Chapter Text
Light bled into the crack of the sliding door. Dust roved through the air.
Shifting in his bed, Fox grumbled as beer cans rattled as he adjusted himself. He winced from the light while his head throbbed from last night’s regrets of hedonistic indulgences as they flashed in his mind.
Heavy drinking to drown out any recollection of the past, Taste of old pizza lingered in his maw, masturbating to god know what since if it tingled his rod it was worth it, and wasting away on the couch as he watched forgettable romance dramas. What a life he’s amounted to.
All of his achievements of great feats to facing impossible odds all went nowhere.
The great Fox McCloud has done so much for everyone but when he needed them--they all decided to go their own ways. They abandoned him: it’s their fault.
Fox groaned.
The alarm clock marched on. Half-past one.
Aches and pains from the heart to his outermost parts. Sore and bitter from every outburst each time sentimentality decided to rear her ugly head. Fox flicked his tongue against his lips. He could still taste the tempting kiss of alcohol.
The beast shambled within his den.
Feet kicking the cadaver of empty to half drank beer bottles and cans. Fox shoved the sliding door open, only his waste covered in underwear. He blinked, adjusting his eyes and rubbing them. Fox shambled down the corridor to his shower.
Time to exfoliate regret and guilt.
Hot water against matted fur. Body hunched over as waves washed over him. Fight the tears as his body begged him to let it all out. But he poured it into a bottle, quirked it shut, and threw it away like he did with his career.
Shut it off. Shake the water off and dry. Peer into the steamed covered, cracked mirror while his inverted image stared back with dead eyes that asked: what the fuck did he do to himself?
And the answer is, it wasn’t him, it’s what they did--they left him.
Shirt, pants, lucky scarf, and…jacket? Where is his goddamn jacket? Fox paced around the bathroom, checked his room, and roved through the Great Fox. When he arrived at the lounge, a familiar female voice called to him.
“It’s nice to see you again, Fox.”
Paying no heed to the apparition, Fox capsized every cushion his paws could snag.
“...Fox?” Nope, not talking to himself again. Krystal waved at him. “Are you okay?”
“You’re not real.” Fox tossed a cushion aside.
Krystal turned to Wolf who leaned against the exit.
Fox’s fur stood as he stared wide-eyed until he shook his head and returned to his business. “Gotta lay off the drugs.”
“Is he okay?” Wolf asked.
“I…I’ve never seen him like this?”
“Tweeked out?”
“Fox.” Krystal waved at him again.
Throwing his hands out, Fox yelled, “Holy-Lylat shut up, just shut up. I don’t have time for this.”
Wolf whistled. “Charming.”
“And you!” Fox pointed at Wolf. “What the fuck are you doing in my head?”
“Your head?” Wolf glanced at Krystal before he stared at Fox with raised brows. “What kinda shit are ya strung out on? Cuz, I want some.”
“Wolf!” Krystal snapped.
He raised his hands. “Joking.”
Fox blinked, he rubbed his eyes. “What the shit? Why aren’t you going away?”
Krystal stared at him worried. “We’re real, Fox.”
“That what you said last time.”
“...What can we do to prove it?”
Fox pointed at the exit. “Leave.” He swore under his breath. Where the fuck is his stupid fucking jacket.
Krystal turned to Wolf. “Could we have a minute?”
Wolf shrugged and grumbled as he headed out the exit.
She approached Fox. “See, we’re real?”
Fox blinked as he eyed Krystal from head to toe.
Blue hair with tinges of purple on the top, reminded him of a hooker he slept with. Probably explains why he saw her this way. Attire in a dark brown coat with spikes, okay just plastering whatever her remembered of Star Wolf, no biggy. Probably because that metrosexual, emasculated, effeminate boy toy STOLE HER. Tho, she still has the cleavage. Fox poked her breast.
Krystal full-force smacked Fox across the face. “What is wrong with you!”
Fox clutched his stinging face. “Holy shit, you’re real.” He winced. “Ow, holy fuck. When did you get so strong?”
She glared. “I’ve always been.”
“Why didn’t you stop me!”
“I didn’t expect something so vulgar and crude!” Krystal stepped away from him as she stared at him as if he’s some kind of pervert. “And.” Her long strands of hair veiled her eye. “Why would you do such a thing?” She wrinkled her muzzle.
Fox threw his hands out. “I thought you were fake! I promise I would never do that to anyone.”
“I told you, you never listen!”
“No--I…wait, fuck. Was that Wolf?” Fox pointed at the exit.
“Yes.”
Fox’s fur stood. “Why the fuck is he here!” He rummaged for his blaster.
“Because, he’s my partner, okay?”
“Friend? You, him…what? No, hahaha, no. You’re…” Fox paced back and forth before he turned to her and gawked. He did a double-take on her, touching her shoulder. “Are you, are you Krystal?”
“I go by Kurse now.”
Fox cringed and something so outwardly compelled him remark, “What an ugly name.”
Krystal clenched her fist. “Fuck you too, asshole.”
His jaw dropped. “Y-you swore, you never swore! What happened to you!”
“I’m not your little, innocent princess to save anymore, Fox, I found myself.” Krystal crossed her arms. “And if you don’t like it, I’ll leave.”
Fox’s shoulder dropped. “What?” He stood there, processing what he just heard. “Man, why did you even bother to come back?”
“Because I care.”
“Okay, but that doesn’t explain the reason that douche is here! Which like hey HE TRIES TO KILL ME!”
Krystal or Kurse or whatever she goes by now pinched the bridge of her nose. “Listen, okay. Just…shut up and listen.”
“Me? It should b-”
“No! Fox, stop, just stop, please?”
Fox’s stomach dropped as his eyes rounded. She never snapped at him like that.
“Can we sit, can I ask for Wolf to sit with us too?” Krystal looked at him like the day she left. Broken and lost.
But he can fix this.
However, Fox’s chest constricted as he so desperately wanted to say no but couldn’t. Why Wolf of all cornerians? At least if it was Panther, he could beat the shit out of him. Fox nodded in defeat as she dragged himself to the end of a couch and sat a cushion on it. Fox slumped, resting his chin in his wavering hands. This has to be some kind of weird psychedelic-dream. He rubbed his stinging cheek. No, it’s real.
Shit.
Wolf boots rapped against the ground as he encroached.
Krystal sat in the middle with her hands in her lap.
Wolf on the other hand, sat across with his legs and arms crossed and sneered with his head tilted back. At least that was something he expected.
Fox said, “So, what the fuck is this?”
He shrugged. “Don’t ask me, ask her.” Wolf pointed at Krystal.
“Okay, so what is this, Krys-?”
They both interrupted Fox, “Kurse.”
