A/N Hey guys, it's about time I finally you know, did this chapter. I'm sorry for keeping everyone waiting because I was busy with school with exams over I feel far less stressed out and hopefully I can deliver this chapter well and up to standard. So where were we?... AH yes Sly and Carm in Puerto Rico and he afraid she will laugh at him for not knowing how to swim.

Sly and Carm had spent the next day apart, her job forcing her to stay nearby. The only time they got to speak was when she was on a lunch break and they quickly met at a small restraint to talk. Nothing really important just random talks.

Apparently Carm had a problem with the curator of the museum, he was a bit of an asshole and only after annoying him several times did he consider giving her this short break.

"Guy sounds a bit paranoid, maybe he's got contact telling him that a theif is nearby" he said smirking. Although he had used all precautions, different name, different look. He was running off an entirely different ID so it was hard to believe someone knew he was nearby. It was just as possible that the guy was and asshole.

He hasn't mentioned anything about you or any other thieves he just wants me around, basically wants to use as much product as possible before I'm gone" she said referring her services as the product.

The thief shrugged "Well if you ever want his hide strung up for some giggles I'll happily do it. Nobody annoys you but me" he said proudly.

"Thanks" the fox answered sarcastically back though she had had half a mind to accept his offer.

Nothing much was said since she had to go back to work but she departed by saying, "Luckily the other guard that came here is in tomorrow so, we'll definitely go to the beach then, ok?"

He nodded for her but when she left he sighed "What's so hard about telling her you can't swim?" talking to himself quietly "I mean seriously what's she gonna do besides laugh…. Then make fun of me and tell how a thief who couldn't swim worked"

"They are just words…. But…. From her, if it were Bentley or Murray it would be just friendly teasing but her…. How can her rival not swim?" In the back of his mind he knew she wouldn't just stop being his friend for this stupid thing but for some reason her knowing he couldn't swim was humiliating, and would ruin his persona of awesome to her…. Much to her delight.

He shook his head and realized no matter what she'd find out, but he wasn't gonna do it now, imagine how fast she be chastised if she was talking on the phone during a job and laughing hysterically in a museum.

He sighed again getting up and heading out to spend the rest of the day relaxing.

By the end of the day he had gotten to know the city, really useful for this visit but next time when he came back for whatever reason he'd know exactly how to get around and quite a few escape routes.

He was in his crumby apartment, like always it was low profile, and he didn't need anything more then a bed and four walls. The only time he spent in here was to sleep anyway. To his surprise his phone rang and he checked to see whom.

He had hoped for Carm so he didn't have to mentally make the choice to call her and tell her his pathetic secret, but it was Bentley.

He smiled knowing his friends were checking on him so he answered "Hey Bent, what's up?"

"Hey there Sly, these phones are secured so say what you want" he always said this even though he knew it "So buddy how's Puerto Rico?"

"It's nice, warm and there's a lot of eye candy" he said though secretly to him he had only one that interested him.

"Good to hear, things are boring as usual and- Give me the phone I want to speak to him!" Apparently Murray had tried to steal the phone mid sentence.

"Sly, it's the Murray, Bentley was being rude and not letting me speak to you, how are ya?" he asked the slight sound of struggle over Bentley trying to get the phone back in the background.

The raccoon chuckled at his friends antics and how much they obviously missed him if they were climbing over one another to speak to him "I'm doing fine Murray, how about you"

"Can't talk long my shows are about to come on, but it's good. Just like normal except you aren't here" he said then suddenly a loud sound, which sounded ke struggle again.

"Ok, so anyway, how's the scouting going?" Bentleys voice asked.

"I'm fine, the only lead I have is some item I have yet to identify that is in the nearby museum, it's on tour so by the time we come back it will have moved. Do me a favor and look up what it is and figure out where's it's scheduled to go" he asked his smart friend.

"Sure thing, let me get my computer" there was a pause and then some other noises that sounded like typing and he said "Ok, so apparently it's a ancient set of armor from ancient china, apparently was worn by a famous general turned emperor when his father, the original, died. From what is says this guys military background allowed him to make tactical decisions that most emperors never knew since he actually had a military background. Successfully stopped his country from going to war on itself before the rebels even tried anything"

"Hmmm, where's it going next?"

