Game Over

by MaveriKat

In a world where videogame productions are more of an emphasis on production and the stars are very real people, how do they handle life in the limelight? In general? Or more importantly, the rise and fall of popularity? Two foxes on either end of the spectrum will meet and find out from one another. Rated M for Drug Abuse, Violence, Adult Language, and Adult Situations.

7. For Fox Sake

Disclaimer: The "Star Fox" videogame series is owned by Nintendo and Platinum Games. The "Sly Cooper" videogame series is owned by Sony, Sucker-Punch Productions, and Sanzaru Games. There are also many other videogame properties but rest assured, I credit their creators and developers for the wonderful IP's that inspired this story. Said story itself is a fan-based non-profit work of fiction written strictly for entertainment purposes only. Please support the official releases.

Game Over

By MaveriKat

Beta Read By Innortal & Ego Dominus

Chapter 7: For Fox Sake

Speeding down the stretch of highway, Carmelita knew she should have been keeping her eyes on the road... yet her attention kept getting drawn to her passenger. He had unbuttoned his dark cranberry red collared shirt, allowing the open night air to hit his wound: a circular patch right over his sternum. The fur was completely missing, revealing the angry red skin that was blanching into white. When she had gotten her first look at it in the parking lot, the vixen had been hopeful McCloud had only received first-degree burn... but as time went on, she could see the patch of burnt skin was trying to raise itself up, as if it wanted to turn into one large blister. There was no doubt he had gotten a superficial second degree burn and it obviously hurt. It got to the point where Fox was wearing his seat belt improperly; the torso strap behind him over the backrest with only the waist strap to keep him in place. The pressure of even a simple safety belt was too much for him at the moment.

And it's because of me. If Fox hadn't gotten involved, he wouldn't have ended up getting shot trying to protect me, the woman thought with dread as her eyes turned back to the road; being careful to put the pedal to the metal. She had done it before but driving with heels on was always a bitch. Still, it was enough of a distraction for the Latina vixen to keep her line of thoughts from going down that dark path of thought. She knew if she started blaming herself it would just make an already bad situation worse.

Brown eyes gazing to her right once more, female vulpine the navy blue-tresses managed to keep up a brave front for her fellow fox. The man beside her had done so much for her tonight. Secured her job at the club, dove into a situation like a knight in shining armor to fight for her honor, even took a proverbial and literal bullet for her. She may not have considered herself a damsel in distress but she appreciated what the male vulpine had done for her. Which if I'm being honest... is considerably more than any other guy has done for me recently, she thought somewhat bitterly. Sure, the ladies she'd come across had been most helpful–Lara in particular–but when it came to guys, it had been surprisingly lackluster. Sure, Richard had given him a job but Miss Croft practically browbeat him into doing it!

Nope, she thought in all seriousness. Fox here is about the only guy who's tried to help. It's only fair I return the favor, Carmelita decided as she took a turn onto the next exit ramp they came across.

As they took the turn-off, Fox blinked his eyes. "Wait a minute," he murmured softly. "This isn't my exit..." he said as realization hit him. "We've got another ten miles to go."

That made the woman blush as reality of what she was doing smacked her upside the head. She'd been so interested in getting him away from the club that she had been instinctually driving him towards her apartment. She didn't want to seem forward in that regard so lightly covered her slip-up with, "Well you never told me where you lived and we need to get that burn checked. I know a convenience store where we can at least pick up some gauze." The vixen released a small sigh under her breath as she saw the man nod his head in understanding instead of pressing the issue further. She was a terrible liar and even half-truths took a lot out of her.

"Yeah... my bad," McCloud groaned as he shifted in his seat a bit, trying his damnedest to get more comfortable. He was trying to sit up straight to get his back to pop and release the tension he felt between each vertebrae but doing so pulled the skin on his chest taut and sent another jolt of pain through him. Honestly, he didn't know what hurt more in his torso: his chest from burn or his ribs due to the hard strike the hedgehog got in on his sternum with that spin dash. "Sorry for being quiet," he apologized. "Been trying to gather my wits. Was kind of distracted."

"It's all right," the woman said as she tilted her head towards him, causing the navy blue tresses that framed her face to bounce from the motion. "You have more than enough reason to be," she reassured the Papetoonian. When they came to a stop light, she turned her head towards the male vulpine outright and told him, "And Fox? Thank you."

Blinking his eyes once, twice, the cape fox raised one of his white eyebrows. "What? For taking an energy blast for you?" He queried before shrugging his shoulders. "Don't worry about it, really. It was no big deal. I know you would have done the same thing if our positions were reversed. You saved me from getting sliced up earlier when he had my beam sword instead, so this was the least I could do."

A small frown came to the Hispanic woman's face. "True... but I'm the one who brought the ray gun into the fight. If I hadn't he—"

"Would have likely tussled with you and the plasma blade if you tried to jump him," Fox interrupted her. "I can see you're trying to blame yourself. Please don't," he told her with a serious tone in his voice, almost a commanding one. "I of all people know when a person should take the blame for something: believe me!" he said in all truthfulness, his own failures in defending Krystal years back testament to such firsthand experience. "And none of this was your fault. You—"

However Fox found himself cut off when the car behind them began beeping its horn. Both vulpines looked up see that, yes, while they were talking the light had turned green. "We'll continue when we're at this convenience store," the Papetoonian finished quickly.

"Right," the vixen agreed as she turned her head forward and took off into the streets, internally thankful that the other fox was going to let this talk wait for a bit. Going through a few more intersections, the vulpine beauty saw her quick-mart destination ahead: a Limited LTD Gas Station. When they made it up to the 24-hour establishment, Carmelita drove her Dodge up onto the station's apron and into the forecourt proper. Pulling up underneath the lights of the large blue overhang with the red-orange art deco and LTD logos, the woman lined her convertible up alongside one of the fuel dispensers placed on a concrete plinth with a metal barrier on either side of it. In particular, the one she parked in front of the pump closest to the faded white stucco building with a roof of blue and red-orange that served as the station's point of service.

When the car came to a stop, the Papetoonian took a look around at his surroundings. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, the male fox turned towards the vixen and queried, "You took us to an LTD Gasoline?"

Nodding her head as she turned her key and pulled it out of the ignition, Carmelita replied, "Yep. LTD: It's here 'til it runs out," she said, quoting the television commercials. She then unbuckled her seat belt and turned about in her seat. She then leaned over, sliding herself between the two chairs so she could reach for a light jacket she left on the back seat in case it started raining while she was out. She wasn't about to head into a gas station convenience store dressed in only pasties and a thong! The Hispanic woman may have accepted the job of an exotic dancer but she still had some pride in herself, damn it!

Fox's eyes went wide as in leaning into back of her car, the female vulpine's ass was raised up to near eye-level. She had been incredibly alluring and sensual with how she was able to use her plush posterior in the Game Over's VIP room but to see that thong-clad vixen booty under the full lighting that the gas station provided? Well shoot, this just made taking that blast all the worthwhile, he thought as a small smile spread across his muzzle as he stared. LTD may have been known for its exclusive line of snacks such as the pastel-colored candy shelled chocolate bites P's&Q's, the EgoChaser energy bars, and Meteorite dark chocolate bars... but right now, the delightful eye-candy of Miss Fox's rump was all the sweetness he needed.

However, the glorious view ended all too soon as the woman straightened up; the male vulpine quickly turning about to face forward in his seat so she didn't realize he'd been ogling her. "Got it," the Latina beauty mumbled to herself as she turned about in the driver's seat so she was facing the dashboard once more. Leaning forward in the chair, she slipped her arms into the sleeves of the jacket before bringing the two halves of the front together. Zipping it up for decency, the woman then turned to give her passenger a warm smile. "You wait here, Fox. I'll be back as soon as possible. Just relax and don't agitate your injury further, all right?"

Returning the smile with one of his own, the male fox brought his right arm up. Bringing his hand to his forehead, he gave her a mock salute. He didn't know why the woman wouldn't let him just take a couple of the pills Mario gave them, but he would suppose seeing the man nearly beat someone to death with a Homerun Bat would make her second-guess the good doctor's intentions. "Will do, Carmelita!" he chirruped. "Trust me, I've no intention... of..." he slowly trailed off as he noticed something in the corner of his eye that seemed, 'off'. Tilting his head he took a good look at the decoration on the LTD Logo on the front of the building and his eyes widened. "IS THAT A DEAD HOOKER!?" he screamed at the top of his lungs as he motioned to it... right before doubling over and hissing through his teeth as the sudden twist of his body pulled at the skin of his pecs tighter than it could handle at the moment.

