31 Days of Sonic Prompt 21: Vacation.

De-stress

"Thanks for the offer, Jet. I'd do a few laps with you any time, but today's a day for relaxing under the sun, so maybe we can meet up tomorrow. I'll still be in town if you'll be, too."

Sonic's gentle refusal came as more than a shock. Jet's beak dropped, and he almost released his Extreme Gear. He shook his head, clearing himself of his surprise, even if Sonic's words ran laps around his head.

"You don't want to race," he deadpanned, disbelieving every syllable.

Sonic lifted his sunglasses. Jet took in how he reclined on the striped beach chair, one arm behind his head, his legs crossed. His parasol provided a decent amount of shade, and his boombox quietly played the latest hits. Sonic leaned over and twisted the knob, changing it to a softer rock ballad that was suitable to him when he paused, grinned, and nodded to himself.

"Yeah, sorry. I haven't been to this place in a pretty long time, and it's summer, so I wanted to take in the surf." Sonic chuckled. "I might not like water or swimming, but looking at the waves under the sun is great." He breathed in deeply, his chest filling with fresh sea salt air. Sighing, he slipped down his sunglasses and rested his eyes. "You should take a load off, too, Jet. It's always nice to unwind with a pal."

Jet couldn't accept what he was seeing or hearing. Their encounter had been a coincidence. The Babylon Rogues were in the cozy seaside village searching for valuables to swipe when he happened upon Sonic lounging by the shore. It was the perfect opportunity to take up their Extreme Gear and dash around the quaint town with cobblestone streets against the hedgehog he longed to defeat.

But Sonic wanting to rest was something Jet couldn't accept. Sonic sought thrills and high-octane challenges. He wasn't one to deny Jet the rush of a race without a good reason, and taking a snooze on the beach was not one.

Jet dug his Extreme Gear in the sand. As others tanned on towels and children played in the water, he sneered, "So, you're implying you think you can't win?"

Sonic snickered. "I don't know where you got that idea, Jet. Pretty sure I made myself crystal clear."

"Oh, trust me. I felt it. You-"

Jet hardly had a second to finish his jeering when Sonic took off in a blue blur. Jet blinked, and Sonic returned with a second chair. Propping it next to him, Sonic adjusted his parasol, allowing more shade to cover the other chair. He jumped back in his spot and lifted his sunglasses, evidently drinking in the amazement in Jet's expression when he winked.

"I told you, Jet. I was crystal clear," he said, hitching his thumb at the seat, "but I think you need to take a load off. Kick up your boots. Relax a little."

The invitation was extended, and Jet wanted to refuse it. Sonic was his rival. He wasn't meant to sit down and slack off in their competition. Whenever a challenge was issued, the other needed to accept it unquestioningly.

But Sonic patted the seat. He went back to reclining, not offering another word. As the tide receded behind Jet, Sonic was unbothered by everything around him. So long as the music played and the gentle breeze blew through his quills, all was peaceful.

Jet scoffed and sat down. He wasn't obliging Sonic's request, and he insisted it was for his personal comfort. When Sonic shrugged, Jet crossed his arms and leaned back, his feathers pressing against a pleasant coolness from the stretchy fabric.

The waves gently lapped against the shore. Seagulls cawed overhead, and children laughed. The shade cooled Jet, and sunlight warmed his exposed legs. He felt his slow rise and fall of his chest, his gaze focusing on the crystal clear waters that extended out into the horizon. The rock ballad faded out, replaced with another that sounded equally soothing with rhythmic drumming and hypnotizing vocals.

Jet sank into his chair. A sigh ghosted past his beak. Admitting he was relaxed was the hard part. He hadn't realized how much he needed a proper chance to ignore his responsibilities, though he knew his cohorts would soon search for him.

For now, he rested. He closed his eyes and laced his fingers over his stomach. He didn't feel any itch to race; there was only a pacifying sense of calmness, followed by the sound of the sea.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Sonic asked, his tone unusually quiet.

Jet smirked. "Maybe."

"I'm glad you don't look as tense. Your shoulders were really stiff."

Jet hadn't noticed it. The pressure in his upper body faded. The moment he sat down and listened to his surroundings, it was as if his troubles ebbed away, taken by the sea salt breeze.

"And I guess you're asking for me to thank you?" he asked, a bite in his tone that he wished didn't exist.

"Nah. Just looking out for ya."

Jet hummed to himself. He cracked open an eye and found Sonic peering out to the sea. Following his gaze, Jet witnessed the sun shining upon the water, creating diamonds in the waves. They glittered like jewels he wanted to steal. Even someone like Jet, who ignored magnificence in favor of victory, found the sight divine.

Sonic's hands dropped. Jet watched them slip to his sides. His eyelids slide shut, and captivated by his slow breathing, Jet realized Sonic had fallen asleep. He became the epitome of tranquility, personified bliss that enraptured Jet, who had never seen such a gentle side to his rival.

He supposed it was like an invitation to stay with him. If Sonic fell asleep, Jet wanted to follow suit. And with the warm sun caressing him, the lull was leisurely to accept. His eyes closed, and his head drooped, his hands loosening off his waist, sliding off with one of his hands brushing against Sonic's.

Jet couldn't remember the last time he slept so soundly. It was the best slumber of his life. And when he woke up, sand flies jumping around him and forcing a squawk out of his throat, he hardly minded when Sonic laughed.