-o0o-
Monday
Fox woke up slowly, grimacing slightly at the bright sunlight. He was also aware of Wolf wrapped almost completely around him. Then the events from last night hit him, but not in disgust, like the time the lupine had first kissed him. It was more like uncertainty. He loved what they did, but it was done without much time for consideration. Not that Fox regretted it, he just didn't know how Wolf would feel.
Fox wriggled out of Wolf's arms, careful not to wake him, and left the bed, stretching. He was fairly sore from last night, but that didn't stop him from going to his closet and throwing on some boxers and sweats. The vulpine then walked out of the bedroom, and made his way to the coffee machine, setting it up and brewing a mug.
He turned the TV on, and a moment later grabbed his full cup of coffee, sitting down on his sofa. Fox turned the channel to the Cornerian News Network. A news anchor had appeared, talking in front of a desk. Fox was just waiting for the story about last night's events.
"As the Lylat Wars have ended months ago, General Pepper of the Cornerian Army has been holding banquets in honor of the Star Fox team's victory in battle. For the most part, Fox McCloud has kept out of sight during these times, only coming out for the banquets," She started.
"Excuse me for hating the media," Fox muttered to himself, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Fox has been going alone to the celebrations every time, much to the dismay of the paparazzi and media. Although last night, the entire planet was in for a huge shock. And it has to do with the abolishment of Wolf O'Donnel's bounty. McCloud arrived with Wolf last night during the banquet, which had many onlookers confused and shocked speechless, because they were known rivals during the wars," the anchor continued.
"Yeah, because everybody is blind to the world around them," Fox said.
"As for what had occured, well, just take a look at this footage caught live from last night." The anchor then gestured to a screen beside her, where the reporter that Fox had spoken to appeared.
"Mr. McCloud, do you have a statement to make about Wolf's presence here after his recent pardon? You seem to be very carefree with your rival standing right by you. What is this about?" The vixen reported asked. The camera zooming in on Fox.
"Are we live?" His recorded self asked. A moment passed where the vixen nodded offscreen, and Fox looked over to Bill.
"Eh, I've just got one thing to make painfully clear," he said, facing Wolf. The vulpine knew where it was going, but he had wished that he'd done the whole situation much differently in hindsight.
Fox's recorded self pulled Wolf down for a kiss, and the vulpine actually got to see what they looked like. He had to admit, it was rather hot.
"That's all," he said, walking off. The footage ended a few moments later. The shot cut back to the news anchor.
"Very clearly, Fox McCloud has shown us what he's been doing for the past three months, while laying low. He didn't want any of us to know about his, ahem, intimate relationship with Wolf O'Donnell, until his bounty was abolished. Our heroes are never what they seem, as Fox has shown all of us," She finished. Fox snorted, realized how screwed up information could get.
The vulpine heard Wolf trudge in a few moments later, holding a ringing PDA. It was Fox's. Wordlessly, the lupine handed it to him, and he opened it to see who the caller was. It was Falco. The vulpine accepted the call, and set the coffee down, where it was then immediately swiped by Wolf.
"Yo, Fox," Falco's voice greeted.
"Hey, Falco. What did you want?" The vulpine asked.
"Well… I wanted to apologize for being a dick last night. You didn't deserve the crap I threw at you, Fox. I was just shocked, is all," the avian explained.
Fox smiled. "I understand, Falco. I had expected that initial reaction from you."
"Yeah, but don't think I'm completely okay with it. I respect your choice, but I don't completely trust Wolf. It's your decision, but I don't care for it," Falco replied gruffly. Wolf, meanwhile, was drinking Fox's coffee, much to the latter's annoyance.
"Yeah. That's fine. I get it, Falco. But I have to go. He's stealing my coffee as we speak," the vulpine said, glaring at Wolf, who smiled innocently.
"Alright, Fox. See ya," the avian replied, hanging up. Fox set the PDA down and grabbed his mug from the lupine's hands. Wolf snorted in amusement.
"Falco understand?" The lupine asked.
"A little, but he still doesn't trust you that much," Fox said, leaning on Wolf.
"Yeah. I figured that much."
"Hey, Wolf," the vulpine started.
"Yeah, Fox?" Wolf asked.
"Do you…... regret what we did last night?" Fox asked, looking up at him. The lupine remained silent for a few moments in thought.
