[open] pump up the jam (a.k.a the fitness mingle post)

[galactically]

Who: Sheryl (galactically) and YOU!
What: Exercise classes (see the class schedule)
When: April 11th/13th/15th, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Where: Menrva's temple @ the ballroom
Warnings: Fanservice, possible violence, and Genos

Notes: Feel free to make your own top-levels! Threadhop to your heart's content. c:

[Sheryl doesn't attend classes too often nowadays due to her work schedule, but she always makes sure to be on time once the clock strikes three thirty — or at least be fashionably early. Even teachers like herself have to look her best, especially in simple but flattering gym clothes. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon, the ballroom is open for all things fitness, and Sheryl plans to give her students one hell of a workout.

Don't let her vibrant smiles fool you; she turns into an enthusiastic yet merciless drill sergeant should you ever fall behind on your exercises. The microphone she carries around has a built-in cord that she uses as a whip — definitely not for show! A certain assistant will also be by her side, and he's just as tough if not more so.

To all slackers... abandon hope all ye who enter.]



Outside the Ballroom
[Nothing brings more prospective students together in one place than good ol' promotion, and Sheryl is not above using whatever is on her disposal to gain more members. She already made a BBS post announcing her classes, so now it's time for another tactic: food.

With a charming smile and a wink, she gestures at a small platter of turkey and cheese sandwiches on a nearby table right next to the sign-up sheet.]

Want to get in shape? Gain some extra muscle on your arms or legs? Build up stamina? Then you've come to the right place!

Exercises
[Congratulations, you're now part of the exercise class — whether you're only just stopping by for one session, visiting out of sheer curiosity, or who knows what else. There is plenty of sweating, stretching, fat burning, and muscle building to be done. Mats are on the floor for people to use, and various equipment such as exercise balls, dumbbells, jump ropes, and hula hoops can be seen. There's also a radio that Sheryl is using to turn up the volume so to speak.

So, what can a typical student expect from Sheryl's class?]

Yoga: A whole lot of stretching limbs, balancing acts, and dramatic poses. They start out as simple as lotus positions and cobra poses, but slowly progress into the intermediate positions such as downward-facing dog poses and tree poses. And then... the dreaded plow pose. At least there is music to relax to.

Pilates: Core strength training, breathing, and more stretching through special moves. Feel the burn as you stretch your limbs while squeezing your stomach at the same time!

Other Exercises: Sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, playing with jump rope and hula hoops, etc.

Muscle Training: Want to be super buff? Grab some dumbbells and go to town! They are available from small (about five pounds) to large (about twenty).

Running: Enjoy your laps around the ballroom while catchy music plays in the background! Go race someone! Or you could be a turtle...

Break Time
[Sheryl may be stringent, but let it be said that she's capable of mercy. Everyone should get a break or two now and then, hence why there are healthy snacks and drinks on the table. She's actually taken the opportunity to make small bowls of pot-au-feu, which smells and looks incredibly edible... and some fruit bars, which look lumpy. Sheryl may excel in certain skills, but baking is not one of them — much to her chagrin, coming from a woman who's usually very confident.

Take this opportunity to socialize, eat some food, sneak out of the ballroom, fool around, hide in the corners, etc.]

Comments

[galactically]

Hmm... that's a very good question, Hermes. I'll have to think on it, okay?

[Or so she says, faking a thoughtful look with her fingers cupping her chin. This man is many things, but definitely not a small fry.

After seeing Sonic sit on the edge of the table, Sheryl walks over to lean on the space next to him, careful not to accidentally knock the tray of sandwiches. She worked for those!]

Naturally. Never settle for anything less!

[mybadhabit]

Oh, of course, I can hardly expect an answer right away. An undertaking so immense surely deserves a good deal of thought and planning.

[he tilts his head towards her, smiling brightly. It's so hard to resist casual flirting with Sheryl, she makes it so easy]

If the class size does get too big for you, do let me know. Genos and I are starting to get along.

[galactically]

Only those who are worthy of my attention deserve careful thought.

[Which is Sheryl's roundabout way of saying that Sonic definitely gets all her attention. There's also the subtle way that she bumps her head gently against his shoulder, a soft huff out of her.]

As if I'd be intimidated by something like class size, but it's good to know I have you and Genos to take care of that. I'm glad to hear you two are getting along, too.

[mybadhabit]

[He ducks his head down to rest his cheek against the top of her head as she bumps against him, closing his eyes briefly. The reassurance is more than welcome, even if he pretends like he doesn't need it]

And to think, all it took was a cat to bring us together. I think he just needed a chance to see me in a better light. I really never hated him, he just seemed perpetually in my way.

[galactically]

There's something to be said about cute things bringing the best out of people.

[Is there even such a statement? It doesn't matter because Sheryl has no qualms with making her own idioms if need be. Some gentle chortling slips out of herself. To think it took cats to bring Sonic and Genos together.]

In the way, hmm? [Or so she guesses with an arch of her brow.] It sounds like you two are rivals in something, then.

