered. Always polite and never wanting to put others in an uncomfortable position even if it meant putting himself in one.

"No Miles, I'm alright." She told him. "And you can say Mobian if you like. That is, if you consider me one."

"Of course I do. You're as Mobian as they come."

She smiled again as Tails tossed his now empty bottle into a nearby recycling bin nestled in the corner. He crossed his arms across his chest and leaned against the railing, tails casually swinging from side to side.

"This whole thing still amazes me. I can't even imagine what it was like for you to experience such things."

Nicole sighed happily as she looked back out to the city. "There are no words to describe the moment when I first felt the touch of water, the smell of the forest or the taste of food on my tongue. It is…intoxicating." She explained.

Tails couldn't help but smile again at Nicole's wonderment of such simple things. He envied her in those moments. To be able to experience taste or touch for the first time after seeing and hearing about it for so many years must be nothing short of enlightenment. His smile then turned to a small frown as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for those moments Nicole." He said sullenly. "I know how much it must have meant to you and I haven't even talked to you in almost four years. I feel like a real piece of garbage."

Nicole frowned at his statement and shook her head. "There is no need for an apology Miles. If there has been one thing I have learned over the years about life, it is that it changes constantly as well as the people around it. You have your own life and your own priorities. To socialize with me is not a necessity."

"Family and friends are a priority and necessity to me. And you fall into that category. I have no excuse Nicole. I'm sorry." He told her, his light blue eyes meeting her green ones. Nicole could only give him a warm and gentle smile. "Thank you Miles but really, it' alright."

He nodded and then softly chuckled, giving her an embarrassed look.

"You know, I thought maybe that was why you didn't want to come over here tonight."

"What do you mean?" She asked confused. "I sort of heard some of you and Sally's conversation in the hallway when I came over and you didn't seem too excited to be here is all."

Nicole stared at him for a moment but shook her head no. "It had nothing to do with you Miles. I just…wasn't comfortable being here tonight." Is all she said. Tails felt that maybe he should stop there but his always curious nature got the best of him.

"I don't mean to pry but may I ask why?"

Nicole avoided his gaze and looked down to her feet. Without even thinking about it, she found herself staring at Sonic and Sally again through the glass. Tails followed her eyes and saw what he had seen earlier.

"Is this something to do with Sally and Sonic?" Tails asked. Nicole remained silent, staring back down at the floor. "Did something happen with them?"

"No. Sonic and Sally did nothing."

"Then what is it?"

Nicole paused, looking back up at him. She opened her mouth but quickly closed it, shaking her head. "It is of no importance." She replied.

"Bullshit. I saw the way you looked at them earlier. You looked like you were ready to punch someone." Tails commented, his tone a little harsh. The lynx wrapped her arms around herself and looked away again. A small tear drop fell from her eye as she tried to hide it from him. Tails instantly felt a wave of guilt hit him hard as he approached her.

"I'm sorry Nicole." He apologized quickly and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's alright Miles." She sniffed, wiping a tear away. "Sonic and Sally have done me no wrong. It's just…"

"Just?"

"From the moment I experienced the world through Sally's body, I felt the love she harbored for Sonic…and it has been the one thing I have desired to feel the most since that day." She told him. "I had no idea Nicole…" Tails spoke softly.

"Every time they are together, I feel jealous and angry as I am forced to see them express their feelings. It is often I see it as I am still presently aiding Sally with matters at the castle. That is why I was hesitant on attending your birthday."

Tails leaned one arm against the railing, the other resting on his hip. "But with your new upgrades, you could date anybody you wanted." He said. Nicole snorted in response.

"I have discovered over the years that notion has become a rather impracticable one."

"What? Why do you say that?" Tails asked in utter confusion. Nicole's avatar was absolutely beautiful. Surely she must have gotten plenty of offers. "The people of New Mobotropolis have not forgotten my betrayal. It does not make for an attractive quality."

Tails sighed and pinched the bridge of his muzzle. After all these years, that stupid song still had its lingering effects. He really thought that the people of this city would have smartened up by now. But it seems even after fifteen years, ignorance still was a dark shadow that would loom over their peaceful society. Peaceful because of Nicole's efforts.

"We've been over this Nicole," He sighed, "You did not betray anybody. Mina's song was thoughtless and ill informed. You know this."

"It still does not change Mobians view of me today. Betrayal, no matter what the cause, is still betrayal. For years I have watched Sally and Sonic grow closer while I have been denied the experience of courtship…denied my first kiss…all because of a few lyrics." Nicole muttered, the threat of fresh tears resurfacing.

"You've never been kissed?" Tails replied dumbfounded. Nicole looked at him then let out a sad and soft sound that was in between a laugh and a sob.

"I'm afraid I must apologize to you again Miles. I do not wish to lay my childish burdens upon you, especially today of all days. You should get back to your celebration." She said and started to walk back inside. She found herself stopped as a strong grip on her arm prevented her from going any farther.

"Wait. You've really never been on a date?" He asked.

"No." Nicole answered with a bit of harshness. It was unintentional but she was not in the mood to explain this all over again.

"Then go out with me."

She froze at the statement and snapped her head towards the vulpine. "If this is a joke Miles, I can assure you that it is most unfunny."

"Who said I was joking?" Tails queried with seriousness written across his face. Nicole searched his facial features for any tell of a lie or mockery but she could find none. She narrowed her eyes at him and slowly spoke,

"You are…serious?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Nicole shook her head. "Miles, I did not tell you those things for sympathy. I appreciate the offer but it is unnecessary."

"I'm not asking you out because I feel sorry for you. I'm asking you out because I want to." Tails explained. Nicole was speechless. This was not what she was expecting when she envisioned this evening. She searched for the words to speak, Tails watching her patiently.

"But…I thought the purpose of proposing courtship to someone was that of attraction?"

"Well, seeing as I am proposing a date, that must mean one thing then." He softly chuckled with a smile. Nicole found herself blushing again and gently brushed away some hair that hung in front of her eyes. "I…don't know what to say Miles."

"Say yes. Unless of course you don't find me attractive." He said, leaning his back now against the railing, hands in his pockets.

Nicole took a moment to look at the fox. An actual look. He wasn't a little boy anymore. Tails had grown tall, taller than Sonic. His short, stout little body had grown lean and muscular from the years of fighting Robotnik, her eyes trailing the outline of his arms and chest that pressed somewhat tightly against his shirt. They fell back on his face and traced the handsome, young features. From his sky blue eyes, to his snow white muzzle all the way down to his childlike smile which caused her to blush again.

"No." She breathed timidly. "That is not an issue."

Tails smiled wider and stuck out his hand for her. She slowly gripped it in her own and Tails said, "So then it's a date."

"Yes…a date." She smiled back.

A/N: There's chapter 1 for you. Chapter 2 on its way.