"By the end of the week it will be off to…. America" the turtle said.

"Ok, figure out the specifics, have a plan for that later when I get back. I send more details when I get out of this place" he promised, basically meaning tomorrow would have to be his last day here or raise suspicion on why he was in Puerto Rico this long.

"You got it Sly, talk to you some other time. And remember don't get in trouble, got it?"

"Yes mom" he rolled his eyes, "Say goodbye to Murray for me alright?" he said to him then hanging up once he said he would.

With that he got settled in and fell asleep still terrified of tomorrow.

In the morning he woke, got breakfast and then just waited.

By around 11 am he got a call from Carm and answered.

"Hey Ringtail, sorry for the wait, slept in a bit. So ready to go?" she asked

The raccoon with some difficulty said "Ya sure, meet me outside my hotel and we'll walk the rest of the way there"

She agreed to that and he quickly changed into swim trunks and a shirt he probably wasn't gonna wear much, and finally sandals.

He walked outside waiting maybe ten minutes before he saw a familiar orange figure.

She had a pack full of things, which he guessed had a towel and other stuff. A tank top which he was sure like her shorts were only gonna be temporary once they got there.

"Hey there" he smiled walking over to her as she continued down the sidewalk.

"Hey Ringtail, ready to have some fun?" she asked excited that she'd get to enjoy herself.

He nodded "Yup, the sky is totally clear and there's no high winds. It's going to be a great day"

She agreed walking to the nearest beach area and once there the fox took a deep sniff "I like the smell the ocean gives to the air, apparently it helps your nose somehow… so see a spot you like?' she asked letting him choose the place they'd set up.

"I think right here is fine" pointing basically a few feet ahead of them which she agreed.

Once they had set up their towels Carm said "He comes what you were looking for" teasing him as she took off her shirt and short revealing her bathing suit. The small amount actually being covered, which did instantly catch some stares, and not just from the raccoon. Her bathing suit was black, which worked well with her fur.

Sly quickly snapped his head away and could feel her smirk since she had been absolutely right and he took off his own shirt.

She looked him over and was a little surprised. He was ripped or anything. He looked strong, fit and totally modest. But because he looked modest he was deceptively strong and she could attest to that. Adding to that he also had endurance, almost like he could run for days.

"You look good" she said which made him blush making her smirk.

"Thanks…. You do too" he said trying not to make a fool of himself.

She chuckled "Don't need to tell me, I already know"

He shook his head in amusement and turned "So what we gonna do now?"

"Well actually if you don't mind I was gonna go into the water first" already walking that way while Sly stayed, hoping she'd just take that as him watching over their stuff.

She didn't ask and after checking the water temperature with her feet dove and started enjoying the water for herself.

The raccoon watched from afar, mesmerized. She was already gorgeous but now the water made her fur sparkle and well…. Girl in the water, need he say more? He was so surprised and stuck watching her he didn't notice a few doing the same. Had he known he might have grown jealous.

He watched the woman enjoy herself for a while just soaking up rays. He was flipping between admiring the view and trying to tell her his secret.

His anxiety was getting so high he was sure he'd just get up and leave.

"Come on, you can break into the biggest, most protected vaults in the world and crack jokes, but telling her you can't swim is practically making you pass out" he said to himself annoyed at how little of a spine he had at the moment.

In fact he was so nervous he was fidgeting and his ears twitched every so often.

Soon she came back obviously bored and her fur dripping with water and said "What's taking you Ringtail, I'm bored as hell in the water by myself"

He looked away embarrassed and after her waiting turned into being annoyed with her arms crossed and her eyes changed to a death stare she said "What's wrong?"

He tried to think of anything but he couldn't and finally gave in and sighed "I…. I don't… know how to swim"

The awkward silence between them lasted for awhile only the sounds of the waves, birds and other people could be heard. Sly couldn't bring himself to look up at her expecting the fox to laugh at him, if she wasn't doing that already.

But to his surprise she made a noise that wasn't a laugh. She kneeled down and said "You don't know how to swim?"

He gulped and nodded in confirmation.

"Why didn't you tell me?" now had the same level as him.

He stayed quiet a moment ears still folded back "Because it's embarrassing, how does a master thief not know how to swim?" he asked.

She frowned towards him and said "Sly it's not embarrassing. Some people just don't know how to swim and are afraid to learn. And to be honest you being such a successful thief yet have no water skills at all only makes what you've done in the past more impressive" she said trying to lift him up a bit.

He finally looked up to her and saw her eyes. He rarely saw them in such a kind and sincere state and he lightly smiled back "Thanks Carm. Means a lot to hear you say that…. I was afraid because you and I are rivals all I could think was how much you'd laugh hearing your nemesis can't swim"

"Well I definitely am surprised to say the least. But laugh?" she shook her head "No I don't think so.

He smiled more and said "Well besides all that I bet I look like a fool coming along just to say I can't do the one thing you wanted to do the whole time?"

"A little bit. But it still means a lot that you came at all. Not to mention the dinner and helping with the thief on the street" she smiled remembering that night.

He looked away nervously "Ya well…. I'm sure you could have handled yourself"

"Not really, the dress, heels, chokehold and gun to my head made the odds stacked in his favor" which was honestly true.

She was happy for his company and despite all that they had gone through in the past she truly called him a friend, especially now that she knew he was willing to go to such lengths just to give her company and a friend even though it would end this way.

He honestly surprised by her understanding and said "One day I'll try to learn, and assuming I haven't been locked up by then we'll try this again?"

"Sure thing, still kinda sad you won't be joining me out there, was entirely boring out there after awhile" she complained sitting next to him on her towel still dripping a bit.

"Hmmm, I bet some volleyball we could do?" he smirked.

She rolled her eyes "Ya and I'm sure you won't be paying attention to the round thing called the ball"

He blushed but countered "Guilty as charged, oh by the way if we do I'll take the back half of the court and you can take the front half" smirking back.

"Oh will you now? I'm sure the view will allow you to more tactically watch the play" she said chuckling.

"My plan exactly" he nodded in agreement.

She looked at him and said "Alright then, let's go play a round of volleyball, but you and me only. Maybe I can beat you in that" she was already getting up and heading towards where some nets were set up.

The raccoon shrugged and got up and followed jogging slightly to catch up.

"You ever play volleyball ringtail, or you are you lying again?" she teased him.

He sighed knowing he'd never live this down now and said "Yes, I know how to play volleyball" rolling his eyes.

She smirked and said "Well prepare to meet defeat" luckily for them there was an open court and they got ready.

Sly said "You sure you want to do this?"

She smirked, as she was about to serve and said "Just remember to pay attention to the ball and not me" then suddenly served.

It didn't catch him off guard and he easily knocked it back. What followed was a few volleys and the eventual scoring for Sly who spiked the ball expectantly on the fox.

She didn't take it too hard saying "I let you have that one" and served again. This time it ended in Carm getting the next point.

Abut fifteen minutes later Sly and Carm were panting lightly. Carm had sustained a lead of two points and was on her last and was determined to win.

Sly served, accidentally hitting badly making it slow and high giving her a perfect chance to spike while he was at the back of the court. She knew it was a huge advantage and took it and smashed the ball before he could get close and she cheered.

"YES,… wow you had me worried there a few times" she was glad she actually beat him for once.

He managed to chuckle happy for her win "Well, I guess I was due for a loss sometime, but guess you used it up on a game not during our work"

She jokingly cursed as if she believed that "Damn, well I guess I got to beat fate"

The raccoon smiled at how cheerful she was at her odds and said "So what next?"

"Two options. We could try and teach you to swim or make a sand castle" she said already knowing his answer.

"Ya, let's saving the swimming lesson for more calm waters" scratching his head nervously.

She chuckled and said "Alright then, so got any ideas? I was thinking of three towers, a bunch of rooms a draw bridge…" she prattled on not really caring if he heard or listened.

They quickly chose a spot near where they set up the towels. Then they got to work but halfway through Carm said showing her dominance over him "Alright I'm gonna sunbathe. Be a good slave and finish this up for me?"

