Chapter 62: Morning Sickness

A migraine. That's what the morning greeted with. It hurt to hear the faintest sound or breathe in the surrounding scents. The briefest sights were too much to bear. Better to remain in darkness. Even thinking was intolerable. Returning to sleep would be divine. At least there, the pain moved far away.

Did sleep come, or did it only tease? The pain had receded, though not by much. Maybe just enough to wake finally? Fox didn't feel sure. However, staying asleep would only get him so far. Just a minute or two. If it became too much, he could just lay his head down again.

A sudden screen of light and colours drove knives into Fox's skull. He persisted. Blurry images came into focus. Familiar shapes pieced together the scene of their bedroom. Was it morning or afternoon? Fox couldn't rely on his body clock to tell at all.

Birds screamed songs outside the window. Fox clasped his head, wincing. The knives dug deeper. These sights and sounds kept him from sleeping. Why were the gods cursing him with this cruel torment? No matter how hard he screwed his eyes shut, the damned lights wouldn't go away!

There was a stranger problem though. Fox knew that his eyes were still very much open. Where had those grievances come from? He tried to piece together memories of before. He remembered the binding ceremony… The ehn came after.

Fox turned his head. Krystal asleep beside him. She clearly fought to stay that way. Her face screwed harshly, and her head felt like a hundred hammers beating inside it. Stop staring! Close your damned eyes! Fox did so unwittingly, and the nausea settled somewhat. He couldn't keep his head up any longer. Carefully, he lowered it onto its original place on his pillow.

'What the hell is this?' Fox writhed.

'A brand new ehn. Gods, it hurts.' That thought seemed like it came from Krystal.

"Good morning," he croaked. The sound felt off.

"How is this at all good?" Krystal clenched all over. Her jaws and throat clamped tightly. "I feel sick…"

Fox's stomach lurched in immediate response. "Me too," he grunted.

"Who the fuck mashed their heads together and thought it was a good idea for other people to try?"

"It's your custom," he reminded. Krystal moaned horribly. Damn whoever came up with ehns in the first place.

Neither of them wanted to get out of bed. It ached too much to move. The best that Fox could do was shuffle close enough for Krystal to wriggle into his arms. His touch echoed through her skin. His scent filled Krystal's nose, and her comfort from it wrapped Fox like a blanket. He could read her thoughts so effortlessly. Everything about Krystal became an open book to him. Her current pains. Her love for him despite it all. The horrid hunger gnawing at her woozy belly, as well as various other bodily needs waiting for her to fulfil. Krystal felt embarrassed of the display. Her ears burned so hot that Fox couldn't resist kissing them.

"Hey, Krystal?" he eventually said. "I don't want to do this, but I really think we need to get up."

She groaned. "Fine."

Against his body's protests, Fox crawled out from under the blankets. He tried to stand, but a bunch of strange sensations made the world spin. Bound to his hands and knees, Fox tried to steady his breath. He was keenly aware of Krystal suffering the same experience. Her line of sight mixed with Fox's, and he couldn't process it. Krystal fought through it though; and every movement she made to stand resulted in Fox feeling the touch of phantoms.

"Something's wrong…" he whimpered.

"It's ehn sickness," Krystal explained with a grunt. She found support from the bedroom wall, where she leaned heavily on her slow trek to the door. Fox could feel every grain against her fingertips. "We're not used to sharing so much of our minds with each other yet."

That's right, Fox recalled. Before, Krystal's telepathy never bombarded him with so much sensory information from her. It was like he'd grown a whole other body overnight, and Krystal was in full control of it. But Fox could still feel her arms and legs as though he were directly connected to them. Intangible nerves now conjoined them, relaying a flood of neural information both ways. It was all too much for Fox to cope with right now.

"It should get easier once we learn to tune each other out," Krystal then said. She reached the door and looked to Fox in concern. "Are you okay?"

She knew that he knew that she knew the answer to that question. Fox saw himself through her eyes, looking pitiful on the floor. If Krystal had any biological functions to help adjust to this sort of bond, he sorely lacked them. He found he could only move without feeling dizzy if Krystal stood completely still. The double vision still made him want to puke, but he finally managed to stand up long enough to stagger to her side.

