#espiwel

As he was taking in the natural ambiance, Espio heard a horn. The sound of an engine growing closer behind him.

“Espio!”

The chameleon spun around to see a pink car approaching. The driver was none other than Amy Rose. She slowed down and pulled up beside him, her cheerful demeanor as radiant as ever.

“What a surprise to see you here,” the hedgehog smiled. “Not with Vector or Charmy today?”

“It was a slow day at the office, like most days.” He said that last part under his breath. “And I was out running a small errand.”

“Where are you off to? I could give you a ride,” Amy offered.

Normally Espio would decline. He would prefer to do things himself. However, it was a ways away, and he was in a bit of a hurry. “That would be great, Amy. Thank you. I’m heading to Spiral Hill.”

“I was going out in that direction myself. Hop in.”

The drive in the country was relaxing. While Amy was competitive in the racing circuit, she was also a careful driver. She maintained her focus on the road, keeping the radio at a low volume, while still able to keep a decent conversation. Vector could learn a thing or two about driving from her.

“So, what’s at Spiral Hill that made you want to stop by?” Amy asked.

“I’ve heard Jewel has been going through a lot, as of late. Especially after the Clean Sweepstakes. I wanted to check on her,” Espio explained.

“I didn’t know you two were close.”

“Not especially. We coordinated during the hunt for the Deadly Six. She was nice to talk to as well.”

“Come to think of it, you donated the prize from the Flower Frolic to her museum. You even won her that gem plush.” Amy started to grin widely. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think–”

“That’s enough of that,” Espio quickly retorted. “As a ninja and detective, I have no time to indulge in such ideas. Jewel is merely an acquaintance. One who understands what it is like to deal with… high maintenance friends.”

That she did. Like how Espio had to deal with Vector and Charmy, Jewel has spent a good chunk of her life trying to keep Tangle out of trouble. Of course, neither of them would trade their friends for anything. But sometimes it was nice to talk to someone who could relate to that.

“Yeah, that’s true,” Amy nodded while still looking at the road. “And with Tangle and Whisper still out on their own, I’m sure she’ll appreciate the company.”

“You could always come along.”

“I’d love to, but I have to stop and get some things at the shops. Maybe later.”

Espio raised an eyebrow. “You sure you’re not trying to set something up?”

“Whaaa?! No!”

Amy’s sheepish tone and smile did not convince the chameleon. She always had an eye for romance, but there was nothing he could do to stop her. He opted to just stay silent for the rest of the drive.

They arrived a half hour later, and Amy dropped Espio off right in front of the museum.

“Bye, Espio! Say hi for me!” The pink hedgehog drove off in her matching car.

Espio stared at the door, feeling hesitant. Did Amy’s words throw him off? And why was his heart beating a little faster? This was not the composure of a master of ninjutsu. He shouldn’t feel nervous. He was just visiting a friend.

The ninja finally opened the door. As always, the walls and shelves were lined with all kinds of gemstones and minerals. Most looked rather lovely, though there were also some common looking stones as well. It was surprising Rouge hadn’t hit this place other than the Chaos Emerald exhibit that one time.

Jewel was fascinated with geology, and it was quite pleasing to see her succeed in her passion. Even with all of her devotion to leading the Restoration, the museum was still clean and in good shape. In fact, Jewel was buzzing around, dusting some of the exhibits. From what Espio heard, there weren’t that many workers. Usually some volunteers look after the place when Jewel was at Restoration HQ. After what happened with the sweepstakes, it seems she was back here more often when not helping Lanolin with the rebuilding.

Despite everything, she looked happy. There must be a calming effect to be back where you started. Espio could understand that. It certainly was quieter here than the hustle of the Restoration.

“Good afternoon, Jewel,” the ninja finally spoke.

The beetle stopped her clean and looked towards the door. “Oh, Mr. Epsio. What a surprise. Nice to see you again.”

“No need for formalities. ‘Espio’ is just fine.”

“What brings you in? I didn’t know you had an interest in geology.”

“While I enjoy the beauty of stones and gems,” Espio explained. “I wanted to see how you were doing. I know things have been tough, as of late.”

Jewel sighed. “You got that right.” She walked to her desk and took a seat. “When I took over the Restoration from Amy, it was a lot of work. I’m thankful she stuck around to help, but it was so much. And then just when I thought things would get easier by agreeing to a partnership with Clean Sweep, I made everything worse.”

