Chapter 46: Halves That Make Whole

"And finally, the Vipers made a remarkable comeback in the second half of Saturday's game. With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, their team overtook the Suns by eight points. It looks like the Vipers' old magic is returning after last year's defeat against the Spring Heels. Although it's great start to the new season, only time will tell whether the Vipers can keep their momentum going."

Falco half-listened to the TV cranked up in the next room. Fastening the buttons of a crisp, white dress shirt, he noticed that he had skipped a hole and misaligned the front. Falco muttered a curse and tried again from scratch. He checked his appearance in the mirror.

"In today's weather, a low front is travelling east, hopefully meaning an end to Corneria City's wet spell. We should see clear skies overnight across the coast, with some spot showers hitting Terrier a little after midnight. It's going to be a warmer night than usual at 24⁰C, so it looks like we can shed a few blankets tonight."

Great, Falco thought, sitting on the bed to tie his shoes. The weather had been so abhorrent over the last week, he and Katt considered changing their plans this evening. It would have been a pain after the amount of time they both spent preparing for the occasion. Katt in particular felt nervous all day about the forecast. She told Falco that she had a surprise in store for him and feared that the rain might ruin it.

He found her in the bathroom. "Nearly ready, Katt?"

"Getting there." She carefully applied a shade of lipstick that just stood out from her pink fur. True to her disdain for dresses, she wore a short, vibrant, red blouse over black pants. She could still steal the show in any room in that outfit. Falco knew it worked on him.

He grabbed a bottle of cologne and squirted a few times under his neck. Since he had time before Katt finished with her eyeliner, Falco also oiled his crest. It gave his feathers a nice, sharp shine. Katt turned to straighten a stray quill and smiled. Falco met her eyes, losing himself in them. She scratched him lightly below the beak.

After a quick burst of perfume, Katt was set to go. When she led him down to the basement in Falco's apartment complex, he didn't see his car in its parking bay. Instead, two motorcycles stood in its place. "Who the hell left these here?!" Falco exclaimed.

"I did." Katt swung a ring of keys around her finger. "Surprise, bluebird."

He gaped at her. "You bought us new bikes?"

"Rented new bikes. I got them just for tonight."

Although somewhat disappointed, Falco was still thrilled. He hadn't owned a motorcycle since his old one kicked the bucket five years ago. Since flying with Star Fox didn't give him much opportunity to ride anymore, it never seemed worth getting a new one.

"Where the hell is my car though?" Falco then asked.

"Lucy's holding onto it. I'll get it back from her tomorrow."

"You better," Falco grumbled. "I think I left the keys to my Arwing in there."

"You really should keep those somewhere safer." Katt tossed him a helmet. "Now come on! I made the reservation for 7:00, and I don't want to get held up in traffic."

Falco strapped the helmet on, then accepted his bike's keys from Katt. The engine growled like a tiger. Mean, fast, and powerful. Falco's heart lit up like a child on Christmas. When he hit the throttle as he and Katt drove out onto the road, Falco felt as young as a Hot Rodder again.

"Katt! I love you!"

"What?!" she called over the engines. No point in repeating himself. They were already tearing down the highway.

Along the way though, another driver cut in front of Falco. He quickly hit the brakes. His bike wobbled dangerously from the sudden loss of speed. "Watch it, dipshit!" Falco squawked. The car blasted its horn in response. A streetlight illuminated the P-plate in the rear window.

'Damned kids,' he fumed. Back in the day, Falco would have just swerved around the car and put that punk back into their place. Now he was more concerned that the idiot almost caused an accident. To his horror, Falco realised that he was no longer Hot Rodder material. He felt more like a grouchy, old man now.

"Bloody prick!" Katt shouted after the car. "Are you okay, Falco?"

He glowered at the strip of road ahead of him. "Yeah… I'm fine…" Just suffering from the start of a mid-life crisis…

They soon reached the restaurant without another incident. The moment when Katt looped her arm around his, Falco forgot all about newbie drivers and advancing age. Before he knew it, they were already seated at their table and looking at menus. The venue was nice. Classier than a family diner but not so ritzy that they charged through the roof for half a meal. Perfect for a special occasion.

Garlic bread for the entrée. Rib eye steak for Falco. Caesar salad for Katt. White wine; cheap but decent. And Katt covered the whole bill with a million-dollar smile. She barely gave Falco time to use the restroom before dragging him back to their bikes. There was still somewhere she needed to take him while the night was still young. Katt refused to give any details.

"It's a surprise," she smirked.

