A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this up again. Lot of life's little things kept popping up. But here it is. Nothing really special but even though I felt I could have wrapped up things in the last chapter, there was a part of me that said it needed just a little more before ending it. Anyways, I've tried to utilize the tips people have been giving me regarding grammar and such so I hope its more suitable.

Peppy smiled as he watched the four Arwings come soaring back to the Great Fox.

The ships bobbed and weaved between each other almost playfully. One went as far as doing a loop before settling back into formation. Peppy chuckled and punched in a few commands on his computer before pressing down on a button and speaking into a microphone to his left.

"Peppy here. Great Fox hangar doors are opening. You're clear for entry."

"Roger, Peppy. Break out some victory champagne. Star Wolf was sent back to their hideout to lick their wounds," came Fox's response on the other end. Peppy laughed and shook his head.

"I'll make sure to save popping the cork for you. See you in a few."

He stood up from his seat on the bridge and turned to ROB who was typing away at a different command post.

"ROB, what's the damage assessment on the Arwings?" he asked the robot.

"Assessment reports only ten percent damages to all ships."

Peppy smiled even wider at that. He exited the bridge and traveled through the halls and corridors before descending down the elevator. When it came to a stop at its destination, Peppy made his way to the hangar. He could hear the last few rings of the alarm before they shut off; signaling that the doors had closed and the Arwings were docked. The door slid open and Peppy entered the hangar as one of the Arwing's canopy popped open.

"Yeah, baby! That's what I'm talking about!" came Falco's jovial bellow as he stood up with arms raised in triumph. He slid down off the side of his ship and landed with a loud clang of his boots.

Another canopy opened on the ship beside him and Slippy rolled out with nowhere near as graceful as a landing as his comrade. But he wore a smile all the same.

"Whew! That was intense!" he croaked, taking off his hat and wiping the sweat from his forehead. "Those guys have gotten better over the years."

"Yeah, better at getting their asses handed to them. We creamed those shitheads!" Falco exclaimed, punching a fist into his open palm.

The Arwing at the end of the line was Fox's and he climbed down to the floor before jogging a short distance to the one beside his. The canopy rose and Krystal stood up, a smile on her face as she looked down at the vulpine. He smiled back and held out his arms to help her down from the ship. Fox gently placed her back on her feet and she squeezed his hands with her own.

Peppy grinned again and Fox made eye contact with him. He smirked and waved to him, both foxes heading over to join the group. When they were all assembled, Peppy crossed his arms but never let his expression change.

"So, I take it everything went well?" he asked.

"Are you kidding?" Falco laughed. "We flew circles around those chumps barely taking a scratch! It's never been that easy!"

"Speak for yourself," huffed Slippy. "You weren't getting bumped around by Pigma."

The toad felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Krystal offering him a warm smile.

"I thought you held your own very well, Slippy."

Slippy blushed and rubbed the back of his head as he looked away. Falco snickered and wrapped his arm around Krystal, pulling her tightly against his shoulder.

"Yeah, Slippy, I even had Leon on my tail a few times but I wasn't worried. Because my girl here had my back! I could hear that scaly weirdo swearing up a storm every time you shook him off me," Falco pointed out. Krystal couldn't help but laugh and look down shyly at her feet.

"Seriously, this girl can fly. Star Wolf never knew what hit them. You were putting that newbie they got in his place. What are you doing wasting your time with a goof like McCloud?"

Fox snickered and shrugged his shoulders.

"I ask myself the same thing, believe me."

There was a collective laugh among them all. Peppy took off his glasses to wipe them before asking, "So Star Wolf has a new member do they? Who is it?"

"Some panther they found that sounded like he came out of a fucking Spanish soft core porn flick," Falco snorted with a roll of his eyes.

"Yeah, he was kinda weird. He sure liked Krystal though," Slippy pointed out.

Fox growled at the memory of all the things the newest member of Star Wolf had said to her over the communications line. He had never seen or heard of a wooing during a dog fight. Fox was tempted to break away from his fight with Wolf and ram his Arwing right into the panther's Wolfen if only to shut him up. Krystal laughed softly before looping her arm around his.