She took his hand and squeezed it. "I'm sorry you're struggling more than I am."

"I'll manage," Fox winced.

She worried for him. "Just take it slow."

Slow was the best either of them could do. Carefully, they shimmied down the hall to the bathroom. Fox let Krystal use it first. He damned nearly went at the same time because of the link. After avoiding that disaster and then addressing his own needs, they both tackled the challenge of descending the stairs. Neither of them trusted their balance, so they went down on all fours. The kitchen came into dear sight.

"Now we can eat," Krystal sighed in relief. Feeling her hunger alongside Fox's made her want to devour the entire pantry at once. "What are you in the mood for?"

Fox fought back another wave of nausea. "I don't think I can use the stove without burning the house down. Can we just check what's edible and eat it as it is?"

Krystal agreed. She perused inside the pantry for a few minutes while Fox found a seat to rest in. Unfortunately, his weary thoughts muddled Krystal's, making it hard for her to decide. She kept cycling through the same options over and over. Not one thing snared her interest, despite the fact that she was starving and there were plenty of viable choices in front of her.

She would have stood there like that all day if the door hadn't knocked. Krystal didn't feel like walking, so she reached outside with her telepathy. She immediately regretted trying when her head threatened to split in two. Her brain was barely coping with the ehn. Using her powers for anything else was a step too far. Krystal covered her muzzle, suppressing a bout of queasiness. Calling out verbally went off the table as well.

Fox prepared himself to answer the door instead. However, he heard the lock turn on its own. "Hello…?" The door opened. Nomar stepped inside, carrying a basket with a cloth covering it. She found Fox first, then Krystal. "Oh! You're both up already. That's surprising."

Only now did they recall that Krystal's parents promised to check up on them. Nomar set the basket onto the counter. She then pulled Krystal into her arms. "Oh, little one. How are you feeling?"

Krystal slouched into the embrace. "Not good…" she mumbled. Fox watched enviously as Nomar rubbed the small of Krystal's back. He needed a hug too…

Thalse soon arrived with a crate laid on a trolley. He looked around the room with a grin on his face. "Good morning, you two," he greeted. Neither Fox nor Krystal replied. "Wow. You both look miserable. I take it the bonding went well then?" They both moaned.

"Leave them alone, Thalse," Nomar frowned. She guided Krystal to Fox's side and set her down. "We brought you some food, as well as the radio. Have either of you eaten since the ceremony?"

"No…"

Nomar gave a sympathetic nod. She retrieved the basket and opened it for Fox and Krystal. The warm scent of mince buns billowed out. Fox didn't wait before reaching in and handing one to Krystal. He then shoved another into his mouth. The food was warm, savoury, and easy to consume. The perfect thing to make them each feel better.

"Thank you, Nomar," Fox said, being the first to empty his mouth long enough to talk.

Nomar smiled. "We're happy to help with anything you need until the sickness passes."

"Pray that yours won't be as bad as it was for us," Thalse put in. Nomar's expression fell as he said it.

"Please don't remind me about that," she grumbled.

Fox and Krystal could only look at each other. The same gloomy thought floated in both their heads. If this overwhelming disorientation never went away, they'd be in big trouble. Fox tested his foothold in Krystal's mind. He couldn't pry it loose even a little bit. It was like her psyche had already scabbed over his own. Krystal then tugged from inside Fox's head. His migraine flared to a blinding intensity, causing Krystal to wince and stop immediately.

Yep. They were already in too far deep.

Thalse unpacked the radio equipment and carried it upstairs. Nomar put the kettle on to boil. Completely separate tasks, yet they were able to function as gracefully as though they still had independent minds. Fox felt jealous. The best that he and Krystal could do was scarf down mince buns like there'd be no tomorrow. Fox already had four and reached for yet another. He didn't think he'd ever eaten so much so quickly before. His body simply demanded more sustenance. Forging an ehn must burn a lot of calories or something, he pondered.

