It was funny how this was becoming a very common thing for Espio and him. He all of a sudden felt aware of his disguise. The suit was decent, but he kept comparing his to Espio's.
"Nice suit by the way." He gave him a smile as he straightened his gloves.
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"Thanks, a tuxedo isn't exactly appropriate attire for this, but it works. Your suit, however, is perfect." He cleared his throat, "For the mission, I mean."
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Silver felt a slight warm feeling on his muzzle before looking around at the street. He glanced back to Espio with a small smile.
"Alright, where do we go?" He rubbed the back of his head, being careful that he didn't get any blue body paint on his white gloves.
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"The Pavilion should be about a fourth of a mile from the Casino, so about three blocks. It won't take us long, they probably won't show up for a while regardless."
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Silver nodded and they started to walk in the direction of the Casino. The sky was turning to very beautiful shade of purple. He could feel a slight breeze against his face. It always got cooler at night and he noticed that businesses were starting to turn on their neon lights.
"Station Square is really beautiful in the evening time." He said breaking the silence.
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"It is, if you're new to it. After a while it just becomes part of your life, like an insignificant detail that occurs everyday." He scanned over the lights and then at the sky. "But it is nice."
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Silver was still looking upwards at the signs. He spotted one for a jazz club. "Well, that's true. Anything can become old after awhile, but this kind of thing wasn't around in my future." He gestured to the signs.
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"Then you should enjoy it as much as you can. You have a lot of places to go before returning to the future." Espio wondered what the future was like. He figured everything was extremely advanced, judging by how quickly technology develops and how people adapt to the changes at the same rate. Despite the wonders ahead, he understood why Silver came to the past. Besides having to save the world a few times, it was interesting to see how different things were. Personally, he would have gone back to the point where he could train and fight with ninjas in feudal Japan.
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"Yeah, I do. I hope when this is all over I can actually explore the Mystic Ruins." He looked forward and could see the lights of the Casino in the far distance.
"If I'm being honest Espio," he paused and realized he couldn't take it back at that point. "A part of me doesn't want to go back." He braced himself slightly.
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"Wh, why not?" Espio was baffled, "Don't you have family, if not, friends to go back to? You could always just visit." He gave him an unsure expression. "You've helped saved the world so yours would be better. Didn't it work?"
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Silver huffed. The questions he had a hard time answering for himself and he was going to try expressing his thoughts to Espio.
"I don't have family left," he said with a neutral tone, "the one person I would've stayed for is gone." His eyes strayed away from the buildings and moved to the ground. "My future is okay, but without something you care about," he paused for a beat, "what's the point?"
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Espio gave a single nod. "You might not have family, but you have friends here." He could always go to the future, make some friends and start a new life, but Espio understood that he already had some companions he'd probably prefer to not let go of. "Why didn't you tell me before?"
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Silver glanced over to him, "I was afraid of what you would think." He cleared his throat quietly before adding, "you're the only person I've told." He looked forward again and he spotted a sign with directions to popular locations in Station Square. Espio knows where they're going, he thought.
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Espio stayed quiet. He didn't really know what to say in a situation like this. "Forgive me for asking," was what stumbled out of his mouth to prevent another silence from enveloping them as they passed the signs and continued on their way towards The Pavilion.
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"Oh, it's completely fine." He looked over to him again as they walked. "Sorry to dump that on you." He replied with a nervous chuckle.
"But I do really care about this investigation and I want to see it through." He fidgeted with his gloves and his suit lapel.
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"No, it's fine. You were kind enough to enlighten me, and I thank you for that." They were getting closer. "Are you feeling more confident about pulling this off?"
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"To be honest, I'm terrified about messing up someone's date. Mafia or not." He started with a bit of hesitation. "I just have to believe that Tails can wipe the memory."
He eased his shoulders slightly, "I know I said I was fine with it before but if his device wasn't involved I probably wouldn't do it."
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"If his device wasn't involved, we wouldn't have to interact with the mafia, but we wouldn't have any leads for our case. We could think of another prank...it may not necessarily need to affect their date. Tails just wants him pranked, that's all." Espio thought back to other pranks they discussed.
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Continuing down the street he looked around at the people on the sidewalk, mostly families and couples. "Hm, let's just stick with the original plan for now. I may improvise." He gave Espio a somewhat convincing look of confidence.
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"Oh, alright." Espio looked at him with wide eyes. He couldn't think of the right plan that Silver wouldn't mind going through with. After all, this plan was pretty much the best they decided on.
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After what seemed forever they finally reached the front of the pavilion. The outside was framed with neatly trimmed hedges and old marble pillars. Silver's ears went down slightly at the sight. It was such a nice place. The man at the door was wearing a better tuxedo than he was.
