sranks | ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

[Sonic curls into Neo when he pulls him in, kind of just nuzzling into his boyfriend with a bit of a chuckle before scooting up to look him directly in the optics.]

I'll gladly strike that one off the record if you're gonna. But I mean, hey, it builds character, right? We both know we can't stand uptight places like that now. It's a good lesson. Live and learn, and all that.

[Sonic still hasn't really found any methods of helping to soothe his boyfriend other than kissing him, but that occupies his mouth so he can't yap...he winds up resting a hand on Neo's face while he thinks for a moment, before yammering away once again.]

Besides, you're way better at researching this kind of stuff than I am. Like I said: I barely even scratched the surface. If books weren't so boring to read, I'd at least be able to match you on that. But maybe I'll ask around and see if there's any cool spots we could make a vacation out of? Just two hedgehogs, chasing dreams and maybe kicking each other's butts at something along the way...

[Hmm...though, his mind drifts for a moment, gaze drifting away before settling back on Neo with a smile.] You found anything interesting like that in all of your bookworming, Neo?

[Neo absently copies Sonic's gesture, one cool metal hand against his boyfriend's cheek as he combs through his databanks for suitable information.]

Dates can be held at various places of entertainment as well. The movies are fairly popular, though the arcade, festivals, and amusement parks are likewise potential options.

[Wait... does this mean they unknowingly had their first date at the Valentine's festival... hmm.]

The arcade may fit, should you want competition, though we both already know I would destroy you in all of them.

[He does not have a mouth to smile with, but that sure sounds like a taunt??]

[neo. honey. do you really wanna count that,,,

...Okay, admittedly the date after all of the issues was pretty fun and Sonic has absolutely added whatever prizes they both won to the house's ever growing collection of knickknacks, but--]

Oh, are you making that a bet? 'Cause I'm not exactly one to lose; even your perfect machinery and smarts can't keep up with pure, raw, gaming skill!

[Sonic sounds outright excited at that, though. He loves all kinds of games, mostly racing and dancing ones, but he knows Neo would provide him a challenge that few can. Or that few actually want to. Very few wanna play DDR with the fastest thing alive, after all, and he usually holds back a little bit when Tails, Amy or Cream take him up on it. (And Shadow or Blaze just straight up won't go near 'em--)]

You're absolutely on, in any case! Dotty actually works over at a pretty cute place over in the spring area that we could go to sometime, if you're ready to get your butt handed to you...

[see, that part was good, at least!!!

That gets a nod from Neo; he imagines Sonic doesn't get the opportunity to go all out frequently. He's far too kind to ruthlessly crush his friends, after all. So of course he'd enjoy a challenge.]

I'd enjoy that. Defeating you is my primary objective, after all.

[...let's just ignore that he opted for "defeating" instead of "killing", okay,,,]

Edited 2024-12-25 17:12 (UTC)

[Oh, that's...

Honestly, that gets Sonic to grin even harder, but he will gladly ignore it for Neo's dignity. Man's having character development, why discourage that???]

Well, I can't wait to see what kinda moves you've got, buddy! Because I ain't holding back for a second once we start. You better be prepped and ready for that!

[Here, have another smooch for that. Neo deserves it, and Sonic's honestly kind of giddy thinking about it. A whole day for the two of them, just competing and seeing who comes out on top...they'll have to make time real soon for it at this rate.]

I'm ready whenever you are. [...] Just not right this second. I kinda just wanna spend the rest of the day like this, if you've got nothing better to do.

[Oh, a smooch, how nice... Neo leans into it, nuzzling against Sonic absently.]

Of course. I would rather stay put here for now as well. I... truly do enjoy spending time like this.

[It isn't something he expresses often enough. Though Neo is always the sort to be busy, quiet moments like this with his boyfriend are some of his most cherished memories here.]

You aren't the only one, trust me.

[Sonic kind of closes his eyes at that, relaxing into Neo a little more. He never really took himself as a guy who'd like this kind of extended closeness, but...]

...It really is nice. Not something I'd have ever thought to seek out, either. I'm no stranger to like...casual stuff with my pals, but that's always pretty quick. Never really had the patience for hanging on for too long, and it always felt a little weird after a while, like you're imposing on someone's space.

It doesn't...feel like that, with you. We both like this just as much, and it always just feels homey, bein' like this with you. It's quiet, almost kinda...gentle, I guess?

[It's a strange word to use for the hedgehog that's made of more spikes and pins than a cactus, but it's the best sentiment he can think of. He doubts Neo's really ever gotten this sort of chance, or care from anyone working with Eggman after all.]

