As you read through your book on hedgehogs, one section catches your attention: "Places some hedgehogs like to be scratched include their ears, chin, along the edge of their quill line or skirt, and belly fur." Fascinated, you wonder if your hedgehog friends might let you test these findings—of course, with their consent. Shadow is an immediate no for obvious reasons. Silver would likely get flustered just discussing it, and you respect Amy too much to even consider asking. That leaves Sonic. How would he react?

Curiosity gets the better of you, and you find yourself at Tails' workshop. Inside, Sonic is lounging on the couch, engrossed in a video game while Tails is off somewhere else. Your eyes are drawn to the two spines protruding from his back. They look surprisingly soft. Quietly, you approach, noting that Sonic is so focused on the screen he doesn’t even notice you sneaking up behind him.

Then, impulsively, you reach out and run your hands along his back, slipping between his spines. The reaction is immediate. Sonic’s back arches sharply, and he lets out a startled gasp. The controller clatters to the floor as he leaps up from the couch, moving so fast he’s almost a blur. He spins around to face you, wide-eyed and incredulous.

"Aster?! What the heck was that?!"