Fox pursed his lips. “Okay.” He cringed.” ‘Kurse’.“
Krystal turned to Wolf with a look of displeasure before she glanced back at Fox. “I wanted to see how you were, I also wanted to make an offer.”
“Offer?” Fox side-eyed Wolf. This had to be of his doing. Manipulating her on strings to get to him.
Wolf interjected, “It was her idea, not mine.” A clear lie to dismiss suspicion.
Fox and Wolf glared at each other.
Krystal leaned between the two. “I figured it was time to make amends.” She smiled.
He shot upright. “Amends, with this asshole!”
Wolf smirked at Krystal. “Toldja dis was a waste of time.” He stood but Krystal halted him and sat him back down.
“He’s right, wait…shit, did I just agree with you?”
He nodded. “Ya sure, fuckin’, did.”
Krystal raised her hands between them. “Guys, can we stay focused, please?”
Wolf tapped his foot.
Fox watched every movement that the bastard made. Vigilant on any movement the bastard made. All precautions would be necessary to circumvent death. “Okay, go ahead.”
Krystal clapped her hands together. “Okay, let’s start with an apology.”
His ear flicked. “Okay, let me hear it.”
Wolf turned away. “Look ‘ere, pup. I think you’re a goddamn idiot ‘n shit.”
Fox clapped. “Wow, bravo, what an apology! I just, wow, I never would’ve expected that!”
He raised his finger. “I wasn’t done talkin’.” Wolf paused. “But from what Kurse says about ya. Maybe, just maybe there is some shred of decency in ya.”
Snarling, Fox leaned forward. “Me? You’re the prick who picked the wrong side.”
“Money ‘s money ‘n all. And ‘sides, I didn’t work for his army, nor did I care. I had one job and the job was to take ya out. If Corneria came groveling to my feet. Maybe then I’d be the hero here, but I ain’t. Cuz some piece of shit decided to get in my way.”
“You planted a bomb in a base!”
“Hey, it was empty, ‘n it’s fuckin’ Fichina! Who the fuck wants to work there! No one, which is why it was so easy to take.”
“Still a criminal!”
Wolf raised his splayed hands. “Not anymore, I’m a good boy now.”
Krystal smiled and nodded. “He is.”
Fox’s chest burned as he squinted at the two. “Wow, what did he do to get in your good grace?”
“He proven he wants to do better. And he is, all of Star Wolf has.”
“What, no!” Fox stammered. “That’s not possible, there isn’t an inch of good in them! Once a criminal always a criminal! I mean, he has a base for Lylat’s sake full of drugs, guns, and who knows what else!”
“Food, Fox, it was mostly food. Stolen, sure, but when you’re in space, what ya gotta use as soil or water the crops? All we had ‘s recycled air, which mind ya, when a base is struggling, goes thin and stale and the smells linger.”
“Oh boo-hoo, you don’t deserve pity, no criminal does!” Fox flashed his fangs.
Krystal raised her hand to halt Wolf. She got him on a leash, that’s funny. “Fox, Cornerians change. We grow, become better, and learn from our mistakes. After all, isn’t that what prison is supposed to do, rehabilitate?”
“It’s made to punish the wicked for their wrongdoings.” Fox stared down Wolf.
“Then it’s only a repeated pattern, isn’t it?”
Fox turned to Krystal. “What?”
“Think about it, Fox. Venom was a prison, isolation in fact. There was no way to atone for one’s crime, nor was it the responsibility of the system to manage its criminals. All they did was dump them there.”
“Well yeah, better to spend our money on better things like the military.”
“No, Fox, you don’t get it.”
Fox blinked as he leaned back in his seat. “Get what? They did crimes, were punished for doing crimes, and the system works.”
“Then you get why Wolf stayed an outlaw?”
“Fuck no, I don’t get why you’re on his side or if he like brainwashed you or something. But if that motherfucker had an inch of decency, he would’ve turned himself in!”
Krystal looked at him with concern. “No matter what Wolf did, he’d be on Venom. Damned if he does. Damned if he doesn’t. No matter what he chose, it leads to the same path.” She smiled at him. “But with a little bit of help, and a nudge in the right direction.” Krystal chuckled when Wolf blushed and grumbled. “You can see progress.”
“Sounds like hippy bullshit. And even then! That doesn’t undo what he did.” Fox quirked his lip as his brows furrowed when Wolf grinned at him.
“What he did was bad. We both agree on that.”
Fox eyed Wolf. “Is that true?” He raised a brow.
And Wolf’s smug look never left his stupid face. “Yup, which is why I cleared my name got straighten out, and wantchya to join my team. Once you’re with us, hell, no one will turn us down.”
He glanced at Krystal, who calmly smiled at him. Fox’s stomach contorted. Working with Star Wolf, the scum of the system, he’d rather just wallow in these dumps than bother with someone as low as Wolf. “Isn’t Krystal enough?”
They both corrected Fox.
Fox winced and grumbled.
Then the warm smile plastered on Krystal’s face diminished to a stoic gaze. When she went cold like this, it meant one thing, she’s pissed. “Everyone thinks I betrayed you, Fox. Falco won’t talk, Slippy is leery too, and Peppy doesn’t want anything to do with me.” She rested her hand on her chest. “When I finally got to chose something for myself, with no one telling me what to do, I was betrayed by everyone I thought I could count on.”
Biting back the tears, Fox shot up with his tail curled between his legs. “That’s not true! I cared…” His chin quivered. “I cared so fucking much. But…but you.” Fox clenched his fangs. “You never answered my message. You left without a trace! After, after everything I did!” Fox’s heartstrings frayed as anguished played on them. “I-I” He choked on his words as his heart bled. The damn broke, and the tears fell.
Krystal scrunched up. Her hair covered her face and expression. Knuckles clenched.
Wolf spoke up, “Ahm.” He leaned towards Krystal and whispered something.
Krystal stood up and headed out the door.
Fox tensed as his blood ran cold. Before Krystal left, Fox asked, “Why is she leaving?”
Wolf stated firmly, “Business between ya, and I.”
“She’s a part of you t-”
“If it isn’t obvious, pup, emotions are running a bit too high for me. So, let’s focus on what’s at hand.”
Krystal glared over her shoulder at Fox. Blue eyes as freighting as an incoming laser. She left him once more.
Fox tugged on his scarf. “So, why do you even want me on the team.”
“Hate to admit it, but you’re good, real good. And I need someone competent.”
He peeked at the door and leaned forward. Fox whispered, “Is it about Krystal?”
“Kurse, asshole.”
“Whatever.”
Wolf shook his head. “Y’know why she dropped the name?”
“Cuz she’s living through some like edgy teen phase or something?”
He ran his hand down his face. “No, she didn’t want to be affiliated with you. And every time people heard her name, they’d giv’ her shit for abandoning the team as if they had some say in it.”