Nomar soon settled two steaming mugs upon the table. "You're both going to be in a fair amount of pain over the next few days, so I'll give you something to relieve it every 4-5 hours or so."

Fox stared into the cup as he took it. He could see bark shavings resting on the bottom. Casser wood, judging from the smell. Better than aspirin. Krystal quickly brought her tea to her lips. Fox flinched as she scolded her tongue. "Sorry," she thought.

The tea tasted bitter, and it didn't improve while going down Fox's throat. Yet, his mood lifted a little thanks to a hot drink. As did Krystal's. "Thank you, Mama," she said with a sigh.

Once they were finished, Nomar clapped her hands. "Alright. Now, let's get you two back to bed." She summoned Thalse back to help Fox and Krystal up the stairs. It humiliated Fox, though there wasn't much he could do about it.

When they returned to the bedroom, Thalse pointed near the bed. "I've set the radio up over there in case you want to contact your mother, Fox. I think it's charged, but I'm still not confident with that technology stuff."

"It's alright…" Fox grumbled. "I'll get to it when my head stops pounding so much." He followed Krystal under the covers again. At least her parents spared them the indignity of tucking them in. Nomar did insist that they could call her for any reason. But other than that, she and Thalse left Fox and Krystal quietly to rest.

Fox pulled Krystal into his arms. She snuggled close, waiting anxiously for the pain relief to kick in. Suffering aside, she did look content where she was. Fox would never have gone through this with anyone else if it were his choice.

"I love you, Krystal."

Her heart warmed. "I love you too, Fox." She kissed the closest patch of skin alongside his collarbone. "I just wish our heads weren't about to explode right now."

"Great way to start a honeymoon," Fox replied dryly. A single gear started turning in his mind. "So… We're husband and wife now, right? There's no other ritual we haven't done yet, is there?"

Krystal smiled. Tears swam in her eyes. "No. It's really happened. We're married."

Two little words. That's all it took to make Fox's heart soar. "Great. Because I don't think I could put myself through anything more than we already have."

Krystal giggled. She then winced. "Ow! Please don't make me laugh right now."

He rubbed away the hurt. "Sorry."

"Yeah… I don't think I'd want to marry if it involved something harder than yesterday." Krystal nuzzled Fox gently. "Glad it's over now."

She was glad. The relief swam around in her head like a little, joyful fish. Again, Fox marvelled at the clear view he now had into Krystal's thoughts and memories. Anything she pondered was there for him to see. It was different to how she willingly shared her thoughts in the past. Fox felt like he understood a sliver of what it was like to be a telepath. He doubted he could read anyone else's mind without Krystal. She didn't know for certain yet either. But for the time being, Fox was beyond content reading the mind of the person he loved more than life itself.

It might still take him a few days before the pain went away, but Fox hoped he could then say that this whole ordeal was worth it in the end.

A few hours must have passed when Fox woke up next. His headache was still there but not as severe. Tried as he might, he couldn't go back to sleeping off the rest of it. Fox gave up and instead chose to watch over Krystal. She was still dreaming. Something about playing baseball against Star Wolf and Aparoids. It looked familiar, so Fox supposed he'd had the same dream. He grinned as he enjoyed the show.

It seemed like the score was tied in the final inning when Krystal finally awoke. Groggy eyes slowly focused onto Fox's pouting face. "Aww. That was getting good."

"What are you…?" It took Krystal a moment to process Fox's latest memories. "Oh… No idea what that was about."

'Right… Fox can read my mind now… Got to get used to that.'

Fox smirked. "I heard that, love. You can't hide anything from me anymore."

Sadly, Krystal's lingering migraine barred her amusement. She rolled out from his grasp. 'Jerk.'

"I know you love me." Fox chuckled when Krystal huffed in response.

Sitting up, Fox rubbed his head. It still pounded too hard to want to get up, but he already failed to try sleeping again. The only other thing he could do in bed was… A lance of pain hit Fox between the eyes as he turned his head to Krystal.

'Yeah… No.'

'No,' Krystal thought firmly.

Fox pinched the bridge of his muzzle. 'No.' Not yet.

