sranks | ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

[Sonic's ears wiggle a bit at that pat on the head; he's absolutely a siphon for physical affection and now's definitely no different, though Neo's words get Sonic to look up at Neo...kind of confused, honestly.]

Good for us to...?

[Sonic looks at the restaurant. Looks at Neo. Looks at the restaurant. Looks at Neo. Looks at the restaurant.

(Roll insight: 1.)

...There may be gears turning in Sonic's head, but they do not seem to be going anywhere at the moment. He looks back to Neo. He knows his boyfriend is looking at him expectantly and his ears droop down a bit, genuinely confused.]

There somethin' I'm not seeing here?

[.................

Sonic's going to make him say it. Oh this is. Really embarrassing. M-Maybe this was a bad idea...]

We should... Go on a date.

[There's no visible embarrassment, but the hesitation in his voice might make it obvious.]

A...date? Right now?

[Sonic blinks, eyes widening a bit as the pieces finally force themselves together, and he looks at the restaurant and Neo again, his expression...

Well, a little nervous, but he does actually smile at Neo a bit, going to take one of his hands. How silly of him, he should've realized this sooner! Really should have, now it's gonna look like he's not interested and he's--]

--I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm here for it! I just didn't think we'd be doing that today, that's all. Well, you won't find me complaining at all!

[...You will, but it's definitely not directed at Neo, this place looks like it has people with firepokers up somewhere unpleasant, but--]

...It's real sweet of you to do this for us. You went outta your way pretty far, huh? [That much he does say at ease, though he--] I should've probably gotten a little more dressed up for this, but--I'm ready when you are, Neo. Let's get this date started!

[Sonic ignores the many questions he has--why did Neo choose a restaurant, for starters, and why this, but he's always tried to keep an open mind about things. Maybe this is one of those things he's gotta try??? They'll see.]

Edited (wording) 2024-12-24 02:39 (UTC)

[Ah, okay, so Sonic just didn't realize, it's not that he's opposed. That gets Neo to relax a little and he nods at Sonic's words.]

I should have been more clear about my intentions, though I am glad you are unopposed. Let's go, then.

[C'mon! Surely this will not go stupidly despite it being a restaurant when Neo can't eat. Anyway!

Thankfully, they've come at a bit of an odd time, so they're able to be seated right away. Though they're definitely getting stares, that might be more because they're hedgehogs rather than because they're underdressed. Neo blatantly ignores the stares and busies himself flicking through the menu. Why are there so many pages devoted to drinks...??]

[It's strangely suffocating in this place, is the first thing Sonic notices. This isn't like the places on the street that pop up at night around a couple of the districts; loud and bright places where the food is freshly made in front of you, there's scents everywhere you go, and people all around. No, this is...

There's gentle piano music playing in this place and everyone seems to be talking at a level that's...well, probably normal, but it still feels strange to be here, because he can feel everyone's stares on them both. Is he really as out of place as he feels? Patrons and some of the wait staff are definitely giving them looks and talking to each other, and Sonic can feel his ears starting to droop in earnest.

He'll force himself to look through the menu and...oh dear Chaos sealed away, what is all of this. There's so many pages for drinks he definitely can't have, but even the food is...]

What on earth is a ceviche...? Risotto? What on earth...

[He hears someone shh from a little ways away--maybe not even really at him, but wow. Wow, this is kind of--okay, he needs to distract himself. He looks at Neo a bit quizzically, kind of just wanting a distraction from the suffocation.]

Where'd you get the idea to come here, anyway? This place is pretty fancy, I gotta say. It's...nice!

[...He is trying so hard.]

[This is... Oppressive, to be honest. Straight-laced and proper in a way that can only be agitating for Sonic, who is the polar opposite of all of this. Neo isn't exactly doing much better even though he's better at hiding his discomfort.

His gaze flicks up from the menu at Sonic's (rather forced) words.]

Is it? [neo] I was researching appropriate dates and it seemed like a good option. For some reason, spending time eating together at a relatively fancy restaurant seems to be a popular idea.

[...In other words, he has no damn idea why, it just seemed appropriate. Though now that they're actually here, he's really doubting that.]

[...neo,,,]

I mean, you do tend to see it a lot in romance books and stuff. But that's more the kind of stuff that's Dotty's speed...but I get it. We gotta start somewhere if we wanna do this right, right?

[Wait. Wait a minute--]

Wait. Can you actually eat? That's not gonna mess up your systems or anything, is it?

[Is Sonic about to get his mind blown. Is he about to witness his boyfriend eat without a mouth???]

[Neo levels Sonic with A Look.]

I do not have a mouth. Therefore, I cannot consume food.

[And even if he could, it would absolutely mess up his internal workings. He has never consumed a single thing in his life. So yeah, he definitely can't eat.]

I believed it to be a decent option even if only you could enjoy it, though given the atmosphere of this place... I'm certainly questioning that decision.

[...]

Neo. I like you a whole lot, so don't take this the wrong way. I ain't mad or anything, but I am confused.

[you are what pushes him to be better and pushes him to get stronger and you mean the world to him. what the fuck, neo.]

Were there no other good date ideas you found? I mean, I haven't really found anything either, but...I dunno why you'd pick something you couldn't enjoy too. I like food a whole lot, but this is...

[There is a waiter looking at them from the distance that Sonic sees, and man. That guy looks judgemental. Sonic refocuses his gaze back on Neo, exasperated but not mad at least.]

Edited 2024-12-24 03:49 (UTC)

[Neo's gaze darts in that direction for a moment, but it isn't to glare at the waiter, rather just to keep his eyes off of his boyfriend.]

