A/N: Back from my trip and it was certainly nice. I plan to update more frequently (two weeks is too long especially with the free time I have during the summer). This next chapter takes place on Saturday, the day of Krystal's date. This chapter may be boring for a moment (and you'll see why) as I'm trying to really show that Krystal is a shy vixen. Oh, and of course the movie they went to go see is "Behind the Foxes Eyes" in case you forgot. Which is also one of my previous works (which is where I got the idea for a movie title), but I promise not to spoil any huge plot twists if you haven't read it yet.

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Star Fox, Nintendo and/or Rare do. Any relation to my original characters in any way is entirely coincidental. Oh, and it happens that Rick Ons has a Leo in his fic too. Well his is a leopard and mine is a lion just to point that out. Therefore his Leo and Mine are not the same character

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Chapter 10: A Date?

Saturday night. She was getting ready for a night to remember. But she had butterflies in her stomach. She was so nervous. She put on what she would normally wear. She didn't see any reason to waste her time like other girls did to look all nice and flashy for their dates. Besides, this wasn't even a date; it was just a nice get together at the movies. Even if Fox had insisted on picking her up.

Krystal looked at herself in the mirror and sighed nervously. 'He'll be here soon,' she thought, and was still standing there. Gosh she was more nervous than anything. This was pretty damn heavy on her.

'Maybe I should call Katt… just to talk.' Krystal suggested. Who was she kidding? She had a "date" tonight and Katt knew. There was no way that Krystal would call "just to talk". She'd be asking Katt for advice faster than a heartbeat. 'Relax!' She told herself. 'It's not like you could possibly do anything wrong right?'

The doorbell rang shortly and Krystal jumped a little bit catching her breath. 'Is that him?'

Krystal ran downstairs and answered the door before her dad could get to it. If it was Fox and her dad answered the door…well she didn't want to think about that.

She answered the door and there he was in all his glory. Fox McCloud stood tall in his normal everyday attire. Except that his gloves were removed and his fur was much better groomed. She took a quick sniff of him. Thank-goodness he wasn't wearing cologne.

"Shall we go?" Fox smiled and held his arm out.

'So far so good.' Krystal thought. It actually didn't feel like a date, but maybe that's what she wanted.


Krystal, with reluctance on her mind, looped her arm around Fox's and they both left.

They got to Fox's car and got inside. If this were anything like Foxxy's, Krystal would be silent. Krystal looked over at Fox and smiled. On the outside she was happy to see him, but on the inside she was only thinking of what Katt would do at this point in time.

Fox saw that Krystal looked a little nervous. He smiled as they pulled out of Krystal's driveway and went off to the movies.

"Have you seen this movie before?" Krystal asked.

"No, I haven't seen it but my dad did. He cried I think. Which is pretty amazing considering he never cries."

'It seems like something Shane would want to go see.' Krystal felt like saying, but decided against it. 'You're with Fox now. No other vulpine matters but Fox.'

"I've never really heard much about this movie until now…" Krystal admitted. "I hope it's good."

"It got lots of praise, it should be." Fox said. 'She's…talking.' He found himself thinking.

Krystal tried to think of something else to say. "What do you want to do after the movie?"

Fox certainly hadn't expected that. He thought it would be more of a "Let's go to the movies then sit around and talk about it." He kept his eyes on the road and thought of something to answer. "How about going to a nice dinner?"

Krystal smiled. 'Dinner and a Movie.' She thought. She couldn't think of all the times dates went like that. "Where's dinner going to be?"

"Why not Foxxy's Diner? I mean it's convenient and all." Fox said, trying not to let on that he didn't have quite THAT much money.

"That sounds nice." Krystal said. "Don't worry, I can pay for myself." She smirked.

What a relief for Fox…but it wasn't in him to make someone whom he offered to take out pay. "No, it's okay I got it covered."

"I insist." Krystal spoke up.

"Don't worry about it Krystal."

Krystal didn't exactly want Fox to pay but it was obvious she wasn't going to persuade him any way she sliced it. She sat back and relaxed for a bit. "Hey Fox…" She began feeling nervous all over again.

"Hmm?" He managed.

"Never mind. I'll ask after the movies."

***

"Dammit, she's gone to the movies already." Katt rasped hanging up her cordless phone. What luck. Oh well, there would be plenty of time to talk after she got back from the movies. The movie wasn't that long or at least she hoped not.

There wasn't much for Katt to do now. Her best friend was off with the boy of HER dreams. "I guess I can't be mad at her really. After all, it was Fox that invited Krystal along."