Falco had no choice but to follow. They rode south, leaving the city limits. Traffic vanished there, giving them free reign of the open road. It was so dark out that Falco reduced his speed a little. He relied on Katt's taillight and her feline night vision to guide him. Both things that he wouldn't have done 10 years ago, he reflected. Had it been 10 years already?

'God damn it. I am getting old…' Falco stewed.

After another 10 minutes, Katt veered off the freeway. The narrow strip of bitumen faded into dirt track. Falco could smell the ocean a little more keenly. When they finally pulled over and turned off their engines, gentle waves crashed nearby. Green blades of a grassy shoreline swayed in Falco's headlight. The only other thing there was a white pickup truck that looked abandoned… which Katt was currently digging through the cabin of.

"What the heck are you doing, Katt?!"

"Relax. I rented this one too. There's no way I could have brought everything out here on a bike."

Falco spied over her shoulder. "How did you even organise all this?"

"I had to call in a lot of favours from the team." Katt lifted out a blue cooler and shoved it into Falco's arms. She then turned on a small outdoor lamp, setting it upon the ground a few metres from the truck. In its light, she laid out a checked picnic blanket.

As Katt made herself comfortable, Falco placed the cooler down and sat beside her. She shifted close to lean upon his side. Falco wrapped one arm around Katt, letting her rest her head against his shoulder. They gazed up at the stars. There was so many twinkling outside of the city. The cosmos that they lived in all on display for them.

The earth was still moist from yesterday's rain. It enriched the air with fresh scents of life. Crickets chirped in the darkness. Falco took in a deep breath. It invigorated his cells. This was nature at its finest.

"It's nice out here," he said. "Peaceful."

Katt nodded. "It reminds me of the old days. When the whole gang went out of town, and we let loose where the cops wouldn't bother us. Do you remember when Mouser tried to ride Bowser's bike, but he couldn't even reach the handlebars?"

A chuckle shook Falco. "And how he insisted he could steer if he tethered them to his hands with rope? Didn't even make it five inches before he fell off the seat."

"And we both helped him try," Katt snickered. "God, we were such dumb kids."

"I don't think we're much smarter nowadays. Can you even count the number of stupid stunts we've pulled over the last three years alone?"

"Riding that cyclone on Fortuna is definitely top of my list of stupid shit I've done."

"You really haven't changed," Falco laughed again. "I come up with a crazy plan and you dive straight in, no questions asked."

Katt smacked him on the chest. "It's not like I did it to impress you! So, I'm not the same as I was when we were 17!"

Falco massaged his sore spot. "Yeah, that's because you already succeeded in getting into my pants. Anything else you do is now just a victory lap."

"I'll smack you in the lap if you don't shut up!" Katt threatened. Falco scratched her ear to let Katt know that he was sorry. Now he understood why she wound him up so often over the years. It was fun as hell.

He sighed though. "A lot has changed when you think about it though. We swapped our bikes for starships. I joined Star Fox. You went solo. Then Fox disappeared, and you and I became a team again. Next thing we know, three years have flown by, and we're here sitting on the coast together."

Katt's expression softened. "Are you okay? I know it's been a while since we found Fox, and he still hasn't contacted us."

Falco gave her a baffled look. "Why would that bother me? We saw that Fox was fine last time we flew over Purgatory. I'm not going to lose any sleep just because he's slow to call home."

"Falco, you don't have to…"

"Katt, I'm okay." Falco took her hand and spoke softly. "Really. I'm not worried. Fox will call us either when he finds the radio or when he's ready. Until then, I'll trust that he won't get himself into too much trouble."

She looked into his eyes, digging for the truth. Falco firmly held hers. Seconds passed and Katt decided that what he laid bare was the simple fact. "So long as you're sure."

Falco stroked her hair. "I am. But thanks for checking anyway."

They stargazed for a little longer until Katt spoke again. "Say… When we do rescue Fox… What do you think will happen then?"

"How do you mean?"

"Well… If Fox comes back to Star Fox, would he become the captain again? What would you do then?"

Caught off guard, Falco scratched his beak. "Huh… Never put too much thought into it. I used to think I'd just hand back the wheel and be done with it." Something about that now ruffled his feathers the wrong way. "But now I think I've gotten used to being in charge. Part of me doesn't like the idea of letting go now. Is that a bad thing?"

"I think it means you've come into your own as a captain," Katt answered. "You're confident in your leadership now, and you're not satisfied with things going back to the way they were. I think that's normal for people as they grow."

Falco sighed. "It's going to be awkward if Fox expects me to step down later. I don't know how I feel about taking orders from him again."

