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“Everyone comfy?”

Melinda sat on the living floor with Cream and Miles on either side of her, having temporary converted it into something that she could only call a three mobian barracks with plenty of pillows, sleeping mats, and blankets.

She had changed into her usual night clothes, a pair of sweatpants and white undershirt while Cream wore a pair of pink pajamas decorated with pictures of chao. Miles merely took off his shoes, inciting Melinda to wonder as always how mobian guys that decided against clothes didn’t freeze in the colder months.

Actually getting around to finding him a new pair of PJs that fit just in case he ever got cold at night was added to her mental checklist of errands for the near future. He likely outgrew the last pair at least a couple years ago.

“Yes,” Cream said.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Miles answered.

“Good, now maybe we can awatch some TV or something and then get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow.”

“I have a feeling it’s going to be another one of those days that reminds me how “exciting” being raised by immortals can be,” Miles chuckled.

“You know you love it,” Melinda teased, playfully ruffling Miles hair.

“I guess it’s never boring,” Miles giggled.

The exchange elicited a giggle from Cream, causing Melinda to turn to her.

“I guess now that everyone is on the same page, you get some of that excitement to,”
Melinda laughed

“Yeah, just like being around Mr Sonic,” Cream looked down for a moment before looking
back at Melinda, “Aunt Mel, I’m glad we’re all together tonight so I don’t have to sleep alone”

“Been having trouble sleeping?” Melinda asked quietly.

“I had a bad dream that night,” Cream said

“”Wanna talk about it?” Melinda put an arm around her shoulders.

“I don’t remember to much because it was confusing, but I remember just hearing you and
him arguing and him hurting you.” Cream said.

“Then what happened?”

“I just remember crying and hearing you trying to say goodbye before I woke up,” Cream
wiped a tear from eye.

“ God, she heard everything and I can’t imagine how much it upset her,” Melinda thought to
herself and tried to find the right words.

“Honey, do you remember what I said when I was trying to say goodbye that night?”
Melinda asked in a soothing voice.

“I remember you kept telling Tails how much you loved him, and me to.” Cream answered, a small smile starting to spread across her face.

“That’s right, and I meant it.” Melinda pulled Cream into a hug, “So try to make that memory stronger than the others, and remember that the next thing that happened was me running over to give you guys a hug.”

“Okay, and I don’t have to be scared tonight because you’re right here,” Cream hugged her back

Melinda heard a sniffle coming from Miles and quickly pulled him into a hug as well, “Come on now, don’t want to leave anyone out.”

A smile spread across Melinda’s face and she thought back to a time barely a year before, “Hey, Cream, remember the first time we meant?”

“It was when Mr Sonic and Tails were saving my mom from Eggman,” Cream said.

“That’s right, Tails couldn’t think of anywhere safer so he brought you back here to me until they found her.”
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Not much more than a year ago

The door crashed open and Melinda quickly looked up from her book to see Miles running in, holding the hand of a rabbit girl not much younger than him.

“Is something wrong? Is your new friend here in trouble?” Melinda asked.

“Me and Sonic saved her from Eggman, but he still has her mother.” Miles answered, panting, “I thought she’d be safe with you until we save her.”

“Oh God,” Melinda quickly got off the couch and made her way over, crouching on front of them and gently reaching out a hand out towards the girl, “Honey, are you okay?”

The girl whined and back away, hiding behind Miles.

“Cream, it’s okay. This is my mom and I promise she’s really nice,” Miles said.

“Honey, I promise I won’t hurt you,” Melinda said in a soothing voice, “I just want to help you.”

Cream glanced up at Miles and then again to Melinda before looking up at Miles once more.

“Cream, I promise you can trust her.” Miles said.

Melinda had been taking the time to visually scan her and thankfully didn’t pick out any obvious injuries, it seemed she was just shaken up and she just needed to get her to calm down and relax.

A smile spread across Melinda’s face as she noticed a Cream was hugging a Chao with a red bow tie.

“Who's your little friend?” Melinda asked.

“His name is Cheese,” Cream said quietly

“He’s a cute little guy,” Melinda gently reached out to pet him, “Is it okay?”

Melinda waited for Cream to nod her head yes before gently petting the side of his head, eliciting him to almost hum happily. She smiled when she heard Cream giggle softly,

“I think he likes you,” Cream said before looking up at Melinda, “promise I’ll be safe here?”

“Yes, honey. I promise I won’t hurt you or let anything bad happen to you,” Melinda said softly.

“Are Sonic and Tails going to save my mom?” Cream asked.

“I’m sure they will, that bully Eggman doesn’t stand a chance,” Melinda grinned.

“Yeah, Sonic never loses, especially now that he has me to help him!” Miles added.

“Thank you, Ms…” Cream trailed off.

“My name is Melinda,” she said happily, reaching a hand out, “Now, wanna come sit with me and maybe watch some TV? It might help you calm down.”

“Okay,” Cream nodded and took her hand.

“I better go help Sonic!” Miles quickly turned and ran for the door.

“Miles,” Melinda called.

“What, Mom?” he asked, stopping in his tracks.

“Be careful, and bring her back safe,” Melinda said with a determined smirk.

“Right,” Miles nodded before running out the door.

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“Remember..” Melinda trailed off when she looked down and noticed both kids curled at her sides and fast asleep.

She smiled at the thought of them resting peacefully and carefully kissed them both good night before one final thought popped into her her head.

How am I am going to tuck them both in without waking them so I can actually lay down and sleep?