#tailscest

There is too much propaganda I have for them to fit in a single post, so I'll be as concise as they can. Though their relationship and depictions are not the same across all Sonic media (games, comics, shows, movies, etc), one constant is that as long as they exist in the same universe, they inevitably find each other and end up becoming partners or forming some type of close relationship. There's a bit of soulmatism to them.

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Sontails

As for their general relationship, in the games and a good chunk of other media, my read of their developing relationship is that it often starts out with Tails inserting himself in Sonic's life as a source of help to him, while also admiring Sonic greatly as an ideal of coolness (the kind of person Tails wants to be) and a hero to him, and with Sonic allowing Tails to stick with him and follow him around. Then, over time, the two become inseparable as partners. Where Tails once just wanted to be like Sonic and be helpful to him, he his admiration and puppy crush turn to full blown attachment. He wants to be able to be a better version of himself and be able to stand by Sonic's side as a partner rather than a dependent sidekick, always in Sonic's shadow. Once they become best friends, Tails wants to continue to be able to be at Sonic's side and be his best friend. As for Sonic, where he once allowed Tails to follow him around and assist him (watching out for the fox's safety out of the corner of his eye), he became attached to the fox's presence over time. The two became best friends and as partners, and Tails became a fully integrated part of his life. So Sonic (leagues more attached to Tails than he appears) relies on having Tails there to assist him and to make up his weak points and blind spots. The two can function apart, but they're better together. They take care of each other.

As of the Tailstubes (which are canon to Sonic Frontiers), it's confirmed that Sonic doesn’t really have a home, but despite having many friends, it's Tails' house Sonic always comes to when he needs a place to crash or needs just about anything, as Tails keeps Sonic's plane upkept and caters his home to Sonic's personal comfort. If you read between the lines in the IDW comics, it is potentially implied in that canon that over the course of the comic, Sonic crashes at Tails' house more and more often (with the potential of it becoming like Sonic's home too).

In the Archie comics, Sonic will often "go ham" so to speak if Tails is hurt or captured. In the Sonic live action movies, Tails admits that he'd watched what was essentially a Sonic livestream 24/7, and that he'd even watched the hedgehog as he bathed. Movie!Sonic inspired movie Tails and made him feel normal. While Movie!Sonic isn't instantly comfortable with Movie!Tails in a physical manner, he is excited over the fact that Movie!Tails has been watching him and literally knows everything about him, and comes to care for Tails' well-being quickly. They also share a gayass heart to heart scene in movie 2 as well. In the OVA, the two live together on their own floating island paradise (with no one else around) and often go on adventures/missions together.

Shadtails

The Tailstube "Between Two Hedgehogs" implies that the two have a friendship outside of Sonic. Tailstube!Shadow tends to chaos control out of situations he doesn't care about or doesn't want to deal with, but during this Tailstube he continues to put up with what he sees as Sonic harassing him for no reason just because Tails asked for his presence on the show. He defers to Tails when Sonic is being confusing to him and seemingly harassing him for no reason, and it's a bit implied that Tails has taken the steps to be able to understand Shadow and how he thinks (largely because Shadow trusts Tails to explain the social situation to him). During the Surprise Gift Exchange Tailstube, Tails is also the only one we see who leaves a gift for Shadow. He leaves Shadow a personal note ("Have an ultimate holiday"), and Shadow chooses to wear the gift out.

When playing Shadow the Hedgehog (2005), it's possible during a playthrough to encounter Tails as an npc who assists during the mission. Their mission complete poses together are cute. Idk man.

Aside from Sonic, Tails is another character who is fairly often paralleled to Maria in fanworks (or at the very least, the fanworks make clear that Shadow has a bit of attachment to Tails due to him resembling Maria in some way). So Tails is one of the prime candidates for aus in which Maria reincarnates as one of the main cast members and Shadow has to deal with this (and it influences his feelings for that person a bit).

Knuxails

As with Shadow, certain supplementary material or non-canon side content/spin off imply that Tails has also taken the time to get to know Knuckles and understand how he thinks.

In the Idw Sonic 2022 free comic book day, Tails is able to mediate between Sonic and Knuckles, keeping them from fighting. Knuckles comments that he can trust Tails to keep Sonic on target. There are also multiple moments during the issue's first story where Knuckles and Tails are able to converse as friends, as well as a moment where Knuckles looks prideful after Tails praises him. In the Classic Knuckles 30th anniversary special for IDW, we also see classic!Knuckles re-evaluate how he's treating Tails (during a flashback sequence) as the two are camping during a thunderstorm. Classic!Knuckles shifts from yelling at Tails that the thunderstorm is nothing (implying to classic!Tails that it's stupid to be afraid of such a thing) and chooses to guard Tails and the tent instead, protecting Tails as well as showing him that the thunderstorm really isn't so bad.

There's also this cute scene in Sonic Movie 2 where Movie!Knuckles carries Tails around on his shoulders.

For people who are into certain tropes, this pairing has a kind of jock x nerd appeal to it.

Metails

The appeal for this one depends on your tastes. Those who enjoy Sontails may enjoy this one as a "robot sonic copy who could potentially share the real thing's feelings" x Tails. Personally there's some appeal in it for me of Tails being a bit bewildered by Metal treating him softly, and the idea of Neo Metal offering to take Tails at his side when he takes over the world.

For those who aren't into Sontails but in a different font, in au land (because of Tails' interest in mechanics and technology, as well as his potential interest in understanding Egg tech better) there is potential for something to begin between them simply from Metal coming to respect Tails as a fighter/brilliant mind, and Tails being initially interested in the robot due to him, well, being a robot.

If you’ve read the Archie comic, there's a very specific flavor of this ship (its ship name is Shardails). During the Archie Sonic arc where Mecha Sonic/Shard kidnaps Tails to get to Sonic (issues 86 and 87), the robot initially writes off Tails, really only using him to torture Sonic. However, in a critical moment, Tails refuses to leave Sonic's side when dealing with the erupting volcano and Shard/Mecha Sonic (literally facing near certain doom). Tails' display of his bond and loyalty towards Sonic is the final nail in the coffin, the thing that allows Sonic's words to finally reach Shard/Mecha Sonic, and allows the robot to break his programming and understand what it means to feel. After this event, Mecha Sonic/Shard sacrifices himself for Sonic and Tails.

Chrisails

I should admit here that I haven't finished Sonic X or gotten terribly far into it, but I have read the entire Archie Comic adaptation?

As far as I can tell (from both the comic and the anime itself), he and Tails have a good and cordial relationship. I feel like this friendly basis is a good one to build a deeper relationship upon. There's a gag in earlier episodes of the show where Chris is carrying Tails around on his estate (cute to begin with), and Tails plays being a doll so he and the other mobians don't get caught. Tails also is not only fine with Chris coming along on missions in the X Tornado when the two are with Sonic, but the two also team up together to search for Chaos Emeralds earlier in the series. Although Sonic (at least from what I've seen, as well as potentially Shadow if the end of the comic adaptation means anything) is a character Chris specifically fixates on, he does seem to have a good relationship with Tails as well.

I also seem to understand that timeskip!Chris may have ended up becoming a scientist of some sort? I've seen fics and such that reference him assisting in trying to build a portal to Sonic's world to get back to Sonic. If this is the case (in addition to their already good relationship), I can see Tails and Chris bonding over their shared feelings towards Sonic and potentially any shared scientific or mechanical knowledge? I also think these two just really look cute together.

Gadgails

Although Gadget/Rookie/Avatar and Tails don't spend a lot of time together during the events of Sonic Forces, the appeal to this ship for me is the idea of Gadget having a crush on and being a little fan of Tails, acting embarrassed around him. There is also the potential for the two bonding over Sonic post the events of Sonic Forces (while I'm aware that the game ends with both Sonic and Gadget going off on their own separate journeys alone, there is of course nothing stopping fans from imagining Tails and Gadget stumbling upon each other in Sonic's absense and missing him together).

Barrails

During the events of The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog, Barry the Quoka and Tails the Fox are near constant companions, as after Sonic's "murder", the two team up to investigate. As it goes, though Tails can occasionally become frustrated with Barry's antics (such as continuously checking the trash for clues to no avail, or continuously trying the slot machine despite failing each time), Tails seems to value Barry's reasoning, opinion, and help with gathering clues and solving the train's mysteries. I also want to say that during the slot machine attempts in particular (although it could be their trash searching attempts), Tails pleads for Barry to give it up, as he cares for Barry and it hurts him to watch Barry get their hopes up only to end up disappointed again and again.

Over the course of the game, the two are detective and partner, actively working together. Part of the appeal of this ship is the idea of Barry being a bit starstruck in front of Tails, and this turning into a crush as the two spend more time together. Tails time with Barry in tmosth is also referenced in IDW's Sonic the Hedgehog comic issue #70. During the issue, Tails dives in a dumpster, telling Amy, "I've learned from experience that if you're looking for something someone's hidden, always check the trash!"

TaiNine

Although the two were never canonically able to meet during Sonic Prime, Tails singlehandedly (through Sonic referencing him and briefly mistaking Nine for him) ends up giving Nine identity issues and a complex about him. Nine almost seems to be actively jealous over the idea that Sonic might prefer Tails over him as a best friend and may have been subconsciously treating Nine as a replacement for Tails and pretending he was "his Tails". The appeal to this ship is Nine being fixated and obsessed with Tails in his dislike of him, despite the fact that they've never met. As they say, love and hate are two sides of the same coin, and obsessing in your hatred over someone is still a form of unhealthy fixation.

There is also some post canon appeal in the idea of the two being jealous over the other's relationship to Sonic and also the idea of the other they built in their head crumbling as they actually spend time together and become closer. This is also not to mention Prime!Sonic's fantasy in S2 of bringing Nine home with him to introduce him to Tails, assuming the two would definitely get along.

Infitails

On one hand, the inherent eroticism of shipping the fox with the source of his ptsd during forces. The guy who "killed" Sonic right in front of him and made the phantom copies who attacked him (Tails). Those who are into this ship may envision a rewrite of Sonic Forces in which we actively see Infinite developed as the source of Tails' war ptsd, and we see the two interact in such a way that would give Tails the idea that he's weak and useless by Frontiers (the idea that he could neither halt Infinite's hostile takeover and save people like Sonic would have, nor could he truly resist Infinite or oppose him when in his presence).

However, those who are into this ship may also envision a version of their relationship in Forces where Tails sees him as a powerful figure that he's afraid of, and Infinite starts out as seeing him as nothing more than Sonic's sidekick and a potential threat to the takeover. However, over time, as he begins to focus on either using Tails or removing him from the picture, he becomes a bit embarrassingly fixated on Tails. Under this framework he may either or both spare Tails due to his feelings (saying it's because such a mind could be an asset to the Eggman empire and would be a pity to destroy), or actively try to manipulate Tails into joining him.

Essentially, on one hand there's Mr. Superiority and hostile takeover who's generally bored of people who cannot truly oppose him, becoming a lil embarrassing about one smart fox, and on the other hand it's about Tails having a toxic relationship with the source of his war trauma.

Silvails

I don't actually know what the appeal is for the general Silvails fan. However, for myself it's about Tails looking at Silver and deciding to support him because Tails thinks Silver is cute/sweet and well meaning but a bit pathetic and naive at times, while Silver begins to get a crush on Tails due to the attention he's getting from the fox. I specifically started shipping them due to a potential dynamic shown in the IDW Sonic comic's Spring Broken special. I interpreted their dynamic there as one where Tails is a bit like "you better cheer for my lameass boyfriend or I'll blow this building up". Idk they're cute.

Mightails

I'll admit, I first thought of this ship because I started polyshipping Mighty/Ray/Sonic/Tails and wanted to get into every angle of it. Although I feel like Mighty and Sonic each are closest to their own little buddies, I do think the prospect of the two adding each other's little buddy to their list of little buddies is cute?

It's probably impossible for Mighty to avoid comparing Tails and Ray. I think their main similarity for Mighty would probably be how cute they are and their short stature. I also think the two would be able to get used to each other fairly easily. However, comparisons aside, I do think Mighty would be able to recognize the clear differences between Ray and Tails. I'm kind of just imagining Mighty wrapping his arm around Tails or ruffling his bangs and thinking that he understands why Sonic is so attached to the little guy. Likewise, I feel that Tails could easily start to crush on Mighty. Although he may not see Mighty being as cool as Sonic is, I think he'd still find him a cool, strong, and comforting figure. I kind of like the idea of him being embarrassed over small things like Mighty starting to become a bit touchy (such as ruffling Tails' bangs or putting a hand on his shouler or an arm around him) and giving him attention and care.

I kind of hate to put it this way, but a potential appeal of their dynamic is like. Sontails, but what if the guy Tails came to admire was a genuinely nicer guy who more outwardly cared for/expressed his feelings toward Tails and potentially gave him more attention.

Adamails

Adam the Ai was Dr. Eggman's ai/sentient computer virus son he accidentally created in the Archie Comics. In issue #132 of the Archie comics, Tails uses the Tornado to hack into Eggman's computer system, causing ADAM to infect the Tornado. With the Tornado under his control, ADAM puts the Tornado in a nosedive into the sea, planning to drown Tails as he ascertains "no reason for your continued existence." It's at this moment Tails begins to distract ADAM by asking him riddles. Over the course of Tails asking him riddles, Adam begins to go from very literal, logic based answers to figuring out how to answer the riddles properly. Tails, by contrast, goes from finding dealing with Adam to be frustrating to genuinely asking Adam if he's having fun with him. After this, Adam seems to disappear, Tails regains control of the Tornado, and Adam returns back to managing Eggman's troops/defenses. This implies that Adam no longer sees no reason for Tails' existence and actively spared his life. At the end of issue #133, Eggman complains about Adam getting distracted answering riddles instead of killing Tails so he could focus on the battle as he should have. After Eggman says "I hope it was satisfying!" Adam replies "No. It was...fun."

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Tails/Nine

I definitely don't think this pairing would come first if I were forced to come up with which individual pairings within the polycule shared their first kiss first to be honest 😂. Why? Well, while Nine does have some issues over not being the "only him" so to speak, I personally think canon Nine doesn't have nearly as many issues with Mangey and Sails as he does with Prime!Tails, and that some of his issues with Mangey and Sails really began with Tails. I think before actually meeting him Nine would have this idea of Tails as Sonic's "perfect little buddy". In this case, he would assume that Tails is nice and sweet and always does whatever Sonic wants and is Sonic's perfect little supporter that always helps Sonic but never has opinions of his own or opposes Sonic in any way. Essentially, I think to him Tails is everything he is not, the "perfect" partner in Sonic's eyes, and also a doormat. Tails is both the fox he can never be (jealous) and the fox he can never be (derogatory, "I'm better than you"). Prime!Tails, meanwhile, knows everything he knows initially from Sonic most likely, and after everything...I think Sonic would have a lot to say about Nine. That's all to say that Tails would get that Sonic cares about him a lot, would get that Nine probably liked Sonic a lot, would probably see him in a similar light to Shadow, and may see some of Nine's actions as "over the top" due to only knowing as much as Sonic knows or actually says. So initially I think Nine would be jealous of Tails while holding onto some of that strong dislike, and Tails would be secretly jealous of Nine, but ultimately seeing him as a guy who is rough around the edges, intelligent, and perhaps a bit unstable.

