merry merry christmas, and I want you to know

[mansionstaff]

Who: YOU
What: KISSLETOES
When: December 14th - January 1st
Where: Everywhere
Warnings: Sloppy makeouts.

SUDDENLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING...



The entire school has become covered in mistletoe overnight. It grows out of the walls! The ceilings! Everywhere you least expect it? HOW CAN THIS BE??

It's probably best not to think about it. Attempts to uproot the plants or burn them away only makes the plants grow back faster. For the time being, it seems the school must live with it.

[OOC INSTRUCTIONS:
+ Post dudes, get kisses!
+ Some (NOT ALL) plants are cursed. If you manage to step under a cursed plant, you will exchange a memory when or if you exchange a kiss. The memories will be first-person and very vivid, and characters will feel like they are experiencing the memory in real time, though in reality the transfer is instantaneous. Memories can be as short, long, happy, sad, or traumatic as you like.
+ If you'd like to participate, we highly suggest making a list of a few memories (with accompanying links/descriptions) that are up for grabs, and linking or posting the list in your top-level comment. Memory exchange is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL. When in doubt, OOC communication!
+ PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE TAG YOUR CHARACTERS
+ That's it, we love you.]

Comments

[mach_n_roll]

"Shimmering... oh man."

That makes him halt in his footsteps for just a moment, palm to his chin.

"That's... that's gotta be the Chaos Emeralds. That's one way to describe 'em, anyway! Sure they're big gems, but they're also beacons of power. And you said they were part of you?"

He continues on. "Whoa... you musta gotten a hold of a memory of one of those times we got all seven together! 'Cuz that's... what it feels like. Sort of. It's hard to explain."

[vela_nova]

"So what you're saying is, that's how it feels when you become Super Sonic?" she asked, hand on her chin. "That would make sense... Being a conduit for the kind of power the Chaos Emeralds contain. Now that you mention it... It IS somewhat similar to when I become Burning Blaze."

[mach_n_roll]

"Really? Huh... It makes you wonder if the power source for the Chaos Emeralds is anything like the one for the Sol Emeralds."

His ears twitch thoughtfully. Well, she's told him hers, so he'll tell her his.

"The silver hedgehog, I think you knew him. Pretty well, actually! A-and you there there with this huge column of fire... what did you call it...?" He mutters, tapping his foot as he dug deeper into the memory.

"...Iblis, I think. It was one of the most destructive things I've ever seen. He wanted to take it and seal it away in another dimension, but he was gonna use HIMSELF to do it. But he couldn't, and you could."

[vela_nova]

"Silver," she said. "That was his name. He's been here at the academy before... That's where I met him. But something happened... I don't know what it was. He knew me from somewhere else. I don't know how. I don't have any memory or knowledge of it... At least I didn't think I did. How is it possible you saw a memory like that? I don't even have that memory myself... I didn't see it."

Something was unusual here. Blaze had taken hold of her tail and fidgeted with the tip, a small sign of how anxious this news had made her.

[mach_n_roll]

"Hey, It's okay." Sonic says quietly, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Maybe something made you block it off. I'm not really sure what happened at the end after you absorbed the flames, but..."

But it made you lose your friend, at least.

"I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to remember it."

[vela_nova]

"You don't understand," she said, shaking her head. "Silver is from 200 years in the future. That's where that memory was supposed to take place. I've never been there. So..." Her voice cracked a bit. "It might be something that hasn't happened yet. It might be... where I die."

[mach_n_roll]

"What? No, that's stupid! You're not gonna die there--"

Because she couldn't. She can't. Even though it's a probable explanation for what he saw, he's just not ready to internalize that as the moment where she dies. Or ANY moment, for that matter.

"Look, I've had to travel to the future before. There was that time with Eggman and Little Planet... We didn't know each other then, but that was where I met Amy, so she'd back me up on the story. I had to travel between the future and the past to even untangle the mess that Eggman made! My point is, you could have been there before and traveled back."

[vela_nova]

Blaze sighed. "I just don't know," she said quietly. "None of this makes any sense... I don't want to believe any of this. I don't want to let some memory of something I may not even have done control me." Her fingers clenched into fists. "I don't want to think about it. Please."

[mach_n_roll]

"Uh, sure, okay." He mutters, fidgeting with his ear awkwardly. If it bothered her that much, maybe they shouldn't chase it around anyway.

"Maybe we can talk about somethin' else."

But what?

[vela_nova]

"Yes..." Blaze felt bad about putting him on the spot like that. But it was something she'd had a lot of time to think about. It seemed she did a lot of thinking at Smash Academy. She looked back at him, the concern and awkwardness on his face, and it tugged at her heart.

A few days ago she had spoken with Jon after being caught by the mistletoe. She confided things in him that she hadn't told anyone before. That she had feelings for him, but that at the same time she was in love with Sonic. And when he showed such concern for her, it reminded her why. He was always there for her, wasn't he? Always trying to help her and protect her, even when she felt she didn't need it. Not because she was weak. But because she was his friend. Jon's reassurance that they would remain friends no matter what she decided was comforting, but it didn't answer her most pressing questions.

Did Sonic feel the same about her? And even if he did... was it really okay to pursue a relationship here?

Smash Academy and Final Destination City in general were strange places where the rules of space and time didn't apply. If they left now, who knows what they'd retain or where in time and space they'd end up? Knuckles got married and left with his new wife, and some months later bam, there was a new Knuckles just arriving who knew nothing of his previous self's exploits. What would happen if she left? Perhaps a different Blaze would arrive to take her place. She already knew she wasn't the first Blaze the academy had. And he certainly wasn't the first Sonic. Even if she admitted her feelings to him, and he reciprocated them, would it matter when they left? Perhaps not.

