Complications
[The scene opens with a shot of a street in the big city as Huckleberry Hound and Snagglepuss have an umbrella each to protect them from the rain, passing by Loopy De Loop and Hong Kong Phooey in the opposite direction. In the background, the Inner Senshi along with Chibiusa can be seen wearing jackets and holding umbrellas over each other. It is currently evening as the camera pans up to an apartment complex. It stops on a particular window and goes inside]
[We see the interior of the room is themed to space, with a night blue paint job on the walls, a drawer with a lamp and a model of an arwing sat on it. Pan to the right where we get to see more of the room, a dresser with a pilot's certificate on the top, along with a picture frame of a dark orange fox with a white mohawk and sunglasses, next to it is another picture frame, this time depicting a falcon-pheasant hybrid and green toad standing on the right, a dark blue vixen with a grey hare standing on the left, and in the center is a light orange fox similar to the one in the other frame, minus the sunglasses. The end of the dresser has a pin in the shape of a logo, which is the Star Fox emblem]
[We pan further right to a desk where Fox is currently typing on a laptop, instead of his usual attire of a white jacket with the emblem on the side, dark green combat pants, and metallic boots, he is donning a more casual attire, consisting of a black shirt, grey pants, and slippers]
Fox: …And that's…that…[sighs]...never too many emails from the military, are there? At the very least…[yawns]...that seems to be the last of them…
[Fox stands up from the chair and stretches his arms, giving a small groan as he does so]
Fox: Aaaaaaaaaaaah…feel a bit stiff there…hoooooo, I need a drink…
[Fox leaves the bedroom and walks down the hallway till he reaches the kitchen, he grabs a glass and pours some water via the tap. Fox turns the cold knob off and takes a sip of the water, giving a sigh once he's finished]
Fox: Haaaaaa…that's better…hmmmmm…I wonder…
[Fox appears to be distracted by something as he walks back towards his bedroom. He sets the glass on the desk and then looks over at the drawer by his bed, his phone resting by the lamp. Fox goes over to the drawer and picks up the phone before scrolling through his contacts. They are marked under "Falco", "Slippy", "Peppy", "Krystal", "Bill", "Fay", "Miyu", "Katt", and at the bottom "Wolf"]
[Fox eyes the bottom contact before deciding to try his luck with the one on top, pressing on the Falco icon and putting the phone to his ear, hearing the familiar waiting ping]
[The scene cuts to Falco exiting the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his shoulders before he hears his phone going off]
Falco: Huh?
[Falco quickly goes over to the drawer containing his phone and picks it up before seeing Fox's icon calling him]
Falco: Wonder what's bitten him this time…
[Falco presses the call button and puts the phone to his ear, hearing the click on the other end]
Falco: Yello, this is Falco, your personal therapist, what's on the agenda today, sir?
Fox: Very funny. I just wanted to see how you were doing, that's all.
Falco: Would you look at that, Fox McCloud is being casual for a change. Who woulda' thought?
Fox: Well, never hurts to know what the crew's up to on their off-hours.
Falco: Uh-huh, so, what's the occasion? You're not having one of your little…episodes, are you?
Fox: Not exactly, just a few things have been on my mind recently.
Falco: What sort of things?
Fox: Well…things concerning…relations of ours…
Falco: Uh…anything specific in that regard?
Fox: …Falco, can I ask you an honest question?
Falco: Yeah, go ahead, what is it?
Fox: Am I…in the right mindset for aligning with certain people?
Falco: …Are you still fretting about that thing with Wolf?
Fox: …A little bit.
Falco: I mean, I dunno what to say, thus far, he hasn't tried shooting us in our sleep.
Fox: To be honest, that sounds more akin to Leon's style.
Falco: Oh, yeah, with the camouflage crap and all that…creepy.
Fox: I guess I've just been thinking about what I said to him a while back, the whole "professional relationship." I mean, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the fact he's been a man of his word, but at the same time…Wolf's still involved in his own vices…
Falco: I mean, ya' can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Fox: Yeah, but…does it feel…weird to be at this current stage, where we can just walk past one another on the street like it's a normal day?
Falco: Well…I guess it just takes some getting used to…after all, how long has it been?
Fox: Well…years, actually…kinda strange how time flies…
Falco: I guess I'm just glad not to be stuck in a loop, where I have to save my ass all the time.
Fox: I suppose that's true…I feel a bit better now.
Falco: Well, that's what I'm here for, makin' sure ya' don't fall into a bout of crippling depression.
Fox: You really have no filter sometimes, ya' know that?
Falco: Hey, it's why ya' love me.
Fox: Suuuuure…anyways, I'll let you get back to your own stuff.
