sranks | ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

[...

neo please don't tell him you've gone homeless or couldn't go back after letting sonic sleep in the bed--]

You can--wait, right, uh. People usually call it cuddling, if that helps? It's basically that. [He forgets that Neo probably doesn't have a point of reference for this, amending easily. It's not quite teasing; more affectionate than anything, and if anything his heart picks up from the excitement of showing Neo his space. Realistically, it's giving Neo ammo on him, but it's honestly kind of nice? Sonic doesn't know why, but...] But that sounds good to me! Come on, let's get going, then!

[...It does take a little bit longer to get up than Sonic would like, but he'll at least hold out a hand to help Neo up if he wants it--he'll gladly lead the way; he lets go of Neo's hand after, admittedly, but it isn't a long walk to the apartment complex that Sonic lives at, and Neo can see the way he greets people along the way. A lady and her kid waving brightly gets a wave back; one of his CR greets him and he says he'll stop over sometime to catch up. The apartment owner quirks her brow a little bit at Sonic's friend, still not used to even him--but just tells him not cause a ruckus, with a noted tone that implies to not cause one again while Sonic chuckles.

Sonic's apartment is about as easy to spot as he said, a while back; along with what seems to be a bag of something that smells delicious or foul depending on your tolerance for cheap takeout that Sonic brings inside, there is a noticeable amount of stickers on it from various places, and at least one sticky note complaining about them that Sonic takes off easily, opening the door to his apartment for Neo.]

Well, let me be the first to wish you a warm welcome to Casa de Sonic; my own little slice of home! Feel free to make yourself at home and take a load off, yeah?

[The apartment itself is pretty decorated, is something Neo can notice as he goes through, though clearly not to the point that Sonic would like; he's only been here for about a month and change, but he's got it decked out fairly nicely, and doesn't...seem to have a concept of putting items away? Like. Everything he owns is practically out, and while it isn't much, it's somehow still a lot, and it's not exactly organized in any visible way. A souvenir from one part of town, a couple from another, some handmade crafts and a few pictures in frames...some on a couple corkboards that Sonic seems to have begun filling out, and even a few pictures just taped to the wall...Sonic, honey, your lease...

There's also just. A fair amount of trash on the floor, but it's not much older than a night or two, thankfully??? Sonic is a little on the messy side, unfortunately, and the apartment just seems to be all one room with a little division where the kitchen area is. Of which only the microwave seems to see any consistent use.

But it's lived in. That much is noticeable. There's a nice big couch at least with a couple dark blue blankets on there, though it seems to be the only big furniture in the house, from the look of it.]

[listen—

Cuddling. He commits the term to memory and silently vows that he'll have to do more research into such things. There was no need to give him any of this as a reference point within his databanks, so his knowledge is extremely limited. It feels nice, though, and that's all that matters right now.

Though Neo hardly needs to take Sonic's hand to get up, he does anyway just to feel the warmth again for a little longer. It's not surprising when Sonic pulls away, and Neo lets him go, but...

Well, it doesn't matter, since they're going to Sonic's place anyway. It isn't as though it's difficult to memorize the path there - and Sonic did tell him where it was earlier, after all - but there's something different about following his rival there. Sonic has made quite a few friends here, hasn't he...? But then, of course he has. He has far too many friends back home, after all. A bright, sunny hedgehog like that is bound to collect more than a few friendly faces wherever he goes.

...It feels a little strange for him to be here. They may look similar, but every single one of their differences paints a clear picture of who - what Neo is. He's a weapon. He fashioned this form for battle, for killing and yet somehow, it almost feels as though his original form would be a better fit for this world.

He wonders, idly, if Sonic prefers his original form.

Anyway, they make it to Sonic's place and Neo takes in the sights curiously. He can pinpoint where some of those stickers and various souvenirs are from simply from having come across something similar in his own explorations of this world, but there are so many that he doesn't recognize. The place could stand to be organized and better-maintained... but unlike the apartment Neo was given when he arrived, this one actually looks as though it's been lived in.

Even though Sonic told him to "take a load off", Neo remains standing near the door, arms folded behind him as he looks around the place, almost like he's trying to take up less space. He's... not really sure what to do now that he's here...]

It seems you've settled in well.

[...And then, almost as an afterthought:] Do you miss our world?

[Sonic chuckles at that, while he gets the takeout in the microwave.]

I mean, I'd hope so! Who knows how long I'm gonna be living here, you know? I wanna make my mark on this place somehow.

