Chapter 16

Now, back at Le Hotel Champlain…

Carmelita had once again begun her combat training, canes at the ready. She was able by now to give even Sly a run for his money, pitting her twin canes against his one. That was not to say that she had Sly at a disadvantage…no, it was more like she was finally able to hold her own with him. She also continued her tutelage with the help of the Thievius Raccoonus, picking up additional techniques and skills of Sly's predecessors which she then tried to put to good use.

Sly leaned back against the wall of the training center, idly twirling his cane in a slow blur in his hand. "You're coming along nicely, querera," he informed Carmelita one day. "You nearly had my number that last round."

Carmelita grinned in happiness. "Yeah, I would of," she commented, "but I'm not quite the master thief yet now, am I?"

Sly considered that, then shook his head apologetically. "Sorry, Carmelita," he told her. "But no, not quite yet." He then ceased twirling his cane, and stepped over to where she stood cooling down. "You've accomplished more than I could of every expected of you, my love. And, far more quickly than I had ever hoped." He then moved just beside her, and leaned over to kiss her gently on the cheek. "I'm proud of you, girl."

Carmelita beamed at hearing his praise of her accomplishments. "Thanks, Sly," she returned. "I've had a good teacher."

Sly grinned, "Thanks, querera," he murmured, about to kiss her once again.

Carmelita grinned mischievously then. "I meant the Thievius Raccoonus, Ringtail," she teased, suppressing a giggle.

Sly halted, his eyes going wide a moment before he grinned and chuckled. "Touche, Carmelita," he congratulated her. "Nicely done, my---" He never finished his sentence as Carmelita looped her hand behind his neck, drew his lips to hers, and kissed him rather soundly.

Later on, Sly found Carmelita seated at dining room table, giving Bentley a run for his money in a fast-paced game of chess. Sly knew she enjoyed playing against Bentley…claiming it kept her mentally sharp. 'Stimulating the Brain', Bentley preferred to call the exercise. Sly moved over, took a seat beside Carmelita as she played, and watched. "So," he ventured. "Who's winning?"

"She's whipping my butt, Sly," Bentley confessed, a bead of sweat dripping from his brow. "Either she's getting way too good for my liking," he opined, moving his knight forward and to the right. "Or, I'm way off on my game."

Carmelita grinned, guessing just what had the usually sharp Bentley off of his game of late. Could you say, 'Yuri'? she thought to herself. "That's okay, pal," Carmelita told him. "I'm just having a good day is all."

As Carmelita contemplated her next move, there came a polite knocking at the back door. She was up in a moment. "Stay put, guys…I´ll get it," Carmelita told them both. She headed toward the back door to the garage, her mind debating the merits of several potential moves. "Yes? How may I---?" Carmelita began, not even looking at who might be calling. Therefore, she was struck dumb when she looked out the door and saw….

"Ah, surprised to see us, Carmelita cheri?" Yuri Sing asked, her green-gold eyes twinkling merrily. She was dressed in a subtle silvery green sequined dress that set off her fabulous figure to a 'T'.

"Yuri!" Carmelita gasped, her left hand moving up to rest at the base of her throat. "And, Naomi too." She saw the shy cheetah beauty smile a wan smile at her from just behind Yuri. Naomi wore a simple olive green short-sleeved blouse over black slacks. "What are you two doing here?" she asked, then frowned. "And…just how in blazes did you find us here?" Carmelita added, just before she put two and two together and… "Wait, don't tell me," she continued with a pained expression, "Kitty told you…right?"

"Oui," Naomi answered politely, nodding her elegant head. "But, how did you know, Mademoiselle?"

"Trust me," Carmelita said with a sigh and a smile of acceptance. "You'd have to know Kitty better…like I do. Now, come in…the both of you. Welcome to Le Hotel Champlain."

"Merci, Carmelita," Yuri replied, smiling a bright welcome smile, as she stepped within the kitchen. Naomi followed on her heels, her soft soled shoes making nary a sound.

"Now, ladies," Carmelita asked. "What can I do for you both?"

"I am glad that you asked, cheri," Yuri answered, looking at her cleverly again. "Naomi and I have finally thrown caution to the wind, and---"

"Madame!" Naomi interrupted, shocked.

"Ah, my apologies," Yuri corrected herself, grinning mischievously over at Naomi. "I have thrown caution to the wind, and have decided to let your Bentley know my exact feelings and intentions regarding him, you see."