Falco: Sounds cool with me, see ya' on the flip side, Foxy.
Fox: You too, Falco.
[Falco clicks off, leaving Fox on his own once more]
Fox: Hmmm…
[Fox looks back at his contacts as he focuses on a particular icon]
[The scene cuts to a chess piece being placed in front of another before panning out to reveal Peppy and Slippy sitting on either side of a kitchen table with the board between them, the hare in particular looks rather smug]
Peppy: Checkmate.
Slippy: Awwwww, that's like the fifth time you've kinged me.
Peppy: What can I say, years of experience gives ya' the ability to best your opponents.
Slippy: Hrrrrrmmmmmmm…
[Suddenly, Peppy's phone pings and he looks down. He sees Fox's icon and presses the call button before putting the phone to his ear]
Peppy: Hello?
Fox: Ah, Peppy, how are you?
Peppy: I'm doin' pretty good, kiddo, I'm currently on a streak against Slippy here.
Slippy: Who is it?
Peppy: Fox.
Slippy: Oh! Can I say hi to him too?
Peppy: Tell ya' what, I'll put it on speaker so we can both chat.
[Peppy presses the volume icon and sets the phone in the center of the table]
Slippy: Hey, Fox!
Fox: Slippy, is that you?
Slippy: Well, no one else has this voice, so it must be. As you might have guessed, I'm playing Game Night at Peppy's.
Fox: Is it true he's soloing you at chess?
Slippy: What? Uh…no? Okay…maybe a little bit…
Fox: Hey, don't worry, you're still the smart guy of the bunch, just more with technical stuff.
Slippy: Yeah, I suppose you're right.
Peppy: So, what's the occasion with you, Fox?
Fox: Ah, well, ya' know, the weather's a bit off tonight and I just kinda wanted to reconvene with you guys, it's been a while.
Peppy: It definitely has, one woulda thought you'd forgotten about your old man.
Fox: I mean, it's kinda hard to forget about the man who practically raised me, and my good friend.
Slippy: Awwwww, shucks.
Fox: But, either way, it's good to know you two are doing alright.
Peppy: Of course, and ya' know you can hit me anytime you need to talk.
Fox: Yeah, that's definitely true, especially with you, Peppy. Though, it kinda relates to a thought I've had as of late.
Slippy: Oh, and what's that, Fox?
Fox: Well, forgive me for sounding…cynical, but…you don't reckon I've made any…significant errors in my judgment recently, do you?
Peppy: Is there anything specific?
Fox: Would you say that I'm mad for trying to be casual with someone who used to be my polar opposite, or so-called "sworn enemy"?
Peppy: If ya' asked this thirty years ago, I woulda said "yes, get your head straight, boy." But now…I don't know…
Slippy: I don't suppose you're going through an existential crisis, are you, Fox?
Fox: …Well, that kinda hit the nail on the head.
Peppy: Time is a fickle thing, I suppose…it catches up to us all at some point.
Fox: Yeah…it's kinda ironic, somehow, I keep going in and out of that zone when it comes to what I was used to, up to now where everything's…different.
Slippy: I mean, it's a good kind of different, isn't it?
Fox: Well…yes, I mean, it's a pleasure not to worry about intergalactic threats all the time, but civilian life is…full of its own oddities…especially when it comes to my contacts.
Peppy: In that case, maybe consider what feels right to you. Only you can be in charge of what you want. Plus, I don't wanna see you all stressed, I want ya' to live life like you're supposed to…happy…
Fox: Hmm…I appreciate it, Peppy…hmmhmm, you always did know what to say.
Peppy: Hey, I always look out for the people closest to me, I made a promise once I took you in.
Fox: Awwwwww, you're making me nostalgic.
Slippy: Plus, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm never far away. I'd do anything for the captain.
Fox: Thank you, Slippy…hmmm, I'll let you two get back to your game. Oh, and Slippy? Score at least one win for me, won't you?
Slippy: I'll sure try, Fox.
Peppy: Right, stay safe, kiddo.
Fox: Right, see ya'.
[The call ends as Fox puts down the phone and looks over at the clock]
Fox: Hmmm…suppose I should get dinner ready…
[We cut to Fox cooking a pot on the stove as he stirs a ladle inside, the interior showing some kind of pasta dish being prepared before a plate of it has been set on the table, appearing to be some type of alfredo pasta]
[As Fox begins to eat, he looks back at his photo and scrolls through a few pictures. One in particular catches his eye as it shows him and Krystal sitting under a tree while giving a peace sign to the camera. Fox smiles at the memory and then looks at a saved photo sent from Krystal herself, showing her in between Lady and Jenna on a couch]
Fox: Hmmm…she really is lucky…I wonder…
[Fox goes back to his contacts and presses on Krystal's icon, waiting for the receiver on the other end. Conveniently, the line clicks as Krystal's voice can be heard]
Krystal: Hello?