"Hmmm. No. Not at all. I loved doing that with you, Fox. It was amazing, and I wouldn't take it back," Wolf answered, smiling down at the vulpine.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Really, pup," Wolf said reassuringly, patting Fox on the head.
"I didn't either, Wolf," the vulpine replied softly.
"Good."
The two canines laid there for a little while, watching the TV and flipping through the channels. Fox's mind was off wandering while that was happening, though. He was thinking of what it's be like to go back into the sky, and be a mercenary again. Doing that would be better for him, since he very clearly couldn't properly take care of himself. Wolf would probably like that, as well. The two could be a mercenary team together.
"Wolf, I just got an idea," Fox said, sitting straight up and looking at the lupine, his tail wagging.
"And what would that be, pup?" Wolf asked, looking at Fox amusedly.
"We could go back out into the sky and be a merc team! Just the two of us!" The vulpine exclaimed.
"That would be a great idea, Fox. But I don't have a ship anymore, and you were seeming like you wanted to stay here," the lupine replied.
"Well, I only stayed here on the ground because I had to attend those stupid parties. Getting off of this planet will keep us away from media, too. We won't have to deal with them on a daily basis. And I've got a few extra Arwings; my teammates are content to stay settled, but we don't have to be," Fox explained excitedly.
"Really? Them I'd love to, Fox!" Wolf exclaimed happily, jumping off of the couch.
"Woah, hold on. We have to pack before we head down to the military base. And I've gotta call Bill and talk to him about a few things," Fox replied amusedly, getting up as well.
"Okay. Should I go to my place and get my stuff, or what?" Wolf asked, shifting his feet excitedly.
"I'll go over with you, but you should probably get dressed. I've only got my clothes here," Fox said, picking his PDA back up.
"I could fit in that suit last night. I'm sure I'll fit in whatever you have," the lupine stated, walking to Fox's room.
"Tell that to the suit you ruined last night because you're a kinky bastard!" Fox shouted after him. Wolf didn't elicit a response, so the vulpine dialed Bill and held the device to his ear. A moment later, the canine answered.
"Dude. What's happenin', man?" The cool voice asked, a grin evident in the tone.
"Hey, bro. Wolf and I talked, and we've decided to go back out into space as a merc team!" Fox exclaimed, pacing his kitchen.
"Dude, that's awesome! Great idea, it'll help you stay from the media. Guess you two would have plenty of alone time, too," Bill replied suggestively.
"Bill, shut up."
"Whatever, man," the canine replied.
"Anyway, I wanted to ask you if you might want to join us. It would be great, and you could get out of your millitary job," Fox offered, leaning on the island.
"Well, thanks for the offer, man. But I can't go with you guys. I've got a life here, and a good job. As much as I'd like to come with you, I've been down on Corneria long enough to have responsibilities here," Bill replied.
"I understand. You'll still see us off, though, right?" The vulpine asked. He looked over to see Wolf walking out of his bedroom with some jeans and a relatively tight-fitting shirt on. Fox wondered if he did that intentionally.
"Of course. When should I be at the hangar, dude?" The canine questioned.
"I guess around three or so," Fox said, glancing at the clock on his wall. It read twenty minutes until noon. Wolf was busy lacing his shoes.
"Alright then dude. I'll meet you two there at three," Bill confirmed.
"Okay. See you there, man!"
"See ya, bro," the canine said before Fox hung up.
"Yo, Wolf. I'm gonna get dressed and pack. You can head out of the apartment and wait; I've gotta lock it up. Alright?" The vulpine called, walking to his room.
"Got it, pup!" Wolf shouted from the living room.
The vulpine had a suitcase full of everything he needed already packed, just in case he'd ever have to leave. He didn't need to pack everything in the apartment, just the things he knew would be important. Fox hauled it from the closet and set it on the bed. He did remember to grab a small photo album from his bedside table and put it into a side pocket. It contained pictures of his teammates, and his family. Echoes of an age long-forgotten that he'd kept the last slivers of. Honestly, the vulpine felt like he'd killed Andross in another world.
Fox dug around in his closet for an outfit he hadn't worn for a very long time. The first day he'd moved in, the vulpine shoved it into the deepest corner of the closet, never intending to touch it again. But today, he dragged it out and set the outfit on his bed.
