Hey everyone,
This story is dedicated to Kitty Petro, a fanfiction author who writes AMAZING Sly Cooper Stories. I got this idea from her series: The Perfect Birthday Present, A Thief is Born, It Takes A Thief and A Tale Of Two Thieves. So far I have read up to chapter 12 of It Takes A Thief and I am BEYOND amazed at her brilliance.
Now, we know from how Sly remembered his first meeting with Carmelita in the Sly Cooper Series that Barkley wasn't always the friendliest towards Carmelita and we know that Barkley was pretty quick to believe Neyla over Carmelita and even – through PR-management – make her an actual captain of the bloody place.
So, what if Barkley really is that bad of a guy? What if Carmelita never hated Sly, but used him because Barkley was just too powerful a foe for her to take out? And what even her family got involved in it? Alongside someone I invented thanks to – again – Kitty Petro and her downright amazing Sly Cooper story series.
Well, let's find out,

Venquine1990

Family Traditions

Carmelita's POV

My name is Carmelita Montoya Fox. I am 26 years old and I work for Interpol as an Inspector of the Law. My boss is Chief Barkley. My family also works for Interpol, but then at different sections, under different bosses and during different times of the day. As such, I have not seen all of them together in 3 years.
And two and a half of those three have been an absolutely terrible nightmare, with great thanks to Chief Barkley himself, who sneakily makes it so that, even if my department is to work alongside that of my family, we ourselves do not and who has also – 2 ½ years ago – made the comment that made my life the hell it is today.

I strongly remember that day, only a few days before I was assigned to Rajan's party, when Barkley came into the cafeteria of Interpol to meet with me and re-teach me what it meant to be an Interpol Inspector. His words then ruined everything as they were spoken in front of a whole bunch of hormonal driven men.
"An Interpol Officer always uses any means and assets they have to catch their criminals." The man had said and while he then – to my shock – aimed for my face, my cleavage and lady parts, did he angrily and with power say: "So start using those!" Pointing to each of my so called assets while saying the last three words.
That, to the hormonal driven men of Interpol, was pretty much a green light signal that I was nothing short of Interpol's harlot and all of them started, one after the other, to try and get me to go on a date with them, only because they wanted me to end up in bed with them. Oh, and if you think I got any female help, think again.
No, the women of Interpol, while not lusting after me, slapping me on the rear, attempting to undo the zipper of my shirt or trying to undress me with their eyes and grin, did nothing to help me as most of the men after me – were men they believed potential boyfriends, making them believe I was stealing away their lovers and whatnot.

Still, the worst of it all – bar the fact that I never got the chance to report any of this to my family – is that outside of the office, when I am out in the field, I actually meet with someone who is kind, gentle, loving and very appreciative of everything I do while working – and I return that kindness with fowl words and insults all the time.
Yes, Sly Cooper may be a thief, but he is also the most gentlemen-like person I have ever met and to constantly burden him with my troubles by rebuking everything nice he has ever said about me, insulting him and attempting to arrest him just so I can relieve my stress and anger from headquarters is filling me up with guilt.
Yet the handsome Raccoon seems used to it by now, as if he expects me to insult him and that only hurts even more. Because of that am I where I am today. In Salon C'est Magnifique, where the beautiful and ever famous brown cobra Madame Urmilla Svetlana has kindly agreed to help me with my latest little plan.

The plan I have involves Sly Cooper and while it had been a great shock to me to hear that Urmilla also knew Sly and even considered him a brother as she always designed and fixed any of his actual outfits, something she hid from the actual crowd as it would damage her reputation more than necessary, was I happy nonetheless.
The cobra with stunning green eyes had even grown – as she said – to consider me a little sister as well, even though I was older than both her and Sly, Sly being one year older than her and me four, and we had devised the rest of the plan together, working solely for one base goal; Sly's twenty-third Birthday Party.

The plan had definitely met a few hitches as I had been told by Urmilla to leave my car at home during the planning and whatnot as the car actually had an Interpol Radio within it and we didn't want Barkley sticking his ugly nose where it didn't belong. Another had been my emotional problems, especially missing my family.
Urmilla had also solved this, telling me of a room where she actually had a remote control camera installed instead of the usual security cameras as this was the same room Sly always came to her for, not to be detected and still to be able to get new cloths or his old ones fixed. There was also a room showing off the video images.
I had instantly invited my mother and while she, papa and my siblings weren't all that fond to join in on a thief's birthday party, had I not told them who the thief was and had they still taken the chance, having wanted to be together as a family again as much as I did, which had made me teary eyed for a good hour afterwards.

The last hurdle we had found was as to how we could present the results of our plan to Sly and while my parents, my brother Cheren and my sister Helena, are in the video viewing room as we speak, am I seated on a chair with my arms behind my back and my face in a dark, furious frown – one that is as fake as that ice is hot.
The reason I am like this is because I am supposed to be the unwanted – from my point – birthday present to one Sly Cooper, the outfit created by Madam Svetlana purposely designed to further perfection the brilliance of the gift – even if I was actually the one to propose the idea of making me said birthday gift in the first place.
I decided to make it look as if it was Urmilla's idea for the very simple reason that Sly believes I hate and despise the very ground he walks on and it will seem more natural for the Raccoon if he first comes across my resisting, angered form instead of seeing me arrive here, willing to be in his presence without my shock-pistol.
This had been something that Urmilla had not been very happy to agree with and my parents hadn't been entirely sure they wanted me at the mercy of a Thief, yet I had assured them that I would only play to be tied up like that, while in truth my hands would be free to move however I pleased, whenever I pleased.