[Sonic kind of keeps moving about the house for a little bit--it's probably interesting, because Sonic just really doesn't stay still very much. It's not the greatest cleaning job in the world, but he clears the counter space off and puts it in the trash, replaces the trashbag, puts the...trashbag by the trashcan, because he can absolutely get to it later...

He opens the fridge as Neo asks that question, though, and it gives Sonic a bit of a pause and finally causes him to look at his rival. His expression seems a little in thought, but he shrugs a bit once he's done thinking.]

I mean, kind of, yeah? I like seeing new places, don't get me wrong, but they do say home is where the heart is. I miss seeing the chili dog guys I'd usually see near town after I crash at Tails' place, some of the noises of the city, my friends from home and stuff like that, but...

It ain't bad, here! Kind of nice to have a space that's just mine.

[Which probably says both nothing and everything at the same time. It's not like Sonic makes a mess of Tails' house; that's just not his style. Still, he does look at Neo continuing to be near the door, and kind of just chuckles a bit and walks over to the door (leaving...the fridge open...), going to take one of Neo's hands and try to guide him on in.]

You can sit on the couch, you know! It's no big deal, it's here for everyone, no invitation needed. Or are you just taking in the sights?

[Neo watches, red optics following Sonic without him budging from his spot in the slightest. The answer he gets is about what he was expecting; of course Sonic misses home, but he is the sort to always be on the move. He enjoys the thrill of new places, new challenges, and new adventures. It makes sense that he would still be handling this place well.

It's almost amusing how different they are in that regard. Maybe he should try to see this place in a similar light. Looking at it as a new opportunity can't hurt any, anyway.

It's that latter part that gets him to pause, though. It's never really occurred to Neo to question Sonic's living arrangements back home, but it sounds as though he likely was staying with one of his friends. A place that's just his, huh...

Oh, but then Sonic's taking his hand, and Neo allows his rival to guide him in.]

I'm not familiar with the living spaces of others. It's... interesting.

[All of his time has been spent in Eggman's bases, which are completely different from Sonic's room here. Pristine, cold, and unwelcoming steel and machinery have been "home" to him far more than any actual living space. He's never even seen Eggman's living quarters, so this is vastly different from what he's used to. Which is part of the reason why he was so content taking up a corner of the workshop; it was far more familiar than an apartment ever could be.]

Huh. Yeah, I guess that tracks. Can't imagine Egghead really gave any of you guys any consideration for that...

[He can only imagine how utilitarian and boring Eggman forces his robots to live like. If they even do. It seems like Eggman goes through most robots like most girls he knows go through clothes...poor guys.

Either way, Sonic will close the door on the way toward getting Neo to the couch, but he doesn't lock it behind him or anything; no need to make Neo feel trapped. But he does guide Neo over to the couch, and even seems to impulsively grab one of the thinner of the blue blankets and tries to drape it on Neo's shoulders...

...Before chuckling a bit, because--]

Right, forgot you don't...really gotta worry about that. Gimme one second, Neo.

[It's...strange how nice that gesture was, because it really just is Sonic being considerate--he usually ends up kicking the blankets off at night so they're mostly decoration, anyway. It almost felt affectionate, which is...

Something Sonic's not going to give too much thought to. It's just the two of them being rivals. No sense in overthinking it, it's just two rivals being bros. Anyway, let him...finally go close that fridge door, first off, and second off go get his food which is the Ellipsa equivalent of chinese takeout, and let him set that on the arm of the couch--

When Sonic finally settles down with Neo, though, he leans into his metallic rival nice and easy if allowed, just kind of sighing as if letting out the day's stress.]

What do you think of it, though? Must be a little weird to get used to, yeah?

All we require is a place to charge and perform maintenance.

[So yeah, Eggman never exactly let any of the robots have rooms. What use would they have for them anyway? For the many gripes he has against Eggman, that isn't one of them.

Anyway, Sonic guides him over to the couch and Neo takes a seat when prompted, looking up at Sonic curiously when he picks up a blanket because... Well. He doesn't need the warmth, obviously. An odd oversight, but one he opts not to comment on. He watches as Sonic returns with his food (thank you for closing the fridge) and then just like that, Sonic's leaning against him as if they didn't move positions at all.

And yet Neo still hesitates for a moment, one hand partially raised as if he's about to do something, but hasn't quite decided on what yet.]

There's much in this world I have to get used to.