"Maybe you don't have to," Katt suggested. "We don't know what Fox wants to do yet. He might have had plenty of adventure on Purgatory, so maybe he'll retire and leave you in charge. And if not, then maybe you can go start your own team."

That didn't sound like a bad idea. "I'll bet you'll follow me and become my second-in-command?" Falco said.

Katt giggled. "I'll go where you go. That's my promise." She moved over to straddle Falco's lap. Their eyes locked. "Though I expect the pay and benefits to be very competitive."

"Like having both the captain's room and wallet to use however you fancy?"

"That sounds like a sweet deal."

"You've got that already, you know that?"

"Good. You know what my talents are worth then."

Katt kissed him. Her lips wrapped fully around the tip of his beak. Falco held her close around the waist. They parted, and Katt stroked the feathers on his cheek. "Happy birthday, bluebird."

Falco brushed hers with the back of his wing. "Thanks, kitty. You're the best."

She got off from him to drag the cooler closer. Inside was something essential for any birthday: cake. Katt pulled out a slice for each of them. Falco dug straight in. She knew his favourite. Banana with lemon icing. Just like Ma used to make.

Unfortunately, Katt didn't pack any booze to wash it down. She needed to drive them home below the legal limit later. Although that wasn't Falco's problem, drinking by himself didn't appeal either. So, he settled with the cola that she did bring.

Katt soon positioned herself so that she rested on her hip facing Falco. Her fingers trailed up the buttons of his shirt, feeling his muscles underneath. Falco's attention centred on her touch. "You know," Katt purred, "there's a special reason why I picked this place out."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"The beautiful stars. The sound of the ocean. Nobody else around for miles." Katt's hand stroked Falco's arm. "It's a romantic scene for making love, don't you think?"

Oh, Falco was fully onboard with where this was going. "You didn't by any chance take advantage of my birthday just to sate your own desires? You little minx."

Katt smirked. "And what would you do if I did?"

Looming forward, Falco pushed her back with his presence alone. "I think I'd tear your clothes off and give you what you're asking for."

"Oh, my! I might be in trouble," Katt giggled.

Falco climbed over her. "You asked what I'd do, and you know what they say. Curiosity killed the cat."

"And satisfaction left her spread-eagled on the ground?"

Falco stopped. "Okay. That was a little less eloquent than what I had in mind but… yeah."

Katt pulled him closer to her. "Like you really care about being eloquent and all that. Now give me some sugar and take your shoes off."

"So much for romance." Nonetheless, Falco gave Katt what she wanted. Then he untied his laces.

"If you wanted romance, then you shouldn't have said you'd rip my clothes off." Katt removed her own shoes. Her blouse followed them onto the blanket's corner. In the lead, she wrapped her arms from behind Falco, undoing his buttons one after the other. Her lips suckled upon his neck throughout the whole, slow process.

Falco tossed his belt to one side and turned. He pushed Katt almost onto her back. Cradling her in one arm, Falco petted her side, feeling the silkiness of Katt's fur. She purred delightfully.

"You might want to think of dyeing again soon," Falco remarked, eyeing the dark ash in the roots of pink strands. "Your natural colour's really showing now."

Katt hummed sullenly and inspected more grey hairs speckled along her arm. "Yeah… But you know… Full-body colours are expensive, and I'm getting tired of redoing it every two months. I think I might give it a rest soon."

Falco pondered what an all-natural Katt would look like. "Huh… I don't think I've seen you in your old colours since 9th grade. I'd kind of like to see that. I bet you'd be…" He chuckled. "Smoking hot."

Katt rolled her eyes in disgust. "I haven't even switched back yet, and you're already making 'grey' jokes."

"Oh, there's going to be plenty more where that came from." Falco nuzzled her cheek. "But I really do think you'd look good going natural. If you want to give it a try, I'm with you."

"Alright. I'll think about it some more," Katt giggled. She unclipped her bra and drew Falco close. "But back on topic…" Falco preened her girls tenderly and thoroughly. Katt indulged him for a few minutes before pushing Falco off so that they could both finish undressing.

Finally, they were as nature brought them into the world. The night sea breeze prickled Falco's skin with goosebumps. It chilled the bare skin where he hardened over Katt's open lap. Her fingers ran along Falco's pectorals. "Have fun with your present, birthday boy."

"Just what I've always wanted."

Katt's eyes lit up. She almost flew to ravage him. Holding herself aloft with her legs, she grinded on Falco like she'd spent a year untouched in heat. He bucked his hips to match her earnest.