“Don’t start.” Espio raised his hand to silence her. “Considering your limited experience, you did exceptionally well. And you realized rather quickly that something was amiss. You turned to your friends, and they assisted. Many others would not have been so strong when put in that situation.”

“I get that. Tangle said something similar. It’s just, it feels like all this has set the Restoration back so much.”

“As someone on a team that has faced many, many… MANY setbacks,” Espio sounded exasperated on that last bit, “they are only permanent if one gives up. As long as you persevere, and others do as well, you can build up and become stronger than before.”

Jewel smiled at Espio’s encouragement. Even though they hadn’t talked that much, someone of his caliber and reputation certainly made her feel better.

“Thank you, Espio. I know I’ve been putting a lot of weight on my shoulders. I just don’t want to let anyone down.”

“Trust me, you haven’t.” The chameleon placed a hand on her shoulder. “You are a valued worker and, more importantly, a friend to us all.”

Her cheeks turned slightly pink from the compliments and support from Esio. It meant so much for her to hear those words. “Again, thank you. I’m touched you came all this way out just to check on me.”

“Well, that’s not the only reason.” The ninja pulled out a small white box with a pink ribbon tied around it. “I also wanted to give you this.”

Jewel looked puzzled. She took the box, carefully undid the ribbon and removed the top. Inside, nestled in red fabric, was a quartz brooch. It wasn’t perfectly cut, rounded around the sides with some jagged crystals sticking out. It was set in golden metal, with rounded stubs that almost resembled petals. The light hit the quartz at just the right angle so that it reflected more colors.

“Espio, it’s beautiful!” The beetle could not hide the astonishment in her voice. Her eyes were tearing up at such a lovely gift. “Where did you find this?”

“My team was visiting Knuckles on Angel Island. We were in Marble Garden when we stumbled upon a cavern full of them. Vector thought we might be able to profit off selling some, but Knuckles was adamant about not taking them.”

“Fair enough. Besides, crystals like these wouldn’t sell for much,” Jewel agreed with. “But if so, how did you get this?”

“I asked Knuckles if I could take a small sample as a gift. Nothing that would disrupt the cavern too much. He allowed that.”

“Even so, I’m surprised you did this. I truly appreciate the gift, but why?”

“Well,” Espio averted his gaze. “The crystals reflecting the different colors in the light were rather pretty, and… it reminded me of you.”

Jewel blushed intensely.

“Er, I mean, how your shell looks like them! Not that I stare or anything! I merely observe! It’s part of my training, that's all!” Espio’s calm, cool demeanor was slipping the more he rambled. It was not like him to lose composure like this. Even with Rouge’s taunting, he stayed cool under pressure. Why did telling Jewel this make his stomach twist?

His out of character behavior caused the beetle to giggle. “This is very sweet of you, Espio. I’ll treasure it.” Jewel replaced the brooch she was wearing with Espio’s. It was placed on her cravat. She couldn’t help but feel bashful at presenting her new jewelry. “How’s it look?”

It was such a small change, but the ninja found himself stunned. He coughed into his hand. “It suits you.”

There was an awkward moment of silence between them. Nothing bad, but it was obvious neither of them quite knew how to follow up this conversation.

“Well then,” Espio finally spoke. “I should be heading back. It was nice to see you again, Jewel.” He began to make his way towards the exit.

“Wait!” The chameleon stopped in his tracks and turned to look back at Jewel. “Would you like to go get some tea? You’ve been so helpful, you and your team, and this is such a generous gift.” She pointed to the large amethyst crystal near the main exhibit hall. “You also donated the prize from the Flower Frolic to the museum, and a lot of people have come to see it. I feel like this is the least I can do.”

The offer surprised Espio. He had only planned on giving her the brooch and leaving. He wasn’t expecting anything else. And while being treated was nice, getting to spend more time with Jewel made him more happy. He was sure Vector and Charmy wouldn’t mind him being away a little longer.

“That sounds lovely. I’d be honored to join you.”

Jewel closed up the museum for lunch hours, and the two made their way.

“If you’re still hungry afterwards, I know a restaurant that has amazing chicken wings.” Jewel seemed excited to show Espio that.

“I’ve… never had them before. But I am open to trying new things.” The chameleon was more interested in food more towards his culture, like dango, but he had found many other dishes he enjoyed. This might be another.