Chapter 9

A little over an hour later, the four mercenaries left Mario's Pizzeria full and satisfied. They felt bad Falco couldn't join them, but they still had a good time relaxing and talking with each other. They were enjoying themselves as much as they could before returning for more action the next day.

The four Star Fox members took a brief walk together, chatting some more and enjoying the night air. Everyone was happy to escape for a while before getting back to business. They walked and talked merrily for a while, until Krystal's mood suddenly seemed to become anxious. This happened as they talked about the closeness of the team, and about all the times Star Fox had saved the day. Krystal spoke directly to Fox as the group began to notice the odd change in her disposition.

"Fox, could we talk alone?" Krystal asked Fox.

"Uh, yeah, sure," Fox said, worried about her tone. He turned to Slippy and Amanda. "You guys don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all! Amanda and I will stick together!" Slippy responded happily, rubbing against Amanda affectionately.

Amanda smiled and returned the gesture. "Yes, we'll be fine. You two go ahead."

"Thanks," Fox said. "I guess we can meet up tomorrow morning to head back out again."

"Okay; I'll be sure to ring Falco on that!" Slippy said. "What time?"

"How about ten?" Fox suggested. "I don't think we should get up too early…"

"Ten it is then!" Amanda said. "Where at, Fox?"

"The Army Center," Fox replied. "Krystal and I need some new Arwings for tomorrow, so we'll have to borrow some from there. Besides, that's where we left the Great Fox."

"Sounds like a plan!" Slippy said. "Catch you guys tomorrow!"

"Goodnight," Krystal said to her teammates.

"Bye guys," Fox said.

"See you tomorrow!" Amanda said last.

With goodbyes said, the pairs split apart for the night. Fox was anxious, wondering why Krystal wanted to speak to him alone out of the blue. He at least hoped she was all right, and nothing seriously bad was happening.

She just said she wanted to talk alone. Could just be some small concern, right? Oh, I hope… I hope I didn't say anything… hope she didn't get hurt in battle… I need her to be all right…

"Can we go somewhere private?" Krystal asked Fox as he thought to himself.

"Oh, uh, yeah, of course," Fox replied nervously. "What did you have in mind?"

"We can go to my house," Krystal replied. "Or yours. It doesn't matter."

"Yeah, yeah! That's good," Fox said.

"So…?" Krystal asked, having expected Fox to pick one.

"Oh right, m-my, my place is fine," Fox stammered.

"No need to be so nervous," Krystal said, smiling tenderly at him.

"R-right, I'm sorry…" Fox said. "I'm just worried something's wrong! You seem really concerned, you know…?"

"Well, I just need to talk with you," Krystal said smoothly. "Just a talk. Shall we go to your house?"

"Right… I'm sorry," Fox apologized again. "I always get worried when you seem concerned."

"Don't worry," Krystal said. "Let's go…"

Fox nodded, and the two made their way for his house. It felt a little weird for both of them, since Krystal hadn't been to Fox's house in a very long time. Fox figured at this point though it was probably a good thing, and he was glad to have her come back to his house. He wanted nothing more than for their relationship to fully grow back to where it had been. He wanted any past issues to have no power over them.

Even though it was nighttime, it was easy for the couple to reach Fox's house, since Corneria's streets were always brightly lit. The city was particularly beautiful at night, with numerous, vivid colors lighting up the atmosphere. It was truly a remarkable sight, especially for any tourists. Fox figured many citizens in the heart of the city must be celebrating the day's victory over Bowman's forces. It was incredibly fortunate there had been a low number of casualties and that not many buildings had been destroyed. Fox was glad he and the team had arrived when they did.

Once they reached Fox's house, he opened the door for Krystal to step inside first. Fox followed suit, and he watched Krystal's expression as she took in the old surroundings of his house. She looked happy to be here once again, quietly standing with Fox in his home. She had kept warm memories of sharing time with Fox here, and many came back to her as she looked around the modest living room. Fox smiled a bit, noticing Krystal was nostalgic like him. It was wonderful to have Krystal here again – in a shared, cozy environment. That was what it was to the two foxes.

"So… what did you want to talk about?" Fox asked.

"Well… about us…" Krystal slowly replied, looking at the floor. "It's been on my mind for a little while now…"

"Us?" Fox asked.

"Yes… about the future," Krystal specified. "Our future…"

"What do you mean, exactly?" Fox asked, trying to get to the point. "Where are you going with this?"

Krystal looked up and into Fox's eyes, giving him a serious and impassioned look. He returned the seriousness, with a slightly confused look. He gave her his full attention.

"Fox, I'm very serious about our relationship," Krystal explained. "I know we just recently got back together, but despite our past problems, we've picked up from where we left off! That means something! There's something special between us; there always has been, and I don't want that to end! I was worried it was over when we broke it off… but the love never left…"

"Krystal…" Fox said, drawing closer to her. "You are very special to me… there's nothing in my life that I care about more than you… and I'll always love you."

Krystal smiled widely, and she joyfully embraced Fox with a fierce hug. He nearly fell off balance, and he chuckled a bit. He was also smiling now, hugging Krystal back.