“She did.”
“Didja ever wonder why?” Wolf tapped his foot.
“She left because she was being too emotional.”
Wolf squinted. “I see why your team disbanded.” He smirked when Fox snarled. “Now who’s bein’ emotional?”
Fox huffed. “Anyway, what’s wrong with your team? Too incapable of pulling anything off?”
“On the contrary. It’s more so of longevity. Like insurance in case something happens.” What could that even mean?”
“That quick to replace a teammate?”
Wolf shook his head. “More so of keepin’ ‘em, ‘s what I’d like. Been gettin’ close calls, ‘n I can’t be the one savin’ every time.”
“That’s what I had to do.”
He smirked. “You too, eh?”
“Don’t even get me started.” Fox leaned back. “Do you know how many times I had to bail my friends out? If I made a buck or so each time, I’d be a billionaire!”
Wolf chuckled. “Same, I don’t get it, they can’t seem to fly their way out of the messes they make.”
Fox wagged his finger at Wolf. “Exactly! They’d go off and do some shit and then come back with like five enemies on their tail!”
“Man, dis one time, Panther, man.” Wolf shook his head as he snickered. “So, he went out of his way to impress Kurse, right.”
Fox winced as the conversation went on. Why does that bastard always end up being brought up?
“And like, so, he pulls a stunt to get some of the Angler’s attention. And get this? That stupid, ass motherfucker ends up pulling an entire fleet on his ass. That was one of the worst days of my life!”
“Please, that’s Slippy every day of my life. If it isn’t flying, then it’s something in real life.”
They both laughed.
Wolf rubbed his chin. “Teammates, amiright?”
Fox nodded. “Yeah, but if I join, and it’s a huge if. Then I know I got a lot of lifting to do then.”
“What you implying, pup?”
He shrugged.
“You sayin’ I’m a bad pilot?” Wolf’s brows knitted.
“Definitely not saying you’re a good one.”
Wolf popped his neck. “Want to hit up the sims, ‘n see who is?”
“Hold that thought.” Fox’s ears slanted. “It’s been a while?”
“How long?”
“How am I suppose to know?”
Wolf glared.
Fox rubbed his chin. “I…might need a while to warm up. It’s…” Sheez, does he even have the motor skills anymore? All that drinking had to have done some damage. What if he’s washed up? Wolf been honing his skills and he’s just been…rotting.
“It’s what?” Wolf snapped Fox out of his thoughts.
“Been a long day. As you can see.”
“Was goin’ to say, but didn’t want to stir shit up.”
“I know I look bad.” Fox gulped. “Noticed as soon as Krystal looked at me like I was some kind of vermin.”
“You are.”
Fox’s fur stood. “Hm?”
“I’m goin’ to be honest, you’re unprofessional.”
“I’m not working. So it doesn’t matter.” Fox snarled as he burrowed his claws into the couch’s armrest.
“I don’t mean it as an endeavor, I mean it as in you look like you haven’t showered in months and I can sure as hell smell it from here, eaten properly, while also drinking till you pass out.”
Fox sniffed himself and reeled back. “Okay, yeah, I reek. And maybe skipped a few meals, and it was only a little bit of drinking!”
“I can’t have someone going off the deep end.” Wolf leaned forward. “Cuz I promise you this, you are not on my priority list to save.”
“What the fuck is this, a job interview?”
“Why yes it is.” Wolf clasped his hands together. “Surprised the last few remaining brain cells could put that together!”
Fox grumbled.
“So if ya do join. You better get your act together, or ya won’t be on for long.”
“And what does Krystal have to say about this?” Fox crossed his arms.
That bitter glare pierced Fox. “Ya want to know what she thinks?”
“Yeah, enlighten me.”
“She thinks there’s hope for ya.”
Fox’s jaw dropped. “What? No snarky remark or a snide comment?”
“Na, there’ll be plenty later on. But yeah, she talked to me ‘bout ya. Tryin’ real hard to convince me to let ya join. She poured her heart out for ya. Sayin’ ya sweet but stupid ‘n tend to jump to conclusions, but under all that stupidity, there’s a genuine person she cares for.”
He blinked. Ambivalence consumed him. It didn’t make any sense that a former? Rival would say such a thing but then what’d be the point to deceive him unless he’d want to shoot him in the back, but he could do that now. But the weirdest thing of all was: “She…she still believed in me?” Fox mentally kicked himself.
Wolf turned away. “Shit, she still has feelin’ for ya.”
“Don’t yank my chain.” Fox shook his head.
“I mean it, she still do.”
“That’s…” Fox scratched the side of his head. Unable to process what was even being said to him. “No. She left without a word. There’s…” His mouth hung as he so desperately wanted to believe. “How?”
“Ya can ask her when she comes back.”
Fox bit his lip as he held his tongue. There’s a chance? That…No, sh-
“But.” That cold, crimson eye locked with Fox’s wavering gaze like a wild animal waiting to lunge. “She’s with me.”
That’s why he gave him a rope of hope just to strangle him with it. Fox’s heart ached as he repressed the tears. “You’re fucking low.”
“Hm?”
“You wanted to fuck with me one last time, huh!”
Wolf raised a brow. “What do you mean?”
“Why would you tell me she has feelings only to fucking say she’s yours!” Fox shouted.
He raised a hand to halt Fox. “I never said she’s mine.”
Fox choked on his words, “What?” Eyes burned.
“We’re in an open relationship.”
“The fuck is that?”
Wolf leaned back with his arms in his lap. “It means we’re open, or something like that.” He waved his hands in the air. “It’s complicated but know that she isn’t into monogamous relationships.”
Fox quirked his brow. “What…does that mean?” He regretted his question.
“It mean she doesn’t want to be tied down to one person…I think, shit, man. I don’t really know. If ya want to, ask her ‘bout it or Panther.”
“Speaking of him, weren’t they a thing?”
“Was. Panther wanted commitment, Kurse didn’t and so Panther respected her space and let her be free.”
“That’s confusing.”
“Ya fly a killin’ machine, and ya think relationships are hard?” Wolf raised his brows.
“It’s easier to shoot someone down than it is to get in bed with them.”
“Whatever ya say, pup. Anyway, are ya in or are ya out?”
“I…wait.” Fox pointed at Wolf. “The relationship or like the t-”
“Whichever, at this point, I don’t really give a damn. Just lettin’ ya know that if ya want to be with her, ya gotta get homey with me.”
“Was going to have to if I joined anyway.”
“N’aw, would much rather if ya just did your thing, but it’s her that wants to make things complicated.” Wolf stood and stretched. “So, is it a deal?” Wolf stepped towards Fox and extended his massive paw towards him. Razor sharp claws jutted from the end of his fingertips. A bladed pit trap.
