Chapter 6 Our Humble Abode

When they arrived back at the Safehouse at around one in the morning, Carmelita looked around, assessing her new home. It reminded her of a large rustic sort of treehouse, only it wasn't in a tree. Everything seemed relatively in order, except for the table where the gang devised plans. It was…a mess.

Murray was sitting on the couch, watching NASCAR on TV when he noticed the two. "Hey guys," he said. "Welcome back."

Sly and Carmelita smiled. "Good to see ya Murray," Sly greeted him cheerfully.

Murray could already tell that Sly was back to normal and he couldn't have been more relieved. Seeing Sly so depressed almost made the hippo himself feel depressed at times.

Bentley wheeled out from one of the rooms in the hallway. "Hey Sly, Carmelita." He attempted a sincere smile.

Sly smiled back. "Bentley, I can't thank you guys enough for letting Carmelita stay."

"Think nothing of it Sly," he said. "As long as you're happy. We've hated seeing you so down lately."

"Yeah," Murray spoke up. "We've missed our buddy."

Carmelita leaned down so she was eye level with the turtle. "Yes, Bentley, it means so much to me and Sly. We really appreciate your hospitality. Me especially." She gave the turtle a stunning grin, her head tilted ever so slightly to the side, and her bushy auburn tail swishing a bit.

Feeling flustered having the intimidating, seductive fox so close to him, Bentley cleared his throat loudly. "Uh, ummmm, i-i-it's no trouble at all, Ms. Fox. Honest!"

Sly stifled a laugh. "Well it's pretty late. We should all get to bed."

"In a minute," Murray called from the couch, his eyes glued to the TV. "This is the final lap and these guys are neck and neck!"

Sly chuckled. He then turned to his vixen sweetheart, taking her by the hand. "Please allow me to show you to your room, Miss. Well, our room." With that he led her up the towering wooden spiral staircase to the upstairs bedroom.

Once inside, the two dropped their bags to the floor. After they had both changed into comfy sleepwear, Carmelita studied her surroundings once more. The room was very simple, and somewhat small. Some newspapers article reporting thievery the Cooper Gang had gotten away with in the past were plastered along the walls. The legendary Cooper cane lay propped up against the wall in one corner. She sat on the tiny but comfortable bed. "So, this is your room?"

"Our room, now," Sly corrected. "Hope you like it."

Carmelita nodded, studying the articles with a smile and generally scoping the area out.

Sly walked over to her and sat beside her. He scratched the back of his head. "Uh, I know it's kind of small," he said, sounding like he felt guilty. "It was originally meant for one, not that I mind sharing at all. Hope you aren't bothered by the lack of space…"

Carmelita smiled and gently pushed him onto the bed, then crawled over and sat astride a very surprised Sly Cooper.

"It's alright," she answered, a sensual smile about her dark red lips. "We can manage as long as we…just…stay close." She ran a finger up his chest.

Sly smiled deviously. "I like the way you think." He pulled her to him and drew her into a sweet kiss. Then Carmelita pulled away and lied next to him, sighing contentedly. Both lying on their sides, snuggled up close, they smiled.

"Sweet dreams, new roomie," Sly winked.

She giggled softly. "Good night."

Suddenly, Sly felt a small nudge in Carmelita's abdomen poke him in his own stomach.

Carmelita and Sly's heads snapped up and they looked up at each other, wide-eyed.

"Was that…?" Sly asked.

Both their expressions turn into ones of pure joy.

"Our baby's first kick!" squealed Carmelita.

Sly smiled brightly and his hands dropped to rub over her stomach. "Well hey there little one," he said to the kit with a laugh. "And good night to you too!"

Carmelita nuzzled her head into his chest, and they fell asleep happily in each other's arms, their kit nestled safely between them.

Typical vixen. Being all sensual and seductive like that. But that's why we love her, isn't it? As you will see in the next chapter however, everything is not always smooth sailing in Carmelita's life.

And the next chapter is longer, I promise!