He looked around the room. Fox then noticed the radio lying nearby. He realised that his mother, Falco, and the others hadn't heard from him since the ceremony. He really should let them know how everything went. They might be worried by now.

Fox crawled over to the radio. A long cable snaked out the back, feeding underneath the bedroom door. Fox assumed that Thalse moved the antenna to its usual place on the roof. Everything else was plugged into its proper port. The machine's design was simple, so even a novice could set it up without too much difficulty.

Static crackled from the speakers when Fox turned the radio on. 'Not bad, Thalse.' He sent out a repeating call to the Great Fox. No one answered for several minutes. Not all that surprising given how much time had already passed. The ship might not even still be in range at the moment.

His doubts dissipated as the static gave way to a series of frantic thumps and bumps. "Hello?! This is the Great Slippy of the Fox!" a familiar voice stammered. "Wait, I mean…! This is the Great Fox. Chief Engineer Slippy Toad, speaking."

Fox chuckled. "Did I ruin your nap or something, Slippy?"

"Fox? That you? No! No-no-no-no! I wasn't asleep!"

"Really?"

"Really."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Really?"

"Really!" Slippy exclaimed. He hummed nervously. "Oh, okay… I might have been taking a little nap…"

Fox raised a brow. "Only a little one? I thought I'd been calling for a while now. Thought you'd all gone home by now."

Another, longer hum followed. "Sorry. We've been waiting for you to call all day yesterday. Couldn't keep my eyes open much longer. Hang on one sec." After a few moments, Slippy spoke again. "I just called everyone to the bridge. They'll be here shortly."

Fox nodded. "Yeah, sorry about not calling. Bonding with Krystal wiped us both out. Still feels like my head's about to split open."

"Oof."

"You said it, bud."

Another voice spoke in Slippy's background. Moments passed before it became clear. "Fox? It's Mom."

Fox smiled. "Hey. Sorry if I made you worry again."

"It's not the worst wait I've had," Vixy replied light-heartedly. "Is Krystal with you right now?"

Krystal's arms wrapped around Fox's ribs from behind. He raised a finger to scratch her cheek as she laid her head upon his shoulder. A source of light for her on this rotten day. "She is. But she doesn't feel like talking at the moment."

More voices arose as people entered the bridge in droves. "Looks like everyone is here," Vixy said. "Good timing too, because we've all got a special message for you both."

"Congratulations!"

Fox beamed at the familiar sound of his loved ones shouting in unison. His and Krystal's tails wagged together. "Thanks, guys."

"Happy for you both!" Katt hollered. A few others cheered.

"How do you feel?" Vixy asked, hinting concern.

Fox groaned. "Ugh… People talk about how beautiful and magical ehns are. But when you actually make one, it's nothing but tears and agony."

"Let me know when the beautiful part starts," Krystal grumbled.

"Oh, dear…"

"There are some good things so far, Mom," Fox added. "For starters, I can reach out to Krystal's mind whenever I want." He smiled to Krystal as he spoke. "She doesn't have to link us all by herself anymore." Krystal nuzzled him deeply, enamoured by the fact.

"So, does that mean you're psychic too now?" Falco asked.

Fox and Krystal pondered about that. "Maybe? Haven't actually tested out how the bond works. We've been sleeping the whole time since."

"Hey, Fox. It's Bill. Are you going to be okay with the launch coming up?"

The subject alone aggravated their headaches. There were close to two months left to go before the escape rocket would be ready. In that time, Fox and Krystal both had to train their bodies to withstand the g-forces, which would also be on top of their respective trainings with the ship's barrier and flight controls. They'd have to learn to work with their entangled thoughts and senses quickly to avoid further delays. Fox shuddered at the mountain forming in front of them.

"No idea," he answered. "Guess we'll have to wait and see." He could imagine the mood in the bridge sinking.

"Never mind that then," Peppy suggested. "The important thing is that Fox and Krystal have taken their relationship to a new stage and can look forward to all the joys that it will bring."

Many agreed with him, including Fox. Their ehn meant that his relationship with Krystal was set in stone. Their lives were forever intertwined. They shared everything now. Minds. Bodies. Souls. As Fox held Krystal's hand to his chest, he could swear that their hearts pulsed at the same time.