Katt put the phone on the charger and went downstairs. They probably went to the local AMC Theaters.

When she was downstairs she saw her parents making measurements on the cabinets and getting ready to change them. It was going to be a long night it seemed. She had thought Krystal would go to the movies during the day, and she thought her parents would start earlier in the day.

Katt sighed just a little, but not so loud her parents could hear. Now she was bored and decided that she needed something to do. "I'm going to Peppy's Café, alright mom?" She called out. Her mom gave her the okay and she was out the door.

The streets of Corneria weren't in any way dangerous at night. You weren't very likely to have something happen to you while you were out at night. Still, there was a considerable crime rate in the small town. The police could usually handle it though.

Katt made her way to Peppy's Café as quickly as possible. She wasn't scared of the night at least. But no matter how "safe" the small town was there was no way she'd take the risk of being one of the select few to have something bad happen to her.

As she walked into the Café and quickly closed the door, she eyed Peppy cleaning out a glass and Shane sitting at the table with Bill. 'Bill actually does leave the house?' Katt thought surprised that Bill had actually been there. It'd been a while since she last saw Bill outside of his home.

She knew Shane very well but Bill was a different story. Sure, she knew Bill but most of the time it was just small chitchat here and there. Sometimes a little conversation but they weren't exactly really close friends.

Apparently the two furs hadn't noticed her yet or else one of them, probably Shane, would've said something by now.

"Hey guys." Katt spoke finally and this made Shane jump. Bill kept his calm as usual and Peppy finally looked up and noticed that he had another teenager in his midst.

"What would you like tonight Katt?" Peppy asked in what was almost a sincere voice.

"I'll just have some hot chocolate." Katt replied.

"This doesn't seem like you." Shane commented.

"What? I have hot chocolate a lot!" Katt said defensively.

"No, not the hot chocolate! You're here…at night. Why?"

"I don't have anything to do because…" Katt began

"…Fox and Krystal are at the movies" Shane finished and looked up when he realized that Katt and he had said that last part in unison. "So you're bored?"

"Terribly."

"I don't know, I think it's about time Fox got out with a girl for a change." Bill intervened in what was almost a conversation.

"I can't really argue with that." Shane sighed. "But did it really have to be Krystal?"

Peppy set some hot chocolate down in front of Katt and leaned on the counter. Not that it was his place to interrupt but he loved it when youngsters talked…especially when it was about their own personal feelings. Peppy knew that it was something they'd never tell their parents.

"Shane, get over her already. You broke up like what, three months ago was it?" Katt shook her head. "Move on."

"It isn't that simple." Shane huffed. "Besides, if you were dumped I don't think that you'd just spring back in an instant."

"I know it wouldn't take me three months!" Katt retorted. "But then again, I've never been dumped."

At that point Shane raised his pawed and shunned Katt off. "No wonder you're so…YOU." He closed his eyes as to conceal some of his anger.

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

"It means you have no idea what it's like to be dumped when you still feel something I'm guessing." Bill said.

Katt sighed. "Alright, I'm sorry Shane."

"Sure." Shane said sarcastically.

"But still, don't you think you should get out and there and see some other girls? Let alone someone that isn't a vixen?"

At that very moment Shane thought the impossible. 'Is she hitting on ME?' He decided to let it pass. If she were it wouldn't matter, Shane felt nothing for Katt and certainly wouldn't date here after what her past boyfriends had gone through.

"Katt calm down." Peppy said. "A broken heart takes time to repair. It could be maybe another six weeks before Shane is out again. Until he feels almost nothing for Krystal that's mainly what his mind is going to be on."

"I guess so."

"He's right." Shane admitted. "The only reason I can't seem to find anyone else is because there isn't anyone out there like Krystal."

"That's right listen to your elder, I know a few things about love." Peppy said.

"Like what old hare?" Katt asked.

"Hey!" Peppy said. "I may not be sixteen but forty-seven certainly isn't 'old'. The average fur lives to be about 90 years old. I still have another forty-three years left if I'm one of those furs."

"No changing the subject. Tell us about your love life!"

"I'm not going to discuss my love-life at all." He shook his head.

"Well, give me some advice then." Shane said.

"Advice such as?"

"Well, how does he bounce back?" Katt interrupted.

"Oh I don't do that kind of advice. All I can tell you Shane is that this too will pass. It isn't like you're going to marry her in the future you know. By the time you guys are in college you'll have gone your separate ways."

