Knives Drawn, Guns Blazing (Espio the Chameleon x Reader)

2

(Y/n) and Misha were waiting at the location they'd specified for drop off if Espio were to agree, leaning against a black vehicle. Both had sunglasses on, and both were drinking gas station issued slurpees. Espio exchanged a glance with Vector, who lifted an eyebrow as if to say, "These are your assassins?"

"So glad you could make it," (Y/n) said, pushing her sunglasses onto her forehead to grin at Espio. She nodded to Vector and Charmy, the bee seemingly holding a stationary frown on his features. "Don't worry, little Charmy Bee. If Espio's reputation is anything to go by, he'll be back before you know it."

"We're Chaotix," Charmy muttered almost inaudibly, crossing his arms indignantly. Espio reached out and tugged on one of the bee's little fingers, smiling encouragingly when Charmy turned his attention to him.

"We best get going," Misha said, swirling his straw in his cup. "We've already lost enough time."

"He's right," (Y/n) agreed, lifting her own straw to her mouth. She met Charmy's gaze and held out the cup. He hesitated, then grudgingly snatched it away from her. He hastily wiped the straw before sticking it in his mouth, glaring at the (a/t) the whole time.

"Anyway," she said, flicking her sunglasses back onto her nose. "Say your goodbyes, and let's get going. Misha, I'm driving."

As the pair of assassins rounded the car to sort out jobs, Espio turned to face Vector. The crocodile heaved a sigh.

"Just take care of yourself," he said. "And bring back that killer." Espio gave him a wry smile.

"Good luck with Charmy."

"Enough said. Knock 'em dead." Espio gave a nod, accepted a tight embrace around the neck from Charmy, then flung open the door to the car as (Y/n) stuck her elbow out the window, chewing a piece of gum.

"We'll bring him back in one piece!" she called as she reversed out of the spot, lifting two fingers in a salute before taking off down the road at a speed that Espio assumed was less than legal.

"Here's the file," Misha said, passing said object back to Espio. The chameleon flipped through it, sighing at the vague information. No wonder they'd needed a detective.

"No gender, species, association?" he asked, giving it another cursory glance. "It sounds like we're chasing a ghost."

"Maybe," (Y/n) said, snapping her gum. "That's why our first stop is going to be the Criminal Underground." Espio met her gaze in the rearview mirror. "Ever heard of it?"

"Yes. While they may be lawless, they believe in honor among thieves. What makes you think you'll get any information out of them?"

"Honor among thieves is only as good as the reward being offered." Espio didn't respond, leaning back in his seat. Misha fiddled with a device in the front, leaning over to mutter something in (Y/n)'s ear. "Ah, great." She glanced at Espio through the rearview mirror again. "You're good with going Underground, right?"

"Yes."

"You sure, softie?" He lifted a brow, unimpressed. She snapped her gum again and shrugged. "Cool. To the Criminal Underground we go."

~

The Criminal Underground was, in fact, actually underground. They had to drop off the car at a shabby parking garage before getting in an elevator disguised in an employees only section of a rundown fast-food restaurant. The ride lasted far too long for Espio's taste, the rusted box rattling the entire way down.

The elevator hit the bottom with a crash that forced the trio to brace themselves against the wall. The door slid open, revealing a hallway lined with purple lanterns, bass pulsing through the walls. (Y/n) strolled out of the elevator, hands in her pockets. Misha adjusted the strap of the harness holding his sniper rifle before resting one hand on the pistol at his hip and following the (a/t). Espio tailed them both.