Reaching over and placing her hand on the male vulpine's shoulder to force him to lean back into the seat, the vixen told him, "Ye~eeeaaah... about that..." she took a deep breath. "They really didn't think that cross-promotion advertisement campaign with GTA V through." Then after a moment, she added, "I think they sold the rest of those fake bodies to the producers of, The Walking Dead app." She then fixed him with a firm stare. "And I mean it, McCloud. Relax. I'll be back with something to help with that soon enough," she explained before opening the center console and retrieving her purse, putting her right arm underneath the strap so it rested on her shoulder.

"Sure, sure... I promise you, I'll relax." However, considering her explanation concerning the sign for a moment, the male vulpine took one more look at the mannequin of a dead prostitute before turning his attention back to the vulpine woman trying to exit the convertible. "But before you go, tell me something, Carm... how well did that," he thumbed over to said prop. "Work out for them?"

The woman thought about it for a moment before answering. "Three clerks are suing after they got shot so... no. So until they take that thing down, if you ever decide to come here, know this. Make no sudden or quick movements and never bring anything into the store like a bat or... well, just move about the place like the LAPD are in there and feeling twitchy." Even when she saw Fox nod his head in understanding, the vixen still waited a moment more for the tension in his body to ease. Once it had to a degree, the woman opened the driver's side door and stepped out. Closing the vehicle door behind her, the female vulpine made her way to the front of the establishment, to the automatic glass doors aligned in metal frames painted in the same blue as the roof and overhang.

The entry door of the LTD convenience store slid open with a chime. The vulpine beauty was careful to step on through and into the building as she gazed about the small retail station. The placed was filled with a considerable variety of everyday products: snack foods, soft drinks, tobacco goods, magazines and newspapers, toiletries and other things. Making her way to the small section of the establishment that had the personal care items, the female fox browsed about through them; cleansing pads, cotton pads and swabs, deodorant, tissues, lotion, makeup, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet wipes... the variety was staggering!

Yet amongst all the toiletries, from after-dinner mints to zip-lock bags, the only things that were health related outside of personal hygiene were a box of small Band-Aids and a bottle of talcum powder. Frowning slightly, the vulpine woman made her way over to the cash register. Behind the checkout counter was a somewhat handsome African-American man with his hair buzzed short but still visible against his head and impressive brown eyes that helped offset how wide his nose was. The man stood tall at a solid six feet in height and at first glance, it was very apparent that he was physically fit. His muscles practically rippled beneath the blue, short-sleeved button-up work shirt with the LTD Logo and the long-sleeved white t-shirt her wore underneath to cover his arms. On his chest was a name-badge that adorned with the designation, 'Clinton'.

Honestly, he was familiar to her but the woman just couldn't place where she knew him from. Still, that didn't matter as much as Fox did at the moment. So gathering her thoughts, the woman tilted her head back to meet the taller man's gaze as she closed the distance. "Hola, Clinton. I can call you, Clint, right?" the woman greeted as she came up to the counter. "I was looking for medicinal items. Do you sell any here?" she queried. "My friend in the car is in a bad way and needs some help so I'd appreciate any assistance you can offer."

Turning her head to look out the window towards the car that was parked, the man turned his gaze back to the shorter vixen before him. "Depends... do you want medicinal goods or medicinal goods?" he asked her, his tone of voice letting her know that it was possible for him to provide some alternative methods. Then, as an afterthought, he added, "And the name's Franklin. Idiot bosses put the wrong name on my tag and I'm still waiting on a new one."

Cringing at that, the woman was quick to school her features back to a more neutral expression before answering, "Anything you'd find in a medical kit. Disinfectant, gauze, bandages... that sort of thing."

Nodding his head, the man replied, "Yeah. We sell something like that. You got an ID?" He smirked. "I'm sure a sweet honey like you is over eighteen but we're on camera and the boss-man bitches if I don't check people's ID."

"Sure," Carmelita replied as she brought her purse forward. She unzipped it and retrieved her wallet. Opening it, she withdrew her driver's license and offered it to him. "Here, Franklin."

Taking the offered laminated card, the chocolate-skinned man took a moment to inspect it, looking back and forth between the image of the vulpine on the license and the woman before him. "You look rather different from your photo, Miss..." he looked down at the driver's license again for a moment. "Miss Fox."

Rolling her brown eyes, the woman sighed in annoyance. "I know. That was taken back when Sony had me working with Sucker Punch. Sanzaru gave me quite the makeover. Not by too much but it's still noticeable to say the least."

That comment made the man smirk. "Oh? So you're a Sony girl, huh? Figures. I know how those guys can screw with a good thing all too well," he murmured. However, instead of going into detail, the man simply offered her back the card. "Here," Franklin said as he accepted it back. While she returned it into its wallet sleeve, the man bent down slightly behind the counter to reach underneath into one of the drawers on his side, withdrawing an item. Bringing it up into view, he placed it down beside the cash register. It was an oversized syringe with hydraulic injection if the pressure measurement gauge at the top was meant for anything but show.

As the woman gazed over the item, the African-American explained, "This, my dear foxy lady is a Lee Rapid Pharmaceuticals Stimpak. With its state of the art–for the 1950's–stimulation delivery system, this syringe contains a Maxim Tomato extract base mixture along with other healing agents and stimulants, allowing the recipient to boost their own body's natural regenerative functions. It's very useful for minor injuries." His smile became a little strained. "Trust me when I say I'm speaking from personal experience on this one."

Considering that statement for the moment, Carmelita raised her head and looked up at the man. She then politely queried out of curiosity, "Let me guess: shot on the job?"

Nodding his head, the man reiterated for her, "Shot on the job because of dead hooker advertisements... still waiting on my lawsuit to go through too."

The navy blue-haired vixen winced in sympathy for the man. "I see... I do hope it goes in your favor," she told him in all honesty as she took hold of the Stimpak and looked it over curiously, being careful not to accidentally knock off the cap and prick herself with the injection needle. "Anything else I should know about this thing before I administer it to my friend?"

"Yeah," the hard-bodied human replied as he looked down at her. "First off, it works best if it's administered at the sight of the injury or at least next to it. Secondly, don't give the person more than one at a time. We have to card these suckers because Stimpaks can become addictive."

Carmelita winced. If anything, Fox seemed to have dependency problems... not she would tell him that to his face but she saw him going through quite a bit of alcohol. She could only imagine how much he'd been going through before he came to the club. Looks like I'll have to make sure he doesn't get into Stimpaks at all then, the vulpine thought, realizing she might need to stick him right on the burn; be cruel to be kind as it were. Then, aloud, she questioned, "Do you also have any bandages?"

Nodding his head, the gentleman in the blue LTD shirt replied, "Yeah but we don't sell just the bandages." He then turned his back to the vixen and brought his arms up to reach for something on one of the higher-set shelves set behind the checkout counter. Carefully, he lowered a case and turned about to face Carmelita once more. He then set down a white corduroy satchel imprinted with a red Caduceus symbol and adorned with a pair of bright red wooden handles and red leather snap-straps for easy carry next to the Stimpak. "We sell Fink Manufacturing brand Medical Kit," Franklin told her. He then opened the snap-clasps, opening the kit to show what it contained. "It comes with a bandage roll, gauze, a bottle of cotton balls, a small medical alcohol phial, a cloth hand towel, and a small vigor salt phial." Letting the woman check it over to make certain everything he listed off was there, he then closed it. "Will this do?"

Looking over the items for a moment, the vixen nodded her head, as she answered, "Yes, Franklin. This will do nice." The Hispanic beauty then brought her purse up to the counter. Placing it down atop with the healing items, she unzipped the top and reached for her wallet. "How much do I owe you?"