Fox: Hey, Krystal? How are you?
[The scene cuts to Krystal in the kitchen while Lady and Jenna can be seen in the background sat on the couch in the living room]
Krystal: I'm doing alright, me and the girls have been making treats to take our minds off the weather.
Fox: Sounds like a fun time, really. Ya' know, I never woulda predicted that for you…getting two partners at once that is. Not that you don't deserve it, of course.
Krystal: I admit, it's still a bit of a surprise for me, but I guess life is just full of them. Besides, it's helped me feel more at peace with myself.
Fox: Hmmm, you're real lucky in that regard…
Krystal: How about you, Fox? What's happening on your end?
Fox: Oh, you know, basically trying to gather my thoughts and kinda felt like I wanted the company of old friends. Hope it doesn't sound as…melodramatic as I worded it.
Krystal: We might be separated by a phone, but I still know the tone in your voice.
Fox: That obvious, huh?
Krystal: No offense, but you can be a bit…transparent.
Fox: I guess…I'm just reflecting is all. I mean, it's ironic, I once read headlines that I was the most eligible bachelor in the Corneria Times, and how the press went wild about us, and then…the split happened, and while you've found someone, or two more like, I'm…still flying solo it seems.
Krystal: I don't think there's anything wrong with that, unless you're really looking for someone.
Fox: Well…that's the thing…I'm…potentially looking at someone…but I don't know if it's the right choice for me…
Krystal: …Who was on your mind?
Fox: I'll give you a hint…it's the most ironic option you could think of…
Krystal: Oh…how long has this been going on?
Fox: A while now…okay, I know me and Wolf have history, that's been established, but really…the man is so complicated, and yet…I wanna know more about him, how and why we got to this point in time, when everything is so…opposite of what we thought it'd be…
Krystal: Well, look at me, I thought I wouldn't find anyone else and look what happened. Plus, I know it sounds crazy, and even I have trouble understanding it myself, but sometimes…life just goes in ways you didn't expect, for better or for worse…at the end of the day, I just don't want you to feel lonely…
Fox: Yeah…I understand what you're saying…I like this…
Krystal: Pardon?
Fox: Ya' know, this. Looking out for each other's best interests, I make sure you're doing alright, you do the same with me…it's nice…
Krystal: But of course, Fox, I care about you.
Fox: As I do with you…thank you, Krystal.
Krystal: Not a problem at all…now then, I believe you've got a mission of your to tackle. I wish you the best of luck.
Fox: Yeah, I think I'll need it…
Krystal: No problem…bye, Fox.
Fox: Bye, Krystal.
[As Krystal puts her phone down, the oven dings and she puts on a pair of cooking gloves to take out a tray of cookies before placing them on the stove. She comes out of the kitchen and sits on the right side of the couch]
Krystal: They just need to cool off.
Lady: I see you were talking with Fox. From what I heard, I hope he's doing alright.
Krystal: I'm sure he'll be fine, plus, if he does need to talk with me, I'll be happy to hear him out.
Jenna: You really are a gem sometimes, Krystal. And I mean in both ways.
Krystal: Oh, it's nothing, really, one good turn deserves another, Fox helped me before, and now I'm helping him.
Lady: Much like you helped me…
[Lady leans on Krystal's shoulder]
Lady: I know you've heard it before…but, I still wanna thank you for that.
Krystal: Hmmmm, not a problem at all.
[Jenna then leans on Lady's shoulder]
Jenna: And I suppose I'm allowed to get some sugar too?
Krystal: Of course you are…
Jenna: Lovely…
[Cut back to Fox as he sets his dishes into the wash and goes back to the bedroom. He looks down at the bottom contact…taking a deep sigh, Fox presses Wolf's icon…for a few seconds, the only sound is the ping…Fox closes his eyes…but then opens them once more upon hearing the line click]
Wolf: To what do I owe the pleasure, oh great Fox McCloud?
Fox: Ah, I see you actually picked up, O'Donnell.
Wolf: Well, I figured you had some personal crap on the radar if you contacted me of all people.
Fox: …You're not entirely wrong about that.
Wolf: And that entails?
Fox: I need to speak with you about an important manner that relates to us.
Wolf: Huh, down to business this time around…hoooo, okay, whadda ya' got?
Fox: Wolf…what do you think of me?
Wolf: What?
Fox: What do you think of me, honestly speaking?
Wolf: …I think you're pretty alright. I mean, not exactly the pup I was expecting all that time ago, but…ya' know.
Fox: So…we're cool?