He oddly found no reason to say no, he was having too much fun "Ok then slave driver I'll finish this up"

She smiled and layed down to bask in the sun while her friend continued to work.

After a few minutes a muscular wolf approached and said "Hey there, wanna lay down on something a bit more comfortable, and under something hard?" jackass smile smacked on his face.

"Ya, I think I'll pass" she said trying to make the guy pass by.

"Come on, I think you are trying to get noticed"

"If I were trying to get noticed I'd be further down the beach in the topless area" she said looking up at the guy. Sure he was muscular but he was one of those kinda overly muscular guys, which are almost gross to look at. All he needed was the veining arms and he'd be practically a guaranteed roider.

"Listen babe I'm giving you a chance to come home with me, you don't just give that up" he said the slightest frustration in his voice.

"Hey the woman said go away" Sly said now behind him hoping he'd take the advice.

"First off, she didn't say go away. Second fuck off pipsqueak" he growled not even bothering to turn to him.

"Alright then, 'go away" Carm added in chuckling.

He took a breath and looked like he was about to back down and turned to Sly and said angrily "If you hadn't butted in she'd have gone with me"

Sly stood his ground Carm watching carefully now "I know how she is and she'd sooner smash your face into the sand then get into bed with you"

"Is that so, why don't I smash YOUR face into the sand" taking a step forward threateningly.

"I wouldn't suggest that" he warned completely serious and deceptively ready for anything he might do. He reminded him a bit of Muggshot, but obviously not quite a big, just as stupid though.

He very suddenly lunged forward for his head but to his surprise Sly had ducked and subtly shoved his elbow into the wolf chest knocking all air from his chest. This caused him to keel over a bit and grasp his chest.

Sly took a step back incase he stupidly tried to continue his assault. Sadly for this poor loser he did. He threw a low punch which Sly side stepped and grappled into hand lock.

"This can go two ways. First, I break your wrist and you go to the hospital. Second, I let go and you walk away" he said calmly.

"Fuck you" he growled "AHHH!" he yelped as Sly retched tighter just barely stopping before he broke it "Fuck! Fine just let go!" he groaned.

Sly let go and pushed him away slightly "Good boy"

The Wolf looked to him and slowly got up and turned walking away.

Sly did the same but then suddenly groaned feeling a lot of pressure around his chest.

Unknown to him the wolf had turned and put him into a bear hug from behind without him knowing "Nobody humiliates me" he growled.

He was a fair bit taller then him so he was lifted off the ground and he couldn't do anything effectively. His grip around him was so tight he could relax and slip out either.

He could feel the guy get a tighter grip when suddenly he felt the wolf convulse behind him and his muscles locked up. He slowly fell to his knees forcing him to his knees as well. He could feel the wolf falling forward to his quickly pushed to the left with his legs so he wouldn't be crushed by the weight.

He could tell the wolf had passed out by that point and all he had to do now was somehow escape his tensed up arms. His arms were stiff as a board so he tried to relax again and slip out and with a lot effort he just barely slipped out.

He looked around and saw Carm standing over him holding her new shock pistol "Well good thing I brought this" she smiled spinning it in her hand like a gunslinger.

He panted still catching his breath from the bear hug "Thanks…."

"That guy was a jackass" she chuckled putting the gun away.

The wolfs body twitched and both knew he'd be ok with some time and Carm asked "So I assume you wanna get out of here?"

"Ya sounds like a plan" he said still kinda sore from the hug.

She smiled chuckling "Good" then got serious "Thanks for trying to make that guy go away. Like seriously" she smiled kindly.

He smiled, he hadn't really thought of it quite like that in the moment. He just saw some idiot harassing his friend and stepped in.

"Hey we're friends. Don't mention it" he said being humble.

"No I'm serious, that dude was getting more aggressive and you had the misfortune of seeing it first hand. Not sure what he may have done. So seriously, thanks" she said incredibly serious and thankful.

He could tell it had meant a bit more then she was putting on and said "Ok then, your welcome Carm" which gave him a nod and smile from her.

