#sr3!brennt

          “Fair enough,” Sardonyx stated as she searched through that particular channel where Christmas movies were mostly shown during this time of year. None of the line-up for today seemed particularly interesting, thus nothing would be missed if she skipped out on it. Turning the television off, she then averted eyes towards Brennt expectantly. “What exactly do you have on that list of yours, anyway?”

His ears perked, and his beam gained a mischievous edge. “Oh, lots of things. For now, a lot of holiday things, but other things too... If you put on your coat, maybe I can surprise you...”

This was it. He was going to be stubborn. He was going to take her on an adventure and they were going to have a wonderful time. He was determined. Though it really wasn’t bad at all staying cooped up in her apartment when he came to visit... there was so much more to life than that, and Sadie seemed passive over it.

No, he was going to make sure she had fun. He was going to remind her that there were places to go and things to do and the whole world was beautiful. If he had to, he would kidnap her, but they were leaving the apartment today. If she didn’t have a wonderful time... well, he’d pay for it in every way, shape, and form. Surely if it came down to his kidnapping her, she might at least slap him in the face, and certainly he’d spend a lot of time apologizing and winning back her graces with coffee, cheesecake, gingerbread, books, and the lack of requests to go do anything specific...

And he’d never reject a request to watch Hallmark television with her ever again.

But it wouldn’t come to that. He wouldn’t let it--though he was rather a romantic, so the movies weren’t truly much of a concern to have to watch. (Seeing mortals fall in love was rather precious. He only wished it was something he could have, too.)  And when did he ever mind slaving over a friend? Still, he wanted her to enjoy the day; that was the point and purpose. It would be worth any petty negatives that might come to light.

This was it.

When Sardonyx comes into work this morning, the first thing she notices is that along with leftover Christmas decorations, there seems to be some sort of subtle fantasy theme, as various unusual items have been placed around. The second thing she notices is a single, purple star shaped balloon floating by the back wall with the word "Sparkler" on it.

A meow then directs her attention to Poet, sitting up on the countertop. He purrs in greeting, wearing a purple ribbon around his neck and something unusually shiny. Upon closer inspection--though it fits comfortably around his neck, it's a silver sword necklace.

Poet rubs his head against her when given the chance.

Should she wander toward the back to the purple balloon, she finds an identical one with a question mark and an arrow on it, pointing toward the back room. Heading back, she finds everything more orderly than usual... And a small table with more balloons, wonder woman party accessories, and a cake.

"Your mistress was kind enough to let me do all this for you, here. I'd been planning a little while when I suddenly found out you were scheduled to work today." Brennt grinned, coming up behind her. "So, I made a deal, and she gets an extra worker for the day free of charge, while you get all this whenever it's not too busy or you have a break! The new shop decorations are all yours too." He gave a small bow.

Moving seamlessly as the “visitor” stepped into place, Knuckles gave the rope ends in his hand a tug, snaring both of the albino’s legs separately. As he saw they catch, he slipped down from the branch to the ground, uprooting the caught being into swinging upside-down and   looking mildly foolish.

Ginning, he used a secure, gnarled lower branch to tie the rope to. That being done, he looked over who he’d managed to inconvenience and couldn’t smother a wide smile and laugh. It’d been FAR too long since he’d gotten to see that particular expression.

Dear Chaos did he ever miss the days of pranking the random JERKS who just barged over onto HIS home.

The snowy tenrec let out a small yelp--startled and slightly alarmed at the nature of this event which grabbed at his ankles and dangled him over the ground. He’d also hurt his tail from having had his feet pulled out from under him so. Though disoriented, he could see the red echidna now slinking behind the tree and tying off the rope. He stared at him with befuddlement.

The stranger came out of hiding and laughed--it didn’t seem malicious, but the immortal creature in his somewhat naive mind couldn’t figure out what in particular might be gained from this.

Then again, it was sort of fun to be upside down. If he weren’t caught with legs separate--which was a bit painful on his ankles--he might swing try swinging and climb up the rope and into the tree. However, that wasn’t possible in this state. He would be quite helpless if not for his claws--but he’d see what this individual wanted before trying to free himself.

“Hopefully to have just thanksgiving lunch or dinner with you and maybe another person. Also we can watch the parade from the television too, if you'd like.”

In all honesty, he felt a bit intimidated at the thought of someone else being there, but he knew it was horribly unfair. If Sardonyx was allowing him to bring Poet, of course she should be allowed to invite someone else, or even multiple people. This was her house, after all. And it had been she who’d invited him.

Would this other person like him?

He had his doubts, but if things went poorly he could always excuse himself and Poet, somehow, without hurting her feelings. In any case, Sardonyx deserved to have a whole family around her--why didn’t she? He didn’t want to make her feel bad for wanting to be around the people she loved. She did have other friends. Better friends. It was kind enough of her to invite him as a guest during such a special holiday.

He’d thought maybe she’d forgotten she’d even invited him.

          Needless to say, Sardonyx was stricken with surprise when she heard a knock and Brennt’s voice behind her apartment’s door. This emotion sky-rocketed to a whole other level, the moment crimson pools spotted all those supplies he clutched desperately onto in his arms. At his particularly distressed ramblings eye-ridge quirked up in response, whilst hand rubbed the back of her neck.

