sranks | ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

[Maybe he should feel a little bad about punking Sonic, but no, his boyfriend is cute and worried over him and how could he not enjoy that?? Let him bask in being worried over for once in his life!!]

You do know you don't need to worry so much over me, don't you?

[And he will absolutely take this opportunity to nuzzle his boyfriend. The proximity is so nice...]

I knew you'd catch me, though. Why do you think I let myself fall in the first place?

[He absolutely sounds smug about it. He may have lost the match, but this totally counts as a victory!!]

You--

[...Okay, no, Sonic can't even be mad about that because that was expertly played. Sure, the anxious beating of his heart hasn't exactly gone down entirely, but he finds himself chuckling as he nuzzles right back into Neo, sighing gently as he gets himself together.]

You jerk! I was actually worried for a sec, you! [WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO WITH YOU.........] Cut me some slack, would ya? I only worry cause I love you, y'know.

But of course, your dashing hedgehog savior's always here to help, even if you put yourself into peril, like the bully you are. What am I gonna do with you...

[O-Oh, Sonic said it... Of course he already knows that Sonic loves him, just as Sonic knows that Neo feels the same way, but hearing it always does something to him; he's already heating up again and his optics dart away for a moment before he corrects it. The L word is such a big deal now that he knows how important it is.]

A fall like this would only cause minimal damage, you know. Besides, I am built to maintain high speeds and severe impacts; there was never truly any danger.

[In other words: he's perfectly fine pulling a stunt like this when he isn't going to risk any serious harm, don't worry. Neo nuzzles against Sonic again, which is sort of an apology for worrying him, at least.]

You truly don't need to worry so much over me. [...] Though I suppose I can't stop you from doing so, and it is... nice.

[That someone will worry and care about him, should something happen.]

[There are a couple of blissful seconds where Sonic still doesn't realize that he's finally managed to actually say it to Neo. He's more distracted by the fact that he absolutely got positively got by Neo and chuckling over that, and then it hits.

...Yeah, Sonic's face is going a slightly impressive shade of pink here and his heartbeat is picking up while he chuckles a bit--a little nervous, but not as much as he could be. Because it's fine? Neo knows how much Sonic loves him, and Sonic really does adore Neo in kind, but verbing the noun has always felt like a hurdle. It feels...

It feels nice, honestly, and Sonic moves to take one of Neo's hands and lace their fingers together, kissing them gently.]

I know, I know. I really should give you a little more credit. [Sonic chuckles again, bright and chipper.] I like...caring about you, I think. I try to look out for the people I like, and while I'm not always the best at it, it's just how I show I care, y'know? 'Cause you are precious to me. Even if you give me a heart attack, sometimes.

[Sonic will help Neo up after that--he sadly can't carry his metallic counterpart very well at all, but he can manage this much.]

Did you enjoy the game, though? Do you wanna go another round, or did you wanna try something else?

[They should probably pick up their tickets when they have a second...]

[Cute... He really is quite lucky to have such a kind and caring boyfriend. It... sort of makes him wonder why Sonic would even be with someone like him in the first place, but that is a crisis for another day, thank you very much.

Neo gets back to his feet at that, still holding Sonic's hand. He's really reluctant to let go, but their date isn't quite over yet.]

I did enjoy it. Let's try an easier one; I want to see if we can get a perfect score.

[Not because he wants to beat Sonic this time, but because this game requires skills they both have. And if it's easier, then maybe this time he can watch his boyfriend instead of the other way around!!]

[Sonic grins brightly at that, getting up along with Neo and grinning brightly as he wills his stupid heartbeat down. God, he loves Neo, he loves him so much, he loves his stupid princess of an overcompetitive boyfriend so much he can't stand it--]

Alright, you're on! I know just the song we can do, too--this one'll be a piece of cake!