It was Fox's old flight suit, jacket, and scarf. They were untouched, but wrinkled. The outfit looked nice enough, however. The vulpine stripped put of his pajamas and put the green and black suit on. He didn't quite want to put the flight jacket on, so he packed it into the nearly full suitcase. Fox did, however, grab Wolf's leather jacket and slide it on. The lupine's scent seemed to be embedded in the leather; but he didn't care. Wolf's distinct musk and sweat comforted him. The vulpine grabbed a pair of boots and put them on quickly. He then put the scarf on, and grabbed his suitcase, walking out of his bedroom for the last time. A sense of finality was placed upon Fox's chest as he walked out of the apartment, locking the door behind him and facing Wolf.
"You kept that same suit?" The lupine asked incredulously, staring at Fox.
"Yeah. I liked your leather jacket better, so I kept it instead of the grey one, but what do you think?" Fox asked.
"I think you look pretty damn sexy, pup," Wolf whispered, groping the vulpine. He groaned slightly before he could stop himself.
"You'll have plenty of time for that later," Fox chastised, but he smiled.
"I can't wait," Wolf said, kissing Fox on the cheek, before starting towards the elevators. The vulpine followed, and a moment later, they stepped into a lift.
"Bill's gonna see us off at the hangar," Fox said to the lupine.
"Just him?" Wolf asked.
"Yeah. My other friends won't worry, and I thought I'd see him off one more time," Fox muttered.
"You say that like it's final," the lupine remarked curiously.
"I might not want to come back for awhile, Wolf. I want to explore everything else. And I want to do it with you. I offered Bill to join, but he seemed adamant on staying here," the vulpine explained as the doors opened. The two stepped into the lobby, and started for the exit.
"You know, I'm fine with that. Too many horrible memories down here. We should make some new ones out there," Wolf replied as they stepped out into the midday sunlight and the bustling streets. Fox slipped on his shades and zipped his jacket up to avoid being noticed. The two started down the path taking them to Wolf's apartment. Fox grabbed the lupine's hand as they walked.
"Maybe if we ever do actually settle down, where would you want that to be?" Fox asked suddenly.
"I guess it'd be at your apartment. I don't care where we go honestly, as long as I'm with you, pup," Wolf replied, looking over at the vulpine.
"You mean that?"
"Of course I do, pup! I love you," the lupine said, grinning.
"I love you too," Fox replied, smiling.
The two canines continued their walk in comfortable silence. Surprisingly, nobody bothered them. Not yet, anyway. A few city blocks later and Wolf and Fox were stopped in front of the former's apartment building.
"Alright, let's go get my stuff," the lupine said, walking into the lobby. That same lady was still at the desk. He wondered why she immediately told him where Wolf's apartment was. Wasn't there a anonymity law or something that prevented you from telling that stuff? Fox quickly followed the lupine, and they climbed up the stairwell to the tenth floor.
"Hey, Wolf. Something's been eating at me for a little while," Fox said to get the lupine's attention as they climbed.
"And what would that be, Fox?" Wolf asked from above him.
"Why did the lady manning the desk immediately tell me your apartment number? I thought you couldn't do that. Privacy protection," the vulpine replied as they reached the tenth floor.
"Oh! That. I never told you, did I? In a drunken haze last night, I told her that if she saw an adorable little fox walk in the door, that I was expecting him and to tell him where I was," Wolf explained as the two walked down the hall leading to his apartment.
"And that's your idea of being romantic?" Fox asked, chuckling.
"I suppose. Hey, you got an answer, though," Wolf replied, opening his apartment door and stepping inside. Fox walked in and sat himself down on the sofa, setting the suitcase near him, while Wolf walked into his room. The vulpine looked around the small place for any sign of it holding value to the lupine. He didn't see much. Wolf must've kept everything he cared about in his room. That, or he wasn't home much.
Fox wasn't keeping track of the time, but a while later, Wolf walked out with a rather large suitcase. The vulpine got back up, and smiled.
"You've got everything?" He asked.
"Yeah. Let's go get a taxi and get outta here," Wolf said, grinning.
The two canines walked out of the apartment, and Wolf locked it before they went on their way. Fox led them back down the stairwell, barely able to contain his excitement at going on adventures with Wolf. His Wolf. To think, if someone told him he'd be dating his rival and making a mercenary team with him four months ago, he would've laughed. It was the most insane thing to ever happen to him. It was also the best thing to happen.
