Happy new year everyone!

What better way is there to start the year than with some fluffy romance between our favourite Star Fox pairing? Just a heads up, chapter 3 is the smut chapter, so avoid that one if it ain't your thing. But if you're here for precisely that, then there you go! Feel free to look forward to that; though, y'know, feel free to stick around and read the fluff that leads up to that chapter ;)

Regardless, here's hoping to a good 2018, and please enjoy the story! :D

"Look, I know it's probably a bit late to be saying this, and I know I said I'd be on Corneria, but..."

"...Can't make it, huh?"

The avian merely gave a grunt of confirmation, causing Fox to sigh. "It's fine Falco... just give my regards to Katt, wish her a happy new year and all."

"Wha- how did you even...?"

Fox laughed, wishing he could see Falco's dumbstruck expression. "I guess I must know you better than you think, huh?"

"Pft, t'was probably just a lucky guess is all." The smile on Fox's muzzle stretched slightly in response, before slowly waning.

A beat of silence passed, creating an air of discomfort for both members of the call, given the realization that neither had anything left to say.

"Well, catch ya in the new year sometime."

"Yeah, you too." Ending the call, Fox clenched the pillow closer to his chest, staring blankly up at the ceiling.

Minutes passed, with no movements being made as memories of a few days prior flashed through his mind; his first Christmas since his dad's passing had left him with a bittersweet longing. And though Peppy was kind enough to let Fox spend it with his own family, they only helped to alienate him further.

His mind was overcome with memories of years past that could never be relived, which reinforced his current feelings of loneliness.

With a frustrated huff, he'd made up his mind. Determinedly pushing himself off the couch and dropping the pillow, Fox grabbed his scarf and jacket before heading out the door.

Stepping outside into the frigid winter air, he stood just passed the door frame and practically glared at the overcast sky, seemingly just as miserable as he was feeling.

'Could be worse… could be snowing, or hailing…' he grumbled to himself beginning to walk down the driveway and onto the footpath. Tucking his tail close and pocketing his hands, he began the trek away from his home, his destination being anywhere to take his mind off of things.

When the cold managed to pierce his jacket and short fur, he shivered. Wondering what the hell he was doing out here, he nearly considered heading back, before remembering there was nobody waiting for him there.

A pang of loneliness hit him, and he sighed. 'They're all having a good time on their own, the least I could do is be happy for them.'

As much as he wanted to believe his own words, this only made him feel worse.

He shook his mind clear of the unwanted feelings and pressed forward, increasing his pace determinedly.

Shivering as another frigid gust hit him, Fox pulled his scarf higher, in an attempt to cover his chin and contain what little warmth he had left.

Fox had initially planned to spend the evening somewhere fairly distant from his home, in order to stay slightly more anonymous and avoid the inevitable cluster fuck that comes with his "fame". Though this was not to be.

Around half an hour had passed, and with the temperature dropping as the sun set, he'd had enough and settled for just heading to the next bar he saw.

Despite feeling a slight hesitance at the look of the place, upon pushing the door open Fox was relieved to feel the refreshing warmth that meant it at least had heating. Shutting it behind him, he took a moment to casually observe the establishment.

Though fairly rudimentary, it had a somewhat rustic feel to it. Classic pastime entertainment such as pool tables and dart boards were in their own area off to the side, populated with several rowdy customers.

Looked like a good enough place to spend the evening, he decided. Although his entry did arouse several curious glances from patrons, which was off-putting to say the least.

This sentiment increased tenfold when he had to do a double take; recognising the single eyed glare of his rival some ways off.

'Aw hell…'

He made his way to the bartender, making a conscious effort to not return any looks.

Slipping into a stool, he adjusted his scarf yet again, before looking up. The bartender, obviously recognising him, rose a single brow wordlessly asking for his order.

Only now realising how out of his element he felt, Fox quickly tried to recall what little alcohol lingo he knew from his time spent knowing Falco.

"Uh, half pint of Bulmers, with ice." He felt a wash of relief when the bartender nodded and moved away to grab a glass. Though this did not last long, as the prior mentioned rival chose this moment to sit himself in the chair adjacent to him.

"Cider? Why am I not surprised, pup." came the voice he had come to loathe hearing over the comms during the war; deep and intimidatingly rough, with a hint of an accent he couldn't quite place.

That aside, Fox suppressed a growl and glanced to his side at Wolf. "The hell are you doing here Wolf?"