I'm hardly one to be considered "gentle", you know.

[It sounds a bit amused, though. For Sonic, he doesn't mind it. It hasn't been easy to learn how to treat his boyfriend like this, but it'smore than worth it.]

I've never had the opportunity to... do something like this. It's... nice.

[gee, neo, you don't say. all you do is cuddle this hedgehog.]

Your patience is appreciated. I am... happy like this. It isn't easy to express, but I hope you know that.

[we got the robot addicted to cuddling, truly the character arc we needed]

Don't even worry; that's never been in question. [Sonic pokes Neo's little chest blaster, carefully, but it's almost the equivalent of poking someone in the chest.] You've got your own way of expressing that happiness, and I'm glad to keep experiencing it. And being the reason for it.

Looks like you went and grew a squishy, organic heart all your own.

[It's teasing, but it's very gentle; Sonic sounds proud of him, if anything. As Sonic nuzzles properly into Neo and feels himself start to drift, he just kind of lets himself curl up into Neo again.]

...I know I don't say it enough, but I really am proud of you, Neo. You've come extremely far in findin' yourself.

[Sonic's been looking forward to this date for a fair bit; between living both of their own lives when they aren't together, they've had a lot to do leading up to this point, and it's been kind of nice to settle into a rhythm. Neo usually takes on a fair bit of work, but Sonic's no slouch either; he usually just balances it out by helping his other friends out and learning more about proper machine maintenance when he's got the time to do so. They always find their way back into their new normal by the time the evening comes around, and it's been very nice.

Sonic's always worried about becoming bored with being tied to someone, but with Neo? That's never an issue. Neo has a way of keeping him on his toes, and Sonic finds immense comfort coming home to find his boyfriend waiting every night after their long days outside. They're not any closer to finding a way home, but honestly, Sonic's fine with that. This place is still so beautifully new, and there's plenty to explore and learn with the time they have here.

And speaking of...they've arranged for this well in advance, and Sonic's finally done with the stuff he was helping out with in the winter district--the spring one feels almost balmy in comparison to the constant cold, and Sonic doesn't mind it at all. He's not surprised people like it here, but he's here for one reason and one reason alone.

He was promised a challenge at some arcade games today, and as Sonic waits outside of the arcade for Neo, he's practically giddy with excitement. He's not familiar with all of the games here, but that just means there's going to be all sorts of new experiences to have with Neo here, and he's more than ready for this.

Where is Neo, right about now?]

[it's like socializing a feral cat, now he demands cuddles all the time.

His eyes flick down to follow Sonic's movements, though Neo doesn't react to the flick against his chest.]

I am incapable of growing an organic body part.

[...does he take these things very literally or is he just joking...]

Regardless, I am pleased to hear it. I never would have thought I would want something like this... or that I would want much at all to begin with.

[One hand comes up to run through Sonic's quills as he so often does; he can feel his boyfriend getting sleepy, and Neo certainly doesn't mind remaining right here with him until he's fallen asleep.]

...Thank you, Sonic.

[For his patience, for his persistence, and for his numerous attempts to gently coach Neo through his various crises about actually being a person instead of just a killing machine.]

[It's strange, Neo never could have imagined that he would actually settle in to life here in Ellipsa. Searching for a way home had taken up so much of his time that it had consumed him; but he's since let that go in favor of enjoying his time here with Sonic. After all, things may not go back to the way they were when they return, but things will certainly be different when that day comes. It isn't something he's ready to face yet. So why not slow down and enjoy their time together here, just for a little while longer?

Of course, today is their first real date, which means two very important things. One: Neo must ensure that everything goes well. And two: Neo has to kick Sonic's butt. When else is he going to get the opportunity to do so?

Neo's a bit surprised to find Sonic waiting for him for once, instead of the other way around, but that just makes him all the more excited. He approaches and reaches for Sonic's hand without a second thought, public displays of affection be damned.]

You're early. Are you that excited to lose?

[He doesn't have a mouth to smile with, but the words sound amused nonetheless.]

[There's his wonderful boyfriend! Sonic grins cheekily when he feels Neo come up and take his hand, and in what's probably Sonic's smoothest idea yet (thank you Charlotte), he winds up taking Neo's hand and bringing it up so he can kiss the back of it. This is the smoothest he'll ever be and he's not even sure if Neo will enjoy it, but--]

Maaaybe I am, maybe I'm not! Who knows? That just depends on if you're ready to give me a proper challenge! Think you're up to the task, Neo, or am I gonna be sweeping you off your feet in more ways than one today?