Carmelita gaped at hearing that, then chuckled. "Oh, dear! Bentley's really going to be off his game now," she replied, confusing both Yuri and Naomi in the process.

"Excuse me?" Yuri asked, one blond eyebrow arching.

Carmelita waved her question away with a wave of her hand. "Nothing, nothing," she replied mysteriously. "And, you, Naomi….what brings you here today?"

Naomi blushed prettily, then smiled, her eyes trying to avoid Carmelita's curious brown ones. "Um, ah…much the same thing as Madame, really," she answered in a soft voice. "Though, I wish to speak to Monsieur Murray instead, you understand."

Carmelita blinked in surprise several times, then grinned as she figured out what was going on. "Ah," she said then. "Kitty's gotten to the both of you, hasn't she? Yes…I can see her handiwork in this right away…"

"Oui," Yuri answered with a telling smile. "She can be---how you say?---most persuasive at times, no?"

"Oh, yeah," Carmelita agreed. "The little scamp…"

Naomi shook her head. "She is eerie, that one," Naomi said, clearly in awe. "She was able to bat aside all of my arguments with ease. Before I knew it, I was able to admit that I---er, had strong feelings for your friend, Murray," she related, with a soft blush and a grin.

"Yep," Carmelita said with a nod of her dark-haired head. "She's been at it all right. Oh, yes…most definitely."

"It is no matter, cheri," Yuri replied. "What is done is done, yes? Now, would you be a dear, and fetch our two gentlemen so that we may speak with them?"

"Give me a minute," Carmelita said, her mind plotting already. "Hmm. Tell you what, you two," she proposed. "I'll take each of you up the back stairs to their individual rooms. Then, once I've got you both in your places, I'll send the boys up to see you." She eyed the two beautiful feline women with a grin. "Sound like a plan to you, ladies?"

"Oui!" Yuri said with a soft appreciative laugh. "What a clever one you are, Carmelita."

"I don't know, Madame," Naomi protested weakly. "To be alone…with him, in his room…"

"Naomi," Yuri pointed out, taking a nervous Naomi's hand. "You trust Murray now, do you not, cheri?"

"Oh, oui, Madame," Naomi replied instantly, but then softly bit her lower lip. "It is I that I do not trust…" she added, then went pale, clapping her hands over her mouth, her large eyes huge now in her embarrassment.

Yuri giggled softly, putting a hand over her mouth. Carmelita snickered, trying very hard not to join Yuri's very contagious giggling. Naomi finally got her color back, and too giggled softly. "Mon Dieu," she laughed. "I cannot believe I actually said that…"

Yuri reached over to hug Naomi, still laughing softly. "Naomi," she told the girl, "you are priceless, cheri."

"Merci, Madame," Naomi grinned.

The three then proceeded to make their way quietly up the back stairs to the upstairs. There, Carmelita led Yuri to Bentley's room, and after allowing her inside and shutting the door, led the still blushing Naomi to Murray's room and secured her inside. She then grinned in satisfaction, nodded her head once, and proceeded back downstairs. She quickly made her way back to the dining room, where Sly and Bentley waited.

"So, who was at the door, querera?" Sly asked, smiling upon seeing her return.

"Oh, it was just Kitty. She forgot something is all," Carmelita replied nonchalantly, taking her seat again. Sly frowned, thinking that over, then shrugged, dismissing his reservations.

Carmelita studied the board, then moved her queen four ranks diagonally. "Check," she announced, then grinned triumphantly. "And…mate, buddy!"

"Damn," Bentley replied, grimacing. "I'm really off my game….no doubt about it."

"Don't worry about it, Bentley," Carmelita advised him. "Hey, you know…I never thanked you---personally, I mean---for accepting me into the gang. I apologize for that, buddy."

Bentley smiled, pleased to hear that. "Hey, no problem," he replied, humbly. "You're welcome. I'm not too proud to admit I'm wrong on occasion."

"Thanks," Carmelita told him with a smile. "Tell you what…I was saving this for later on, but…what the heck!" She looked over to Bentley. "I got you something…a gift, if you like…for being so supportive. It's up in your room, Bent. Go on, you've earned it…"

Bentley smiled, intrigued. "Ah, Carmelita," he said, blushing. "You really shouldn't have," he told her, but with a smile.

"Well, to be fair, Kitty helped me pick it out for you, so…you have her to thank too," Carmelita said mysteriously as Bentley got to his feet, and made his way upstairs to his room.