[mybadhabit]

[Sonic's sure not going to argue about it. Cute things bring out the best in him] I can't wait to show you Ino. I'm sure you'd love him, Sheryl Nome, if only I could bring him here.

[Then he snorts and ducks his head, shaking it] No, nothing like that. Genos was Saitama's disciple, and Saitama was my rival. He thought I wasn't good enough for Saitama, and so, he tried to chase me away. As if I would be deterred by something like that.

[galactically]

If only...

[A sigh. Sheryl knows well by now how attached Sonic is to his furry companion, a very cute one from the way he describes him. There's a frown that briefly appears on her face, a sudden reminder of her own rivalry, though thankfully it wasn't anything like Sonic's relationship with Genos.]

You wouldn't be you if you let someone get in the way of what you and Saitama were dealing with, I suppose. Is your rivalry with that man intense?

[mybadhabit]

It's... [he hesitates, biting his lip. Then he sighs, letting his shoulders droop] It's completely one-sided. He doesn't see me that way, but at least I don't think there's anyone in the universe he could ever see that way. In a way, Genos was right, I'm not good enough.

[He looks down, clenching his hand into a fist] But I don't believe in giving up, and I know that if I don't try, if I don't keep going, then I really never will be good enough. Someday, I will be strong enough to defeat him, even if it takes a thousand years.

[galactically]

[Sheryl stays silent on her end, listening to Sonic and frowning until her shoulders turn slack. A one-sided rivalry... while her own rivalry is two-sided and far friendlier compared to his, the tone he uses can be felt all the same. There's a moment of hesitation until she gently rests a hand on top of his clenched fist.]

You'll be better than good enough when you believe in yourself this much.

[One must strive to be beyond "good enough", a mentality that Sheryl possesses as a perfectionist. Either way, she's seen Sonic's strengths first-hand for her words to be filled with conviction.]

[mybadhabit]

[First taking in a deep breath, Sonic releases it slowly, relaxing his fist and reaching up with his other hand to place it on top of Sheryl's. To think, had they first met back in his own world, he would have dismissed her as a vapid and egotistical socialite, a mere entertainer with no real strength of conviction.]

[How grateful he was that she had the chance to prove him wrong]

Knowing someone like you believes in me will give me all the strength I need when I'm feeling my most worthless. How could I ever live with myself if I let the wonderful Sheryl Nome down?

[Because even if Sheryl believes that confidence should come from inside yourself, Sonic's never truly managed to master it.]

[galactically]

[With how vastly different they are in appearance, Sheryl is honestly surprised to befriend a man like Sonic in the first place. Had she met him back in Frontier, she would have made fun of his appearance and saw him as a strange man with awkward taste, just someone she'd deem irrelevant.

But he's not irrelevant. Sheryl has made countless friends, Sonic is naturally among them, mainly due to their similarities.

The more she dwells on it, the more she realizes one thing: he's actually one of her favorite people. It's a notion that she's getting used to, but she's fine with that. Slowly, she squeezes his hand, a faint chortle out of herself.]

Careful now, you're getting soft on me.

[Here, have some gentle teasing in an attempt to distract him from his problems. It's the least she can do.]

I'll just have to pick you right back up if you're ever down.

[mybadhabit]

[Sonic tenses up at the phrase "getting soft," his eyes flying wide and posture getting defensive. Then he takes a deep breath, forcing himself to relax, forcing himself to let the words go.]

You're right, I have been getting far too soft. [He says it with a laugh, but it's the kind of laugh that's full of uncertainty and borders on hysteric. It's a problem that's been on his mind for a while, and he feels too caught up in the kind and helpful facade he put on to win allies and make a place for himself to know what to do about it.]

[On top of that is the growing realization of just how badly he wants this. Cuddling with Sora, Sheryl's strong support, and Hajime's constant encouragement; this closeness to others is like a drug and he's addicted to the way it makes him feel.]

[The scariest part is what's going to happen when they finally see through the mask and leave him. It's going to happen, one day or another, and he doesn't want to have to pick up the pieces again.]

I can't ask you to do that. I may be too heavy of a burden for you to hold.

[galactically]

[Sheryl blinks at the slightest shift of posture, a curious look over her features. For all the high praises she bestows upon herself, she relies on her ability to be observant of people to understand them and well, it's hard to ignore how stiff Sonic feels against her. She carefully pulls away and straightens up after hearing his laugh, frowning.

Maybe Sonic isn't the only one "getting far too soft", but far be it for her to mention that she might be feeling the same after a month stay at the Far Shore. She made friends and found some jobs, but... what if someday she finds a shuttle and a way back to the Vajra planet? She can't take Sonic, Tsuzuki, Elsa, Hajime, Genos, or all of her friends with her... they have homes to return to, plus some of them are actually dead.

Not to mention what he says next actually strikes a chord with her.]

I've held a few burdens before... that hasn't stopped me before.