Wolf: Well…we're not shooting each other at every turn, are we? I think that says something.
Fox: I suppose it does…but speaking of shooting…is it true you were involved in an arms deal with the Moebius lot?
Wolf: Ah…that…well, I'm not abandoning my business entirely, ya' know. Sure, it was risky in hindsight, but we still got paid regardless, and hey, I'll take any contact so long as the profit's good.
Fox: I figured as much…ya' know, I do wanna ask…you remember what happened in the Aparoid invasion?
Wolf: How could I not, I risked my life twice to save your ass.
Fox: That's the thing…did you ever think of shooting me down instead of trying to help, given the…altercation we had before?
Wolf: You mean when your little gang of misfits came in and wrecked my base unprovoked?
Fox: Yeeeeeeeeah…I'll admit, it was one of my more impulsive moments…but I did need information on Pigma…not an excuse, just saying.
Wolf: Ehhhhh…regardless, I don't really care all that much anymore…but back on what you said before…I did mean what I said, Star Wolf would be the one to take you guys out one day. No way in hell was I letting someone get the drop on you first.
Fox: Well, isn't that flattering? So what changed your mind?
Wolf: To be honest with you…I guess I just formed more of my own life after that, like sure, I was still an outlaw and the Corneria government wanted my head on a platter, but since we hadn't seen each other for so long since then…I had a lot of time to think…did I wanna be known as "the guy that Fox McCloud shoots out of the sky", or just do my own thing? I'd rather be my own person than be identified by a label.
Fox: Huh…that's…kinda profound coming from you…
Wolf: I mean, it's the truth. I chose who I wanted to be, and not have my life revolve around being your opposite till one of us died.
Fox: Yeah…I get that, at the very least, now it feels like I have a little more freedom in what I want…at the same time, is being this close to someone who once fought against me…wrong?
Wolf: …Depends on how you look at it, you did say you wanted a more professional relationship between us, and honestly…I prefer to keep it that way.
Fox: That's the thing, sometimes I feel like I want…more than that…like someone who understands, someone I can lean on, someone who while being my opposite…is the yin to my yang…
Wolf: That…might be the most profound thing I've ever heard…are you suggesting…?
Fox: I mean…what do we have to lose…plus, you've already given me a nickname, what's stopping you?
Wolf: Now that you mention it…
[Wolf has a brief flash to his sequence from "Escape"...before it flashes back to reality]
Wolf: …nothing.
Fox: I know it sounds crazy…but…I kinda wouldn't mind if you dropped in…it's a bit lonely up in here…
Wolf: Say no more, pup, I'll be there in a bit. Just make sure ya' look appealing.
Fox: I always do.
[Fox hears the line click off and he shakes his head before getting up to clean himself up a bit]
[The scene cuts to Fox brushing his fur in the mirror when he hears a knock at the door. He exits the bathroom and walks to the front door, opening it to reveal a soaking Wolf O'Donnell, trying to wring the water out of his coat]
Fox: Well, looks like I'm housing a wet dog this evening.
Wolf: Shush, pup. I might be tempted to spray some on you.
Fox: Don't even think about it. Either way, come on in.
[After setting his coat up on a hanger, revealing a violet tank top underneath, Wolf is guided to the living room as he takes a seat on the couch. Fox then sits down next to him as the lupine leans back on the arm rest with a sigh]
Wolf: So…you had any plans?
Fox: Actually…
[Wolf blinks as Fox leans on his shoulder]
Fox: Call me crazy…but…even after all that's happened…somehow, this feels right…
Wolf: Huh…that's one way to put it…not that I disagree…
Fox: When I stop letting the past cloud my head, I feel…like I can be myself…no strings attached…no nothing, but me…
Wolf: Sounds a lot like my philosophy…I wouldn't mind more of this…
Fox: Maybe you won't have to wait for long…
Wolf: I'll hold ya' to it…
[The scene pans out as Wolf relaxes while Fox's head is laid down on his chest…the sounds of the storm don't disturb the duo lost in their thoughts]
[Cut to black]
Character Guide:
Fox McCloud, Wolf O'Donnell, Falco Lombardi, Krystal, Peppy Hare, Slippy Toad,, Katt Monroe, Bill Grey, Fay Spaniel, Miyu Lynx, Pigma Dengar - Star Fox
Jenna - Balto (1995)
Lady - Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Hong Kong Phooey - Hong Kong Phooey
Huckleberry Hound - The Huckleberry Hound Show
Loopy De Loop - Loopy De Loop
Snagglepuss - Snagglepuss
Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury), Rei Hino (Sailor Mars), Makoto Kino (Sailor Jupiter), Minako Aino (Sailor Venus), Chibiusa (Sailor Chibi Moon) - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon