~4 years later

I was doing all I could to take down this punching bag. With every punch I tried to either go through it or hit it hard enough to break the chains. All of my punches also made my sparring partner, Darcy, flinch.

"Cripes, Skye, what's the deal?" he complained. "I've seen you agitated before but not like this. This is a whole new level."

I stopped for a second to catch my breath. "Sorry. I'm just not too excited about this afternoon."

"Today's the day, huh?"

"Yeah," I groaned. "Today's the day."

What he meant, was that Star Fox was coming back. Shortly after Fox had come to talk to me about Falco, Star Fox got called on another mission. He said something about Titania and Captain Shears? I don't quite remember everything he said but, I remember him mentioning that he had found Falco and after the whole thing was over Falco had left again. After that, Fox called to tell me that they were going on an extended mission. I didn't hear from him again until a few days ago.

Actually, Conna heard from him. He had called my phone but Conna had answered it.

"Mom! You're not going to believe this!" she cried as she ran through the apartment. "Uncle Fox is coming back! He says he's bringing someone home! And he found Falco! Isn't this great?! All in time for my birthday next week! Best . Birthday. EVER!"

Needless to say, she had been literally counting down the days. She was allowed to skip school today since family was returning home. I'm sure she was going crazy over the wait.

As for Hara, she and Channery finally decided to give the relationship thing a shot. They were adorable together and it kind of made me a little jealous of them. She stayed over at his place quite a bit so we didn't see much of her except for our girl days and such. I was happy if she was happy and that's all that mattered to me.

Channery had also made me his right hand in our special ops force. We were actually supposed to go help Captain Shears before General Pepper decided to send Star Fox on it. I, for one, was disappointed to not get in on the action but thankful that I didn't have to leave home. We had gotten a few new recruits over the years, Darcy being one of them.

Once we had enough members, Channery decided that it was time to have partners. Eric Darcy was assigned to me. He was a husky that strangely reminded me of Wolf, except he was definitely more aloof and light than Wolf. Darcy is always trying to lighten dark moods. He was a good soul that somehow balanced me out. I think Channery knew that and probably also figured that Darcy could help me get over Falco. Darcy wasn't overly obvious about how he felt about me but there was once or twice he let it slip. I made it clear that I wasn't looking for a relationship and he never pushed the subject.

Which brings me back to my current drama…

I stepped away from the punching bag to down some water and towel off the sweat. Darcy strolled over to join me.

"Surely, it can't be that bad," he said. "Your brother is coming home after, what, three years?"

"Four," I corrected him. "Conna says Fox is bringing Falco back too. That's going to be an awkward reunion as it is."

"What happened between you and Falco anyway?"

"Good grief, where to start?"

Darcy grinned. "Just tell me why he left."

"I slept with the enemy, literally. Well, enemy to Star Fox. Falco caught me in the walk of shame and the rest, as they say, is history."

"Ouch. Yeah, that will do it. Had it bad for you, did he?"

I gave him a dirty look. Darcy arched a brow at my reaction.

"And you for him? Damn, Skye. I wasn't trying to be nosy."

"I know. It's okay. I've had four years to get over it and, sadly, I can say I'm mostly over it but part of me isn't."

"Well, I suppose you can always give him a swift kick in the nuts for leaving," Darcy joked.

I chuckled. "I could but, then Conna would be mad at me again and I don't want that."

I packed my duffel and threw it over my shoulder.

"See you at Conna's birthday next week?" I asked.

"I wouldn't miss it."

I waved at him then made my way home to pick up the girls. I threw my duffel into my room and turned to find Conna standing in my doorway with her hands on her hips and a stern look on her face. I couldn't get over how tall she had gotten over the years. The little raccoon girl I saved from that torn up house so many years ago had grown into such a beauty. Her jade eyes literally glowed and I could imagine her making men swoon just at the sight of them. My fantasy faded as soon as she started talking.

"Are you really going to welcome them home dressed like that?" she questioned.

I looked down at my black uniform. "What's wrong with it? I'm not going there to impress anybody."

"Falco is coming home too."

"He's not going to want to talk to me, Conna."

"You don't know that. Surely he hasn't held on to all of that like you have. The past is the past, Mom. He's probably forgiven you by now."

I rolled my eyes. "I highly doubt it."

Hara came up behind Conna. "You ladies ready? We have boys to welcome home."

The three of us made our way to the port to find that the Great Fox was already docked. Fox, Peppy, Slippy and a violet vixen stepped out. My jaw dropped when I saw her. She was gorgeous.

I looked down at my uniform as I suddenly felt a little insecure.

"Regretting not changing now?" Conna teased quietly.

I elbowed her in the rib.

Fox came to me first and brought me in for a tight hug.

"It's good to see you, Skye." He gave Hara a nod then stared at Conna. "Conna? Holy cow, you're…"

Conna went to hug him before he could finish. "Welcome home, Uncle Fox."

