May had had more than one younger sister. She crouched slightly to come eye to eye with the fox-girl, smiling, and said in a tone that indicated she was being funny. "Don't worry, I just ate."<br/><br/>She held out her hands, and was surprised to recieve a hug, as the youngster decided that if her big brother liked her, she must be nice.<br/><br/>The Reynarder parents were close behind. "Andy!" His mother called out.<br/><br/>"Mum!" Andy stepped forward and hugged his mother. ""I never thought I'd see you again!"<br/><br/>"Oh my dear, we thought... I'm so glad you're alive!" She was hugging him back, seemingly oblivious to the assault rifle that was hanging across his chest.<br/><br/>"I'm pretty pleased about that too!" Andy responded, chuckling.<br/><br/>Andy's father joined in the hug, but quickly completed it, and went on to ask, "So what did happen son? What was all that we just saw, and who is your um... friend?"<br/><br/>The fox-boy exhaled, blowing a lock of his head fur upwards. "That's a long story, and one I don't want to tell in full until some media company is paying me for it. The film rights alone should provide for us for years... I'll give you the short, short version, but first I should answer that last question. May, put Millie down, you don't know where she's been, and c'mon over."<br/><br/>The normally confident wolfess was looking somewhat shy as she approached.<br/><br/>"Mum, dad, this is May. She's been travelling with me this last month, she's saved my life several times, and been at my side, or covering my tail every step of the way. I'm in love with her, and intend to marry her officially, as soon as I can swing it."<br/><br/>The two older foxes looked at him in shock. As far as they knew, Andy had never even had a girl friend. Now this? His father asked, "But son, legally you're too young, and even so, isn't it a bit early to be thinking of a life long commitment like that?"<br/><br/>May's face fell, and Andy reached out instinctively to hold her hand in his. "Normally, yes, I guess you'd be right, but dad, for the last month  we've been in a world where neither of us could guarrantee we'd even see the next day... sometimes the next minute! The only constants we've had are each other, and we've been together practically every minute, it was the only way to protect each other. We've both seen each other at our best, and worst, and we've probably had as much bonding time as a normal couple gets in a year.<br/><br/>"So yes, I'm sure about this, and don't think it's too early. As for my competence to decide that, I've been forced in that place to fight, and kill, and make life and death decisions, not just to protect May, but many others. I've had to grow up. I know the problems it will cause, and I'm already thinking of ways to deal with them, but it will be so much easier with your blessing. Actually, this morning it looked as if our chances of pulling this off werepretty thin, so before we set out, we stood there and made vows to protect, care for and cherish one another. Those are the important bit, a church, and a fancy organ playing, and bits of paper.. that's all just fluff."<br/><br/>The young fox-boy shook his head. "I will keep my promise to May, no matter what, but I want my family back too."<br/><br/>May finally got the courage up to speak to them. "What Andy doesn't say is that he's saved my tail at least as many times as I have his, or more. You should be so proud of him! He's kind, generous, smart, and brave... no Andy, I know you often deny it, but I'm talking about the sort of brave where you're scared stiff, and still keep walking forward, because you know it's the right thing. I was there remember?<br/><br/>"Mr and Mrs Reynarder, don't ask him to choose between love and family!I do love him right back, and I want to be with him. I know I'm older than he is, and that you've never seen me before, but at least get to know me. My own family is... gone, and I so want to be part of his... yours too. Just give me a chance to prove myself, that's all I ask."