        “Um, okay?” she replied, in a questioning manner. “I’m not against you making ice cream here, but… let me ask you something did you see this on a place called the internet?”

Sardonyx seemed... unconcerned. How could she be trusting of anyone else making her food with such going-ons? Maybe she already made things from scratch--he didn’t know her very well, after all. His ears pinned as he paused, halting himself from coming into the apartment. His expression turned slightly blank. Internet? ...Potentially... He’d seen it on a tiny handheld monitor--a ‘phone’?--that someone else had. “But--... I just--... they made that...! How could anyone purposely ruin such a wonderful thing so horribly...?! ...And... I thought you’d want some, maybe, anyway... But if you really don’t, I can--”

Go home. Why did those words want so badly to be spoken? Maybe she was allergic to ice cream. There’d been so many things he hadn’t thought of regarding how this might bother her. He dropped his gaze for a split second before straightening up.

“I can make ice cream with someone else.” The lie was spoken almost before he knew what he was saying. Rush didn’t have a kitchen (he never ate anything), and as nice as Ryan and Starlight were he didn’t want to bother their families by using their kitchen. In attempt to cover up the sin he’d just committed, he smiled added quickly, “O-or maybe I’ll just feed the cream to Poet--I’m sure he’d love it! I don’t need to eat anything, anyway, and Poet does. I don’t want to be wasteful and selfish...”

Or infringe on Sardonyx’s space if she wanted to be alone. “It’d be small amounts, of course.” He muttered. Giving a slight bow, he sought to apologize for taking up her time, but ended up dropping everything but the small frozen treat machine he was directly holding.

Never had expected a knock on the door, the hedgehog jumped slightly upon the realisation of this, blinking with curiosity. Starlight wondered who it could’ve been, and also why they were there at his doorstep. It must’ve been important, or someone wanting to come and speak with him.

So, putting down the book he was reading on the sofa, Starlight stood up and began to head towards the door, opening it with the handle afterwards. The person at the door had completely shocked him as he didn’t even think it was him.

How long ago had the battle even taken place again? Weeks? Days?

“Oh, hello there!” he greets with a slight hint of surprise, quickly recovering and moving aside for Brennt to go in if he wanted to. “Ah, come in, come in. You must’ve traveled so far, right?”

The blonde smiled when greeted, with almost a slight bow.

“Oh, it wasn’t that far... It was a little ways but I managed it with Ryan’s directions.” He paused, hesitating to enter and his expression becoming serious. “I just wanted to thank you again for my saving life. Thank you very much, Starlight!” He gave a deeper, more respectful bow, handing him the friendship bouquet.

He kept his head low.

      By the time Brennt came up with Poet Sardonyx had searched for a certain Shadow alternate relentlessly, in what seemed like an eternity of hours. However in reality, it was only two or three. Due to his apparent lack of a cellular device, it wasn’t always easy finding Amos when she wanted too. Not that it would have helped in this situation anyway, for she doubted phone’s reach could expand across dimensions like a zone cop’s communicator.

        The artificial girl was sitting on a grassy hill with knees tucked underneath tan chin, when Brennt and Poet appeared. The sky above was interspersed with clouds, as giant floating puffs of cotton would occasionally conceal sun’s rays and calm breezes ruffled fur strands in a light fashion. However physique made no movement to acknowledge these actions from nature nor her friends presences, because antagonizing outburst of emotional laments from yesterday drained all feelings from soul.

        In short, she felt numb.

        When the sentient clone sensed crown (forged by delicate flowers) be placed upon head dull rubies looked up in minor surprise, whilst gloved digits stroked them as if they were completely alien. When Brennt confessed that he was thinking about her and asked those questions engraved with empathy, Sardonyx regarded him with a grateful but sad expression.

        “Brennt...” Sardonyx began. A part festering inside wanted to tell her fallen-angel friend every detail, but at the same time she KNEW there would be some high risk of him becoming severely depressed once more. Thus she mustered up a touched smile and hugged the tenrec sitting next to her gently. “Thank you and let’s just say... there are a few bad people in this world, and sometimes... you can do nothing to stop them.”

His ears lowered a bit at her words, the very tip of his tail giving a small twitch. He returned her embrace, hoping to make her feel better--however he knew it may not do much to help.

“Are you sure there’s nothing...?” He asked. “Aren’t there prisons here in your world or are they just...” He stopped.

Pausing a brief moment, the tenrec pulled back a bit to look into her eyes.

“...Sardonyx, you don’t have to tell me anything, but know I would be happy to listen to anything you have to say.” He smiled, a grim sort of smile. “...I’ve read the Bible already... I understand this Earth is a forlorn place filled with wicked people; but that’s why I’m here. I’m here to help those who are struggling, and defend those who are weak--though I know you saved my life, so you must be a strong girl... But just know if you ever need my help, I’m sure I could be strong enough...”

Poet brushed himself up against her lap, flopping down on the grass and rolling against her leg with a purr. The blonde gently rubbed behind his ears, his gaze shifting over and his smile brightening. “On the other hand, if you want to confide in Poet, he would be sure to keep it absolute secret. You can borrow him any time and tell me to go away~”