"Well," Carmelita said softly to herself. "That's one down, and one to go."

"What was that, my love?" Sly asked, running a finger over her smooth knuckles.

"Oh, nothing," Carmelita replied quickly, but with a smile. "Say, Sly…you wouldn't happen to know where Murray's gotten himself off to now, would you?"

"You're acting really strangely all of the sudden, Carmelita," Sly observed, arching one of his eyebrows as he looked at her.

"What?" she answered, countering his suspicions. "Those guys got me gifts for becoming part of this team," she pointed out. "What sort of girl would I be if I didn't return them the favor, huh?"

Sly thought that over a moment, then shrugged. "You've got a point, sweetheart," Sly said. "Murray's in the training room, I think. Busting four by fours with his hands and feet, if I remember correctly." He grinned when Carmelita blinked in surprise. "Yeah, it's messy…but, hey, it makes Murray happy."

"Right, thanks," Carmelita replied, getting to her feet. Sly stood as well…after all, he was a gentleman, you know. "See you in a bit, handsome," she told him, kissing the tip of his nose, making him laugh.

"Go on," Sly told her, then watched her leave. "She's up to something…no doubt about it." He began twirling his cane again slowly…as he often did when he wanted to think. "But, question is…what?"

Bentley paused a moment before laying his hand on the doorknob of his room. That was awfully nice of Carmelita…to do something like this for me, Bentley thought. How little did he know…right? Right!

Bentley worked the knob, and ducked inside his most familiar room. That was when he frowned. He sniffed the air, and caught a most unfamiliar scent. One that was subtle, with a hint of sweet musk. "What the---" he muttered, turning, and his jaw just dropped, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head.

"Bonjour, Monsieur," the nearly luminously beautiful Yuri Sing nearly purred, her green-gold eyes gleaming.

"Y-Y-Yuri?" Bentley squeaked, totally surprised.

"Oui, Bentley," Yuri replied, "your Carmelita was kind enough to provide me this opportunity to speak with you…alone, mon cher." Yuri was regal-looking, her long blond hair pinned up on her head, resplendent in her silvery-green ankle length dress that softly clung to her amazing curves.

Bentley found himself blinking…over and over again. His heart was thundering in his chest, he was having trouble breathing very steadily, and if he wasn't careful, he might find himself passing out very soon. "You want..." Bentley tried, then words failed him, as he gazed rapturously at Yuri. "You want to…to talk…to…me?" he stammered.

"Ah, oui," Yuri replied, nodding her head. Golden earrings gleamed at each ear, and a bright silver choker enhanced her already lovely throat. "I do indeed, Bentley. Very much," she confided to him.

"W-W-Why?" Bentley asked, then blushed. "Sorry…stupid question."

Yuri laughed then, softly and huskily. "Non," she assured him. "That is a very good question, cher." She moved toward him, towering over him. A veritable queen she appeared to him just then…regal, majestic, nearly untouchable. She then pulled up a chair and gracefully sat herself down, bringing her large exotic eyes down to his level once more. "I can see," Yuri began, her voice warm and soft, giving Bentley a shiver of excitement, "that you are unaware of what brings me to you this day, yes?"

"Well," Bentley replied, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "Now that you do mention it…"

Yuri smiled, which confused Bentley even more. "Ah," she said. "So, those looks you give me---when you do not think that I am looking---they mean nothing, yes?" Her piercing green-gold eyes were locked on his own.

Bentley knew precisely what 'looks' she was talking about, and promptly blushed hotly. "No," he replied, truthfully, not meeting her gaze at first. He then found his courage, and added, "How could I not look at you, Yuri?" he told her, unable to be anything other than honest with her. "You're…you're beautiful." He then blushed again, looking away from her in his embarrassment.

Yuri smiled again, reaching out to take his chin in her slender hand, turning his face to hers again. "Merci," she told him simply. "Merci beaucoup." Yuri beamed at him, thrilled that he found her so alluring. "Now, cher," Yuri continued then. "Is it only my looks that you find so appealing, hmm?"

Bentley looked into her lovely face, and despaired. No, he knew, it wasn't only her stunning looks that made him love her---though, God, that should be enough!

