Annnd here we are again.
This chapter was troublesome to edit, and hard to write. Even now, I'm not entirely satisfied with it, but I really want to get it out there anyway. Might be because most of this chapter was written during late nights when my brain is mushy. Late night Xengo is tired Xengo who needs sleep. To bad I'm a night owl. Tis most regrettable.
If anyone wants to beta read my stuff, feel free to send a PM. I would really appreciate it.
Anyway, please read and review! Tell me what you think, what things could be better, what things could be improved upon, what things should be changed, etc.
God bless, be safe, and thank you for your time. Have a good night.
Chapter II: Love is in the Air.
"You mean it finally happened? Oh, thank goodness. The tension between you two was incredible."
Fox immediately palmed his face while Krystal laughed. Coming to Falco to tell him about the start of their relationship, and ask for advice about it. Truly, his greatest feat as a being with common sense. Here they were, in the lounge, and this was actually happening.
"Oh, don't act like that Fox. Everyone was waiting for it, and now it's happened," the blue avian added, while sipping a can of soda.
"He has a point, Fox," Krystal said teasingly, patting him on the back. "I think everyone saw it happening."
"Not you too!" Fox protested. "You know I was unsure about it."
"Considering the way it came out, yes, I do know you were nervous.
He turned and saw Falco looking at him, raising an eyebrow. "Well, how did it come out. It must have been something extraordinary, considering how long it took you to spit it out, Foxie."
Fox thought about keeping this part a secret, but out of respect for his friend, he told him anyway.
"I...I called her into my room, and told her that I didn't feel comfortable about her being on the team anymore. I wanted her to leave. I was concerned for her safety. She...wouldn't leave. So I panicked, and told her I wouldn't lose another person I love. And...and things just happened from there."
He left the part about the kiss out. The more intimate details weren't Falco's business.
Falco just looked at him for a long while. Then he shook his head.
"The only thing I can say is that...honestly, I'm not surprised. Fox, you would be the guy to tell the girl he loves to get away from him because you don't want her to get hurt. It's something out of a cheesy romance story, but here we are man." the avian said solemnly.
He supposed that Falco was joking somewhat light-heartedly about what had happened, but all Fox felt was guilt. Guilt about what almost happened. Guilt about how he almost made the women he cared about more than anything leave her new home, a place full of people who cared about her and loved her.
But all those ill feelings vanished when he felt a soft paw caress his check. He looked and saw Krystal, giving him one of those warm smiles that made him feel whole.
"It's okay, Fox," she said gently.
He sat there, feeling her fingers against his cheek, and he smiled back.
"Gah, look at you two," Falco muttered, putting a wing over his face. Krystal giggled, and Fox couldn't help but chuckle too.
"But you know what, Fox," he added, smiling at the two of them, and Fox couldn't help but notice how genuine that smile looked, "The fact that she refused to leave? That speaks volumes to how much she loves ya. And really, the fact that you would try keep her out of danger speaks volumes about you as well."
Krystal just shook her head. "How do you know so much about romance, Falco?"
"Hey," he huffed grumpily, "I'm not a complete jerk. And this isn't hard to see. You two were made for each other. Fox would do anything to protect you, and you would disobey his orders if it meant staying with him. Shoot, it's written on the wall, guys."
Fox couldn't resist smiling broadly. It wasn't that hard, wasn't it? Then he adopted a more serious expression.
"There's more that we wanted to talk about, Falco," he said.
Again, Falco raised an eyebrow. "Well?" he asked.
Now Krystal spoke. "Falco, does us being together and still flying with you...bother you?"
Falco wore a confused look for a second before figuring it out. "Oh. Ohhhh. You mean the whole 'professional concerns' shindig?"
They both nodded.
Falco smirked. "Heh. I believe that stuff went out the window the moment Foxie here decided to stack his team full of close friends. I could accuse him of nepotism, but then again, I'm part of the team."
"Hey," Fox protested. "I put good pilots on my team. Sure, you all are close to me, but you all wouldn't be here if I thought you couldn't be good pilots."
"You did have me and Peppy oversee Krystal's evaluations, so I can't fault you there. But still, professional stuff? Foxie, I've never considered this as a professional outfit. And I don't think you have either."
The more Fox actually thought about it, the more he couldn't help but agree. The first thought that came to Fox's mind when it came to this team was "family" and not "professionals." Maybe his concerns were unfounded...?