He gestured to his raised bottle. "Drinking. What does it look like?"

"Funny. Should I be worried why you're sitting there?" Fox scoffed, eyes narrowing.

"I'm here for the same reason as you, pup." Receiving a questioning look, Wolf elaborated. "We're all here just because it's a depressing as shit time of the year for us. Judging by your presence, I'd say it's the same for you. Am I right?"

Not wanting to confirm his rival's frustratingly accurate suspicion, Fox chose to withhold commenting, instead choosing to pick up the glass recently placed in front of him, making a pointed effort to show he wasn't in the mood-

"With ice though, really? What a waste. You know it just dilutes-"

"Maybe I don't want to get drunk off my ass in a room full of criminals, did that thought ever occur to you?" Fox snapped at his rival, patience running thin.

While he intended this to dissuade Wolf, all he got in response was a raised brow and condescending whistle, which only added to his growing frustration.

"Chill pup, seriously." Wolf took a swig of his beer, breaking eye contact to stare distantly straight ahead. "Nobody here is enough of a git to pull something like that here tonight. Honestly, it's probably the safest time of the year to be here."

That made Fox pause. "What do you mean?"

"There's enough mutual respect among us, and we're all here 'cause we want to be able to celebrate the occasion with others, if only for a few days. If anyone was stupid enough to try something, they'd be dead in an instant for lack of honour."

Wolf gestured to the inside of his jacket, more specifically to the pistol holstered within. "And I ain't the only one with a firearm, believe me."

Fox paled; of course he was smart enough to bring his blaster, but that was safely tucked away in the holster on his upper leg, not exactly the quickest place to draw a gun from should the situation arise; something he'd only just realised now.

Wolf studied Fox briefly, before he dropped his jacket flap and returned to resting his arms on the counter. "So if you want to avoid causing a scene, then order something more manly and join in the celebrations."

If Fox hadn't finished his glass, he'd have probably done a spit take at that. "W-wah?"

Wolf shrugged, standing to his feet. "The more the merrier as they say, 'sides it's only for a few days. Think of it as a temporary ceasefire between us."

And with that, he left to return to mingling with the other patrons.

Fox sat there a moment, contemplating Wolf's offer. 'Did he seriously…? There's no way this is a good idea…'

Thoughts of returning to an empty house briefly flashed through his head. 'Only for a few days, huh… why the hell not?'

He ordered another cider, though a full pint this time. Upon receiving the beverage, he cautiously walked over towards the group including Wolf, glass in hand. Noticing his approach, Wolf grinned and gestured for Fox to stand alongside him.

"About time you showed up McCloud. Though I see you've stuck with the apple juice…"

Slightly unsettled by his grin, Fox gestured towards the beer in the other's hand. "Yeah well, cider's the only drink that doesn't make me gag… Can't stand stuff like beer." Muttering the last part to himself, shuffling awkwardly.

'Way to go Fox, you already sound like a little kit…'

After receiving no response, he looked that Wolf appeared to be sizing him up, he put on his serious face and did the same, not wanting to back up from the challenge.

'...dang, he's a lot bigger up close then he looked over the feed in the Arwing…' he realised.

Apparently having come to a similar conclusion, his rival snickered. "You're smaller than you look on telly, pup. Did you know that?"

Fox glowered at him and settled for flipping him off, much to the amusement of Wolf.

The others in the group prior to Fox's intrusion were watching on in amusement, and laughing along; much to his surprise. He was used to everyone treating him either as great hero, or a pampered newbie to the mercenary circle.

The lack of judgement was strange, to say the least. Not entirely an unpleasant change though.

"So, is everyone... are these guys also, uh... 'in the business'?" making air quotes at the last part, causing Wolf to snicker.

"Holy fuck pup, you sound like such a dork." Fox's face flushed in embarrassment, though he still managed to send Wolf a glare.

"You'll have to be more specific: are they what, criminals? Mercs?"

Fox confirmed with a nod, not quite trusting his voice.

"Not all, but most here are in some form or another. Through the rest are just sad individuals like us."

One of the others chimed in. "If we weren't, we wouldn't be drinking at a bar right after Christmas."

Fox nodded solemnly. "...Right."

Reinstating conversation with various other members, Wolf continued to drink and socialise.

Though Fox felt compelled to participate, he was still trying to make sense of the whole situation. Not to mention how out of his element he felt.