The man made a face, features scrunching as he began making the mental conversion in his head. "Let's see... the Stimpak is seven-hundred and fifty caps... so seven dollars and fifty cents," he murmured as he punched the numbers into his register. "Now for the other one..." the dark-skinned male frowned as he saw a symbol he didn't recognize on the price tag; a sword and a key placed atop a scroll before the number ten. "What the fuck's this denomination?" The man cursed. He'd seen a lot of them in his time: Coins, Rupees, Dollars, Red Orbs, Caps, Zenni, and the like... but this was an unknown. Not even wanting to bother, he lifted the Med-Kit once more and turned it about in his hands. Placing it down, he then reached for and brought up the handheld barcode scanner and swiped it over the item's UPC-A barcode symbol. "Well, whatever it is, it comes out to ten dollars USD. So do you want anything else?"

Shaking her head, Carmelita replied, "No. All I need is some medical supplies."

"You sure?" the man offered. He motioned to the soda machine. "We got drinks on sale for a buck each. And we just got a shipment of Meteorite bars in, only four dollars a pop." He leaned over the counter and smirked. "I'm sure a beautiful lady like you would appreciate, 'dark chocolate with gooey core'." He winked as he finished quoting the candy's advertisement in a very meaningful manner.

Catching onto the man's double-entendre, the vixen felt a flush of embarrassment in her cheeks. Fortunately, she was certain it wasn't bad enough to show through her facial fur. So keeping her expression schooled into a calm one, the lovely Latina lady lifted her head up enough to meet the man's dark brown eyes with her own. "No thank you, Franklin. After all, a woman has to watch her figure. Just the medical supplies, please."

Oh you've got the figure that deserves watching all right, the man thought as he straightened up his posture. "All right, all right. I can take a hint. Just give me a moment." Turning to the cash register once more, the buff African-American individual input the numbers overall, the receipt paper slowly spitting out of the machine as he worked. "Let's see... seventeen-fifty for both items before sales tax... but overall..." he looked to the screen before turning to the much shorter vulpine woman. "That'll be eighteen-dollars and eighty-two cents. Will that be cash or credit?"

"Cash," the Latina woman replied as she retrieved out a twenty dollar bill from her wallet and held it out to him.

Taking it from her, Franklin finished up the transaction, handing the woman back her change and receipt before leaning down. Grasping a small plastic bag printed with the LTD logo on either side, he placed the pair of items into it. Waiting a moment for the navy blue-haired vixen to finish putting her items away and closing up her purse, he then reached out with the bag. "Thank you, and come again! Always shop LTD for unlimited great prices!"

Taking the plastic bag with her medical supplies, the woman nodded to Franklin once more before turning about. Making her way to the exit, she paused for but a moment in her step to allow the automatic doors to slide open. With the doorframe open, she stepped out through and back out into the parking lot. Seeing the cape fox still in the passenger's side of her '91 Dodge Shadow, she walked over to his side of the vehicle. "Hey, Fox," she called out as she came up to his side, not wanting to surprise him. Reaching behind the door, she pulled the handle and stepped back, opening it.

Sitting up in the seat as the woman pulled the door away from him, the male vulpine turned his attention to the vixen. "Hey, Carm. Did you find what you needed?" His eyes were drawn down to the plastic bag in her left hand. "It certainly looks like you were successful."

"Yes," she replied before placing it down on his lap. "Now c'mon, Fox. Raise your arms. I need to take off your shirt."

Raising an eyebrow at that, McCloud couldn't help but smile in spite of how serious the situation was. "Really? Wow, Miss Fox. And here I thought I would need to take you on a couple of dates before you asked me that."

Pouting in a rather cute fashion, the woman stared at the injured Papetoonian. "I mean it, Fox. Please take off your shirt. I need to treat you and it will be easier to bandage you up afterwards if your clothing isn't in the way." While she appreciated he was trying to put up a brave front for her, the vixen knew that she was partially to blame for what happened even if he didn't think so. More than anything, she wanted to make sure he was okay.

Slowly taking a deep breath, the canid make murmured, "Okay, okay. You win, Officer Fox." He replied, calling her by her game persona teasingly. "You got me fair and square. I surrender." He then raised his arms for her.

Rolling her eyes at the joviality he was trying to present, the Latina fox with navy blue tresses still shook her head good naturedly. "I swear, McCloud. What am I going to do with you?" She didn't wait for a response as she reached for the sleeves of his dark reddish-purple shirt and gently pulled it up his arms, exposing his torso completely. Despite the fact the female vulpine was trying to take care of his wound, the woman couldn't help but let her gaze idle on him for a bit. Even with the burn on his chest, she could see that he was a rather fit individual and attractive individual, very easy on the eyes.

Noticing how quiet the woman went, Fox turned his head towards his fellow vulpine. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "So, I take it that's the look I gave you back in Room 3?"

Although Franklin had tried earlier, it was only then poor Carmelita's face went flush with embarrassment as she realize he caught onto what she was doing. "Sorry," she apologized quickly. Throwing his slightly-charred shirt into the back seat with her left hand, she came around and reached her right to his lap. Digging into plastic bag, she retrieved the Medical Kit and opened it. She felt around for a bit, pushing other items aside before pulling out a bright, almost neon-blue glass bottle decorated with a turn of the 20th Century-styled portrait of a bearded man from the side. The man in the image was wearing a top-hat and going diagonally across it was the advertisement of, 'Salts'. Also on the label were such advertisements as, 'invigorating' and, 'stay awake'. "Here," she said as she held the bottle to her fellow vulpine.

Accepting the cerulean bottle from her, Fox turned it about in his right hand, studying it. He then reached for the large blue glass topper adored with red wispy icons and grasped tightly, opening it. Bringing it to his nose, the Papetoonian immediately winced. "Dang... smells like some unholy combination of menthol and mint... like it's, 'minthol'." He shook the bottle slightly in his hands before putting the topper back into the phial's neck. "So what is this stuff for anyway?"

"It's so you don't pass out from this," the Latina beauty replied as she picked up the plastic bag outright and pulled out the device that looked like a heavy duty steam-punk version of a medical syringe with her right hand. Bringing her left hand to the bottom of it, she carefully pulled off the top to reveal the needle. It was two inches long, a bit wider than needles normally were and looked like it was thick enough that it could pierce elephant hide if not bone.

Fox's jaw dropped. "...Can't I just take some pills?" he practically whimpered as he saw the woman shake her head. "Please?" he squeaked out nervously, his grip on the bottle tightening enough that it was threatening to break it.

"Just relax, Fox," the vixen told him in a soft, comforting voice. "This will do you a world of good," she said, her tone full of gentle promise. "I know this looks intimidating but these are supposed to help kick-start your ability to naturally healing immediately if not instigate it into working at a faster pace than normal." She leaned over him, taking careful aim. "So please, Fox. Sit still and this will be over in a second."

Pressing himself up into the backrest of his seat, the vulpine just stared at the thick, almost vicious-looking needle of the device, threatening to deliver pain untold. "Do I have to?" He looked up at her with sad, almost puppy-like eyes. "I absolutely hate needles," he said with a visible shudder. When the man saw her staring at him with a raised eyebrow, he tried to explain, "Personal reasons that I really don't want to talk about... okay?"

Looking into the man's slightly fearful emerald eyes with her own comforting chocolate gaze, the woman took a deep breath before exhaling slowly. "Fox," she said his name firmly. "I don't know what happened that needles of all things make you fearful..." she smirked. "Which is odd considering you'd rather tackle a crazy hedgehog with a gun rather than sit before a sexy vixen with holding one little prick..." she trailed off as the smile on her muzzle turned into a frown. "But you did. You got hurt because you wanted to protect me. So please, Fox... please let me help you in return. That would've been me in your position if not worse had you not jumped to my aid. I need to make this better."

It was the sincerity in the vixen's words that broke down the canid pilot's will to argue further. His eyes darted back and forth between her and the Stimpak she was holding, the device filled with medicine that offered the promise of relief... but not before a whole lot of pain. Although he really, really didn't want to do this, the man made the mistake of looking up at her eyes. Fox could see just how badly she desired to help him in the depths of those beautiful eyes. "Fine," he Papetoonian finally relented. "Just..." he gulped quite nervously as his eyes were drawn to the needle once more. "Just warn me before you do it."

Carmelita nodded her head. She had to make this quick before McCloud began to lose his nerve. Like pulling a band-aid. You just have to get it done fast, she thought before speaking aloud. "I will. Now be ready to—WHAT IS THAT!?" the female vulpine yelled suddenly as she pointed across the street with her free hand.