Stationed around me are several of the girls that are working for Urmilla and that have – like me – known Sly for the last five years and while I sincerely hope that them having known this thief will appease my parents when they finally find out his identity, do I practice a bit of fake struggling while awaiting my thief.
The idea that I consider him my thief is one I know my parents won't be very happy to hear, yet it is for two reasons that I consider Sly so. One is because I have, over the last few years, been the only real cop to ever be on his case and the second is because Sly is the only person – professional-wise – to ever treat me respectfully.

Then, thanks to years of working against the Raccoon, do my sensitive ears pick up on a very familiar set of steps; one of them coming from something sounding like wheels, another light and very agile and the third strong and fierce, while the fourth, which is also light and proves the owner to be small kind of confuses me.
Knowing this last one not to be Amanda, who had been assigned to direct Sly to this here birthday party, do I wonder if – perhaps – Sly has taken the Guru out of Australia as that was the last location where Sly and I had met – and where I had actually given in to the anger I always released on him, attempting to murder him.
Hating how I had nearly succeeded, do I feel my heart beat an extra time in gratitude as the Mercenary apes had been reluctant to admit that it had been Sly who had freed me of the item – the Mask of Dark Earth – that had possessed me and had actually made me grow twenty foot tall while manipulating me into my attempt of murder.

I then focus back on the situation at hand and with my head motion Urmilla for the activation of the camera, having a pretty strong feeling that my family has already seen Sly enter the building through another camera. The Cobra nods and just when she presses the button to activate the camera, does Amanda walk in.
Instantly I smirk and while she converses with Urmilla, do I whisper: "Showtime, my lady friends." All of the girls around me smirking before they all attach looks of worry and guilt and trepidation on their faces, making me feel like rewarding them with an Emmy before starting my own set of acting, making my struggling become real.
I then hear Sly's suave voice enter the room as he says: "Urmilla, it's been too long, chéri." And the smooth aristocratic voice of the cobra answers playfully: "Sly, you silly boy. You came to me only months ago to acquire your costumes for your trip to Venice – which I see was a great success. Welcome back, Murray dearest."
The Hippo then speaks and says: "Aw shucks, it's good to be back, Urmilla. And congrats, you know, with your brother's birthday." This alone makes me have to press down on a happy smile as the fact that Murray calls Sly Urmilla's brother so easily proves again what an amazing bond has been formed between the two.

"You too, chéri, you too. Oh and – eh – Sly. I – Ah – that is to say, I have – what they call – a problem, you see?" By now I have to work my hardest not to burst out giggling as Urmilla is putting it on just enough to make it sound problematic, but not enough to make Sly realize she is playing him and the Raccoon asks:
"What's the problem, Sis? Any burglars trying to take away your latest Summer Collection?" At this I just know that the Raccoon has his arms crossed and his cane in hand to prove he will instantly fight down thugs like that should they try. This makes me wish Urmilla would hurry up as my caring for Sly makes my acting harder to do.
Urmilla, it seems, has read my thoughts as she says: "Non chéri, far from it. The thieves of Paris are well aware how high you have me and have not touched my designs in illegal fashion for as long as we have known each other. No, it – well – it is the present I had decided to put together for your birthday, my brother dearest."

"Aw Urmilla, you didn't have to get me anything. Just giving me this amazing party at your fabulous place is enough, really." Sly then says and my heart again soars at how amazingly noble and kind the Raccoon is before I decide that enough is enough and with a lot of force do I grunt in effort and throw my hat off my head.
The hat itself is actually quite like Sly's but then a dark russet brown, which compliments well with my bluish black hair and can easily be concealed in the shadows. I already know from the way that I made sure to throw it that it is now landing away from the girls surrounding me and in front of the earlier speaking raccoon.
The talking ceases and Urmilla lets out a worried moan as she says: "You see, mon chéri, here I was preparing the loveliest gift I could think of for you, yet I had to be very sneaky and hush-hush about it as I felt it would otherwise ruin everything. However, my gift for you caught onto my plans and – well – ladies, if you will?"

And with that do I know that the show is really about to start, making me intensify my fake buckling and twirling of the chair on which I am supposedly bound, all the while catching the shocked gazes of one Sly Cooper, one Bentley Turtle, one Murray the Hippo and one Guru, who all have wide eyes and gaping mouths.
I struggle for a little longer, making sure to keep my legs firmly against the chairs not just to keep the ruse up, but to also help me in my acting attempts to get loose and then, while faking to give up this attempt, do I pant in exhaustion – as acting like this feels like a draining challenge – and give Cooper my patented glare.
The ringtail's eyes are wide as saucers and his gaze flicks over my form again and again, part of me hoping he won't spot how I am actually made up just enough to give my face some more grandness, yet not enough to really make the make-up stand out, but I can easily tell that the Raccoon has more eyes for my new attire.