But not one Fox feared. Fox shook his hand firmly. “Let me talk to Krystal first, then I’ll finalize it.”
“Aight, not a problem.” Wolf yelled, “We’re done.”
Krystal peeked through the door. “How’d it go?”
Wolf glanced over his shoulder. “Pretty swell with all things considered.”
She stared at Fox. “And you?”
“There’s…things I want to ask…mostly about like…” Fox tilted his head towards Wolf.
Wolf leered at Fox. “I’m right here.”
“Yeah I know, but you’re annoying.” Fox smirked at Wolf.
“Good, love me some good banter. Now.” Wolf headed towards Krystal. “Have fun.” He passed her on the way out.
Krystal stepped in, ambling her way towards Fox with a smile plastered on her face.
“Bet you’re glad to hear that.”
“The banter?” Krystal playfully laughed as she sat beside Fox.
“You get what I mean.”
Krystal waved her hand in the air. “I know, it’s just. I’m glad, also, I’m guessing by that look on your face…he told you about us.”
“I guess it flew over my head when you said you’re partners, haha.” Fox sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. His stomach contorted as those words left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“You were always a terrible listener, y’know.” Blue eyes locked with green.
“I…I’m sorry, I really am. I…” Fox’s breaths accelerated as his eyes stung. “What did I do wrong?”
Krystal turned away. Her hair shrouded her expression. “Can we just focus on the now?”
“No, I wronged you and I want to fix it. I want to do anything I can to ma-”
“Fox.”
He poured his heart out. “I really am, I want to make everything up to you, I want things to be right between us, I want things to be back to w-”
Krystal stood and snarled at him. “STOP!”
The tears wouldn’t stop as his heart crumbled. Waves after waves of emotions battered against his insides as the visceral heartache begged to be mended.
“It’s…” Krystal clenched her fangs. Cascades of tears trickled down her cheek like waterfalls. “It’s all in the past.” She smiled at him, either for his comfort or out of habit. “What we used to be, is gone. All we are now, is here. The rest is gone.”
Fox’s chin trembled. “Don’t say that.”
Those pristine blue eyes captivated him once more. “Let go.”
“I…” Fox’s fur stood when her hand rested on his.
“Please do it for me.”
“I’m so sorry for what I’ve done.”
“It’s okay.” Krystal stood and extended her hands out for a hug.
Fox leapt at the chance and held on tight--in hopes to never lose her again. And all he could do is cry in her arms.
Krystal patted his back and rocked him. “Shh, it’s okay.”
Fuck, the tears wouldn’t stop. No matter how hard he tried, it all came out. Every bit of regret, guilt, and anguish flooded his heart. Fox squeezed Krystal.
She nudged him back, resting her hand on his cheek. Krystal wiped the tears away while her benign smile soothed Fox’s woes. “Feeling better?”
“I must look so pathetic right now.” Fox sniffled, shutting off his feelings once more. Yet, it hurt so damn much.
“No, it’s stronger to express yourself in front of others than it is to hide.” Krystal caressed Fox’s cheek.
“How could you let everything go?” Fox’s ears slanted.
“It…it wasn’t easy. But the old me is dead. And now, now I get to finally be myself.”
Fox’s voice wavered, “Did it not matter?”
“It did. But.” Krystal sat as she distanced herself from Fox. “Holding on hurt more. The more I kept on thinking about it, the worse and worse it got until it almost consumed me.”
Fox collapsed back into his seat. “I guess we’re foils of each other.” He bitterly chuckled.
“Wolf was the same too.”
“How so?”
Krystal peeked at the door. She leaned forward and whispered with such a child-like smile on her face. “He’d always rant about how he wasn’t good enough. Always on how you beat him. So, we talked and eventually, he moved on. And now.” She sat back. “Everything feels right.”
Fox slouched as he rubbed his forehead. “Why does it feel like I’m the only one who’s stuck in the past.”
She laughed. “Because you are, silly.”
“Wow, thanks.” Fox smirked at her.
“But you two, honestly, would make good friends.” Krystal’s tail wagged.
“Really? I don’t see how.”
Krystal whispered, “Don’t tell him I told you this but, he respects you.”
Fox blinked. “Cute joke.”
“I’m serious.”
“No.” Fox shook his head. “He talks way too much shit to.”
“Pfft.” Krystal waved her hand through the air. “He shit talks everyone because he doesn’t know how to talk.”
“W-what?” Fox stared speechless.
“Yes, at first I hated it, but once you get close, he starts to warm up. Think of him like a cactus.”
Fox chuckled. “So a prick!”
Krystal laughed with him. “Exactly, but once you get used to him, he’s rather gentle and kind.”
“It…was kinda weird talking to him? Like, I expected him to lunge at me.” Fox tugged on the collar of his shirt.
“Likewise, but he’s all bark.”
“Really? I could’ve swore he wanted me dead.”
Krystal rubbed her chin. “It was more so of he wanted payback.”
“Pay back?”
“He’s one to hold onto a grudge.”
“Sheez, lucky me.”
Krystal snickered. “Well, he’s dropped it now, so I hope you two are good.”
Fox shifted in his seat. “I wouldn’t say we’re at eye level yet. But…if I talk to him more, maybe. We have some bad blood.”
“But not bad enough that he saved you and helped you with both wars.”
He pursed his lips. “I like to pretend it didn’t happen.”
“Oh but it did.”
“Nope, just a figment of my imagination.” Fox shrugged.
“You should thank him.”
Fox averted his gaze. “I…would much rather not.”
“I mean, it was pretty terrible to leave Star Wolf.” Krystal’s warm expression ebbed.
“You didn’t say anything either.” Fox knitted his brows.
“I did after, remember? I asked to go back but you declined.”
“I…” Fox’s stomach contorted. He rubbed his eyes as his vision blurred once more. Come on, hold it together. What is wrong with him. “I honestly don’t remember?”
Krystal strained a smile, it was obvious, she was pushing herself so hard for him. “At least things didn’t end poorly.”
Fox’s voice shook, “Yeah.” He awkwardly laughed.
Tense silence like waiting for oncoming fire.
His eyes met hers until he avoided them but he couldn’t stay away. “I’m so sorry for not listening.”
Krystal’s ears stood.
“I…” Fox stared at the floor as his body slumped. “I’m not good when it comes to listening. Unless it’s orders or a command or whatever.” His chest felt heavy. “I should listen more, I-I know I need to, I just…I don’t know what’s wrong with me?”
“It’s hard, isn’t it?”
Fox gulped. “Yeah, it’s not something I’d like to admit.”
“But admitting is the right thing to do.”
Shifting in his seat, Fox tapped his foot. “Speaking of hard things to admit…you and Wo-”
“Yes, we are. I told you, remember?”
