Regular sonic fan: Charmy and Espio are pretty adorable together, aren't they? I love their bond. Espio is definitely like Charmy's mother in a sense. :P You're right about the guys having trouble with the website. xD Nothing is ever easy for the Chaotix. :P I understand how you feel about life right now and I'm really sorry about it. Is there anything that you wish that you were doing over the summer? I hope that your sophomore year goes well for you!
Fangirl-time: I'm so glad to hear that you liked the chapter! :D You're so right about Vector being a troublemaker! xD And yeah, a six-year-old bee won't be much help either, haha. Thanks for the compliment!
Mickfang27: Yeah, poor Espio almost did have a heart attack there, didn't he? The poor little guy needs a hug! Vector, go over and hug him! Haha, yeah, the way Charmy talked about Espio's bedroom was a bit funny. :P He's so innocent, isn't he? Hm, that a good question! I wonder if Vector is thinking about Espio too. I guess you'll find out in this chapter! I like your design for the website. Let's just say that Vector's and Espio's design ideas are very different! It is sad how mental scars take so long to heal. Maybe Vector can eventually heal Espio's wounds? Thanks for the review!
Villains' Bad Girl: Here and there for now. Anywhere is better than where I was staying, you know? As long as I have wi-fi access, I'm happy. xD
Toni the Mink: I'm really glad that you're enjoying this story all over again! So all of the Vecpio parts are your favorite bits? There will be lots more of those parts this time around. ^^ It's no problem about not reviewing for a few days. Did you have a nice weekend, I hope? And omg, I looooove Dimentio and Mimi. xD I'd love to cosplay as Mimi sometime. Speaking of which, I should post that Dimimi fanfic of mine. xD Thanks for reading this!
LuluCalliope: Can't really turn the PMing thing back on because I had stalker problems and I don't really use my email anymore, but we can always talk through reviews, right?
Manicpanicgirl: Yay, we're both fans of the green guys! :D Do you like Jet too? I also like him and Vector, of course. Now I'm trying to think of all of the green Sonic characters and I'm wondering if I'm missing anyone. I don't think that's such a weird idea. I actually like it. :) And I know, right? Vector should be more careful with his dirty shoes! Thanks for reading this!
Ersiffa Narman: Hey again! Yay, I'm so glad to hear that this is one of the best-paced stories in the Sonic section. Do you read a lot of Sonic fics then? And hey, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being a geek. I can understand how it would be nice to have your own band. Do you ever think about trying to form one? Thanks again for wishing me luck on finding a job. It's more complicated than I thought that it was going to be. Charmy is super innocent and cute, isn't he? Vector is...not innocent. xD Hope you like this next chapter!
Saints-Fan-12: Awesome! *high fives you* Fangirling is awesome! I agree that the website might have a few complications. Hope you like this next chapter!
bearvalley3365: I'm really glad to hear that you're still enjoying this story! I really appreciate your reviews on it! Canon characters are Sonic characters that appeared in either the Sonic comics, shows, or games.
Mysterious: You have it? Lucky! I'm so jealous now! Is the game really good? Thanks for liking the chapter!
Stormyx: You're more than welcome for posting the story up again! Thank you so much for reading it! Comments are what make me want to keep posting it. Haha, you think that Esp will have fun cleaning the carpet? I hate cleaning myself, but Espio is definitely what you call a neat freak. Thanks for the comment on how I keep everyone in character. That's always my goal with my stories. Never worry or hesitate to talk to me. I'm a friendly person, don't worry. :P I can see why you like Espio best! Vector is my favorite Chaotix member, but I like Espio almost as well. What do you like about Vector and Charmy? I'm definitely better now. *nods* I'm not going to college or a university although I probably should go to one to be quite honest. Right now, I'm just looking for a job (and am secretly hoping to become an author someday). How about you? ^^
zgirl16: Aw, thanks so much for saying that it's nice to have me back! I feel loved now. xD Ooo, you're going to read Poisoned Apples again? I would love that so much - thank you! Have you ever seen Monsters Inc. before? Those stories might be a bit hard to understand if you haven't seen the movie. I honestly haven't ever seen any anime before. Do you watch it? :)
Chapter VII
~ Vector's POV ~
Espio's house is just the way that I imagined it ta be. It's small and cozy, but extremely neat and tidy. The floors are polished, the walls are spotless, and everything seems to be in its proper place besides for a video game controller sprawled across the comfy looking sofa in the middle of the living room. Charmy, Espio's little buddy, is practically jumpin' up and down jubilantly. I think that he's the most excited member of our team so far. His big grin even beats my own. Espio, on the other hand, isn't smiling. His arms are crossed over his chest and his slender body is leaning up against the sofa.