[Sonic picks another song, and perhaps thankfully, it's still enough to be fun while being much easier to focus on getting the perfect score. Sonic absolutely locks in on this one; his eyes focus on each of the notes and making sure he can hit every note perfectly, and it's as if he's in his own little gamer world.

This is absolutely child's play for the fastest thing alive, after all, but he's excited to see them both hit a perfect score, at the rate they're both going.]

[He finally lets Sonic's hand go so that they can take on this song - it's a good choice, as it requires speed, precision, and some amount of focus to keep them both on pace to get a perfect score. Neo sneaks glances at his boyfriend whenever he can, admiring how focused and intense his boyfriend is. Clearly this game was the right decision, as Sonic seems to really enjoy it. But then, of course he does, as he's really good at it.

The song ends with their perfect scores, though Neo's attention is on his boyfriend instead of the results screen.]

It seems you're having a good time.

[Which is exactly what he hoped for. Beating Sonic is important, of course, but ultimately what matters most today is that Sonic enjoys himself. His boyfriend deserves to have a fun date, and it seems like this is working out very well. Neo's always been drawn to Sonic - by necessity at first, but slowly that has morphed into something else - but right here and now, he can't imagine being any more in love with his boyfriend than he is right now.]

[Once Sonic sees that perfect combo confirmation and puts his name into the scoreboard, he's practically jumping for joy at the amount of fun he's having. His laughter is bright, free, and genuinely the most ecstatic he's been in a very long time.

That he gets to share this moment with someone he cares about so much is icing on the cake, and Sonic's quick to pull Neo into a firm hug after that.]

You bet I am! This is the most fun I've had not holding back even for a second--how could I not?!

[Sonic laughs once again, and their tickets start coming out in droves. Sonic isn't focused on that for a moment, though--he's got Neo here with him, they're here, and he...

He winds up enthusiastically picking Neo up into the air and twirling him a bit with that stupid, bright grin on his face. He does put Neo down gently after that, though, catching his breath for a couple seconds while he laughs.]

This is the best date I've ever been on--thanks, Neo. Thank you, for making this so much fun--I can only hope you're having fun too!

[Up he goes!! Neo's hands settle on Sonic's shoulders, and the sudden twirl gets a sound of static from him again. It's soft, unexpected, and pleased.]

I am. I absolutely am.

[His hands slide up to the sides of Sonic's face and once again he finds himself annoyed that he doesn't have a mouth to properly kiss his boyfriend to make that clear. For now, he's content just to watch his beloved.]

You make me so happy. I'm not sure how to handle it, in truth. I never would have thought I'd be capable of feeling like this.

[Sonic feels Neo's hands on him, and god the temptation to take his boyfriend back home so he can just kiss his face again and again is so tempting. His heart feels light as air, beating fast but he's in no danger here. He's with the guy he loves, and...]

Heh, trust me, you aren't the only one. I feel light as air right about now, like I could glide through the sky on sheer will alone...I'm glad. I'm so glad you get to feel this too, Neo. You deserve it, you deserve to feel this so much.

[Sonic brings his face in close though, giving Neo a quick kiss--gentle, light, and held back just a bit because they're in public, but this truly is the greatest day he's had in a long time, himself.

And he's so glad to share that with Neo.]

So...what say you? Are you feeling up for a few more games, or do you wanna see what kinda prize we can get and cuddle up a storm at home?

[It's still such a surreal thing to think about: that he deserves to experience things like this because he's a person. Because he should have experiences like this too. Because Sonic likes him, and wants good things for him. It makes him feel just as Sonic described - light as air.]

As much fun as this is, I want to be close to you.

[Though they can cuddle whenever, Neo wants to do this right now. They can always return and play more games later, and he'd certainly like to, but right now all he wants to do is cuddle his beloved boyfriend.]

Let's go home. After you've chosen your prize, of course.

You've got it!

