Author's Note

This may be a one-shot or perhaps a mini-series (three to five chapters) not sure yet. Was inspired by the holiday season as well as the song Never Be Alone – Tasty Release (TheFatRat)

X

Every year near the end this part of Corneria City was covered in snow, and years ago Fox welcomed this cold experience with open arms as it was always a time of joy, family, friends, and love. However in recent years pass he's treated it differently. Life is full of up's and down's, and one season could bring about two different outcomes. Some good, and some bad. To some the winter holidays brings cheers and excitement to some, and nothing but sorrow and pain to others.

Fox was somewhere in between, as five years ago soon in the next coming days marks the anniversary of the most beautiful, but also one of the most painful days in his life. His only son was turning five this year, and part of him was happy and excited at how fast his kit was growing up. However another part of him, the part that his son Mark does not yet understand was filled with heartache, tears, and pain. About five years ago Fara Phoenix, the love of his life, passed away in childbirth. He received a great blessing and great sorrow in the same day, his son was born, and his wife paid for their son's life with her own. It was a hard lesson to teach, Mark was still very young, and did not fully grasp the concept of death yet. Such things should not be told to such innocent years. In time he would learn that his mother loved him very much, even as she gave her last breath to give him life. In time Fox would tell his son about his mother. He had mentioned things before, such as who she was, what she looked like, and her undying love for her son that she barely got to see.

But to ever talk about her was near impossible for Fox. He missed her so much, he missed her to this very day and always would miss her. He understood that it was not her choice to leave them, as those above decided it was her time to go for mysteries unknown to the vulpine father. But that didn't make it any easier, balancing out being a father and grieving for his past wife all alone. Mark had little family as it was, both Fox and Fara's parents had both passed, and the vulpine felt it was unfair his only mother to be taken from him as well. Before they even got to truly get to know one another.

But unknown to his father, Mark wished that those above would send him another mother to call mommy. He knew he was loved, but it was difficult for a child to understand why his mother wasn't present. As his friends and peers always ran to their two parents, whenever Mark looked back his father always stood alone and it made him sad. Fox had told him several times that his mother loved him very much, and by the way daddy always talked about it and cried as he did so, it was sure to be true. However although children never forget, they can tend to accept what is sooner and easier than their adult counterparts. Life as a child is simpler, Mark knows Fara loved him with all her fiber and being, but he was ready to call someone else his mommy, something Fox had been trying to cope with and do for his son, but always failed to do so. Perhaps this year would be different, maybe Mark would find a mom that could love him and his dad.

X

The young kit of light brown fur looked out the window of the two story suburban home he shared with his father, as snowflakes fell to the ground in massive amounts. It wondered and excited him as he let out small sounds of fascination as he watched them. Christmas had already passed and although it was fun to see those he called family and receive many presents from those who loved him, he was most excited for his birthday in just the next few days as everybody celebrates the last day of the year and bring on the New Year. Mark was always a little sad that he never got to celebrate his birthday in school like some of his friends, but his father told him to look at the bright side; that everybody in the system celebrates his birthday that day. After hearing that he could care less about celebrating his birthday in school where there would be cake and cupcakes to share with all his classmates, it seemed so small in comparison to the system celebrating the day for him. The minds of wonder of children.

He wanted to go out and play in the snow, but his father was attending matters at hand and promised him he would go out and play with him after he was done. As Mark watched the snow in his pajamas Fox sat at the kitchen table, paying bills and waiting for dinner to cook as well. Although it was difficult to get through the days this time of year, he was trying to be strong for his son. He missed her so much, he could only wonder if she was still watching over them.

"Dad." Fox quickly wiped away some of his tears as he turned around to meet his son, a small smile and his eyes a little scratchy red. "Can we go outside soon?"

"Okay Mark, do you want dinner first? Remember we are going shopping tonight for a few things for daddies and your friends."

"I'm okay, let's go play!"

"Okay honey just hold on a few more minutes." Mark did as his father said and went back into the room, Fox breathing easy as he tried to not cry in front of his son. Not that it would give Mark some kind of principle that men didn't cry, but it's not what Fara would have wanted he felt. He should be happy that his son was growing up so fast, but this time of the year was always hard for this single father. Fox finished paying his bills electrically as well as let the strew simmer and cool down as it was, turning off the heat and grabbing his winter coat. He helped Mark get dressed in his winter clothes over his pajamas as they went outside, instantly feeling the blast of icy cold in their heated faces.

