(AN: Why hello everyone! If you do remember at the end of Transfer, I mentioned I had two Vecpio stories in mind. This just happens to be one of them! This was an AU I thought of some time ago, and ultimately now, am writing it.
I guess similar to how Espio was in Transfer, I of course, based it around the Fedual Japan time-era. Because of this, there may be one or two things that you, the reader, may have to search up. Not to mention, to get yourself immersed into the experience of this fic, try to imagine all of the characters speaking Japanese, cause well, this takes place in an area that speaks Japanese :P
I've been working on this for the past few days, and I'm glad to be releasing it. I hope you all enjoy, Kinji Rareta Ai. And be sure to check back in a few days for the second and final chapter!
And for the final notice: cover art by Skull001 on tumblr. Be sure to check out their stuff! He's a real great artist)
*plonk*
The sound of bamboo hitting a rock and splashing water into a small pond was audible as the slight gust of wind breezed through the trees and the grass. Many dummies stood in a circle in the middle of the terrace, slightly moving in the wind.
A small fuchsia chameleon, wearing a blue kimono, a black hakama, and a toolbelt with weapons such as kunai's, shuriken's, and a katana, walked in the middle of the circle of dummies. He bowed in place as he got into the position and closed his eyes, listening to the sound of the bamboo collecting water for it lower and let the water slide down.
*plonk*
The chameleon opened his eyes quickly as he immediately grabbed a kunai from his toolbelt and came after the dummy in front of him, slashing its head off. He went after the next one, throwing the kunai in his hand through the dummy's face. Taking out three shuriken's, the fuchsia reptile shot all three into the chest of the next dummy.
Finally, for the finisher; the chameleon grabbed the handle of the katana, which made a *shwang* sound as it was pulled out from the scabbard that held it. He sliced the torso of the next dummy straight off, stabbed the next one through the stomach, and finally; looking at the last dummy standing, the chameleon yelled as he raised the katana high into the air and swung down, slicing the dummy in half.
The reptile held his position as he breathed in and out. Suddenly, he heard a clapping sound coming from behind him.
"Good job, Espio. Your training has sufficed you."
The chameleon, identified as Espio, placed the katana back into the scabbard on his tool belt and walked to the chameleon woman by the doorway. He bowed in front of her.
"Thank you, mother."
"That shall be it for your training today. Good work. However, please follow me to my quarters."
Espio nodded as the two reptiles entered back inside the dojo where they lived.
You see, Espio lived in the dojo of the Shinobi clan, one of the four most powerful clans of the Dragon Kingdom. His mother, Bride of the Constant Vigil, leads the Shinobi clan, and has her heart set on the belief that the four other clans of the Dragon Kingdom will one day unite. However, this meant that the members of the clans had to marry each other, and Espio knew what this talk with his mother would be about.
Entering the quarters of Bride of the Constant Vigil, she sat in front of a small table.
"Sit." she said. Espio sat on his legs.
"Now, Espio, you do know about the plans involving the Shinobi clan and the Raiju clan, correct?"
"Of course…" The chameleon thought. It was what he was expecting; his mother was referring to the arranged marriage between him and the apprentice of Bride of the Conquering Storm, the Raiju's leader, Nicole, which was done by both Brides for the intent of bringing the two clan houses together.
"Well, since me and Bride of the Conquering Storm have begun our preparations for the wedding, we shall head out into the village today to find a wedding kimono for you. I believe Mijirou the tailor has very high quality ones…"
As the Bride went on about the wedding, one of the chameleon guards opened the screen door to Constant Vigil's quarters.
"Constant Vigil!" he called out. The Bride cleared her throat, and stared at the guard.
"Why have you have come here?" she stated.
"Uhh, I apologize for bursting in, however, the samurai you have requested to become the new guard has arrived!"
Bride of the Constant Vigil's eyes widened as she got up. "Oh! I had almost forgotten about him! We will finish this conversation later, Espio. Right now, I should introduce you."
Espio followed his mother into the main room of the dojo. She opened the doors of the dojo's main entrance, which revealed a large, shadowy figure. The figure stepped in and Espio was surprised to see who this strange person was.