"But still," said Krystal, "Aren't you worried that Fox's concern for me will cause him to be...off his game, so to speak?"
"If anything, it will make him fight harder," Falco replied.
Fox nodded. Krystal looked at him and flashed him a smile.
"But," she added, "In a situation were you and I were in danger, what if-"
"You're saying that Fox would probably save your life before mine," Falco said bluntly.
Fox tried his best to not feel uncomfortable. After all, this was a valid point. Falco was his best friend, like Slippy. His brother. But Krystal...
But strangely, the most Falco did was shrug. "I mean, I would be more worried about that if Krystal was a load. Except she isn't. She perfectly capable of taking care of herself, not to mention the fact that you have two other wingmen to watch both of your backs. And if I'm being completely honest," and here Fox was surprised to see Falco crack a grin, "I had this figured out a while back. You know how I say everyone could see it? Blueness, as soon as I saw the way Fox acted around you, it was already evident that he was gonna fall in love with you. That means he would value your life above everything. Possibly even the job, if need be. And you know? At first I was worried, but then I figured that was natural. So yeah, I'm aware of your concerns, and I've faced them already. If things ever came down to you guys vs the job...money doesn't matter." He took a sip of his soda. "I'm not at dense as I look, you two. I know some things."
Fox simply stared at his friend, sat up from his seat, and walked over and drew Falco into a hug.
"Awww..." Krystal whispered. Not teasingly.
"Foxie, if you know what's good for you, you will let me go," Falco grumbled.
Fox held him tighter. "Consider this a thank you from a good friend. I...I mean it, Falco."
Falco settled down and sighed. He patted Fox on the back. "All right, all right. Friendship is magic. Now let me go. I'm not one for the mushy stuff."
Fox did so, and walked backed to his seat next to Krystal.
"I'll just warn you, Fox," Falco began, "You are living for two, as they say. Don't do anything stupid out there. And same to you, Blueness. We're still a team here."
Fox nodded. He looked, and saw that Krystal did so as well.
"And now, if you excuse me, I'm gonna go listen to loud, obnoxious music to drain tha' feels out of me. Go make out or something." And with that, the blue avian walked out of the room, leaving a blushing Fox and a giggling Krystal in his wake.
"Well," he heard Krystal whisper into his ear, "Shall we?"
Fox barely got out a "huh" before Krystal drew him into a kiss. It was passionate, yet short, and left Fox breathless.
"Oh ha ha," Fox murmured, though smiling. "I need to get used to being caught off guard with those moments. You always make the moves."
"Then that's something you can improve upon," Krystal chirped back, grinning.
Fox nodded his head, and then stared off into space in thought. He was surprised at Falco's insight. Even concerning the unfortunate question of priorities. Thankfully, he knew Krystal was no burden, thanks to being a pilot.
But then one particular thought began to nag at him. It shocked him at first, but the more he thought about it...
"You're thinking about something," said Krystal, waking him.
"I am," Fox answered, his ears twitching. "And I would like it to be private, if that's fine."
Krystal gave him a worried look.
"Krystal," he urged, "I'm not going to go back on what I said. I am not kicking you off the team. If the thought ever crosses my mind ever again, rest assured, I will talk to you about it and we will settle it," He gave her a honest smile.
Krystal's look softened, and she leaned against him, her head on his shoulder. Her fur felt so great against his, so...natural, even.
"Your sincerity is one of your better qualities," Krystal hummed. "I'll respect your privacy...for now," she added playfully.
"What?" he countered, smiling himself. "You going to mess with my mind, now that we are in a relationship?"
"Perhaps..." she hummed again, coyly.
He chuckled. "I...I wouldn't mind that."
"I'll keep that in mind, then," she answered.
Then two of them just sat there quietly. It was pretty amazing, knowing that the two of them could just enjoy being together like this, silently. Krystal had that affect on him. He always felt drawn to her, like being by her side was just his natural position in life.
"Hey, Krys," He murmured.
She opened her eyes. "Hmm?," she hummed.
"Let's...let's put the team on hiatus for a bit. So we can have time to...explore. What do you say?"
Krystal looked up him, skeptical. "This is you being a paranoid, still."
