Though it may not have been easy or fun, your time in the Void was ultimately productive; you've become far stronger than you were when you entered, and you may have even made a friend(?) or two. Shadow insists on remaining behind in the Void because he does not want to interfere with this world or potentially cause problems with this world's Shadow (wherever he may be), but Infinite is free to either accompany you or stay behind and fight Shadow, depending on whatever you guys would like. Surprisingly, he'll respect your wishes without complaint (though this may be because he wants to fight Shadow).
You return to the outskirts of Chicago, and it seems that the city has changed some in your time away...
THE CITY
Eggman's chroma has taken over damn near everything. The buildings, the streets, even the wildlife. It seems that the changes have only hit the city itself, as the outskirts (where the base is located) are mostly chroma-free. Still, it's a stark change - you haven't really been gone for all that long, have you? It's kind of hard to tell judging from your time in the Void, but if you check a calendar you'll find that approximately two weeks have passed. All this in two weeks seems a bit much...
The city itself still retains the same landmarks, shops, and people - though the former two are Eggman-ified. The people are back to going about their business as lifelessly as ever, completely heedless of the robots even if they do get in the way... but even the robots are back to patrolling as usual. There are far more of them now, however, and they aren't the same ones you're used to. Sure, you can still fine drones, B33s, and tanks here and there, but they've mostly been replaced by newer, tougher foes.
You're going to have to fight if you enter the city for any reason. The robots will recognize you as a threat and try to kill you on sight, and there are far more of them now than there ever were. But you're stronger now, so you can certainly keep up, if not destroy them easily.
THE BASE
The new base that Sonic and friends have moved you all into is quite different from the last one. This one seems to have been an office building at some point; a simple two story building with plenty of large rooms and smaller offices that have been repurposed as bedrooms. You can room with the same people as before, or you can even claim your own room! There's plenty of space here, after all. Knuckles will even move beds around if you want to rearrange things and can't lift them yourself.
Unfortunately, this base isn't nearly as furnished as the previous one. Sonic Team has managed to get all the bedrooms functional in the span of a few days, but everything else? Well... You're going to have to help with that, aren't you? The kitchen is barebones, there's no rooms for entertainment, training, or anything else, and security is minimal. Tails is still working on getting his surveillance up and running, let alone all the various research he's been working on. In short, you've got your work cut out for you building this place into something you can truly call your own.
But it is located on the outskirts of Chicago and it is is safe. After all, you've got each other to rely on.
SHARDS
Shadow's test may not have immediately had any sort of effects on you, but as you return to Chicago and resume fighting, you'll realize that controlling your shard and its power is innate at this point. You won't be struggling with it anymore - in fact, you've completely unlocked your shard's power. You're capable of a great many more things with it now than you were before. You should be able to use your shard for offensive and defensive purposes - which yes, means our healers can do the equivalent of averaging their HP with the enemy in order to deal damage to them. Fun times all around. You'll find that bonding with another shardbearer is also easier, and you can bond with many more of them now. You're growing stronger; maybe your time away in the Void did some good after all.
As you fight with your allies - particularly those you have a close bond with, positive or negative - you may feel the tug of something in the back of your head; it tells you that you can do more. Together, you can become more powerful. You can use your shards together. Doing so will grant you a new power, or strengthen the one you already have. The more you trust one another, the easier this power will be to use.
It might be good to experiment with these new powers; after all, you never know when you may need them.
TAILS' TASKS
Returning to the old base is ill-advised, but you can take a ring and hop over there if you've got someone to accompany you. After all, Tails would appreciate more of his old gear back, and you've probably left things behind there too. You'll find that the place is simply swarming with robots - they're on patrol rather than smashing your things, almost as if they were waiting for you all to return. Bring back whatever you need or whatever will prove useful - and be careful about it.
Of course, rings are running low again... so you know what that means. Scour Chicago and the outskirts in search of those pesky rings and make sure to bring them back! As always, they'll be found in increasingly bizarre and frustrating locations, but you'll be able to find them easier now than you could before. You won't even need a radar - your shards will innately draw you toward their location now!
ENEMIES
While you're undoubtedly going to find yourself running into familiar bots from the previous weeks, there are many new ones to contend with - and they are far stronger than the others. Eggman's army has more or less taken over Chicago, meaning that you'll be running into some sort of enemy frequently. The outskirts of the city are practically deserted, with the exception of your old base, that is.