Fox raised his hands in defeat. “I heard, I just…when you said partner, I figured like a teammate or something like that.” Each time he glanced at her, the more and more difficult it became when his heart bled each time he thought of them together. “Do you really love him?”
“Yes.”
“Does he l-”
“Fox.”
He winced and retreated into himself. Each breath lashed his throat as his sharp inhales hastened.
Krystal’s cold expression eased. “Listen, okay. Just listen.”
Fox begrudgingly nodded.
“I love him, okay.”
It stung to hear like a searing laser to the chest. Fox wished to run but he held his ground. Something stirred in him, something wished to know but he didn’t know why but all that ran through his mind was how could they be compatible but he wasn’t? He trusted his instinct. “Why?”
“We talked about things. Lots of things. And the more we talked, the more I realized we had in common.”
Fox raised a brow. “What could you two have possibly in common?”
“He didn’t have anyone. Neither did I. Then we found cornerians we could trust. We talked about how lonely it is out in space. And he knew it so well too. And how it was like to take care of so many who depended on you but failed so often.”
He internally cringed either out of spite or jealousy or both. “He worked with Andross, the very man who de-”
“That happened way before. And from what I heard, Andross went mad, something in Venom changed him. At least what I heard from Andrew.”
Fox’s fur shot up. “You talked to Andrew!”
“Yes, Wolf got in contact with him for me. We discussed everything that happened. From what I retained, Andross didn’t even know what he was doing anymore. He become a deranged being hellbent on destruction.”
“And Wolf knew this!”
“No, Andrew didn’t know either until later on.” Krystal glanced at the door. “I wanted to know why Andross did it and it turned out it was simply entropy. Isn’t…that so funny.” She sighed.
“Then why love a man who worked for a madman!”
A bitter glare pierced Fox. “Do you even try to listen!” She barked at him, standing up and towering over Fox. “You’re a broken record, by Lylat’s sake, you said you’d listen!”
“I…I am listening! I just, I’m worried. Wolf isn’t someone you can trust!”
“He isn’t terrible. He actually listens unlike you.”
Vomit, he wanted to vomit so bad. “No, I…I do listen. Don’t you get it, Krystal, I’m watching out for you. I’ve always w-”
“I can take care of myself.”
“You’re with Wolf, something isn’t right!”
Krystal’s voice strained from rage, “Please listen.”
“I am and what I got is that something has to be up! There always an angle with that guy! I’m just watching out for you because you always needed saving. No matter what it was.” Fox couldn’t stop, it kept on, it all just kept on rushing out. “I saved you back on Sauria, during the aparoid war, you just can’t watch yourself. I saved you, and I’ll save you again!”
She stared at him with sheer disgust. “By Lylat, why did I even believe in you!”
Fox froze. His thoughts scrambled.
“No, you don’t get to act like the victim again!” Krystal snarled at Fox. “Why do you get to be shitty and then try to make me feel like shit! You’ve always done this.”
Fox cowered.
“Why…why did I even come. I expected so much better from you.”
“I’m trying to protect you.”
“Out of everyone I’ve known. You’ve hurt me the most.” Krystal held herself. “Every time I think you’ll get better, you never do.”
His heart shattered.
Painful silence.
No matter what he tried or forced out of his mouth, it never found its way. Each attempt to reach out sunk him further and further into despair.
“Not even an apology?” Krystal turned away.
Wolf stepped inside. “Heard some yellin’.”
The two didn’t say a word.
“Is this goin’ to be a recurrin’ issue?”
Fox scowled at Krystal but the more he glared at her, the more it hurt.
“I asked a question.”
Krystal spoke, “I think there might be more at hand.” She stared down Fox.
Wolf rested his hands on his hips. “Is that so?”
“Yes, I think Fox would like to say how he feels about us.”
Fox’s blood ran cold. Sweat trickled down his forehead. “No, there r-”
“Spit it out, pup.”
He wrung his hands. “There isn’t anything to say.” Fox playfully laughed.
Krystal said, “You’re such a two-faced coward.”
Before Fox retorted, he bit his tongue.
Wolf and Krystal stared him down like a piece of meat.
Fox shrunk in his seat. “Okay, okay!” He raised his quivering hands. “I think you did something to her.” Fox wished he had his blaster by his side.
Wolf whistled. “Like what?”
Krystal gawked at him. “Don’t enable him!”
“Look, darlin’, I’m not. I just wanna hear what the great Fox McCloud thinks that the big bad wolf did to his ex.”
If he ran, would they hound him? Fox eyed the exit towards his room. “How could I possibly know?” He carefully picked his words to not upset the rather oversized man.
“Let me hear some theories, Fox. Ya got me curious now.” Wolf sat next to Fox and lapped his arms around him as he pulled him into his chest. “I wanna know, maybe I’ll try it on ya.” He winked.
Fox strained a laugh. Numb, that’s the only way he could describe this. “I…” No matter what he thought, it refused to come out. “A little help?” He looked at Krystal with puppy dog eyes.
“No,” Krystal stated flatly.
Wolf squeezed Fox. “Come onnnn, don’t make me guess now.” His claws rested on Fox’s shoulder as they pricked his skin. “Or are you too scared now?”
He couldn’t stop trembling. A trained mercenary now at the mercy of a rival he would have an advantage over till now. Fox tugged on his scarf. “It’s kinda hot in here, mind if I-”
“What? Don’t wanna sit next to me? Her lover? Does that upset ya so much, huh?”
The fur on Fox’s neck stood. His muzzle wrinkled.
Wolf bobbed his head towards Krystal. “Come, we can sit as one whole big family, huh? Like a way to start off the team!”
Krystal sat beside Wolf as he lapped his arm around her and pulled her in.
“Look at us! One whole happy team! Aye? Come on, smile.” Wolf nudged the both of them.
Fox grumbled.
Krystal breathingly snickered.
“Don’t fight it, come on.” Wolf kissed Krystal’s forehead and her tail wagged as her cheeks turned a rosy red.
Fox’s heart ached and a whine escaped his lips.
Wolf turned to him. “D’aww, do ya wanna kissh too.”
He turned away, grimacing.
“Ya gotta start bein’ open, Fox. It’s what I learned from ya girl, else ya end up bitter ‘n sad.” Wolf slipped his arm under Fox and wrapped it around his waist. “Like for instance, do ya or do ya not like that?”
Touch starved, his body enjoyed it. But his mind felt ambivalent, screaming that something is wrong. If it was Krystal, it’d be right but with Wolf…it…there had to be deceit or some kind of motive, didn’t there?
Wolf slipped his hand away from Fox. “Can tell ya don’t. ‘S fine, mean more for Kurse.” He kissed her on the forehead, snuggled her, and held her tight.