As Charmy leads me to the bedroom where the computer is located - odd place to keep a computer if ya ask me - I can feel Espio's sharp amber eyes on my back. It's almost as if he's eyin' me with disapproval like I'm invading his house or something. Yeah, I guess that I kind of am intruding, but he did invite me here and we are supposed to be a team now. The poor guy probably just needs to relax a little bit. He seems so uptight and tense all of the time. Maybe I can find a way to turn that around.
"Here we are!" Charmy exclaims excitedly, pushing open the door to Espio's bedroom and flying inside of it with a euphoric expression on his face.
Still vaguely aware of Espio's ever vigilant gaze on my back, I tromp inside of the bedroom and glance around it. The walls are a soft shade of cream and there's a light blue blanket covering a full-sized bed. Like the rest of the house, everything in here is clean. Y'know, it's almost too clean in here. The room lacks the aspect of comfort. Everything is just so stiff and rigid and...Espio-like.
Espio brushes past me to the computer, sending a shiver down my spine for some strange reason. Feeling like I ought to say something or at least comment on the room, I point out randomly, "It's a nice bedroom that you've got here. It seems really...uh...clean."
"Thank you," Espio replies evenly, pulling out the stool sitting behind the computer desk. Perching on the edge of it, Espio turns on the power. As we wait for the computer to load, Charmy asks, "So Vector, do you think that we can see your house sometime since you've seen our house now?"
"Er..." I start out hesitantly, sending a wary look in Espio's direction. The neat freak chameleon will probably have a fit if he takes one step inside of the apartment that I'm currently livin' in. Shrugging my shoulders, I reply, "I guess so. I'm just living in an apartment fer now though. It's nothin' fancy."
"That's okay!" Charmy bubbles. "I've always thought that it would be fun to live in an apartment. They're sort of like hotels so it feels like you're on a vacation when you're staying in them."
"Heh, well, yer welcome to visit the apartment if you want," I reply, trying to please the youngest member of our group for now since this is our first meeting together and I want it to be a success.
The computer screen suddenly lights up and all three of us turn our gazes to the screen. Espio quickly starts up the internet and then glances over his shoulder at Charmy with an apprehensive look on his face. He suggests in a tentative voice, "Perhaps now would be a good time for those cookies. Would you like a snack, Charmy?"
"Would I ever!" Charmy exclaims, looking thrilled at the idea of cookies.
"Alright," Espio replies, standing up and stepping lightly across the bedroom floor to the door. His eyes flick over to me and he asks, "What about you, Vector?"
I just ate dinner about five minutes before I rushed over here, but in my opinion, there's always room for more food, especially when it comes to cookies. Nodding my head up and down vigorously, I reply, "'Course I want some cookies! Who doesn't like cookies?"
"Everyone likes cookies," Charmy chimes in, agreeing with me immediately. "These cookies are even better than usual because Espio made them himself for once! He usually just buys the frozen pre-made kind since he doesn't like cooking, but these cookies are made from scratch."
"They're better than usual only if you like burnt cookies," Espio points out with a wry smile in Charmy's direction. "I forgot about the timer for the cookies. Anyway, I'll go fetch some milk and cookies. Vector, you can start working on the website if you'd like. This should only take me a few minutes."
"Alright," I nod, plopping down on Espio's stool while cranking my music up a few notches so I feel more inspired to work on the website.