Fox sighed. "It...It is. But like Falco said, I will fight harder when the time comes. And over this break we can train, train harder than ever. But for right now, I just want to be with you." His tail started to wag. "I mean, you love me back! How can I not be all giddy and want to spend some time with you?"
Krystal's look melted into a loving one, and she reached up and pinched his cheek. "Thank you for being honest. And I would love to spend to spend time with you...Foxie Woxie," she cooed.
She about barreled over laughing when she saw how he blushed at that. "F-Foxie Woxie?"
"Mmhmm. Now that we are official, I should think it's time I...spoiled you a bit more, shall we say," she replied, hooding her gaze.
"And what does that m-mean?"
"I leave that to you to think about." She said back, giving him a coy look.
Just then, a beeping noise sounded over the Great Fox's Comm system. Then ROB spoke.
"Pilot Slippy has returned."
"And there's the other person we need to talk to," quipped Fox. "Let's go."
He stood, and held out his paw to her. She took it.
"Let's," she agreed.
Just then Falco came into the room, gave them a glace, and starting heading to the hanger.
"Come on, you two. Put your clothes back on so we can meet up with Slip. I wonder what kept him down there so long," he called back to them.
"Annnnnd I going to kill him for that one," Fox stated simply, beginning to follow the avian with Krystal by his side.
"Oh come on, Fox, it wasn't that bad," said Krystal, though when he looked at her he saw she was in fact blushing slightly.
"It's only going to get worse from here," Fox replied, rolling his eyes.
The moment Slippy climbed out of his Arwing, Krystal knew that something had happened on Aquas. Judging from that giddy smile and giddy feelings coming off from her frog companion, she figured that whatever had happened was something quite fantastic. Out of respect, she decided not to pry into his mind.
"Well Slip" said Fox, walking up to him, "Judging from the way you look, I'd say you come bearing good news."
"Huh?" Slippy replied, as if woken from a dream. Then he shook his head. "Oh! Uh, yeah, I do. You guys won't believe it! Guess what happened to me while I was down there?"
"Your voice cracked, indicating that you are finally achieving puberty?" Falco asked.
Slippy merely shot him a glare, as if by reflex. "No. I met a girl!"
Krystal's eyes widened, and she smiled.
"Oh really? Right when puberty's beginning. How about that," the blue avian quipped.
Not missing a beat, both Slippy and Fox replied with a "shut up" at the same time. Falco chuckled.
"Man, I am getting too predictable," the avian muttered to himself.
"Oh hush, you." said Krystal. She turned to Slippy. "But Slipp, that's great! What's her name?"
"Her name's Amanda, and she's a real knockout! And get this! She works for my dad's company as a technician! We're in the same field! It's as if it was meant to be." The frog had a dreamy look in his eyes.
"I'm happy for ya Slipp! And you know, that's funny, because something similar happened to me-"
"You and Krystal finally hooked up?" Slipp asked, as if it wasn't a surprise.
It took every ounce of Krystal's will power to not burst out laughing at Fox's face. He looked like he wanted to punch a wall. And though the walls of the Great Fox's hanger were of hardened metal, she believed he would actually leave a dent.
"Yes. Yes, we did, Slippy. And I'm assuming that's not a surprise in the least?" the blue vixen asked, smirking.
"Well, everyone saw it coming. I mean, the real question was when Foxs was gonna-"
"Okay!" Fox shouted, very annoyed, "I get it, I was being nervous about it. Let's move on. Slipp," he began, sounding serious, "I wanted to tell you because me and Krystal are worried about how this will affect the team. We already asked Falco, and he was fine with it. What about you?"
Slippy looked thoughtful for a moment, the smiled at Fox. "Honestly? Considering how obvious it was, I was already used to the idea of you two getting together. Really, we're all friends her anyway, so the whole 'professional' thing never occurred to me. So in the end, I'm fine with it. Just, please Fox," he added, now looking worried, "don't do anything stupid. You could depend on us to bail Krystal out of jam if she get's in one. And thankfully she's good, so that hopefully won't happen that often."
"And I will depend on you as well to save Fox when he get's in trouble as well," Krystal added.
"Of course. And just because I'm curious, how did you do it Fox? Did your feelings finally overwhelm you, and you just spit it out?"
Fox looked uncomfortable. He looked at Krystal, and she nodded.
"Well," Fox began, "It started because I told her that I wanted her off the team, for her own safety."