With that they cut their beach fun short and just walked down the sidewalk along the beach. Like Carm said there was a sign that said the following area of the beach was topless and Sly asked "Is there a reason why you went this way?" Secretly he hoped it was because she wanted take her own top off.

"Because I'm heading somewhere, why? Did you really think I wanted to show off?" she said reading him very easily.

He blushed and fumbled with his words "N-n-n-no of course not…. Just…." His mind shut off unable to say anything.

This just made her laugh and say "Oh I see, you think I'm gonna do that just cause I'm on vacation. No you need to stop with the dirty thoughts. We may be friends but keep it professional" she jokingly said but he took a little seriously.

"I-I-I'm sorry I didn't mean anything…" his ears folded back.

She giggled again "Aww come on, calm down I'm messing with ya…. But I'm still keeping my clothes on"

He was too nervous to jokingly complain back and stayed quiet for a moment. He was so nervous he couldn't even bring himself to stare at the other woman taking advantage of the loosened rules.

She noticed and said "Awww, don't feel sad. You got plenty of others to ogle at"

He was still frazzled from before and just nodded though didn't take the advice… at first. Eventually he subconsciously drifted as they walked.

Sadly they walked passed that section of beach and Carm asked "So you hungry?"

"Well now that you mention it, it is getting close to lunch. Why got something in mind?" he said immediately after feeling his stomach growl.

She thought and slowly faded into a happy smile like she were remembering "I was here when I was a little girl once. Years ago now, obviously. It was a year before my father died. It was the last vacation we were on. I may have told you this already but he was always busy with work and I didn't like it…. Kinda ironic now that I'm a working woman myself eh? But I guess it's not as bad since I live alone" she said opening up again which Sly could tell was important to her.

"Ya, just make sure that the day when you do eventually find the right guy and have a family, if that's what you want, make time for them" he said saying what she was thinking.

She smiled looking to him with a short but filled glance, he couldn't tell what was going on in her head because she looked forward again so fast "Ya…. Anyway what I was getting to. When I was last here my family stopped off at a place nearby, I've been wanting to go the entire time we've been here but it didn't feel right to be alone… does that sound weird?" she said looking to him again hopeful she didn't sound crazy.

"No, of course not. I understand. If you want to go I'll come for sure" he offered being supportive. It was obvious this place held some emotional baggage since it was the last time she spent quality time with her father.

She smiled warmly and said "Come on, it's actually just down the road. Like a beach restaurant so we don't need to change…. I mean unless it's got a new policy… or been replaced" she said a bit worried with the last suggestion.

"I'm sure it isn't" he said trying to help her worries.

She shot him another appreciative smile and within a minute they were where she wanted to be, and by extension where he wanted to be.

She smiled with glee seeing the place hadn't changed, except for the obvious years, some of the wood had degraded and paint slightly faded but it was still the same.

"It's still here!" she said happily and said "Come on let's go!"

Sly followed chuckling, he really wasn't used to this Carm, she was so happy and slightly playful. It was a nice change from her usual all business persona.

Inside was what you'd expect. Tacky and predictable decoration for the tourists, and the general beach bar feel. But it didn't matter to Carm it was a good memory and Sly just liked to see her smile.

When they found a place which she had miraculously remembered was the same table she had been at before they ordered drinks.

"I don't mean to sound like I'm trying to special this moment up but, you think you were supposed to come here and sit here?" she said being cautious.

Luckily for him she was so happy and reminiscing she laughed at his comment "You mean like fate? I don't believe in fate…. Unless it's the kind you make yourself. Which is kinda what happened, I came here and sat here cause I remembered" she stated her opinion.

He smiled and said "I can just imagine you as a little girl struggling just to properly reach over the table back then"

She chuckled nodding "Ya well, surprisingly I was a short girl when I was young, during my high school years I grew really fast…. Ya I remember, I eventually resorted to kneeling on the chair sit high enough, I refused to let my parents make me sit in a booster seat at the time"

He smiled "Ya that sounds like you, hard headed"

She rolled her eyes though knew it was true.

Their drinks arrived and they soon ordered after that.

"You know, my dad was sitting right where you are now?" she said.