Over the next few hours, Fox spoke with his friends in turn. Several of them, like Bill, he hadn't heard from in a long time. Not since before his crash. Bill and Fay both received promotions in the military. Meanwhile, Miyu was newly engaged and looking to settle down into a surface job. Fara hadn't been able to make the gathering, but she sent her regards and good wishes. Lucy told Fox how Fara recently inherited her father's company after his retirement, leaving her with no opportunity for personal ventures, no matter how important. Fox understood as a new smile touched his lips. Saddened as he was, he felt proud for Fara.

Krystal's heart grew every time Fox's friends filled him with joy. She emerged from her tired shell to engage sparingly in the conversation. Dreams of meeting everyone in person filled her thoughts. With her new connection with Fox, those dreams became even more vivid. He wanted to make them into reality more than ever before.

"Soon, love," they told each other.

"Very soon."

"Congratulations!"

A shower of small seeds pattered over Fox's head. Krystal combed them out from her locks with the biggest smile stretched across her face. Around them stood friends and family in their backyard, all glowing with cheer. As per Cerinian tradition, seeds were thrown over a newly bonded couple in place of wedding rice or confetti. The seeds would then take root and grow into beautiful flowers. If time was kind, Fox and Krystal would get to see them bud before they left this world.

Thoughts about the future got pushed aside. The present was more important, and many guests needed their attention. Randorn embraced the new ehn mates first. His arms expressed the might and enthusiasm of a man 10 years younger.

"I'm thrilled for you both," he said before pulling away. "I can scarcely think of another pair so perfect for each other."

"Thank you, Uncle," Krystal beamed. She couldn't help giving him a second hug for that.

An arm snaked over Fox's shoulders from behind. "Yeah, congratulations," Sabre said. He met Fox's gaze. "And my condolences to you, brother. You're now doomed to have Krystal tapped into your head for eternity and all the joy-killing that entails."

"I heard that, you prat." Krystal turned towards them and raised a fist. Sabre jolted.

"I'll remember you as you were!"

Sabre then tried to flee, but Fox grabbed him around the middle. A cruel smirk adorned Fox's face as Sabre struggled desperately. Krystal closed in. She threw an uppercut. Sabre flinched. However, Krystal's knuckles stopped just shy of Sabre's chin. She looked him dead in the eye with a smirk of her own.

"I'll let you off easy this time. At least until the party's over," she teased.

Folks laughed around them, knowing Sabre well enough to suspect that he deserved that little scare. He pried himself from Fox's hold and frowned. "That ehn turned you into conspirators," he huffed indignantly.

"Not really," Krystal grinned to Fox.

"A little bit," Fox chuckled back.

Sabre rolled his eyes. He then pulled them both into a hug. Cousin rivalries were forgotten as Krystal returned it fiercely. "I really am happy for you guys," Sabre murmured. "I was worried it wouldn't work out because Fox is… you know…"

Krystal smiled. "It did work out though. And I'm grateful for that."

"Not as grateful as I am to finally get over that ehn sickness," Fox sighed.

It had taken three whole days to shake off their migraines from the bonding. The following eight days were spent learning to walk and care for themselves like normal again. It hadn't been easy. Often, their attempts resulted in dizziness or getting distracted by whatever the other person was doing. Krystal got the hang of it much sooner than Fox did. Biological advantage might have been why. He did catch up eventually though, and now he could stand outside and talk to people without major trouble, provided he and Krystal were part of the same conversation.

"Hence why I'll be keeping my mind single for life," Sabre remarked.

He moved aside to let Sheld and Hiumart through. As they exchanged embraces, Fox minded the protruding shape of Sheld's belly. "Little one's getting bigger by the day," he said.

Exhaustion tinged Sheld's smile. Her arms clutched her bump. "They're making sure I know it. I couldn't sleep a wink last night because they wouldn't stop kicking."

"You're six months in now, aren't you?" Krystal noted.

Sheld groaned. "Feels longer."

Sympathy rode through Fox and Krystal's link. Sadness followed shortly. "A shame we probably won't get to meet them," Fox sighed.

