Tails watched as the larger Sapient’s thick fingers rested over his, amazed at how gentle and warm they were. They were devoid of fur, but the fat surrounding the chunky digits more than made up for it. He curled his fingers into those soft palms, finding himself leaning in closer. The long fur hanging off his protector’s head like hair was slightly coarse to the touch, tickling his cheeks and making him laugh softly.
Their lips brushed over each other, neither feeling the need to push any deeper. Tails’ muzzle was soft and warm as his sweet, minty breath. Tails was pressed completely against the furry torso, something he could easily fit on due to the difference in height, and he felt so warm and safe.
“Thank you…” he whispered sweetly. No verbal response followed, but instead those arms came up to gently wrap around him, the bulk acting as a heavy heated blanket. He moaned in approval, tails curling around his ankles and boots. His new ‘bed’ jiggled slightly as the owner let out silent chuckles.
Outside, the wind was howling, almost like a banshee’s wails creating a nigh-impenetrable wall of biting air. The blizzard had struck nearly two hours ago—it was why he’d ended up in this cave to start with—and he knew it would be a long time before it ended. He’d been tracking a Chaos Emerald, trying to retrieve it before Eggman could get ahold of it. It was surprising to find it within the cold region north of Holoska, and even more shocking when he saw that Bark had gotten ahold of it and was intent on keeping it protected himself.
The argument had turned into a brawl, brains and tech versus brawn. Tails was able to outmatch his speed, but Bark’s powerful punches had shot up waves of snow and ice, turning the battlefield against him. They were evenly-matched, but then the clouds billowed overhead, a freak snowstorm barreling toward them. He was intent on grabbing the emerald and getting the heck out of there.
But Bark was quick to drop the fight, becoming so protective, so fatherly, that Tails felt such a heat in his chest. He pointed to the cave he’d used for shelter, taking advantage of the inclines by rolling down the hill through the snow while Tails dashed ahead, getting inside before they could get hit. They’d bonded through shared stories, Tails watching intently at Bark’s quick hands while sharing some of his own. It was easy to talk to him, seeing as Bark could still understand speech and Tails was an expert with sign-language by this point. He felt like a young kit again in his arms, and it brought out something he hadn’t expected.
The silent brawler was grinning at him, even as Tails’ lips were upon his. Somehow, he seemed to understand the new and bizarre feelings he was experiencing. Perhaps it was their mutual bond of their feral counterparts being apex predators, or Bark being insightful due to his lack of speech. He wasn’t sure.
“You sure you’re… okay… with this?” he asked, running his bare hands through that warm, textured fluff. Bark gently removed his toboggan, showing off more of his wild mop. He leaned back slightly to show off his friendly grin, opening his lips slightly. Even though Bark couldn’t speak, he didn’t need to go into sign language to show what he meant.
Tails crawled up and reconnected their lips, slipping his tongue into that exposed cavern and engaging their first kiss. He couldn’t help but laugh; he never thought he’d end up kissing Bark of all people! But the polar bear was apparently eager to please, and he started playfully returning the oral invasion. Tails whimpered and moaned at the feeling of having a tongue inside his mouth. It was strange… was this some odd type of lust? A weird form of respect? They were practically strangers, though Sonic knew Bark was generally a good person…
In the end, though, he supposed it didn’t matter. Bark was the only one keeping him company inside this cave, providing protection and warmth. Tails hated being alone, even as a young man. Bark’s gesture of kindness meant the world to him. The big-hearted ursine was holding him tight, giving him so much love and comfort.
“Bawwrk…” Tails moaned, tracing his teeth with his tongue, sucking on the other's while it tasted him. It was sloppy and awkward, as neither had ever done such a thing. But Chaos, it felt good, and made Tails feel even warmer. He couldn’t help but let out a pleased growl, something that made Bark chuckle even more, and their hands ran over each other. He couldn’t reach as much of the massive Sapient, but every soft huff of breath felt like a reward to him.
Thick fingers spread through Tails’ fur, gently writing letters against his skin, and Tails grinned. He pulled back, a strand of saliva connecting their lips as they panted softly. “You’re doing fine… keeping me warm like this…” he chuckled. “You’re like a bed… and blanket all in one~!” Bark blinked up at him before grinning. He pulled his hand back now that Tails could see, signing a message that caused Tails’ cheeks to darken slightly more. “Well, we are gonna be here a while… I think that can be obliged.” He giggled, and the kiss soon resumed.
Boots and socks soon hit the rocky floor, and the intimacy of their lip lock increased to the point where Tails felt like he was in a sauna, both of them panting simply from their wet, sloppy kisses. Tails looped his hands through the wild head fur, pushing deeper than he thought possible. It wasn’t something he’d call romantic, kissing someone he barely knew. But he had a feeling that after today, perhaps their relationship could be better, meeting not as strangers or enemies. It was an odd way to become friends, but he wouldn’t complain.