This continued for long enough that Fox's drink was emptied, despite trying to make it last. Silently excusing himself, he paced up to the counter, contemplating whether to call it here or not.

Though it seemed he wouldn't get the option, as his attention was grabbed when a bottle was placed adjacent to his own empty glass. Looking to his side he saw Wolf, who proceeded to order another beer.

A moment of awkward silence passed, neither making the effort to converse. A sigh later, and Wolf slapped Fox on the back, knocking the air out of him and causing him to stumble slightly. "You need to relax McCloud. You can let your guard down for one night, seriously."

Fox shuffled nervously, avoiding eye contact. "...just still not used to this whole, thing..."

Wolf rose a brow. "What, is it your first time drinking? Not entirely a surprise… especially considering your pitiful choice of beverage." Once again pointedly glancing at Fox's choice in drink.

"I already said that I don't like any others."

Wolf gave him a dubious look. "You ever actually tried anything else?"

"Of course I have! A few years ago when Falco brought some-" being interrupted when Wolf scoffed.

"That was years ago; taste buds change pup. Here-" his rival shoved a fresh bottle into his view "-try some."

Sceptical, Fox tried to gauge Wolf's face for deceit, finding nothing but his casual grin. "…How do I know this ain't spiked or whatever?"

Wolf rolled his eyes and lifted the bottle to his own muzzle, taking a swig and pointedly swallowing, before offering the bottle again. "That proof enough for ya?"

Fox kept eye contact and narrowed his eyes. Not wanting to appear weak before his rival, he snatched the offered drink. Swishing it around slightly, he mimicked Wolf's action; only to perform a literal spit take, gagging and coughing at the potent taste.

Regaining his breath, Fox glared at the wolf howling with laughter. "You- you ass! You were expecting that, weren't you!?"

Struggling to reign in his laughter, Wolf put on an innocent face. "What, me? Innocent until proven guilty, pup."

Wiping his muzzle on a sleeve, Fox snarled. "How about the fact that you looked ready to bolt, the moment I grabbed the bottle; yeah I caught that, you asshole."

A somewhat maniacal grin spread across Wolf's muzzle, as he cackled with laughter. "Not my fault it's obvious you can't hold your liquor, it was too easy of an opening to pass up McCloud!"

Trying to appear intimidating and serious, Fox continued the glare; locking his eyes with the other's single eye.

However being somewhat intoxicated made this nearly impossible, as the two of them shortly burst out into laughter, drawing a few glances.

Brushing a tear from his eye, Fox attempted to calm his laughing. Wolf having regained his composure sooner, slapped a hand on his shoulder. "That's more like it pup!"

"How can you drink that disgusting crap?"

Wolf shrugged. "Cuz I'm a man? Besides, nobody drinks beer for the taste, McCloud. Speaking of which, we were gonna play a game of darts, with cash on the line to make things interesting. You in?"

Fox paused and cocked his head. "I dunno, haven't played darts before…"

"We'll do best out of five." Seeing the younger mercenary was still uncertain, he gave a small grin. "Besides, the others are well over the limit, so they won't be a challenge at all. And you shouldn't have to worry, if your hand to eye coordination even remotely translates from your precision in the air, this should be a piece of cake for you."

'Was that… a legitimate compliment? From Wolf, of all people?' Tickled pink, Fox couldn't back down now.

"Sure then, but I hope you realise I'm never gonna let you live that compliment down." Fox answered with a grin of his own, widening when Wolf's smirk immediately drained from his face.

"I mean, I ain't gonna deny you're a damn talented pilot McCloud. And this ain't just the alcohol talking."

Fox looked at him in surprise.

Wolf shuffled, adjusting his eyepatch. "I mean, to be able to go up against me and survive, let alone win, you've gotta be pretty dang good… Especially for a little newbie like you."

'…little newbie? That's a new one…' Fox pondered this for a moment, wondering how to reply to the backhanded compliment.

"I do think most of it - in the war, I mean - was just luck, or adrenaline, honestly…" he nervously fiddled with his scarf, face beginning to look downcast. "I mean, I don't have that much experience... outside of academy and lessons to be honest..."

"Bullshit pup, you've got talent. Stop being an overly humble arse, and just accept the fucking compliment." Wolf finished, avoiding eye contact, and… blushing? Must just be the alcohol.

Stretching his arms over his head, Wolf proceeded to stand and began walking off. "Now grab a drink and head on over to the dart board."

