metaloverlord: (𝟎𝟎𝟖)
𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂 ([personal profile] metaloverlord) wrote in [community profile] sranks2024-12-16 11:17 pm

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

( catchall for some dumb hedgehogs
also seasons tdm link for reference! )
lovesadventure: (My own feelings)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
[...

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.]
lovesadventure: (Just living by my word)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
[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?
lovesadventure: ('cause I only have)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
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?
lovesadventure: ('cause I only have)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 02:45 am (UTC)(link)
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?
lovesadventure: (A steadfast heart of gold)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 03:27 am (UTC)(link)
[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)
lovesadventure: (Though it might be tough)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
[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.
lovesadventure: (Won't compromise)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
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--]
lovesadventure: (Won't compromise)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 04:46 am (UTC)(link)
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?
lovesadventure: (A steadfast heart of gold)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
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.
lovesadventure: (Don't ask me why)

[personal profile] lovesadventure 2024-12-21 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
[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.]