Charmy instantly starts hanging over my shoulder, prepared to watch my every move. As the fuchsia colored chameleon slips out of the room, I note that just a moment ago was the first time that I saw him smile since I entered the house. He's got a nice smile and I can tell just from lookin' at him that he's got a special bond with Charmy. It's too bad that he doesn't smile more often.
"What are you going to do?" Charmy interrupts my thoughts, clearly waiting impatiently for me to start working on the website.
I pause and look blankly at the computer screen, realizin' that I don't have any idea how to create a website. I don't want Charmy to know that though. He'll think that I'm incapable. Instead of telling him the truth, I wave him away from my shoulder and point out, "Well, I can't do anythin' with you hanging over my shoulder like that. It's too distracting!"
"Aw, you sound like Espio. He never wants me around when he's on the computer either," Charmy replies in disappointment although he does follow my wish and flies away from my shoulder.
With Charmy gone for the moment, I take a closer look at the internet homepage. As usual, there are the typical news articles plastered all over it. Somethin' at the top of the screen manages to catch my eye though. It's an ad that claims to win you your true love if you click the link. Hm. Maybe the link could give me some good advice for my situation with Vanilla. Glancing inconspicuously over my shoulder, I see that Charmy is still mindin' his own business. I'll just click the link real fast and see what happens...
The webpage before me immediately changes to a page full of hearts and dating advice. There are pictures of couples in love all over the screen, but I don't pay much attention to them. Instead, my eyes zone in on the words on the center of the page. They read, "Want to spice up your life and find the guy/girl of your dreams? Just enter your name and email address here to get started!"
Despite not having a computer of my own, I do have an email address. I immediately place my hands on the keyboard and start typin' my name into the blank box. Things can't get any worse between Vanilla and me since she doesn't even know who I am yet. I might as well give this a shot. There's nothing to lose.
"What are you doing?" a curious voice suddenly asks from directly over my shoulder. "Oh wow, look at that picture! Aren't those kissing hedgehogs both guys?"
"Charmy, don't give me a heart attack like that!" I exclaim, jumping slightly as Charmy's voice goes straight into my ear. I'm startin' to get jumpy like Espio! Glancing at the screen, I notice that Charmy's right. There are two guy hedgehogs kissing. I'm not really sure what to say to Charmy about it. He probably doesn't know anything about homosexual couples...
"Nice going," a cool, disdainful voice sounds from over our shoulders.
I turn my head and gulp, knowing that I'm in the doghouse now. Espio is standing behind me with his hands on his hips and with a disapproving look on his face. He jabs a finger at the webpage that I'm on and says, "This is exactly why I don't want Charmy on the internet! He's only six. Now go eat your cookies. I put them on the bed. I'll handle the website."
Espio didn't exactly insult me or get really upset with me, but I feel a wave of guilt wash over me as I shamefully get up from the stool and start toward Espio's bed. I usually don't give a damn when people insult me, but fer some unknown reason, I really don't like makin' Espio upset.
Charmy stays over Espio's shoulder until he brings up a blank webpage, apparently finding the kissing hedgehogs to be of more interest than the cookies. Only when the hedgehogs disappear from the screen does Charmy fly over to the plate of cookies on the bed. He tries to cram one into his mouth and talk at the same time as he asks Espio, "Why were those two guys kissing?"
Espio lets out a loud sigh and shoots a dirty glance in my direction as he replies, "I'll explain it to you when you're older, Charmy. It's nothing you need to worry about."
"Aw!" Charmy complains through a mouthful of cookie. "Why do I never get to know about any of the good stuff until I'm older?"
"You'll grow up soon enough," Espio points out almost sadly as he starts typing away. I can't really see what he's doing on the computer, but I'm pretty sure that he's already made lots of progress on the website. Everything about Espio is speedy.
I turn my attention to the plate of cookies and notice that Espio is right; they are kinda on the brownish side. Just because they're burnt doesn't mean that they're gonna taste bad though. I grab the biggest cookie on the plate and pop the whole thing into my mouth. I chew for a moment before my eyes light up. The cookies are downright delicious! Despite being burnt, they're the most amazing things that I've ever tasted. No wonder Charmy likes it when Espio cooks so much.