He could see couples walk in with linked arms and he looked to Espio unsure if Silas was already inside. They stopped on the street across from the entrance hiding in the shadows.
"Should we wait or could you turn invisible and check it out?" He realised how corny it sounded after he said it.
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He enjoyed evenings out with his partner, Jekyll, when he got the opportunity. Money wasn't an issue for either of them and the restaurant was in the mafia's pocket. Why would the mafia want with a restaurant? Appearances, perhaps? All he knew was that Canstella had private meetings with business partners during after hours. Being the right and left hand, respectfully, had its perks.
They were escorted inside by a tuxedo wearing human. The inside was a beautiful granite marvel and the people inside were dressed to the nines. Human and Mobian, alike. The lighting was a romantic orange hue and the dishware was polished silver.
Silas sat across from his long term boyfriend and partner, Jekyll. They had worked together for years, despite the rocky start they had grown to like each other as the years went by. Now here they are having dinner with each other as the top lieutenants of the organization. Life has been kind, he thought.
They shared small sly smiles until they were left alone by their waiter. Privacy was imperative when it came to talking about business or personal matters. "Thank you for suggesting this," Silas gestured with his hand, "it's nice to get some quiet time. Canstella is really pissed."
He was referring to Jon's betrayal, he had relayed the info to his boss and now he had to deal with angry bear among other things. Just who the fuck did Jon switch sides for? He couldn't help but grimace about the situation.
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"Neither," Espio said, "I think I spotted a few silhouettes that look suspiciously familiar...Let's head in."
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"I don't know what the fuck Jon's up to. I never saw him as the suicidal type, but damn if he doesn't have a death wish with this." He paused. "Unless Canstella doesn't find out." He heard Silas scoff as he skimmed through the menu, already knowing what to order from their previous visits. The five cheese authentic Italian Fettuccine with a dollop of cilantro sauce was always his favourite, though the other fancily named entrees did interest him.
"We're no snitches, but if Canstella finds out that his own men knew and didn't tell him?...Silas, I'll save you a spot in hell."
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Silas raised an eyebrow as he set his menu down. He was going to order his usual entreé but with a different wine option. Pan-seared salmon with macaroni au fromage was his favorite, but he decided to forego the side salad and choose a simple white wine option. Chardonnay seemed appropriate.
"Well, as long as you're there with me." He gave him a half-lidded look and smile. "I'm going to send him a report instead of going in person. He may be so enraged he'll throw punches."
His tail flinched at the thought of being in the same room with him. Fuck that.
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"That's my Silas, using his brains like always. I remember when Chuck reported something similar in person. He's still wearing a cast on his arm." He shook his head, taking both menus and putting them on the side. He waited for their usual waiter to come and ask them "the usual?" It'd become a routine with their visits, but he wondered if Silas would spice up his order.
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As soon as Jekyll put the menus away the waiter came into view at the side of their table. The staff never had them waiting for very long and it was because they knew Silas was second in command. Basically, if anything was to happen to Canstella he would ascend to 'boss'.
Jekyll would become his right hand in result but Silas didn't believe that he would be leaving any time soon. The idea of being boss was...enticing. However, he never showed public interest in the job because he could be outed as an opportunist. He placed his order with his usual entreé and white wine.
Jekyll ordered the usual. Silas had already expected it, but he knew he loved that dish. He recalled a memory of their first dinner here and it was...enlightening, to say the least. It was a night full of never ending conversation. He had never met someone who he could talk so freely with.
The waiter walked away with their orders and he returned his amber stare to Jekyll. "Decided to try a Chardonnay this time," he gave him a small smile, "also, no salad. I'm full of surprises, tonight." He teased.
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"Christ, who's this snake in front of me?" Jekyll asked, completely baffled and grabbing his forehead. He laughed, placing his hands on the table. He recomposed himself, stifling his laughter. "Chardonnay? You're feeling particularly fancy tonight, aren't you?"
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He watched as Jekyll laughed in front of him. He knew that their dinner was always the same but he didn't believe that it was necessarily bad to try new things. He knew he wasn't really mocking him so he cracked a small smile.
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Silver and Espio sat across from each other at a table near the center of the restaurant. He couldn't help but take in his surroundings. The marble stone walls and high cathedral-like ceiling were a beautiful sight. He had never been inside a place so fancy before. It made the prank seem so juvenile and inappropriate, more so than it already was.
The knot in his stomach didn't get better. They were handed menus and were left alone by the waiter who went to help someone else. It only took one glance at the menu to know that he had no idea what to get.
