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Tails zipped the last dusty canvas duffel bag shut tight and jammed it into the Tornado 's already-past-capacity cargo hold.
"Perfect day for flying."
Sonic stood in the open garage door, imitating a nonchalant lean against the frame.
"Sure is," Tails smiled, but seeing the nervous look in his eyes, he quickly invented a suggestion. "Maybe you should follow me in the Gale for a few miles? Get used to how she handles?"
Sonic perked up, but between his glance at the Tornado 's stand-in and looking back, he was downtrodden again. Not that anyone other than Tails would really notice.
"I'm not really in, ah. Flight-capable condition at the moment." He unfolded his arms and gestured to his own right hand, opening and closing it very slowly. "I would, though."
Tails winced at the accidental oversight. "Right… Sorry."
"S'alright, bud. You'll be back, and then we can fly together."
Tails wondered how much he truly believed in that, and how much he was saying until he did believe it. That Tails would be back, or that he'd ever fly again with his bad hand.
"Yeah," he said, as genuinely as he could muster without tripping Sonic's touchy vulnerability sensors. "We will."
Sonic looked to the sky; the sun still hadn't quite reached the highest point of the day yet.
"You should get going," he forced out. "There's a lot of world to explore out there."
Tails hopped down from the plane.
When did you get so tall?
"I'm gonna miss you." Tails approached, but didn't go in for the hug.
"I'm gonna miss you too, kid." Sonic shook his head, reprimanding himself. "I mean- Tails. Gonna be pretty quiet without you blowing things up in the shop every other hour."
Tails laughed, but a heavy pause followed between them.
Sonic inhaled, then rested his good hand on his brother's shoulder - there was no way they were nearly level now - "You… you can handle yourself." He finally made direct eye contact. "I trust you. You don't need a whole speech or anything."
"Aw, c'mon. It's your right as an overprotective big brother."
"Just- look." That brought a hint of a genuine smile back, but it evaporated into sobriety. "Keep yourself safe, Miles. And whatever you find out there, I hope it's what you're looking for."
"I will." Tails hugged him, and Sonic awkwardly hugged back, despite having no muscle strength in his right arm anymore. "Don't worry about me, Sonic."
"Who said I was worried?" He kept the hug predictably short. "I'm proud of you, partner."
"I love you too, Sonic."
Sonic smiled and stepped back, genuine happiness in his eyes, briefly unclouded by nervousness.
"Alright, get out of here. World's waitin' for ya." He waved a hand almost dismissively. "Don't let me hold you back."
I know this is hard, Tails wanted to say, I know you're scared. It's okay to be scared. But it's time for me to go.
"Don't wait up for me!" He joked instead.
"I'll try not to trash your place too badly!"
For what it's worth, you're being really strong right now, Sonic.
"You helped build it, didn't you? It's your place, too." Tails commented as he settled into the cockpit. He looked back down at his big brother. "Wouldn't be here without you."
Sonic looked uncomfortable with having his efforts called to attention, but remained rooted in place. "We're a team," he nearly muttered, "always have been." He spoke up, "Always will be. Just call me if you need me. I'll be there."
"I know." Tails started the engine and the Tornado rumbled, a dog waiting for the leash to break.
It'd kind of defeat the purpose to call for your help at the first sign of trouble, though.
"Good luck," Sonic shouted over the roar, "not that you'll need it!"
Using only his left hand, Sonic kickstarted the propeller, giving Tails the green light.
"See you later!" He shouted back, giving a short, two-fingered salute. Sonic laughed and mirrored him.
He knew he could never hold him back. They were far too alike.