Before Falco could get it off, Katt moved away panting and drunken. He didn't feel much different from her. "Put it in me," Katt gasped. A moan lifted deep from her throat as Falco complied. He barely controlled his pace, wanting to make this last. Likewise, Katt balled her fists behind his back so she wouldn't pull out Falco's feathers or scratch him accidentally. She did bite though. Oh God, did she bite good.

"Katt… I don't know how much…" Falco groaned. "Nope! No. I'm already gone."

"Just a little more… I'm almost there!" Katt rolled him over and pounded like she was mounted on a spring. Crushing Falco's shoulders in her grip, Katt gasped sharply an instant before slumping over him. "There… Done."

"Great teamwork," Falco clapped her thigh, panting hard.

Snuggling down onto Falco's side, Katt breathed in time with him. The night air made Falco pull her closer for warmth. "As soon as you're ready to go again, let me know," Katt murmured. "I've got something I wanna try."

He became so curious that Falco was raring in two minutes. Katt stood up, beckoning him to follow. Walking over to the bikes, Katt bent over one of the seats. She raised her tail high. Falco's brows shot up. As did the lower part of him.

"This is a new kink," he remarked.

Katt turned a timid smile to him. "I've kind of had this fantasy for a long time where you ride me on top of a motorcycle."

Falco crossed his arms. "How long is 'a long time?'"

He watched her eyes dart away. "Since we were teens…"

"Yeah, figured as much." The embarrassed pout on Katt's face was priceless. "So, you took advantage of my birthday to bring this little fantasy of yours to life?"

"Well… No… I mean… maybe… a little…?"

Falco eyed Katt over for a moment. He then threw up his hands. "Fuck it. I'm in." Her eyes gleamed as Falco moved behind her flicking tail. "You ready?"

Katt opened her legs a little wider. "On your marks."

Falco sniggered. He could play that game. His fingers rubbed around her dripping lips. "Get set."

Katt's tail flagged. "Go!"

Starting strong, Falco bucked his hips hard into Katt. Her hoarse moans echoed over the grassy hills as he cruised in and out of her. She clung to the bike. One leg braced beside the kickstand. Her other tucked over the other side, giving Falco as much access as possible. As they went, Falco's nose filled with traces of fuel exhaust, engine grease, and their own fluids mixing. He now saw the appeal in Katt's vision.

How many nights did they waste in that beaten-up garage on Zoness all those years ago? How much did Falco miss out on because he repressed his interest in Katt? Teenaged shame and peer pressure prevented him from enjoying what he now had the confidence to do. Falco threw his heart into every thrust to make up to her for it all.

"Oh yeah…" Katt mewled. "That's it! Ooooooh… Now grab the handlebars and rev the engine!"

Confused, Falco faltered. "Do you mean the bike's or yours?"

She threw him a glare. "Mine, you goose!"

Well, there was no need for that. "Right… And what's that a euphemism for?"

Rolling her eyes, Katt groaned. And not in a hot way. "Just grab my boobs and ram me at full speed."

In the interest of keeping his mojo up, Falco chose to ignore Katt's disgruntlement. He leaned over her back and reached underneath. He secured a firm hold on each of her breasts, kneading them until Katt purred into the mood again. The bike shook from Falco's thrusting. Katt threw her arms around the headlamp and clung for dear life. "Now ask me who's your little kitty."

Damn! How deep did this fantasy go? "Who's my little kitty?" Falco grunted. "Who's my sweet, little kitty?"

Katt writhed and mewled. "Me… Keep going."

"Who's my sweet, naughty, little kitty? My kinky, hot-as-hell kitty with an ass that just won't quit?"

"Me…" Katt shuddered.

Falco continued asking the question. Each time his wording became a little more intense and vulgar. Katt gave her answer over and over until she was practically howling it. Falco couldn't take much more. And from the state that Katt was melting into, she couldn't either.

"Now… cross the finish line," she panted. "Finish me off."

Imagining himself in a street race, Falco pictured a white ribbon and went full throttle. He exploded into Katt. She collapsed over the bike, breathless and limp. Falco kept her steady on the seat until Katt could stand up on her own. She then turned into his arms. Falco held her wobbles at bay. Petting her ears, nuzzling her face, drying the tears from Katt's eyes. Falco whispered soft praises and reassurances to her.

"That… was amazing," Katt shivered. She rested her head against Falco's shoulder.

"It sure was," he chuckled. "Though next time, we should sort out the jargon before roleplaying like that."

"Yeah… Maybe…"

Falco glanced down at the motorcycle. He tensed at the sticky mess left over the back of the seat. "Gonna have to clean that up before we give the bikes back."