Eyes going wide, Fox turned his head quickly, despite the protestations of his agitate chest. "What!?" He yelped out, his green eyes darting back and forth in surprise, trying to find anything out of the ordinary. "What is—OHMERCIFULMIYAMOTOALMIGHTY!" he screamed out in one breath at the top of his lungs, as the woman pierced the burn with the needle, causing an explosion of pain to ignite in every single one of his nerve endings.

Well, at least this way I don't have to worry about him developing an addiction to the stuff, the female vulpine thought with relief as she continued to grind the needle around in his chest for extra measure, as if she were John Travolta in the movie Pulp Fiction. The vixen had to make certain the Stimpak released all its contents into the man's wound so he could heal. She was just sorry she had to be a little cruel to be kind in this case.

As the syringe's tube finally finished emptying its contents into the male vulpine and the gauge went into the red as its pressurized air was spent, Carmelita promised herself that she'd make it up to him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The hush that had transcended over the vehicle had the female vulpine squirming uncomfortably in her seat. Though she made it a rule to keep her eyes fixed on the road, especially when on the highway, she couldn't help but to slip her gaze over to Fox now and again. He had remained silent in the seat of the red convertible since she finished working on him at the gas station and guilt stabbed in her chest at the fact that he hardly had any room to recline–he couldn't even rest properly.

It wasn't the discomfort of the car that made her feel so guilt. It was how quiet he was. She bit her lower lip, frowning before taking a breath to try and start conversation... only to halt her tongue before the words had even left her throat. Carmelita wasn't sure what to say, what she even could say. Clearly, he was exhausted from the Stimpak's contents that were coursing through his veins and she didn't want to interrupt him if he'd rather ride in silence. But still... there were too many thoughts swirling around in her head for her to simply avoid. Instead, she turned her gaze to the road again and let them shift through her mind, pouring over the events of the evening, as they'd turned out thus far.

It had started simple enough, getting a job at the Game Over club. While she wasn't all that thrilled about it at first, all it took was hitting the ground running for the vulpine to find her groove. A groove she realized would have taken a lot of time and effort to have secured her spot on the club's roster. Even if a few of the–and in some cases, she used the term loosely–gentlemen thought they were being generous, the conversion rate was an absolute killer. It would have taken her all night to meet the strict quota that Richard had laid at her feet... except he arrived. McCloud came and like a proverbial knight in shining armor, did what he could to make her life that much easier.

It had started off with a bit of cash... Okay, a lot of cash, she mentally reminded herself. In two hours, he'd given her two-hundred and fifty gold coins. Gold. Coins. That was well over the grand she needed to collect and she would have gladly made a more sedate night of things until that... that... coño de mierda hedgehog decided to be an asshole! Jesus Christ! She still couldn't believe it! They really pulled a knife on her and not one of the bouncers jumped to her aid! Lara had been more help pulling a gun on the blue bastard and his posse.

And of course, there was Fox... he'd been the first to come to her aid when that pair tried to harass her, even if they tried to laugh it off, laugh HIM off. But he stuck by her, even when the first punch was thrown and it turned into a violent Smash, the male fox did what he could to hold off the crazed cyborg and the asshole anthro alongside his friends. A chance came during the fight for Carmelita to try and finally return the favor and she had... for all of thirty seconds. It took Fox coming to her aid yet again to prevent Sonic shooting her in the back of the head but in doing so, he ended up taking the blast for her... he was the one paying the price because she couldn't protect herself.

I am really out of practice, the vixen thought bitterly. And to think, she had once been the valedictorian of her graduating class at the Police Academy! Now though? She couldn't even handle a few rowdy thugs!

The Latina vulpine sighed softly, thinking about what happened over and over again and finding there was no excuse. She had to face the facts. Sure, the vixen had managed to keep herself physically fit. Exercising and a high metabolism had kept her looking fit and spry... but that didn't mean anything when your reflexes and abilities had gone to pot. Carmelita wasn't sure when she'd last practiced the training that the Academy had taught her–somewhere along the line, she'd let herself fall into the patterns of just being a character, and not being the person that she'd intentionally set out to be.

That realization depressed the anthro fox more than it should have. The Hispanic beauty had certainly never imagined that her life would lead along this path when she was young... as a kit, she had known what she was going to be when she grew up. A cop, just like her father.

The thought of one very proud Officer Diego Fox made her cringe–what would he think, if he could see her now? All of her training gone to the wayside, her skill and reflexes all but moot. A cop who was unable to defend herself in a fight... he'd be ashamed, wouldn't he? Carmelita silently made a promise to herself to get back into her training, at least a bit. If nothing else, she'd brush up on her self-defense. If the vixen was going to continue this job, she realized at the very least she had to be able to take care of herself in an emergency.

However, even with that resolution, the image of her father in her wouldn't leave from the back of her mind... but it wasn't all negative. Carmelita thought of the times that he'd taken care of her, the fact that he'd always been so supportive. Hell, whenever she had come out from the doctor's, he would always treat her to ice cream, to show her what a brave little kit she'd been. Diego Fox had a penchant for making even a traumatizing experience like the doctor's office something that Carmelita could look forward to, as long as she held on until it was over.

Ice cream could make anything better.

The thought stroked along the back of her mind like a livewire or a slow burn. A smile crooked at the corner of her mouth, and she flicked her gaze to the ever-silent Fox at her side. Maybe she couldn't take away the experience that had traumatized him into his quiet retreat, but she could do her best to alleviate the sting of it. Her eyes flicked across the road and she gave a small nod of determination, her course of action decided. Sometimes, ice cream was just what the doctor ordered and she was damn well going to make sure that she could treat the Papetoonian to the same kindness that he'd been showing her all night. So with that thought in mind, the Hispanic vulpine called out, "McCloud. Hey, McCloud? How're you hanging in there?"

The off-duty canid pilot let off a little groan, his eyes moving behind closed eyelids. "...Tired..." He finally murmured. "Breathing is getting easier though. Thank you for that, Carm." He said in a voice that tried to convey the relief he was feeling. Still, it wasn't all perfect. "I will admit that these bandages you put on me are itching a bit though," he whispered as he brought his right hand up to his chest and began to idly scratch at them with his fingers.

"Detener!" she snapped at him in Spanish. When the male vulpine paused at the firm tone, he turned his head towards her direction. Finally, those eyes opened to reveal the emerald orbs beneath, gazing at her curiously as if to say, 'what'? Sighing, the vixen told him in English, "I was shouting at you to stop. You don't want to aggravate it, do you? So leave the bandages alone until we get home. If they're bothering you, I'll change them again... but first..." she trailed off. "Fox, would you like some ice cream?"

Despite how he was feeling, Fox couldn't help but bark out a laugh. "Ice cream? You want to get some at... what time is it?" He grunted as he leaned forward in his seat to get a better look at the dashboard. "At three in the morning? Where are we going to get ice cream at three am?" He queried softly. He wasn't meaning to be sarcastic, he was just genuinely curious.

That inquiry made the female vulpine purse her lips. Shoot. Where could they go this late... or should the question be, 'this early'? However, inspiration struck as they passed by an amenities sign situated along the highway. Her ears began twitching atop her skull for a moment in thought before they went upright, standing tall above her navy blue tresses. "We'll go right here," she said as she took the next exit off the highway.

Travelling down the ramp, the crimson '91 Dodge Shadow didn't even bother to slow down; the streets practically being deserted at this time of night, making it rather easy to just roll into traffic. The vixen's brown eyes were darting back and forth, gazing about the surroundings for any other cars before they came to settle on a familiar blue-outlined orange logo placed within a clock between two fake hamburger buns.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Fox immediately realized what she was aiming at; hell the place was like a beacon in the dark, the main dining room's lights on full blast and illuminating the parking lot considerably through the large windows of the establishment. "Burger Time?" He queried curiously as she tried to maneuver his seat back into a fully upright position, pulling on the side lever at the base. "Man, oh man! I haven't been to a Burger Time in ages," the cape fox said in all seriousness as he gazed upon the place, as if not trusting what his eyes were seeing. "I thought these were all shut down when Data East went bankrupt with the earliest beginnings of the recession back in 2003."

