#Kit's jealousy and inferiority complex having the potential to instead turn into a dynamic of learning-

[sorrowfulsidekick]

▸ // A gasp, soft and low, to the start of the other’s answer. Every logical conclusion yelled that the one before him was literally different, that hurt emotional core remained as illogical as always. Was he truly that forgettable? The other boy he apparently loathed so much didn’t remember him, just as the world forgot him, or even he himself…

…

▸ // A familiar nausea clung to him, a panic almost took hold, until the words continued, practically knocking the fennec upside the head. ‘ Cool ’ ? Back straightens, The comment a jolt to the system, forcing waning focus back to reality. Chewing ceases, distracted as wide eyes threaten to fall from sockets.

“ I uh– You think I’m…? ”

▸ // As sodden, rice covered, cheeks grew rosy there was no denying the flash of restrained joy- a soft light returning to lifeless eyes for just a moment, fleeting before features fall, shadowed once more as shoulder slump. That downcast gaze observes dirt riddled gloves. Fingers twitch as if calculating an answer; counting. Each day a finger, lifting and lowering in attempts to recall. After a round or two he clearly loses count, doubting himself as the time and events blurred.

Then he goes still, once busied fingers curl together into fists.

“ No. This is just like before. ”

▸ // Hostility coil itself with each word, they come out unbalanced and weak in a twist of sluggish anger.

“ What do you care? No one ever cares. E-everytime anyone’s been nice it’s always because they want something. “ He scoffs with a shake of his head. Though his words were fiery and his guard strengthened one could note how odd it was that his weapon remained inactive at his back, leaving him uncharacteristically open.

“ So, then, w-what do you want ? “

— ;; Recalcitrance swiftly turns to acquiesce, and as he watches the other gorge brazenly. Of course, he’s filled with a sense of relief at the sight, but his heart twinges with sorrow all the same. How long, he wonders, has it been since the poor kid’s last meal? Curtailed, he sees himself, young and helpless, sitting there scarfing down any kind of sustenance he could scrounge up after running out of food in the cabin.

❝Nah, don’t know you,❞ confirming with the added shake of the head, Tails finally moves to sit with legs crossed, peering out into the dusty emptiness around as he tries not to ogle Kit during his moment of vulnerability, ❝I think I’d remember someone as cool as you.❞

— ;; Plicating arms allow fingers to tap against their opposing biceps, and he finally splays out to rest his back against the hut. Should he interrogate the kid? Absolutely he’s not going to let him walk off on his own with no food or shelter again, but judging by his initial reaction, he doesn't seem too keen on trusting Tails.

Well— maybe lightly prodding about his circumstances could be inoffensive enough, as long as it doesn’t get personal. 

❝So… you’re out here by yourself, huh?❞ Inconspicuously as possible, chilling his stature further by resting his arms behind his head, he quizzes, ❝how long’s it been since you went off on your own?❞