Assault Drones have more or less replaced the majority of weaker patrolling drones. Unlike those, these are built for combat and they will not hesitate to engage in it. Capable of both shooting lasers, exploding, and sending out a loud siren call for reinforcements, they are not fun to fight. Still, they're the weakest of the new enemies by a long shot... though if you aren't quick enough and they get that loud siren out, they're going to be joined by those stronger enemies.
E-1000s are robots with gun arms that want you dead. They're capable of limited flight, shooting many lasers, and are quite durable... and to make matters worse, some of them even have shards allowing them access to a knockoff copy of one of your powers. The E-1000s usually patrol solo, without any other robots for backup, but they can and will call in reinforcements of the previous weeks' smaller robots when necessary.
Shadow Androids are basically what you'd expect. Shadow androids. They not only look like a certain black and red hedgehog, they also act like him, moving quickly and striking with hard hits and utilizing their fake Chaos Emerald shards for Chaos Control to both warp and temporarily freeze any opponent they face. They usually patrol in pairs - two Shadow Androids or a Shadow Android and any other assortment of weaker robots. Chaos Control is far more useful when someone else can take advantage of it, after all!
Nghhh... [Well that just embarrasses Raven further.] I can say the same for you, ya know.
[Because Yeager never gave him a real answer either!! But even if he had in the moment, Raven probably would've exploded on the spot so this is probably for the best. It's become harder and harder to deny that the way he feels about Yeager isn't exactly platonic, especially when some of the others have seen it too.
So...it's better this way, right? If they're all into each other, then they don't have to worry about leaving anyone out. They can all be together.
As Yeager approaches, Raven shifts to make room for him. It's going to be a little tough to maneuver on Raven's single bed, but they can make it work.]
[Dorothy will gladly shift over a little bit so Yeager can join them; the hand that was in Raven's hair moves to leave it to lace it's fingers with one of his own, and she'll gladly offer the same for Yeager once he's on the bed with them.
...
They are definitely all very close up, huh. It's...somehow, it doesn't feel nearly as cramped when it's people she likes here with her. Even if it's clear that things have been awkward between the two of them; she really didn't even notice that they hadn't rated one another, and she had sort of assumed after their little (date? was it a date?) excursion in Dahngrest that they were all on some sort of similar page.
That was...kind of foolish of her, wasn't it?]
...I didn't realize that we weren't all on the same page in this department, all be told...
[...she kind of assumed the both of you were at least slightly into each other...???]
[And join them he does! He accepts Dorothy's hand easily and after giving Raven a wink that totally serves as an answer to that, he holds out his other hand for Raven's.
...Dorothy's remark kind of makes him want to take it back, though...]
We— [ugh] Well, I suppose I needed a bit of a push, anyway.
[And Raven thought he was straight, so y'know. We're doing great here.]
[Holding Dorothy's hand comes easily, and...honestly, once he takes hold of Yeager's hand, it feels surprisingly natural as well. He prays Yeager doesn't acknowledge how bashful he looks over it. He feels like such a dumb schoolboy who had his crush acknowledged.]
I've only ever been interested in women. Well, I thought I was. But I've had it beaten into my skull that I was very wrong. How else can I explain how I feel when I look at the two of ya?
[Both of them make his head spin. Both of them make his heart race.]
I saw ya kissin' and...it wasn't jealousy that I felt. It was, I dunno. I wanted ta be a part of it, too.
It's quite alright, you know. I don't blame either of you; if anything, I blame my lack of experience in such regards...
[But Dorothy can't help but smile a bit, softly at them both as they manage the arduous task of holding their own hands too. There's...something sweet about this, she thinks, and she listens to Raven while he talks for a bit, trying to wrap it all around in her head, but...]
This is...really, this is likely the second time I've been interested in anyone before, and I thought it was something that I was long incapable of. But the two of you truly have kind of broken down these barriers of mine, and...
[...Okay, Dorothy flushes a bit at that last part of Raven's statement, chuckling a bit at it nervously--]
I suppose I got a touch carried away there, but I...wouldn't have minded it at all, I don't think? But it's...I suppose it's something that I never truly thought about, and simply decided to try and feel out, for better or for worse. You both do have my apologies, if that made anything awkward.