"They were," Carmelita replied as she pulled into a parking space right near the entrance. "All except for this one. The California Office of Historic Preservation kept this restaurant going as this place is the first Burger Time; the original restaurant that started it all. They're keeping it going thanks to voting on and having bestowed it with a protected landmark status. So you can thank your tax dollars for keeping the lights on and the food rolling." She smiled. "My family tries to meet up here once a month so we can all keep in touch. It's a tradition we've had since all us Fox kids moved out of our parents' house. It just reminds us of simpler, more innocent times long since passed." She couldn't help but sigh wistfully.

"Amen to that," Fox couldn't help but agree. Reaching for the clasp that held his seat belt in place with his right hand while his left firmly gripped the belt, the male vulpine freed the buckle from the latch. Carefully pushing the vehicle safety restraint off of him as to not aggravate his wounds further, he was quick to chirrup, "And I'm paying."

The female vulpine's ears instantly flicked forward, a frown gracing her otherwise lovely features. "It was my idea, which means it's my treat." Carmelita was happy that her voice sounded so firm. Surely the wounded Fox in front of her wouldn't argue with her.

"No, seriously. I've got it." Her mouth snapped shut with an audible click, because he sounded just as firm as she had, if not even more emphatic. "Listen, you paid for my medical supplies already." He brought one hand up slowly, fingers lacing behind his head. She couldn't tell if he was embarrassed or trying to be cute. "I can more than handle it, I promise. C'mon, Carm," he smiled at her and she decided that he was definitely trying to be cute. "I'm still toting around a wallet full of coinage. Let me pay for your food."

Carmelita sat silently for a moment, her lips pursed and her ears twitching in indecision. On one hand, she wanted to insist that he allow her to treat him–it was a poor practice to suggest a treat for a person, only to allow them to pay for not only themselves but you as well! On the other hand, the vixen had a feeling that allowing Fox this win would make him feel just as good as the ice cream itself. Finally, she let her eyes slide back to him. "Are you sure?" She asked, allowing him a chance to back out if he wanted.

He didn't take it. "I am." He sounded decisive enough that she had to believe him. He grinned right after, however, almost childishly. "Besides, I'm probably going to need to bring some take-out home for everyone else. They'll show up eventually... and hungry actors are not a pretty sight." He grinned and it was all charm and sweetness.

It was that foolish smile of his that made the Latina vixen finally nod in acceptance. She did manage to hide her own warm smile, however. Couldn't let the man think he was simply getting one over on her. "Okay, McCloud... if you really want to, you can pay."

Fox's brilliant smile was more than enough to tell her that she'd made the right decision. As he came around the vehicle to open the door for her, the Papetoonian was grinning even wider, practically from ear-to-ear. "What can I say? I had to!" he practically bared. "After all, what was the old commercial Burger Time used to go by?"

Unbuckling her seatbelt, the Hispanic vixen queried, "What? The old bit about, Fryin' and Buyin'?" As she stepped out of her vehicle, she took a moment to pull down her jacket in the back as the article of clothing had hiked up her back a bit while she'd been sitting down. Even if it was late at night, it was still a family restaurant! She would rather not flash her butt at anyone.

Nodding his head firmly, the male vulpine replied, "Yep. Going by their logic, I have to be the one buying... because between the two of us, I think you're the one who's smoking hot."

Although she rolled her eyes to play off the obvious charm the male fur was trying to play her with, Carmelita had to admit to herself that it was rather sweet of him to say that. "Oh please, such sweet words for me? I'm willing to bet someone is starting to feel like their old selves now, aren't they?" She smirked. "Looks like the medicine is kicking in for the better..." she said meaningfully. As much as it probably sucked for him, it had to be done.

"A bit, a bit," Fox agreed as he reached his arms straight up into the air before his left hand reached behind to grab the other arm just below his right elbow. Leaning back a bit to try and crack his back, the vulpine murmured, "Heck... I just feel better being able to get out with such a lovely lady. Makes me feel like I'm out on a date." He let off a wistful sigh. Oh, if only... he thought with an almost melancholy weight in his heart.

And that managed to get the blush going. Turning towards her car to close the door, she was using the action as an excuse to look away from Fox for the moment as she tried to get herself under control. Her? A date? She hadn't been on a date since... well shoot! I haven't been on one since I broke up with Sly, she thought with embarrassment. And that had been over a decade ago. It's not a date, she quickly told herself. You're just going out for ice cream... and junk food. Yes, she could admit to herself that once all the excitement had wound down, she was starting to feel hungry.

Oh, she could go for a Blammy Burger... but it was better to get a salad. Don't want Fox to think I'm a pig. God knew how many times her older brothers would make fun of her whenever she'd get the triple as a little kid. It's a miracle I never ballooned out as a kit with the way I ate. I'm going to hate the day my metabo—

Her train of thought was derailed as a hand waved in front of her face. "Yo... Corneria to Carmelita... Corneria to Carmelita. You in there, Miss Fox?" The male vulpine queried. "You looked like you spaced out a bit there." He gave her a warm smile. "And believe me, as a guy who specializes in working on Sci-Fi productions, I would know what that's all about," he told her good-naturedly.

Doing her best to fight the blush she could feel wanting to shine through her facial fur, the Hispanic vixen inhaled deeply, trying to brace herself and get her emotions in check. Good God, she couldn't believe how much she was letting this guy's actions affect her. Sure he was cute and kind but that didn't mean he was specifically hitting on her. That comment about being on a date was probably just some sly act to pour on the charm... maybe some form of teasing revenge for jabbing him with the needle of that Stimpak injector.

Either way, it took the Hispanic beauty a moment to get her thoughts in order. Shaking her head–and causing those lovely navy blue locks to bounce as she did–to clear her mind, the woman finally replied, "I'm fine, Fox. Just thinking of all the times I spent with my family here," she said in all seriousness. Technically she wasn't lying, it just wasn't the whole truth. "This place is special to my family and..." she managed to give the man a cocky smirk of her own. "Well, it may seem like nothing, but it feels important to me that I'm taking you to one of my secret little hangouts." With an emphasis on, 'secret'! The female fox couldn't even get Sly to come here back when they were dating. He was always more of a pizza guy, she thought with annoyance. Finally, she once more spoke aloud as she added, "You should feel honored."

"And I do," the cape fox chirruped. "After all, I'm out with a lovely lady. I consider this the highpoint of my year!" he laughed merrily. "Shoot, your special hangout, huh? Next think I know you'll be asking me to meet your parents!"

Although he had meant that jokingly, the tone he used with just what he said took an on entirely different meaning that made both vulpine furs go wide-eyed. Both Fox and Carmelita quickly turned to look away from each other as embarrassment got the best of both foxes; the male bringing his right hand up to scratch his cheek in nervousness while the woman held tried to bury her face in her palms. The string of muffled Spanish curses that tried to get through her fingers was more than enough indication as to how much those words affected her. I can't believe he actually said that! She mentally screamed as phrases that her father would have tanned her hide for saying back in the day continued to stream from her mouth like a broken faucet.

Fox wanted to tell her that she sounded very pretty when she spoke Spanish but he at least had the common sense to realize that she wouldn't appreciate that at the moment. So taking a deep breath, the man slowly turned about once more. "Hey, Carm? Sorry about that. My mouth was running faster than my brain could think. I didn't mean to say anything like that..." he said explained with a soft, repentant tone. God knew he barely knew her. And yet, I was still willing to put my life on the line for her, he thought bitterly. The Papetoonian realized that maybe Mario was right and he had it bad for the woman but that didn't mean she returned the feelings in kind. So, in an effort to put this snafu behind them, the man queried, "Well, shall we go inside or do you want to stand out here in the parking lot for the rest of the night?"

Taking a deep breath once more, the woman was finally able to turn about and face the male vulpine. She relaxed a bit upon seeing the smile on his face. The edges were tinged with humility and his eyes with nervousness but she could see the sincerity in them clear as day. Returning the grin with one of her own–one she hoped looked more confident than she currently felt–the Latina beauty replied, "Sure. I wasn't kidding when I said I was getting hungry... let's go inside and eat." Then, almost as an afterthought, she reached out her hand to him in offering.

Looking down at her petite, lithe hand, Fox blushed slightly through the white part of his facial fur's pelt pattern and accepted it. Now hand-in-hand, the pair of vulpine furs went to the entrance, McCloud using his free hand to push aside one of the glass doors, and allowing them to step into the Burger Time restaurant proper.