Standing inside the dojo was a large green muscular crocodile, dressed entirely in samurai armor from head to toe. "This is a samurai… what is he doing here in a dojo of ninja's?" Espio thought.
"Espio, son, I would like you to meet, Vector. He is a samurai that I have appointed to be one of the new guards for our dojo." explained Constant Vigil. Espio walked up to Vector the samurai and bowed in front of him.
"It is an honor to meet you, Vector." said Espio.
"Likewise here, it will be an honor serving you and the Shinobi clan." replied Vector, bowing as well.
"If it is appropriate, I believe that we shall be heading out for my son's wedding gown. Come, Espio, we can't let time go to waste."
Espio sighed as he followed his mother out of the dojo, leaving Vector by himself.
"Hmm… yes! I do approve of this! Right size… and orange is quite a fiery color for you… Okay, that should be all. You can put on your normal wear again."
Espio took off the large and heavy orange kimono off from him as he put on what he was wearing previously. The chameleon had gotten done changing into his wear for his arranged marriage with Nicole, and Bride of the Constant Vigil couldn't be any happier to see her son "become a man".
Exiting the room, Espio jumped back in slight shock when he saw Vector near him.
"Oh! Vector! You startled me!" he said.
"No worries, no worries." Vector replied. "I was simply curious as to what's going on, that's all."
"Oh… well… I could tell you, but I think mother would disapprove of what I would say. Shall we move this conversation to the dining area?"
"I suppose we should."
Pouring green tea into two small cups, Espio passed one to Vector and grabbed one for himself, sipping the hot liquid.
"So, what's the issue? What's with the giant kimono and your mother's talk of a wedding?" The crocodilian samurai asked.
Espio sighed, and collected his thoughts. "My mother has planned an arranged marriage between me and a girl from the Raiju clan; Nicole. Her plan is that with our "marriage", this will unite the two clan houses, Shinobi and Raiju. I know she means well, but… that's not what marriage is… Marriage to me is about finding someone you love, one you can trust. Not arranging someone to marry someone you don't wish to marry or harbor feelings towards at all. It just… isn't right…"
Vector tapped his lip and nodded, sipping more green tea. "You are quite philosophical, Espio. I agree with your statements. Tragically, it seems that there are still some negative customs practiced today."
The ninja looked up at the samurai. "Wait, Vector… aren't you married?"
The large green reptile shook his head. "No, I am not."
"Huh? You seem rather… old. I apologize if that offends but it comes as a shock seeing as how men are supposed to be married when they turn 18, or by the time they're age 21."
"I am not offended, but the reason is for the same reason why you are upset about your arranged marriage."
Vector looked at his hand. "I haven't met anyone who I felt like I could marry. My guardians have condemned me for it, seeing as how I haven't married yet and I'm 22. However, I take more pride in being a samurai and protecting the people then I do romance. But… sometimes I do wonder if there is someone out there for me."
Espio smiled, stood up, sat next to Vector, and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry, Vector. I'm sure you will find someone."
"Thank you, Espio."
Vector gave the fuchsia reptile a small smile, who in response, could feel his face burning up slightly. Espio turned away after a bit and gathered his thoughts.
"Why did I do that in front of Vector?" he thought, grasping his arm. "I don't know why… but… he's much different than anyone I've ever met. I think I would like to get to know him a bit more…"
A FEW DAYS LATER
"Espio, would you like to come with me to the village?" Vector asked as he entered the chameleon's room, who had finished his daily meditation.
"Hm? The village? What for?" he replied.
"Your mother has sent me on a task to receive a letter from the priest who will be servicing at your wedding. I was simply wondering if you would like to accompany me."
Espio debated in his mind. He didn't want to do anything with the wedding at all… yet… he had the opportunity to be with Vector, and perhaps get to know him more. In the end, Espio went with the latter.
The two reptiles exited the Shinobi clan's dojo and walked through the village of Gojo. They passed by many of the villagers doing physical labor, children playing in the streets, and merchants all throughout the area.
Vector and Espio finally stopped at the Gojaku Temple, where head priest Yatsu gave the letter for Bride of the Constant Vigil.
"I await your wedding, Espio. There is only two months left until the day." Priest Yatsu said. He bowed and bid the two farewell.
As ninja and samurai walked back to the dojo, they stopped when they heard a man dramatically calling.