"He was trying a little too hard to get my attention. I feel a little sad for him as someone else already has it," she said, batting her eyelashes at Fox who cursed under his breath when the display caused a belt of crimson to explode over his muzzle.

Both Falco and Slippy responded by making gagging noises.

Peppy laughed at the display. Fox narrowed his eyes at them but failed to hold back a chuckle of his own alongside the vixen. Peppy wiped his eyes and set his glasses back on the bridge of his muzzle before motioning with his hand to follow him.

"Come on then. I know it's late but I had ROB whip up some supper if you're feeling up to it."

"Kicking ass always makes me hungry," Falco commented.

The Star Fox team made their way up to the kitchen, joking and rough housing. When they entered, a delicious aroma of pasta filled the air as ROB had just finished setting the table. The mercenaries all dug in, eating and sharing stories from their past and most recent missions. Falco even regaled them with some of his past exploits during his freelance work. The night went on and eventually the table was full of empty plates and satisfied friends.

There was a feeling of nostalgia in the air as they all basked in the warmth and happiness of each other's presence. It almost felt like time had rolled backwards and the room was filled with the hot shot pilots who had just defeated Andross, celebrating their victory. Krystal felt as if she was surrounded by friends she had known for her entire life and that feeling warmed her heart to its very core. Fox and Falco were currently engaged in a friendly argument, neither pilot showing any traces of the hardships they had put behind them.

"Oh, horseshit," Falco snickered.

"I swear to God, I can do it," Fox proclaimed holding his hands up.

Falco leaned back in his chair, picking at his teeth before saying, "There's no way you can beat the simulator's Venom course on expert."

"I'm pretty sure I beat the real thing a long time ago."

"Ah, but the simulator's not the real thing is it? The simulator was designed to be unbeatable unlike the real thing."

"Don't tell me the great Falco Lombardi knows a computer can best him at flying?" Fox teased.

"I never said that," the avian grinned. "I just said it was designed to be unbeatable. Doesn't mean I can't beat it. You on the other hand…"

"Is that a challenge?" Fox inquired, sharing the falcon's grin.

"You and me. Tomorrow morning. We'll see who's got the goods."

"You're on."

Falco and Fox shook on it as Krystal rolled her eyes at them.

"Boys," she sighed with an amused smirk. Slippy stretched his arms above his head as ROB circled the table collecting the dishes.

"Well, that was some good eating! Reminds me of the restaurant we used to go to back in the city," he mused.

"Ah, yes, the one on Duncan Ave," Peppy remarked, wiping his lips with a napkin. Falco snorted a laugh and leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head.

"Oh, yeah. Wasn't that the place where we got Slippy loaded and took him downtown and-"

The falcon was cut off by a flying meatball and a furious look from the toad across the table from him. "We swore we would never speak of that again," Slippy uttered darkly.

Fox, Peppy and Falco hollered with laughter as the memory came to surface. Krystal tried not to laugh to spare the poor toad's embarrassment but struggled to keep in her giggles despite not knowing what they were referring to. Slippy frowned and settled back in his seat, arms crossed over his chest.

"Everyone always picks on me," he complained.

"Oh, come on, Slip, you know we love you," Falco stated and stood up from his seat. He wandered over to the toad and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Now drop the whiny bullshit and play some video games with me."

Slippy seemed to brighten at that proposal but a look of hesitation replaced that expression. "I don't know…It's kinda late and I-"

"Wussy!" Falco teased and wrapped an arm around the amphibian's throat while digging his knuckles into his hat for a well-placed noogie.

"Stop it!" Slippy croaked, trying to squirm away.

"I'll stop when you stop being such a baby!"

"Alright! Alright! I'll play! Jesus…"

Falco smiled and released him. Slippy rubbed his head and threw the bird an upsetting glare. Regardless of the immature tactics, the two friends casually ribbed one another as they padded over to the couches. Fox shook his head at them with a grin and he felt Krystal stand up out of her own chair.

"That was a wonderful meal, ROB. Thank you," she said to the robot. ROB swiveled his head around, his body still forward as he washed the dishes at the sink.

"You are welcome, Krystal," he buzzed.

Krystal yawned and rubbed her neck before saying, "I believe I will retire for tonight. It was most certainly a long day."