"Oh! Am I? Should I change?"

"No it's fine. Sometimes you remind me of him. I mean not in your profession of course, but the way you act. Quick witted, a bit of a smart ass, flirty, but only with my mom. But most importantly knows when to get serious and thoughtful" she smiled warmly at the raccoon.

He actually blushed at this and said "Well I mean…. Do you really see me like that… what happened to annoying and impossible?"

She sensed him deflect the question "Yes, I really do you see you that way… now" she made that clear.

He scratched the back of his head "Well… thanks" still blushing under his fur.

She smiled then asked cautiously "Do you remember much of your family?"

He frowned, she had expected him to do that and also was ready if she didn't want to speak of it "I…. I remember very little. I was so young… I remember my mother and father were happy to be with eachother. Almost every day was a joyful day together. I remember hearing them yell occasionally late at night, but now that I'm older I know it's because my dad went out and stole stuff occasionally… he had trouble escaping his 'itch' But my mom always forgave him because she knew he was careful and never let anything trace him to the crime"

Carm listened intently, it was the first time she'd heard anything of his family. She could also tell a lot of trust was going into his recounting.

"I do remember I had trouble sleeping, my mom would let me sleep in their bed until I got older and she would read to me until I slept…. She may have yelled at my dad sometimes but she always the anchor for our family. While My dad and I were dreamers and were always trying to go do something, whether it be against the rules or not. She always kept us safely on the ground, so to speak" He smiled remembering how he was always adventurous as a child.

He continued "She was the reason dad stopped thieving. I asked them once before how the got together and the small details I got was he met her near the end of his career. She was working at a place he 'visited' one night. Before he could speak to her another guy robbed the place and he ended up driving him away. And things just went on from there" she smiled. Although the facts were obviously a little changed.

She smiled "They sound like great parents. I'm sorry they're gone" she felt guilty for saying her father died. Atleast she had been able to spent a few years of time she could remember with him, and also still had her mom. He had lost everything, his parents, his home, and his childhood. The only salvage from it all was he managed to keep his family history alive and found two close friends.

He noticed her deep thought and predicted what it was "Carm, don't worry about me. Yes I lost them, but I know they loved me, and I turned out fine, right?"

"I wouldn't consider you perfectly alright but alright enough" the fox smiled.

He was happy to hear that "Thanks"

She nodded and asked suddenly wanting to know this "Have…. Have you ever gone back to… your old home?"

He went blank faced and for a moment didn't say anything "I've… thought about it…. But I've never actually done it…. It's not really there anyway" he frowned.

"What?" she said surprised.

"The place was taken down shortly after I was found there by the police. It was so unexpected there were no papers or a will that said I'd take the house afterwards so it's gone" he said showing just how sad he was over that "…. I visited their graves once though. Never again since then"

She stared deeply at him. That was something she had never expected. He was afraid to go back, or maybe too hurt to. She'd never quite doubted he had problems like that when she learned what happened to him, it just never occurred to her that he had that much of a problem.

"….what?" he asked noticing the stare.

She didn't answer for a moment looking down breaking the gaze "I…. just never realized…. For awhile you literally had nothing. That must have been terrifying"

He nodded "Yes… even as a kid I understood I had nothing, no home, almost all my possessions gone, nothing but a book of things I didn't understand and another of pictures. I'd say more but…. I want to keep my composure" he said obviously holding back tears.

"I… I'm sorry we can stop…"

"No… it's ok. I think I needed to talk about. I haven't mentioned it since I meant Bently and Murray. They know not to talk about it now a days….. Just… thank you, I know it doesn't seem it but I got some… problems. I hide them well… but I do need to talk about it sometimes… I think I need to visit them again soon"

She nodded and wanted to say so many things like how she was his friend and that he could speak to her about anything and that she'd be here for him. Although it didn't seem right, like she were patronizing him. Being on the opposite sides of the law always left a shred of doubt and she felt if she said that he'd get defensive. She'd already come out of his comfort zone enough.

She resolved with just saying "Go whenever you feel you are ready, and say what you need to say" her warm and encouraging smile made him just barely crack a smile and he just nodded in thanks.