He was enthralled with every aspect of her…her poise, her humor, her delightful French accent, her very noticeable feminity, and her mischievous side as well. It all added up to the amazing package that was Yuri Sing. "No," Bentley finally answered, his own voice soft and husky. "And, you know it, Yuri." He then dropped his head to his chest, closing his eyes. "You're too wonderful a gal for the likes of a nerdy little geek like me…"

Yuri lifted his face to look at her again, gently. "That," she pronounced in a most determined voice, "is what we French would call 'merde'." She saw his puzzled expression. "What you would call a load of dung, cher."

"What?" Bentley replied, blinking furiously.

"Bentley," Yuri said patiently, softly caressing his cheek with one of her slender fingers, making him shiver. "I have never met a man just like you," she told him. "Now, true…I could find many a more handsome man than you, cher."

"You got that right," Bentley muttered in self-depreciation.

Yuri ignored him, and continued. "And, I could find fellows more charming and refined than you as well…"

"Yeah. True," Bentley agreed, feeling his stomach drop, as---at least in his own mind---she read off his flaws…one by one.

She watched him, her heart aching from the look of self-loathing that appeared in his normally guarded, but luminous eyes. "However, my good Bentley," she told him in a slightly louder voice. "I am not looking for such a man, cher."

"Y-You're not?" Bentley exclaimed, confused. "But…why the hell not, Yuri? You deserve only the best!"

Yuri gave him a brilliant smile, cupping his cheek with her soft hand. "Ah, cher…but I have," she replied. "I have found the man I have been looking for."

Bentley heaved a heavy sigh of regret. It was bound to happen, he told himself. Who was I kidding anyway? he asked himself. A girl like Yuri…and me? C'mon, Bentley…get real! "I'm sure you'll both be very happy."

Yuri blinked in surprise at that, then began to laugh soft amused peals of laughter. "Ah, but we will, cher," Yuri assured him. "I am certain that you and I shall be very happy indeed, my love." Her exquisite eyes gleamed, and her smile made Bentley's heart swell.

"Wha---?" Bentley gasped, obviously caught off guard by her admission. "What did you just say?" He wiggled a finger in his ear…sure that he had misheard her.

"Here, cher," Yuri said, placing one hand on each of Bentley's cheeks, gazing into his eyes. "Let me make it easy for you, no?" She leaned in slowly, her mouth parting slightly, her eyelids slowly closing, her head canting to the left slightly.

Bentley felt as if he was about to have a heart attack! She was going to kiss him! Him, Bentley Turtle! The loveliest girl he had ever laid eyes on was about to--- His thoughts were put on hold as Yuri's amazing soft lips pressed against his own, and Bentley lost himself in her kiss, hestitating at first, but returning her kiss a moment later. After he lost his nerve and pulled away, he gazed adoringly into Yuri's fluttering eyes. "Oh, man," he husked. "I love you, Yuri Sing." He blushed furiously a moment, but gritted his teeth, and continued. "You deserve far better than me, but…if you really are determined to settle for the likes of me," he added, then grinned a goofy smile. "Then…who am I to tell you no?"

Yuri Sing laid a hand over her thundering heart. She then sighed happily, and giggled softly. "Indeed, mon cher," Yuri replied, taking his hands firmly in her own. "I have you now, and I have no intention of ever letting you go." She opened her amazing eyes and gazed deeply into his. "You are mine, Bentley Turtle…and, I am yours…if you will have me, of course."

Bentley looked over at the gorgeous woman seated across from him. "Yuri," he observed just then, giving her a curious look. "Do I really look like that big of an idiot?"

Yuri grinned broadly. "No," she replied. "Never that, cher."

"I didn't think so," Bentley agreed. Then, he leaned forward and put his arms around Yuri's narrow waist and hugged her fiercely, never wanting to let her go. "Of course I want you, Yuri! I've loved you since the first time I ever saw you."

"Did you now?" Yuri questioned.

"Don't believe me, huh?" Bentley replied, grinning. "You were wearing that jade green dress of yours---which you looked like some gorgeous china doll in, by the way---with your hair up on your head. I think there were golden birds of some kind embroidered on your dress. Oh, and I think you were wearing a dark pink lipstick and pale green eyeshadow too…"

Yuri laughed softly, clapping her hands in joy. "Oui! I remember that dress. It is one of my favorites. Very good, Monsieur!" she congratulated him. "I am most impressed," she added, then her eyes gleamed again. "Why do you remember me in that dress so well, mon cher?"

Bentley snorted. "Why?" he countered. "Have you ever looked at yourself in a mirror, Yuri?" He arched an eyebrow at her.