A dark velvet brown shirt that is just the shade of brown it actually makes my blonde and orange colored fur look like mahogany is covering my cleavage, waist and upper arms, yet this part is also covered by a brownish black leather jacket which covers all of my upper and lower arms and is opened at the front.
Under this, the shirt actually curves up at my waist, causing for just enough skin at my navel to be shown before the rest is covered up with a pair of rust brown jeans that look even darker in the light of the moon – so Urmilla and I checked – and a pair of dark orange brown boots with black metal buckles tying them up.
Combined with the hat I just threw off and the dark black mask that is now covering my upper face, but leaving a pair of half circular shaped holes for my chocolate brown eyes to peek through, do I look like a female version of the master thief that is currently standing in front of me, his eyes checking out every part of my outfit over and over.

Knowing that my parents are watching this, do I start the charade that will hopefully get me the chance I want to tell Sly exactly why I started this whole thing and say: "Cooper, you lowlife mongrel. When I get out of these binds, I will give you exactly what you deserve, birthday boy. Now! Let! Me! Out! Of! Here!"
I emphasize every last word with another tug to one side of my chair and the other, but fake to the best of my ability of being unable to get loose from ties that aren't even really there, yet it seems my acting is sublime enough Sly is not noticing that – and that the Raccoon is finally getting a hint of what is actually going on here.

Instantly the honey brown eyes of my actual fling turn smooth instead of shocked and while he twirls his cane out of the holder on his back, swirls it in his hand and then leans against it with one hand behind his back to keep its tip on the floor, does he smirk at me with that telltale grin he thinks annoys me as he says:
"But my pretty, precious inspector. If I were to let you go, I would be going against all that my dearest Urmilla worked so hard on, including that absolutely fabulous outfit you are currently wearing. Very dashing, very dashing indeed, mi amore." And while trying not to show how flattered I am with his compliments, do I growl and say:
"Cooper, you can smooth-talk all you want, buster, it will not change your situation one bit. Now untie me at once or face the consequences, ringtail." But it seems that while I was talking, Sly was already analyzing the situation and coming up with some plans of his own as he waggles one of his glove-clad fingers and says:

"I - don't think so." He then, strangely enough, turns to one of the girls and asks her: "Can I have a chair be placed behind hers and a brush, please? I would like to make use of what Urmilla has so graciously presented me with." At this I let out another low growl, hoping with all that I can to make it sound convincing.
The Raccoon, bless him, doesn't seem fazed by this however and while my guilt again begins to eat at me, do I push it down with the thoughts about the final step of my plan and think: "Just a little more. This is all for the best of both worlds. Just a little more." And while I think this, does the girl fetch the requested items.
Then suddenly Sly walks over and while fearing that he will notice that my hands aren't really tied once he gets behind me, do I struggle again as he walks, making sure to cover my hands with as much of my unbraided hair as I possibly can and even with my fingers tying some of my locks around my wrists for extra security.

Sly gets his seat behind me and takes the brush offered to him by the girl he requested to fetch it and then, to my shock, does he really start to softly stroke the brush through my long locks, his free hand constantly grasping a small bit of it and then using his other to brush any possible tangles or sticky curls out of the part in his hand.
Shivering in delight as the fingers of the hand grabbing my hair constantly brush against part of my neck and hoping I can make it look like disgust, do I lower my head, if only to make sure Cooper doesn't pay attention any lower than he does and then hear the hushing voice of my crush as he smoothly says:
"No need to be so down, inspector. I just want to compliment Urmilla by making you look even more beautiful. It's just so that your struggling has caused for your hair to become frazzled and I just want to see it in the splendor I am used to. Is that really such a bad thing, mon Chéri?" And while hating myself for it, do I hiss:
"Yes." But Sly ignores this and while silence rings through the room, do I know that my parents are still watching everything and do I try my best not to give in to the divine touches of the amazing ringtail as his hand gets closer and closer to my neck, his fingers now teasing and caressing the fur there as he catches my hair.

Finally, after another fifteen minutes of this – in which I almost lost my cool and blew everything just because I couldn't resist moaning in pleasure at the sensuous touches of the Raccoon behind me – does Sly stop his delicate work on my hair and does he instead stand up and actually lift my chair up from behind me.
This shocks and draws a startled gasp from my throat before suddenly, with strength I didn't even know he had, Sly moves us so that we are on another side of the room, in front of a large mirror that is placed there and does he set me back down before wrapping his powerful arms around my waist and looking straight ahead.
I look too, faking to try and look away before I do and gasp as the way Sly and I now look together in the mirror is something I have only been able to dream of since we got together in the chopper. Sly's grey fur is accentuated by the dark colors of my clothes and his eyes and smile make my fur look all the more beautiful.

"Just look at us, Chéri. Do we, together like this, not make for the most incredible couple you have ever seen? You are absolutely gorgeous in this incredible outfit and you actually make me look as if the only place I belong is by your side, if only to make the entire world see just what beauty you have to share with the world."