"Way ahead of you." Freeing herself, Katt staggered a little on her way to the truck. She searched through the cabin's glove box. Soon, she returned with a bottle of spray cleaner and paper towels. Dang, she was prepared.

"You know," Falco said, "I should get to live one of my sexual fantasies on your birthday after this."

"Impress me with the date first and you might get the chance."

"Deal."

Five minutes later, the bike seat was clean, and Falco and Katt both had their clothes on again. They rolled their bikes onto the truck's cargo tray and packed everything else in with them. After all that lovemaking, Falco didn't think he had it in his loins to ride back home. He gladly climbed into the cabin instead. Katt took the driver's seat and started the engine. The whole truck shook like an earthquake hitting the coastline. Falco groaned as the tremors rattled through his tender parts. The going became easier once they drove out onto the main road towards Corneria City.

Falco watched Katt for a while, enjoying the soft, content smile on her face. "Thanks for tonight, Katt. It's the best birthday I've ever had."

"I'm glad. You're welcome.

He laid his hand over hers on the gearstick. "I love you, Katt."

She turned her wrist to intertwine their fingers. "I love you too, Falco."

All around the bedroom, candles cast their dancing lights upon the walls and furnishings. Wisps of floral smoke wafted from an incense burner upon the shelf. They floated above and around Fox's head. His whole body felt light, unburdened in his thoughts as his fingers slipped through the plush fur of Krystal's back. She laid across the bed on her stomach. Soft, dreamy moans puffed through her nose.

"How does that feel?" Fox asked.

Krystal sighed. "Lovely…" Fox smiled. "Could you move up a little now? Between my shoulder blades?"

"Of course." Fox's fingertips then brushed below Krystal's nape. He prodded her muscles until he found the tension. Delicately, he pressed in and rubbed it out. Another blissful sigh fled Krystal. Her lazy tail wagged beside Fox.

He enjoyed this as much as Krystal did. Being able to touch her again, to be close to Krystal, and to hear her voice in his ears. It became Fox's greatest treasure. He strove to make up for all the time that they lost apart, especially with Krystal now home around the clock.

After the nuhmryg epidemic came to an end and no new cases sprouted up, Randorn rewarded the lythans with several weeks of leave to rest and recover from their brutal fight against the disease. Krystal certainly needed the long break. She still wasn't 100 percent after falling ill herself. Exhaustion and grief plagued her days since, leaving Fox to delay his return to the guard so that he could care for her.

The vacation time helped Krystal a lot. After the first week, she became brighter and spent less time in bed. She started helping Fox with the chores and joined him in the occasional walks to the market. Her smile gave Fox relief that she was breaking free of the gloom that plagued her since before the funeral. Alas, the days that she spent bedridden left their mark on Krystal. She complained of feeling stiff and tiring easily. So, Krystal set her sights on regaining her body's prime.

Fox did everything he could to support her rehabilitation. He sparred with Krystal both with spears and without, finally scoring more victories than her for the first time since they met. When defeat spurred Krystal to training harder, Fox accompanied her on sprints around the neighbourhood and long trips carrying heavy firewood home from the loggers. Then, as Krystal rested, Fox treated her with her favourite dishes, cuddles, massages, petting, and warm baths together with scented oils in the water. If Fox could spend the rest of his life with so few cares, this would be how he wanted things to be.

"Okay. Let me work on your shoulders now," he said. "Sit up."

Krystal rose to face away from Fox. He placed his hands above her arms and rubbed the tight muscles around her neck and upper back. Today's weight training had been more intense than usual. Krystal melted into Fox's ministrations. "You're so good to me…"

"Because you're worth it," he whispered into her ear. He kissed Krystal's nape, making her swoon.

After a few minutes, Krystal reached up and pulled Fox's hands away. She looped his arms around her waist and shuffled closer into his bare chest. Resigned to being a cosy chair, Fox scratched Krystal lightly on her exposed belly. She nuzzled deeply against his cheek. Soon, he had her like putty in his hand. Krystal's right leg began to twitch and kick in ecstasy.

"I wish this could last forever," she said when Fox finally relented.

"Me too."

"But… part of me is anxious to get back to the shrine."

"Yeah… I feel bad about making everyone wait so long at the barracks."

"Maybe one day when we're older," Krystal sighed softly. "When we're wrinkled and grey, and our joints don't bend as well, I'd like to just snuggle like this all day with you."

So would he. Fox stroked Krystal's fur. His mind flickered back to seeing her in a shrine bed, wrecked from the nuhmryg. Fox's heart and gut sank both at once. Krystal took his hand into hers.

"Fox…? What's wrong?"