"Help! Help!" he called out. The two turned around to see a wolf running up to them, stopping merely inches away as he placed his hands on his legs, gasping for air.
"Please, if you two don't mind, I request your assistance! I know that you," The wolf said, pointing at Espio. "are the son of Bride of the Constant Vigil, meaning you must be a well-trained ninja. And you," The wolf then pointed at Vector. "seem to be a samurai, so I know I can put my request on your shoulders."
"Please calm down, what is the issue?" Vector asked.
"Someone, a man, has kidnapped my daughter! I have been trying to locate her, but I cannot find her! I fear the worst… and it's taking all I've got to not break down… Please… will you, ninja and samurai, help me?"
Vector and Espio looked at each other and nodded. "We can't let someone like this get away with what he wishes to commit." The crocodilian samurai said.
"Agreed." replied Espio. "Sir, we shall help you locate your missing daughter."
"Oh, thank you! Thank you! I shall let you know now that you two will be greatly rewarded for this, and I do appreciate everything!" The wolf then proceeded to dig into his pocket and pull out a picture. The picture contained the man, along with a woman who was presumed to be his wife, and a small girl, no doubt his missing daughter.
"She looks like that. I do not wish to rush you both, but please do find her!"
"I understand, we shall do whatever it takes to find your daughter." replied Espio. The two reptiles made their way through the crowd of people as they looked at the reference picture for the young girl.
"There are plenty of people around the village… the person who abducted the girl could be anywhere…" Vector mumbled to himself. The two looked around the village, and didn't take long to find their culprit. Towards the entrance of the village, a large, burly goat held a wolf girl in a headlock, covering her mouth. Many of the villagers looked at him strangely, almost as if he didn't belong there.
"Missy, you've been quite the trouble since I've nabbed you." The goat said. "Don't worry though, where I'm taking you, you'll enjoy where you'll like it."
The wolf girl tried to scream, but was muffled by the goat's hand.
"You there!" Vector yelled. The goat stopped and turned around to face Vector and Espio.
"Huh? What do you kids want?
"What do you think you're doing with her?!" yelled Espio.
"Oh, her? This is simply my adopted daughter! She is simply not cooperating and I'm going to discipline her. Don't worry, nothing bad is happening! I promise you." The goat said. It was obvious in the way he was speaking that he was lying.
"Liar! We know you abducted that girl from a man who is her true father!" Vector growled. "After all, how do you explain this?!"
Vector showed the goat the picture the wolf man had gave him. He lowered his eyes and began to chuckle.
"So, you two caught me red-handed. Yeah, this little runt ain't mine. But she seems like good meat for the service I'm in. I think people will pay good for her, don't you think?"
"Pay good for her?! Sir, you aren't possibly implying-"
He nodded. Espio's face burned with rage.
"That's disgusting and revolting! You should be ashamed of yourself!"
By now, a crowd formed between the two reptiles and the goat.
"Anyway, I should be heading out now. Perhaps if you two don't bother me, I'll come back with a bit of yen for your troubles. Is that fine?"
The goat grabbed the girl and immediately, Vector grabbed his katana and ran after the man. However, the goat turned around in an instant, and punched Vector in the mouth, sending him back.
"You fool! So you dare try to not heed my word, yet you see who I am? You and the son of Bride of the Constant Vigil are quite bold indeed."
"The girl is coming with us." Espio replied. A twinkle shined in the goat's eye as he reached into his kimono and brought out two sickle like weapons, identified as kama's.
"I see! Well then, you two shall see for yourselves what happens to those who face me!"
The goat came rushing towards Vector and Espio, holding his two kama's tightly. Bringing out one of his kunai's, Espio shot it towards the goat's direction, but he was able to dodge it quickly.
"Damn it!" The chameleon muttered. The goat came after Vector first, swinging over and over again. Fortunately, since Vector was skilled in using his katana, he was able to block each swing. The crocodile attempted to make a few slashes, but the goat was simply too fast for him.
"Argh! Stand still!" he muttered aloud.