She turned to Peppy and smiled sweetly at him.

"Good night, Peppy."

"Good night, Krystal. You did well, today," the rabbit said proudly. Her smile widened and she pivoted towards the pair on the couch who were now frantically involved in their game.

"Good night, boys. Don't stay up too late," she giggled.

Falco twisted his head over and winked at her. "G'Night, babe. Get that beauty sleep. You earned it after today," he said.

"Yeah, Krystal, you were great today!" Slippy concurred with his usual cheery smile. It faded however when he turned back to their game and saw that Falco had un-paused it and was currently beating the daylights out of his character on the screen.

"Falco! You dickhead, that's cheating!" he hollered.

Peppy rolled his eyes with a groan and the blue vixen had to once again stifle another fit of giggles. Was it always like this with them? She very much hoped so. Lastly, she turned to Fox and leaned down to give him a kiss on the cheek. When her lips departed, they moved up to his ear where she whispered, "Good night, Fox."

Krystal lightly blew into his ear and it flickered in response. Fox looked up to her and softly smiled.

"Good night, Krys."

She lightly dragged her fingers along his neck before leaving the kitchen, a little extra sway in her hips as she knew Fox was watching her. Fox stared at where she had once stood and noticed Peppy was watching him with an amused look. The vulpine blushed and waved off the chuckling old team member. Peppy stood up from his seat before occupying the one Krystal had resided in beside Fox and patted him on the shoulder.

"When did Fox McCloud become so easily embarrassed?" he asked with a chuckle. Fox let one of his own escape and shook his head.

"I ask myself the same thing. But when she looks at me like that…The answer is pretty simple."

"I can imagine," Peppy concurred and leaned back in his chair before saying, "Things sounded like they couldn't have gone better."

"Yeah. I was pretty surprised. Star Wolf hadn't been expecting us I don't think but they usually give us a lot of trouble regardless. I doubt that will be the case next time but I'll take my easy wins where I can."

Peppy nodded in agreement. He let his eyes roam to where Krystal had left before setting them back on the vulpine.

"She seems to be coming into her own faster than I expected. Krystal's only been flying an Arwing for a few months and already she's got one over on Star Wolf," he commented. "Her skill with a blaster has increased dramatically too. I wasn't expecting that."

"She's got some unbelievable skill," Fox mused, looking at the same spot. "But it's not like you had any doubts, right?"

Peppy caught the younger pilot's smirk and he laughed softly to himself. Fox's expression slowly softened and he took on a more pensive stare, his emerald eyes focused on his hands. Peppy frowned at him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Everything okay, Fox?" he asked. This brought Fox's attention back to him and he offered a small smile to his friend.

"Yeah…Everything's good," he assured.

Peppy studied him for a moment before slowly nodding his head and returning the smile. There was something that the fox wasn't telling him but Peppy decided not to press the matter. Today had gone so well, he didn't want to spoil the mood. Fox stood up from his seat and squeezed the rabbit's shoulder affectionately.

"I think I'm going to call it a night too. Sleep well, old friend," he told Peppy. Peppy patted his hand in response, warmth and kindness reflecting behind his glasses. Fox made his way over to the couch and slapped both Falco and Slippy on the back.

"Good night, guys. Great work today. I'm proud of you," he said.

"Thanks, Fox! Have a good night!" Slippy responded.

"Yeah, I'd get to bed if I had that body waiting for me too," Falco snickered, eyeing his captain with an amused visage. Fox shook his head at him but smiled all the same. He left the kitchen and heard Slippy's voice fade behind him.

"Since when are you and Krystal so chummy, Falco?"

"Since I realized there's a pair of tits on this ship I can stare at that aren't yours."

"…You're an asshole, you know that?"

Fox heard Peppy say something but it was muffled by his footsteps down the corridor. He traveled through the Great Fox until finally reaching the living quarters. With slow steps as not to have them ring off the metal, he stopped just before Krystal's door. He raised his hand to knock but found the urge to do so lacking. It had been a long day and while she didn't show it, she must have been tired. Fox wasn't so sure he wanted to wake her up if she was sleeping. Even if that meant he would be sleeping alone tonight.

