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Sonic is scared of being touched.
At least, that's what it seems like to Tails. It's the only way he can rationalize what he sees- how Sonic jumps when Tails taps him on the shoulder, how he dodges Tails's hand when he goes to grab something stuck in his quills. He even flinches when the kit puts his hand up for a high-five, or when he reaches to help him up after a nasty fall.
It could just be that Sonic's easily startled. But Tails is smart, and he's very good at reading people, and from what he sees of Sonic, that doesn't seem to be right. Sonic doesn't flinch when a badnik jumps out at him from nowhere. He doesn't spare a second glance when Robotnik swings a mech arm at him and it grazes a little too close. Sonic isn't scared of anything, except for the ocean, and, maybe, being touched.
It's just a little strange. And upsetting, to have his hands danced around like they're toxic.
Tails supposed that, one time, he did accidentally scratch Sonic's cheek when they were just getting to know each other. It was instinct, they hadn't found Tails any gloves like Sonic's that were small enough to fit his littler paws, and Tails wasn't used to play-fighting quite yet. Sonic had noogied him with a smile, and then started tickling him, and-
The scratch was pretty deep. Tails can still see the scar. He's sure it must've stung real bad. And even though Tails was so scared that he'd messed up, that Sonic would get mad… Sonic just laughed- soundless, as always- and gave him a wave and a thumbs up. He took Tails's hand and led them both to a nearby spring to clean up the scratch. Sonic smiled, and everything was normal.
Tails always wondered at that, that Sonic was still able to hold his hand and not be afraid. That Sonic didn't see his claws as dangerous even after he'd been hurt by them.
Even still, he flinches away. He recoils and ducks and dips. But then, he holds, he cradles and pets and comforts Tails when he needs it. Sonic is never shy about touch. Not in those cases.
Tails thinks about it every night that Sonic curls around him by the fire, his quills fanned out to protect him and his arms wrapped around. After Tails hears Sonic's breaths even out and his body finally slows down. Tails messes with Sonic's gloves and wonders if he is scared of him. If he's so jumpy because of that day, the one time that Tails hurt him, and if he only pretended it was okay.
If that's true, Tails is going to be sorry for the rest of his life.
But if it is true… Sonic isn't ever scared to hold him close, to hug him and hold his hand. To give him a victory fist bump or scritch behind his ears, letting him know he's safe. That Sonic is never out of reach. Tails cuddles up to Sonic's chest, cozying against his fur as he falls asleep, warmed by the fire and the hedgehog's embrace. Sonic's hand moves to cup Tails's own like he isn't afraid.
That, Tails will gladly take.