This makes me shiver, partly because Sly's hands are suavely rubbing my sides making me melt on the inside and partly because that is something I have been dreaming of for the longest time and still slightly wish I could make true, but then I sigh and while working my hardest to keep with the plan, do I ask wearily:
"You really are intent on keeping me here, aren't you Raccoon?" And the self-confident grin and smooth words of: "You are my birthday present, no?" Are the only answer I know I will get before I decide to enter phase two of the plan and with another weary sigh, mostly because I feel hurt over not taking Sly's offer, do I say:
"Then can you at the very least hear me out, Cooper?" The Raccoon nods, still holding onto me with those sinfully soft rubbing hands of his and his eyes still locked onto the image we both present in the mirror before I ask: "Without looking as if you want to eat me, Raccoon." The man smirks and motions for his seat.
Here the girl makes sure it is in front of me instead of behind me and while Sly seems averse with this, probably because he now blocks my view from the mirror, does he sit down nonetheless, me kind of surprised how he has yet to notice that no part of me is actually tied up, especially when he held me close to him like he did earlier.

I then take a deep breath, faking to steel myself, while in truth knowing that this is it and that this will be the point where – hopefully – my whole life can change for the better, even if the change might only be a small one and I say: "Look Cooper, you come from a long line of thieves and most of my family are cops."
The Raccoon nods, his face showing his honest interest in what I have to say and while feeling flattered with how I have his devotion and full attention, do I not let this sway me as I say: "I love my family, but – but we haven't seen each other, all together, in three years time. And no, I know that is not your fault, Ringtail."

At this Sly sits back down as he had actually opened his mouth and risen from his chair a little before I say: "It's Barkley's." Sly looks shocked and I quickly continue as I say: "My father's department and mine are supposed to be in constant companionship, yet he is the one I see the least of all my family members working there.
My brother works for the superior of Barkley and I actually overheard one of his conversations with the gents a few months ago, which was filled with Barkley throwing in small hints and tips that made Cheren's workload harder and made it so he barely even got the chance to drink coffee with me, let alone see me in person."
By now I have no doubt that my family is catching onto the truth of my words and I hurriedly continue as I say: "My mum works for the Medics, so I barely see her anyway and my sister works for the Admin. Now normally that wouldn't be a problem, but Barkley always makes sure that her paperwork from me is triple the procedure.
He's been slowly working up like that for the last three years and through it, he has been hoping to gap a bridge between me and Helena. And I know what you want to ask, Ringtail, but please – let me finish." The Ringtail nods, while his friends now look troubled at hearing my actual story. I take a deep breath and say:

"The reason Barkley has been doing all of this is because of how I dress. You know, the tank top, the tight jeans, the revealing outfit, the stuff. It gave Barkley the wrong image of me and – unfortunately – is Barkley not immune to Interpol's most famous department, that isn't even a real department; the blasted grapevine."
At this everyone, especially Sly and Urmilla cringe harshly and I sigh as I say: "Barkley's been like this for 3 years now, yet he only made his real move on me 2 and a half years ago. And with that one move, Ringtail, he proved exactly what kind of man he was and how strongly he was already involved in the grapevine."
I then shudder, not wanting to relive that memory twice in one day, but knowing it is an important part of my tale and say: "It was just a few days before Rajan's party and Barkley met with me at the cafeteria. There he decided to give me a reminder lesson of what it meant to be an Inspector for Interpol." At this Sly asks:

"He believed he had to teach someone as dedicated and talented as yourself?" At this I try not to show my actual blushing cheeks and snap: "Yes, he did, now hush." The Ringtail smiles that cocky grin of his that always gets under my skin and makes my very fur rustle with delight before I regain myself and speak on:
"He met me there and said that it was the job of an Interpol Inspector to use any and all means and assets available to catch a criminal and while he said so, did he – like you are quite well know to yourself – rake his eyes over my form and did he actually point his finger at my face, chest and – ahem – lady parts as he – well."
By now the eyes of the Raccoon before me have turned dark with worry and I take a deep breath, suddenly realizing how much harder it is to say it than just to think it and say: "He said that I should start using mine, all the while emphasizing the words start using those with a finger pointed at those 3 spots on my person."

At this even Urmilla – from who I have kept this during my stay with her – gasps in great shock and Sly almost falls out of his chair in his own, but regains himself and then proves how much he cares for me yet again as he dashes out of his chair and over to mine, hugging me close and offering me comfort as I speak.
"That – well – to many of the men that were there at the time, it was like a green light had suddenly been turned on for them and since then have they been working together with Barkley, who constantly pressures me whenever I don't catch you and who even has the mercenary apes I hired under his bloody little thumb."
By now the tears of pain over what I am about to say roll down my cheeks as I have been speaking mostly to get to this part, my heart growing wearier and wearier with the guilt that it is burdened with and while Sly is now seated across my lap, his hands going up and down my back and offering me his strength, do I say:

"The – ah – the worst of it all, Sly, is – well – oh God Sly, I – I just – there –." But Sly seems to take my inability for speech the wrong way and whispers: "You're not alone, Carmelita. We'll protect you. No need to worry. You won't get those bastards against you ever again. We'll make sure of that." He then turns to the others and asks:
"Won't we, guys?" And only then do I spare a glance to his friends, where a furious Bentley who is grinding his teeth and a softly crying Murray are standing, with Guru on Murray's shoulder, his little koala hand patting the bigger hippo's shoulder, head and back while speaking soft comforting words in his native tongue.
All three of them look my way at this and nod, the determination to see these words coming true shining in their eyes and from behind Bentley's spectacles, making me feel a little stronger as I smile gratefully at them all and then back at the ever generous Sly, who cups my face in his hands and whispers to me:

"See, you'll be fine now, my gorgeous. You'll be fine now." But at this I shake my head, wanting again to take his offer, but knowing that my plan is the only way for everything in our lives to work and while Sly adapts a confused look on his handsome face, do I take another deep breath to steel my nerves and say:
"Thanks for another amazing show of your deep and powerful heart, Sly, but – that's not what I was going to say when I got at a loss for words. I didn't get at a loss for words out of fear for my boss – he stopped scaring me a long time ago. I – got tongue-tied – out of guilt." The Raccoon seems even more confused and I say:
"Oh Sly, don't you get it. This entire time you have been the only source of kindness, gentleness and protection that I could actually count on. The only one that made me feel as if my job was actually worth the time and effort I put into it. The only one that – that had the bloody decency – to make me feel as if I actually mattered."
This makes Bentley, Murray and Guru smile in pride at their leader and Sly smiles at me as well, his eyes tender and soft brown in color as he lets another hand softly go through the fur on my cheek and says: "Of course you matter, gorgeous. Your very presence is something that makes me enjoy each and every heist."

This alone actually makes some of the guilt I felt tangling up inside me loosen and I say: "I'm glad for that, Sly, but that's exactly what I mean. No word out of your mouth isn't connected to some sweet flirt or a loving compliment. And what do I do in return for all that kindness? I shout your hide full and try to arrest you."
"Which makes the end of the heist as exciting as the heist itself, just so you know." Sly then interrupts me, but I shake my head and say: "You're still not getting it, Sly. I – I feel guilty because – because I am using you and everything you say, everything you do, every time we meet, just to vent all my frustration from Barkley and his men.
AND YOU DON'T DESERVE THAT!" I shout in the end as I could tell that Sly wanted to interrupt me again and the Ringtail looks highly shocked before a loving smile I had not expected shows on his face and he says: "I may not deserve it, but that you trust me that much to do so, means more to me than any treasure in the world."
This makes me sigh again as I just can't seem to get it to that Ringtail's head how badly all that venting makes me feel and I say: "Sly, I – I do trust you. You've proven yourself so many times and at so many points where my – my fellow officers just left me and made me tend to myself regardless of my level of expertise.

But – but the fact that you are constantly enduring only my bad side when – when all I have ever seen of you is the gallant, charming, ever faithful side that you show only to me, I – I just can't live with that anymore. And – and as much as I just want to resign my job, can I just not do that either, because of my family."
At this Sly shows me an empathic nod, which I know comes from his own need to constantly prove himself to his family's name and legacy and while hurting for the orphaned Master Thief, do I take a deep breath, glad to get the whole explanation out of the way and say: "Because of that, did I device this entire scheme."
By now Sly looks shocked and confused and this makes me smirk like he usually does before, with a simple roll of my shoulders, I move my hands from behind my back and show them to the stunned Raccoon before easily switching my seated position so that one of my legs is crossed over the other as proof that they too are untied.

The eyes of Bentley, Sly, Murray and Guru are now wide with shock, while all of the girls around me have trouble stifling their giggles and holding back on their laughter and I say: "I was never tied, Sly. We just wanted you to feel a little more comfortable with all this so made it look like a scene you would be more understanding with.
One where I wouldn't just waltz in here with this outfit on and a clear acceptance of who was in the room with me. I knew, from past experiences, that would just confuse and unsettle you, so I made it look like I had been caught by your friend while in truth, this entire scheme, the outfit and the hostage chair – were my idea."
By now Bentley seems ready to fall out of his wheelchair in shock, Guru has actually slid off Murray's shoulder and Murray himself has sagged against the wall, while Sly just has a pair of bulging brown eyes aimed at me before he shakes his head and asks: "So you've been holding your hands behind your back by your own will?"
I nod and then Sly shocks me as he quickly moves over and starts to move his hands across my back, his fingers actually massaging muscles I hadn't even known had become tense with the position they were in and while a look of clear focus is on the Raccoon's face, do I finally feel ready to show him what he really does to me.

I limply let my body lean against the chair I am still in, moaning softly from the back of my throat at the feeling of his smooth fingers against my fur and skin and while Sly gives me an award winning smile, do I work my hardest to regain my strength as I say: "Sly, you – you can lavish me all you want, just – just be patient, please."
The Raccoon nods and while looking at me with worried gratitude, does he seat himself back in the chair in front of me and I say: "Now, it's – it's like I said. I can't live with the idea to only use our time together to vent my frustrations out on you, but – but I can't resign and go search for a different job either.
So, well, I – I thought long and hard about this and – and I finally came with a solution that – while not ideal – will solve the issue in such a way I can finally get some mental and emotional peace during the times I need it most." Sly now looks serious, stern and understanding all at the same time as he nods and I sigh before I say:

"I – I will continue with Interpol, will make sure no one but me gets your case – mostly because I can't stand the idea of not knowing what you're up to next –." At this Sly smirks at me shortly and I say: "And – while this pains me – will I continue with what I have been doing for the last 2 ½ years – with an exception."
Sly looks at me curiously, his head tilted and giving him that cute kind of look that actually makes him look even more handsome and while feeling very proud of this part of my plan, do I lock my eyes with his and say: "The exception being that, every year, on your birthday – I will be yours to do with in any and every way you please."
Sly looks at me shocked and I smile as I say: "It – it just sounds like the best I could come up with. I – I know it will make me continue to vent and rage against you when you really don't deserve it, but – but to know I can make that up every now and then, especially on a day as special as your birthday – it will just make me feel better, really."