This seemed to be the most common idea.

[And it didn't matter if he couldn't enjoy it, because Sonic would enjoy it. But this isn't something Sonic's enjoying and... well, maybe that wasn't the right way to think about it. If they aren't both enjoying it, is it really a date or is it just treating his boyfriend?]

...Perhaps we should find something else to do instead.

...Yeah, if I keep gettin' stared at by these people, I'm worried I'm gonna snap off on someone who doesn't need that in their life. [Sonic rubs the back of his head--his body language seems relieved, though his ears still droop downward.] Lemme bug these guys about getting something to-go real quick. Sit tight.

...And don't get caught up in your head: I don't blame you. We'll talk once we're out, yeah?

[They may not have a bond anymore, but Sonic can sense that his boyfriend feels bad about this; he wants to try and nip that in the bud as soon as he can, at least, and he'll get up and actually go talk to them...

...The waiter is definitely a dick and there seems to be at least a minor squabble going on, given how Sonic raises his hands like he's innocent, but one of the waitresses comes over and diffuses the situation quickly, seeming apologetic. It takes her a little bit, but she does manage to get something for Sonic in a bag that's just a little too fancy for his liking, and he picks up the paycheck and gives the signal: let's get out of here, Neo.]

Edited 2024-12-24 04:24 (UTC)

[Neo nods at that; better to get out of here soon, then. He waits for Sonic's signal and though he can't frown, he does glare intensely at the waiter as if that will help. It does not, because Neo's gaze always looks like a glare... But now they're finally free from this terrible attempt at a date, so he takes his leave to join Sonic.]

You've my apologies for...

[...]

All of this, frankly. Research only goes so far and it should have occurred to me that this would be suitable for neither of us.

Hey...

[Sonic's quick to use his free hand to reach up and grab Neo's shoulder supportively while they walk, his smile a little sad but surprisingly gentle.]

It really isn't a problem. You tried really hard, and you actually made the attempt at it! It definitely sucked, but that isn't your fault. You were definitely doing better than I was, that's for sure. I couldn't even think of one 'cute date idea' you might actually like...closest one I was tempted to try was ice skating.

[Sonic at least seems infinitely more at ease now that he's out of there, at least; no posturing. No weird stares and glares, and more importantly...]

...Honestly, you seemed like you hated it there too, Neo. Kinda felt like we were both losing our minds in the most boring place on earth, huh? I don't even know why the fancypants people go to these kinds of places! Don't they just get bored?

[He reaches up to brush his fingers over Sonic's; it's good to hear that his boyfriend isn't upset or annoyed with him for his mistake, but still...]

I cannot fault you for your indecision; I found very few ideas that seemed interesting to me to begin with.

[It's kind of hard when you're a robot made for killing... You tend not to have very many hobbies or interests outside of said killing.]

I did not anticipate it being so... irritating. Pretending to fit into such a place would be a waste of time. I cannot imagine someone truly enjoying that atmosphere.

Yeah, that makes two of us. I'd much rather go out and hunt a new problem down and kick it's butt than anything those books suggested. I might have to go pick Charlotte's brain for some more interesting ideas...

[You wanna hold hands, Neo. Sonic's gonna drag his hand down and brush his finger's against Neo's, as an invitation at least. They're gonna be back in the apartment any moment, let him just get his key...]

...Maybe we're focusing too much on trying to do things like other people. Like, how it's 'supposed' to be?

[Yes, of course he'll take Sonic's hand. Though he'll also take the lead as they get home so he can unlock the door since Sonic's hands are occupied.]

I believe you're right. I wanted to do something different, but I believe I was overthinking it. I'd much rather spend my time with you doing something we enjoy, even if it is merely sitting together and talking.

[He quite enjoys cuddling, thanks.]

[Ah, he has such a perfect and considerate boyfriend, he could just swoon...

Sonic chuckles brightly and freely at that, though, nodding his head.]

That makes two of us! I look forward to it every night, you know. It feels like it's time for just you and me, and nobody else; I wouldn't trade that for the world. I get to hear about your day, and you get to hear me talk on and on and on about mine. I'd say that's pretty perfect!

[It really is just theirs, and Sonic likes that. Sure, he's a social butterfly, but having a place to rest his wings who's warm and doesn't entirely mind listening to him yammer on is the best.

Once they're inside properly, though, Sonic's going to go quickly separate and put that food in the fridge for now while he just kind of lets himself unwind a bit; it's not long before he's near the couch and considers for a moment, before deciding to unfold it out into bed mode and plop himself onto it, signalling for Neo to join him. Not to sleep or anything, but...]

You really were sweet for thinkin' about me like that, though. Tried to go and surprise me and everything--even if it went bad, it really made me happy that you tried.

I dunno if you ever want to try an actual 'date' again, but...maybe next time, we should pick something out together? Lacks the surprise element, but it'll mean we both get to enjoy ourselves.

Edited (lets extend this a bit actually) 2024-12-24 05:38 (UTC)

[Once Neo's got the door open, he releases Sonic's hand so his boyfriend can put the food away and take care of the couch; Neo locks up and just sort of hovers in the doorway as he usually does. Despite the fact that it's their shared space, he does tend to have a bit of a difficult time settling in until Sonic really invites him to do so. And once he does, Neo joins him easily, scooting close and reaching out to pull Sonic in.]

Yes, I believe you're right. Something we will enjoy together is bound to be a better date.

[Even if it's not a traditional date. Perhaps it's better that way, anyway. They're hardly a traditional couple, after all.]

Thank you for humoring me. We won't count that as our first date.

[...it's important that your first date is a good one, okay,,,]

[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.]

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

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