"Ahaha! See what I mean? I am far too fast for the both of you! And now, I'll make sure to kill you both-"
Just as the goat was about to enter his monologue, he felt a sharp pain in his arm. The goat became squeamish as he saw what happened; a shuriken was lodged into his arm, which began to bleed heavily. The goat, trembling, took the shuriken out of his arm and yelped, crashing to the ground. Vector snorted and held his katana up to his neck. Espio loomed over him, staring him down with a look that could kill.
"Listen to me, and listen to me good; do NOT come back to this village again. If I even see even the clothes on your miserable face, I WILL NOT be afraid to kill you. Do you understand me?!" Espio yelled at the goat. "DO YOU?!"
The goat whimpered before he got up from the floor quickly and ran off. The two put away their weapons and walked towards the wolf girl.
"Hey… your father asked us to help him find you, little girl. Don't worry; you're safe now. Just come with us and we'll make sure to bring you to your father." Vector said. He held out his hand as the little girl took it. The two reptiles walked back to the man as the crowd died down, and returned to what they were doing.
"Rao!"
"Papa!"
The two wolves reunited tearfully. Vector and Espio stood nearby, proud that they were able to bring two family members back to normal.
"Thank you two so much." The wolf's father said. "It means so much that you rescued my daughter. Please; I have a high paying job in the Aristocratic Quarters of Hiraizumi, so I think you two definitely deserve this. Would you both be kind to hold out your hands?"
The two reptiles nodded, and Vector and Espio did just that. They saw the man dig into his kimono and bring out a large amount of yen. He gave the two reptiles 5000 yen each.
"Sir…. this is far too kind… we can't accept this!" Espio said.
"No no, I do insist, keep it."
"I have to agree with my partner, this is far too generous." Vector replied.
"You two well deserved this reward. I do insist that you keep the money you have righteously earned."
The two reptiles sighed; they could see that no matter how much convincing they could do; the man was surely not going to change his mind.
"Okay, fine. We accept the money gracefully, kind sir. Thank you so much." The chameleon said as he and Vector bowed. The man nodded, and he soon walked off with his daughter.
Vector and Espio walked off in the other direction, counting all the money they had again. "5000 yen… mother will surely be pleased with me." He thought.
"Espio, since we have all this money, and since we both beat that man together, would you like me to treat you?"
"Treat me? That depends, where do you wish to treat me?"
Vector grinned his same grin as before as he showed what their "treat" would be; sake from a sake house.
After entering inside, and taking their seats, Vector and Espio sat next to each other, sake in hand.
"For a job well done today." Espio started.
"And for our cooperation, and showing that we can work together… cheers!"
"Cheers."
The two then clinked glasses.
A MONTH LATER
Vector and Espio trained together inside the large training room of the dojo. Weapons clashed against each other as ninja and samurai trained.
"You've been getting better, Espio." said Vector, still holding tightly onto his katana.
"Mother's been telling me that a lot. I think I agree." replied the chameleon before going after Vector yet again. The crocodile's katana and Espio's kunai slashed against each other.
"That's enough for weapons." Espio said, throwing his kunai to the ground. He then got into a stance. "Hand to hand; it's the basis of all combat."
"Are you sure? I will warn you; I am not the best with fighting without weapons."
"Then I shall train you. Simply block, that is all."
Vector threw his katana and his samurai helmet to the side as Espio immediately began his fury of punches. The crocodile was able to block each one with his arm. He ducked and jumped several times when Espio tried to kick the crocodile. This went on for some time, with Vector only taking two hits so far did something happen.
As the large green reptile managed to avoid the punches, he tried to block one far too quickly, and strained his arm rather hard. Vector hissed as he grabbed his arm.
"Vector?! What is the issue?!" Espio exclaimed.
"N-No… it's fine… Don't worry, I'm okay." replied Vector.
"No no, you're not "okay". You're hurt and I need to help you, and I know just the thing; here, let me take off your armor."
Espio went behind Vector and began to take off all extensions that connected the armor together. The metal armor came off of him, revealing Vector's green kimono. Suddenly, Espio covered his mouth.
"Err… Vector? I'm going to have to take off your kimono for this… Is that awkward for you?"
"Not at all."
Espio was surprised at first to hear was the response was "not at all", rather than something he had expected, like "what?" or "what do you mean?" or even "can't I do it myself?"