He blinked back into the present. "Sorry… Just… thinking."

"About what?" Concern crept further into Krystal's voice.

"I wouldn't mind growing old with you. But after you got sick…" Fox held his breath until his composure settled. "I was scared, Krystal. I was so scared that I was going to lose you. All I could do was worry and wait for the worst news to come. I thought I'd wake up one morning and find out that you were gone."

Krystal turned just enough so that she could kiss Fox's cheek. She brushed away his tears and gazed into his eyes. "I'm okay now, Fox. I'm not going to die on you like that."

"I know." Fox sniffled. "I know." He took in as much of Krystal's dazzling, sapphire irises as he could. They showed him her soul, the core of his heart. "I'm so glad that we cured you before you got any worse."

She cradled his face. "As am I."

A thousand thoughts besieged Fox at once. His tongue trickled with the ones he felt most strongly. "Feeling that fear for you has made me realise just how incredibly important you are to me, Krystal. I don't just want to spend my days with you like this. I want to spend all my days with you. With no one else."

Fox sucked in a breath. "I love you, Krystal. Plain and simple. So much so that… I want to marry you."

Krystral's eyes widened. There, he said it. Those words were out in the open, and Fox did not regret them. Every one spoke the truth. Krystal's fingers upon his cheek fell still. She faced Fox silently, turning in his arms so that she knelt before him. A small smile spread across her face, but something different hung in her gaze.

"Fox… I love you too. With all my heart," she said quietly. "And it makes me happy to hear you say that. But… I can't."

Fox's heart… If it hadn't been for the first few things that Krystal said, it would have shattered. Instead, he felt the blow cushioned. He dropped his chin. "Oh…"

Krystal lifted his face to hers again. "I only say that because I don't think you fully understand what it is you're asking from me."

His lips hung agape. "What do you mean?"

Krystal dropped her hands to hold both of Fox's. Her tail came to rest atop his leg. She chewed her lip as though contemplating how best to explain. "Do you know what an ehn is?" Fox shook his head. He had heard the word used in passing but never really understood what it meant. Andross's old phrasebook didn't seem to cover the subject either.

"It's a special kind of telepathic link that mates share. Far stronger than anything I've ever made with you," Krystal said. "In my culture, when mates marry, they form an ehn. It binds their minds together so intimately that they share everything with each other. Thoughts, memories, emotions, even physical sensations. In our case, I would feel and know everything that you do as though I were you. And the opposite would be the same."

Fox's eyes widened. He tried to comprehend what that might be like, though reckoned that his imagination only scratched the surface. "So, would I be able to read your mind with an ehn?"

"Normally, you would. Although I'm not sure whether it's possible for us since you're not a Cerinian. I might not be able to make the ehn permanent."

"Permanent?"

"That's how different an ehn is to any other kind of link. Once it's made, the two minds are joined for life. Always." Krystal's lips formed a wistful smile. "For my people, it's the ultimate pact between lovers; a promise to share everything until their final breaths, including their souls."

Fox swallowed. This was becoming way bigger than he first thought. "So… If it's until their final breaths… Does that mean if one person dies, then their mate dies with them?"

"No. Ehns don't do that. But the survivor will feel like they have died, because they would have felt their mate pass from this world to the next. It'd be like they've lost half of themselves." Krystal hung her head. Sorrow filled her features. "A broken ehn can ruin a person. In many cases, they lose the will to live."

"Then why would anyone form one if it'll just make them suffer in the end like that?!" Fox exclaimed, horrified.

"I've already told you. It's the ultimate pact of love and trust." Krystal brushed her thumbs over his knuckles. "When you share an ehn with someone, you always feel connected to them. You share all your joys and experiences, and you trust them with all your troubled thoughts and doubts. Being with your ehn mate feels like you're part of something bigger than you; something beautiful and sacred. At least, that's what my parents tell me."

"I have noticed that Nomar and Thalse act like they each know things only the other should," Fox remarked. "Like when you were sick, Thalse knew in real-time how you were doing, even though he was standing outside the shrine with me."

"Because Mama was watching over me at the time," Krystal nodded. "My parents formed their ehn before I was born. They knew the risks involved, but they never regretted their decision."

"So, that's what's been going on," Fox mused. "Do many couples have ehns?"

"Not really. Having an ehn with someone is highly revered, but most couples don't ever attempt to forge one. When I say that ehn mates share everything, I mean everything. That includes the bad things that we'd rather not share with the person we love. Secrets and privacy are no longer possible between mates."