[Neo's colder now; he redirected his energy on the way over here so as not to waste it, but now that they're in close proximity again, Sonic can likely hear the whirr of machinery picking back up as he redistributes heat. It wouldn't do to prevent Sonic from being able to eat, but their previous positioning was so comfortable... Well, there's no sense in complaining about it. He's still close to the hedgehog and can still feel his rival at his side, that's good enough for now.

His hand finally settles on the couch beside Sonic, close enough to almost be pulling his rival into his side further, but not quite there yet.]

That's so boring. Not surprised, but still! You guys all deserve way better...

[Seriously, the robots need to unionize. It's time for the Egghead to start treating his employees well dangit--

Sonic does pause a bit; given that his focus has been on Neo primarily, he notices the partial raising of the hand, canting his head at it. It...hits that maybe he should ask, and he almost considers asking if Neo still wants to do this--Sonic's okay with it, obviously, it felt just like the most natural thing to do after everything was all said and done, but...

Well. Sonic hears the familiar whirr of the machinery, and Neo's warm again and it's all too tempting to curl into him and take that warmth. Sonic still leans into it a bit, setting his food on his lap and starting to chow down on it, and almost idly, Sonic's free hand settles down near Neo's. He's not sure why, really, but...the invitation is there, if Neo wants. It's finally hitting that this feels almost--

No. No thinking about that now.]

I get it, Neo. Least a little bit. [...] If there's anything you want help with, I've got plenty of time, you know. You kinda seemed like...

[You didn't really even live in that apartment.]

...Talk to me, lemme pick your brain a bit, Neo. Anything in particular stickin' out?

[His eyes flick to Sonic's hand - that looks like an invitation. Before he can get lost in his own thoughts about what exactly all this means, Neo simply moves his hand to take Sonic's. His now.]

...I find myself wondering if I will ever truly learn all I need to in this place.

[Though his voice hasn't changed much at all, he's not actually having a crisis (yet). It's curiosity more than struggling that drives his words.]

I do not know even the basics for what it means to "live". My "life" has revolved around one purpose and accomplishing it; the data I have is in service to it, or otherwise may prove useful. There is so much I do not know, however, and I wonder if I will ever be able to gather all the information I need.

[He doesn't really understand what he and Sonic are doing right now. He doesn't know how to quantify it and categorize it so it fits in neatly with the numbers and data he always works with. It feels out of place, but it doesn't feel wrong. In some ways, it feels like a natural progression of things - he doesn't want to change it, either.]

[Sonic definitely smiles a little bit when Neo takes his hand; Sonic doesn't really know what to properly call this either, but it feels natural somehow. Like this is a natural progression, and Sonic doesn't want to overthink it. Doesn't want to overthink about how well he can do this, how well he can actually keep up with being...whatever this new part of their rivalry is.

It's comfortable, and warm. That's all it needs to be, right? Sonic doesn't have to worry about being a good boyfriend, or anything, it's--]

...Everybody finds their own different meaning in living, and we do it through learning about the world around us in our own way. I guess that's the best way I can explain it. Like, that's kind of how life goes for most people; most of us don't get created with one purpose and suddenly have to go and figure it out from the start. But I guess it's like...

[Sonic takes another bite of food as he thinks about how to explain this, explain this to a robot who's never had this opportunity.]

Most people, when they first come into the world, they've got people around them who teach them how to actually take care of themselves. Give 'em some kind of warnings about the world, and work to do so they can contribute to it, but it's only the building blocks. You spend a long time learning to take care of yourself, and when you get old enough, you go out into the world and find your own way.

I mean, for me? I basically ended up just getting bored of the place I lived in and decided to figure it out as I went, going where the wind took me and where there was trouble to try and fix it along the way. There's a lot I don't even know about living, but I'm kind of just trying to learn about it as I go. I take it one day at a time, and try not to worry about the stuff I don't get.

[Sonic kind of idly rubs his thumb into circles on Neo's hand when he says all of that, though, taking another couple of bites of food, probably tossing an eggroll into the air and catching it in his mouth without missing a beat. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he doesn't sound anxious when he says all of that; it just kind of sounds like a fact of life to him, and one he's long accepted. But he doubts it's going to be as easy for Neo, because Neo's always the sort who likes to analyze, who needs to know..]

I'm not gonna tell ya you should do the same thing, obviously. You're already havin' a hard enough time with this. But...I don't know; no matter what, it's gonna take time, and there's gonna be a lot of things you don't get right at first. Don't know if that's really gonna be any assurance for you, but...