With a quiet sigh, he lowered his hand and turned back to his own quarters. His door slid open and Fox stepped into his dimly lit room that was provided by a small lamp on his nightstand. Fox yawned and took off his jacket, tossing it onto his desk with little care. Rubbing his eyes, he sat down on the bed only to suddenly jump back up in surprise from coming into contact with something solid. Spinning around, Fox could see a bundle move underneath his covers and he let a soft grin cross his muzzle when Krystal poked her head out from underneath.

"I was wondering when you would show up," she said quietly, mischief and amusement adorning her lips.

"I thought you were going to bed?" he asked, tilting his head at her.

"I did. But I didn't say my bed now did I?"

"I guess not," Fox admitted, still smiling. Krystal patted the spot on the bed beside her and Fox sat down, a breath of relief leaving him. She sat up and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face into the fur on the back of his head. He reached up and tenderly rubbed her arm with a heavy sigh leaving his nose.

"You're troubled," she whispered, eyes closed and relishing in his warmth.

"No. I'm fine," Fox assured, kissing her hand.

"Then why don't I believe you?" Krystal asked, resting her chin on his shoulder. Fox was quiet for a moment which only confirmed her suspicions. He scratched his head before shaking it, eyes downcast to the floor.

"I've just been thinking is all."

"Thinking about what?"

"About you."

Krystal smiled and kissed the back of his neck and she felt him shudder.

"I'm flattered," she said, fingers pulling slightly on his shirt. "But it is concerning that you find thoughts about me so troubling. Have I done something to upset you?"

"Of course not," Fox answer, turning his head to look at her from the corner of his eye. "I just…think about something Peppy said a long time ago sometimes."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. He said that you were too good of a person for this job. And I can't help but agree with him."

Krystal was unsure on how to respond to that. As if sensing her contemplation on the matter, Fox was quick to elaborate on his comment.

"I see you in the Training Room and how well you've adapted to using a blaster. The way you maneuver around other fighters and can take them down with such skill. You've become a true Star Fox member just like I knew you would. It makes me really proud of you," he smiled. "But…"

"But what?" Krystal asked softly.

"I know how you still feel about guns and…and the lives we take," Fox replied weakly, his grip on her hand tightening. "I…I feel like it hurts you and it's because of me."

"Fox…"

"I wish I could change it. I wish I could change what we do because you don't deserve to-"

"Fox."

Krystal spoke his name with such authority and affection that he stopped and turned his body to face her. She was wearing a smile that was bright and content, a hand reaching up and stroking the side of his face.

"There are many things about what we do that hurts. That is a reality I have come to accept. But that hurt is nothing compared to what I feel when I'm with the people on this ship."

Krystal felt her heart swell at the memory of stepping back onto the Great Fox and the three pilots that came running to greet her. Slippy practically knocked her over with a hug that rivaled the G-Force she felt in an Arwing. He tried his best not to cry but failed as tears of relief ran down his round face. Peppy was gentler than the toad but his expression was similar and the vixen felt that warmth of a father's love course through her which was enough to start her own tears. Falco was the last to greet her and he made some smug comment with an equally smug smile.

Despite that, Krystal could see the affection and happiness in his eyes and she hugged him tightly. The avian blushed at her actions but he eventually dropped his charade and returned her embrace tightly, whispering apologies to her.

From that moment on, there were no more fights. No more doubts and no more tension as the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months. Time seemed to going by faster than she realized but with each passing moment, her relationship with them strengthened. When the moments did arrive where they would have to put their lives on the line, Krystal was still afraid but she no longer let it control her. She gave everything she had for them, knowing that failure was not an option anymore and they did the same in return. She truly did belong here.

"I have a family again," she continued, now back in present. "I feel loved and accepted. Those feelings are all I care about now and all I think about when I aim a blaster at someone. And if anyone out there tries to take that away from me again, I'll shove a plasma grenade so far up their ass they'll be using toilet paper to clear their brains off the roof."

Fox stared at her in shock before laughing loudly.

"Where did that come from?" he wanted to know. Never had he heard her utter such a thing.

