31 Days of Sonic Prompt 2: Control
Captivated by Your Ardor
The slow rise and fall of Knuckles' chest caught Espio's attention. He stared, transfixed, as Knuckles simply breathed. The echidna sat cross-legged in front of the Master Emerald, the massive gem casting a pleasing green glow over him. It played with the bright red hues of his fur, leaving Espio entranced, pulling him away from their mutual meditation.
He hadn't meant to open his eyes. A harsh wind had billowed from the east, and his eyelids involuntarily peeled apart. While he would have reprimanded himself for falling for an interruption, Espio continued gazing at his partner.
Joining the satisfying light from the Master Emerald, sun rays shone on Knuckles. It made him appear to radiate, much like the jewel he swore to protect. Warmth stemmed from Knuckles as well, accentuated by the generous sunshine. Sitting so close to him, Espio felt the space between them heat up, the very air a pleasant haze.
Espio relaxed his posture. He stretched his legs and folded his palms on his knees. While he should have resumed meditating, his delightful distraction proved too enticing. Espio glanced at Knuckles up and down, taking in the little details, such as the slight bobbing of his head, reminding Espio of someone ready to nod off to sleep.
But as if jarred awake from a nightmare, Knuckles' eyes snapped open. His voice broke through the hum of the songbirds flying overhead. "I thought I felt you staring at me. Is something on my face?"
Espio almost jumped out of his scales, jaw dropping at the guardian. Knuckles peered at Espio, patiently waiting for a response. Espio cleared his throat and pulled his concentration to their surroundings of the Altar of the Emerald.
"Oh, no. My apologies," the chameleon muttered, examining the cracks that littered the stairs. "I became briefly inattentive. I'll work harder in my training so that it doesn't happen again."
Knuckles cocked his head, giving Espio his full attention. "Oh, what was it? I don't think I felt anything out of the ordinary."
Espio was one for honesty, but he still winced. His cheeks burned, contrasting with the cold, heavy pit forming in his stomach. Admitting he had slacked off in their meditation session to stare at Knuckles, drinking in the rich colors of his fur and the beauty in his stern gaze, forced his lips to tightly press together as if he glued them shut.
He imagined Vector and Charmy sneering at him, pointing and teasing in his mind's eye. Charmy was a kid, but Vector was juvenile enough to encourage their antics. Espio quickly banished them to the shadowy crevices of his thoughts, his fellow detectives jeering for him to make the moment romantic.
The corner of Knuckles' lip lifted. "Espio, you've gotten pretty quiet. Are you okay? I-"
"I'm fine," he interjected, straightening his posture. He cleared his throat and pressed his fist to his chest, lightly digging his thumb against his collarbone. "I suppose the wind interrupts and lets us see for a reason."
Espio realized his explanation lacked any foundation when Knuckles immediately grunted. The sheer ambiguity of his statement brought a more sizzling rush throughout his body. He rubbed his horn, half-lidded eyes turning back to the staircase, and he felt the wind caress him, which he cursed for causing his problem.
Knuckles leaned into the Master Emerald. He wrapped his arms behind his head, saying, "I'm gonna guess there's an actual meaning to your riddle."
Espio couldn't suppress a thin smirk from crossing his face. "Indeed. I was, um, hindered in our meditation."
"Oh, by the wind?"
Nodding, Espio added, "That's right. I believe I'm used to the consistent draft at the office that humid winds are an easy way to distract me." He clenched his fist. "It goes to show I'm still green with my training."
Knuckles chuckled, not a hint of mockery in his tone. The emerald's light caressed him, bringing out the deeper violet tints in his irises. But before Espio could fall deeper into his attraction, perplexion crossed Knuckles' features. He leaned toward him, bringing one knee up and leaning on it as he asked, "But what did you mean by the wind letting you see something for a reason? Or, uh, whatever it was you said?"
Luck stiffed Espio on the bill. Flushed, he swiped his hand behind his neck. He spared himself the embarrassment and peered at the ground. He was unable to meet Knuckles' captivating eyes. He drew breath through his teeth, a wave of bashfulness washing over him, preventing him from confessing.
But Knuckles reached out and touched the crook of his neck. His thumb lifted and brushed his cheek. His warmth was blissful and smothered the chills inside of Espio, a single touch being all he needed to cure his ailing anxieties.
"No need to feel weird, Espio. You can tell me anything," Knuckles promised, gently grinning.
His reassurance was all Espio needed. Knuckles' earnestness was one of his many charms that grounded Espio. Even if embarrassment stifled his frankness, Knuckles ushered out Espio's true feelings.
Espio connected with him. He cupped Knuckles' hand, pressing his palm to the side of his face as he spoke. "I was looking at you. The sunlight and the light from the Master Emerald pair very well with you."
Eyes widening, Knuckles' face flushed. He radiated an even greater heat, emanating with palpable shock. But as quickly as surprise struck him, he broke into a cheek-splitting smile. A hearty laugh rose from his chest, complementing the songbirds flocking overhead the altar.
"Oh! That makes sense! I am a pretty good-looking guy," he proclaimed, and he threw his arm around Espio's shoulder. Bringing him closer, he focused solely on Espio. Lowering his voice, the sound like a sigh, he let Espio hear his truth. "You know, the Master Emerald's light is a great look for you, too."
Enfolded in the heavenly green glow, Espio nestled into Knuckles. Emerald shades painted their scales and fur, its power another source of heartwarming compassion. Espio rested his head on Knuckles' shoulder, safe and loved, enveloped in that hazy heat. Closing their eyes, Espio and Knuckles matched the other's breathing, resuming their meditation far closer than before.