What do you think would help, Neo? Got any ideas on what you think you might need?

Edited (important distinction) 2024-12-21 03:29 (UTC)

[So in summation: organic beings are not born with a purpose. They are not given orders they must follow, a task they must carry out that drives them. Instead, they are expected to find what it is they want to do and determine how to live on their own, with the only way to learn simply to experience things first-hand.

...How terrifying.

Of course, the punishments for failure are different as well. It isn't as though there's a risk of an organic being turned into scrap if they fail. They have little choice but to pick themselves up and keep moving, because they cannot simply be reprogrammed or repurposed or reshaped into something else, something better. They make mistakes because they have no other option, and they learn from those mistakes because they don't want to repeat them.

Here, in this world, Neo cannot rely on the same methods that have guided his "life" thus far. His driving goal has been nullified by the magic in this world. His creator is absent, even if he did want to lean on Eggman for orders (which he does not want to do). He could spend the rest of his time here in Ellipsa filling his databanks with what knowledge he can get his hands on, but would it ever truly prepare him for things like this - these quiet, gentle moments with someone he's supposed to loathe?]

...I'm not sure.

[He doesn't like not having an answer. But...]

I have a tendency to become trapped by my thoughts when left alone for too long. I find myself running in circles mentally, unable to determine the best way to proceed and thus endlessly stuck analyzing and calculating when it seems that my usual approach is... inadequate here.

[His gaze snaps back to Sonic's face from where it had drifted away at some point during that. Neo's grip on Sonic's hand tightens as well, almost to the point of being painful.]

I find it easier to focus when you are around. I cannot remain stuck in those thoughts when you are pushing me forward.

[It's not always intentional on Sonic's part. It's simply a part of who Neo is that he tends to act without thinking whenever Sonic's involved. For once, this is beneficial, because it means he can free himself from these chains of his own making.

So what will help? The answer is obvious. Sonic will help.

Or, what Neo isn't actually saying: stay with me.

Don't leave me behind.]

[Sonic listens to Neo as he talks, eating all the while; it makes sense that Neo struggles with that kind of stuff, but Sonic keeps that thought to himself for the moment while he does. Neo was literally programmed like this; to think, to analyze, to over think everything so he can make what he thinks is a perfect decision. Sonic doesn't know everything about what Eggman does to those who don't succeed, but Neo's always been focused on perfection. On overwhelming power, on doing things right.

What an agonizing way to live.]

...Sometimes you really just gotta let yourself feel, rather than think. Anyone can do that; you just gotta learn.

[It's gently said, though, and though Sonic winces a bit at the tight grip that Neo's got on his hand, he finds himself chuckling just a bit at it and leaning a little bit closer to Neo, almost teasing.]

Heh. That's a lot of words for asking me if you can come and live with me, you know. Keep that up, and I'll start thinking you like me or something.

[Without even thinking or missing a beat, and before Neo can speak up, Sonic leans in and gives Neo a small peck on the cheek. Sorry if you get a piece of fried rice stuck there--]

Not that I got a problem with that. Any of that. Honestly? It might actually help to have someone here who can remind me to slow down a bit sometimes. If it helps you to have me around to keep you out of that labyrinth of a head of yours? Then you can stick around as long as you want.

[Incorrect, Neo does not have feelings—

Anyway, before he can argue(?) with Sonic, he's given a kiss, and that settles him. He will accept it. He will not accept this piece of fried rice stuck to his cheek and it is flicked off by his free hand.]

That is acceptable. Leave the upkeep and maintenance of this property to me, then.

[It's not that he doesn't trust Sonic with such things, it's simply that he needs to contribute in some way. Mooching off of Sonic is simply not acceptable. He can repay this debt so that he won't have to worry about that as well.

...

And he doesn't like Sonic, shut up.]

You don't gotta do that...

[Sonic chuckles at that, though; he's not going to stop Neo if that's what he wants, though. If anything, it's probably gonna be helpful. Sonic's...not particularly organized or good at anything but bulk cleaning...

Still, Sonic seems pleased with that for a reason he can't describe. He's always liked crashing out with Tails because it keeps him consistent; he respects Tails' space because he's cohabiting with his friend, maybe he'll be able to do a little better with Neo around at keeping things in order and keeping him consistent. Sonic finishes off the last of his food after that, though, and tosses the takeout box over to the trash. It thankfully lands right inside.]

But hey, it's your choice. I'm not gonna stop you from making it. My space is yours!

[...And speaking of that, you are getting leaned into again Neo. Warm...]