Wolf opened the exit door and the two walked out of the lobby. The vulpine looked around for a taxi, and did end up spotting one nearby. He hailed it, and the vehicle pulled over. Fox came up to the driver's window.
"Where you guys want to go?" The driver, a doberman, asked him.
"Cornerian military base. I've got credentials," Fox answered, adjusting his sunglasses.
"Alright. Put your cases up and we'll be there soon."
Fox walked over to the trunk and put his suitcase in it, after Wolf had already done so. He shut it, and climbed in the back seat, next to Wolf. A few moments later, the driver started the meter and they were headed off.
"Almost outta here, huh," Wolf muttered.
"Yeah. Kinda strange, leaving Corneria again. Although I guess these circumstances aren't nearly as desperate," Fox remarked.
The drive was spent in relative silence, with the tension of leaving building up. The two were incredibly impatient, just wanting to leave. When the taxi pulled up to the checkpoint, the vulpine handed the driver his millitary I.D, and it was handed to the guard. A moment later, Fox's I.D was handed back and they were off once more. The bustling millitary base came upon them, with Arwings screaming around and people marching.
"Kinda busy today," Fox remarked.
"Yeah. It is a Monday, too," Wolf replied.
"It's probably nothing serious, anyway," the vulpine said dismissively.
A moment or two later, the taxi driver dropped the two in front of the air base, and they grabbed their suitcases. Fox paid the driver, and he left in a rush.
"Alright. Where's your mothership at?" The lupine asked, glancing around.
"Should be through the air base. I've got a clearance code for a private hangar. Come on," Fox said, walking towards a tall building in front of them. The air force base.
The two entered the building, and stepped inside the spacious lobby. It was crowded and busy, with everybody rushing into one hallway or another. Basically, the lobby was a five-story atrium with halls splitting off into different corners of the base. Fox could recall his days in the Flight Academy, being hopelessly confused as to where everything was. The business wasn't anything unusual; the Cornerian Air Force was the biggest part of its millitary. The vulpine looked around for the directions to the hangars. He found them, and grabbed Wolf's hand, leading them through the hallway. When they started down the narrow hall, it immediately became less crowded, and the canines could breathe much easier.
"Jesus Christ, this place is awful. How do you even find anything here?" Wolf asked as they ambled down the hall.
"Ask the architects. I've been in this place since I was little, and I still haven't seen everything," Fox replied, glancing at the doors, looking for his hangar.
"I guess it does have to accommodate for everyone in the air force," the lupine replied.
Fox eventually found the right hangar door, after they had walked over a sky bridge above a runway. The main building connected to every other point in the air force section through sky bridges and tunnels. It was a clever idea, except for the fact that the base then became a giant labyrinth.
Bill was waiting for them by the door, his arms crossed. He was whistling some tune and looking at his feet.
"Bill. Wake up, man," Fox said loudly. The canine jumped.
"Oh! Hey, dudes! How's it hanging?" Bill asked, playing the startle off pretty well.
"We're just ready to go," Wolf replied, smiling. Fox slid his I.D over a panel near the door, and it lit up green. The door slid open, revealing a massive hangar bay with the Great Fox inside. The three stepped inside of the hangar, marveling at Fox's mothership. A bridge led from the catwalk they were standing on to the ship.
"Yeah. All that alone time, just the two of you…" He trailed off, grinning suggestively.
"The offer still stands. Come with us, Bill," the vulpine said.
"Nah. Sorry, dude. I want to, more than anything in the world, but I have obligations here. Got a good job, and a girlfriend. I never had time to tell you, because you were worried about yourself and needed my help," Bill explained.
"Congrats, man! And I get it. You've grounded yourself," Fox stated sadly.
"You know I would if I could. But if you're ever back here, give me a call," the canine said gently, patting the vulpine on the back.
"I will. I promise."
Bill embraced Fox for a moment, saying, "Just be careful, bro. Come back here alive for us."
"I'll be careful. Wolf's watching my back," the vulpine whispered when Bill released him.
"Good. Now get outta here!" Bill exclaimed cheerfully.
"Alright. I'll see you around, Bill," Fox said, stepping into the bridge. Wolf followed him quickly.
"See you, Bill," the lupine said.
"Till the next time, Wolf. Fox," Bill said forlornly.