Fox’s eyes stung. But…seeing her so happy, so open and trusting. Was he the one lying to himself? It appeared to be genuine--something he used to have. “I…didn’t mind it.” Fox sighed.
“Really now?”
“It’s awkward, not going to lie.”
“What’d make it not?”
“Maybe an apology after everything.”
Wolf tilted his head back. “Where do I start?”
“Maybe for being a dick.”
“Aww now, that’s not somethin’ to be sorry for.”
“How about trying to kill me?” Fox crossed his arms.
“Hey now, thought I made up by savin’ ya.”
Fox quirked his lip.
“Do I at least get a thank ya for dat?”
Krystal leaned forward. “You really should.”
Fox sighed in defeat. “Fine.” He inhaled, exhaled and released the tension in his chest. “Thank you, Wolf.”
“ ‘S no problem. Sorry for bein’ a pain in ya ass. And if it makes ya feel any better, it wasn’t killin’ just puttin’ ya out of commission!”
“Oh boy I totally feel so much safer, now! Yeah, wow, nice!” Fox leaned back when Wolf shoved his face in front of him.
“Look Fox, we could play the who is worse game all day. But know this, I am tryin’ to make it up to ya. Okay? I want us to be on even grounds’n get this shit over with.”
He had kind of a point?
Krystal smiled. “See? That wasn’t so bad!”
It…kinda wasn’t. It was like she said: let go. It was kinda nice to move on a bit with that. Fox’s fur stood when Wolf lapped his arm around Fox’s shoulder. He gulped. But it was easier this time around, and it kinda was nice being held by someone who is…well, what is he now to Fox? “Hey, Wolf?”
Wolf raised an ear. “Yes?”
“Are…we not rivals?” It sounded odd out loud.
“Do ya consider me one?”
“I honestly don’t know what to consider you as?” Fox scratched his head. Everything felt jumbled and confusing. Weird. It was definitely weird talking to Wolf beyond a visual feed. “What do you consider me?”
“Either a teammate, a nuisance, or a possible and really stressin’ it partner.” Wolf grinned as he patted Fox’s shoulder.
“Speaking of that, why are you two doing that?”
They both spoke at the same time, but Wolf gestured for Krystal to go first. “Like I said, we talked about it. And we’re open to you because I know you. I trust…you. Even if you are a bit dense at times. And don’t listen. And jump to conclusions.”
Fox winced from each remark. “I’m,” He paused. It was hard to admit, but he’s in the wrong. “I’m really sorry, to the two of you.” He couldn’t bear to look them in the eyes. “I’m sorry for thinking something was going on.”
Wolf leaned his head towards Fox, a bit too close to where he could catch a whiff of…mint? The bastard freshened up for this? “And.”
His ear flicked. “And what?”
“What are ya goin’ to do ‘bout it?”
“Huh?”
“Ya can’t say sorry ‘n expect to be forgiven. I wanna see some work put into it.”
Fox’s ears pinned back. “…The same could be said to you?”
“Well, I am, see how we’re gettin’ along? I ain’t doin’ crimes either, and my record is clean from here on out. But the same can’t be said for ya, foxy.”
He scrunched up. There wasn’t enough leverage to push Wolf into a corner. He really had changed and yet, Fox hasn’t. What a terrible thought.
“For starters, ya can trust me now! Secondly.” Wolf pulled the two towards him. “What the fuck is wrong with both of ya?
Krystal whined. “I didn’t do anything.”
“Oh.” Wolf gawked. “Aight, what the fuck is wrong with ya?” He shook Fox.
“I don’t know!”
Krystal peered past Wolf with a bitter glare, stating she knew all too well that Fox is full of shit.
Fox winced. “Okay, fine. I’m terrible at listening…and I talk over people, and I assumed things I shouldn’t have.”
She blinked. “Oh wow, self-awareness?”
“I have awareness, okay! I apologized for it!” Fox pouted.
“Hmm, not really.” Krystal chuckled and leaned back behind Wolf.
Fox grumbled. “I’m listening. Or trying. I mean it, like look! I am here, right next to Wolf even tho I honestly feel like he might maul me to death!”
“He’s got a point, kinda in the mood to murder.”
Krystal jabbed Wolf. “Hush.”
Wolf stretched his back. “I was goin’ to say in bed.”
Fox’s ear flicked. “Are you trying to hit on me?”
“I ain’t sayin’ I’m not.”
He huffed. Something in him had to know even though another part knew he’d regret it. “Why are you interested?”
“ ‘S not often ya get to say, hey I fucked ‘m rival!”
“You’re morbidly cheery.”
“Was dat mean?” Wolf smirked at Fox.
“It means, I honestly can’t believe you’re here!”
Wolf frowned “You ain’t happy to see me? I figured by the way ya greeted us earlier, ya were excited!”
“Definitely not!” He leaned back when Wolf shoved himself in front of his face.
He hugged both of them. “But doesn’t dis feel like a big ol’ reunion?” Wolf shook Fox. “Like da Aparoid war, only dis time ya can’t leave me behind!” He bellowed with laughter that was either bitter or weirdly jovial over something like that. “Now, from what I can tell.” He turned to Krystal. “The problem ‘s simple. Fox don’t listen,” Wolf said playfully, “An’ all he gotta do ‘s listen, right?”
Krystal nodded.
“Aight, then to really see if he is, let’s see if he’ll…” Wolf paused for dramatic effect. “Listen to me! Do ya think ya can do that Fox? Hmm? Do ya really think ya can?”
Fox shrugged, she spoke through his fangs, “Sure, doubt it’d be hard.”
“I want ya to tell Krystal she’s right. AND. That we’re in a lovin’ relationship with nothin’ deceitful goin’ on AND, that ya respect her and my respective choices, ya got that? Ya don’t look like ya do.”
His chest burned with ire but he sighed in defeat.
“Oh, oh, and if ya feel like it, ya gotta hug me.” Wolf snickered.
“Why should I hug you!”
“Cuz, if we’re goin’ to try and get all chummy together, I wanna know if you’re a good hugger, ‘n a snuggler.” Wolf released Fox and snuggled Krystal in his arms and getting all ooie-gooie with…with…his ex. “Cuz right now, I’d give ya one, but you’re bit of a prick, if ya get my drift.” Wolf kissed her forehead and nestled his muzzle against her cheek.
“Fine!” Fox yelled as he shot upright. He panted.
“Ya don’t sound so sure.”
Krystal chimed in. “Yeah, Fox, mean it. Say it like you want it!”
“I want a hug!”
The two stared at each other and laughed.
Fox’s ears and cheeks burned. “W-what!” He cowered.
“But who do ya want it from, pup?”
He clenched his fangs.