"It is," Hiumart nodded glumly. "But it'll go both ways, won't it? Do you think you'll have your firstborn soon?"

Fox's head started to hurt again from the number of emotions that he and Krystal shared all at once. Hope and uncertainty stood among them. Fox looked into Krystal's eyes. "We'll try, at least," she answered tentatively. Thoughts better suited in private bubbled beneath the surface. Fox squeezed her hand for reassurance.

"I'm not going to envy you when it's your time, Fox," Hiumart grinned.

"Why is that?"

"You do feel everything that Krystal does now, don't you?"

As soon as Fox recognised the implication, his blood went cold. "Wait… You mean…?" He turned to Krystal in horror. "Am I really going to feel it when you give birth?!"

A fiendish look danced in her eye. Half-pitying and half-satisfied. "Yes, love."

Hiumart snickered. "Should have thought about that before you bonded." Fox was still reeling too much from this shock revelation to heed him.

"Don't get smug, darling," Sheld frowned. "I'm going to make sure we bond before the next kit is due. Got it?"

Hiumart turned as straight and silent as a wooden board after that. "I think I'll pray for twins next time," Sheld added with a smirk.

As Fox stared frozen into Hiumart's pleading gaze, he sensed his friend's despair broil like an icy flame. A new sensation to Fox; much like every other emotion that he now read from everyone else through Krystal's telepathy. She rarely linked with them as deeply as she always had with Fox, so their joys and excitement came off as a bit vaguer to him. Their emotions were like buzzing sounds with colours or textures with flavours. It made sense to him and yet it also didn't. He struggled to describe it adequately.

To his disappointment, Fox still couldn't read other minds himself. He could only perceive what Krystal did. The stimulation was in real-time but distinctly second-hand. It made Fox realise how much of a bubble he'd been living inside his whole life without this sixth sense. Krystal found it hard to not feel sorry for him.

Conversely, she struggled to get used to the telepathic dead spot that Fox effectively created. The lack of any signals beyond his own thoughts bothered her. For Krystal, it was like hearing with one deaf ear or tasting food with half her tongue numb. It felt wrong. Incomplete. Ashamed as the thought passed through her, Fox apologised yet again. Krystal shook her head and insisted that he not worry. He wasn't at fault. It was her problem. She still loved their ehn all the same. She just needed more time to adjust.

Only one other mind at the party felt as down as they did. As a host, it wouldn't do for Fox to ignore it. He followed the gloom to a vixen who bore many similarities to Krystal and Nomar, including their fur colour. She turned her head from the house upon noticing his approach. A sad and distant look hung in her expression.

"Is something the matter, Yensy?" Fox asked gently.

She gave a small smile. "No. It's nothing, Fox. Thank you." Yensy then turned back to the house, and her ears drooped again. "It's just… Being back here makes me think of Nana."

Fox nodded. Nomar's aunt, Layana, had owned the house before passing it on to him. An act committed through the kindness of her heart. She'd lived a long and proud life, having raised a fine granddaughter despite losing the rest of their family when Yensy was a small kit. Unfortunately, the last winter proved too harsh for Layana, and the poor woman passed away in her sleep. The whole clan grieved when word had spread.

"Nana would've loved to be with us today," Yensy said. "She'd loved to watch the flowers grow from the seeds we threw. They say it's good luck to have a garden where an ehn has been blessed." She wiped a tear from her eye.

"I'm grateful to her," Fox replied. "I didn't have much to my name when I first arrived in Kezamat. Krystal and her family gave me most of what I needed, but your grandmother was the one who gave me a home to call my own. I still don't think I really deserved it."

Yensy smiled. "She'd be grateful that you took such good care of it."

Fox's smile didn't reach his eyes; or last long. "It's too bad Krystal and I will be leaving it soon." He looked over the plain, stone walls and simple windows that he'd grown so fond of. "You can have it back if you want. I'm sure Layana would like that."

"That's kind of you, Fox. But I've moved on from this place. I have another home, and my family loves it with all our hearts. We don't need a second one." Yensy turned back to the house. "I'm sure there'll be someone who can continue to look after this old house. Families don't stop growing in Kezamat."