Upon entering, they were greeted to the sight of Burger Time's cozy, almost 80's-style set-up. The interior of the building's floor was made up of alternating white and red tiles, generally smooth with minimal grout spacing in between, making it easy to sweep and mop up when no one was around. The amount of seating was considerably: Booths lined the walls, most of them set up to hold two people on either side, save for the handicapped booth near the door. There were also a trio of long tables set up, with one near the restrooms, the second outside a door to the enclosed, 'Play Room' for the kids, and the third was situated close to a television–the ceiling-mounted TV set was placed where people could watch network news in the morning while they had coffee. Near the cashiers–though off to the side–were two long-tabled booths, and finally situated against the front wall so people could look outside as they are as a long countertop lined with stools.

The inside walls were painted with a general red motif that was adorned with a liberal amount of the orange and blue clock-style logos of the Burger Time franchise; the color backdrop letting the restaurant's symbol pop out considerably to the eye. Besides that, the color red was specifically chosen not only because it helped encourage people to eat faster and leave that much quicker, but it also served to help hide most messes from the condiment station for ketchup that was situated between two soda machines. Too bad such a tactic didn't work for the bathroom.

The pair made their way up to the counter where two cash registers were stationed so that one the employees could see out into the mezzanine or turn about to easily gaze into the back or the drive-through window. Coming up to the edge of the check-out table with the orange veneer-finish, Fox looked left and right for someone, catching a stack of application forms and the daily newspaper on the very end... but no one in sight. "Hello?" McCloud called out, his gaze settled towards the back. "Is anyone here?"

"Hold on! Hold on!" a voice called out from the kitchen. Both anthro foxes could see as someone of considerable mass was coming out of the back. Making his way around the warming tray stations was a rather overweight Caucasian individual. His brunet hair having receded to expose the top of his head but his chubby face and baby blue eyes were still immensely expressive. He was dressed in the attire of an assistant manager; blue buttoned shirt with logo on the breast pocket, an orange tie, black pressed pants, and black assistant manager's nametag that had, 'KEVIN' in white script while the Burger Time Logo was printed at either side of the name. His clothes were clean to say the least, however it was prevalent the uniform had been his original one, as the bottom three buttons of his shirt had been left undone, allowing the man's gut to hang down over the front of his pants.

Finally, the obese man settled himself behind one of the two cash registers. He smiled, giving the two a warm, welcoming smile. He might not have been easy on the eyes, but he seemed to project a positive, gentle presence. "Hello! Welcome to Burger Time: We Fryin', What You Buyin'?" He queried as he drummed his fingers over the countertop. "Although if I might make a suggestion," he chirruped in a melodic tone. "We do run a late night special: buy two Blammy Burgers and get one free small Flippity Fries!"

"Uh... yeah... let me see here," Fox mumbled as he looked up at the menu that was plastered above the cashier station, each combo adorned with a delightful picture of the food items. So many classics the Papetoonian remembered from his own youth. Blammy Burgers, Bacon Burger Dogs, Finger-Lickin'-Chicken, Flippity Fries, Up-Up-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right B.A. Select Salads... yet when he looked at the dessert menu, he noticed something off. Sure, they had Fruit Ninja Cup, LowBrownies, Paramite Pies, Scrab Cakes, and even a limited time offer for delicious slices of The Cake (Is a Lie) he realized that something in particular was missing. "Wait a minute..." he spoke up. Turning to look at the assistant manager, he queried, "Where's the ice-cream?"

The portly individual inhaled deeply–causing both Fox and Carm to hold their breaths as it looked like he was going to keel over as he did so–before exhaling. "Our apologies," he said in a most sympathetic tone. "We have to discontinue the Shake-It-Ups until further notice. We're getting lawsuits from both Disney and Jill's Sandwiches. The former because of the name, the latter over the recipe we use."

Carmelita winced at the realization. "Really?" she asked in a soft tone. She then cleared her throat to speak up as she made her way to stand at the counter beside her fellow vulpine. "Well, do you still have any of the stuff in the back?"

Nodding his head, Kevin queried, "Yeah. What about it?

"Couldn't you please sell it to us anyway?" she asked with a slight pleading tone. "It's been a very rough night and my friend here deserves a little sweet treat."

"Then buy some cake," the brunet said from his side of the cash register. "We have plenty of options to tickle your sweet tooth." He grinned. "If I might make a suggestion, I'd say go with the Scrab Cake. It's a classic snack-cake stuffed with delicious green filling!" He stepped back slightly and a made a show of rubbing his belly. "Mmm~mmm! The cold-blooded nature of those tasty reptilian creatures makes for a delightfully cool-temperature snack. That should satisfy your urge for a milk shake!"

Thinking about the snack-cake for a moment, the female vulpine suppressed a shudder before shaking her head. "You didn't answer my question," she stated. She looked up into his pale blue eyes with her chocolate ones. "Do you have any ice cream left in the back?" She asked him again. She had already let Fox down so many times tonight. The vixen would be damned if she didn't give at least this problem her best. It was the least she could do for her friend after all he'd done for her.

Now the man's expression became a rather stern one. Crossing his arms over his chest, the human stared down at the shorter vulpine. "Did I stutter?" he questioned. "Buy some cake."

"And you," Carmelita stated once more. "Didn't answer my question. Is there any ice cream in the back?" She was starting to become rather annoyed with how flippant he was; now she knew he was purposely avoiding her inquiry.

Fox just stared back and forth between the two, feeling very conflicted. On one hand, it was just ice cream. If they didn't have it, then they didn't have it. He was willing to let it go and just gorge on some Flippity Fries but Carmelita seemed hell-bent on getting him his ice cream. He was almost ready to tell her to just order a Scrab Cake when the assistant manager said something that made him start to growl.

"Is this a fucking joke?" the man behind the counter snorted. "You two come here at, what, quarter after three in the morning and want ice cream of all things while dressed like some sort of pimp who got his ass kicked by a John and his bottom-bitch? This may be a fast food joint, but we're a family restaurant!" Then, after insulting their state of appearance, Kevin continued in a rather snide way, "And besides! I'm not going to go clean out the machine and go in the back to get the mix just because you want ONE milkshake... something we're not supposed to be selling right now. If you want ice cream that badly, get the fuck out of my store and go to an Üder Milkén! They're used to serving trash like you!"

However, before McCloud could act, whether it be to punch the guy, flip him off, tell him off, or just leave, Carmelita beat him in action. The woman reached forwards suddenly, grabbing the man by his collar and pulling him down to eye-level. The woman narrowed her eyes, staring into fearful baby blues with angry, deep brown eyes. "Listen here you cabrón," she practically snarled. "It has been a long day and an even longer night. My friend took a bullet meant for me and if I want to treat him to some ice cream then he is getting some Dios-maldita ice cream!" she screamed in his face before releasing him. "I don't care what you feel like, you're on the jodido clock, coño! NOW DO YOUR JOB BEFORE I STICK MY FOOT UP YOUR ASS SO FAR, YOU END UP TASTING HIGH HEELS, PUTA!"

When the man numbly nodded his head, the woman released him, practically pushing him back. "NOW MAKE WITH A MILKSHAKE!" She glared at him with angry brown eyes. "AND I MEAN RIGHT NOW!"

As the balding brunet ran around the divider between the cashier's station and the kitchen, Fox slowly turned to look at the woman with a newfound sense of respect. "Damn, Carm..." he whispered in awe. "That was..." he brought his right hand up to the side of his head, idly scratching his head in embarrassment over the fact he found that extremely hot. "You didn't need to tear into him like that. I mean, we could've gone somewhere else. And besides, you said this was your family's hangout, right? This isn't going to cause problems for you, is it?"

She shook her head. "No," she replied. "My family comes in during late afternoon or later into dinner time. We're never here this late. That was my first time meeting that puta..." she growled. "I would have tried to argue with him but to hear him call you a pimp?" She was frowning, her lips pouting–an expression McCloud found adorable on her. "No. No one treats my friends like that."

A small smile tugged at the corners of the Papetoonian vulpine's lips. "Oh?" he queried as he raised an eyebrow. "So we're friends?"