Everyone looks at me with different levels of shock and admiration, tears of pride actually leaving the stunning green eyes of the cobra that has become my surrogate sister and while daring a loving look towards the beau of my life, do I gently, sweetly ask: "Well, Sly – what – what do you think? Willing to accept my proposition?"
The Raccoon looks at me, his face suddenly as unreadable as his actual mask, something that shocks and unsettles me as Sly has always been quite the open book for my eyes to read, but then the mask seems to drop and instead of the happiness or excitement I had been expecting, do I see great worry and concern mar his face.
This really confuses me as I had not expected these emotions to come up and then Sly stands from his seat again, moving over to mine and hugging me with a fierceness that literally takes my breath away as I just can't believe how strongly I can feel Sly's need to protect me through those muscular arms holding me as he says:

"Oh my – my sweet – my Carmelita – my ever graceful. How could you ever ask of me to accept an offer where you continue doing what you don't want or deserve. You deserve better than what Barkley causes you. You shouldn't have to continue shouldering all the anguish and heartache that man puts down on you."
At this, from the corner of my eye, do I see Bentley and Murray nodding in agreement with their leader before Sly finally lets go off me, instead cupping my face between his hands and locking his shining brown eyes with my own, my eyes widening as I see tears of anguish actually stuck in the fur underneath his eyes.
"Sly –." I try to say, but Sly cuts me off, his lips sealing mine and his kiss providing me with evidence of how deeply Sly's feelings for me actually go as I can almost feel his emotions flowing into my body through the hold Sly has on my mouth as he kisses me, making me actually get teary-eyed in gratitude myself.

"I can't stand to see you suffer, my gorgeous. I – I don't know how, but I will find a better solution to your problem. A way you can do your family proud, be rid of Barkley and his disgusting men, can continue to be part of my life and where you will no longer have to burden such a terrible weight of responsibility by yourself."

The Raccoon then says as he unseals his lips from mine and the determination with which he speaks, the devotion I can hear ringing through his voice, the loyalty he has to me as he speaks makes the dam on my heart burst, making me pull that amazing Ringtail against my own body as tears of loving gratitude stream down my face.
Yet the happiness in my heart and the tears flowing down my eyes are short-lived as suddenly a voice that has my accent, yet has a stronger, more baritone sound to it, speaks from behind Bentley, Murray and Guru and determinedly says: "And I know just the way." Making the aforementioned trio jump with a shout of shock.
I look past them and see my actual family, all of them with determination shining in their eyes, their hands fisted to prove they are holding back on serious cases of inner fury and their expressions telling me they are trying to convey their care and love for me through their actual overwhelming anger, standing in the doorway.

"Where did you come from?" Bentley shouts and I gulp as I say: "Urmilla switched the remote control camera on for this room and my parents were in the control room. It was her idea as she had noticed how much being separated from them like I was had been hurting me. I didn't tell them who's party this was, just that it was of a thief."
Bentley looks at me shocked and while Sly looks a little flustered, obviously having not expected for all his advances on me to have been seen by my parents, does he quickly try to get away from me and does he cough with a little hint of embarrassment, the fur on his cheeks actually a darker grey due to a dark red hue covering his skin.

At this I try to stifle a giggle as the Raccoon looks quite handsomely adorable, standing like that, before I turn to my four year older brother Cheren and ask: "How?" That one word hopefully conveying how much I want him to help me and Sly get it so that the Raccoon's words might come true after all.
My brother smiles at me, his forest green eyes which he inherited from dad, warm and filled with love as he looks at me and says: "Simple, little sis. You're still working for that jerk, because he gives you a chance around Sly and because most of us, except our precious mama here, work there as well, making it kind of tradition, non?"
I nod at this and he continues: "Yet, while you're working for one man, is it the other – who is obviously a leader of a very powerful group here – who treats you exactly how #1 should be treating you. And to top it all, does boss #1 even have the guts to manipulate us all out of your life in ways that should be common use for #2."
At this I can't help but let my eyes glance over to Sly, one of my eyebrows raised as I wonder what my brother could be on about and Cheren says: "So that basically makes reason #1; working for a jerk; pretty much invalid for you to stand behind, unlike reason #2; supporting the dream you believe we have when it comes to employment."

"Is this going anywhere?" I then ask, feeling as if my brother isn't really coming up with a solution as more that he is just here to annoy me, something I don't feel like doing as I really want Sly to enjoy his party with me and Cheren laughs as he says: "Yes, Carm-Carm, yes. I am getting to my conclusion, sister dear."
At this I sigh as I suddenly remember why Cheren chose to work for Barkley's superiors as they too loved constantly repeating the same concepts over and over to make sure their conclusions sounded legit and Cheren says: "Carmelita, you don't want to leave Interpol, because you don't want to leave us, so – we all leave."
This shocks the living daylights out of me, especially the easy tone my brother suddenly speaks with and we all turn in great shock at him, his simple smile making him almost voicelessly say: "What? Simple, right?" While in truth I had never even imagined that my law-abiding family would make such a sacrifice for me.

