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Espio has done a lot of crazy things throughout his life. These include (but are not limited to) infiltrating an entire Egg fleet, getting trapped somewhere where time doesn’t exist, sneaking into an amusement park found in space, taking part in a six month war, almost succumbing to the Metal Virus, and getting his arm broken by a leopard, even though he wasn’t her main target.
Yet, despite all that… What he was trying to push himself to do was more nerve-wracking than any of those.
He was currently at the Victory Garden, helping Silver with the crops and vegetables, as they usually spend time doing. Tonight, though, Espio had a plan.
Only a few days ago, the Chaotix had gotten a big paycheck from Breeze Media for assisting in stopping Madman’s Casino. This was huge news for the team, as they were really getting behind on bills.
Now, Espio didn’t have anything in mind he wanted to use some of the money on. Although, he did have some one .
Silver.
Yes, he was crushing on Silver the hedgehog. Had been for a while now, actually. Yet, he could never find the courage to actually show his true feelings.
When the team heard they were getting that check, though, Espio had an idea. A glimmer of confidence. But it wasn’t enough for him to march straightforward.
All he needed though, was one more push.
-
[YESTERDAY]
“So, Espio; what exactly didja mean by ‘someone?’”
Vector and Espio were chilling in the main room of the Chaotix Detective Agency’s house. The only noises in the background were the ceiling fan and Charmy playing a video game in the other room.
Opening one eye, Espio looked up from his meditation. “What do you mean?”
Vector propped his legs up on his desk. “I think you know. A couple days ago, when I asked you what you’d use our Breeze Media paycheck on?”
“I’m having trouble recalling-”
It hit him. “...ah.”
The chameleon and crocodile looked at each other awkwardly for a few seconds.
…and then Espio began to disappear.
“ Ah-di-di, noooooo!” Vector was quick, and he grabbed Espio by the scruff of his neck before he could fully vanish. “We talked about this, Espio; no going poof on me to avoid conversation!”
“Vector, i-it’s really not that-!”
“Kid.”
It was that one little word that made Espio freeze up.
“S-silver,” he said quietly. “I’ve thought about spending some of the money for Silver.”
The mention of the white hedgehog made Vector’s expression soften a little, and he put Espio down.
“Jeesh, kiddo, you make it sound like such a big deal,” he said. “You’ve brought up your crush on him with us before, so what’s the-?”
“IT IS A BIG DEAL!” Espio blurted out, flustered. “I want to be with him, but I'm also scared he’ll hate me! ”
Vector didn’t say anything as Espio panted heavily. He couldn’t; he was too stunned by his sudden outburst.
Then, they both heard buzzing.
“Why would he hate you?”
Charmy had just flown into the main room, seemingly having heard the two.
“I’ve seen you two hanging out before; you’re really close!” he exclaimed. “I’m not sure why you’d be scared of Silver. Well… except for his freaky powers-”
“Not… that kind of scared,” Espio clarified.
“Espio. Kid.” Vector started.
There it was again.
“Do you really think Silver would hate you?” he asked. “I’m with Charmy; we’ve seen how you two are together. Especially when workin’ on that garden of his. You two really chop it up together.”
Espio just blushed, sniffling.
“Lemme give my two cents…” Vector said, wrapping an arm around the chameleon’s shoulder. “I think the worst thing that’ll come out of you telling him your feelings will be him politely declining, but still wanting to remain friends.”
A shaky breath from Espio. “I-I…”
“Wouldn’t that still hurt, though?” Charmy asked, uncharacteristically quiet.
Vector sighed. “Probably. But what’ll hurt even more…” He lightly jammed his finger in Espio’s chest. “...is you continuing to keep these feelings inside.”
Espio looked up at Vector. “...can I really pull that off, though?”
“Kid, I say this not as a partner, but as your family; I know you can pull it off,” Vector answered with a confident grin. “The fiasco with Madman’s Casino has passed; it’s time to stop finding excuses.”
The chameleon clenched his fists. There was still worry in his eyes, but he did look a bit more determined.
“Y-you’re right,” he admitted, wiping his eyes. “I’ve… I’ve put this off for far too long.”
“When are you seeing Silver again?” Charmy asked, leaning closer.
“...tomorrow. We’re going to be working on the garden again.”
“Perfect,” Vector said, giving Espio a firm headpat. “I’m not sure what it is ya plan to do with Silver, but tomorrow, you tell ‘im how you feel and what you wanna do. That clear, sport?”
There was a glimmer in Espio’s eyes.
“...yes, sir.”
-
[PRESENT]
Espio’s plan initially was to tell Silver before they got to work, but he scrapped that idea, since it would have gotten in the way of tending for the crops. And telling him while they were working was a no-go, too.
So, that only left telling him when they were done; and it seemed to be getting to that point. Silver unfortunately had plans tonight, so Espio wouldn’t be able to fully go through with his plan.
But depending on if he didn’t screw things up, he could continue with it another day; perhaps tomorrow-
“..spio?”
The chameleon was dragged out of his thoughts by Silver’s voice.
“Did you hear me? I said, it looks like we’re finished,” he said.
Espio perked up and looked around the garden with Silver.
It looked beautiful. There were so many assortments of fruits, vegetables and herbs the eye could see. And the sun setting in the background made things look even better.
“...it’s gorgeous,” Espio said.
“Isn’t it? Man, I never get tired of working at this place. It’s one of the things that makes me want to stay in the past,” Silver sighed.
Hearing his voice, there was something a bit… off about Silver today.
It’s not me, is it? Espio asked himself. Was… was I quiet as well? He must think I’m upset with him-!
“Well… thanks for your help again, Espio. I really appreciate it,” Silver continued, giving him a smile.
