[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.
[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??]
...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...
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,,,]
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.]
[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.
[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.]
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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.
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[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?
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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.]
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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.
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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,,,]
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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?
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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??]
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...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...
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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,,,]
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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.
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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.]
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[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.]
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[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.
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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.
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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.]