New Style

SonEspio

Chapter 1

Sonic and Knuckles were walking down the city roads so that they can back home with Tails. They were called on by Team Chaotix to do a very special mission to get rid of Eggman forever. Knuckles thought the whole idea was a complete phony, but Sonic was still very eager to go anyways. Sadly, it turned out to be a prank started by Charmy. Right when they walked in, Charmy and Vector splashed them with a bunch of water and now Sonic and Knuckles walk home completely soaked.

"I told you it was a bad idea," Knuckles said.

"Yes, but we don't do a whole lot with the Chaotix, so I thought it would be something new for a change," Sonic replied.

"Oh, it was something new alright." Knuckles shivered.

"I wonder why Espio wasn't there."

"Why do you care? Maybe it's because he's an emo freak and fun makes him burn on the inside."

Sonic went in front of Knuckles and turned towards, stopping him in his tracks.

"One, you are the same way, Knuckles. Jokes aren't quite your friend either. Two, don't bash on Espio, he's a really cool guy, maybe even cooler than you."

Knuckles was pretty shocked by Sonic's reaction. 'He doesn't normally talk like that, even if he is REALLY mad,' Knuckles thought. Sonic got out of the way and they continued walking.

"I don't see why you're getting so defensive on Espio. It's not like you know him that well or anything. You said it yourself that we don't a lot with Team Chaotix."

"I don't know. Espio just seems special. Something about him just makes me want to hug him and see a bright smile from him."

"You're saying that as if you like the guy."

"Well…"

This time, Knuckles was the one who stopped Sonic in his tracks. He figured that Sonic needed to do a bit of explaining.

"Well what, Sonic. Do you like Espio or something?"

Sonic cringed. "Is that weird?"

"Yes. Wait, no. I don't know. We've all seem to be attracted to, you know… women. Even then humans on this planet do the same thing. You're the first person I'm sure I've met that has actually been attracted to another man."

Sonic pushed Knuckles aside. Knuckles walked close behind him and they continued to walk home.

"I don't know. I have the same form of thinking as you do. But, I just have reoccurring memories from when Team Chaotix visited us on the Blue Typhoon last year. The memories were never of Vector or Charmy, but they were about Espio. Especially when he smiled. Whenever he did that, he became really special to me."

"Does he have the same feelings for you?"

"I don't know. That was pretty much the last time I really was around him. Quite frankly, I don't think I've ever said a word directly to him. But I doubt it. It's highly unlikely that someone like Espio would have a love interest."

"Then let's just drop it and go home. I need to get dried off."

After a few more blocks Sonic and Knuckles make it home, greeted by Tails. The echidna slouched onto the couch while Sonic walked up into his room and fell into his bed. He needed some time to think.

- Team Chaotix Home -

Espio came out from his room and encountered Vector and Charmy, who were giggling to themselves. He noticed that the doorway was fairly wet and that Vector and Charmy were carrying large buckets.

"Hold it," Espio exclaimed.

Vector and Charmy tentatively turned around to face Espio.

"What happened here?"

Charmy threw his bucket onto his bed and said, "Vector forced me to call Sonic and his friends so that we can we throw water at them. I tried to stop him, but he was just too intimidating."

"I did not!"

"Enough! I want the two of you to go to their house and apologize. They have been nothing but helpful to us."

Vector glared. "Come on, Espio. It was just a funny little prank, I'm sure they're laughing about it right now."

"Apologize."

"No."

"Then I'll do it myself. I can't believe I have to deal with you two's immaturity."

Charmy and Vector looked at Espio and turned around. They continued to giggle as they put away their buckets, ready for another prank to arise. Espio sighed and walked out of the home, turning invisible. He wasn't in the mood to be stopped by anyone.

He then went on a similar route that Knuckles and Sonic took moments ago. Espio had a decent idea where Sonic's home was because it was in an area that he has passed by a couple of times in spy missions. In about ten minutes, he was standing in front of the 'Sonic Heroes' door. He became visible again and knocked on their door a couple of times. Knuckles was the one to answer the door. He was completely shocked by the appearance of Espio, especially after his conversation with Sonic.

"Espio, what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you and Sonic. Is he here by any chance?"

Knuckles smirked. "Oh he's here all right. I'm sure he would love to know that you were here."

After giggling to himself he went to get Sonic. Espio was completely confused by Knuckles' remark. He continued to wait as Sonic and Knuckles came back to the door. At the top of the stairs, Sonic comes out of his room and is able to see Espio. Knuckles laughed as Sonic's face turned slightly pink. A totally unexpected visit. They both went downstairs to greet Espio at the door.

"I heard you guys came over to the Team Chaotix home early today and that Charmy and Vector pranked you. I just wanted to come over and say sorry on their behalf. You guys have only been nice to us and have helped us a lot, so you deserve our respect."

Knuckles broke his silent laughter and said, "That was very nice of you, Espio. I'm sure Sonic thinks that your apology was just wonderful." Knuckles playfully hit Sonic on the back a couple of times. Sonic tried to keep up a fake smile.

"Yes, Espio. I really appreciated your visit to us. You know… we should hang out more… I guess." Sonic was suffering on the inside.

"Indeed, we should," Espio replied. "Vector has asked us to tag along as he has a picnic with Vanilla tomorrow. I'm sure it would be okay if you two and Tails came along."

"YES!" Sonic exclaimed fairly loudly. "I mean, yes, that sounds like a fun plan."

"We're going to the meadow not to far from our home. Just go to the back of our home and keep going and you'll find it."

"Sounds good. I'll be there in a flash tomorrow." Sonic said with growing confidence.

Espio nodded and walked away from their home. Knuckles closed the door and stared at Sonic with an un-dying smile.

"You're going to make this miserable for me, aren't you," Sonic said with a slight glare towards Knuckles.

"You bet, buddy. That's what friends are for."

Knuckles continued to laugh as he went back to the couch. Sonic went back to his bed and daydreamed. Hopefully tomorrow would go well.