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Knuckles was still getting used to the whole “relaxation” concept. For someone as fierce and battle-ready as he was, the idea of sitting still and doing… nothing… was baffling.
But you were determined to change that.
“Come on, Knuckles,” you said with a grin, patting the couch cushion beside you. “I promise, it’s not as weird as it sounds.”
Knuckles crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. “You want me to… cuddle. What purpose does this serve? Is it a battle technique?”
You stifled a laugh, shaking your head. “Not everything is about battle, you know. Cuddling is… comforting. It’s a way to feel close to someone, to relax and let your guard down.”
His brow furrowed, clearly skeptical. “Relaxation makes one vulnerable.”
“Not when you’re with someone you trust,” you countered, your voice softer. “It’s like recharging after a long day. Trust me, you’ll like it.”
Knuckles hesitated, his gaze shifting to the couch. Finally, he let out a huff and sat down stiffly beside you, his arms still firmly crossed. “Very well. Show me this… cuddling.”
You smiled, scooting closer. “Okay, first, you need to loosen up a bit. Just sit back and relax.”
Knuckles gave you a dubious look but leaned back against the cushions, his posture still rigid.
“Better,” you said, gently placing a hand on his arm. “Now, I’m going to lean against you. Is that okay?”
He nodded slowly, watching you carefully as you shifted closer, resting your head on his shoulder. His body was warm and solid, and you could feel the tension in his muscles as he tried to stay perfectly still.
“See? Not so bad,” you murmured.
“Hm.” Knuckles glanced down at you, his expression unreadable. “You are… very close.”
“That’s kind of the point,” you teased, tilting your head to look up at him. “Cuddling is all about being close.”
He was quiet for a moment, then slowly raised an arm, hovering it awkwardly above your shoulders. “Do I… hold you like this?”
You smiled, gently guiding his arm around you. “Exactly like that.”
Knuckles’ grip was hesitant at first, but as you leaned into him, he relaxed ever so slightly. His large hand rested against your back, warm and steady, and you could feel the tension in his frame beginning to melt away.
“This is… pleasant,” he admitted after a while, his voice low. “Strange, but pleasant.”
“Told you,” you said, closing your eyes as you settled against him. “You’re a natural.”
Knuckles let out a quiet chuckle, the sound vibrating through his chest. “I am skilled in many things. Apparently, this is one of them.”
You laughed softly, your hand moving to rest on his. “You’re doing great, Knuckles. See? Relaxing isn’t so bad.”
“Hmph,” he muttered, but there was no real annoyance in his tone. If anything, he sounded… content.
As the minutes passed, Knuckles grew more comfortable, his grip around you becoming more secure. He rested his head against yours, the quiet warmth of the moment wrapping around you both like a blanket.
“This… cuddling,” he said eventually, his voice thoughtful. “It is a good way to recharge.”
You smiled, your eyes still closed. “Told you so.”
Knuckles hummed softly, his grip tightening just a fraction. “Thank you for showing me this. It is… nice to feel close to someone.”
Your heart melted at his words, and you snuggled closer. “Anytime, Knuckles. Anytime.”
And in that moment, with the world quiet around you and Knuckles holding you close, you knew you’d introduced him to something he’d never forget.