From "Friends" to "Parents" (Sonic the Hedgehog)

"You're supposed to be my friend," he'd told Tom. "Stop trying to be my dad."

So why, Sonic wondered, did the thought keep coming back to haunt him? Was it because of all the subtle "parental" quirks that Tom (AND Maddie) kept showing? Like wanting to hug him goodbye before their trip? Or contacting him every few hours to check on him?

He wasn't entirely sure about this strange battle that was raging back and forth in his head. At least, not until he found himself sitting on a beach encouraging the very echidna who had tried to kill him numerous times in the last few days. Encouraging him with the same words he'd heard from Tom.

Those thoughts come back with a solid vengeance when he finds himself facing an early death with those two "best friends" huddled by his side, holding his hands, unable to save him but ensuring that he wouldn't die alone.