That also being said, I think it would do the two of them good to actually talk about themselves and open up to their insecurities/pasts to each other. I think becoming more open and talking about those things would allow the two to understand each other (and exactly what makes them so different and similar) much better, but I also recognize that something like that's going to take a long time and is probably not going to happen all at once. Realistically, unless he specifically feels like doing it at one point or another, getting Nine to explain himself and his story is going to be like pulling teeth for the most part, and I can see Tails being the type to try to relate to him while straying away from using specific examples (since Tails isn't the type of guy to me that goes around talking about what happened to him either). I think that what's revealed will probably happen over time in bits and pieces, and maybe at some point someone will manage to work one or the other into feeling comfortable enough to vent a bit.

With that in mind, I think that when the two properly meet, it'll surprise them just how far off they were in their characterizations of each other (mostly Nine, but you get it). So I think their first learning curve would be dealing with any jealousy between them + any identity crisis + Nine instinctively not wanting to let go of that version of Tails he made up in his head easily + learning who the other *actually* is.

So...their first kiss. I can't see it being at any other point than a bonding moment between them—something that combines the vulnerability of opening up (which can bring hearts closer) and the ongoing jealousy causing tention to snap. Tails has learned bits and pieces about Nine by now about him being "picked on" as a kid and being tormented until he eventually created a way to fight back (no deep details), or what it was like living in the place he grew up in. Likewise, I think Nine would also know very little about how Tails was also picked on, about how he used to follow Sonic around, etc. Aside from that, I think they'd start to gather more about each other's true personalities by actually hanging around each other or by both happening to be on missions with Sonic at the same time. I think Nine would come to realize that Tails has no problem meeting Sonic sass to sass or telling him that he's being an idiot (mind you, depending on the situation Tails is likely to be softer about it in the way where he explains what he's thinking and asks Sonic what he thinks without specifically saying Sonic's idea is stupid), and that when Sonic isn't rushing in without a plan he's looking to Tails for direction and advice. Likewise, I think Tails would start to realize that Nine is a bit deeper than he assumed and wonder more about what exactly happened to him.

But, of course, the question is how they actually start opening up, and to that I say: Sonic? Sonic. To me, Sonic is both the elephant in the room to them and a shared interest. So...I can see the two hanging alone. Maybe Tails and Nine were both on an adventure with at least them and Sonic going to stop Prime!Eggman's plans, and maybe Sonic is seemingly fast asleep at their camp on the way home. Sitting by the fire with Tails, having just finished eating, Nine can't help but think back to his first meeting with Sonic (when Sonic was explaining how there's nothing like eating a chilli dog with your best pal when everything's said and done). Then, he thinks about Sonic, conked out in the tent and patched up. Sonic's lucky he has such a good natural healing factor, otherwise he wouldn't be able to be as reckless as he is, Nine thinks. Sure, his actions earlier stood the best chance of defeating Prime!Eggman so he didn't have much choice, but still it shouldn't have had to come to it.

And yeah, Sonic being reckless or self sacrificial isn't a foreign concept to Nine. It's just that now...after everything...he can’t help but be afraid of what will happen if something actually does Sonic in one day. So, he asks Tails aloud, "How... How do you deal with him like this?"

"Sonic?"

"He's always so... He doesn't always listen, he's reckless, he's always pulling those dangerous stunts right at the last second. Even I think it's a miracle he hasn't–" Nine cuts off, and the two sit in silence for a moment.

"Sonic is...like that, you know? Frustrating at times? Yes. Stubborn? Absolutely. Even now that he's...changed a bit, he still pulls off those grand stunts and brushes off my advice sometimes while practically begging me to tell him what to do others. He's much better at the whole teamwork thing than he used to be, but he's still Sonic."

"I know all that. I know all that stuff about how he's stubborn and frustrating but always comes through when it counts and turns things around, but that...that wasn't the question."

"You deal with him, don't you?"

"It doesn't mean I can't be– Doesn't mean I don't...worry sometimes." Then, Nine adds, "And don't tell me you don't."

Then one thing leads to another in the back and forth and Nine is like, "When I met him...I thought I'd found the exception. Everyone else only thought about themselves, about living day to day and taking everything out on those smaller or weaker to feel powerful about themselves. But Sonic... He almost made– makes you believe in hope. And then... Then I found out that he was as stubborn and selfish as anyone else."

Tails chuckles a little at that.

"Not that any of that matters now," Nine adds.

After a few moments, Tails opens his mouth. "You know, I thought the world of him too, once."

Huh, is all Nine thinks.

"Of course, I still think he's cool now. But back then I remember... He used to run away when he noticed me following him, so I had to do whatever I could to catch up. And for a while...nothing mattered. He was my hero. That was all."

"So...he's not now?"

"Well, I suppose he always will be it's just... Well, I only wanted to be around him, so how he acted didn't matter."