“N-no problem,” Espio replied. He studied his face, and there were no signs of his expression being forced. So… what was the matter-?
“...well, I-I’d better get going,” the white hedgehog said. He began to float upwards, much to Espio’s horror. “Amy said she’s got some friends she wants me to meet, and-”
“WAIT A MINUTE!”
Both Silver and Espio flinched after he shouted that out.
What was that?! the chameleon scolded himself, turning beet red and covering his mouth. You’re coming on too strong! You’re being TOO confident!
He was about to just vanish when he heard Silver’s feet hit the ground.
“Um… what’s up?” he asked, rubbing his arm.
…well, whatever the case, he has him back. For now, at least. No backing out now.
“I… I just wanted to say I love…” Espio stopped himself. “...spending time with you. Whether it’s in this garden, helping me out with cases, or just… hanging out.”
He looked at Silver. His eyebrows were raised but he didn’t say anything. So Espio kept going.
“But… I’ve wanted us to become more than that for a while now. I just never had the courage to bring it up. Now, though? No more excuses. I’m done procrastinating.”
And here we go…
“Silver. Will you go out with me?”
The second after that question was asked, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off the chameleon’s shoulders.
But judging by Silver’s face, he had another thing to worry about.
After what felt like an eternity, Silver put a hand on his forehead and began softly laughing. And Espio could feel a crack form in his heart.
But it quickly went away when he saw tears in the white hedgehog’s eyes.
“Silver-?!”
Silver put a hand up.
“No, I-I’m sorry. I just… it…” He sniffed. “You were so confident and brave, telling me all that, and I…”
He aggressively scrubbed his eyes.
“It’s just really funny… the whole day, I was- I was gonna confess my feelings to you, ” he said.
The chameleon lightly gasped and covered his mouth. “Silver…”
“But… I was…” He looked to the side. “I was too scared to go through with it. I’m sorry.”
Then, Silver saw Espio’s hands grab his shoulders.
“Silver… It's alright. I was scared, too.”
His eyes shot open and he looked in Espio’s.
“You- wait- seriously?”
“Seriously,” Espio lightly laughed. “A-as much as I hate to admit it, it took you beginning to leave for me to fully go through with it…”
Silver’s mouth formed an “o” shape. Then, he laughed again.
“Really! Not gonna lie, I would have never known if you didn’t tell me!”
Espio laughed along with him.
“...for real, though… I’m sorry,” Silver blushed. “Leaving it off like that was really cowardly of me…”
“You don’t have to apologize for that. It’s natural,” Espio assured him. “If anything… I’m glad I got my chance.”
And for the first time that day, he got a bright smile from Silver.
“...y’know… the more time I spend in the past, the more I think about my timeline,” he said. “I haven’t been able to go back. And to be honest… if that means getting to spend more time with you…”
He put a palm on Espio’s cheek, looking into his eyes lovingly. “...I don’t think I want to.”
The chameleon briefly went wide-eyed, but then smirked. “...that so?”
“Yeah…”
This time, Silver could see him more clearly; he was barely able to keep his excitement in check.
But hey, he couldn’t blame him. He felt the exact same way.
Espio held Silver by his waist, and before they knew it, their faces were getting closer…
…until Espio hit Silver’s forehead with his horn.
“Ow-”
“Crap, s-sorry!”
“You’re fine, don’t worry. But how do we, y’know…?”
The chameleon tilted his head a little. “Is this better?”
“I dunno… let’s find out~...”
And the hedgehog pulled Espio in once more, now able to kiss him properly. Espio was ready, though, and kissed him back lovingly. They only pulled away when they both realized they were running out of air.
They looked into each other’s eyes a bit longer, until Espio broke the ice.
“S-so… you remember when I told you about the check I got from Breeze Media?”
“Yeah…?”
“Well, I know a great way to use it. Sonic and Blaze once mentioned how good Spagonia’s food is, and I found a restaurant there with great reviews. You could fly us there, and I could pay for the food. I was thinking we’d go there at 4PM tomorrow. What do you say?”
Silver grinned. “Sounds like an awesome first date.”
They both smiled at each other one more time, before Silver remembered his meetup with Amy.
“Oh crap, uh, I do still have to go,” he said. “So, um…”
“That’s fine,” Espio nodded. “Meet you here tomorrow, and we’ll take off?”
Silver was silent…
…but then he kissed Espio on the cheek and flew off.
“IT’SADATESEEYOUTHEN!!!”
After recovering from the shock, Espio put his palm on the spot Silver kissed and watched him fly farther and farther away until he was just a speck.
And he giggled to himself.
We locked lips moments before this… what is wrong with me-?
“See? I knew you had it in ya, Esp!”
The chameleon jolted and looked up towards the hill. Vector and Charmy were in the Beat Monster, whooping for him.
“HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE FOR?!” he yelled, rushing up to them and blushing.
“We just saw Silver peck you on the cheek!” Charmy said, his wings buzzing happily. “Does that mean it went well?”
Espio was a little flustered, but he found it in him to smile as he got in the car next to the bee.
“...it did. We have a date in Spagonia tomorrow-”
“Spa GON ia! You dog, Espio!” Vector exclaimed, laughing. “He’d better bring you back before your curfew!”
“D-!” Espio blinked. “ Vector! ”
‘I’m joshin’ with you. C’mon, you know that,” Vector chuckled, turning the car on. “Seriously though, you should be proud, kid. You can tell us about what happened over some take-out tonight!”
“Yeah! It’s Pizza Night!” Charmy cheered, pumping his fist.
Not looking up, Espio retained his smile as they all hit the road.
“...that sounds good.”