[Nine's a bit surprised by the empathy. He doesn't really know how to respond.]

I am, but also, Sonic's not my friend. He's Tails's fraiend.

[He's being careful not to conflate Tails as being the same person, even with the unpleasant turns his emotions are doing right now. He glances away.]

Anyway, that's pretty much my story. I don't really do friends, Sonic showed up was really friendly. Things blew up, now I'm here with Shadow and we've got a temporary truce.