Feeling a slight blush on his face, Espio took the string off connecting the kimono as it came apart; now revealing Vector's muscular body. The fuchsia reptile froze as he tried his best not to look at the samurai's body.
"W-Which arm does it hurt?"
"Sss… right one…"
Espio grabbed a hold of the large green reptile's right arm, feeling the muscle, the hardness, and how scaly it was. He could no longer force himself to stop looking as he began to massage it.
"A-Ahh…" The crocodile moaned. The chameleon took all he had not to faint right there.
"Why am I acting like this?" he asked himself mentally. Never before has he ever felt like this…
Yet… something about it seemed so right.
As he moved onto the bicep, Espio could feel how muscular it was, and without thinking, blurted his thoughts out loud.
"Your arms… they're quite big… very strong too…" he commented. Upon finishing what he said, he slapped himself mentally.
"Did I just really say that out loud?"
"Oh… yes, I work out quite often. It's normal for a samurai to go through long and hard work out's to be prepared physically for any combat." Vector replied. Hoping to say something as to not make the situation awkward, Espio said the first thing that came to mind.
"With a body like yours, Vector, I think it will get you many females in your direction."
Espio rolled his eyes and sighed mentally. "It's a start."
"It has before, though I'm not interested." Vector said.
"Passing up sexual encounters, I see?" Espio teasingly replied.
"Not really. Not to say I've never had sexual encounters, but much like my thoughts on marriage, I'm still waiting for that special someone."
Espio grunted in reply. Vector ignored what was said, which hopefully meant it went over his head.
"Alright, I think it's done. I'm good now."
Taking his hands off from Vector's arm, the crocodile flexed a few times to make sure he was fine.
"Thank you, Espio. I feel much better now because of you."
Espio smiled, but quickly turned his head to the door.
"Err, please excuse me, Vector. I will be back in a minute or two."
"I understand."
The chameleon walked out of the room, and shut the sliding door behind him.
Sitting in the courtyard, Espio stared at his reflection in the pond. The various koi fish swam around the water without a care in the world. "So innocent you koi fish, yet so naïve." Espio thought.
"At least you all don't have conflicting feelings." Espio muttered.
It had only been a month since Vector became a guard for the Shinobi clan, yet in that month, Espio can say that he's been closer to the samurai than any other person he's known in his life, even closer than his own parents.
Yet… what happened back there was more different than anything he's done with Vector in that month.
The strangest part of it all is… he liked it.
The chameleon didn't understand his confusing feelings. He shook his head, and reached into his pocket, pulling out a photo.
"Oh, father… if you were still alive, what advice would you have to offer me?"
Espio stared at the image of his younger self and his father, who died about three years ago. He placed the photo back in his pocket and stared back at the pond, his mind having yet another internal debate.
…
No…
It couldn't be…
"That's just silly." Espio thought to himself.
But…
It did make sense in hindsight.
It explained why he never got it immediately when a female would hit on him.
It explained why he never felt any sort of romantic attraction towards females.
It explained why he didn't want to get married outside of the having it arranged by his mother; not harboring feelings towards Nicole in anyway.
"No, no! Stop thinking about that! That's not it! You're simply confused, Espio!"
Despite his internal debates, he knew that part of it could be true. Before he would feel like going insane from his thoughts attacking him, Espio left the courtyard quickly.
ANOTHER MONTH LATER – THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
A tapping on Espio's door awoke the chameleon up from his sleep.
"Espio? When do you plan to get up?!" His mother scolded. "Today is the day of the wedding rehearsal, and we can't be late! Get up and don't be lazy, you knew today was the day!"
"Rrr… mother, I'm going… I'm going…" replied Espio, rubbing his eyes and getting up from his futon.
"If you need me, I shall be heading off to the Ankoku temple in Hirunotsuka. Bride of the Conquering Storm has informed me that she is currently expecting me. As such; Vector will make you breakfast. But please do hurry."
Bride of the Constant Vigil's fleeting footsteps were heard from the chameleon's room. Walking out of his room, he made his way to the dojo's small sentō for a bath.
Emerging from it almost an hour later, Espio wiped his scales clean with a towel before getting dressed with the clothes his mother told him to wear that day. Coming out from his room, he heard the sound of sizzling coming from the kitchen. A powerful yet good smell emanated in the air as Espio followed the scent. However, when he reached the dining area, he stopped and blushed at the sight.