"When you say things like that, you really make me happy," Krystal said. "I mean it… knowing you love me that way."

Fox and Krystal savored the hug, enjoying each other's warmth. Nothing could make Fox happier than knowing Krystal loved him. She was the light in his life – his sunshine. He wanted her to be happy, and he didn't want their relationship to end. He wanted to be with her forever…

They eventually released, and Krystal continued speaking. "I don't want to add stress in the middle of this war, but we have to consider the future… we're not getting any younger."

Fox thought to himself for a moment. A crazy idea came to his mind. A crazy idea that he was in love with…

What if I propose… right here and now? What will she think? Is that what she wants? This has to be what she's getting at…

"Krystal!" Fox began, deciding to go ahead with the idea.

"Yes, Fox?" Krystal asked.

The two stared directly into each other's eyes, completely serious. Fox knew he would never be more ready to ask, and this was what he wanted. There was no going back, and he knew it. Nothing would be the same when he asked it. He took a moment to prepare, and when he spoke, he spoke with as much confidence as he ever had.

"Krystal… will you marry me?" Fox asked.

Krystal's eyes immediately lit up, and it was clear she was surprised. The room was totally silent, and Fox waited for the response. His confidence carried through, and he knew what she'd say. It wasn't too soon. It was what both of them wanted.

Be my wife, Krystal… be my partner… be my love…

"YES! YES! Yes, I will!" Krystal replied emphatically, tears sliding down her cheeks.

With that, Fox got himself another violent hug. This one did knock him off his balance, and he found himself on the floor with Krystal. The two were overcome with emotion, laughing heartily, hugging, and rolling on the floor together. They felt like children, and they let their emotions have full control of the moment. In that moment, everything else in the world was forgotten; all they knew and cared about was that they would get married. They would be together.

"I'm glad you took it so well!" Fox said, laughing between words.

They stopped rolling, and Krystal saddled herself on top of him. They looked into each other's eyes again, each pair gleaming with delight. It was a surreal moment; one that both of them had waited a long time for.

"Fox… I love you," Krystal said softly, finally settled down from the excitement. "How could I say no?"

"Well, you've made it the best day of my life," Fox said, giving her a sly smile. "That is, until the wedding day…"

"Of course," Krystal said, also grinning. "I wish it were right now…"

Both of them suddenly got more serious again, thinking about their circumstances. They knew they couldn't get married right away. Fox spoke up for the concerns on their minds.

"Once the war is over… we'll get married," Fox said, wrapping his arms around Krystal. "I promise."

"As soon as it's over, right?" Krystal asked, cracking a small smile.

"As soon as it's over," Fox assured her. He knew he also had to address something else. "Krystal, all I've wanted for some time now is a quiet, happy life with you. No Star Fox, no war, no more close calls. I'm ready to be done with all that, so long as I could be with you. What do you think?"

Krystal nodded slowly, and replied, "I agree. I'd rather have a quiet life as well, at last. I mean, we've had our fair share of adventures, haven't we? I'd like to rest now…"

Fox smiled. "I'm glad you agree. I don't know how the rest of the team will take it, but this is our lives. We just need to finish our business with Bowman, and then we'll be free."

"Yes…" Krystal said, beginning to lie down entirely on top of Fox. They wrapped their bodies together, wanting to stay as close as possible. Fox closed his eyes, enjoying every second with Krystal.

This is what I want… this is the life I want now… Once this war is over…

"Well, I suppose we should get some rest before tomorrow, huh?" Fox asked Krystal. "Have to be up no later than nine."

"Yes, I suppose," Krystal replied. "But I think I'll be too excited to sleep at this point!"

"I know what you mean," Fox agreed, happy with himself for his decision to propose. "But we've got to try. Lots to be done tomorrow. Got to get to Venom soon."

"Well, then, we better get to bed," Krystal said. She then gave Fox a sly smile, and asked, "Is it alright if we… sleep, together?"

Fox's ears perked up, and he returned the smile. "Well… sure! But I thought we'd save… you know, for the big day?"

"A man of tradition," Krystal remarked, still smiling. "I think that's a good idea. But I wanted to sleep beside you still… is that alright?"

"Of course! Sure!" Fox replied, happy that she took it well.

The idea of just sleeping next to Krystal was wonderful to Fox. Just to have her warmth and comfort through the night. To be with her in a peaceful, cozy sleep.

The two walked upstairs together to Fox's bedroom, keeping their bodies together the whole time. When they reached the bed (which was rather small), they got under the covers together and curled up against one another. They were both happy, and they kept their minds focused on one another instead of thinking of any problems they might have the next day.

"Goodnight, Fox," Krystal whispered gently once they were in position to sleep. "Sleep well…"

"You too, Krystal. I'll see you in the morning," Fox replied.

"I love you," Krystal said, once more, as she closed her eyes and smiled.

Fox smiled, and he said back, "I love you too."

Fox closed his eyes and prepared to sleep. He did love Krystal, and now he knew she would be his wife. He knew he wouldn't have any nightmares tonight.