"Wait – wait, wait, WAIT!" I then say, my arms up in front of me and my voice rising a pitch with every repeat of that one word before I ask: "Qué?" Reverting to my native tongue out of nothing but the greatest of shock. Cheren laughs, obviously understanding my inner problem and when he calms down, he says:
"Carmen, hermanita, have we not all – bar mama as she was already employed – always done our best to get everything done together, including our jobs at Interpol? Have we not constantly tried to stay close together, despite it not always being the entire family? Have we not always tried to work as a team to solve problems for even one?"
At this, while feeling my heart warm up at his gentle, loving tone, do I nod as many memories of the coffee meetings, the lunch breaks, the visits to mama and papa after I came home from foreign missions, the many times I could call my brother or sister even when they were asleep rise up in my mind thanks to his words.
He then walks over and grasps my hands in his own, his eyes almost tearing as he looks at me, proving he actually feels terrible over having heard my confession about my work-life and then, with the dark, soothing voice that he always used when I was little and crying over something, does he ask me: "So why should this be different?"

And with that do I feel absolutely stupid as I realize that my brother is right and while feeling horrible that I didn't just come forward with at least one of them when I had the chance, do I embrace my brother with thankful tears running down my face, my arms like vices around my brother's neck as I hug him close to me.
Cheren laughs again and hugs me closely, his arms wrapped around my waist and his face nuzzling the fur in my neck as he says: "There there, hermanita, no need for those tears. You're a strong and proud woman. You shouldn't feel bad for wanting to solve this by yourself. You should be proud for the solution you tried to find."
At this, while I can't see him as my face is buried in the striped fest of my brother, do I just know that Sly is nodding his agreement before my brother turns his face from my neck to the man himself and then makes me tense in renewed shock as he suddenly asks: "So what do you say, Mr. Leader, care for some new recruits?"

My whole body tenses against that of my brother as the idea of quitting my job and joining the Cooper Gang had been on my mind many a time before today – especially since the Chopper thing – yet I had always held back on giving into that urge, simply because I wished not to disappoint my family and then Bentley asks:
"Are – are – are you serious?" And while his voice is wheezy and proving he has asthma, can I still hear the shock and trepidation sounding through, the hint of underlying care making me know that he worries for the same thing as me; disappointing my parents by actually accepting the offer I so desperately desire.

But then, instead of Cheren, is Helena, my sister, the one to speak as she walks over to us and says: "Sure. I mean, you're a turtle, right? Isn't your kind used to having large families and all that?" And just by these words do I realize that my family has discussed all of this before coming here and that they are now the ones with the plan.
I look from my dearest brother, to my beautiful sister, who has hair that is my length, but then pure platinum blond that can sometimes be confused for honey blond in the wrong lighting and who shares my chocolate brown eyes and both of them smile at me, their smiles filled with reassurance and deep seeds of love.
Feeling touched by what their smiles portray to me, do I await the verdict of my secret crush and his gang and Bentley asks: "Well, we – we are, but – but what does that have to do with anything?" And my sister smiles at him benignly, something she is quite profound in as she continues her explanation and says:

"Well, we Foxes always do everything together and while Carmelita always told us that you three worked as a trio team, does the presence of that little elder koala there tell me you are apparently expending. So, sorry Turtle boy, but if you want Carmelita – which I am sure your leader does – you will have to accept all of us as well."
"You – you all want to join the Cooper Gang?" Sly then asks, his temporary loss of words touching my heart and this time it's my dad who speaks and says: "Yes we do, muchacho. Because if even half of what my niñita has said is to be believed, have you been meant to be the true leader of her work this entire puñetero time."
And just the way that my papa is mixing his native tongue with his English one proves to me not just how strongly my papa thinks about his words and everything that happened today, but also how determined he is to see me happy and in the right place of my life once again, something that makes a silent tear run down my cheek.
Yet, at the same time, does it seem as if I am not the only one who has caught onto my father's care and dedication to me, as Sly now smiles in that same confident way that he always does when feeling comfortable and he nods as he says: "Sir, it would be a great honor to have you, your wife and children join our gang."

And just by those words do I fling myself around the neck of my beloved, finally ready to show him what he did with me when he sat in that chopper with me for those two hours and while Sly is shocked at my sudden attack, do I hurriedly paste my lips against his own, the feeling of those lips against mine making me moan in delight.
Sly seems heavenly shocked that I am actually kissing him, yet the Raccoon soon proves his reflexes and speed as he wraps his arms around my waist in a vice-like, yet loving grip, his hands twisting themselves around his own elbows to strengthen his hold on me and his mouth starting to devour mine in response.
I moan and feel loved just by how Sly holds me and how sweet and lovingly he kisses me, his hold proving how happy he is to have me in his arms while his lips move themselves across my own as if he feels he needs to prove his love for me, something I have known since we shared our first kiss on the Krack-Karov Volcano mountain.