Krystal once again joined the teasing. “I’m not too sure? I think he wants me to, but I’m a bit preoccupied.” She wrapped her arms around Wolf and kissed him on the lips.
Fox’s heart ached. “Wolf, hug me damnit.”
Wolf whistled. “Ya hear dat?”
“I said fucking HUG me!” Fox demanded through clenched fangs.
“Haha, there we go. A real tough guy.” Wolf kissed Krystal on the forehead before he towered over Fox. “Aight, little man, show me what ya got.”
Fox untensed, staring up at Wolf.
“I’m waitin’.”
Extending his arms out and shutting his eyes, Fox collapsed into Wolf’s burly chest. He snatched his arms around him while he shoved him into himself as he held on like he’d hold onto Krystal when he really needed someone. But the worst part of it all:
…He kinda enjoyed it…
Fox mustered every inch of willpower to not let his tail wag.
“Ya call that huggin’?”
He squeezed tighter.
“Pup, I’ll show ya a real men’s hug.” Wolf nestled his head beside Fox’s as their fur touched one another. He eased his arms around him and nudged Fox by his beating heart while he rocked him and stroked his back.
Something primal stirred in Fox. Something visceral that he hid within himself as it all started to resurge. He held it in. Closed it off. And tensed. But when Krystal wrapped her arms around them and snuggled Fox from behind:
It all came rushing out.
The yearning of contact. The desire to be held. The longing to feel loved.
Fox clenched his fangs but the sniffles and whimpers seeped from his maw while the tears trickled down his burning cheeks. Why was he breaking down now?
Wolf wiggled free. “Okay, that ain’t for me. Got a bit too emotional.”
Krystal still held to him. “From what I remember, you were the one who was crying in bed.”
“Hey now, not here!”
Fox laughed. “Really, him?”
Krystal released him. “Yes, believe it or not, he tends to.”
“Wow, that’s just, wow.”
Wolf’s face turned a faint red beneath his fur. “Look, a man needs his space to let loose, dat don’t mean ya gotta go ‘round tellin’ everyone now.”
“You don’t have a problem when I do it?” Krystal said.
“Ya cuz dat’s ya. When it’s him. I expected like a machine’n shit. Beep-boob-bop, if ya get me. Like, an emotionless killin’ machine.”
Krystal rested her hands on her hip. “And yet you knew you were playing his buttons, earlier.”
“Anger ‘s somethin’ all men got, but dat crying. Woo, that was not what I expected.”
“I’m still here, you know?” Fox said.
Wolf clicked his tongue. “Yeah, I’m aware cry-baby.”
“It was tactical crying. I.” Fox wiped his eyes. “I wanted to see what you’d do.”
Krystal snorted, doubling over as she laughed.
They both said, “What’s so funny to you?” And they both glared at each other.
“That…” Krystal waved her hand in the air. “That’s exactly what Wolf said when he cried. Oh Lylat, you two are so alike.” She grinned at them. “Typical men.”
Fox rested his hand on his chest. “I am no-”
Wolf interrupted Fox, “I am, without a doubt, nothing like him.”
Krystal shook her head. “Oh please, you both have an ego, both don’t even know how to express your emotions, and you’re both so stupid.”
“I am not stupid. Now him.” Fox pointed at Wolf. “He’s the embodiment of stupidity.”
She eyed Fox from head to toe. “And yet he doesn’t look like a drunk who spent all his credits on drugs and useless garbage.”
That was low and something he expected from Wolf. Fox so desperately wished to retort her comment with something witty but he had nothing. “Okay, so I’m a tiny bit, little stupid.”
Wolf butted in, “Ya didn’t even have a key code on ya door.”
Fox scratched his chin. “I mean, I’m in a hanger and all, so…I kinda don’t need one.”
Krystal wagged her finger at him. “That’s not the point, the point is, you’re still stupid.”
“Why is this about me!”
“Oh don’t worry, you’ll get to see Wolf being stupid too.”
Wolf sucked air through his fangs. “I ain’t goin’ to argue with that.”
“Because you always know I’m always right.” Krystal winked at Wolf.
“Fucking mind reader.”
Krystal covered her mouth and snickered. “I told you, I don’t do it unless you wish.”
“My ass! Ya are always in ‘m head!”
She wiggled. “That’s because you’re very easy to read.”
As to two chatted, Fox felt left out. Struggling to find a way to keep up with their warm and lively conversation. “Hey, yeah. I…she’d do that too and we’d all be like whoa, how did you read my mind and she’d all be like oh I read mind! Like this one time she knew Falco was having dirty thoughts about her and she got upset at him and I’m like wow, that’s my girlfriend and super awkward…” Fox awkwardly chuckled when to two gawked at him. “What?”
Krystal raised a brow. “I wasn’t upset. You were. You even yelled at him about it.”
Wolf turned to Krystal and whispered something.
Fox’s ears stood. “If you got a problem with me, say it.”
He nodded. “Fine i-”
Krystal raised her hand in front of him. “I got this.”
Wolf stepped aside. “Alright, princess.”
“Are you going to be jealous?”
Fox blinked. “Me? Don’t be redi-”
“From what I saw, it looked like you were.”
“I…”
“Be honest.”
Fox tugged on his scarf. “Yeah…I am.”
Krystal crossed her arms. “Is that going to be a problem?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe? …Probably?”
“Are you going to do something about it or are you going to say you are then not like with listening.” Krystal’s words stung like clear vodka.
Wolf stepped beside her. “Do ya want me here or do ya need a moment?”
Krystal smiled at him and it was one of the most disturbing smiles Fox had ever seen. “We need a moment, actually, make it awhile. Also, if you hear yelling. Let me handle it, okay?”
He glanced at Fox then at her. “Alright, yeah. Not a problem. I’ll ugh, wait in the Wolfen.”
“Thank you.”
Wolf stepped away and as he did, he cackled and Fox and stuck out his tongue before he ran his claw against his neck like it’s being slit.
“I know you’re making faces.”
He darted out the door with his tail between his legs and without a single comment.
“Sit,” Krystal said bitterly and cold.
Fox did as he’s told.
Krystal stood in front of him with her arms crossed.“How do you feel about Wolf? And be honest.”
“Again?”
“The first time didn’t feel genuine.”
Fox’s ears pinned to his head.
“Especially after you tried to get me to dismiss him.” Krystal fur puffed out.
“He’s…not bad. But what I don’t get is why you’re so hung up about how I feel about him?”
“Because this wasn’t just for me, it was for him too.”
Fox froze, his brain scrambled. Was he being played? This, this what? At this point, nothing made any sense. “Bwhat?” Is all that could escape his lips.
“I read minds, okay. And sometimes I poke around places I shouldn’t but…I just do. I know it’s bad but I do…and when I found out a little something about him that he had for you, I thought maybe I could make amends with you two.”