[She tries to sound casual about it, shrugging, but--]

[mybadhabit]

[He smiles at her, but it isn't one of the small, non-committal smiles Sonic tends towards. There's a bit of an edge to it, a little too many teeth. He doesn't want to force her away, but there's a little voice at the back of his head telling him to do it, do it before he completely loses himself to this play-nice pattern he's fallen into.]

[...he can't do it today. It's Sheryl's first class, and his day will be ruined just as much as hers if he went through with it.]

[He drops his head and slides off the table, shrugging his shoulders with a languid sort of grace.] I could never do that to a woman, especially not one I admire as much as you. It's all bad habits anyway.

1/2

[galactically]

[Whoa, what was that?!

He just smiled at her, yes, but too many teeth... it's actually unnerving to see, so much so that it takes her aback, coming from a woman who's already used to Sonic and his level of eccentricities.

If she wasn't holding on to the edge of the table, she probably would've fallen off by now.]

[galactically]

[But then he slides off the table and everything reverts back to normal.

'What was that?' she thinks to herself, pushing off the table as well with a skeptical look. Did she somehow strike his nerve without meaning to?]

Okay fine, I'll let it slide!

[Had it been anyone else she would've pressed, but this is her class and today is supposed to be a busy day.]

[mybadhabit]

[His hand comes up to cover his mouth as she startles, feeling that unnerving smile return to his face. He feels guilty for feeling so satisfied by the reaction, and that's not something Sheryl needs to know.]

I am sorry, Sheryl Nome. [His posture is slumped, loose, and harmless, but there's an odd lilt to his voice, like he's on the verge of giggling] I trust you more than anyone in a long time, but there are some things you're better off not knowing.

[He turns away, takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes, then presses his feelings down, tucking them back away at the back of his mind where they belong. As he turns back and drops his hand down to his side, he's back to normal again.]

I look forward to seeing you in action today. I'm sure you'll inspire all your students to do your best.

[galactically]

[This friend of hers is weird. Really weird. With that lilt attached to his voice and what he mentions about certain things she's better off not knowing, it's hard for her curiosity to be squashed but damn does she try.

'Am I being pranked?!'

Luckily it's that reminder of a potentially busy day ahead of her with those students in her exercise class that prompts her to walk towards the door, balled fists swinging loosely from her sides.]

I'm getting you back for freaking me out later! [With the whole teeth action from earlier. Perhaps she can assign Sonic really difficult exercises with the weights...] But for now, class comes first.

[mybadhabit]

[He's not weird, he's dangerous. He's casually violent and purposefully distant, and the fact that's let his guard down so much is starting to bother him. He's yearning for a way to sharpen his edge, all while being afraid of what he would have to lose to do it. He doesn't want to hurt Sheryl. He doesn't want to scare her.]

[And that alone indicates something's wrong with him]

Sorry, it's just a bad habit I have. Can't seem to shake it. I didn't mean to startle you so much. When class starts, please don't go easy on me.

[Hopefully, working hard will help ease the tension settling in his body]

1/2

[galactically]

Hmm...

[Don't go easy on him, he says. Folding her arms over her chest, she furrows her brows in thought, concentrating on the best punishment possible as she enters the ballroom. There's an array of exercising equipment, brought over from her temple and borrowed from Sonic's.

She can't ban him from running around the room (that'd be like locking a bird in a cage, too cruel), nor can she make him run a lot of laps (Sonic is an adept runner; he'd be able to excel at it in flying colors).]

I'll think about it, Hermes.

[galactically]

[Upon seeing the weights, it's like a light bulb flashes over her head. Eureka!

She turns to face Sonic, a light bounce in her step and an innocent smile on her lips.]

Fifty sit-ups, fifty push-ups, thirty rounds on the jump rope, aaaaand...

[A dramatic point to the weights.]

Twenty arm curls on each hand, with the 15-pound weights.

[mybadhabit]

[For a long moment, Sonic just stares blankly at Sheryl, then at the weights she's so dramatically pointing at.]

[Really?]

[Really?]

Sheryl Nome, I know I only showed off my speed when you came to visit, but my personal dumbbell set is currently up to 125-pounds.

Mostly only because that's the maximum weight I can find them at.

I know I'm not as bulky as Zoro, but I don't neglect my upper body training, either.

[galactically]

I only have up to 20, Hermes! I have to make do with what I have.

[Just. Frowns at him.]

Well, I'm sure you'll work ten times— no, twenty times beyond your limit. Plus I know Zoro will be around soon! He'll have to check you out.

[mybadhabit]

[He laughs quietly, covering his mouth with one hand] My apologies, Sheryl, I'll try to be less amazing in the future.

[But at the mention of Zoro and checking him out, boy, does Sonic's face go red]

I-yes, I'm sure he could give me, uh... s-sufficient challenge.

[galactically]

[Aww yes, sufficient payback... by making Sonic fluster instead. Perfect.

Her frown instantly morphs into a pleased smirk.]

Sufficient challenge. The two of you will have lots of fun together, I'm sure.