"Say, Esp," I start out, trying to get the chameleon's attention. He doesn't turn around or acknowledge me. Instead, he just continues typing relentlessly away. Undeterred, I go on and say, "The kid's right. Yer cookies are the best! I've never had any this good before."
"You're too kind," Espio says a bit coldly. Apparently, he hasn't forgiven me for the dating site incident yet.
"That's not true! They really are the best," Charmy protests, grabbing three more cookies from the plate before trying to stuff them all into his mouth at one time.
As if he senses what Charmy is up to, Espio turns around and chastises, "If you eat that many cookies, you'll get a stomachache."
"Well, if you don't want me to eat so many of them, then you'd better come and get some for yourself!" Charmy mumbles, crumbs flying from his mouth as he tries to chew too much cookie at once.
Espio hesitates and then admits, "I suppose that I am a bit hungry. I might as well eat one cookie."
As Espio gets up from the stool, I immediately jerk up from where I'm sitting on the bed, wanting to make up for my last mistake to Espio by helping him out with the website. I hurry over to the stool and plop down on it again, saying, "I'll take this over fer now. Wow, Esp, you really do know a thing or two about makin' websites, don't ya?"
"I'm really not that good," Espio denies, his cheeks turning slightly pink as he plucks up a cookie from the plate. "You can work on the background pattern for the website if you'd like."
"Sure thing," I nod, willing to do whatever it takes to make Espio happy. He really has made a lot of progress. There's a webpage up and running with information about our detective agency on it. The text explains what we're all about and has our phone number on the center of the page. Now the page just needs to be decorated like Espio suggested. It's up to me to add some life to this boring page.
After scanning the page, I find a place that says "insert image here". That must be where I should put the link to a background image. Hm, what should I use fer a background image? A light bulb pops into my head as a brilliant idea comes to my mind. I search the image I'm lookin' for under another tab and copy and paste the link to the image into "insert image here" bar. The results aren't half bad if I do say so myself.
A few moments later, Espio finishes his cookie and daintily wipes his mouth with a napkin before he untucks his legs from underneath him and pads over to where I'm working on the website with Charmy right behind him. Frowning slightly, Espio glances at my webpage and asks dubiously, "What is that?"
"What's what? Oh, ya mean the background?" I ask, feeling proud of myself. Espio nods. "It's the snazziest background image that I could find! Who doesn't want to see a good lookin' croc smiling out at them?"
Espio looks at my website background with that same doubtful look on his face. I thought that using an attractive croc that looks a lot like me for a background image was a pretty darn good idea. Espio, on the other hand, must not think so because he waves me away from the stool and says, "I think that I ought to handle this too. You and Charmy can...can..."
Espio trails off as he tries to figure out something to say. Feeling a little indignant at this point, I cut in agitatedly, "Do what? Yer not lettin' me do anything!"
"You can come up with a team name for us," Espio quickly answers smoothly, saving himself from my wrath.
"Oh. I guess that we do need a team name," I agree. After thinking for a few moments, my mind stays blank. Nothin' comes to my mind. Giving the kid a sideways glance, I ask, "Can ya think of anything good, Charmy?"
"Hm, let's see," Charmy muses, his brow wrinkling as he thinks for a moment. Abruptly, his face lights up and he exclaims, "I've got it! What about Team Chaotix?"
I think about this for a moment before realizing that the name does have a nice ring to it. Even Espio turns around from the webpage, which now has a boring gray background to it, and admits, "That is actually a good possibility. I rather like it."
"Team Chaotix it is then!" I confirm, glad that Espio and I are agreeing on something for once.
"Whoopee!" Charmy yells, doing a somersault in midair. "We're Team Chaotix and friends forever!"
The smile on Espio's face suddenly fades and he sends a wary look in my direction. I try to send him a half-smile in return. We may be Team Chaotix, but we sure have a hellishly long road ahead of us if we ever want to be friends.
Things aren't going so well for Espio and Vector. :P Do you think that the two will ever become friends? Review please! :) Also, I have a Mario story that I've been working on. It's not completed, so I wouldn't update it every single day, but I was still considering posting it. Would anyone be interested in reading it?