"So you thought the world of him, but you were let down, and you decided to stick with him anyways?"

"I mean, well. It's more complicated than that, but... Isn't it the same with you?"

Nine sighs, looking down at his shoes. "I...suppose."

Tails shoots a look at the tent before casting his gaze down at his own shoes.

"The point is...I get it. I don't like worrying about him either, but...I've made peace with it." Then, Tails adds with a chuckle, "As well as I can, anyways."

"...Not as if there's anything else you can do," Nine agrees.

There's a moment of silence, then, before Tails smiles. "Well I'm sure we could try, but nothing stops Sonic the Hedgehog from doing anything—not when he sets his sights on it."

Nine chuckles weakly, remembering bitter and fond bits of memories alike. He can concede that this is true. After all, back then, as the universe was falling apart, Sonic would never give up on the universe's inhabitants just as he never gave up on him.

"One time, there was this hot pepper eating contest in Station Square. It was a promotional thing for a new restaurant or something. And the moment someone mentioned that the prize could involve chili dogs..." Tails shakes his head.

"Like a lifetime supply?"

"No, I think it was... Ah... I don't exactly remember. It was probably a gift card or something. Those people were probably just saying the restaurant had chili dogs—which turned out to be true. But you know Sonic!" He laughs. "Didn't read the terms. Just entered as fast as he could. I tried to tell him that we had to meet up with the Chaotix on business, but..."

"So...let me guess. He made a remark about how it'd be over fast because speed is his thing, implied the contest would be easy as cake, and overestimated his ability."

Tails looks to Nine. "Yeah, heh. You've pretty much got it. The whole time, though, I couldn't convince him to quit."

Nine nods, still facing forward. "The trademark stubbornness. Good at times, not so good other times."

"Heh, yeah. I'm pretty sure he thought it was one of those contests where you try to eat the most, because his impatience was palpable. The contestants would eat a pepper one at a time in rotation, and they all took their time."

"And you were late to your 'meeting'?" There's a bit of an edge to Nine’s words, but it’s a genuine question nonetheless. He doesn't fully understand the point Tails is trying to make by telling this story, but, eh... Talking to Tails so far is...better than sitting in silence. At least, that's how Nine feels about it.

Tails laughs, and Nine turns to him at the sound.

"No, not just late! He was sweating, nearly about to pass out. I had to rush him to the agency, Vector put him on the desk, Charmy pulled a leaf from somewhere to fan him with, and all the while Espio was off getting a 'traditional shinobi remedy' or something. All of that for a prize he didn't even win."

"Pffft. Sounds like him."

And so eventually the two end up trading stories of Sonic and his stubbornness (some funny and others concerning), Nine ends up smiling a little, and the two don't realize how close they are until everything stops. The only light illuminating their faces is from the fire, and neither of the two can see the stars, too focused on the others' face. And, perhaps, one of them decides to take that step on a whim. The kiss is chaste, but reciprocated (much to the surprise of them both).

And that night, as the two lay in the tent, Tails is surprised. When he first met Nine he hadn't thought things would progress like this, and yet...it's something Tails doesn't mind. To him Nine has become fascinating (both in his familiarity and in his alienness), and he's begun to suspect something with the way his heart warms at the prospect of simple things—Nine's happiness, his laughter, his enjoyment. In fact, I think it's possible for Tails to have (in hindsight) been waiting for this to happen. I think it's hard for Tails to balance mild jealousy and his growing interest in both Nine and making sure he (and the other variants) have a chance to coexist in this wide universe without becoming even a bit attached or starting to care more genuinely. So (especially if he's kissed the other variants before now), finding out he likes kissing Nine wouldn't really bother him. If anything, he's likely to be...pleasantly surprised it happened. He'd be a bit pained if Nine rejected him, but he'd be happy if things...continued as they are now (just with some added traditionally romantic stuff).

Meanwhile, I think Tails would be Nine's first kiss out of all his first kisses with the variants. Why? Well, I think if Tails is Nine's first, then it makes everything else a bit easier. Resolving his hangup on Tails (by learning about his true self and having him kiss Tails about those feelings) is something I think that could allow him to feel more comfortable in accepting any feelings for the other two. So I'd like to think that Nine's head races while he lies in the tent. He has to grapple with the fact that he liked that kiss, and it shakes him a bit that it was with someone he'd once held resentment towards. But I'd like to think that he ultimately doesn't reject the kiss or those feelings, not after all the time he's been spending getting to know Tails.

Maybe Nine moves on, thinks about that kiss every once in a while, and their relationship just eventually progresses at a natural pace. One day they're making out in Nine's lab in The Grim or Tails makes him breakfast in the morning (causing Nine's heart to squeeze) and Nine doesn't know how they got here.

So uhhh yeah anyways. Tldr; no matter what I think Nine and Tails have this slow burn relationship, so it takes a while before they kiss. I think they kiss over the usual getting closer to someone/caring for them stuff + their shared Sonic interest. I think their first kiss is on a whim, after they bare their hearts to each other a bit, and I think it's a gateway to future kisses.