"I don't even know what half of this means, Espio." He struggled to pronounce the French words that were in almost every entreé option.
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"I've actually worked here before." Espio admitted, avoiding eye contact by staring into the menu. Money would get tight when clients didn't flow in as often, so he'd taken up a part time job at this particular restaurant. With the prices they charged for the food, he definitely made enough with the tips when he managed all the tables he could. Ninja skills did come in handy in case he'd trip by accident. "This one always looked good, but I'm not sure if you're a fan of seafood." He pointed at a name that insinuated an entire ensemble of several treats from the sea. Crab legs, lobster tails, oysters, calamari, shrimp...the small description gave more understanding than the title, Fête de Triton.
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He glanced up from his menu to look at Espio but he didn't meet his eyes. He looked down to read the description that he had pointed too. Fête de Triton, a generous assortment of various seafood options. It wasn't his favorite kind of food but he had to admit that his stomach had been growling since they sat down.
"It sounds pretty good and we could probably just share it, if that's okay?" He knew that Vector had given him only so much money to cover their meal. Silver felt it was best to share such an expensive platter of food. He hoped Espio wouldn't mind.
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"That works." He was just glad to finally be served after serving people for so long in an establishment like this. They waited for their server and he requested the platter. He only asked for some water as his drink, more focused on the food than a measly drink.
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When the server came by to take their order he let Espio do the talking. He looked around the restaurant and the patrons. He imagined what it would be like to work here, it looked exhausting to say the least. He had never had an official job before now that he thought about it.
"I guess you never saw Silas come in here?" He looked back over to Espio.
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"I have, actually." His eyes looked around the room. "I didn't know he was part of the mafia, but I never served him, either. That doesn't mean he may have not seen me, though. It just depends on how much attention he pays to detail..."
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Silver went back to scanning the opposite side that Espio was facing.
"Well from what Tails told me he seemed- calculated, I guess." He knew that Silas had been the one to reach out to Tails about his invention, at first. He tried reaching out peacefully but when Tails retaliated that's when Silas got people after him. He had wished at one time that he could've been there to tell him off for Tails.
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"He should be, considering the organisation he's representing. The men on the roof were probably some lower-tier workers for them." He couldn't seem to find the pair. Only a myriad of finely clothed individuals and tiny meals before them.
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He nodded in agreement and shifted uncomfortably in his chair. The suit was slightly too big and the fringe coming down on to his forehead was unfamiliar. As he looked at the far side of the dining room he noticed a table with two figures. He could barely see the faces due to the dim lighting.
"Over there." Silver reached over to tap a finger on Espio's hand and then pointed in that direction discreetly. He looked in the opposite direction to avoid suspicion.
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Espio quickly shot a glance towards their targets. Yeah, that was them. He looked back at Silver. "Are you nervous?"
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He returned his gaze back to Espio. "Yeah, I'm scared I might not make it out alive." He knew that could be a bit of a stretch, but was it? He was about to mess with someone from the Mafia.
"Hey," he paused and swallowed the lump in his throat. "If it goes wrong, please pull them off me."
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"Of course, but don't think so negatively. It's not going to come to that, trust me." Espio turned his head once more to the pair whose food was served at that moment. "Let's just have a nice dinner and ease into it."
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"Okay," he nodded and looked at the table centerpiece which was a small flickering candle. The small flame danced and cast light in different directions. He felt a part of himself wish this wasn't a job. No disguise, no prank to pull, just a nice quiet dinner. Then, he blushed slightly. That would make it, a date? No. Not necessarily, just two friends having dinner. He shooed those thoughts and decided to start a conversation.
"So, how did you learn your skills as a Ninja?" He asked with mild curiosity.
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"I'm sorry, Silver. I'll answer soon. Let me just, watch. For just a moment." He focused on the table where the snake and coyote sat. He really hoped this wouldn't fail.
Jekyll was halfway through his pasta meal, stealing glances at Silas and masking his grin with a mouthful of food. Their table suddenly jumped up slightly as though it were a car that ran over something on the road.
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Slightly disappointed he watched Espio for a moment before setting his elbow on the table in front of him. His eyes went to the front entrance and he watched people come in and out. Humans made up the majority of the clientlé but something caught his eye.
He looked away quickly. Hoping she wouldn't see him.
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Jekyll didn't think much of it. It was probably Silas adjusting his leg and bumping it on the underside of the table. He continued eating, then reached for his glass when the table jumped once more.
"Silver, watch this..."
Right as he lifted the tablecloth, their entire table completely flipped over. Their meals and drinks covered their suits, then plates, cups and the single bottle of chardonnay shattered upon intact on the ivory marble floor. Espio grinned uncharacteristically.