[With the tickets they've accumulated, Sonic's able to pick out something pretty cool--it looks like a mini model of a space ship from one of those little alien games that Sonic's never tried playing. Galaga was more Tails' speed, after all, but he's happy to spend his hard earned tickets on it, along with a few smaller things--he did at least insist that Neo pick something out, because he did such a good job too, but once they're out of there, it doesn't take them long to end up in the winter district and back in the apartment to unpack everything.

This is nice, honestly. It's so much nicer than he could've thought, and truly, he's excited for their next date. He feels himself starting to wind down from all of this, and yet he couldn't be more energized in this moment. He'll get the bed unfolded so they can both lie down and cuddle, but...]

Come over here, Neo. [It's Sonic's turn to do the holding today--he really wants to.] That was the best idea you've ever thought of--thanks for making this day unforgettable.

[Though Neo doesn't need any of the prizes, Sonic insists and so Neo ends up picking out some stickers to add to Sonic's apartment. They're bright, neon and silver and gold and flashy, and Neo thinks they'll look good alongside the others Sonic has collected. With their prizes picked out, they head back home, and Neo stays close to his beloved boyfriend.

Once Sonic has gotten the bed unfolded and asked for him to come on over, Neo does just that. He's transformed back into his Neo form, but even though he's larger than Sonic, he's unopposed to being held. He's mindful of his spikes and claws, as always, settling in against his boyfriend easily.]

I was going to thank you for the same thing. This is the best first date we could have had.

[Would it have been better had he soundly beat Sonic? Well... Maybe, but the important part is that they had fun together and were able to push one another to do better.]

So thank you as well, Sonic.

[If Sonic cares about all of the spikes and pointy claws, it isn't apparent in how Sonic holds Neo--wrapping his arms around him gently as he encourages Neo to lie down, and Sonic finds himself running his fingers through those metallic, unyielding quills of his.]

Heh, of course! When you said you wanted to compete, I knew I couldn't give any less than my best showing. It wouldn't be fair to you as a rival, nor as a boyfriend.

[Neo will get a smooch on the head after Sonic says that.]

It really is the best. I'm...really proud of you, Neo--you've absolutely bloomed as your own person, and you've really grown. It's real clear today, after seein' you get up into shenanigans! I couldn't be happier.

[Sonic sighs a bit, clearly content.]

...You really do seem like you've found your footing here. I really am glad to see it, y'know?

[Oh, that feels nice... Neo nuzzles against Sonic as if to ask him to keep going.]

I like your reactions. I always have; seeing your expressions and emotions in response to our fights and races. I always could take pride in my ability to rile you up, if nothing else.

[It was always something he had over Eggman. He could push Sonic to his absolute limits, while usually Sonic was too busy wisecracking at Eggman. That alone was something to be proud of, and in some ways, he still is proud of it. Though now, he can get more reactions from his boyfriend - reactions he never could have dreamed of before.]

That means a lot to me. I never would have thought that I could end up in a position like this, or that I could feel all of this. I don't have the words to express how important all of this is to me. Thank you... for everything, Sonic.

[Sonic will gladly take that hint once he realizes Neo's enjoying himself--have a few more kisses on the head, you. They're light and gentle, just kind of trailing all about him while he listens to Neo talk.

He'll give credit where credit is due; Neo really is the only person who can get him so riled up and competitive. Eggman is more like a puzzle to dismantle who he has little respect for; given the way he treats those in his care, he's definitely less than fond of the doctor. And it's different with his other rivals, what with Shadow going his own way, and Knuckles being more focused on his job...]

Hah, you like 'em that much? You really are the only one who pushes me hard enough to get to those points. Eggman's definitely tried, but he's never been able to manage it. That's an honor reserved only for you.

[Sonic can't help but smile a bit as he holds his boyfriend, running a hand down his back--a similar mirror to things Neo has done. For all he knows about Neo, he still hasn't found a good method of making his boyfriend melt in kind, but...maybe he just needs time. Neo's still learning how to feel, and he'll be able to reciprocate in time.]