But Blaze had forced herself to face these questions, of where her heart lay, and what she really wanted. And she finally told herself... Did it matter? If they left, and forgot all about this... did that diminish what they might have shared? She spent so much time thinking of duty, and responsibility, and what she would have to give up to be a good princess. And after spending a few days by herself, thinking hard and long about those questions, she reached a decision.

For once in her life... she wanted to do what she wanted, not what her duty or responsibility told her. To follow her heart's desire, even if the results would be fleeting. She wanted to live for herself just this once. The reminder of her own mortality sealed that for her. She had to try, or she might live with the regret of never knowing, never seizing that chance. The chance to have romance. Whether it was with Sonic, or it was with Jon, all depended on the answer to one question.

"Sonic, I've had a lot of time to think the last few days," she started off, grabbing her tail again nervously. It had taken a lot of courage to talk to Jon about this. She could do this, she told herself. Deep breath. "And... I've talked to a friend, and he made me think long and hard about this. And I have something I want to ask you, and please, promise me you won't freak out."

She turned to him, looking him in the eye, cheeks red as she forced the question from her lips. "How... do you feel about me...?"

[mach_n_roll]

Well THAT stops him cold. He glances to her quickly, wide-eyed. "How do I...?" Feel about her. How do you FEEL about her, Sonic. Yes, she's actually asked you that. "Uh, well..."

He's never been big on coming out with things like this. True as he always was to himself, he never wanted to express anything approaching love, because to him it wouldn't be fair to someone else to try to keep up with him.

But Blaze? She could keep up. Every single time he's been with her, she's proven that and delighted him every time. Now she wanted to know how he felt about her?

"I uh, I like you, Blaze. I mean, I REALLY like you. You're awesome, strong, sassy, really pretty--heck, anyone can see that! I love seeing you smile, and kissing you is amazing. No, seriously, I would do that all the time if I could! Thing is, Eggman's a teacher around here, and he'd love to get at me any way he could. He can't touch me, but I know if he knew we were together, he'd probably try to make your life miserable..."

[vela_nova]

She didn't quite expect that response. Sure, she hoped that it would be his answer, but to hear him come out and say it... Her heart started to race in excitement. All of her hoping and wishing it could happen...

And then his comment at the end. And in that moment, the tension started to crack. And Blaze... laughed? Granted, it was a small laugh, but it was there all the same. And, face still red, she reached out to take Sonic's hand and asked, "So... How would that be any different than it is now?" Hey, she's pissed off Eggman a ton too. He hated her guts almost as much as Sonic's.

[mach_n_roll]

He glances down at her hand, and smiles.

Then his hand goes into hers.

"You know, he'll probably try to kidnap you to get me to show up; he ALWAYS does that. Make sure to toast him a little for me when he does, okay?"

[vela_nova]

She smirked, squeezing his hand. "You're assuming he even makes it that far," she reminded him.

She looked down at the gloved hand she held, so strong and warm in her grip. Such a comforting feeling... "You've been honest with me," she said, "so it's only fair I'm honest with you too... Sonic... I really like you too. I have for so long now. When everything feels hopeless around me, you just have to smile my way, and I know... I know that somehow everything will work out."

"I don't want you to feel like you have to protect me. You know I can protect myself just fine. But I would love nothing more than to have you by my side."

[mach_n_roll]

"Really?" He gains the biggest, dumbest grin in the world. "Then, then will you, uhm..."

He takes a breath.

"Will you go out with me?"

[vela_nova]

The moment of truth. She'd thought long and hard about this. She thought about what Jon had said to her. She valued his friendship so much. He'd been a rock during trying times. But she knew what her heart wanted. What it had always wanted. She said a silent apology to him, looking Sonic in the eye, cheeks flush. A small smile cracked on her lips. She took a deep breath, and...

"...Yes, I will."

[mach_n_roll]

"Really?! Yyy--"

The YEAH that the sound becomes only half-audible, because Sonic leaps back in an ecstatic somersault spin into the air. He spins on his heel and scoops her up to include her in his little kinetic celebration. A long, happy kiss accompanies the twirl.

[vela_nova]

Blaze did not expect that. She was happy, as happy as he was, but she did a better job of concealing it. She did not expect to be pulled into a kiss as he twirled around, but after she got over her initial shock, she just reminded herself. This is exactly what she got herself into. So... Just go with the flow.

She lifted her arms around his neck, holding on to him for dear life as the kiss went on.

[mach_n_roll]

Yup, this is what you signed up for, Blaze! A hyperactive hedgie-boyfriend who wears his emotions on his glove-cuff and has this "thing" for doing victory spins and poses. He lets her go before any nausea or personal-space issues become a problem, though, contenting himself with a hand in hers again.

"So howsabout we go on a date soon? Just name the time and place! This is gonna be awesome."

[vela_nova]

Squeezing his hand, a smile tugged at her lips. He was just as energetic as before... Not that she really expected any less. Perhaps finding out she loved him too even put an added spring in his step. If that were the case, what had she done?

"I'd like that... I admit I don't have much experience in this area, but a traditional first date might be... dinner and a movie? Tomorrow night?" she suggested.

[mach_n_roll]

"You got it!"

You just wait, Blaze. It'll be the best dinner-and-a-movie traditional first date you ever had!

...wait...

[vela_nova]

"Then I guess... I guess I'll see you then," she told him, smiling. After a moment's hesitation, she moved in closer and planted another kiss on his lips. They were dating now, after all. This was definitely gonna happen more and more now...