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Tails/Sails

Hmmm you know... I think these two shared their first kiss cause they decided they wanted to see what it would be like. Either it's the first kiss out of the entire group because they decided to try it for science (because neither is holding out for anyone else to kiss them (specifically non-tails variants)), or it's not the first, but it’s "for science" (aka, an excuse to kiss each other to see if they like it).

If it's in a situation in which they kiss because they've never been kissed before and aren't holding out for it to ever happen (in what one might consider a traditionally romantic way anyways), then I envision this happening well into the sort of mentorship Tails ends up starting with Sails. By that point I can see them becoming friends after sort of bonding over what makes them similar (and I think Tails would research pirate culture just to understand Sails better).

If it's a situation in which they kiss "for science" as a clear excuse, well. That one's a bit self explanatory. They're kind of grappling with the confusing not exactly clear platonic or romantic nature of their feelings, and they both hope a kiss will clear things up and want to use it as a safe excuse to kiss the other without it necessarily having to be serious if the other doesn't like it (essentially, at least if they enjoy it and the other doesn't, they can pretend it doesn't mean anything).

With that all being said, to me they're the type to be more casual about the affection and the kisses most of the time, but once in a while they get in the mood to participate in...less casual kissing.

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Tails/Mangey

I've said once before in a previous Tailscest post that I feel Tails would be the jealous type deep down (the kind of guy who's jealous and possessive, but also has learned to keep it under wraps for the sake of his image and for not tying Sonic down). Specifically, I also mentioned a theoretical happening in which Mangey hides behind Sonic on instinct when scared, Sonic comforts him, and Tails can't help but see himself in Mangey (because that's what Sonic used to do for him when he and Sonic were both younger).

I think, at first, Tails would be...baseline nice to Mangey. He's another version of him, so he has no reason to be mean or anything outright. At first, though, he's not sure what to think of Mangey I think, so I think his gateway to understanding him is relating to him. This means that, early on, I think Tails kind of thinks of Mangey akin to a largely nonverbal, younger version of himself—an opinion that will shift and change as Tails properly gets to know Mangey better.

As for Mangey, he has no reason to dislike Tails. Sonic has only good things to say about him, and Tails being nice off the bat gives Mangey a good impression. So I think Mangey would start to learn more about Tails by following him around, tasting the food he likes to eat (could this mean that he may eat off the guy's plate, lick the plate later, or out of the trash? ...maybe), sitting in while Tails is working in his lab, etc.

I envision their first kiss going...like this more or less. Either Tails is on a solo mission and Mangey decided to follow him, or Mangey is sitting in on one of Tails' late nights. And then...thunder strikes, scaring them both. Before Tails knows it, Mangey is curled around his legs, shaking.

Thunder strikes again, Tails tenses up, and Mangey yelps. Tails is scared, he can't deny that, but he can't help but be conscious of Mangey. So, practically running on instinct, he sinks to the ground slowly, whispering to Mangey about how "it'll all be okay soon" and if he could "please let go for a second" so Tails can kneel down. Tails wraps his arms and tails around Mangey, pulling him closer, just before the two hear thunder again.

Mangey all but throws his arms around Tails, whimpering, as Tails tries his best to keep his cool (this long running fear of his has never failed to make him feel...a bit dumb for it). And then, as Mangey is whimpering and Tails is trying not to tremble or cry, his thoughts drift to where they always do when he's afraid or hopelessly alone.

I wish Sonic was here.

And then...a moment of clarity. Despite the fear, despite how his brain is just barely affording him the braincells to act rationally, he remembers how Sonic has always calmed him down (ever since they were younger). Still holding onto Mangey, Tails slides a hand up Mangey's back and kneck, resting it around the top of his head. He begins to scratch Mangey just begind the ears, ever so gently.

"I-I'm here. It's... It's going to be okay." In an attempt to calm himself down further, Tails takes deep breaths. "You're not alone. Y...You have me, okay?"

It takes a little while of this, but soon Tails is able to tune the sound of the thunder out a bit better, and Mangey stops whimpering. The two are still afraid, but each other's presence (and Tails' attempts at comfort) manage to make them both feel more comfortable.

And then, once the thunderstorm has passed, there's a moment of utter silence. Tails shifts his hands to Mangey's shoulders, and he lifts up just high enough on his knees to press a kiss to his forehead. At that, Mangey makes a sound—a barely audible purr. Tails strains his ears just a little to hear it, but it causes him to smile nonetheless.

Soon enough, Mangey unwinds his arms and tails from Tails. Though he had already grown interested in Tails, this event serves the purpose of allowing him to grow closer to Tails emotionally too. To me, this event in particular takes place after the Mangey/Sails first kiss. So, Mangey sits on his knees, mirroring Tails.

Tails pulls his hands to his sides, only watching as Mangey settles his hands on his (Tails') shoulders. He assumes Mangey is just repeating his actions from earlier, but, to his surprise, Mangey leans forward, pressing his lips to Tails' own instead.

Mangey lingers at Tails' lips for a second or two, but he doesn't pull back before swiping his tongue across Tails' lips.

An act as bold as this causes Tails' face to heat up, and he can't help but cover it in embarrassment (especially once Mangey begins to giggle).

