He gently prodded the figure wrapped in blankets on the bed.

No response.

He poked harder, finally jabbing his victim in to consciousness

Green eyes heavy from sleep met nervous blue ones.

"I... um... Well... I..." The voice faltered.

The original occupant of the bed rolled over to make room, allowing the younger one to slip under the covers and lay his head on one of the pillows. His adoptive brother's pillows were scratchier than he would have liked, but he'd take it.

The younger boy curled up, careful not to poke himself with the other's spikes. It was a reoccurring nightmare that drove the younger to the latter's room.

At least thats what he said.

In reality, all the little hero could do as he lay in his own bed was stare at the corner of the room, at one of his unfinished inventions cast a safe glow around its perimeter. Everywhere else was darkness.

Darkness that hid secrets. Darkness lied, shielding whatever might hide in its corners.

He hated that darkness. Hated how it consumed everything. Hated how just as he was about to drift to sleep something, somewhere, gave a small sound.

A sound that sent him running to the comfort of his big brother.

It was so childish. He after all, was a genius! He shouldn't be jumping at shadows, cowering in someone else's bed for comfort! Even without his skills and intelligence, he was far too old to be afraid of the dark.

But it wasn't his fault! How could he be blamed for the anxiety that he felt every time a light switched off unexpectedly? How could anyone disagree with him when proposed the dangers of wandering unprepared into a pitch-black cave or other suspicious place?

But that, apparently, wasn't enough to curb the suspicions of his companions. The sharp ribbing of some of his older friends, or the patronizing tone of some who didn't know when to let it go.

He lay, scuttling slightly closer to his big brother. He, especially, was not particularly understanding of his friend's dilemma. Said hero rarely had time to be concerned when he was busy keeping everyone alive.

Still, Tails was sure that his hero would be able to fight off the darkness, if he really needed to.

He hoped.

XxXxXxX

R+R please! Sorry its short, but its actually a whole page, which I guess looked longer when I was writing it. And don't forget to tell me who you think should be up next!