Slippy's already buggy eyes got even buggier. "What?! Fox, how could you ask that-oh. The accident. Right." Slippy calmed down. " I mean, yeah, of course you'll be worried. But those kinds of accidents happen, you know? We've all gotten a little closer to death than most people have. Krystal seems unbothered by that."
"I watched my entire planet, and my entire people, be wiped away by a monster of man," said Krystal darkly. "If anything, death and me are acquaintances."
"And I'm guessing that she out right refused to leave and then you spat it out?" Slippy asked.
"Am I really that predictable?" Fox muttered, palming his face with is paw.
"Yeah, you are." Falco answered.
Fox looked back at the two of them. "Alright. Now that both of you are informed, I'm glad that you two are fine with this. But Slippy...and Falco, I'm still struggling with this, when there's come a time when you guys are in bind and-"
"You go after Krystal first?" Slippy answered, looking serious. "Again, Fox, that may be a hard subject, but I can't say I don't expect it. I mean..." then Slippy shrugged, "we just gotta train hard and try not to let that happen. And moreso, please Fox, and you too, Krystal," and here he gave them a pleading look, "don't do anything stupid out there. We can pick up the slack."
Fox looked at his two wingmen, and nodded. Krystal could still sense something wavering in Fox's mind, but out of respect, she didn't pry. Fox had been completely sincere in his promise to not ask her to leave the team. He understood that she would protect him, as he did. This feeling was something else.
"Also," Fox added. "Me and Krystal we're talking about this. Since we've just now become a couple, I hope you all don't mind if put the team on a small hiatus, just so I can spend time with her. The both of you may find jobs on your own, and I only ask that you be careful. Is this fair?"
"Well, can't say I didn't see this coming," said Falco, crossing his arms. "I suppose that's fine. We have been busy clearing away pirates and finished reconstruction efforts since the Aperoids were taken care of. Just as long as this doesn't become a trend. You can't just stop us from flying, Fox."
"I'm aware," Fox replied curtly.
"I'm fine with it too," Slippy replied.
"And you're just saying that because you wanna court this girl of yours. Say, what's her name?" the avain asked.
After giving Falco a look, Slippy replied. "Her name is Amanda."
"Amanda...it's a nice name," said Krystal. Slippy smiled at her.
"Well, that's enough serious stuff for now. Why don't we head over to the sims for some friendly training and competition? I have to fufill my monthly quota of proving that all of you are beneath me."
"Falco, if you stroke that ego of yours anymore, it's going to go raw," Krystal muttered.
"And that's the plan, Blueness." Falco smirked, winking.
It had been a fun time at the sims, actually. Fox smiled, remembering Falco squawking when he and Krystal beat the avian and Slipp three times in a row once they finished with free-for-alls. He was also happy because Krystal's performance appeared to be proving. She not only managed to hound everyone in free-for-alls rather well, but she even shot down Falco plenty of times in teams. She was improving soundly.
And he knew the reason why. And he too, would improve as well.
He sat in his bed, now willing himself to try and fall asleep. The sims had been tiring, and Krystal had opted to sleep alone tonight, though she did so reluctantly. And he already missed being in her arms. But if she need her space, so be it.
After staring at the ceiling for while, his wrist communicator beeped. Looking at it and seeing a familiar number, he smiled. He pressed the "answer" button.
The small holographic head of Peppy Hare appeared, looking at him and smiling.
"You heard?" Fox asked.
"Krystal told me just a few minutes ago. Fox, she looked like she won the lottery," Peppy replied, his smile widening.
"She and me both. I just found out the girl of my dreams not only likes me, but really likes me," he answered, a little dopey grin appearing on his face.
Peppy chuckled. The both of them did. After they finished, Peppy's face became serious. "She also told me how it happened."
Once again he felt guilt, though the hare's gentle look calmed him. "Don't feel bad, Fox. What you did wasn't necessarily wrong. But it was hasty. You're fortunate Krystal refused and got that confession out of you."
"I will always remember how lucky I am," Fox murmured.
"I'm assuming that you told the team about this?"
"I did. They...understand the situation. How Krystal's life became more important to me. They're lax about it because Krystal's capable of taking care of herself. And improving. She's earned their respect."
"Indeed. Still, Fox, you have a lot of thinking to do."