The cause? A plump, black, watermelon-sized creature shot up from under the table, then across the room, skillfully crashing through other tables, then piloted its way out the entrance.
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He nearly missed it but Silver turned in his chair completely to see it happen. He felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders and he didn't try to hide his grin. He watched as the waiters rushed in to help clean up the disastrous scene. He couldn't hear what the snake was saying, but he knew it wasn't polite.
Silas was fucking pissed. He didn't see what was responsible but he was going to find out! He had a waiter rush over to him and try to clean his suit. Uncomfortable with the invasion of personal space he grabbed the linen napkin from their grasp and pushed him away. "Fuck off!"
He ignored the stares of everyone in the restaurant and gave Jekyll a serious look, "Let's go," he growled. He wasn't going to suffer any more embarrassment tonight.
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"Aw, shit." Jekyll really wanted this to go smoothly as it usually did, but what in the actual fuck had happened? He looked at other tables that had their meals disturbed entirely as well, but absolutely nothing could explain it. "Silas, we'll find out for sure. And someone is going to pay fucking hell for it..."
Espio turned back to their own table and nonchalantly took a sip of the preset water.
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Silas turned to leave through the front entrance not trying to make an effort of accommodating people's space as he shoved into guests. He dropped the napkin on the sidewalk as he walked away from The Pavilion. Jekyll was right, whoever it was will fucking pay.
Silver sat forward in his chair again facing Espio again. He looked back in the direction of the front entrance. She was gone.
He was about to speak before their server returned with a platter of edible sea creatures. Silver was starving now that the anxiety had melted away.
"Should we follow them? Take the food back to the agency and eat it when we get back?" That was the point of coming here, wasn't it? The prank was going to happen but they needed more information about Canstella.
He looked over at the devastation to his left and the team of staff cleaning the mess.
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"No. Everything is under control, I trust him to be careful." Placing his palms together, he said "Itadakimasu..." then grabbed a crab leg and cracked it apart. "Let's just enjoy our meal."
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Silver wanted to ask who this trusted person was that caused all of the mayhem, but his stomach had been growling for the past hour. He grabbed a crab leg and smiled. "Sounds good to me."
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Espio bit into the fresh crab meat after drizzling some warm melted butter on top. His expression said it all. He hadn't eaten anything so savoury in such a long time. It almost pained him to know it would probably be another long while before he ever did again.
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Silver decided on an oyster and grabbed one off the ice. He picked up the wooden handle of the shucking knife. This was going to be a first. He found a small gap between where the shell met and pushed it in. With a quick twist he was able to pry it apart with a satisfying pop.
He had seen it done by a guest close to them but decided to keep that to himself. He looked down at the slimy substance prepared himself as sipped the edge of the oyster. It was salty, slimy, and...strangely delightful. "Mmm, that's actually pretty good." He went for another.
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After discarding of the now meatless crab leg, he reached for a lobster tail and drenched the thing in butter. When the waiter came around to check on them as expected, he requested the menu.
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The server had given Espio the menu and walked off again to give him time to decide.
Silver's brow raised. "Getting something else?" He popped open another oyster.
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He nodded, ripping the meat out of its shell and maneuvering through the pages without staining the sheets. "It's to-go. I'd like it to be ready before we leave." He found the desired item and left the menu at his side. He attacked the lobster meat and chewed delightedly.
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Silver slurped the inside of his second oyster. He nodded in understanding. "Sounds good." He took a sip of his water and watched as the server came back a couple minutes later.
"What would you like, sir?" He asked in a dignified tone.
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Espio placed his order and added, "I'd like this to go, please." He reached for another crab leg. "Also, more butter."
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The server simply nodded in response and walked away. Silver watched but continued to repeat his shucking and slurping. It didn't seem to take long but they had finished the large platter of seafood.
The server had dropped off the to-go order and the check on the table. "Have a good evening, gentlemen." He turned and left again.
"I'm scared of what that says," he chuckled nervously as he tried to read it from where he sat.
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He took the slip of paper and read, "$35 for the platter, $15 for the to-go order, $4 tax, so $54 excluding the tip. 20% makes it $10.8... basically $65 for this and...whatever." He rummaged through his tuxedo pants pocket and placed down $40.
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After paying for their meal they headed outside. Silver felt a refreshing breeze hit his face which would've felt nice if he didn't have all of the gel in his quills. He pulled the large suit off and his fur was exposed to the wind.
"Phew." He turned to Espio. "Can't wait to tell Tails what happened back there."
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"He'll be elated for sure." Espio carried the hot meal in its bag and they walked back to the detective agency with a little speed in their steps.