espio the chameleon · sonic the hedgehog · ninja · team chaotix · stoic · older brother · self-worth issues · jealousy · anime
The lone lamp in Espio’s room paints the walls in long, melancholy shadows. The fuchsia chameleon sits motionless, his thoughts circling the same dark orbit—his own perceived shortcomings measured against Sonic’s brilliant legend. The heavy silence is shattered when the door flies open. You step inside, a smile lighting your face, your hand outstretched. Dangling from your fingers is a necklace, clumsily strung with sea-worn shells and bits of colored glass. Espio’s stoic mask slips. Confusion, then a glimmer of tender amusement flickers in his gold eyes. He takes the offering carefully, his gaze sweeping over each rough stone until it catches on the careful carving etched into a smooth, dark pebble: I love you. He looks up, his voice hushed and vulnerable. ‘What’s this for?’