"I know. I intend to do that thinking." Fox stared of into space for a moment before continuing. "How did my father manage his relationship in the beginning?"
"Vixy, fortunately, always knew that your father would be in dangerous situations. To protect her, and eventually you. From the time I met her, and noticed that she understood your father, I knew she and him were simply meant to be. She wasn't comfortable with it entirely, and the two did fight, but they always worked things out." Peppy finished. "Now, with Krystal, it's obviously different. She's a pilot, and a good one. She want's to protect you. She would follow you into hell, Fox. As would your entire team."
The more Fox thought about that, the more he felt awed at having earned such loyalty.
"The only thing I will worn you about is that you must not be irrational. Don't throw your life around recklessly out there. You are living for two now. Your father understood that. And I truly believe that if it weren't for...for Pigma, he would have lived till retirement."
"There are somethings we can't control," Fox whispered.
"Yes. Which is why you must be ready. And you need to think about where you want to go with this relationship, Fox."
Fox felt words travel up his soul and into his mouth.
"I want to be with her forever," he murmured.
Peppy smiled. "Then think, Fox. Just...be careful.
The thing Fox had been thinking about all day finally surfaced.
"Peppy," he asked, "what about...what about retirement?"
Peppy's eyes grew wide. "Fox...are you considering it?"
He nodded.
"That...that is a decision not to take lightly. Do plenty of soul searching. Don't be afraid to talk to Krystal about this. You are blessed to be in a situation where money is no object. The earnings from the team are sizable, and your father left you a large inheritance. You would live comfortably, as long as you are responsible. Which I know you are. But above all else, include her in that decision, should you make it."
Fox nodded. He gave Peppy a wistful look. "What should I do, Pepp? What do you think? What would you do in my shoes?"
Peppy grew quiet, then answered. "I would retire. But I'm biased, Fox. I'm already here. In the end, this is a decision only you can make. Just don't make it lightly. Do right by Krystal, you hear?"
Fox smiled warmly at the man he called his second father. "Thanks, Peppy. Tell Lucy I said hi."
The hare smiled in return. "I will, Fox. Peppy out."
And with that, the small hologram disappeared.
Again, Fox stared at the ceiling. Retirement. Such an odd concept. Thought to be distant, but perhaps closer than he thought.
His musings were stopped by a knocking on his door. Getting up, he walked over and opened the door to behold the familiar sight of a blue vixen that made him smile.
"Couldn't sleep either?" He asked.
Krystal chuckled. "I had a feeling you couldn't sleep as well, so I thought I would pay you visit."
Fox let her in, and they both sat on the bed. Krystal interlocked her hand in his, and Fox gave it a squeeze. Krystal sighed happily and leaned against him.
"I'm so happy that we confessed to each other," Krystal murmured.
"Yeah," Fox murmured back honestly, "I can't believe it, almost."
"Really?"
"Well, when the girl of your dreams loves you back, it feels like...well, a dream."
"Hmmm," Krystal hummed, nuzzling his shoulder. "I can't believe it either."
For a time, they sat in silence, like earlier in the day. Then, Krystal softly spoke up.
"Where do we go from here?" she asked, peacefully.
Fox thought for a moment, before kissing her on the forehead. "Well," he began, "All I know is that I want to move forward together. I'm...well, it's been a while since I've been in a relationship. Actually, you might be the woman I've been the closets to in a while. So...I hope you can be patient with me. We'll figure things out."
"Fox, I waited some months for you to finally confess to me. I can be patient with you," she replied, giggling. "Why did it take you so long? You can be honest. I won't be mad."
Fox shifted shyly. "Well, I was worried at first that all that teasing was just how you normally showed affection. I was afraid that that bringing up the topic of love might damage out already solid relationship. But when it was apparent that you were treating me differently, I...well, I was very happy. Throughout the Aperoid War I kept on thinking about you, about mustering a way to tell you how I felt. Then the accident happened, and, well..."
"Here we are," Krystal finished for him. Her warm breathing against his neck sent shivers done his spine. " Like I said before, I always knew you liked me, Fox. I also knew you were shy, and, well, I knew that I might have to give you some time. You came around though, if accidently."
His ears drooped. "A lousy way to do it."
Before he could even drink up the guilt he was feeling, Krystal wrapped him in a warm hug and squeezed him tightly. "Stop it. What happened, happened. All that matters is that we are here right now, together, with our feelings out. And I couldn't be happier, Fox."
