Espio X Reader (A Short Story)

Part 6

Vector watched as the (a/t) quietly sniffled to herself, curious as to what they had learnt. He had seen the rage in Espio's eyes as the chameleon had disappeared down the hall, and the crocodile had only every seen that sort of rage twice since teaming up with the other.

His curiosity spiked, and he leant back in his chair, the old leather squeaking in the awkward silence. What should he ask first? He knew the (a/t) was shy, she hardly talked to himself or Charmy.

He shook his head, don't think of Charmy. Not right now.

"So..." He started, wanting answers and to get rid of the thick vibe in the room, "Care to tell me what happened?"

(Y/N) slowly lifted her head to face the large Mobian, her muzzle was red and puffy from crying but she gave a small nod and moved her chair closer to the desk.

"Th-The cat..." She mumbled, "Works with my b-brother..."

"We guessed that much."

The girl blinked, her ears pressed back against her head and the crocodile felt guilty, he leant forward, turning his voice into a hushed whisper,

"Did you get any leads that could help us?" He asked almost gently, although still demanding, "To find Charmy, or your brother?"

(Y/N) stared at him for a moment, her (e/c) eyes watering again, "My b-brother is... They... He's..."

She started sobbing quietly again, and Vector tilted his head. What was the worst case scenario in this situation...?

... Oh ...

"Well, did you believe him?" He asked next, "How can we trust what that cat says anyway? He could be lying to make us give up. But we're not going to. We're going to save Charmy, and we'll prove your brother isn't..."

He cut off, the she-(a/t) was staring at him again, something swimming in her shining gaze.

"Th-Thank you..." She mumbled, sniffling into the tissue he had given her, "I-I hope he's lying... Because..."

"Because...?" The crocodile leant on his hand.

But the (a/t) stopped talking once again, rubbing her arm subconsciously. She didn't feel it necessary to tell the detective her life story; it wasn't like it would help them. Although maybe the information could help them feel more confident about their approach.

She leant back in the seat, leaning her head back against it as she thought about it. Should she spill her living situation to him? Or should she stay as reclusive as possible? She had already seen what he thought of her, since she put Charmy in danger.

Vector watched her, once again confused. He wasn't sure if he should prod or not, and wondered what Espio would suggest.

"It's best to leave it." He could hear his voice, "She's not the talkative type, she won't tell you if she's not comfortable."

Dammit Espio, the information she has could be helpful. But he was right, Vector had already seen that the (a/t) would cut off when someone got in her face. He then started to wonder what Espio was doing, and why he had been so angry.

The purple chameleon was currently sitting in front of the grey cat, much like (Y/N) had moments before. He stared at the feline for a moment, keeping contact with his ruby red eyes. The cat had only stared back, clearly doing his best to look bored.

Espio then started to move his wrist, fidgeting with one of his Kunai*. He flicked it over his hand, moving it through his fingers skilfully and repeating the action. It helped him think, kept him calm. The captive didn't need to know that. The cat's gaze flicked to the weapon, then back to the other's golden gaze, a smirk appeared on his lips.