For the next thirty minutes the two played in the snow as more kept falling down from the sky. They rebuilt their snowman, made snow angels, and made soft and little snowballs to throw at one another as the two laughed and giggled. Mark asked Fox to close his eyes and sit down, and although his bottom was becoming soaked and wet, he did as he was asked. Mark had gathered around a large amount of snow into a large fluffy ball and smashed it on top of his father's head, as Fox quickly shook the flakes away and picked up his son and the two shared a laugh.

"My aren't you two just adorable together." Fox heard as he looked in the direction of just who they were waiting on. Katt Monroe stood a few feet away from father and son as they looked to her with happy smiles, one that matched her own. "Hello Fox."

"Hey Katt." Fox walked up to his longtime feline friend as the three shared a nice embrace. Katt took Mark from his father's hands as she bounced the happy kit around, he was surely happy to see his aunt Katt.

"Hey Mark, are you having a good day? Are you being a good boy for your daddy?"

"Yea!" The child agreed happily.

"Good, because remember now your birthday is just a few days away, and if you're a naughty little boy than that means you can't open a present early."

"I know." He said so cutely Katt thought, she would love it if he was her child. "I've been a really good boy."

"Well your daddy will be the judge of that." Katt looked to the vulpine dad as she bounced the child lovingly, as his smile grew as well with her own.

"He's been good, but he has a few days left so we'll see if he stays good."

"You heard your daddy Mark, are you ready to go shopping?"

"Yea! You're coming with us right auntie Katt?"

"Of course honey!"

X

The three had spent some time in the mall, Fox doing last minute gift exchange shopping for his group of friends he called family. Katt as well needed to get a few last minute things for the gift exchange as well as some things for her own home. Mark was happy to spend time with the two adults, and as he looked at how the two talked he always smiled wide. Although Mark was young he was a very perceptive and observative child. Even he could see the twinkle in the eyes of Fox and Katt when they spoke to one another and spent time with one another. As the three were walking through the mall, one of Mark's hands in Fox's and another in Katt's, Fox stopped them as he stood outside a sportswear store.

"Okay this is the last stop, I'm getting something for Peppy's daughter Lucy." Fox let go of the kit's hand and looked toward his feline friend. "Could you watch Mark? Maybe get him something to eat or so?"

"Sure thing Fox."

"Great, I won't be gone long." Fox kneeled down to his son's height as he grasped Katt's hand tighter. It's not that he didn't mind being alone with Katt, but just like any young, small child they always wanted to be with their parents.

"You be a good boy for auntie Katt okay Mark? If you are we'll get a treat before we leave."

"Okay!" Fox kissed his son's forehead as he stood back up and looked back to Katt. "I won't be long."

"Take your time." Katt reassured them as the two had the same look in their eye's again. Mark noticed this as he showed a wide grin. Fox departed looking for a few things as Katt looked down to the small child, noticing right away about his happy wide grin.

"You look very happy Mark."

"I am!"

"Well your daddy said we would have to wait until we had a treat…But your auntie Katt has a bad sweet tooth. We should attend to that shouldn't we?" Mark's eyes went bright as the feline spoke and smiled to the boy. This was another part he loved about his aunt, she had a tendency to not break the rules, just bend them.

"Yea!"

"Alright then!" She was equally as excited as him as Katt picked up the young kit and held him comfortably in her arms. She went right for the food court as they had a multiple number of things that children love but definitely shouldn't have due to sugar rushes and the rotting of small teeth.

"What are you in the mood for Mark? Your aunt just wants something sweet, it doesn't matter what it is."

"Ice-cream!"

"Are you sure now?" She talked cute to the kit. "Once we get it there's no changing your mind, you'll have to eat what you chose."

"Yea!"

"Alright ice-cream it is!" Katt walked to the ice-cream parlor that was in the mall as she got them each a single scoop serving over a waffle cone. Katt always had a liking for mint ice-cream, even when she was younger it always put her in a good mood. Mark like any child his age loved chocolate, and went for the double-fudge chocolate chip and brownie chunk swirl. The two sat at a table, and Katt went to go get a booster seat for the small child, it was a bit too small for him but he was also thin enough to fit into it comfortably.