[It's clearly a bantering joke, but Sonic's body language can't even begin to hide how giddy he is--he's practically jumping off the walls, even if it mostly shows in how he's moving his feet around from place to place excitedly.]

[neometalsonic.exe has stopped working, please wait a moment for the system to reboot...]

...I see you're as confident as always.

[...Don't worry if he seems hotter than normal or if you hear the whirring of his engines working overtime, he's just. Mildly flustered. Okay. It's fine. Definitely not being swept off his feet by the gesture and the confidence.

Though maybe the long pause before he speaks or the sudden flick of his eyes to focus on anything else gives it away. Neo may not have the usual physical reactions of most beings to let his partner know how flustered he is, but the signs do exist for those who think to look.]

I wouldn't want to keep you waiting any longer, then.

[...Not that he's letting go of Sonic's hand? His now.]

[O-oh, Neo seems a little...warmer than usual...oh. It takes Sonic a couple of seconds to realize that Neo's actually kind of here for it, but Sonic's eyes gleam a bit when it hits and he's smirking just a little bit. Oh, that's cute...]

Then let's get this party started, shall we? Maybe winner gets to pick the next date, or something else. We'll leave that for later, but for now...let's game!

[Sonic's not letting go of Neo's hand for even a moment as he leads him inside; it's thankfully a quieter day in the week, so there's not as many people there as they head to the front desk and get greeted by a familiar mop of brown hair and green eyes that Sonic's happy to talk to for a little bit and introduce Neo to...

It isn't long after that they're all prepped and ready to go, and Sonic waves her off.]

Good seeing you, Dotty! Lemme know when you got time to catch up, yeah? I wanna hear about what you and Bert have been up to!

[Oh, I gladly will, Sonny! You and Neokins take care!

Once they're in the arcade proper with all sorts of games around, Sonic finds himself teeming with excitement at the options. There's dancing, there's racing, there's all sorts of stuff, and--]

So, where do you wanna start? The whole world's our oyster here.

[There's no embarrassment at all about holding Sonic's hand here, and why would there be? After all, this is his wonderful boyfriend who he's going to thrash at all sorts of games today. He follows Sonic's lead, taking note of Sonic's human friend. He's heard of her before, of course; he pays close attention to Sonic's stories about his friends and he recognizes this one on sight. Though he does incline his head slightly at the nickname... "Neokins"...]

You've made quite a few friends here, it seems.

[Hardly a surprise, given Sonic's demeanor, personality, and general behavior, but it's still a little surreal to see in person. Just how many friends does Sonic have here? Neo isn't jealous exactly, as that's a bit too complicated of an emotion for a robot who is barely accepting that he feels in the first place, but it does make him curious. He wants to know more; about all the people that keep his blue blur occupied while they're out doing their own thing throughout the day.

But for now... Neo's eyes land on a certain cabinet, and he wastes no time in dragging Sonic over. It should be fairly obvious what kind of game this is, given the red and blue plastic guns holstered in the front of the arcade cabinet.]

A game that requires precision and quick reflexes. A suitable start, wouldn't you say?

[neo you are literally a robot with perfect aim, you know that isn't fair]

[...He should've probably warned Neo that Dorothea is A Lot...]

I definitely have! Kinda hard not to, when there's a lotta good people to talk to.

[He'd definitely be here to talk about them, but Neo's already dragging him towards a shooting cabinet and Sonic whistles a bit at it, taking one of the guns in his hand with a grin.]

Not holdin' back for a second, are you? I like that! [Sonic grins a little bit, inserting some tokens into the game slot.] Gonna make it all the more fun when I kick your butt! I'm ready when you are, Neo; count us down!

[She. She sure is......

But for now! Neo nods at that and takes the other gun, optics fixed on the screen as they get ready.]

Three... Two... One.

[Thankfully, he doesn't cheat this time, and the game begins after he finishes the countdown. Neo's precision is incredible - he can follow and hit the targets with ease, only slowed down by the requirement of pulling the gun's trigger to register the shots. It's a game that plays to his natural strengths which is why he chose it, and he's going to end this game with quite the impressive score. Though there are targets you are not supposed to hit, which Neo targets anyway, so it's not like he's reaching a new high score or completely unbeatable here. It's an impressive performance for his first shot (pun intended) at a game like this, anyway.]