Fox was sad to leave his best friend, but his urge to get back into the stars was stronger. The vulpine didn't look back as he crossed the bridge and stepped into the Great Fox's hangar. The vulpine ambled over to his old Arwing, and set a hand on its dust-covered surface. It held so much history, from when his father flew it, to him. He would be able to pilot it once more.
"So….. what Arwing do I get?" The lupine asked.
"You don't have to have one. I can get ROB to make you a new Wolfen," the vulpine replied, facing away from his fighter.
"Really?" The lupine asked in disbelief.
"Yeah! I've just gotta get him online. He's at the bridge," Fox said.
"Let's get going, then."
The two canines continued their walk, and made it inside of the old lift. Fox hit the button for the bridge, and the lift crackled to life, propelling them upward.
"You know, I can't wait to go and do jobs with you," Wolf said, grasping Fox's hand.
"Same here. It'll be fun," Fox replied, kissing Wolf's cheek.
The doors reopened, and the two stepped out of it into the bridge. They dropped their suitcases by the lift. Fox looked around at the dusty panels and computers, and a sense of melancholy washed over him as he imagined his old team messing around and having fun together.
"I had a life up here, long ago. I had three great friends, and we were all like a family. It's all over now," Fox whispered, a tear escaping his eye. Wolf hugged him tightly from behind.
"Things change. You can't stop it. But think of everything you can share with me," Wolf said, kissing Fox's ear.
"Yeah. You're right."
Fox slowly walked to the central command console, and tapped a few buttons on it. The displays lit up brightly, and the vulpine could hear the engines starting up.
"Great Fox, start reactivation protocol. Oh, and label Wolf O'Donnell as friendly, please," Fox said to the computer.
"Yes sir, Captain McCloud," it bleated back.
"You had me labeled as an enemy?" Wolf asked.
"ROB would've killed you had I not set it back. He should be in the hangar right now, anyway. Let me pull the channel up with him," the vulpine replied.
"Ah. Well, thanks for caring."
Fox tapped a few more buttons on the console, and sat in the captain's chair. He looked up at the display above him, and ROB's face appeared.
"Greetings, Fox," he said.
"Hey, ROB. We're about to get out of here, but I need you to build us a ship. A Wolfen Mark III, please," Fox ordered.
"Understood. I will begin construction immediately," ROB said, cutting the feed.
"Thanks again. And a Wolfen Mark III?" Wolf asked, standing next to Fox's chair.
"Basically a Wolfen with all of the Arwing's features, plus the paintjob. I would keep the red, but I don't know how many people still don't trust you," Fox explained.
"Got it."
"Alright, here we go. Great Fox, activate takeoff protocol. Ascend into Corneria's orbit," Fox commanded. The ship complied, staring to move out of the hangar. Fox stood back up, rushing over to the bridge window. He saw Bill, waving from the catwalk. The vulpine waved back, smiling. The Great Fox eased out into the open runway, and with that, Bill vanished from sight. The mothership picked up speed, rising off if the ground. Wolf went to stand by the vulpine, wrapping an arm around him, and leaning on his shoulder.
"I won't leave you. Whatever decision you make, I'll stay right here," Wolf said as the city started fading from view.
"Why wouldn't you leave me? What would drive you to stay with me?" Fox asked suddenly, looking over the lupine's facial features.
"I've opposed you and worked on the wrong side of a war because I was paid to. I'm pretty morally grey, but I am trying to atone for that. It was a big mistake. And I'm also staying by you because I love you," Wolf explained. Fox stayed silent, just staring out the window as they left the atmosphere. Space and it's inky blackness surrounded them. The vulpine turned to face Wolf.
"I won't leave you either. It doesn't matter what trouble you get in while we're out here. I love you too, Wolf," Fox said.
The lupine smiled, tilting Fox's chin and touching his lips to the latter's. The vulpine smiled, and Wolf deepened the kiss, wrapping completely around him. Fox did the same. If this is what he'd get for being a merc again, then it was completely worth it. As long as he stood by the man he'd come to love, then it was okay. The lupine broke the kiss, and Fox rested his head on the other's chest, inhaling his thick scent.
"I love you so much," Fox whispered once more, listening to Wolf's heartbeat.
"I love you, too. And I'm sorry," Wolf said. And Fox knew he meant it. He always would. That heartbeat stayed steady.
"I know."
END