"So Mark is there anything cool you are hoping to get for your birthday? A playset or a video game you want?"

"I don't know." The small child sounded not only confused but also a little saddened as Katt picked up.

"Well, what are you wanting for your birthday? Your aunt Katt can talk to your daddy and see if she can use some of her magic to sway him in her way." Katt got the young boy to smile again as he looked at her with pensive eyes. She could only guess what kind of ideas a five year old boy could come up with, but for some reason she took his look in a strange kind of way.

"Auntie Katt can you be my mommy?" The question came out of nowhere as the feline was embarrassed. Her cheeks went a shy red and she was speechless for a moment.

"You…want me to be your mommy Mark?" She couldn't believe she was having this conversation with a five year old.

"Yea! That's what I really want for my birthday is a mommy! You and daddy spend a lot of time together, so can you?"

"Mark I-" Katt didn't know what to say, hell what could she say that was easy enough to understand for a five year old but was gentle enough to not hurt his feelings? Katt stopped right there for a moment, as she took the young kit from his booster seat, and the two ate their treats in her lap as she held him close to her heart. He looked up to her with wondering eyes, the same color as his father's as Katt gave him a small smile.

"Mark I can love you like a mommy." Katt stopped for a moment as she set her treat on a napkin and took the kit in both of her arms. "I can play with you like a mommy." She scratched the young kit's ears with one hand and ticked his small stomach with another, getting a mixture of laughs and giggles from the actions. She made sure to have him look at her straight in the eyes, as her smile grew smaller.

"But Mark, I can't be your mommy."

"How come?" He looked sad which made Katt's heart break a little. She loved this little kit sitting in her lap, and she could only hope for a child as wonderful as he was when that time came for the feline. But of course it was a lot more complicated under the surface than a child could understand.

"It's hard to explain Mark. You see I love your daddy, he's your aunt's best friend, but I'm not in love with your daddy Mark."

"But…You love my daddy but you don't love my daddy?"

"Like I said Mark, it's a little hard to explain. You see the type of love a mommy and daddy need to have to have someone as wonderful as you, goes farther than the type of love I share with your daddy. When you have a mommy again, you'll know what I mean. She will love you and your daddy more than I ever could."

"But…You and daddy spend so much time together!"

"Yes…We do Mark." Katt only agreed with the child, her heart starting to beat a little faster.

"And you sleep with daddy in the same bed don't you?" Katt's eyes went wide as she feared for whoever was listening right around the corner. Nothing could be more embarrassing than this as Katt's cheeks burned even more red.

"Y-You see Mark, your daddy is kind of a lonely man. Sometimes I spend the night with him to give him…company."

"Because he's lonely?"

"Yes Mark. That and your auntie Katt is a little lonely too." Katt smiled as she held the child close, not even caring that some of his ice-cream was getting onto her sweater. She didn't know how Mark knew about the night's she and Fox shared sometimes, but at this point it didn't really matter, he didn't really understand what she meant anyway.

"So if you're both lonely why don't you always spend time together?"

"There have been times your daddy and I wanted to Mark." Katt admitted to the small child as she gently patted his head, and was in deep thought as she stared at nothing in particular. It had been years since last Katt heard from Falco. They were constantly on again off again, but it never lasted this long. She heard rumors that he had a new girlfriend, and so Katt could only speculate that their relationship was over.

Around this time is when Fara died, and Katt being Fox's eldest friend naturally went to comfort the stricken with grief vulpine father. She had been there when she was lowered six feet under, and when he wept at Fara's gravestone. But she was there for him as a friend, not as a new love, it was much too soon after all. Over this past year did Fox and Katt grow closer together, as he often invited her over for dinner, as well as babysitting Mark when he had to work late or to spend time together as the two. She never really thought of Fox in that kind of light however. They had been friends for as long as one could be, since early childhood and teenage years. Katt had never really thought about it, but now that Mark was presenting this idea to her…She had to admit it was enticing, and something she wouldn't mind to pursue. But there was always a reason why it wouldn't work out.

"But they just didn't work out." It was too soon for the vulpine dad. Fox and Fara were practically inseparable once they met in their early adult years. They weren't together long before they announced they were engaged. It was love at first sight, and they wed quickly. That's why it couldn't work out between Fox and Katt. Although Fara is gone physically, she wasn't gone from Fox's mind and heart. The scar that had been left with her death had not healed, and maybe it would never heal. He never let another woman get so close to him after her death, Katt was the very first since the fennec's passing. He hadn't been with another woman except the feline since she died. Katt knew what kind of trust was needed in able for that to happen, and part of her did not want to try and cross that line on a more permanent aspect.