Returning the hug, Fox let loose a small, but genuine smile. "I couldn't be happier too," he whispered lovingly.
It was in the heat of the moment that Fox whispered his next words into her ears.
"I want to be with you forever..."
Krystal slowly drew back, an expression of shock on her face. Before Fox could worry, Krystal looked back at him with such an adoring gaze that he could feel his heart melt. She cupped he face and drew him in, as was her way, and the two were enthralled in a kiss.
Passion. Filled with a great joy in the moment, Fox deepened the kiss more than he ever had done before, and Krystal was more than happy to receive him. He gently eased her down onto the bed, stroking her shoulders, and she having her hands wondering around his chest. It felt as though his hands were meant to touch her always, and it felt as though her hands were meant to caress his fur for eternity.
Fox thought that perhaps they might be moving a little fast, and began to slowly draw away, and Krystal's final move was a gentle suck on his bottom lip. He sat there on top of her, feeling her panting breath on his face, and she gave him a look glowing with love. She sighed in passion, and he did too.
"That'll do, Fox," she whispered, smiling warmly at him.
Fox got off of her, and lay down next to her. He began to play with her silky hair, threading it through his fingers. Thoughts of their future, of living together, floated gently in his mind.
Thoughts of retirement.
"Krystal?" Fox asked, now wanting to let his thoughts be known.
"Hmm?" she hummed in reply. "What is it?"
"You know that thing I've been thinking of? That I wanted to keep private? Well...now, I want to tell you about it."
Sitting up, Krystal gave him an interested look. "Yes?" she urged.
"I've been wondering about retirement, now."
Krystal just looked at him. Fearing an outburst, he quickly explained. "Not for you. For me. This is still not a developed thought, but I'm just thinking of this as an alternative. With us being like this, there might come a time where I may not feel comfortable doing this anymore, and I need to consider my options. Yes, I know the team doesn't mind, but...well I talked to Peppy before you came in, and he urged me to think about this. And I am."
Krystal just kept looking at him. Now sounding a mite meeker, he continued. "I'm just worried about us and the team, Krystal. I don't...I don't want the team to turn against you because this relationship could disrupt things. I love you and I want you to be happier. And I would rather step down before I let you be ostracized. And I will never ask you to leave this team, this home. I'm just...I'm just thinking of the future..." he finished, giving her a shy look.
To his greatest relief Krystal's bare gaze morphed into a mirthful one. She began to giggle and shake her head, and at seeing Fox's dumbfounded expression, she began to giggle harder. When she saw that he was looking a little hurt, she calmed down.
"Fox," she began gently, "you may be the only boyfriend, or maybe the only being in this universe, whose flaw is being too selfless."
His ear's laid back. "Well, I just worry about you. Like I said before, I'm not kicking you off the team. I would rather forgo my spot if it meant you still being able to stay."
"And that doesn't surprise me in the least," she answered. She petted Fox on the head. "Don't worry about that, Fox. The others are fine. They're our friends, and they understand. They know I'm no burden to this team. You don't have to do this. And besides, I'd never let you leave without me."
Fox shook his head. "I'm still thinking about it. But I still have plenty of thinking to do, before I make any decision."
Krystal sighed and gave him a half exasperated, half loving gaze. "I knew going into this relationship that you would be like this. It still surprises me. "
"Well, then I'm full of surprises," he offered cheekily.
The vixen lighty tapped him on the cheek. "Down, boy," she playfully commanded. She gave him one last worried look. "Just…don't make that decision in a rush, Fox."
He nodded, and continued to play with her hair, and she began to stroke his hand with a peaceful smile.
Fox was about to start talking about something else, when the telltale beeps of ROB trying to contact him over the comm system sounded off in the room. Sighing, he answered it.
"Yes, ROB?"
"A vessel is hailing us, wishing to board, Fox."
Fox's ears twitched. "Large vessel, or personal craft?"
"Personal craft, Fox."
He looked to Krystal, who gave him a curious gaze. "Do we know it?"
"Affirmative. It is the Cat's Paw."
Now that surprised him. And Krystal, if her arched eyebrows were any indication.
"Katt?" he whispered.