But I...think I can safely say that I adore you both, more than anything in the world. I wouldn't be happy, without you both in my world.
[...]
And while I...lack experience in such matters, I'm unopposed to kissing between the three of us...?
[Oh, it would be so fun to tease Raven, but it probably says something about him that he's willing to just keep it to looking very pleased with himself instead of actually saying anything. Consider yourself lucky!!
Dorothy continues and Yeager squeezes her hand in response.]
Then it sounds as though we're on the same page. Though it may not have been easy to make it here, we do all want the same thing, ja? It's as simple as that.
[Though admitting so plainly that yeah, he's absolutely in agreement with Dorothy and that both of them have completely changed his life and are just that important to him is... hard to admit!!!! It should be obvious by now. You guys know he likes you, shut up.]
If it makes you feel any better, Dorothy, this is only the second time for me as well. [And he suspects the same for Raven, buuuuut he doesn't have confirmation of that and isn't going to say it.] I'm pleased to know you're unopposed, though, as I was planning on kissing Raven.
[Pointed!! Look!!!! You ready to prove your newfound bisexuality, buddy???]
Feels almost like a dream that we actually got here... But boy am I glad it's not fer once.
[All three of them have been through so much, so of course it hasn't been an easy road to realize their feelings. But now that they have, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of Raven's shoulders. It's the most free he's felt in a long time.]
Yeah, it's my second time too. I didn't end up actin' on it, but...
[He looks at Yeager knowingly. They both held affection for Casey, but Yeager was the one who went all the way with her. Raven was prepared to back away from this relationship too if it came down to it. But he's so, so much happier to be with both of them.
Warm fuzzies aside, Yeager comes right out the gate declaring his desire to kiss Raven and it takes a lot for him to not expire on the spot.]
As am I. I would have dreaded waking up from it more than any other, but knowing that I get to share this beautiful new future with the both of you...it brings me more joy than I could have ever imagined.
[It feels so strangely warm in her chest, and maybe the boys can hear her internals whirring just the slightest bit louder than usual, but still. There's something about this that feels so freeing, having these two by her side. They may try her patience, and they may be the death of her one day, but she wants them to be happy. She wants that happiness for someone other than herself just the once and...
It's been so long since she's felt that icy grip on her heart, of distrust. She feels so much safer with the warm she's worked so hard to earn.
But Yeager and Raven confirm they want to kiss each other, and Dorothy chuckles a bit and pushes herself back a touch so she's less in the way--she brings up their hands that she's holding and gives them each a little kiss, before loosening her grip.]
Well, far be it from me to get in the way of the both of you having fun, hm? Do try to enjoy it, my dears. It's your turns to enjoy what it brings.
[He nods at Raven's words; he figured as much. It's not something that troubles him at all, because really, who wouldn't be in love with Casey? She really was that incredible. You'd have to be blind not to love her. Or not into women, that too.
But also shut up, if anyone was going to back down from this relationship it was his turn?? He has at least some decency, you know!!
Though thankfully Dorothy has already effectively killed those thoughts so it isn't a concern anymore. He squeezes her hand before she lets his go.]
I hope you enjoy the show~
[He has zero shame, what were either of you expecting.
With that said, he turns his attention back to Raven, bringing his free hand up to the side of the other man's face and leans in to kiss him. There isn't any hesitation; this feels like the most natural evolution of whatever the hell their absurd relationship has become over the course of their time here, and frankly, he wouldn't have it any other way.]
[Raven can't help but get momentarily pulled in by being able to actually hear Dorothy's mechanical insides hard at work. It's okay to be able to hear that, right? It has to be. She doesn't seem concerned.
But his distraction doesn't last very long. He gives Dorothy a wink before he lets her hand go for the time being.]
And don't worry, we won't leave ya unattended fer too long.
[He feels a shiver run through him when Yeager puts his hand on him- somewhere between nervousness and excitement. This is new territory for him, after all. But he does know for certain that this is what he wants, so he holds firm to receive Yeager's kiss.
He grips onto Yeager's jacket once their lips meet, allowing himself to take it in. It really does feel right. And with that? The nerves are completely gone. Breathing through his nose, he returns the kiss with similar enthusiasm.]