"That they don't," Fox agreed. He found himself thinking about his life ahead with Krystal and the family that they might one day raise. Doubts crept into the back of his mind, but Fox ignored them for now and returned to Krystal's side. His friends and in-laws were here to celebrate the happiest event in Fox's lifetime. It wouldn't do to get bogged down in worries in front of them all. The only thing he needed to do right now was to be happy for himself and his new wife.

The party guests returned home before the sun set completely. Many good wishes were given, and a prayer was sung to thank the gods for Fox and Krystal's successful ehn. Thalse and Nomar were the last to leave. Their children no longer needed them at the house, yet they insisted that they would always lend a hand if asked.

Exhausted, Fox and Krystal retired for the evening. Dinner was a simple affair. Something small to sate them after feasting during the celebration. While washing up after, Fox snuck sweet kisses wherever Krystal exposed herself. She'd playfully retaliate in kind. They were like first lovers all over again.

They agreed to turn in early. However, talk about babies with Sheld that afternoon got them both thinking. Such thoughts turned to longing gazes as they undressed in the bedroom. Wordlessly, Krystal walked into Fox's embrace. Their eyes met. Their lips touched. Hands began to fondle gently. Their emotions synchronised into a perfect harmony.

They hadn't done anything of the sort since before they bonded. Ehn sickness had been the leading obstacle. Now, with that behind them, their passionate needs arose. One's arousal stoked the other's, which invigorated the first's desire. Thus, the second's resonated yet again. Before long, husband and wife cast all reason and reservation aside as easily as the clothes they abandoned onto the floor.

There was no dialogue. No foreplay. Twin minds pent up together only wanted one thing and that one thing now. Laying Krystal upon her back, Fox rutted into her ruthlessly. She moaned and sang as she tried to blend them into one body with her crushing embrace alone. One climax wasn't enough, and Fox quickly turned Krystal over to start all over again. Her claws threatened to tear deep into the bedroll. She encouraged him for more.

After that, Krystal crawled out from under Fox and eased him onto his rear. By then, some clarity returned. Krystal kissed Fox tenderly as she straddled him. Fox took the time to enjoy the present moment. He wasn't a stranger to the ways he made Krystal feel during their lovemaking. Their past links taught him all he had needed about her. Yet it became different now. Clearer. Deeper. More thorough.

His hands moulded around her waist. His touch sent ripples through Krystal's nerves. Her heart fluttered, and her loins grew flushed and hungry. Fox no longer simply understood Krystal's desire as an observer; but now knew how it meant to lust as a woman. The burning want to be filled. The warm, wet feeling inside from having been filled moments before. The yearning to be held and loved in his strong arms.

Likewise, Krystal looked back at herself in Fox's skin. She closed her eyes and sighed at the tautness of his erection. The tender ache in his sack brought her palm to message it. Krystal moaned a smidge louder than Fox. Gods, it felt incredible to be each other. Something profound shifted between their minds. Like a switch flicked inside their ehn.

She never really appreciated just how magnificent her body was. Sure, Krystal had always been proud and confident; but it wasn't until she saw her breasts and thighs from the outside that Krystal marvelled them the way they deserved. She stroked Fox's hand between her legs. Hard, graceful muscles begged to be pressed firmly beneath plush hair. Her breasts, in contrast, were soft and ripe; large and heavy in her borrowed fingers. Fox's breath hitched as she nibbled on her own teat. Something deep inside Krystal compelled her to suckle gently.

The heat between Fox's thighs burned wilder. Head tilting back, he gasped as the solid, orange build knelt over prone, needy, blue fur. He touched a shoulder. Firm; large; moulded by dedication. Gentle in using its great power upon him. Krystal then straightened. Fox's took stock in the marvellous wall of flesh and pelt before him.

His eyes locked onto the three deep scars along the chest, along with two shallower lines on either side. Years on, and still no hair grew upon those tears. Searing pain echoed beneath them. So near, yet also far away. Fox ran a hand across them. Love flowed over the sorrow. Admiration, as well. The splendid muscles underneath told a story of restoration and resilience. These were scars of a survivor. Someone stronger in heart than body. A will that endured. A worthy mate to stand beside.