[Sonic's experience with these kind of games is limited, but once he figures out the controls, he puts his all into shooting down the targets as best he's able. It's mostly a matter of timing that gets Sonic, sometimes a little bit too quick for the game to register, but he laughs and has fun with Neo and keeps bringing down target after target, also hitting a few things he's not supposed to...

And while he lags a little behind Neo in terms of performance (16), he manages a pretty decent score of his own, and when Sonic looks over at Neo's score, he's quick to pull his boyfriend in by one of his shoulders and give him a one armed hug.]

Well, would you look at that! Neo, you absolutely kicked butt out there!

[LOOK AT ALL OF THESE TICKETS WE'RE BOTH GETTING, THERE'S SO MUCH--]

You're a real natural at this!

[Victory! As expected, of course, though he didn't beat Sonic nearly as bad as he thought he would... Well, a win is a win, and it's one of the few he has over his rival, so Neo will take it. He allows Sonic to pull him in, tipping his head a bit to gently nuzzle Sonic. Neo's already warm, with the usual soft hum of his internal workings proof that he's still a bit flustered from earlier. He pulls back to retrieve their tickets after a moment. Huh, look at all of these... Maybe they'll be able to pick out one of the nicer prizes at this rate.]

I am built to have perfect aim. I would be disappointed in myself had I lost to you in this game.

[But it's obvious he's pleased anyway.]

You can choose our next game.

[Awww, Neo's so warm...Sonic chuckles a bit when Neo nuzzles into him, and Sonic returns the gesture easily, giving Neo a small kiss on the cheek as his reward. His boyfriend is too cute when he's smug...]

Don't expect to have an easy time with the rest of these! I'm gonna give you a real run for your tickets here!

[Sonic will gladly take Neo's hand and lead him over to one of his personal favorite machines--good old Legally Distinct Mario Kart. Give him a second to plop a squat in one of the two player machines here, he'll wait for Neo to take the other while he gets the coins in.]

You ready to eat my dust?

[What a nice reward... better than the tickets, even! Neo squeezes Sonic's hand as he follows to their next game. This one certainly looks interesting, though it's Neo's first time playing Legally Distinct Mario Kart.]

I look forward to crushing that confidence of yours.

[Though given the chaotic nature of Legally Distinct Mario Kart, he's nowhere near as prepared as he sounds. In fact, despite doing well with the race itself, Neo isn't even hitting the top three by the end. His luck is abysmal; he is absolutely suffering from the good ol' Mario Kart luck stat.]

Edited 2024-12-27 16:55 (UTC)

Bring it on, then!

[...So it was absolutely a mistake to instantly go to 150cc,,, (7)

Sonic's absolutely played some variant of this before, given that this is absolutely as chaotic as one would expect of Mario Kart: They're Out For Blood Difficulty. Sonic definitely remembers how to drift and takes first for a little bit, but one too many red and blue shells ensures that Sonic is also not hitting top three. He barely manages to squeak the place higher than Neo, but it's definitely not by much...]

...Y'know, I forgot how absolutely brutal these guys get when you crank up the difficulty. I'm gonna have to get practicing this game for next time.

[he may be stupid, bottom text,,,]

Not a bad showing out there though, Neo! This your first time playing?

[Here, we can talk while Neo goes and picks out the next game. The score being tied is honestly making Sonic even more excited, because there's still so much to do--]

[That gets a sound from Neo that's a bit too static-y to properly make out, but it's either a scoff or possibly a laugh given the amusement in his tone when he responds.]

Then we'll have to return here until we've mastered it.

[Which means more dates!!! Is it obvious he's having a good time on this one so far??]

It is, yes. I thought racing games would be more straightforward, though this one has the added challenge of utilizing the items in an efficient way...

[Strategizing is also fun, so he's definitely having a good time.]

[...d-doki, okay, that's kind of cute, just ignore the slight increase in heartbeat there--]

Y-Yeah! We're definitely gonna have to. You name the time and we can definitely come and get some practice in! [Thankfully, Sonic recovers easily in the face of his boyfriend being cute, shut up he's okay--] But yeah! That's one of the things I've always liked about these kind of games; racing's definitely fun, but it makes you keep an eye out for how chaotic the field gets. There's a couple tricks too, to get yourself to go faster, but I'd be happy to teach you all about it!

[Sonic looks around the arcade briefly. The more traditional racing machines are open, but the DDR's just gotten freed up too...Sonic gathers his tickets into a pile in his arms.]

What's next? You wanna try a more traditional race, or maybe something a little different?

[He's not absolutely chomping at the bit to go play DDR. But also: it looms on the horizon.]

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

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