Momentarily pausing mid step, Wolf turned his head back towards Fox, cocky smirk just visible on his muzzle. "And make sure you bring your wallet for when you lose; in cash mind you."

Fox smirked, rising to the challenge. "Oh yeah? How do you know the 'little newbie' won't beat you again?"

"Beginner's luck can only take you so far, pup!" Wolf barked out a laugh, before turning away and walking off towards the others. Fox laughing too, soon followed suit.

After being given the rundown of the rules, Fox was surprised to admit that Wolf was right. All it took was a few trial shots, and Fox had gotten the hang of it.

Before long, both he and Wolf were well ahead of the majority, much to the frustrations of the others in the game.

"Come on man, he's gotta be cheating! Look, he's only on his third glass! I'm calling unfair advantage!"

Fox smirked as one of the others in the group finally surrendered. "Shouldn't have made the bet in the first place then."

Though his eyes remained on Wolf, who was the only opponent to worry about at this point of the game; as Wolf mentioned, the rest were properly munted and could barely throw straight enough to hit the board, let alone score well.

Taking a moment to observe him, Fox noticed he was standing at a slight offset to the left of the board. 'To compensate for his eye.' he determined.

Now that he actually thinks about it, Wolf is really the one who deserves the compliments. Being a decent pilot with no depth perception was one hell of a bragging right after all.

Not that Fox would admit it to his face of course.

Cheers erupted around him, breaking him from his thoughts. He looked around to see the cause. 'Wait, he won!? ...Got 60 on the last throw, as if…'

Wolf practically drank in the cheers, arms raised in victory. He caught Fox's eyes, and walked over to him, holding out a hand to Fox when he was close enough.

"Good game Wolf." Fox reluctantly admit, grasping and shaking the offered hand. "Looks like you finally found something you can beat me at."

Wolf smirked. "I wasn't asking for a handshake McCloud; pay up."

"Wow, rude much? Fine…" reaching into his wallet, Fox pulled out the cash and slapped it into the awaiting palm.

As Wolf began collecting from the others, Fox grabbed his empty glass and made his way back to the counter. 'It's probably about time I head off.'

Approaching the bartender, Fox opened his wallet again. "I'll leave it there, how much?"

The bartender took his glass and tallied up his drinks. "Thirty eight."

Fox, realising he gave the last of his cash to Wolf, pulls out his card, though the bartender stopped him midway. "Don't accept cards here, too easy to fake 'em lately."

Fox blanched upon hearing this. "Oh… uh, put it on my tab…?"

The bartender's eyes narrowed, arms crossed. "Tabs are for regulars only."

Fox paled, beginning to sweat. 'Shit, what do I do now?'

He panicked, as memories of drunken stories heheard from Falco flooded his mind. Most of which involved him laughing at bartenders beating the shit out of cheapskates.

His thoughts were interrupted when a hand was placed on his shoulder, yet again. "Hey man, I'll pay for him."

Fox glanced up, heart skipping a beat at Wolf's close proximity. "...Wolf?"

Pocketing the change, the larger man waved a goodbye to the bartender and led Fox towards the door, hand not leaving his shoulder.

Once they were out on the footpath, Fox absently noted it had begun to snow at some time during the evening. He sighed and spoke up. "Thanks for that, Wolf…"

Receiving no response, Fox panicked thinking of something to say.

"Heh heh, I try not to carry too much cash on hand, you know... being a popular target and all… so uh, you were a lifesaver back there-"

"I don't do charity pup. You owe me now."

Looking at the adjacent figure, lights from above casting shadows across his face, Fox couldn't quite tell if he was being serious.

Though the tightened grip on his shoulder wasn't exactly reassuring.

Being lead down dark streets by Wolf to who knows where, panic began to rise in Fox; blisteringly cold winds and snow certainly not helping the situation.

Wandering between light and shadow as street lamps passed overhead, panicked thoughts ran through his head.

Where was he being lead?

What was Wolf going to do with him?

Though most of all, he berated himself for letting his guard down.

Not being able to deal with the uncertainty any longer, he stopped.

When Wolf halted too, Fox spoke, distress lacing his speech.

"What- what do you want from me Wolf? Where are you taking me!?" Ready to reach for his leg holster; his hand was shaking from more than just the cold. "Is… is this the part where you mug me, or kill me?"

At first he got no visible reaction.