But on the other hand…part of her did. She was starting to get older, nowhere near the age of being classified as 'old' but to the point she had better start thinking about finding someone to share a house, family, and life with. If she was going to settle down with somebody, Fox would be the most likely and favorable candidate at this time…As well as the only one. Katt was also quite reserved with her relationships, as Fox was the first she had since Falco. He was handsome and kind, and he had the most adorable child Katt had ever seen. She remembers the day he was born, she expected to hear great news, but instead heard of great sorrow as Fox cried on her shoulder for what seemed hours after Fara's passing.

"I guess it doesn't have to be you…but you spend a lot of time with daddy so that's why I was wanting you to be my mommy!" Mark said with excitement as he finished the last of his ice-cream, getting it and his slobber quite everywhere as Katt laughed. She reached for a napkin to wipe the child's face, holding his face with one hand and cleaning it with another. Something strange boiled up inside Katt at that moment, as she looked to the child with pensive eyes as she wiped his face clean, almost envisioning that he could be her child. Her heart warmed as Mark smiled up to her, and Katt gave him a kiss on the top of his head.

"Hey I'm back." Fox returned to the two as Mark sat in Katt's lap. He took note of her blush and gave her a questioning look. "You okay? You look a little warm."

"Huh? Yea it's a bit warm in here."

"You feeling alright?"

"Yea I'm fine." Katt said a little too quickly as Fox didn't say anything about the treats the two were having. Mark gave a small yawn as it was getting late, and Fox took him into his hands out of Katt's lap. The two walked back toward his vehicle as they readied to depart the mall. Katt never said it…But she liked having Mark so close to her. The more she thought about it, the more she contemplated Mark's birthday wish.

X

The two entered Fox and Mark's home quietly as he had fallen asleep on the trip back home. The vulpine dad turned toward his feline friend as he smiled.

"Thanks for spending time with us tonight Katt." He whispered quietly as she only smiled back.

"You're welcome Fox. I had a good time and got some things done myself."

"Mark always says he loves having you around." Fox started to head down the hallway for the young kit's room as Katt's cheeks heated again. It seemed as though Mark had thought about this idea for quite a while before he verbally asked the feline about it. She sat on the couch unzipping her jacket and closing her eyes, a bit sleepy as well as she just waited for the vulpine to return. A few moments later he came back into the living room, and joined his feline friend as the two sat on the couch together.

"Mark really likes having you over."

"I know he does…We had a very…Interesting conversation while you were gone." Katt admitted as she sat up and looked to the vulpine daddy.

"About what?"

"It's amazing what he's aware about as a five year old."

"He's a smart kid…So what is it something important or something secretive to him?"

"No…Not really. He just told me what we wanted for his birthday."

"And what is that exactly." Fox asked curiously as he looked toward his friend. That's just it though, Katt was his friend and his friend only. She didn't know what to do at this point, she was nervous and scared. But what if it was just holding her back? What if Fox had been headed in the same direction as herself as well? It was now or never.

"Fox. Forgive me if this sounds insensitive, but have you ever thought about that Mark is growing up without someone to call his mom?" The question hit Fox hard, as he broke the eye contact and let out his breath. He knew in time this would come. To Fox their time spent together was definitely meaningful, and relieving in multiple ways. But he didn't really view it as something that would go on any further than what it was. There was some feeling and emotion, but a larger portion of it was just physical attachment.

"I think about it every day Katt. It makes me sad knowing that Mark doesn't have his mother around to watch him grow up. She's gone, I know that. But she isn't gone from my heart."

"I know." They held hands as Katt now regretted her choice. He was just in too fragile of a position right now as he shed a few small tears. He was embarrassed and ashamed. Fox had a beautiful young women sitting in front of him, who wanted to be closer to not only him but his son. She was everything Mark asked for and everything Fox needed, whether he wanted to believe it or not. But her memory held him and his heart back. They say time heals all wounds, but time can also prevent other events from occurring if they aren't seized when the time is right.

"I know Mark needs a mother to help him guide his way as he grows up, I know that. I know that he suffers even when he doesn't show it from his mother not being around. But Katt…" Fox trailed off as he broke the eye contact, and let the tears fall down. "I don't know. I just don't know Katt, and that isn't fair to you."

"I'm sorry Fox." She took the gentlemen into her arms as he sobbed quietly to keep his son from waking up. Katt loved him, but she was just as unsure as he was. Would things work out? Would Mark ever accept her as a mother as he surely would have accepted Fara? Could their relationship ever be more than it is? Katt didn't know. She loved him, but she just didn't know as well. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked. It's just what Mark asked and…To be honest I have thought about it a few times."

"I know Katt." Fox regained his composure as the two held their hands together, and smiled as they looked toward one another. "I appreciate everything you've done for us…done for me. I know I need a change but…I just don't know if I'm ready for it."

"I understand Fox. I really do. I know it's not something I should push and shove into your life." The two stood up together as she still held his hands, and her cheeks blushed. "I don't know what we will be in the future or if we will ever be anything closer. But just know that whatever it is…I will always love you the way I do now."

"I know." Fox nodded. "I love you too Katt."

"And I'll always love and be there for Mark. Whether that's as his aunt…or as his mom."

"Surely you could find someone who doesn't have children yet. You're still young, have got a good amount of years before you have children of your own."

"I know. But that doesn't mean I'm not ready to start having children either. Whether they are mine or not." The two smiled as they shared a loving embrace.

"I just…need some time Katt."

"Take all the time you need Fox. Whatever your answer is, I'll accept it don't worry about that."

"I know." He gave her a peck on her cheek as Katt smiled. She looked down to their single hands interlocked together, then back up to him as she smiled.

"So…do you need some company tonight?"

"Company as in…or company like…" He didn't finish either of his statements, Katt only got close to his face as they looked into one another's eyes.

"Whatever you want Fox."

"I-I think I'll be okay."

"Okay." Katt only agreed with the vulpine as she gave him a kiss on the cheek, and let their hands go. "Goodnight Fox."

"Goodnight Katt." He walked her out and watched her go into the darkened night and closed the door behind her. Fox stood there for several moments just leaning up against the door frame. He didn't know what was wrong with him, he had a beautiful and faithful woman longing to be with him, and he just couldn't do it. He knew he should have been happy to find someone else to love, and someone to love Mark as well as he grew up. Surely Fara would be happy if Fox found someone else to love and to know he still loved her after all these years. But it was a lot harder than he ever thought possible.

Fox was about to head to bed, that is until he stopped to look at his screen on the kitchen table that was still sitting there waiting for him to be at it once again. He had left it that way after he was doing paying bills and Katt had come over for their trip to go shopping at the mall. Fox sat back down quickly searching for nothing in particular, just a place to get away.

"I have to get away, Mark and I need to leave for a while. Every year just can't be the same…" He said sadly to himself, not wanting to keep continuing on with this lifestyle. He knew it wasn't healthy, far from it but he didn't know what he could do either. He loved Fara, there was just no easy way to give her up before he could move on with another mate such as Katt. If nothing else Fox just didn't want to be in the city, he didn't want to be in the cold with a cold heart during this time of the New Year and Mark's birthday. That's when he stumbled upon a possible answer.

"What's this?" Fox read it quietly to himself, line by line as the resort went into and described its content and advertising points. "Beachfront view? Massage? Spa?" Then he looked for the most important checkmark needed if he was to go on some kind of tropical vacation for him and Mark. He smiled once he found his answer.

"Kid's theme park and activities nearby." Fox then knew what he had to do. He couldn't repeat this spiraling of events year after year, he needed to get away somewhere even if just for a little while. With a few clicks and half a second of pondering if this was the right thing to do which it was were the tickets purchased and the resort room booked for their stay.

There was no turning back, especially since these tickets were non-refundable. It was decided and he couldn't wait to tell Mark the news. That this year they would spend New Years and his birthday somewhere where it wasn't cold or snowy, but somewhere full of warm sun, ocean views, and the relaxing sand. They would spend the next few days at the beach.

Author's Note

Mini-series I thought about doing. Expect somewhere from 3-8 chapters and it will be done. I'm on winter break and now in the writing mood so expect updates for this and a few of my other stories.

I know I should be updating other works but, you know what I do what I want! Don't tell me how to run my Fanfic Life!

Take it easy, Zythxx