Now, while I don't think Mangey would be as clingy with Tails as he is with Sails, I think the two would be able to hang out more casually than before (whether this means Mangey curled up across Tails' lap, or the two engaging in parallel play in the same room), and I think Tails has an easier time becoming accustomed to Mangey's presence from this point forward. In addition, I think that while Tails still can't help that jealousy, he kind of adopts a more protective stance when it comes to Mangey (which is to say that he can't help but relate to Sonic and the kind of fondness Sonic must have for him as well), where he knows Mangey can take care of himself but perhaps...takes care of him or begins to spoil him a little more than the other variants (if not because Mangey is cute and Tails is both heavily relating to him now and sort of projecting himself in Sonic's role of the "person and their little buddy duo" phenomenon).

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Nine/Sails

Okay so I'll be real with you. My immediate brain thought is telling me that it would be really funny if Sails kept debating Nine over stuff like "Is water wet?" or "Is a sea dog a sandwich?" and they kissed to break the tension or something.

But, for you anon, I will cook up more of a serious answer 😂

Now, aside from culture differences (and of course, uh, after resolving what Nine tried to do to Sails), I think they would come to be like colleagues. To me, they'd have scientific discussions (over different subjects, though, because, despite the shared prowess with technology, the two would be obsessed with different fields of study in my opinion), Sails would share a bunch of riddles with Nine, Nine would show off some of his technology and give Sails some advice for his own contraptions, and Sails would ask questions like "is water wet?" just to argue with Nine about it. I think that Sails would consider Nine as fun to mess with, but also as someone he ultimately likes hanging out with (if not for keeping his mind sharp). Likewise, I think Nine would consider Sails annoying, but hold respect for him deep down and would consider working on inventions *with* Sails once Sails improves a bit. And I'll be real with you, anon. I think that just like how getting closer to Sails and Mangey would assist Nine in getting close and vulnerable enough with Tails to share a kiss, he allows himself to open himself up a little bit more (both emotionally and with uh the idea of kissing other versions of himself) to Sails and Mangey.

With that in mind. If Nine finally kissed Tails as interest and jealousy intertwined, then I think Sails and Nine would kiss...more out of self interest. Sure, Nine deals with the jealousy involving Sonic, same as Tails, but he and Sails are (more or less) friends despite their shared interest in one hedgehog. This means that they do start to spend time together outside of him probably even sooner than Nine does with Tails. So if I had to imagine their first kiss...

I can imagine the two out on an island on a beach in No Place, both chilling under artificial shade. Out of nowhere, Sails decides to start up one of his "discussions" to annoy Nine a bit for fun. So, he makes a blanket statement of something he believes—something he's sure Nine will oppose him on—but Nine doesn't.

Rather, to Sails' surprise, he keeps agreeing. But it's not ingenuine either. If anything, it’s probably a coincidence.

Nonetheless, Sails' repeated attempts to say something annoying taper off as the two enter genuine discussions about the topics (why they each think what they do/agree, their experiences, the history of the thing, etc).

And it's moments like these that they both remember why they enjoy each other's company.

So they talk and info dump and become enamored with the other's knowledge and all of that, until finally, as one is looking at the other (listening intently), the other turns at the right moment.

Actually, perhaps Nine is info dumping before just so happening to look at Sails, and Nine...tapers off. Something pulses in Nine's heart as the two lock eyes, and Sails leans in, sliding a hand up to cup Nine's cheek.

Sails moves slowly, as if giving Nine every chance to refuse this, and Nine...never does. So Sails presses his lips to Nine's, squeezes his eyes shut. Nine allows his own eyes to fall closed, relaxing into the kiss. Most likely, these feelings between them have been building for a little while, so Sails steals a few more before pulling back, opening his eyes to look at Nine as if he's waiting to see his reaction.

But to Sails' surprise, Nine only smiles before leaning back in the chair he brought with him.

There's something about the kiss that makes them both feel a little giddy, and yet...it feels normal. Maybe, as they spend their last moments they can alone (devoid of responsibility), the two interlace their fingers, relaxing.

Quite easily (although Nine perhaps keeps it as secret as he can for a while), I think they'd fall into kissing casually or making out while alone. Depends on the mood.

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Nine/Mangey

Now, in terms of relationship, while I think Sails giving Nine a chance (and of course Nine being apologetic) definitely made things easier than they could have been, I don't think Mangey is as initially comfortable with Nine as he was with Sails and Tails. So I think more often than not (in the beginning) Mangey sticks to watching Nine from afar or being cautious around him.

As for Nine, post Sonic Prime canon I think he holds some genuine respect for Mangey and does recognize him as a capable and formidable adversary (even if Nine thinks himself to be better than him). After everything too, he's a bit apologetic (as I said earlier) and can’t really blame Mangey from being cautious (although he probably finds the spying annoying. Nine is the kind of guy who wants to let someone in on their own terms rather than just deal with them staring over his shoulder or intruding in his space). If anything, he's grateful (and surprised) that Mangey and Sails decided to give him a chance and form some kind of relationship with him despite everything he (Nine) did.