Krystal looked upon her face. Once perfect. Beautiful. Now tarnished along the right side. A long scar from lip to cheekbone, where debris had once sliced through. The same ear also laid ruined. Krystal cupped a hand beside it. She could fit a thumb through the cut cackling across her skin. A sick feeling rose in Krystal's gut. The same kind she felt when she stared at her reflection before the binding ceremony. Yet a warmth smothered that illness. One born from tenderness and reassurance. Loving a Cerinian taught Fox that the surface only mattered that deeply. Neither a few scars nor many could hide the beautiful, generous woman who stole his heart underneath.

Their sights bleared with tears for each other and themselves. Locking lips, all sense of self began to fade again. Like watercolours, they merged. Blue and orange became a new, united hue. As tongues rolled over each other, their personalities began to melt and blend. Boundaries spilled over. Ownerships became hazy.

Krystal resumed their pleasure slowly. A pace more suited for newlyweds who sought to cherish their other halves. Fox succumbed to their soothing dance, holding Krystal as delicately and securely as the finest porcelain. They rose and fell. Their girth and reach filled and enriched them. Exactly the speed and force that they both wanted. They spread their legs wider, wanting themselves deeper. As deep as possible. Overcome, they flipped themselves over and proceeded to fuck as ferociously as they could. All for them, and for themselves as well.

At last, their knot took hold, and Fox swallowed Krystal's blissful moans into their mouth. They released for breath. Krystal gazed deep into Fox's eyes. Souls slowly unravelled. They receded into their rightful bodies. Her chest heaved. His arms trembled while supporting his weight. Holy shit, that had been something else!

Krystal basked in their bond and tie. She gazed into Fox's eyes. Her thoughts swam in aimless currents until her mind arrived at one thought that she blurted immediately. "I want a child."

The suddenness of her desire stunned Fox as it bled into him. It quickly took his mind off the surreal experience they'd just undergone. He took Krystal's hand gently. His thoughts peered forward in time. A family with Krystal. A happy one. A loving one.

"It won't be safe for the foetus if you get pregnant before the launch," he said softly.

Krystal understood his concern. "It doesn't have to be right away. I can wait until after."

Sorrow filled Fox's heart. "Your parents will never get to meet their grandchild then."

"Neither will your mother if we stay," Krystal countered. She didn't want to return to that same, old debate again. Neither did Fox. No. They'd stay their course. No changing their minds now.

There were other concerns though. What also worried Fox was the chance they were building themselves up with false hope. Because they hadn't seriously tried yet, they didn't know whether they could actually bear children together. Their DNA might not be compatible. High Priestess Ovia's lineage proved that it was possible for Cerinians to reproduce with extra-terrestrials; and their offspring hadn't appeared to suffer from health problems or sterility. However, that did not guarantee that Fox could experience the same with Krystal. They might try and try for as long as they could, but Krystal might never conceive with Fox's seed.

It was a frightening possibility, Krystal agreed. Yet she argued that it was only one possibility. She could just as likely be able to mother a whole litter of healthy pups right away. They wouldn't know until they tried. Fox finally smiled. He couldn't play the devil's advocate with her anymore. He pulled Krystal close into his arms.

"Then we'll have lots of kits," he promised. "As many as possible. Enough to start a whole new clan of our own."

Krystal hugged him tightly. "They'll all be healthy. And strong like you."

Fox peered into her eyes. "With hearts as kind as yours."

They kissed. Their tails wagged. A storm of plans blew between them. As much as they wanted more time on Cerinia deep down, they felt eager to find that perfect place to start a family. Corneria was pleasant to live on. Papetoon would give their kits a better chance to make friends closer to their own kind. Maybe Zoness for a fresh start for them both? It didn't matter right that second. What did matter was the promise. The promise that drove Krystal to lay Fox onto his back and meld with him all over again.

They weren't going to have kids just yet. But there'd be no harm in getting a lot of practice in first.