"Of course!" she practically chirruped. "No man's ever gone to such lengths for me before. If that doesn't make you my friend, I don't know what does." She smirked. "Besides, you got to see me nearly naked before all of it went down. I figure if I can still remain professional with you after that... heck, even do something as estúpido as jumping a crazy hedgehog with a loaded gun, then you really are a good person."

A small chuckle came from Fox. "That's kind of you to say, beautiful... it's really appreciate—"

"That's them!" came the cry of Kevin as he lead someone out of the back. "Those are the two that threatened to kill me," was the portly man's shrill-voiced accusation as he motioned towards the pair of vulpine anthros. The redheaded man that followed behind was much thinner, considerably so. It was also obvious that he the manager from how he was dressed, adorned with a black buttoned shirt, a blue tie with a Burger Time logo over it, black pressed pants, and a silver manager's nametag that had, 'TIMOTHY' in black script while a pair of golden Burger Time Logo adornments were attached at either side of the name.

Said man looked between the pair for a moment, giving them the hairy eyeball... before recognition came to his face. The ginger raised one of his crimson eyebrows before querying, "Carmelita?"

Blushing a little at the recognition, the woman raised her right hand at waved ta him in a friendly fashion. "Hola, Tim! Pleasant surprise to see you this late." She gave him an every cheerful smile. "I didn't realize you had to work late too. I thought that's what you had employees for."

"I do. Usually it's no problem with the graveyard shift to get people either. With how quiet it is at night, I only need two people on," the redhead said as he looked down at the shorter woman with his green eyes. "Tonight however, the staff-member that was supposed to be on tonight quit without giving me her two weeks notice. So I figured with the paperwork I had to do anyway, I'd just come in tonight and give Kevin here some backup in case things got too hot to handle." Now his other eyebrow rose up to meet the first. "Now what's this I hear about such a sweet girl threatening one of my assistant managers?"

Pouting cutely, the Hispanic vulpine looked up meet the man's gaze. "He was being belligerent," she said in all seriousness. "I kept asking him about a milkshake and all he would do was keep offering other suggestions until he finally admitted that he didn't want serve us any because he was JUST BEING A LAZY ASSHOLE!" she shouted that last past as she turned her head to glare at the portly assistant manager. "Fatass here didn't want to clean the machine and start it up for only a couple of people!"

Nodding his head, the manager considered that for a moment. Finally, the human looked down at queried, "So... because he didn't want to serve an item which we had to take off the menu earlier this week, you decided to threaten him?" His tone of voice wasn't accusatory but the disapproval was all too prevalent.

Her ears flattening back, Carmelita took a deep breath. "Look," she said slowly. "My friend Fox here took a bullet for me earlier tonight. I just wanted to treat him to some Dios-maldita ice cream in thanks. Was that really too much to ask?"

Fox own ears turned back to his skull as he heard the outright defeat in her voice. While he was proud that she wanted to do this for him, it made him feel somewhat terrible that the vixen would risk herself outright again and again for him whether physically of socially. He really wished she wouldn't go to such lengths for someone like him. Was the money really that important to her or did she just need a friend that badly? He couldn't help but wonder. Either way, he wouldn't blame her for such. Miyamoto almighty knew his own situation had been just as stressful once Krystal left him... a pain that the red fox's presence lessened.

Considering that for a moment, the Burger Time manager looked between the two. Noticing how the woman was keeping her jacket zipped up completely–while the convex security mirror showed that she had a distinct lack of pants–and the bandages that were wrapped over the guy's chest thanks to his open and burnt shirt, the nodded his head slowly. "Ah, I see..." Tim said slowly. "So you were at the shoot-out at the Game Over tonight, weren't you?" When both vulpines stiffened and looked up at him in shock, he chuckled. "Relax. My sister Judy works there. She called me tonight to ask me where I was. She got home early because of the problems at the club and was surprised to find I wasn't home. Had to explain I was working the night shift but we talked a bit and she had things to tell..."

Carmelita was blushing now. "Things? Like what?"

The man looked a tad embarrassed himself. "That there was a new girl tonight who the problems seemed to revolve around... I'm guessing..." he motioned to the vixen for emphasis.

Poor Carmelita was blushing so brightly that her already red fur took on a new shade of crimson. While she hadn't felt ashamed to take that job as an exotic dancer, people that she knew finding out she was one was rather embarrassing. "...Yes..." she squeaked out.

Fortunately, Tim was a lot more sympathetic to her plight. "Man, did you ever have a rough night. Tell you what," he said in all seriousness. "We really can't sell any milkshakes because of a lawsuit we got going on right now..." he then turned his head to look at Kevin. "Which is something you should have told the two as the reason why you couldn't serve them rather than just ignoring her inquiry, Mr. Keene!" He snapped at his employee. As the portly man winced at the accusation, the redhead turned his attention back to the pair of fox anthros. "So tell you what... you just place a regular order and I'll just keep serving you milkshakes, as much as you want: free of charge. How does that sound?"

Managing a small smile, the vixen nodded her head. "Thank you, Tim." Man, was she ever glad that she and her family were something of, 'regulars' here. Being a loyal customer apparently had its perks. She just hoped that because his sister was also a stripper that he wouldn't expose her own status to her folks until she was ready... which in her opinion, would probably be best for some point after both of them had passed on from this mortal coil.

Realizing that the man was also finally including him in his conversation, the Papetoonian nodded his head in affirmative. "Y-yeah," Fox managed to say, wincing as that came out as a stutter. Raising his right fist and coughing into it to clear his throat, the man answered in a more stable tone of voice, "That would be fine. Thank you, Sir."

"But boss!" the balding assistant manager shouted. "You can't just let them get away with threatening me! We should call the cops! At the very least, they should be thrown out of the store!" he argued vehemently, the motion of shaking his fists in aggravation causing his pot belly to sway side-to-side in a rather speedy fashion. If the presence of such weight wasn't such a health issue, the sight of his stomach seemingly moving of its own accord might have been considered comical...

...At the very least, such could have gotten a few hits on Youtube if either of the foxy pair had a cell phone out.

Taking a deep breath, the ginger manager replied, "And I know just how you can get when situations with the customers don't go your way... like now for instance!" He snapped irritably. "It's why I moved you to the night shift in the first place. So please, do something useful and stay out of the way..." he trailed off as a thought occurred. "In fact, I know how you can be a real help. Go clean the bathrooms while I handle the customers, all right?"

The man's baby blue eyes went wide. "You... you can't make me clean the bathrooms! What do I look like? Maintenance? janitor? I'm a friggin' assistant manager! Hell! I USED TO BE THE GAME MASTER!" Kevin yelled in self-righteous indignation.

Tim just stood his ground. "And if you were any good at it... or acting... you'd still be it!" The Burger Time manager snapped irritably. "NOW GO CLEAN THE RESTROOMS BEFORE I WRITE YOU DONE FOR INSUBORDINATION!" He shouted in his employee's face. And then, to show he really meant business, he added, "I doubt your girl Princess 80's Fashion Vomit will be as understanding this time if you get suspended again."

"...Her name's Princess Lana..." he murmured irritably before turning away from his boss and making his way around the counter. He didn't even acknowledge the furry pair as he made his way towards the maintenance closet.

Watching the man walk off dejectedly, the manager then turned his attention back to the pair. "So, my dear customers... what will you two be having today?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sliding into a booth on the bench opposite where the vixen was settling her tray down, Fox was smiling widely at her with a grin that was all too knowing. Even as he sat down and settled himself into his side of the booth, that know-it-all smirk stayed on his face. He picked the burger off of his plate and began to patiently unpeel the white wrapper stamped with images of the Burger Time Logo in two separate tones of orange inks.

Carmelita raised an eyebrow. There was something about that expression that just screamed, 'trouble' to her. She watched him as he idly unwrapped his Double Blammy Burger with bacon, egg, and extra cheese and felt a pang of hunger in her stomach. Her eyes went down to the Select Salad on her tray and she suppressed a shudder. The things I do to make a good impression, the Hispanic woman thought irritably. However, to keep her thoughts from going down that toad, she quickly asked, "What's so funny, McCloud? You've got this look on your face."

The male vulpine didn't meet her eyes. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep from laughing if he did. Instead, he made idle conversation. "...Do I?" Fox queried as he feed his burger of its paper bindings. Holding it up, he inhaled the aroma; his smile widening for more genuine reasons now. "Good lord, I forgot how nice this stuff was. I just wish I knew this place was open sooner. I tell you, this takes me back."