"That's reassuring to know." Bill ceased drinking his chocolate malt. "But what about those who stay friends through college and then end up getting married?"

"That's just luck I suppose. Doesn't happen that often here in Corneria. Most furs and people want to leave this small town and explore new heights."

"Forget it." Shane shook his head. "I'll go at my own pace."

"Well, listen to the words he just said Shane, 'this too will pass.' Don't forget them!" Bill said.

"Of course not. How much do I owe Peppy?"

"You know that I'll let you kids get something for free. We've known each other too long for me to start charging you now!"

Shane got up and was about to leave when Katt stopped him. "Let's do something tonight." She suddenly said. 'Did I just say that to HIM?'

This took Shane a bit by surprise. "Where do you wanna go?"

"Let's just talk. Just you and me. Let's head to the park and talk a bit."

This surely couldn't have been Katt Monroe standing before him. There was just no way it could've been her. "I guess so. See you later Bill."

"So long." Bill went back to his Malt and noticed Peppy staring at him. "What?"

"Kits these days." Peppy smirked.

***

In the theater Fox and Krystal sat there like logs. Krystal was a bit nervous but her eyes were on the movie the whole time. It was actually very entertaining to her. She looked over at Fox who was also into the movie. They'd only seen probably half of it so far.

But something about this didn't seem right. Or at least something didn't to Krystal. She eyed another couple that was embraced with each other. She saw a few others who were holding hands, and of course there were those in the back of the theater who were making out.

Krystal felt that perhaps she should do something to show some affection but something kept her from doing it.

Fox looked at Krystal for a moment. He was probably just as nervous but because of the atmosphere that the movie gave off. Fox took Krystal's paw in his and smiled giving it a gentle squeeze.

To Krystal's surprise SHE squeezed back and found herself smiling. But she had no clue what else to do to him. Gosh she was nervous. 'Relax! It isn't a date.' She kept telling herself. Did she keep telling herself to deny that perhaps it really WAS a date?

Krystal didn't know what else to do so once again she surprised herself by leaning onto his shoulder. It was clear that she was a bit shaky about it but she was hoping that Fox couldn't tell.

Fox didn't do anything but hold Krystal where she was.

***

As they strolled out of the theater paw-in-paw Krystal felt a new comfort. But once out of the theater she stopped showing the same level of affection that she did once in the theater. Now it was nothing but handholding.

"Foxxy's Diner?" Fox asked.

"Of course."

They quickly got into Fox's car and were off to the diner with little discussion on the way. "Well, what did you think?" Fox asked.

"What?"

"What did you think of the movie?" Fox asked.

"Oh. I thought it was great. I can see why so many people like it so much." Krystal said. It wasn't in her to critique movies that much. "What did you think of it?"

"Golden." Fox smiled. "Probably one of the best movies I've seen this year."

The ride lasted for a bit and they were happy to be at the diner, where they'd get a nice dinner, probably the same old burger and fries.

Leo led them to your seats and took their order and quickly went to get their drinks. Fox took a moment to eye Krystal again. "So what was your favorite part?"

Krystal knew that sooner or later he'd ask that. It was like a ritual to ask someone what his or her favorite part of a movie or TV show or anything of the sort was. If it was music it was always "what's your favorite song" and all that stuff. She took a moment to recap the movie. She was the type that only remembered the parts she liked until she saw it a second time so it was a typically easy question. "I liked it near the beginning when the 'Dark Fox' snuck into her home and they ended up having a normal conversation."

"I loved the ending. It was something to remember." Fox said.

Krystal nodded when Leo came back with the drinks. Hot Tea for Krystal and a Coke for Fox.

"Fox, there's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Why did you invite me with you to the movies?" Krystal asked.

Fox shrugged. "I have no idea." He lied. Of course he knew. He had a special feeling for her, but much like Krystal, wouldn't admit it. "You seem really nice and all. I've seen you around and I always wondered if you'd like to do something I guess."

"That makes sense." She smiled taking a sip of tea and keeping eye contact with Fox. He at least seemed interested in her.

"I thought this wasn't supposed to be a date?" Fox couldn't help but say.

"I don't know what you mean." Krystal turned away and blushed. "I mean well…"

Fox couldn't contain his laughter at the expression that Krystal had given off. "No, don't worry about it. The movie did give off a sort of romantic atmosphere." Fox said.

Krystal turned back when she finally realized that Fox was the one who made the first move. Did he have it planned from the beginning?