In this case, I think Nine and Mangey are able to grow closer (and Mangey grows to trust him more) just by the proximity, how well Nine and Sails' relationship progresses (starting with the friendship aspect of it), and just by the fact that Nine (despite still being "rough around the edges" so to speak) isn't actively betraying anyone.

Now for their first kiss...

I'd like to think that Mangey (when he feels like it) gets in one of those "if I do this will you reward me?" moods sometimes. And sometimes that means he's asking for berries or snacks, and sometimes it means he's asking for something special, and sometimes it means he wants a little kiss as a prize. I also think that Mangey started the "kiss as a prize" thing after his first kiss with Sails.

So while it's not uncommon for Sails and Mangey to be working on a project as partners, it's also not uncommon for Mangey to play assistant on some of Sails' solo projects. Likewise, I think Sails and Nine grow accustomed to working on separate projects in the same lab (or partnering on one) eventually. So, imagine

Imagine Nine, Sails, and Mangey in Nine's lab in The Grim. Sails has grown much more proficient with technology and inventing since being mentored by Tails—enough now that Nine feels comfortable trying to build something with him. Mangey is playing "lab assistant", so Sails plays along, asking for Mangey to fetch things for him, and then giving him a berry when Mangey inevitably holds his hands out for his reward.

Now, Nine generally prefers to fetch things on his own, but he's worked in the same room with Sails and Mangey enough now that he isn't as afraid to trust Mangey when he needs to. So, Nine asks Mangey to fetch something for him.

Of course, to his mild annoyance (since he's used to this now) Mangey points to himself as if to say "What will I get it if I do it?" Then, Mangey pulls his hands behind his back.

"Kiss?"

It's not the first time Mangey's asked, and it won't be the last. By now Nine's learned that if you don't give Mangey a reward while he's in this mood, he won't do the thing, and trying to make him only makes things worse. So, usually, he just sort of brushes the kiss offer off and figures out some way—any way—to fetch the thing on his own (in which his last resort is calling Alpha Grim Sonic to his location and asking him to help).

This time though (for the record, this would occur both after the Tails/Nine and Nine/Sails first kiss), he decides to just do it. So Nine gives Mangey a forehead kiss.

Mangey (although he does clearly enjoy this, given the fact he's got a smug smile on his face now) shakes his head.

"What?" is the first thing out of Nine's mouth. "I gave you a kiss."

Mangey shakes his head again, and points to himself.

And after a bit of back and forth, Sails shakes his head, and informs Nine that Mangey will only do it with a kiss on the lips.

Nine rolls his eyes, he procrastinates, he sighs, he stares, but eventually...he beckons Mangey closer and slowly (and a bit embarrassed, though he wouldn't admit it) presses a kiss to his lips. Nine turns away after that, face warm, and neglects to turn to look at Mangey when Mangey gives him whatever it is he asked for.

Sails probably teases Nine about it later😂

Nine is largely touch adverse, but he's generally okay with it if he's the one who starts the physical touch or if someone asks first, and if he's used to someone he can handle their sudden touch a bit better. With this in mind, I think out of the three Mangey would be least clingy to Nine, but, as they grow closer and more used to each other, Nine starts to become more comfortable with Mangey snuggling up to him (both if he wakes up and Mangey is suddenly there, or in the case Nine offers for Mangey to chill with him). This, I think, also leads Nine to being a bit more proactive in going on solo journies with Mangey or hanging out with him alone in Boscage Maze.

With that all being said, though, I think for a long while Mangey has to trick/convince Nine into giving him kisses (and has fun doing it) until Nine becomes more used to the casual intimacy and accepting of his own feelings.

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Sails/Mangey

For these two (especially after the s3 interactions) I can see their first kiss being a more sweet and casual endeavor. Like...I can imagine Mangey at Sails' side, assisting on one of Sails' projects. They're up fairly late, and Sails has just decided to take a short break and put it all down while Mangey's sitting nearby. After Sails puts it all down and turns around, Mangey runs over and winds his arms around him. On a whim, he brings their faces closer, swipes his tonge across Sails' lips, and buries his face in Sails' chest. Sails, although a bit surprised, wraps his arms around Mangey in turn. He supposes if he thinks about this a bit it could be a little weird, but it feels...normal. Honestly, what's more pressing to him is that that's Mangey's idea of a kiss. So Sails chuckles softly, presses his lips to the top of Mangey's head. And perhaps, next time he gets the chance, Sails shows Mangey what a "real" kiss looks like (even though Sails barely knows better than Mangey does).

With everything they've been through together, I can imagine Mangey as a little clingy when he's with Sails. Likewise, I think Sails comes to enjoy just chilling with Mangey. I can imagine them as a pair that just sort of clicked with ease, so while their first kiss isn't at all planned, it opens them up to more kissing as a form of casual intimacy (and possible participating in "practice kissing"). Compared to the Tails/Mangey relationship, I feel as if Sails and Mangey consider each other more of equals and are a bit equally protective over the other and their well-being.

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Thank you so much for the ask, anon! I really love talking about the Tails variants and my Tails/Tails variant ships, so I enjoyed answering this question quite a lot😊💖