As soon as she let go of him, Peppy stepped forward and took Conna's hand. "You look beautiful, my dear."

Conna beamed at his compliment. "Thank you, Uncle Peppy."

Slippy got in on the action and hugged me. "We've missed you, Skye."

"I've missed you guys too." I laughed.

Fox pulled the vixen forward.

"Speaking of beauties," I murmured.

"Skye, I want you to meet Krystal. Krystal, this is Skye Kell, my sister."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Skye," Krystal said to me.

Gods, even her voice was silk. I felt so insignificant compared.

"Falco!" Conna suddenly cried.

She shot off in a different direction. When I glanced over, she was jumping into Falco's arms. I had so many mixed emotions in that moment. I was glad to see him looking healthy and then I felt sick to my stomach. I realized that I wasn't ready to face him like I thought I was.

Peppy and Slippy took their leave of us. Slippy told us he was off to see his father, Beltino, while Peppy was off to see General Pepper. Fox stepped to my side.

"You wouldn't believe the stories I could tell you. Between what happened with Captain Shears and Andross being revived on Sauria…"

"I can only imagine. To be gone that long, you better have some good stories to tell." I watched as Falco and Conna jabbered away. "I see he doesn't look worse for wear…"

"He's been on his own for a while," Fox said. "I don't know where he's been this whole time. How old is Conna now?"

"She'll be seventeen next week. You're back just in time for her party. You're all invited. It's what she would want."

"We'll definitely be there."

Just then, the smile on Falco's face melted away and he turned away from Conna. He looked like he was apologizing to her then he walked away. She came back to us looking defeated.

"He's forgiven me, huh?" I teased.

"Ha ha," she said drolly. "He said he couldn't promise that he was coming to my birthday. He definitely hasn't forgiven you."

"I told you. You'll find, dear Conna, that time doesn't heal all wounds." I turned to Fox. "Conna's birthday, next week. Be there or be square."

Conna decided that a full-on party wasn't her style. She opted on having a small get-together with our closest friends and family. She invited her three best friends. Hara invited Channery to be with her and I had invited Darcy. Fox came with Krystal a little later and Slippy and Peppy made an appearance as well. No Falco in sight.

Hara made it her mission to get to know Krystal. While they were distracted, I went to Fox.

"I'll be honest with you," I said in a teasing tone. "When Conna mentioned you were bringing someone home, I didn't expect that person to be a woman. A gorgeous one at that."

Fox laughed. "Yeah, I'm kind of surprised myself."

"So, are you two…?"

He instantly got embarrassed. "It's not like that! I mean, eventually, maybe, but…" he cleared his throat. "This is not a conversation to be having at your daughter's birthday party."

"No time like the present," I teased.

He chuckled. "You've changed, Skye. I can't say I'm disappointed."

I smirked. "I've had four years to grow." I glanced over to Conna as she laughed with her friends. "And so has she."

"You're so proud of her. You think she'll become a pilot after she graduates?"

"Hell no. I won't let her."

Fox seemed surprised at my answer. "Oh?"

"She deserves better than that life. Besides, she's been talking about being a nurse and doing some culinary. She wants to help people."

"Wow… Who knew?"

Suddenly, Conna took off toward a figure approaching us. Falco had finally arrived and had brought a large bouquet of flowers with him. As soon as she got to him, he handed her the flowers then accompanied her to our little gathering.

Darcy immediately came to my side. "Are you feeling okay?"

I gave him a droll look. "Trust me, sweetie, I'm perfectly fine. Him being here will make Conna happy, that's all that matters. I'm not going to let what happened four years ago spoil Conna's day. What kind of mom would I be?"

True to my promise, everything went smoothly. Falco and I didn't even speak, much less acknowledge each other's existence. At least, not until the end.

Fox, Krystal, Channery, Hara, Slippy and Peppy took their leave of us. I gathered Conna's friends as we walked to our vehicles. Conna stayed glued to Falco's side and strode behind us.

Darcy leaned down to my ear.

"What do you think they're talking about?" he asked.

I grinned at the possibilities. "Oh, you know, she's probably telling him her master plan for trying to get me and him together. Or, she could be complaining about me and you."

"She hates me that much, does she?"

"She only thinks you're taking Falco's place." I gave him a sideways glance. "I'm going to let her believe that."

Darcy arched a brow. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't. She is in such a tizzy, it's quite hilarious."

I ushered the girls into my vehicle. Conna hugged Falco goodbye then hopped in after them. That was the only time I acknowledged him. I gave him a nod. He returned it then turned to leave. Darcy smirked.

"Well then, I guess that's settled. For now."

"Thank you, Eric. I appreciate you sticking around. You didn't have to."

"Anytime, Skye. We're partners, remember? Besides, I couldn't miss Conna busting a vein over something that isn't happening between us." He winked at me then left my side.

I felt a little guilt over the exchange but I was glad he didn't push it or say the things he said with malicious intent. Still… It was tough not to wonder…