"Ah, the wonderful things you say about me," Yuri sighed. "I found you a very charming man that day. I was flattered by your attention, you know. I don't know why I was…but I was. Oh, yes…I was indeed."

"Yuri?" Bentley asked, stroking the back of one of her perfect hands. "Why me?"

Yuri now blushed softly, which Bentley found adorable. "You will think me a silly goose," she confessed. "But, I shall tell you nonetheless, cher. You see, I have been out with many men in my life. Now, most of them left me quite cold. I could sense they only desired me for my looks, my wealth, or my prestige. Do you understand?"

Bentley only nodded, prompting her to continue on.

"Oui, you do," Yuri continued. "So, when you arrived that day, I was touched. You complimented me…on being me. Not my looks, not my nobile family…but, just me, Yuri. I must tell you that I was charmed by your…shall we say, less than subtle looks of admiration." Yuri lifted her hands up to nervously smooth her already perfect hair. "Then, over the weeks we worked together, I found myself feeling better about things than I had in a very long time. I enjoyed our collaboration, Bentley. I found myself looking forward to seeing you again. You intrigued me…I did not know what to make of you, cher."

"Hey, I'm not that complex, Yuri," Bentley pointed out.

"Ah, but you were to me, my love," Yuri countered. "You were so refreshingly real. You did not play politics, you did not unduly flatter me, nor did you pressure me to go out with you. To be quite frank, you were a mystery to me, Bentley. I had never met anyone quite like you before." She then grinned at him. "I liked that. I found I like that---and you---more and more each day."

Bentley shook his head, a silly grin on his face. "Huh," he mused. "And, here I was thinking I was just making an ass out of myself. Who knew I was being 'mysterious'…"

Yuri laughed again. "Ah, but you were," she told him. "And, then…our business was through. And, it was then that my heart again grew heavy. And, I could not---at first---figure out precisely why," she added. "Then, one day, I understood. For the first time in many a year, I had not felt this burden of loneliness that seemed to plague me."

"You? Lonely?" Bentley exclaimed in surprise. "But, Yuri…you're beautiful. How could someone as lovely as you---both inside and out---be lonely?"

"I do not know," Yuri replied, her lips thin. "But, I was. Terribly alone. Now, I had my friends---like sweet Naomi. But, no one I could share my heart with, you understand? No one to spend my life with." Yuri hung her head, her eyes closing.

Bentley moved forward to put his rough hand on her smooth cheek. "Don't," he urged, his voice thick. "Please…I can't…I can't stand to see you this way."

Yuri smiled again, and Bentley did along with her. "You see," she countered, her green-gold eyes alive again. "That is the effect you have on me, cher. Without you, I survive…but, now…with you, I thrive!"

"Well, I'll be…" Bentley said with a shake of his head, and a grin. "So…it's just not me that feels that way then…"

Yuri frowned. "What do you mean, Bentley?"

"When I'm not with you, I feel like I'm going through the motions of life, Yuri," he told her. "I guess I've been doing that for so long, it's what I've come to expect." He then paused a moment, thinking, then continued. "Then, I met you. And now, everytime I'm with you…life seems more vibrant. More alive, I mean. Like living in Technicolor instead of black-and-white. Does that make any sense?"

"Oui," Yuri said, nodding. "Oh, oui, mon cher." She drew him close, pressing her cheek to his own. "That is it…exactly. Oh, but you do not know how lucky I have been to find you, Bentley."

Bentley laughed softly. "Hey, not as lucky as me, Yuri," he said, pointing over to a mirror that showed the two's reflection. "Just what are the chances that an admittedly brilliant---yet geeky---guy like me would ever find a gorgeous, unbelievable woman like you, huh?"

Yuri said nothing, but turned and softly kissed Bentley's cheek. "Better than you think, cher," she told him. "I love you, Bentley."

"Hey, I love you too, Yuri," Bentley finally said without any hestitation. He then stroked her silky blond hair as she snuggled up against him, the both of them very content…

Murray wrapped a towel around his neck, feeling pretty darn good after his invigorating workout. He'd reduced twenty four-by-fours to so much kindling in about a half-hour's time. Not too shabby, he told himself, grabbing the handle to his door, twisting it and stepping inside.

"Hallo, Monsieur," a most familiar voice greeted him, forcing him to whirl around, his eyes growing large in his surprise and shock.

"M-Ms. Rousseau!" he exclaimed, seeing the very pretty Naomi seated there upon his bed. Murray---as he usually did whenever Naomi was around---felt lumpish and tongue-tied. "H-How? I mean, when---?" he stammered.

