A/N: Time to make up for that last chapter. This one will be better I hope. I am trying to stray away from everyday life but that's a little hard to do. There isn't much drama here but this chapter is going back to Shane and his feelings that he may or may not have for Krystal.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Star Fox, Nintendo and/or Rare do. Any relation to my original characters in anyway is entirely coincidental.

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Chapter 9: A Tale of Two Tails

'Another hard day of school down…so many more to go.' Shane thought trying to blast any remaining thoughts of how days went out of his mind. He rested on his bed, as Shane usually didn't come home after school. His parents both worked nights so he was usually home alone until he woke up, being that if he did come home, it was at three, which was exactly when his parents left.

Shane turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling without anything more to do. He was a good student, but one that always had something other than the actual criteria they were learning on his mind.

Like Krystal.

There was no doubt about it. Bill was absolutely right. There was feeling there still, and Shane still cared for her. 'Then why do I feel like I hate her?' He asked himself. They broke up months ago, and since then Shane hadn't thought of anyone else. His hatred…was it really hatred, or just pain?

'Life sucks,' his mind told him.

He sat up and looked around…it had been months since they'd broken up and yet everything still reminded him of Krystal. Now he had to fear Fox making off with his ex. Everyday Shane had asked himself what he did wrong. What had Fox done for her anyway? She had pretty much just met the guy and already she was head over heels in love with him.

Naw, Fox was his best friend. He deserved her right? When was the last time Fox had a girlfriend anyway? There was Fara of course, but were they really going out? Or were they just the kind of affectionate friends?

'So Fox is getting the girls again…what else is new?' Shane shook his head. Shane never understood Fox. He had all the girls swooning over him and willing to do anything for him. Yet he had stayed single…why? Krystal or Katt would probably change that. As long as Fox didn't do anything stupid…like try to date them both.

Shane looked out the window and saw that it was pretty cool out. "Not a bad day for a walk I guess." He said to himself and got out of bed.

***

Shane went out of his door and locked it behind him. There was park right on down the road and that would be a nice place to go relax. Homework could wait for a while longer.

It was then that Shane could take in the nice fresh air and be used to things again. He remembered taking Krystal down to this park. They had a nice picnic and a good time. "It's time to stop thinking about Krystal and start thinking about other possibilities." Shane spoke to himself out loud. But when would there be another fur let alone vixen like her?

Shane sat under the shade of a tree at the park and watched some of the kids play. Not just the human kids, but the little kits too. Watching the kids and kits play together reminded him about how he used to share his insights on humans and furs with Krystal. 'She probably got tired of that.' Shane thought.

The children played peacefully and all Shane could do was mess around with a flower on the ground thinking about Krystal. Gosh, they broke up in January and it was April and they STILL hadn't said a word to each other. 'Damn I've been such a jerk to her.' Shane said to himself.

Shane was thinking about going to visit Krystal but decided against it. With how he'd been acting for the past few months, Krystal probably wouldn't want to see him again. As Shane stood up he found himself heading down to Krystal's house anyway…was that a good or bad idea?

***

"Why are you here again?" Fox was asking Katt, who was standing at his front door. He wasn't mad…actually a smile crossed his face. His dad was home and didn't mind Katt being there. Although Fox probably shouldn't have blurted that out loud.

"I just want to hang out today. Not much homework to do." Katt answered. "I was wondering if you'd like to go to Peppy's Café with me. Get something to drink, its been getting hotter lately."

Fox didn't see any problem with going to the café with Katt at all. "Let me tell my dad where I'm going, wait here." Fox said.

Katt waited for a couple of minutes before Fox appeared in front of her again. He closed the door and nodded. "Let's go."

***

'Why am I doing this?' Shane asked himself for what seemed like the thousandth time. He debated constantly about whether or not he should go or not. After all, Krystal's parents were home, which made his situation even more nerve-racking. He walked up the steps to her front door, and then walked back down. He was…scared?

Finally, he managed to go up to the door and ring the bell. 'Now why am I not running away.' He thought to himself…which actually made him smile and be a bit more comfortable. He was actually smiling at the thought of Krystal's dad answering the door and him jolting off out of fear.

To his surprise, Krystal answered the door and quickly slammed it shut, wiping the smile off Shane's face. The door then slowly creaked open and Krystal stood in front of him and forced a small smile on her face. "H-h-hi," She said nervously.

"I…I'm sorry Krystal." Shane began with an apology. "I've been a jerk for the past couple of months. I didn't mean to ignore you."

Krystal slowly opened the door wider and invited Shane inside. "You're forgiven, but its kind of hot to be standing out there in black don't you think?"

'That's it?' Shane thought. 'Just like that everything is back to normal between us?' He almost spaced Krystal's question. "Thanks."

They went directly to Krystal nice and cool room. "So you came to apologize?" Krystal asked once Shane was seated on her bed.

"Yeah I know…doesn't make up for nearly four months of ignoring you." Shane pounded the bed softly.