Oh, don't worry about me too much. I'm quite certain I'll enjoy this by proxy.
[Sure, she loves being spoiled; she's learned that well enough tonight by having plenty of liquid courage herself and kissing the both of them. But watching them both be able to express themselves like this is...
It's actually nice, the more Dorothy thinks about it. The fact that these boys are letting themselves be so free, to allow themselves to let go of any per-conceived notions and allow themselves this...what more could Dorothy ask for? They're happy. This is a happiness that they themselves have fought long and hard for, for themselves, despite their history and everything else that has held them back.
Dorothy's more than happy to be a voyeur in their joy, in the kiss they allow themselves. She loves them both so much, and their happiness really does mean so much to her.
[Just watch the center of his chest, but he trusts Raven to be mindful of it, so he doesn't even flinch at the contact. Progress...! He's more focused on the kiss anyway, only parting when he needs to breathe again, and even then remaining in Raven's space for just a moment longer than he really needs to before pulling back.]
There we go, that's better~
[But of course he turns his attention back to Dorothy after a moment, grinning. It's a bit too open and honest of an expression for what he usually prefers, but he really is genuinely happy.]
You have my thanks for giving us the last little push we needed, Dorothy. Truly, where would we be without you?
[Yeager's chest is 100% being steered clear of. That's a benefit of knowing the issue firsthand. Raven's hands end up settling around Yeager's waist until they finally separate. And as Yeager draws back, both he and Dorothy will get to enjoy the sight of Raven's dumbstruck expression while his brain makes dial-up noises.
He kissed a guy...and he liked it... More than liked it, even. Well, that's one mystery for the ages solved. Raven is absolutely not straight. Amazing work, everyone.]
Y-Yeah. Better.
[He finally wheezes out, letting go so he can look over to Dorothy as well.]
Probably still givin' each other weird looks and pretendin' there weren't any feelings goin' on...
[And at worst, pushing each other away in the process.]
[Dorothy looks between the both of them as they come back up for air, her look startlingly warm with delight as she sees their expressions. Yeager's is the picture of joy in a way that Dorothy has never seen before, and she feels her core jump into her throat in pure metaphor at that. He's...well, it's a look that warms Dorothy's heart deeply and really confirms what she's wanted to fight for the entire time. So he could smile like that.
And then there's Raven, of course, looking so blissful and free that it's almost enough to ignore how utterly adorable he looks right now. He absolutely liked that, and the sight also makes her chest feel warm in a way she doesn't expect. Because it isn't about just her happiness anymore; it's about the happiness of herself along with the men she's chosen, and they're both proving to be the best decision she's made in her entire time alive.
Dorothy's hands wind up gently running through both of the boy's hair if allowed, Dorothy chuckling brightly and warmly at their statements.]
Oh, come now. I think you boys truly don't give yourselves enough credit. [But even so--] It truly does make me happy to know that I've help bring you both to a paradise of our own creation, however. It's so worth it to see the joy in your faces right now...
[Dorothy sighs a bit, almost dreamily.]
But you should both know I'm always happy to assist, of course. Because where would I even be, if it was not for the two of you? I wouldn't have the centers of my world.
[Talk about an ego boost... which is the last thing Yeager needs, but damn if he doesn't look pleased with himself anyway. Thanks, Raven, he's going to be even more insufferable now.
But Dorothy's hand finds his hair and Yeager makes a soft sound of protest that he does absolutely nothing about. Oh that's... sort of nice, actually... rip his hair, though.]
We mean that much to you, hmm?
[It's... a tad overwhelming, truly. Dorothy certainly isn't shy about expressing her affection, but it makes him feel a little shy... Which is unacceptable!!!]
I would say we're quite lucky to have you, but that would be doing ourselves a disservice. Luck didn't bring us this far, after all.
[He can fully acknowledge how much of a struggle character development has been - on all their ends. We worked hard for this, dammit!!]
[Yeager is allowed to have an ego boost just this once. It's his reward for suffering through the character development.
Raven's totally fine with Dorothy's hand in his hair. It was already tousled from the first time she did this anyway. He even smiles and leans into it while he listens to her talk.]
Center of yer whole world? Can't say I've ever had that sorta pleasure before.