Heh. If we're gonna do this, maybe I should get the couch unfolded out into a bed so we can-- [...Oh, uh, actually--Sonic pauses a moment, as if realizing something.] ...Oh, yeah, uh. This place doesn't actually have a like...separate bedroom or anything like that. Is that gonna be a problem for you?

[...Mostly because he's realizing there is, in fact, only one bed here. Um. Oh dear, he did not think this through, he may be slightly pink--]

[Neo nods at that, shifting as Sonic cuddles into him. Ah, this is better, having Sonic this close is... acceptable. Yes. Acceptable.

The question catches him off-guard though, and Neo inclines his head a bit.]

Why would that be a problem? I do not need to sleep.

[...Wait for it, the gears are slowly turning in his head...]

I sit on the floor when I do need to charge. I have no need for a bed.

[???]

I'm sorry, what?

[?!?!]

Okay, no, you are not staying on the floor? You gotta have somewhere to get comfortable at night, that's just wrong?!

[DID EGGMAN NOT EVEN GIVE YOU GUYS LIKE, BEDS? HOLDING CHAMBERS??? ANYTHING?????

Sonic sounds absolutely aghast at this, though he doesn't move from Neo as he says that. But despite the pink face, Sonic shakes his head at this immediately.]

We're gonna find something for you to sleep on. Or rest on, or...I don't know, some kind of comfortable charging place. That's so disrespectful?

[Neo inclines his head a bit at Sonic's outburst, clearly not getting it.]

I do not understand why you are so concerned about it, but I suppose I can comply with that.

[It's not like he has a preference for the ground or anything? That's just how it goes. So if it'll calm Sonic down, then he'll take something else, sure.]

It's just...ugh, how do I explain it.

[...how do you explain human 101 to a robot...]

Everyone gets some kind of comfortable place to rest, at the end of the night. That's just a universal thing? Even on nights where I'm out, I bring some kind of pillow and sleeping back with me. Guess it's just another thing I'm mad at the Egghead about, because it feels...cruel, to not even give that to someone. Especially someone who works his butt off like you.

[Yes, trying to murder him counts as hard work, don't question it--

Sonic's not sure if that makes any form of sense, honestly, but if Neo doesn't mind, he's gonna curl a little closer now and steal some of that warmth. Honestly, between the food and the whirring white noise of Neo's machinery, he's already starting to feel his eyelids start to close as he kind of just idly wraps his free arm around Neo.]

...We'll work on that tomorrow. I know a couple people around town who could at least make a good bed for you. We can get your stuff moved in tomorrow too so we can get this place ready for both of us being here.

[Cruel, huh? It's hard to see it as a cruelness when that's simply how it's always been, but to an organic being who can be injured, perhaps it would seem unnecessarily harsh. Neo won't ever rise from his rest with aches and pains regardless of what position he chooses to recharge in, but an organic being requires a comfortable environment for optimal sleep. Of course they would put importance on such things.

Well, it's just one of Sonic's idiosyncrasies. Neo supposes it's fine. What's more fine is Sonic cuddling closer to him - Neo immediately mirrors that by wrapping his free arm around Sonic as well, claws gentle against his back.]

You do not need to worry about me, I can handle it myself.

[...No, that's not exactly right, is it? Give him a moment, he has to carefully think about this and choose words that are better fitting now that he has a better understanding of why Sonic behaves like this—]

Your concern is... noted. If you want to help, then I will allow it.

[...An Attempt Was Made.]

[You know what.

It's character development, he will take it and run with it.]

Good. I wasn't gonna try and go behind your back about it, but I'm gonna at least make sure you can have some basic stuff you should've been getting to begin with...

[Sonic gently squeezes their held hands together, but it isn't long before Sonic starts to nod off in earnest against Neo; so much for unfolding the couch out, but he once again starts to melt into Neo without thinking, and he is so damn comfortable.

...And yes, he is purring again, though it's a little softer and more involuntary now.]

I didn't think you would.

[Sonic isn't the sort to do that, even if it wouldn't truly bother Neo. But for now, it seems Sonic's ready to rest and Neo... Well, he doesn't need to go anywhere for the next several hours anyway. He can remain still until Sonic awakens.

...Though this is probably going to be uncomfortable for Sonic... Good luck, hedgehog.

(Neo will adjust a bit if Sonic seems too uncomfortable in his sleep... but he'll keep the heaters on, just because Sonic seems to like the warmth.)]

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

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