Their order finally came and Leo smiled to himself thinking what just about everyone else in the Diner was thinking, 'What a cute couple.'

Fox had finally realized that Krystal wasn't quite as shy as she was when they first went to lunch the other day. She seemed calmer. Still, her mouth had a way to go before it ever caught up to Katt's. Fox didn't care. 'Has she gotten over Shane yet?' He suddenly thought. Did that really matter?

It was silent again. The only thing heard now were the sounds of other furs and people. Fox looked around and saw an old couple that smiled at him. They must've been remembering their romantic encounters when they were younger. Except this wasn't much of a romantic encounter. It was more of a get together between friends. Of course they wouldn't see it that way…and neither did Fox.

***

The park they walked was the same one that was just down the street from Shane's house. Shane and Katt were strolling through the park. Katt trying to figure out why she wanted to talk to Shane suddenly, and Shane trying to do what he did best these days. Hide everything from her.

They had a seat on a bench and it was nice to see some of the stars light up. They were gorgeous. It hurt Shane a little bit. 'This was one of Krystal's favorite things to do.' He thought, but didn't say it out loud. After the moments they shared talking, Katt HAD to have been tired of hearing about Krystal and Shane.

"Why are we here?" Shane asked.

"It was your idea." Katt smirked.

"Whatever."

"You seem almost like your old self again at least. You haven't spoken to me much lately. Tell me what's going on. You stopped calling me, are you okay?"

"I'm better than okay." Shane said faintly.

"No…I don't really think you are."

Shane crossed his arms and looked up. "What do you care?"

"We've been friends for a while and you've told me more than you could tell even Fox. If that doesn't tell you something then perhaps we can get Krystal down here and she can drag it out of you."

With a sigh Shane uncrossed his arms and slumped down a bit. "Just because you helped me more than the guys did through the break-up doesn't mean you know everything about me you know."

"Does Krystal still bother you?"

"Not so much anymore. I'm actually talking to her now at least."

"It's about damn time. I can't imagine you two not speaking." That was a relief to hear at least. "But still, she bothers you am I right?"

"You're like Bill sometimes." Shane chuckled. "You think you know everything about me. Yes, she still bothers me."

"Because you can't get over her?"

"Pretty much. But no more about Krystal. You still haven't told me why you insisted we come here."

'Dammit! I don't know.' Katt thought. "Look, I don't even know. Guess I just wanted you to get some stuff out. Krystal mentioned that you came by the other day and you had nice little rendezvous."

"I figured she would."

"How so?"

"You tell each other everything. If one of you found a dime on the ground you'd be gossiping over that too I bet."

"So what? That only happened once and…this isn't about me!" Katt said. "We were talking about YOU."

"I don't want to talk about me. I'm sick of hearing about me. Just leave me alone already."

"Hey I just wanted to talk…I didn't think it'd be about you. I was just bored. My best friend is off at the movies with your best friend. Figured that since I ran into you it'd be a nice time to talk."

"I'm usually out on the weekends but not always with Fox. He's got his own situation on his hands."

"Oh. I see." Katt got up. "Well, it's getting late and I should probably head home. By now Krystal has to be back from the movies."

She started to walk when she felt a paw on her shoulder and turned around to be face to face with Shane. "Let me walk you home."

"Why?"

"Because I know you just as well as you know me." Shane grinned.

***

'Home…so…soon?' Krystal thought as Fox walked her to her door. They stopped on the foot of Krystal's door and she couldn't help but realize that the night was actually over. She felt like delivering that stupid line she always saw on TV…you know the 'I had a really nice time' kind of deal. She hated those kinds of shows because the next time the two would see each other something like the guy cheating on the girl happened.

"It was a nice night wasn't it?" Fox said eyeing the stars. "Maybe we can do this again sometime."

"Maybe." Krystal said and stood there dumbfounded. 'Now what?' She asked herself, not knowing what else to do. It seemed like he wanted something else.

"Well, I'll see you in school I guess? After next week it's spring break and then we'll have plenty to do." Fox smiled and dropped Krystal's paw. He then walked off back to his car.

As soon as Krystal opened the door her mother was standing there. She had a smile on her face. "Well?" She suddenly spoke. "How was it?"

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A/N: I know I know they didn't kiss. I'm trying to make Krystal slowly come out of her shell. If Fox hadn't taken her paw at the movies then she probably wouldn't have shown him more affection. Also, don't let the Katt and Shane relationship get to your head. They're actually close friends. There won't be any Katt/Shane pairing in this fic, I guarantee.