Krystal sighed sadly. "Some people think that another drawback is that ehns make daily life too inconvenient. When you have a bond that strong, you physically can't bear to be away from your mate for too long. It stretches the link to the point where it becomes painful."

She then averted her gaze from Fox again. "But the hardest part is making the ehn in the first place. Forging one is a gruelling process. It takes endurance from both mates for it to form successfully. And if it doesn't, it can damage their relationship. Sometimes, the experience is so terrible that couples end up rejecting each other. So, most people will forego marriage and instead have one mate adopt into the other's family. It's safer that way."

"Bloody hell…" Fox exhaled. "That's a lot to deal with."

Krystal smiled, nodding in agreement. "Even so, I would love to share an ehn with you one day, Fox. I believe that you and I can make it work." She cupped his face. "But first, I need you to understand what it is you'd be agreeing to and decide that is definitely what you want. Because once you forge an ehn with someone, it cannot be broken. Not without a steep toll to your psyche."

Taking hold of her wrist, Fox tried to look at Krystal. Unfortunately, his thoughts scattered in all directions to process everything that she told him, making it difficult to focus. "I think… I think I'm going to need more time to think about this."

Tenderly, Krystal pressed her brow onto his. "Take as much time as you need. It's an important decision. There's no need to rush." She then kissed Fox's nose. "And even if we don't share an ehn, nobody would ever argue that you and I aren't life mates."

A chuckled rumbled inside Fox's chest. "We probably do fall under that category. You practically live with me, after all."

Krystal's tail wagged. "So, would you maybe adopt me into your clan instead?" Fox suddenly snorted with laughter. Krystal grew cross. "What's so funny?"

"Sorry," Fox snickered. "It's just that… I don't think anyone's ever called the McClouds a clan in over a thousand years. It's a bit of an ancestry joke, you see. I promise I'm not laughing at you, love."

"I'd certainly hope not," Krystal huffed. "You still didn't answer my question."

Fox quickly became serious again. "Do you want to take my family's name?"

Krystal smiled warmly from ear to ear. "Unless you would rather take mine. I also want your clan marks too, as long as you don't mind wearing mine in exchange."

Fox fingered the sunburst on her thigh. "You mean these ones?"

Krystal nodded. "It's how we show who we're mated with for life."

It felt like a monumental commitment to promise, Fox first thought. It nearly frightened him into silence. However, he reckoned that all the ehn talk was simply what shook him up. Fox reflected on how much he had already considered proposing to Krystal. He remembered his reasons and stared at Krystal for a long while. His reservations faded like mist in the bright sunlight.

An easy smile warmed Fox's muzzle. "Then I'd love to." Krystal launched suddenly into his chest. Her arms crushed Fox's ribs. He embraced her just as fiercely, feeling his insides flutter and melt simultaneously. Their tails flailed in wild tandem.

"Thank you, Fox."

"It's my pleasure, Krystal." Fox dried his eyes over her shoulder. He thought of what they were now and felt a piece fit perfectly into the puzzle of his life. "You know, this reminds me of how my parents wound up together. They never married, but they both knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with each other."

Krystal's tail wagged a little faster. "It's nice knowing that other worlds practice love like we do."

Fox agreed. He squeezed her. His heart pulsed against Krystal's chest for more minutes than he kept track of. "So… is there some kind of ceremony that we need to have… or are we just one clan now?"

Krystal giggled. "Other than the tattoos, not really. We can tell my parents about this tomorrow. I'm sure they'll approve. Then we can visit the public registrar at the palace so that one of us can change our clan name."

Fox mumbled as he chewed on the idea. "I… don't want to make a big deal of it… But I'm really attached to my surname. It was my father's. I… I'm sorry, Krys. But I don't want to give it up."

"That's good enough reason for me, love." Krystal pulled away to kiss Fox's brow. "I don't mind becoming Krystal McCloud."

Krystal McCloud… The ring of it made Fox happier than he could withstand. Sheer emotion rose inside him again, flowing free in warm tears. Fox kissed his life mate. "Thank you, Krystal."

"Thank you, Fox," she smiled like the sunlight. Ears wiggling, Krystal placed her palm upon Fox's breast, running her fingers downward. "We could make up our own little ceremony if you want one. Right here in this room."

Fox swallowed. "And how would we do that?"

Krystal's expression grew mischievous. "First, you take off your clothes."

Grinning with excitement, Fox did as she instructed. Krystal undressed herself more slowly however, knowing that Fox enjoyed the tease. Her glistening, blue orbs captivated him. They made it easy for Fox to forget where he was. Meanwhile, Krystal's fingers toyed with the cup of her bra, almost but not quite revealing the beauty underneath. "Do you want to see the rest of me?" she taunted.