Seeing the cape fox take such simple pleasures from simple food. "It does the same for me too," she said in all seriousness. "I believe I mentioned," she murmured as she started to slide into the booth. "That's the reason my family and I—DULCE JESÚS, QUE HACE FRÍO!" the woman cried as she practically lunged from the booth, jumping about in place for a few moments. Thanks to the restaurant's maxed-out air-conditioning, the plastic that made up the seat had been rather cold against her unprotected posterior.

And Fox lost it. A laugh tore from his throat, one that was hearty and full of mirth. One that made him double over both in a fit of merriment and pain thanks to how his bindings tugged at his chest. "Oh, oh God! Oh Carm! You should see the look on your face! It's priceless!" He then laughed so much harder as he slammed his fist atop the table repeatedly.

Rounding about on her fellow vulpine, the woman narrowed her chocolate eyes. A snarl ripped across her lips as she growled at him. "MCCLOUD!" She shouted his name. "YOU KNEW THAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, DIDN'T YOU!?" she roared in an accusatory fashion, her hands rubbing at her butt to try and warm them up for a moment. Of all the things that could have happened... this had to be the most embarrassing situation she'd been put through tonight!

Yes, she felt this was even more embarrassing than her first time giving a private dance with Cloud in the VIP Room.

It took quite a bit of effort, but the Papetoonian was able to control himself. "Y-yeah!" He managed to gasp out. He took another deep breath, grinning widely at her. As he took a moment to shake his hand he'd been smacking the table with to work out the throbbing, he couldn't help but add, "And now we're even."

Blinking her eyes once, twice, the woman tilted her head. "...Even?" She queried, genuinely curious about what he meant.

Smirking, the male vulpine motioned to his chest. "The bait and switch with the jabby-stabby."

Wincing, the woman mumbled, "Taking you out for ice cream was supposed to make up for it."

"I know," Fox replied. His grin became more genuine than teasing... and while it confused Carmelita, it was somehow reassuring as well. "But I saw the opportunity–or rather felt it–when I sat down. And seeing your current lack of pants..." he left the statement hanging. "I was curious if you'd feel it or not. Seems I wasn't wrong in assuming you'd get the chills, was I?"

Rolling her eyes, the Hispanic vixen mumbled, "That's a terrible pun." Looking down at her side of the bench with an accusatory stare, the woman then inhaled deeply in an effort to calm her nerves. Bracing herself for the chill, the vulpine woman clenched her teeth as she slid down onto the bench on her side of the booth. Shivering as the cold sensation traveled up her spine, Carmelita shook her shoulder rapidly for a moment before exhaling. "Burr... that is cold."

"Just give it a moment," the canid pilot told her as he picked up his fast food sandwich in his left hand. "Your body temperature will warm it up in a few moments." He then took a bite of the Blammy Burger and cooed. He chewed thoroughly, getting a taste for the flavors and textures. "Oh damn... just as good as I remember it." Granted, some might call it, 'greasy and runny' but it was old school and was good ol' fashioned comfort food. "I can see why you come here with your family regularly."

Despite the annoyance she felt at Fox letting her freeze her ass initially, the woman couldn't help but smile slightly at the genuine enjoyment he had from the meal. "I know," she replied as she opened her Styrofoam clamp-shell, revealing her Select Salad. She looked it over for a moment before letting off a depressive sigh. Croutons so stale they might as well have been bits of fossilized cardboard, shredded lettuce so wilted one touch of a forth would make it disintegrate into soggy slush, overripe cherry tomatoes, and drowned in blue cheese to hide the fact it was terrible. Not to mention it was likely packed with fourteen thousand grams of salt from the preservatives that helped the lettuce keep its shape, and another thirteen thousand calories and twenty-four grams of saturated fat from the blue cheese sauce and it was a dieter's nightmare.

Really, this was why she would order the burgers every time she and her family came here. Sure, they were made Italian-style... in other words, the kitchen staff used their feet... but the salads certainly looked like such was the case. Not even the Konami Code could save it! At least I've got a milkshake, Carmelita thought as she looked over to her tall drink cup on her tray before her gaze went to the abysmal excuse for healthy eating once more. Suppressing a shudder, the woman reached out to it with her plastic fork...

...Only to find a hand pressing down on the solid white clamp-shell, closing it and hiding the vile salad from sight.

Looking up at her fellow vulpine curiously, the vixen blinked her soft brown eyes curiously as the man held out his other burger to her. "Here," he said in all seriousness as he held out the wrapped sandwich to her. "Go on, take it." He waved the Blammy Burger a few times while his own that had a bite out of it rested on its wrapping paper before him. "Trust me. I could see the look of pure disappointment in your eyes. Go on and live a little. I won't judge."

Her left eye twitching, the woman told him firmly, "Eating healthy isn't a terrible thing you know." She then gently poked the Styrofoam with her fork. "And there's nothing wrong with a girl watching her figure, McCloud." No matter how much they might have preferred to each the container it came in over the actual salad.

"I could watch it for you if you want," he replied with a rather cheeky grin. Seeing her blush a little, the Papetoonian leaned over the table a bit and waved the burger again. "Go on, take it. I forgot how big they are. One should hold me for now. If I want another I can just get one."

Looking back and forth between the offered food and those emerald eyes a few times–the motion of her head causing her lovely navy blue locks to bounce–the Latina beauty finally let out a sigh of defeat. "All right, McCloud. No need to twist my arm over this." She then dropped her fork atop the white Styrofoam container and took hold of the sandwich. "Just give me the damn Blammy Burger."

"Double Blammy Burger with bacon, egg, and extra cheese," Fox corrected her. "Just the way my brother and I liked 'em when we were kids."

The woman chuckled. "Fine, I'll take the Double Blammy Burger... with... extra..." she blinked her eyes as what her fellow vulpine said penetrated her brain. "Oh? You have a brother?" she queried curiously as the cape fox released the sandwich and allowed her to hold it. Carefully unwrapping it, the Latina beauty couldn't help but ask, "I didn't know you had a brother. Is he your older or younger sibling?"

"Older brother," Fox replied. "And to be honest, he's a half-brother. Different moms, same dad..." he then frowned slightly as he remembered something. His eyes went a little distance as he brought his hands up in front of his muzzle as fingers entwined together. "To be honest, I haven't seen him since dad's funeral. Hell, we haven't actually talked since we were worked on that last Smash... and it got really awkward then."

That caused Carmelita some concern. "I'm... sorry to hear that," she said in all seriousness, annoyance over her frozen posterior forgotten. "My family's important to me. I don't know what it would be like if my brothers and I ever drifted apart." It was always a genuine fear. Every one of the men in her family worked hard and long hours back on the police force. Free time was at a premium for them and they always tried to make the best of it but she couldn't help but worry that one day, something was going to come along to make things difficult for the Fox family. God only knows how difficult my life got.

"Well, to be honest, we were never as close as we could have been," the Papetoonian admitted. "Our father, Satoru Iwata had intended great things for my older brother when he was born but an associate of his, Masahiro Sakurai got involved early on. Mr. Sakurai was always more of a dad to him that Satoru was..." Fox said with a sigh. "I'm pretty sure it's why I haven't seen Kirby since the funeral; he's more than likely hanging out at HAL Labs with Sakurai."

The Hispanic woman just blinked her eyes once, twice, thrice. "...Kirby? You mean to tell me that little ball of pink puff is your brother?"

"Older brother," Fox corrected... before a mischievous grin spread across his muzzle. "What? Can't you see the family resemblance?" He queried before he closed his mouth and puffed his cheeks with air.

Carmelita released a laugh. "Cute..." she murmured before she began to unwrap the burger that her fellow vulpine had handed her. "Still, I admit, that's one thing I never would have guessed: you and the famed pink puffball of Nintendo being related by blood." Still, there was one thing that was for certain to the vixen at the moment. With everything that had gone on tonight, the red fox was famished. She more than pleased that Fox was willing to share his meal.

Watching the woman take a bite of her burger and chew vigorously, Fox couldn't help but smile a more genuine grin as she let off her own little coo of enjoyment. She really was beautiful like that... with a bright smile and happiness etched on her gorgeous features...

...

...Even if she did have egg yolk and ketchup running down her chin.