But shortly after, Wolf dropped his hand off Fox's shoulder, and balled it up at his side. "Is that all you think of me, McCloud?"

The older canine turned to face Fox head on, whose face morphed into one of regret, a harsh twist building in his stomach.

Wolf's broad form silhouetted against the streetlights behind him, snow cascading upon his shoulders and head. Though in complete contrast his intimidating appearance, he looked visibly hurt by Fox's accusation.

The image of the other man stuck in his mind, much to his own confusion. Yet, Fox no longer felt the previous fear or uncertainty. Instead, he only felt guilt.

"I- I'm sorry… I don't know much about- you know? I'm not really used to this whole thing, and…" realising he was mumbling, he stopped himself, gaze wondering to the floor.

There was a moment where neither spoke.

Looking away, Wolf kicked at the snow on the path, mumbling to himself. "Why would I want to ruin a perfectly good evening like that..."

Fox's eyes shot up in surprise towards the other figure upon hearing this.

A frigid gust swept through, causing Fox to wince as he clenched his eyes shut, visibly quivering from the cold wind piercing his jacket.

His eyes snapped back open when he felt something drape over his shoulders. Looking up, he saw Wolf standing close, having placed his own jacket over the freezing vulpine's form. "You really don't know me McCloud."

Tugging at the too large jacket, Fox looked at him with concern. "Won't you get cold?"

Wolf shrugged. "Thicker fur, more suited to this weather."

Though when another gale chose this time to sweep through, he could see Wolf struggling to keep up the facade.

Many thoughts were sporadically running through Fox's mind at this moment; depressing memories of the days before spent alone, cheerful times in the bar spent with people he didn't even know. Though most prominently - and much to his confusion - thoughts surrounding the man in front of him.

Hatred for the times he stood in the way between himself and his vengeance against Andross during the Lylat wars. That, he understood.

Companionship though? It were these thoughts that he could not fully comprehend. When did this happen? At what point did he stop thinking of Wolf as his rival?

Though, that wasn't exactly a bad thing...

Mind made up, Fox determinedly walked over to the shivering canine and wrapped his arms around him in a warm embrace, feeling the larger figure's arms returning the gesture after an uncertain pause.

Neither spoke, nor did they have to. Both were content with sharing this rare moment of bliss, everything else fading away around them.

Fox rest his head on the larger figure's chest, mind running amok with the image from before, still fresh in his memory.

The deep cutting guilt that image produced filled his thoughts. He pressed his face into the patch of white fur peeking out of the Wolf's collar, mind overcome with emotions.

Before he realised it, tears were beginning to form in his eyes. When he felt Wolf pull him closer, the dam broke; tears flowed freely, running into Wolf's chest fur. He kept apologising - for what, he wasn't quite sure - voice muffled both by the broad chest his muzzle was buried into, and the howling winter gusts that brought them together.

Throughout this, Wolf attempted to comfort the smaller Fox. One hand running softly down his back, the other holding his head close to his chest, until the sobs gradually calmed down.

They stayed in embrace until Fox parted them slightly, looking up at Wolf, well aware that he probably looked like a mess. "Thanks…"

"Don't mention it." The older canine blushed, and looked away briefly, as if in thought. "Seriously, if you tell anyone about this, I'll kill you for real."

Fox giggled at the attempt to diffuse the situation, smiling when he saw the larger figure breathe a sigh of relief and snicker softly.

After the moment had ended, Fox reluctantly stepped away, much to both of their dismay.

He contemplated what to do next for a moment before coming to a firm decision.

"Hey, I've had the heater running back at my place… and a six pack that I was supposed to drink with Falco on New Year's before he cancelled, so..."

Wolf's eyes widened at the offer, looking at the flustered Fox to discern whether he was being serious or not.

"... I'd like that." Wolf gave a sincere smile

at this, which Fox gladly returned.

"Can't let some perfectly good beer go to waste, after all." Wolf continued, giving a grin, and receiving a punch on the shoulder from the now pouting fox. He gave a soft chuckle, proceeding to follow as Fox lead the way.

They walked in comfortable silence for the duration of the trip, both of the figures staying close to share each other's warmth.

For once, Fox actually thanked the winter cold.

...Just this once though.

And that brings us to the end of the first chapter! The next chapter heats up a bit in the ways of implied lewdness; though nothing too explicit, as that's saved for chapter 3 ;)