A silence ran over them until the food arrived and by then the sad atmosphere bloomed again. They somehow had both found the will to speak again and of more pleasant things. The conversation ws still in the back of their minds but they somehow had both decided that the conversation was over and nothing needed to be said about it. Sly was thinking of talking to his parents again, atleast in the near future, but right now he wanted to enjoy the last of his vacation before he went to work again. Same went for Carm.

They ate and talked for half an hour just talking about random things, sometimes about their old escapades, current life. Future plans and anything that was worth a word of two.

But eventually the food was gone and the bill was owed, both mentally agreed apon paying their share without even speaking about it. Their near unending conversation just couldn't be stopped and the pair just found a bench and talked there as they wasted the day away. Neither even cared that their was a beach with many things to do the time just passed by as they spoke. Without even realizing it the time had gone to about 3:30.

"Wow, we had lunch like three hours ago?" Sly said finally checking his watch noticing the subtle change in sunlight behind the face he had been speaking to for three hours.

"Damn you're right!" she said also very surprised by that.

He was about to say something when she interrupted "Oh hey, come on, I got another place I want to show you"

He was surprised and said "Ok… where is it?"

"Wait an see" she smirked.

He continued to ask her every few minutes but she would deflect and he'd just sigh in frustration.

Finally after walking down the street still the beach ended and the road turned left inland. But Carm just kept up walking and towards the trees a few feet from the road.

Sly was puzzled but followed and said "Umm, seriously now, where we going?"

"Shush you" she said aggravating him again.

"Ms Fox, you know we're walking through forest. What could possibly be out here?"

She groaned rolling her eyes at how impatient he was but said "This is not where we're going, this is just the way there…. Hmmm I remember a path last time I did this…. Good" she smirked.

"How is that good, it means that nobody ever comes here" he asked.

"Well anymore, good" she said mischievously again confusing him this time making him finally shut up.

Another ten minutes of bush whacking Sly saw her turn right toward the coast and he wondered what she was doing, but he had learned his lesson from before and stayed quiet.

He heard the ocean again and within a minute she disappeared behind some thick bushes and followed quickly thinking if he didn't she'd suddenly disappear like in a movie.

To his surprise though he walked through walked into her since she stopped "Oof" he said ramming his nose into the back of her head which stung and he breathed in through his teeth making a hiss in pain.

"Watch out Ringtail" she complained having almost fallen over.

He rubbed his nose "Sorry" as he walked around her and saw a beach.

He kinda expected there to be a beach but what caught him more by surprise was that it deserted.

"Where is everyone?" he asked looking around. No beach was empty on this island.

"This isn't an official an official beach, look down the beach" she told him.

He did as told and noticed the sandy shore didn't extend too far in any direction, infact it was less them half a kilometer wide, both sides ending with a wall of trees of bushes with more behind it. That explained it's isolation.

"So what's the story about this little gem of an area?" he asked her as she started laying out her stuff again to sit. The sun was also slowly going now starting to turn orange and reflect off the water.

She smiled "My dad hated the large crowds and thought he might be able to find a secret area. Obviously he did and we enjoyed a day at the beach with nearly nobody there. That's why I was wondering where the path was, some other people shared the beach but there was easily enough room for us all" she smiled reflecting back again.

"Wow, must have been a very good day. Basically having a beach to yourself aside from a couple others"

"Either we got lucky tonight or nobody remembers this place anymore" she smiled "It's like we have out own private beach. I feel rich"

Sly chuckled following her lead and set up his blanket a foot or two next to her and sat down. He admired the scenery seeing the sun continue to set and reflect off the water more. It was starting to blind anyone looking near the horizon.

He turned to look to Carm who was quiet and saw she was also enjoying the scene. From the angle he had he could see the light reflecting off the water, which then reflected off her eyes, which made them almost dance.

He couldn't tear his view away from her for awhile 'so beautiful' he said under his breath.

"Huh, what?" she said shaking out of the trance.

"Wha? Oh I was looking around and said that it's beautiful" he said. She may not have heard what he even said but incase she did he made it sound directed at the scenery.

"Oh, ya isn't it?" she asked to which he nodded.