I then part from him and, in my native tongue, do I whisper: "Mi amor, mi dulce, dulce, cuidando amada. Por favor. Por favor, no me dejes nunca. I - Te quiero en mi vida. Usted y sólo usted. Te quiero así, mi apuesto príncipe. Por favor, déjame ser tu princesa." Feeling that I mean every word with all that I am.
Sly then shocks me with a loving grin, proving he has understood every word and while I am shocked that he speaks my tongue, does he reply: "La mia splendida volpe. Come è possibile che ancora non si ottiene che il tesoro e le emozioni nel mio cuore sono tuo, soltanto tuo? Niente paura, la mia bella, per partire da oggi, vi mostrerò."
And because I have, years ago, studied Italian after realizing that the handsome Italian Raccoon has stolen my heart, do I now feel new tears well in my eyes at Sly calling me his beautiful and his promise that I will, starting today, realize how much his love and emotions are but treasures he wishes to bestow upon me.
Sly holds me close, his lips against my face just between my cheek and my ear and one of his hands softly, gently caressing through my hair as we stay like that, me just content beyond words to be in the arms of my beloved, especially now that I no longer have to fear hurting my parents with the fact that I have fallen for a thief.

But then I feel startled as another pair of hands that are not around my waist move themselves over my hair, before the sweet, deep voice of my mother speaks and says: "There, that belongs with your outfit, doesn't it dear heart?" And while realizing that my mum has placed my new hat back on my hair, do I smile at the woman.
I then smile back at Sly and then ask him something I consider both a little jest and something highly important as I ask: "So my Ringtail, think your hideout is big enough to house another five people." And while Sly's tail actually starts whacking happily from side to side at hearing me call him mine, does he nod nonetheless.
This makes me smile and I again move myself closer to him, loving how he strengthens his hold on me as I move my face to his ear and while wanting to caress it instead of speaking into it, do I resist this urge as I whisper: "Then let's go, mi amore." Sly shuddering in delight before he shocks me by actually lifting me in his arms.

The strength I feel in those muscles as they hold me, some of them tensing and relaxing as he shifts his hold on me until he is actually holding me bridal style, with me holding my arms around his firm neck, makes me shudder in delight and relief as these muscles alone prove that I never again have to fear for anything in my life.
Sly then seems to read my mind as he smiles at me with love and a hint of playfulness before he turns to Urmilla and says: "Maybe not entirely as you had planned, but thanks for the most amazing birthday and birthday gift, my little Hermanita." The cobra smiles and nods at my beloved and he makes a head motion to Murray.
The Hippo salutes him and heads out, Sly not letting go of me as he walks out behind his big buddy and while my parents seem curious and while Bentley – for some reason – has some kind of set of binoculars aimed for me and Sly, does the Leader of the Cooper Gang now lead his new team of seven out of the Designer Boutique.

And that's the end!
I know the whole thing didn't end all that greatly, but one part of me wanted to make this an entire one-shot, while another part of me decided that was just not an option. Now, some of you may ask why I constantly make stories be around Sly 3. That's simple – the whole amnesia was pretty much everything between Sly 3 & 4.
There is only so much you can do when someone has – or fakes to have – amnesia and there is even less you can really do when it comes to time travel. I do have another plan in mind, but that story is really on the physical Hurt/Comfort side and I don't want to embrace that part just yet – even if it's not involved with Mature Content.
Now, I will let you know that – while I won't make a new OC story out of the Vault itself, will I attempt to make an OC story out of how the Cooper Gang gets to the Vault and seeing how I have planned for Marcus, Rosalie, Cheren and Helena to replace Panda King, Dimitri and Penelope, do I think I can easily manage that.
However, the Cooper Vault won't come for a few more chapters as instead the Cooper Gang decides to – in multiple ways – help their new recruits get ready for what is ahead of them now that they have joined the business of Master Thieving. Again, this idea is all thanks to Kitty Petro and her wondrous Sly Cooper Series.
Greetings, one and all,

Venquine1990

A few quick translations:

Cheri is French for Darling

Mon cheri is French for My good man or Honey

Mi amore is Italian for My Love

Que is Spanish for What

Hermanita is Spanish for sister or little sis

Muchacho is Spanish for boy or lad

Ninita is Spanish for Little Girl

Puñetero is Spanish for Bloody or Sodding

"Mi amor, mi dulce, dulce, cuidando amada. Por favor. Por favor, no me dejes nunca. I - Te quiero en mi vida. Usted y sólo usted. Te quiero así, mi apuesto príncipe. Por favor, déjame ser tu princesa." Is Spanish for "My love, my sweet, sweet, caring lover. Please. Please do not ever leave me. I - I want you in my life. You and only you. I love you so, my handsome prince. Please let me be your princess. "

"La mia splendida volpe. Come è possibile che ancora non si ottiene che il tesoro e le emozioni nel mio cuore sono tuo, soltanto tuo? Niente paura, la mia bella, per partire da oggi, vi mostrerò." Is Italian for "My beautiful fox. How is it that still do not get the treasure in my heart and emotions are yours and yours alone? Do not worry, my beautiful, for starting today, I will show you. "