Through husky breath, Fox answered. "Very much."

"Then do this for me first."

Before Fox could ask what, Krystal projected her thoughts into his mind. A vivid picture formed inside. His ears burned red. Wow! Receiving commands like this sent a thrill through Fox that no lover's breathy whisper could contest. If Krystal wanted, she could dominate his thoughts with such wanton fantasies in a crowded place, and it would be their dirty, little secret. And with an ehn, she would probably know how to exploit every one of Fox's kinks, even the ones he wasn't yet aware of. Then he would witness any licentious scheme that she concocted as it formed in her mind, completely unable to stop her.

"That and more, my love," Krystal smirked. Her tail swayed behind her head in a hypnotic dance. "Though you're still not doing what you were told."

Swallowing, Fox bobbed his head. His fingers wrapped around his hardened phallus, stroking himself on full display to Krystal. Her sight fixated on his rhythmic motions. A wicked smile flashed her fangs. The distribution of power became all too clear for Fox. It was in Krystal's gaze, her voice, her telepathy, but most prominently in her confidence. She owned him. Through the way that she carried herself, Krystal could bend Fox to do anything without the slightest challenge. And man, it turned him on.

Slowly, Krystal let her bra fall. Her eyes never left Fox as her hand massaged one breast. Fingers rolled through white fluff, teasing fleshy nubs. Krystal's other hand worked out the knot of her loincloth. She cast it aside. Fox's heart raced a little faster once she began to rub between her legs. Her potent scent roused the animal inside him, a creature that Krystal long since tamed. It wanted its master's affection more than life itself.

"Enough," Krystal soon said. The decree came sweetly from her lips. Fox halted instantly. Disappointment, anticipation, and intrigue wrestled within him. Krystal crept closer. She straddled Fox and cradled his face in both hands. "Now, come here."

Deeply, she kissed him. Fox pulled her by the waist and reciprocated. Tongues overlapped as fists clawed for the best purchase. Krystal seeped deeper into Fox's mind, intoxicating him. Their emotions blended until he couldn't tell them apart.

Krystal soon broke away. However, she gave Fox no time to catch his breath. Grabbing hold of his shaft, she spiked herself on it. The pleasure in their moans rang as one. Up and down, Krystal rode Fox. Gone were their games. Now, their passion was as serious as their love for one another.

In between gasps and sighs, Fox reached his lips to Krystal's throat. Fangs nibbled her skin beneath his soft kiss. Cracks spread through Krystal's mask. He saw into her mind. She had as much want for a strong mate to ravage her as he did. Fox pounced on her lowered guard. A predator's grin tugged his muzzle as he flipped Krystal over. She flushed and panted whilst staring up at Fox in a prone daze. He groped her breast for a self-indulging moment. Then he answered Krystal's silent plea and rutted her roughly anew.

Wet slapping underlaid their rising moans. Krystal held Fox so tightly that he could scarcely move. Each thrust from him lunged deeper than the last. When Fox felt his release coming, it induced the same climb inside Krystal. "In me! Now!" she squeaked. Fox gave one final, almighty push, plugging her, and letting orgasm wash them both away.

Their chests quivered with every gasp. Fox's arms trembled as he held Krystal. Hers braced around his middle like iron. Tails bumped against each other until they synchronised in a seamless sway. Fox licked the underside of Krystal's jaw. She tasted so sweet.

Krystal giggled. Her claws scratched behind Fox's ear. "We might not be ready for an ehn yet, but I'm satisfied with this kind of bond in the meantime." She clenched her pelvis around Fox as she spoke.

Fox chuckled. "Me too. I wouldn't have to think twice if this was how we had to stay joined all the time."

"I certainly would though. You made us late for dinner at my parents' house last time we tied. Gods, I'm so glad they didn't ask too many questions about it."

"I did warn you. You didn't leave us a whole lot of time beforehand."

"You didn't try to stop me though."

"That's because you're absolutely irresistible," Fox smirked. Krystal blushed and responded with a kiss.

"Charmer."

"Guilty as charged." Fox stroked her cheek. "I love you, Krystal."

She nuzzled him. "I love you too, Fox. Thank you for being my one and only."

In his next kiss, Fox gave her the same message. He thought of the pledge that they made each other, to bring their families into one, and knew he had no regrets. An ehn might be a step too much for him right now. However, Fox would consider it for Krystal. He would make time to think about what she wanted, because there was no one else he'd rather forge one with.

She was the only woman who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. His saviour. His better half. His Ms Krystal McCloud.