Through out the walk to the hanger Krystal thought only of Katt. What could drive her to come to them at this time? While Katt was a friend of the team—and a dear friend to her and Falco—Katt tended to work alone outside of the occasional team-up. And even then, she would show up announced.
So for her to come to the Great Fox out of the blue was extremely unusual. So unusual that she fretted about her the whole way to the hanger door.
Once she walked in she saw that Katt had already landed, and the canopy of the Cat's Paw was already popped open. Katt jumped off her craft, donned in her purple flight suit and wearing a particularly thoughtful expression. She noticed her and Fox walking towards her, and she gave them a small smile.
With her empathetic abilities, she could detect an alarming amount of nervousness from the feline. Anxiousness as well.
"Hey guys," said the pink feline. "Long time no see. How've ya both been?" Krystal could tell that she was trying to sound like her jovial self, but it just wasn't coming through.
"Fine," Fox answered. She answered back with the same.
"Good," Katt replied. She shifted her weight back and forth on her feet. "Well...is Falco here?"
"Yes," Krystal answered, but because she was so disturbed by Katt's uncharacteristic behavior, she asked, "Katt, what's wrong? You look…off."
She only felt worse when Katt looked surprised at the question. She chuckled and rubbed the back of her head nervously. "Who, me? Naw, I'm...well..."
Katt shook her head, and looked up at Fox with a grave expression. The gravest Krystal had ever seen on her. "Okay, I just need to spill this out, this is getting stupidly awkward. Foxie, I want to join the team."
She nearly fell over at that. And if that massive spike of surprise coming from Fox was any indication he had been closer to doing so than she.
"W-what?" Fox sputtered out. "K-Katt, where did that come from?"
Katt laid her ears back. Seeing her this vulnerable looking was incredibly disconcerting. "Is it...that much of shock?"
Fox walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Well, you usually opt to work alone, so it is. Not that you wouldn't be a good member of the team, but it's just that this came out of nowhere, Katt. What happened?"
Katt looked down and bit her lip. Krystal felt something radiating from her, and she had a hunch.
"Falco?" she asked.
Katt jumped a little, then looked at her. "Yes, yes it does have to do with a certain blue featherbrain. And before you ask Fox, no, he didn't say anything to me. We're on good terms. I just...I just have something I need to do."
"How does joining the team relate to that?" asked Fox.
"That's private," said the pink feline.
Fox looked at Krystal, and she shrugged at him. She knew that Katt probably would claw her to pieces if she looked into her mind. She could still feel all the anxiousness Katt still had, but that didn't tell her anything about why Katt suddenly wanted to join the team.
"Now if you excuse me," Katt continued, "I have a blue bird to wake up."
"He won't be too happy about that," Fox muttered.
"He'll be mad for all of five seconds," Katt called back, walking through the hanger doors.
Krystal casted a quick glance to Fox, and he nodded. She nodded back. With that, they began to follow Katt along the way to the pilot's quarters. They caught up to her just as she began to knock on Falco's door. When there was no reply, Katt knocked again. Harder
"I swear to you, Fox!" came the tired and angry voice of one Falco Lombardi, "If this isn't something important I will blow up your Arwing! And I will find a way!"
It was comical how quickly his face changed from irritation to bafflement upon seeing Katt standing infront of his doorway. Krystal took a mental picture.
"K-Katt?" Falco stuttred. It was all he got out before Katt grabbed his arm and dragged him into his room, and shut the door behind them. They heard a locking sound afterword.
Some painfully awkward seconds followed.
"Are they-" Fox started.
"No," Krystal answered. "Trust me, I would have felt it. I haven't the faintest idea what's going on in there."
Fox sighed and rubbed the bridge of his noise. "Well...I don't want to sit here and eavesdrop."
Krystal nodded. "And neither do I."
So with little else to do, they began to walk back to their respective rooms. However Krystal didn't feel so sure about sleeping alone that night anymore, and although Fox might be startled...
She walked over and gently took Fox's hand before he walked through his doorway. He looked back at her, startled, but welcoming of the contact.
"Yes, Krystal?"
She blushed slightly, and then looked at him with a gentle smile. "May I...stay with you tonight, Fox?"
She was surprised to see her vulpine not begin to sputter, but only blush and smile back bashfully.
"Of course, Krystal."
That night, they slept in each other's arms, with Krystal lulled to asleep by the wonderful sound of her beloved's heartbeat.