[He's almost scared to hold such a place in Dorothy's heart. Had she said this sooner, he might've even caved under the pressure of living up to such an important position. But as it stands, after all the development he's been through, he thinks he can handle this. With pride, even.
He nods at Yeager, letting his hand drift to brush against the other man's.]
We sure didn't start on the best foot, but hey, look where we ended up! Plannin' our futures together, sharin' a bed...and a kiss or two. Or three.
[Wink, wink. That's a very unsubtle hint that he wants more from the both of them.]
Of course you do; you both should be honored. A title like that is not something I give out freely, you know.
[If they may potentially die soon, why be modest about it? Why hold back? All that seems like is quitter talk to Dorothy the more she thinks about it, and it's not entirely wrong, either. She loves them both dearly; why hold back a single bit? She's never been allowed to do this in her life, and she's going to enjoy letting them know how much they mean.
(It's. It's at least a solid 50% the alcohol talking, but she does mean it. She's just never usually going to be so damn expressive about it--)
Dorothy finds herself smiling and nodding at the rest of that, though.]
Indeed, luck didn't. We ourselves worked very hard to get to this point, and I would not trade that for anything. Nor discredit the work that we all put in. We have earned this, and we ought to reap our rewards.
[And, with a smirk on her face, Dorothy is going to lean right over and kiss Raven on one of his cheeks. How's that for a little kiss, Raven!]
You're being cute again, Raven, but I suppose I can oblige you as well.
[Yeager takes that offer, lacing his fingers with Raven's easily.]
We are! Truly. Such a thing certainly can't be easy to admit!
[It's definitely the alcohol. But that doesn't make it any less true!! And with a soft laugh of his own, Yeager mirrors Dorothy, leaning in to press a kiss to Raven's opposite cheek.]
You're going to get far more than three, you know...
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[Because Yeager never gave him a real answer either!! But even if he had in the moment, Raven probably would've exploded on the spot so this is probably for the best. It's become harder and harder to deny that the way he feels about Yeager isn't exactly platonic, especially when some of the others have seen it too.
So...it's better this way, right? If they're all into each other, then they don't have to worry about leaving anyone out. They can all be together.
As Yeager approaches, Raven shifts to make room for him. It's going to be a little tough to maneuver on Raven's single bed, but they can make it work.]
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...
They are definitely all very close up, huh. It's...somehow, it doesn't feel nearly as cramped when it's people she likes here with her. Even if it's clear that things have been awkward between the two of them; she really didn't even notice that they hadn't rated one another, and she had sort of assumed after their little (date? was it a date?) excursion in Dahngrest that they were all on some sort of similar page.
That was...kind of foolish of her, wasn't it?]
...I didn't realize that we weren't all on the same page in this department, all be told...
[...she kind of assumed the both of you were at least slightly into each other...???]
no subject
...Dorothy's remark kind of makes him want to take it back, though...]
We— [ugh] Well, I suppose I needed a bit of a push, anyway.
[And Raven thought he was straight, so y'know. We're doing great here.]
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[Holding Dorothy's hand comes easily, and...honestly, once he takes hold of Yeager's hand, it feels surprisingly natural as well. He prays Yeager doesn't acknowledge how bashful he looks over it. He feels like such a dumb schoolboy who had his crush acknowledged.]
I've only ever been interested in women. Well, I thought I was. But I've had it beaten into my skull that I was very wrong. How else can I explain how I feel when I look at the two of ya?
[Both of them make his head spin. Both of them make his heart race.]
I saw ya kissin' and...it wasn't jealousy that I felt. It was, I dunno. I wanted ta be a part of it, too.
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[But Dorothy can't help but smile a bit, softly at them both as they manage the arduous task of holding their own hands too. There's...something sweet about this, she thinks, and she listens to Raven while he talks for a bit, trying to wrap it all around in her head, but...]
This is...really, this is likely the second time I've been interested in anyone before, and I thought it was something that I was long incapable of. But the two of you truly have kind of broken down these barriers of mine, and...
[...Okay, Dorothy flushes a bit at that last part of Raven's statement, chuckling a bit at it nervously--]
I suppose I got a touch carried away there, but I...wouldn't have minded it at all, I don't think? But it's...I suppose it's something that I never truly thought about, and simply decided to try and feel out, for better or for worse. You both do have my apologies, if that made anything awkward.