Vector stood by the pots and pans on the kamado, cutting up vegetables with a knife. However, it was his appearance that made Espio stop. The crocodile bore no shirt, which revealed his sweating, muscular body, and only wore a pair of white pants. If anything else couldn't confirm Espio's secret towards the samurai; this would have to be it.
After a few minutes of cutting up vegetables, he looked up and finally noticed Espio in the room.
"O-Oh! Espio! You startled me." he said. "Heh heh, I didn't see you there. Anyway, good morning."
"A good morning to you too." replied Espio, sitting by the table. Vector threw the vegetables he was cooking into one of the pans.
"So, today is the rehearsal for your big day, is it not?"
"Unfortunately…"
Espio sighed, and rested his head on his arms.
"By the by, Vector… I didn't know you could cook."
Vector looked up. "Oh, me? Heh heh… thank you. I'm only really cooking like this because your mother taught me earlier this morning. Truth be told, I cannot cook for my life…"
Espio chuckled to himself as after a few more minutes of waiting, the crocodilian samurai walked over with a tray full of food.
"Itadakimasu." The two reptiles said as they dug into breakfast.
"Are you not coming, Vector?" asked Espio midway into breakfast.
"No, Bride of the Constant Vigil has instructed me to keep guard for the dojo, as all of the ninja spies shall be going to the rehersal."
"Really? That's a shame… I was hoping that we could have had a good time, you and me."
"Perhaps during your wedding, we'll share a dance or two."
Vector winked as Espio jumped a bit in surprise.
"This man… he couldn't be anymore… no, I won't say it. I already know what I'll say." he thought.
After finishing breakfast, Espio grabbed his stuff, and left the dojo, leaving Vector behind.
It had been two hours since Espio's departure, and Vector had been patrolling the outside of the dojo like he had been. What he was doing right now was simply so… monotonous.
Yet, in that same time, it had given Vector some time to think about his situation with Espio.
And his attraction to him.
"Why, oh why, of all people, did you fall for the Bride's son, Vector?" The crocodile thought. "If she knew about this… heavens know what she would do."
It's not like Vector knew Espio was his. Even if he didn't want to marry Nicole, he knew the chameleon only liked girls.
…
Or did he?
Whatever the case, Vector shook his head, and continued patrolling.
Yet, the wedding still came to his mind.
Espio and Nicole's wedding… Nicole and Espio's wedding…
The more Vector thought about it, the more he realized; he did not want this wedding to happen. Not just due to his attraction to him, but knowing that Espio could have a much better and happier life with someone he genuinely feels for.
Even if the two only knew each other for two months, it felt like the two reptiles were the bestest of friends. They were closer to each other than anyone else they knew.
And even if he had only been gone for two hours; Vector missed Espio's presence.
"I have to do something about this… but what?"
It wasn't until late at night when Bride of the Constant Vigil and Espio returned back home. Vector had gotten done lighting sticks of incense around the house, and looked to their direction.
"Oh, you two. How was your time?" he asked.
"It was good, good. I think Espio's ready for his wedding tomorrow." replied Constant Vigil
As the large green reptile turned to see his crush, he was surprised to see no sort of excitement or happiness on Espio's face. As a matter of fact, he looked rather… gloomy.
"I'm going to bed…" he moaned.
"That's a good idea. Early to rise, the faster we arrive. Do not worry, Vector, you may continue staying up late if you wish."
Seeing Espio walk sadly to his room, shoulders slouched; Vector grew worried and followed the chameleon into his room.
"Espio?" he replied, knocking on his door.
"Go away…" called out Espio's voice.
"Espio, it's simply me, Vector. Please let me in."
There was about a minute of waiting before the chameleon announced it was okay to come in. Immediately, he saw Espio on his futon, hands up over his face, as if it were covering it up.
"Espio? What is wrong?" he asked.
"Please, shut the door, Vector."
Doing what the bride's son asked him to do, the crocodilian samurai slid the door shut.
"Now, tell me. What is the issue?"
"Vector… I… I can't… I can't do it. I cannot go to that wedding."
"Did something occur over there?"
"No… it's just… I realized that I'm being held against my own will to marry Nicole. I… I have to escape!"