"Your Ms. Petro told me where to find you," Naomi admitted. "Then, Carmelita brought me here…so I could talk with you." She flicked her gaze to his brown eyes warily, yet with obvious eagerness.

"Talk to me?" Murray replied, then nodded. "Sure. What did you want to talk about, Ms. Rousseau?" Murray tried…but just couldn't manage to not look at Naomi. She was tall, slender, and very much a woman. Her long blond hair was like spun gold, her spotted golden fur exotically attractive to him. Her large amber eyes were luminous, framed by long delicate lashes. Murray gulped, entranced by the beauty of the cheetah woman before him.

"Please, Murray," Naomi asked. "Call me Naomi. It is my given name, after all, you know."

"Oh, I know," Murray assured her, then grinned awkwardly. "It's just that I would feel…well, a bit forward, to call you that. I mean, we hardly even know each other that well." Murray found his heart beating rapidly inside his chest.

"That is most kind of you," Naomi assured him. "However, it is also most unnecessary. I would prefer you to call me Naomi." She then canted her sweet head, and pleaded with him, batting her big amber eyes. "Please?"

Murray knew he couldn't combat that! "Okay, er…Naomi," he said with a grin.

Naomi smiled, charmed by this shy big fellow. "Please, take a seat. I will not have you stand, my friend," she told him, beckoning to the nearby chair.

Murray took the seat and sat down, the chair creaking softly as it took his weight. "So, what's up, Ms…er, I mean, Naomi?" he asked.

Naomi fidgeted, wringing her hands behind her back. Why is it that I feel like some schoolgirl with a crush? she asked herself. You are a woman, act like one! she demanded. She then shored up her waning courage, and got to the matter at hand. "Murray," she began.

"Yes, Naomi?" Murray answered, surprised at how easy it was to say her name now.

"Do you love me?" Naomi asked bluntly, her eyes boring into his own brown ones.

"What?" Murray gasped, shocked…to say the very least.

"You heard me, Monsieur," Naomi replied, her heart pounding in her chest, feeling as if she could not draw a single breath. "Do you love me?"

Murray blinked repeatedly, thoughts pinging around in his confused mind like a bullet in a steel room. Of course he loved her! he told himself. She's so beautiful, and so nice, and so sweet… But, he countered, could he allow this vision before him to waste herself on someone like himself. "Naomi…you can do---"

"Simply answer the question!" Naomi demanded, feeling the beginnings of panic in her chest. Was it possible that she had misread Murray's intentions toward her then?

Murray began to sweat, wringing his own big hands in near agony. Would he put his own feelings over what he thought best for poor Naomi? He owed her the truth…but at what expense? "Yes!" he blurted, looking away from her. "But, I don't deserve anyone as beautiful…as nice as you, Naomi…"

Naomi exhaled explosively, a grin blooming over her pretty face. He did! He did love me! Oh, Dieu…I am so happy! She barely heard the last bit of his say…but, heard it she did. "Why do you say that, Murray?" she asked, up and moving toward him with a speed only a cheetah could manage.

"B-But…how could you love me?" Murray asked, incredulously. "I mean, after all…I'm, well…just me, you know? Just Murray. A wanted criminal, a big old lug of a hippo, and an orphan to boot."

"So?" Naomi replied, countering. "None of those things matter to me. I am in love with you, Monsieur Murray. And, according to what I have just heard, you love me as well. Do you deny it?" Naomi was afraid again. What if he did?

"No, but…" He looked back at Naomi, his eyes full of admiration. "You, on the other hand, Ms. Rousseau, are as beautiful a woman as I've ever seen…and you have a well-respected, close family." He paused then, canting his head to look at her in a combination of curiosity…and agonizing adoration. "What does a guy like me have to offer someone as wonderful…as beautiful as you?"

Naomi frowned a moment, then shook her blond-haired head. She moved over to Murray, and sat herself down in his big lap, looping her arms around his neck. "More than you could ever imagine, Murray," Naomi answered in a soft, warm voice. "Your Ms. Petro told me of your conversation with her…the one regarding you and myself."

Murray frowned at that. "She shouldn't of oughta done that," he growled, embarrassed.