"An effect from spending too much time with Falco I suppose," Krystal laughed as well yet feeling slightly embarrassed for saying something so out of character for her. Her laughter subsiding, she pulled his muzzle towards hers and kissed him softly.

"This home," she whispered to him after breaking the kiss, "These men and what I feel when I'm with them are because of you. If you hadn't brought me back from Sauria, then hurt would have been the only thing I would ever feel. You've never hurt me, Fox. And I know you never will because I don't think there's a man out there that can make me feel as loved as you do."

"Damn right," Fox growled before kissing her again. They let their tongues play with each other for a moment before Fox reached under the covers to hold her and discovered that she had removed all remnants of clothing. When they broke, she smiled and nipped at his bottom lip.

Fox gave her another peck before he got up from the bed and turned off the light, casting the room into shadow. The viewing window provided a faint light from a nearby moon orbiting Aquas. It was strikingly familiar to the night they had revealed their feelings to each other sans a mind full of doubts and injured ribs. Fox turned back to his bed, Krystal laying on her side and waiting for him, her tail flickering playfully back and forth under the sheets.

He began to remove his clothing and once he reached his belt, the vulpine stopped as he met her gaze. She smiled coyly at him which he returned. Turning so his back was facing her, Fox slid his flight pants off. Krystal reached over and ran a hand down his bare backside which caused him to flick her hand away with his tail. She giggled softly, biting her bottom lip as she admired his athletic figure as he crawled into bed with her.

Fox climbed over his cerulean lover and rested his weight atop of her, her legs wrapping themselves around his waist while his arms hugged her naked form tightly to his own. Fox buried his muzzle into her neck and Krystal dug her fingers into his back lightly. He let out a sigh of content as his weary body suddenly was overcome with a euphoric warmth and comfort.

Squeezing her against him a little more, his lips softly dance across her neck, suckling and nipping at her skin. He heard her moan softly and gently writhe underneath him. Fox smirked. He was unsure as to whether or not she really did get that much pleasure out of a simple hickey but real or not, it was doing wonders for his ego. Krystal's fingers worked their way up to his head and squeezed the back of his neck, indicating she wanted his attention elsewhere.

Fox released her throat and when he brought his head up, her mouth immediately connected with his.

There was pressure around his waist from her squeezing so tightly with her legs and he responded by slipping his tongue into her mouth again in which her own was there to eagerly greet him. They broke apart and Fox stared down at her lovingly. Krystal smiled, her blue eyes sharing a similar shine and she licked the end of his nose playfully.

"You know if you keep acting this way, we'll never get any sleep," he whispered to her.

"Oh? Is my strong and brave hero too tired to keep up with me?" she responded zestfully. This prompted a chuckle to escape from Fox's lips.

"You do cut a rigorous pace but we have another mission tomorrow and we need to be focused. I don't want you falling asleep at the lunch table tomorrow morning or worse, in your Arwing."

"Aye, aye, Captain," Krystal smiled and hugged herself closer to him.

Fox nuzzled his face gently against her throat and closed his eyes, the vixen's warmth and heartbeat against his own lulling him to sleep. Just as it was about to overcome him, he heard Krystal speak out in the dark.

"Speaking of the lunch table…Who is Miyu?"

A heavy silence occurred and Fox's eyes opened with a scornful look on his face.

"…Goddamnit, Falco…"

FIN

A/N: I felt I needed to end on a humorous moment there. Damn that Falco!

I can't believe I finished a story over four chapters. I struggle so much with multiple chapter stories to finish them so I'm really glad I was able to finish this one. Originally, I did have a few more chapter in mind that would have lengthened the story but after thinking about it, it would have taken away from the main point of the story which was Krystal adjusting to this life and her relationship with the crew and especially Fox.

I would very much like to thank everyone who followed/favorite this story and left reviews. I didn't think it was my best story, I still don't think that but I worked hard on it and it's nice to see it didn't go unnoticed. Big thanks to all those who left me constructive criticisms and pointers. I really wish those had been pointed out to me years ago but better late than never I suppose. I'll be sure to follow those advices in future stories.

Well, there she is. If you've read this story all in one sitting, you should probably go outside now and get some fresh air. It's summer, baby! Hope you all have a good one and I'll have some new stuff up soon!

Cya!