"Escape?! Espio, you do realize what will happen if anyone, especially your mother, will do if they catch you?!"
Espio turned his head sharply towards Vector's direction, shooting him a nasty look.
"Do you think I care?! I don't! May even the gods strike me down; I won't do it, and that's that! I bet you'll even report me too."
Vector grabbed Espio's hand roughly and looked at him. "That's enough! You may be an adult, and you may not want this marriage at all, but this doesn't give you the right to start acting like a brat now!"
The chameleon jumped back in surprised, and looked guilty. "I…I'm sorry, Vector… I didn't mean to lash out on you…"
The crocodile sighed, and placed his hand on Espio's shoulder. "I understand. This situation most likely has you going through a lot of stress."
"It's just… I have no say or do in it…"
"I know it's hard. Come here…"
Vector proceeded to tightly hug Espio. Despite the metallic armor on him, and the large green reptile's strong grip, Espio tightly returned the hug back to the samurai. Seeing as this was his chance however, the ninja looked up.
"Vector? If I may confess something too… there's another reason why I refuse to do this wedding." he said.
"Hm? And what would that be?" asked Vector.
"You see… err… how can I say this?"
Espio twiddled his thumbs and felt his face grow red. "V-Vector… I think I may have finally have finally realized who I have fallen for."
"You have? You have fallen for someone?"
"Yes… it may be a bit shocking as to who it is… but I promise you that it won't be TOO much of a shocker."
"Please, go ahead and tell me. I promise I won't tell a single soul."
Espio's eyes lowered as he walked over to the crocodile and brought him to the ground.
"E-Espio? What are you doing?!"
Then, the chameleon got on top of Vector, staring down straight at him.
"You haven't caught on by now? Someone who's been heavily teasing me for quite some time, someone who I've only known for quite a short amount of time."
Espio reached in closer, taking off Vector's helmet. "Someone who happens to be a big, strong crocodile, who just so happens to be a samurai… can you take a guess as to who that is?"
The blush on Vector's face grew as the ninja slowly reached for the samurai's lips.
However, before anything could happen, Vector grabbed both of Espio's hands quickly, and kissed him roughly. Caught off guard, Vector used this chance to roll over, and allow himself to loom over Espio. The two reptiles continued to stay on the floor, kissing and hoping no one would interrupt their moment of passion.
After a minute, Vector and Espio parted from their kiss, and looked at each other. They quickly got up from the floor as they covered their mouths, blushing intensely from what happened, and thoughts racing through their heads.
"Y-You… you feel the same, Vector?" began Espio.
"Y-Yes… I didn't know why I felt that way about you… You were someone who was getting married, albeit arranged, but… I just thought you would never see me in the way I saw you in. I see you as a mysterious, yet charismatic way… and when I soon realized this… I knew that perhaps… the stars have aligned for us to be the true couple. And yes, I will admit; what I did earlier today was admittedly, done to catch your attention." explained Vector.
"Those are quite a lot of words, Vector." The chameleon joked. "I… I guess I can say the same about me too. I see you in a very charming sort of way, almost flirtatious in a way towards me. I was confused about my feelings, seeing as how I never saw myself as a person to be attracted to the same gender. Yet… as I got to know you more, and I took a look at myself more and more, I soon realized that this wasn't the case. I do believe about what you said about the stars aligning; the gods have seen my request, and granted it to me."
Espio proceeded to rub Vector's face with his thumb. "And have given me the person I was truly meant to spend my time with."
The crocodile smiled as the two hugged again, and shared a small kiss.
"Espio… with us now realizing our feelings… you must not forget about your wedding tomorrow." reminded Vector.
"I know… Vector… I have a request for you. For the both of us. Let us escape together!"
"Us?"
"Yes, and then, we can truly live our lives the way we want it! We no longer have to live in the Dragon Kingdom. We can find new life somewhere new!"
"Espio… I know you mean well, but do realize; you are not only putting your life on the line, but mine's too. If we get caught, well, you know the results…"
"I know… we must plan ahead of our plan… We have less than twenty-four hours left…"
Vector scratched his chin for a bit before coming up with his idea. "This may seem very dangerous, and it most likely is going to be. But hear me out…"