Naomi only laughed, and kissed his cheek, making Murray blush and grin. "Oh? And if she had not, mon cher…we would not be having this conversation. Oh, Murray…" she cried softly, looking at him with such adoration, that he blushed anew. "I did not realize what a kind, sensitive man you were! I was such a fool, Murray. Had it not been for Kitty, I would of missed out on the love of my life! All because I was afraid…"

"Afraid?" Murray asked. "Afraid of what?" He looked about, frowning, imagining some mysterious figure to appear to threaten his Naomi! "You don't have to be afraid, Naomi. No one will ever hurt you…I promise you that!"

Naomi giggled, and snuggled her cheek into Murray's broad shoulder. "No, silly," she told him. "I was afraid to tell you how I felt," she told him.

Murray chuckled, which made Naomi frown. "That's rich, Naomi. I've loved you for ages…I just…well, thought I wasn't good enough for you," he confessed. "I've been so afraid I'd never see you again."

"Ah, you need not worry about that ever again, cher," Naomi told him. "Not if I have my way, you won't. I do not intend to leave you out of my sight for any longer than I must, my love."

"Hey, that works for me," Murray said with a chuckle. Naomi giggled into his neck, hugging him very tightly, wrapping her tail about him as well.

"Murray?" Naomi then asked, leaning away from him a moment.

"Yeah?" Murray replied, gazing over at her.

"Kiss me," Naomi asked, her eyes pleading, her lips opening as she leaned toward him.

Before Murray knew it, he had softly kissed Naomi, gently cupping the back of her head with his big hand. He felt her kiss him back, and that caused a warm happiness within him that he had done without for most of his life. He finally moved back, parting lips with the most lovely Naomi, and he smiled down into her perfect face. "I love you," he told her, his voice thick with emotion, his eyes backing up his claims.

"I know," she replied, putting one small hand to his cheek. "I love you too, my Murray." She then snuggled her chin on to his shoulder and broke into happy tears. "Oh, I am the luckiest girl in all the world…" she cried, tears sliding down her cheeks.

"Maybe, Naomi," Murray soothed, kissing her brow. "But, that's okay…cuz I'm the luckiest guy to have found you. That makes a great team now, doesn't it?"

Naomi wiped at her eyes, beaming. "Oui, mon cher! You are right," she told him, hugging him as hard as she could.

Murray enjoyed her mild hug---or at least it was mild to him.

Then someone bellowed outside his door. "Oy! You two lovebirds in there!" came Kitty's unmistakable voice. "You two finished snogging in there yet? Some of us are getting hungry out here!"

Naomi smiled, exchanged a knowing look with Murray, then laughed. "Oh, you rogue! You may enter now, Ms. Petro."

Kitty opened the door, and observed the slender beautiful Naomi seated upon Murray's lap. She grinned wolfishly. "See, big guy?" she told Murray. "Didn't I tell you that she liked you? And, more than 'like', I think…"

"Kitty, hush!" Naomi commanded as both she and Murray blushed.

"Kitty Petro!" came a most familiar growl behind Kitty. She turned and spotted a very angry looking Bentley tromping down the hall toward her, his fist clenched. She wisely began to back up.

"Okay now, Bent," she wheedled, putting her hands up. "Let's not go doing anything rash, buddy…"

"Petro," Bentley growled, clenching and re-clenching his fists. "I'm not sure as to whether I should kill you or kiss you for what you've done!"

"Now now, cher," came Yuri's silky voice from behind Bentley. "Be nice to Ms. Petro. She is responsible for opening both Naomi and my eyes to our real feelings toward both you and Murray, you know…"

Bentley then did something that---frankly---shocked Kitty. He grinned at her! "Yeah, you're right, Yuri," he said, taking her hand and kissing it. He readdressed Kitty. "So…thanks a lot, kid," Bentley told her, giving her a sly wink. "Yeh done good!"

"Eh, what can I say?" Kitty admitted humbly, a grin on her pretty, smirking face. "When you're good…you're good!"

"And, humble too," grumped Bentley…who then laughed.

Yuri put her hand on Bentley's shoulder, and chuckled. "All is now well, my loves," she said, speaking to them all. "As everything is now out in the open, as it were, I think it is high time that we should inform both Sly Cooper and his Carmelita as to these new developments, yes?"

"Yeah, you got that one right, Yuri," Bentley agreed, taking her hand in his own. "Hey, neither you or Naomi haven't ever met Sly before, have you? Well, get ready then," Bentley told her, as well as Naomi, "because there is only one Sly Cooper. C'mon, let's go tell Sly and Carmelita…"