"Well, I feel much better that you're speaking to me now." Krystal said.

Just then her dad busted in, "Hi Shane how's it going? You kits hungry I could get you something to eat if you like and not only that but something to drink as well. Would you kits like that huh? Crackers and cheese it is er umm cheese and crackers." He said all in one breath and closed the door.

"He's still the same." Shane laughed.

"He still doesn't trust boys being the room with me alone." Krystal nodded. "Don't worry, mom settled down about it all. She actually trust me now."

Krystal sat on the other end of the bed letting her feet dangle. She was nervous that Shane was here…in her house…when she had been thinking of him a lot…as well as Fox. "So how come you ignored me?"

Shane thought that this would come up eventually, just not so soon. "Well…I was mad at you I guess." Shane admitted, somewhat.

"Are you still mad?" Krystal asked, not being able to face him.

"I'm not really mad anymore…just sad mostly." Shane held his head down. They had their backs to each other and no matter what, Shane wouldn't turn his.

Krystal didn't like to hurt people and Shane knew that. But at least now he was here…talking to her…but it was different to her now. He seemed like…a normal fur for once. He didn't talk about humans, and what surprised her most…he came just to talk. Now for Shane to do that…was kind of scary to her. He seemed like a fur that would hold a grudge for years.

"I should probably go now. Before your dad comes up with another scheme to see what's going on." Shane said as he got up to open the door, but Krystal stopped him.

"Shane wait." She got him to stop. "Why don't we go to the to Foxxy's Diner…for old time sake you know?" He wasn't Fox that was for sure…but he did have a kind heart and she didn't want to get started on the wrong foot.

Shane smiled and opened the door. Only to see Krystal's dad fall forward and onto the floor. "Sorry I forgot your cheese and…that other thing I'll go right away and get them." He said dusting himself off and quickly going down the stairs.

Shane looked at Krystal. "I think he's gotten worse."

***

At the café, Katt and Fox sat down at the counter where they could easily talk to Peppy too. "So, Fox…is this your new girlfriend?"

Fox smirked, "No, just a good friend. You know her already."

"I know, but it seems like everybody is always getting together in the spring. Except for old furs like me of course." He joked. "So what can I get you too?"

"How about some chocolate malts?" Katt suggested. "I've been dying for a malt."

"Two chocolate malts." Fox said and held out a ten. "My treat."

Katt was a bit flattered by it but liked it nonetheless. Peppy went and got the malts ready, it took a bit longer than coffee and the like did. "So how's life?" Katt asked. She never liked silence.

"Fine I guess. Anymore surprises that you got for me?" Fox asked.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Katt asked as Peppy bought them their malts.

Fox smirked, "First you ignore me, then you up at my house and now you just invited me here to hang out. What's the catch?" Fox asked. He sounded humble about it.

"Oh nothing." Katt said. "I just couldn't help it. You're just… so damn you!" Katt said.

Peppy shook his head. "Kits…" he mumbled under his breath with a smile.

"So…what do you want to do Sunday?" Fox asked.

"I don't know." Katt said.

"Want to go to a movie?" Fox asked.

"Sure. A movie would be nice. But what's playing that's any good?"

"How about…"

"Don't say 'Behind the Foxes Eyes' I don't have Krystal's exact same taste in movies." Katt warned.

'Open minded I see.' Fox thought. 'I like that.' "Well, what do you want to go see?" Fox asked.

"Let's go see something that isn't so dramatic and lubby dubby. Let's go see a movie that makes us feel good." Katt suggested.

"Well, what's playing that's good. Besides, I want to know what kind of taste in movies you have." Fox said.

"I want to see something that has a little bit of everything in it. I want a movie that's out of this world. And it has to be funny." Katt giggled. 'I just giggled!' She thought…like she did with Krystal. 'Oh Lord!'

Fox smiled at her. "There are plenty of comedies playing. Call me tonight and tell me what's up. It's your choice."

'Call me! Yeah I'll call alright.' Katt thought. She could've died in his presence. There was just something about him that was irresistible. He turned to drink more of his malt and the scene grew silent. Of course since it had been that way for ten seconds Katt had to speak. "So what kind of movies do you like?" Katt asked.

"I like almost anything, but my favorite is romance." Fox said.

'A romancer huh?' Katt thought. Nothing was wrong with that. "But you can deal with comedy can't you?"

"Of course. Who doesn't like to laugh?"

"See? It all works out. What's your favorite movie?" Katt asked. "A romance I bet?"

"Actually, I don't have a favorite movie. Never really got into one."

"You don't get out much?"

Fox looked up, "Oh no, I'm always out usually. I just never see anything good these days."

"Oh." Katt said. 'And honest too…hmmm probably someone for Krystal but I'll manage.' She thought. 'I bet he's still pretty daring though.'

"Tell me about yourself now." Fox insisted. "I'd like to get to know you more."

"My name is Katt Monroe and nothing holds me down!" Katt grinned.