He wanted to get past what he said and asked "What'd your family do here?"

She chuckled and said "We flew around on magical ponies" she was obviously being sarcastic then said "No, we did beach stuff, swam, built a sand castle, buried dad…" she trailed off frowning.

"I know this sounds super depressing and stuff like that but I guess we buried him twice then" first time was the thing she just mentioned and other was obviously his death.

He frowned knowing this was bringing back memories, good and bad. Sure this was a happy memory but then again it brought all the bad into perspective too"

"No it's ok Carm" he pat the foxes back lightly then pulled her close. She now leaning into him.

"I understand. But remember, be happy remembering the time he spent with you and remember he loved you. I'm sure wherever he is and whatever he believed he's watching you now proudly… except you are hanging with me now" he joked trying to lighten the mood which worked.

She let out a light chuckle "Ya my Dad would hate you" also finding the embrace nice.

"I'm sure he'd scold you hard 'for being friends with a miserable little thief" his voice more coarse as he imitated what he guessed her dad would sound like.

She laughed "Nice try, he wasn't that deep voiced. But ya he'd definitely say something like that"

Sly smiled seeing her smile again and asked "So why'd you get me to tag along on this trip, and don't say because you wanted a companion. Anyone would have come along with you"

She shook her head with a knowing smile "No, there's a real reason. I knew you'd understand my nostalgia and any sadness I showed. You proved me right already. Despite all the depressing stuff I've said you stayed cheerful and cheered me up"

He made a small smile feeling very appreciated "Your welcome Carm. I just know what it's like to lose the important people in your life. Being able to go back and see the places you have been with them is good. It helps you get passed it. Cause I guarantee your father wouldn't want you moping in the past. You've done it well so far. You are one of the most successful law enforcers ever and will probably go further. We aren't too different you know that…?"

She nodded knowing what he meant "We've both lost, but prospered in our respective fields" completing his sentence.

"Ya, exactly" he smiled. For once she didn't tell him he was wrong about that, they had infact done almost identical accomplishments, just opposite sides of the law.

After that they both stayed embraced for awhile watching the sun set. No words were exchanged but they didn't need to be. Both enjoyed the sunset and eachother comfort.

Sadly the sun set entirely engulfing them in darkness.

"Guess we better head home?" Sly remarked receiving a reluctant nod.

They both got up and walked back to the road. Sly then, being the gentleman he was, escorted the fox back to her apartment. Apon arriving he said "Guess this is the last we see eachother for awhile. I got to keep my promise to Bentley and you got to head home"

She looked a little disappointed but she expected it "Alright Ringtail. I hate long goodbyes so why do we just say 'see ya around" knowing their luck they'd meet again by accident somehow, if not they had ways of speaking.

Sly was about to walk away when he felt something wrap around his body. He looked down and saw Carm hugging him in an appreciative embrace.

"Once again Thanks Sly, this all really meant a lot"

He smirked "Well I did get a vacation out of it" he laughed but then got more serious "It was my pleasure"

She eventually let go "Well… then I'll see you around then Carm" he made a weak wave finding it hard to say that.

She weakly waved back and the two separated for the final time of this trip. One would go home, one would stay longer and gather intel before leaving as well to another land.

But neither wanted it to be so.

Ok cheesy last line right lol.

ANYWAY, after hearing one of my fanfiction buddies whine to me several times about getting this done I finally found the strength to finish this admittedly short chapter. It was incredibly hard to write though, mostly due to writers block and the feeling something big was coming. But I also got in Sonic fanfiction if some of you didn't notice yet. I am kinda stuck there right now so I apologize. But it's been a awhile so here's a chapter to sate your hunger.

If you guys like Sonic and more specifically Shadamy, I hope you try out my story. I'm still not fully sure of what people think cause as of this chapter I have one review. I just want to do the characters justice, just like I have here in the sly fiction.

Anyway enough advertising. Thanks for the patience(If you happened to actually wait this long) but be warned, I'm running low on chapter topics so ideas would be much appreciated. Just give me a general idea and I'll see if I can make it work.

Anyway until next time!

Admiralkirk