31 Days of Sonic Prompt 7: Emotion.

Expressive Days are Here to Stay

Because of her obligations, Blaze wasn't one for informal parties. She chose diplomacy over flattery. Sitting down with tea at the end of a long table draped in fine linen, looking out at a representative from another island, was how she settled any political trouble with those who relied upon her.

But it wasn't that she was unaccustomed to fun and games. It wasn't the teasing she endured as a child that promoted any kind of social avoidance. Instead, Blaze loved her people. She'd do anything to protect and serve them, but in the process, she had caged her sentiments, denying their release until her mannerisms were proven wrong by two dear friends from another world.

So, when she found herself at Amy's home for a get-together, chatting with others was natural. As the sun shone overhead, she joined Cream in Amy's garden, listening to her talk about Chao. She spoke a mile a minute, eagerly explaining how new Hero Chao had been born in recent days, and Blaze, her world lacking any Chao, latched on to her every word.

"Oh! And Swiss and Cheddar are loving the Chao Race! They remind me so much of Mr. Sonic and Mr. Shadow," Cream said, Cheese bobbing up and down in agreement next to her. "They have a very fierce rivalry. I almost worry that they'll start fighting one of these days."

Blaze nodded along as Cream picked up a pink watering can decorated in painted yellow flowers from the grass. Amy had chosen to plant roses, her favorites, on the side of her home, where the soil seemed darker. Cream carefully raised the can over them, each in various shades of scarlet and violet, and smiled with Blaze as the water sprinkled onto the petals.

"Well, I'm sure Swiss and Cheddar will refrain from fighting if you put your foot down," Blaze remarked. "After all, you're a very kind caretaker, and they wouldn't want to upset you."

Cream beamed, tilting her head. "Oh, thank you, Ms. Blaze. I try my best to teach them proper manners." She reached up and patted Cheese's head. "But Cheese is definitely the most well-behaved."

Cheese chirped in agreement, and Blaze chuckled. She'd gladly listen to Cream discuss Chao all day. But a glance at her wristwatch forced a gasp out of her. She hadn't realized how much time had slipped without her awareness, the hour hand nearing the three.

Catching her surprise, Cream asked, "Are you okay, Ms. Blaze? You look troubled."

Blaze handed her the can, saying, "I'm sorry, Cream, but I must return home. It's later than I expected, and I can't leave the Sol Emeralds any longer."

Disappointment crossed Cream's expression. "Oh, is that so? I'm terribly sorry for keeping you."

She smiled and cupped Cream's shoulder, slowly shaking her head. "You haven't done anything wrong, Cream. I'm always happy to speak with you," she replied, and Cream grinned at her. "When my duty calls, I must go. That's how it is for me."

"I see," Cream murmured, and she looked up at Cheese, who glumly hummed. "I know you have to leave the party early, but would you like our company?" Her ear flicked in the direction of the others. "I'm sure my mother wouldn't mind if I left, so long as I'm in the company of a trusted chaperone and returned home on time."

Blaze hummed. Whenever she checked on the Sol Emeralds, it was by herself. She was their lone protector, for no one else in her dimension had the powers she did. That responsibility always weighed heavily on her tense shoulders and never left the forefront of her thoughts.

"You'd want to come with me?" she inquired, fiddling with the fur end of her glove.

"Absolutely. It wouldn't be fun checking on the emeralds alone, especially when you have to leave Ms. Amy's party," Cream said, bouncing on her heels. Cheese cooed, floating around her head. "Oh, yes, that's right, Cheese! You'll be coming, too, so we'll be a happy trio."

Blaze's expression softened. Cream's honesty was sweeter than it needed to be. When they first met, Blaze remained in her shell, but through Cream's kindness, she was like a clam opening up to reveal a glimmering pearl, becoming honest with her feelings. (She also had Sonic to thank, but he would have simply snickered and pushed her gratitude onto Cream.)

Smoothing down her coat, Blaze chuckled. "Well, we won't be very long. I'll inspect the emeralds, and we can return to the party." She patted her stomach. "After all, I'm looking forward to Amy's homemade cookies."

"Oh, yes!" Cream exclaimed and clutched her hand. "Mother has been teaching us a new oatmeal raisin cookie recipe." She eagerly tugged on Blaze's fingers. "They should be ready soon, so shall we go?"

"After we ask your mother," Blaze replied, and she guided Cream over to the revelry.

A small gathering of friends stood outside of Amy's quaint home. While Blaze heard more voices echoing from inside, a few remained outside. Amy, Shade, and Vanilla chatted on the porch, the latter explaining one of her latest dessert recipes for Chao.

"...and you can't add too much sugar to the batter. Your Chao has specific nutrition needs, so you don't want to upset their stomach," Vanilla explained to the girls.

Shade jotting down her instructions on a notepad. "Fascinating. I'll be sure to use only the best fruits in my tart," the echidna remarked, capping her pen. "Thank you for your input. When my Chao hatches, I'll put your advice to good use."

Vanilla smiled, and she directed her attention to her approaching daughter and Blaze. "Hello, dears. You look like you want to ask a question."

Cream swung Blaze's hand. "Yes, Mother. I was hoping to go with Ms. Blaze to her world to check on the Sol Emeralds."

"It shouldn't take much time. Just an hour at most if we run into Marine," Blaze added, and she peered at Amy. "My apologies for leaving so suddenly."

Nonchalantly, Amy waved her hand. "Aw, Blaze, no worries! Do what you need to do. We'll be here, so join us again when you're ready."

"And feel free to go along, Cream," Vanilla said, crouching in front of the younger rabbit. "Be sure to listen to Blaze, okay?"

"Of course, Mother. I'll be on my best behavior." Cream quickly threw her arms around Vanilla, and Vanilla embraced her, giving her head a single stroke. Pulling away, she flashed a winning smile at Blaze. "We're all set, Ms. Blaze!"

Blaze nodded and placed her hand on Cream's shoulder. Saying her goodbyes, she procured the cyan Sol Emerald from her coat pocket. Its power coursed down her arm, but it was nothing compared to the delight swelling in her chest. She was able to share how she felt without hesitation. Smiling at Cream, teleporting to her dimension, Blaze was glad she found her way to Cream's world, where she had met friends who taught her how to live.