Hey, don't mention it, Neo. I'm glad you've made your own decisions and that it's working out for you so well. And...I'm glad to be a good boyfriend to ya, too. Heh. Never thought I'd be in this position either, honestly...

[It gets Sonic to chuckle a bit.]

There's a lot more of the world to explore, and lots of different people to meet, too. I can't wait for you to see all of it. [...Though you know, he is curious, and he'll plant another little kiss near one of Neo's ears before coming back up--] Have you met any other people who've been alright to you? I've wanted to ask about you and your friends for a bit; call me curious, but we really do lead pretty different lives when we aren't together.

[Neo nuzzles against Sonic at the kisses; they're nice, he always appreciates being kissed. The praise is also nice, and he makes a soft sound in acknowledgement. It's quiet, something a bit like the hum of machinery.]

I'm pleased you can be, then.

[Sonic is a great boyfriend, he's honestly not sure what Sonic was so worried about. Though when Sonic brings up friends, Neo's gaze darts.]

I have not made very many close friends. Though I imagine that isn't much of a surprise.

[He hasn't ever had the opportunity before, and frankly, he's not really sure how to do it in the first place. There aren't many people he talks to frequently, after all.]

There is a woman named Beruka who I find myself seeking out on occasion. She is an interesting person; a human who thinks more like a robot than anyone else. She does not fully understand emotions either and she is dedicated to her duty. She serves a woman named Princess Camilla. The princess is... something else.

[He doesn't sound annoyed, though; it's not like he dislikes Camilla? She just calls him cute and Neo doesn't know how to deal with it.]

She doesn't mind talking to me about these... emotional things. I asked her for date ideas, though she likely didn't realize I was asking about us.

[...]

I suppose I feel a little... overwhelmed discussing it with others. Though I should have told her from the start; she wouldn't have suggested something otherwise.

[After all, she's aware Neo can't eat.]

[The hum is definitely nice; Sonic's gotten fairly used to the sounds that Neo's machinery makes, and while he does keep his ears open for anything strange, it's those soft sounds that really do go a long way in making Sonic feel all warm and fuzzy inside. They're things that not even Eggman could have programmed, things that are Neo's, and they're really and truly cute things.

But Sonic listens as Neo talks about the few friends he's made, and he can't help but smile a bit. Though Beruka sounds...concerning, it must be nice to have someone who at least understands the difficulty in what Neo's going through. It's the second of those that get a pause out of Sonic, though.]

Princess, huh...she have long, curly purple hair by any chance? I think I met someone like that real briefly, but it was only when those bunnies overstayed their welcome...

[Nonetheless--]

So she's our little idea lady, huh? I can't say I blame you for being hesitant about discussing it--I didn't even bother discussing it with others, so you're...definitely not alone there...

[Though there were definitely people who needled a bit.] But Neo, that's great! Both of them sound like great ladies to know; I'm glad you're able to find some people you can talk to about this kind of stuff. It really is great having friends you can rely on, isn't it?

Correct. You've met her? She makes quite the impression.

[Did he have to kiss Camilla to escape the bunnies... that's kind of funny, honestly.]

It's... different. I hadn't really considered them friends until you asked.

[But that's the best way to describe them, isn't it? What else could they be, when they're the ones he finds himself seeking out most outside of Sonic?]

Tell me about your friends. You've made plenty here, I'm sure.

[After all, he's Sonic the hedgehog. Anyone should be honored to befriend him.]

Boy does she ever! [well, he has a face to put to a name now, so he can at least talk to her if they meet again. small mercies...] She called me adorable, Neo. Me! Adorable! She was pretty nice, but eesh...

