Fox docked his Arwing in the launch bay, hull smoking and pitted from incoming fire. It had been a hard fought mission that needed every ounce of might Star Fox could bring to bear, which included bringing on some old members that hadn't flown with the team in quite some time. If Slippy thought Fox's Arwing was beat up, he couldn't wait to see what the toad thought of Fay's less robust Interceptor-Class Arwing. It was honestly a wonder it still moved at all as the whole thing shuddered. Fox climbed out of the ship onto the Great Fox's walkways, making his way towards Fay to help her out of what was sure to be an expensive repair. Hopefully, Pepper hadn't skimped out on the contract.

Fay was an energetic white dog, often the life of the party. It had been a few years since Fay and Miyu had left the team, but Fox remembered the party they'd thrown in the wake of Andross' defeat. She had probably been the most approachable member of the team at the time, Fox's own legendary status often stopping him from making any real connections outside of adoring fans. As a lesser known member, she enjoyed the perks of being part of Star Fox without the downsides. This carried over into the party, where everyone played off of the dog's cheerful and positive attitude. It helped that she was easy on the eyes, Fox thought as he got to the cockpit.

The Interceptor sacrificed shield strength for vastly improved flight and weapons performance. As a result, it worked best in short and quick fights, where this mission was a drawn out test of endurance. It was truly a testament to her skill that Fay was able to keep the Arwing moving.

"You might want to step back, Fox, I'm going to have to blow the emergency cockpit charges. I've lost all my hydraulic pressure."

"Not like you to crack under pressure, Fay."

He stepped back, only to watch the bottom of the cockpit bulge under the weight of the emergency charge and the whole assembly to hinge up, revealing a battered Fay, in much the same shape he was. Her signature bow was ruffled, and she herself was soaked in sweat. The red bandana synonymous with Star Fox pilots had been pulled up to her nose. Thick curls of smoke left the canopy around her while she rose mostly unscathed.

"Har har, flyboy. I haven't had a workout like that since Andross"

She stumbled out of the cockpit into Fox, who held her stable.

"Thanks. Helluva way to spend Valentines, but I think I can make an exception for you, Fox."

She winked up at him as they shambled together down the hall. He sputtered for a second, replying,

"Wait, today is..."

"You didn't know? When you called Miyu and I, she said that she couldn't make it because she was with a date on Katina, and that she thought you could handle it. I just so happened to be in the neighborhood at the time, and I told you then that it was kind of a weird way to ask for a date."

She shuffled as they moved down the hall, seemingly rubbing at something under her flight jacket. She must have been sore from the jostling, Fox knew he was.

Fay's delivery had been deadpan and her face completely serious. How could he have forgotten? He facepalmed as they got to a junction, they'd have to spit from here to get cleaned up.

"I'm real sorry Fay, I guess I lost track of what day it was. I feel bad for roping you into this on Valentine's of all da-"

"Hey, I didn't say it was bad."

Her arm on his stopped his words dead in his tracks. Shocked, he let her spin him to face her before he found a heart shaped box being pressed into his arms.

"Sorry they're a little melted, my climate control fried halfway through. Regardless Fox, I wanted to spend Valentine's Day with you. You sure know how to show a girl a good time."

He remained speechless as she gave him a peck on the cheek, watching dumbstruck as she sashayed down the hall.