But I...think I can safely say that I adore you both, more than anything in the world. I wouldn't be happy, without you both in my world.
[...]
And while I...lack experience in such matters, I'm unopposed to kissing between the three of us...?
[DOROTHY IS TRYING SO HARD...]
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Dorothy continues and Yeager squeezes her hand in response.]
Then it sounds as though we're on the same page. Though it may not have been easy to make it here, we do all want the same thing, ja? It's as simple as that.
[Though admitting so plainly that yeah, he's absolutely in agreement with Dorothy and that both of them have completely changed his life and are just that important to him is... hard to admit!!!! It should be obvious by now. You guys know he likes you, shut up.]
If it makes you feel any better, Dorothy, this is only the second time for me as well. [And he suspects the same for Raven, buuuuut he doesn't have confirmation of that and isn't going to say it.] I'm pleased to know you're unopposed, though, as I was planning on kissing Raven.
[Pointed!! Look!!!! You ready to prove your newfound bisexuality, buddy???]
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[All three of them have been through so much, so of course it hasn't been an easy road to realize their feelings. But now that they have, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of Raven's shoulders. It's the most free he's felt in a long time.]
Yeah, it's my second time too. I didn't end up actin' on it, but...
[He looks at Yeager knowingly. They both held affection for Casey, but Yeager was the one who went all the way with her. Raven was prepared to back away from this relationship too if it came down to it. But he's so, so much happier to be with both of them.
Warm fuzzies aside, Yeager comes right out the gate declaring his desire to kiss Raven and it takes a lot for him to not expire on the spot.]
Good, 'cause I was plannin' on kissin' you.
[HE'S GOT THE LIQUID COURAGE IN HIM LET'S GO.]
no subject
[It feels so strangely warm in her chest, and maybe the boys can hear her internals whirring just the slightest bit louder than usual, but still. There's something about this that feels so freeing, having these two by her side. They may try her patience, and they may be the death of her one day, but she wants them to be happy. She wants that happiness for someone other than herself just the once and...
It's been so long since she's felt that icy grip on her heart, of distrust. She feels so much safer with the warm she's worked so hard to earn.
But Yeager and Raven confirm they want to kiss each other, and Dorothy chuckles a bit and pushes herself back a touch so she's less in the way--she brings up their hands that she's holding and gives them each a little kiss, before loosening her grip.]
Well, far be it from me to get in the way of the both of you having fun, hm? Do try to enjoy it, my dears. It's your turns to enjoy what it brings.
[She supports her kissy boyfriends okay!!!]
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But also shut up, if anyone was going to back down from this relationship it was his turn?? He has at least some decency, you know!!
Though thankfully Dorothy has already effectively killed those thoughts so it isn't a concern anymore. He squeezes her hand before she lets his go.]
I hope you enjoy the show~
[He has zero shame, what were either of you expecting.
With that said, he turns his attention back to Raven, bringing his free hand up to the side of the other man's face and leans in to kiss him. There isn't any hesitation; this feels like the most natural evolution of whatever the hell their absurd relationship has become over the course of their time here, and frankly, he wouldn't have it any other way.]
no subject
But his distraction doesn't last very long. He gives Dorothy a wink before he lets her hand go for the time being.]
And don't worry, we won't leave ya unattended fer too long.
[He feels a shiver run through him when Yeager puts his hand on him- somewhere between nervousness and excitement. This is new territory for him, after all. But he does know for certain that this is what he wants, so he holds firm to receive Yeager's kiss.
He grips onto Yeager's jacket once their lips meet, allowing himself to take it in. It really does feel right. And with that? The nerves are completely gone. Breathing through his nose, he returns the kiss with similar enthusiasm.]
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[Sure, she loves being spoiled; she's learned that well enough tonight by having plenty of liquid courage herself and kissing the both of them. But watching them both be able to express themselves like this is...
It's actually nice, the more Dorothy thinks about it. The fact that these boys are letting themselves be so free, to allow themselves to let go of any per-conceived notions and allow themselves this...what more could Dorothy ask for? They're happy. This is a happiness that they themselves have fought long and hard for, for themselves, despite their history and everything else that has held them back.