[something something that entire hypothetical thread was a huge noodle incident--]

Well--the sentiment remains, at least. I'm glad you've got 'em. [Still, Neo asks about his own friends and Sonic chuckles a bit. There's definitely a lot of them.] Gosh, where do I even start...I mean, I've told you a little about Dotty. She's actually one of the first people I met here, if you can believe it--arrived at the same time we did and started calling me "Sonny" the second she got a name outta me! She's a pretty cool lady. Real nice, knows how to sweet talk just about anyone, and really bombastic. Dotty's apparently a soldier back home, fightin' in some kinda war I didn't ask a lot about; she always looks kinda sad when she talks about it. But she's been trying to teach me magic when she's not keeping an eye out for the guy I'm pretty sure she's got it bad for.

His name's Hubert, but I call him Bert for short. He absolutely hates it. [Sonic snickers a bit.] I don't know him as well as Dotty, but Bert's usually nearby somehow; he looms like it's his part time job, but he's not a bad guy. He just gets this weird look on his face sometimes like he's talking to someone familiar the few times we have chatted, but the guy's pretty alright. And absolutely also has it bad for Dotty.

Who else...Charlotte's pretty great, I usually talk with her when looking for good marks to hunt. She's kind of weird? She acts one way around dudes, but she's a lot funnier in private. I've never bothered asking her about it. Yeager is an absolute blast, but I've never seen that guy take anything really seriously...honestly, you might like the lady who helps out around one of the churches in the winter district? I never caught her name, but she does a lot of indoor gardening. She's a little blunt and not that expressive, but I see her a lot and she's actually pretty kind. Tries to look out for people, too. If you ever see a basket of vegetables at the door, it's usually from her trying to make sure I eat some greens.

[He could go on. He really will go on if not stopped, dear lord--Sonic has absolutely made a lot of friends and acquaintances.]

Edited (wording) 2024-12-28 06:13 (UTC)

[i'm so glad sonic has suffered at camilla's hands...]

Yes, I have seen that. I'll have to keep an eye out for her; it's kind of her to look out for you.

[Should he be more worried about Sonic's diet...?? Hmm. Maybe that's something to look into. But as for the rest...]

You've met quite a few interesting people. They all sound very different.

[And very different from Sonic's friends back home. Not that he thought Sonic would simply replace the ones left behind, but it's interesting that they're all so unique.]

Do you think Dotty and Bert [that sounds so cursed coming from his incredibly deep voice] will need your assistance to figure out their feelings? I wonder where we would be if we hadn't had some assistance determining our feelings.

[Admittedly it was kind of a mess, but we got there in the end and that's what matters.]

[it's what he deserves!!!

Sonic chuckles at that, though. He's thankful he can mostly just wash the vegetables off and eat 'em as is, he has never cooked a day in his life--]

That's kinda the best thing about this place. I mean, other than you, of course. [Smooch on the head~] Everybody comes from such a vibrant, wonderful life, and they bring a little bit of themselves with them here too. It's pretty cool, really!

[Still, that question...Sonic gives it some genuine thought for a moment. On one hand, he's not sure what either of them could do, but...]

You know, they really might. Dotty and Bert are pretty dense when it comes to each other. [SONIC, THOSE PEOPLE HAVE--actually neither of them have a family, but STILL???] They might just need a good nudge in the right direction to actually realize they're into each other. What do you think? I've never tried playing matchmaker before, but it couldn't hurt to try, yeah?

[this is genuinely the most cursed idea ever. sonic doesn't even realize it.]

[One of us should probably learn how to cook, that might be a useful life skill to have?? But between Sonic and the killer robot who can't eat, it seems like it might have to be the latter who learns.]

You always have looked for the best in others.

[Leave it to Sonic to befriend (and/or date) his rivals... But anyway!! This is a deeply cursed idea that Neo doesn't recognize as cursed either, so here we are.]

I certainly wouldn't have realized my feelings without your assistance. [Or that he even has feelings in general...] And you were assisted by others as well. I'm sure you could help them.

[sonic isn't a fire emblem tactician, there's no way this is going to work out???]

ROLLING AROUND AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

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