'That's for damn sure.' Fox thought. But he meant that in a good way actually.

"That's basically all there is. The rest just comes out as the story goes I guess." She winked. "Besides, if I told you everything about me up front that wouldn't be much FUN now would it?"

Fox chuckled a bit. Hey, she was right. It was hard for Fox to picture Katt and Krystal being best friends. They were so…different.

Fox liked both of them. He like Krystal's honesty and beauty. But he really liked how Katt was outgoing. Something he didn't see in many furs like her. "I guess if we give it time and let the story tell itself there will be plenty of time to know each other." Fox replied. 'This is going to be a story all right.' Fox though. 'But it isn't going to be MY story.'

***

Shane and Krystal went to Foxxy's diner by taking a nice walk. Shane had a car but he didn't like to drive it. There was something about driving that he loved but since the area was pretty small and you could get anywhere in minutes he didn't see the use in driving. Actually, most furs saw no need to just get in there cars and go to the market when it was only two blocks from their home.

They walked inside and Krystal saw that same lion that served her and Fox. She waved to him and they had a seat. "What have you been doing these past three months?" Krystal inquired. She didn't know why she hadn't asked on the walk over. They had mostly talked about class on the way and why Krystal hadn't really done much of anything after the break-up. On the way it was all about Krystal mostly.

"I spent a lot of time grieving and being mad." Shane openly admitted. "But it's a lot better now. Spring Break is coming soon."

"Yeah…I know." Krystal trailed off in her thoughts.

Shane usually knew Krystal VERY well and could always intervene in her thoughts. "I hear now that you have your eye set on Fox." Shane said.

Krystal looked up and blushed a little. She didn't really want Shane to know…but was it really that obvious? Perhaps.

"No need to be embarrassed." Shane said. "Fox isn't dumb. He knows. I'm pretty sure he feels the same way. Besides, it's not like we were just going to stand around like logs and let the world pass us by you know."

Krystal sighed with relief in knowing that Shane had indeed changed. "I'm just curious," she began. Shane was the ONLY boy she ever opened up to, and for that Shane had constantly been her emotional support, even before they started dating. Now she was bringing those days back. "When I last saw you, you were interested in humans and now your not. How come?"

Shane hadn't expected that. "Well, it's one thing to be attracted to the opposite sex, but its another to be attracted to a different species. I was just a bit more interested in humans…because…they have no fur. Unless you count the little bit of hair on their heads and underarms."

"When did you stop being so obsessed?" Krystal wanted to know. She was going to pry everything out of Shane that made him change.

Shane looked away and then looked back. "Because I knew it was part of the reason I lost you." He sighed.

The lion came around and as usual, Krystal and Shane didn't get much of anything. They usually went to Foxxy's just to hangout and talk. They sometimes ordered drinks and perhaps a burger and fries, but this time it was just a talk. Krystal wanted all of Shane's anger to come out NOW.

"Well…" Krystal said looking down and trying to come up with the best response she could. Nothing was clicking in her mind though. She couldn't come up with anything.

"Don't worry about it. Besides, human girls don't want a fox like me. They want something better."

"Shane, you shouldn't put yourself down like that." Krystal said.

"It's not a put down, it's true. I want to find a nice vixen one day, who just accepts me for who I am and what I do."

Krystal stayed silent. What was keeping him from doing it? He had the looks, almost better looking than Fox. Keyword: ALMOST. He could get any fur he wanted to get. But he probably wasn't going to do that anytime soon. What was keeping him from living up to that goal…then it hit her. 'It's me.' Krystal thought. 'He still hasn't lost feeling.'

"Want a drink or something?" Shane suddenly asked. "I could go for something nice and cool. What do you want, iced tea or lemonade?"

"Guess I'll take some lemonade this time." Krystal said. Shane knew she didn't like pop one bit and Shane was the only one that didn't make fun of her for it. Besides Fox and Katt, that is.

Shane signaled the Lion over. "By the way, the name's Leo." He said as not to have everyone calling him "Mister."

"We'll take a lemonade and a nice cold sprite." Sprite was probably one of Shane's favorites. His attention turned back to Krystal who was certainly acting stranger than usual. "So what's up, besides Fox?"

"Nothing." Krystal said.

"Nothing always means something." Shane retorted.

"I know…" Krystal came forward and admitted. 'It's that even while Fox is here, I can't keep my mind off you…' Krystal thought to herself.

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A/N: Yep, I love making a huge mess of everything by throwing in characters who have a bunch of mixed feelings. Once again, Krystal doesn't know WHO she wants to be with Shane or Fox…umm I hope I'm not making this seem like a repeat version of "Behind the Foxes Eyes" only in a different kind of world. But what I'm doing is interesting. It's a new concept that I'm doing in the 'Love Triangles'. The trick is that ……silence If I told you then it would spoil all the fun surprises I have in store for the fic. Anyway, this week I'll be out of town so I updated now. I'll be gone for about a week or so but when I get back I'll update ASAP.