Dorothy's more than happy to be a voyeur in their joy, in the kiss they allow themselves. She loves them both so much, and their happiness really does mean so much to her.
...And they're honestly cute like this.]
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There we go, that's better~
[But of course he turns his attention back to Dorothy after a moment, grinning. It's a bit too open and honest of an expression for what he usually prefers, but he really is genuinely happy.]
You have my thanks for giving us the last little push we needed, Dorothy. Truly, where would we be without you?
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He kissed a guy...and he liked it... More than liked it, even. Well, that's one mystery for the ages solved. Raven is absolutely not straight. Amazing work, everyone.]
Y-Yeah. Better.
[He finally wheezes out, letting go so he can look over to Dorothy as well.]
Probably still givin' each other weird looks and pretendin' there weren't any feelings goin' on...
[And at worst, pushing each other away in the process.]
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And then there's Raven, of course, looking so blissful and free that it's almost enough to ignore how utterly adorable he looks right now. He absolutely liked that, and the sight also makes her chest feel warm in a way she doesn't expect. Because it isn't about just her happiness anymore; it's about the happiness of herself along with the men she's chosen, and they're both proving to be the best decision she's made in her entire time alive.
Dorothy's hands wind up gently running through both of the boy's hair if allowed, Dorothy chuckling brightly and warmly at their statements.]
Oh, come now. I think you boys truly don't give yourselves enough credit. [But even so--] It truly does make me happy to know that I've help bring you both to a paradise of our own creation, however. It's so worth it to see the joy in your faces right now...
[Dorothy sighs a bit, almost dreamily.]
But you should both know I'm always happy to assist, of course. Because where would I even be, if it was not for the two of you? I wouldn't have the centers of my world.
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But Dorothy's hand finds his hair and Yeager makes a soft sound of protest that he does absolutely nothing about. Oh that's... sort of nice, actually... rip his hair, though.]
We mean that much to you, hmm?
[It's... a tad overwhelming, truly. Dorothy certainly isn't shy about expressing her affection, but it makes him feel a little shy... Which is unacceptable!!!]
I would say we're quite lucky to have you, but that would be doing ourselves a disservice. Luck didn't bring us this far, after all.
[He can fully acknowledge how much of a struggle character development has been - on all their ends. We worked hard for this, dammit!!]
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Raven's totally fine with Dorothy's hand in his hair. It was already tousled from the first time she did this anyway. He even smiles and leans into it while he listens to her talk.]
Center of yer whole world? Can't say I've ever had that sorta pleasure before.
[He's almost scared to hold such a place in Dorothy's heart. Had she said this sooner, he might've even caved under the pressure of living up to such an important position. But as it stands, after all the development he's been through, he thinks he can handle this. With pride, even.
He nods at Yeager, letting his hand drift to brush against the other man's.]
We sure didn't start on the best foot, but hey, look where we ended up! Plannin' our futures together, sharin' a bed...and a kiss or two. Or three.
[Wink, wink. That's a very unsubtle hint that he wants more from the both of them.]
I'd say this was well-earned.
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[If they may potentially die soon, why be modest about it? Why hold back? All that seems like is quitter talk to Dorothy the more she thinks about it, and it's not entirely wrong, either. She loves them both dearly; why hold back a single bit? She's never been allowed to do this in her life, and she's going to enjoy letting them know how much they mean.
(It's. It's at least a solid 50% the alcohol talking, but she does mean it. She's just never usually going to be so damn expressive about it--)
Dorothy finds herself smiling and nodding at the rest of that, though.]
Indeed, luck didn't. We ourselves worked very hard to get to this point, and I would not trade that for anything. Nor discredit the work that we all put in. We have earned this, and we ought to reap our rewards.
[And, with a smirk on her face, Dorothy is going to lean right over and kiss Raven on one of his cheeks. How's that for a little kiss, Raven!]
You're being cute again, Raven, but I suppose I can oblige you as well.
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We are! Truly. Such a thing certainly can't be easy to admit!
[It's definitely the alcohol. But that doesn't make it any less true!! And with a soft laugh of his own, Yeager mirrors Dorothy, leaning in to press a kiss to Raven's opposite cheek.]
You're going to get far more than three, you know...