His jaw dropped.
“When I mean admire, I really meant he admired you. Okay, maybe not to that extent but there was something weird going on.”
Unable to know what to feel or think, he sat there.
“Are you going to say anything?”
It was probably a terrible idea to go on such a limb, but it was a question that happened to be in the back of his mind. “When you said you came here for me and like talked…am I getting that straight?”
Krystal nodded.
“Okay, okay.” What was left of his brain cells attempted to comprehend such a perplexing, convoluted conundrum. “If Wolf wasn’t interested in…” Okay that was weird to say out loud. “Would you have come back?”
“Do you want to know the truth?”
It didn’t matter, what’s one more thing going to do to him? Break his heart again? Not like she could. Fox stammered, “Sure.”
“No.”
Fox expected it, it didn’t hit too hard. But it wasn’t something that was going to pass him so easily either. “Do you even have feelings for me?”
“Of course I do. But you’re hard to be around.”
Now that one, that one really stung. “I am?”
“Look how hard you were trying to ruin a good mood.”
Fox sat there numb. Fuck, fuck, fuck. What is he doing wrong?
“And I don’t mean when he got handsy either.”
“Yeah…that was a bit too much for me.”
Krystal quirked her lip. “That’s probably my fault. But anyway, enough about him. We need to talk about us.”
“Okay, what else is there you wish to chastise me about?” Fox slumped.
“I’m not chastising you.”
“It sure as hell feels like you are.”
“No, we are not having another argument, okay.” Krystal shut her eyes and deeply exhaled. “Just listen.”
“You always keep saying that bu-” Fox caught himself when she snarled. “Okay.”
“First, I got to ask, are you even remotely interested in the offer?”
“The flying or t-”
“Both.”
Fox rubbed his neck. “I wouldn’t mind flying again. But with Star Wolf…”
“Wolf wants to step down.”
His eyes widened as his head recoiled back. “Really?”
“Yeah, it’s hard.”
Fox tilted his head to the side. “How do you know?”
“I’ve helped him. It’s honestly really stressful leading and making choices let alone split decisions in combat.” Krystal held herself. “I’ve made a few bad calls.”
“H-he, Wolf? Him?” Fox pointed at the door. “He let you lead?”
Krystal nodded. “Yeah, said if things go wrong, he needs someone to count on.”
“So by insurance, what he really meant was…”
“Yes.”
Fox scratched the side of his head. “Huh. Would he really be okay with me leading?”
“Depends.”
“What does that mean?” Fox raised a brow.
“You have to prove yourself.”
“Makes sense.” Fox shrugged.
“And what about me and Wolf?” Krystal sat across from him as she kicked her boots off and crossed her legs on the couch.
Fox’s face burned. “I think you already know the answer.”
Krystal sighed. “Yeah, poked around for a bit.”
“What do you even want me to say?”
“To think about it.” Krystal wiggled her legs. “Because if what I got from you is right, then no.”
“...What did you happen to get?”
“You’re trying to get to me.” It was hard to adjust to the blunt version of her now. She used to be so coy and beat around the bush but now, it doesn’t even seem like herself anymore.
Fox faced away, struggling to swallow the truth. His stomach wrenched.
“That’s what I thought.”
“Again, what do you want me to say? Oh wow, I love Wolf who by the way tried to kill me!”
“You two also worked together and you’re forgetting he saved you.”
“Yeah for the stupid revelry!”
Krystal slapped her palm against her face. “How are you not getting this?”
“Getting what?”
“Isn’t it obvious why he saved you?”
“...NO?”
Krystal scoffed. “You’re so dense. He saved you because he likes you. He enjoyed being by your side.”
Another uncomfortable answer. “Still weird since he doesn’t really know me.”
“I’m probably making it sound weird…okay, look I won’t speak for him. You can talk to him yourself.”
“Going to enjoy that one.” Fox rolled his eyes.
“Just think about it, okay. Talk to him for a bit then see for yourself.”
“Fine, fine.”
Krystal sighed in relief. “Wow, you’re taking my advice for once?”
“I think it’s terrible but whatever.” Fox grumbled. “Weren’t we suppose to be talking about us?”
“Yeah, kinda got sidetracked.”
“No kidding.”
“But seriously, do try to listen to me for a change.”
“I do?” Fox stared at her dumbfounded.
Krystal glared.
“Okay, I am trying. I am. I really do mean it.”
“I hope so.”
“Give me a break.” Fox rested his hands on his chest. “This is a lot to take in. You came out of the blue without a word and with Wolf!”
“I messaged you? We came because I thought you were in trouble or dead.”
“Still doesn’t explain why you two just barged right in!”
“Door was unlocked and I found you asleep. So, I made myself homey.” Krystal shrugged.
“I’m putting a lock on that door.”
Krystal snickered. “I also forgot how silly you can be too.”
Fox’s ears pinned to his head as his tail wagged. “I also missed you too, you know?”
“Oh I know, you left a lot of messages.”
He cringed. “Please tell me you deleted them.”
“I sure did. They were…pretty bad.”
“Again, I am really sorry about that. I got super wasted and fucked up and shit. I barely even remember it.”
“Really wish you didn’t message me at all, honestly.”
Fox tugged on his scarf. “Was it that bad?”
“Bad? You went off about how you had no meaning and told me you were going off the deep end and then I tried to message you back and never got an answer. You’re the reason I threw that phone away.”
He winced. “Yeah, I…am so sorry.”
Their eyes met. “Promise me you won’t ever do that again? If we break up, don’t do this, okay?”
Fox nodded. “I won’t, I promise.”
“Thank you.”
Silence. But this time it was comfortable. A respite from the emotional mess everything was.
“Are we good?” Fox asked.
“I feel like there’s more, but yeah, we’re good.” Krystal smiled at him.
“Awesome. So, what happens now?”
Krystal hummed. “I think that’s enough talk for now.” She stood and pulled out a business card? She extended it towards Fox.
Fox eyed it. “You can’t be serious?”
“What?”
“You won’t give me a personal contact number?”
Krystal shook her head. “No.”
Fox snatched it. “Who answers?”
“Someone.” Krystal playfully smiled at him.
“Man, you’re difficult.”
“Suck it up.” Krystal stuck out her tongue.
“Don’t tell me we’re going to have banter now too?”
“Oh we are.” Krystal hugged him and then stepped away. “Anyway, it was a good talk. Hope to see you soon.”
“Yeah. See you later, Krystal.”
Krystal stopped in her tracks in glared over her shoulder. “Remember, it’s Kurse now.”
“R-right, yeah, sorry. Later…Kurse.” Fox watched her leave, yearning to go with her. He held the card next to his heart.