The white, star shaped snowflake drifted gently through the sky, pushed slowly by the slight breeze. Others floated around it as it sank through the air on a journey to the ground below. The mountain was covered in snow, looking like a white blanket had been pulled over it. The pale light filtering through the clouds was reflected by the snow, making it almost seem to glow in the late afternoon sun. Another gust of wind blew the flake on a different course now, one right in the path of an incoming figure. The snowflake was inches from touching the ground as the figure passes over it on plastic planks, the wind wake left by it throwing it farther along the ground as the figure sped on by.


The skier went back and forth along the path, pushing himself along with his poles; his fountain pen marked, fox patterned tail flowed behind him in the wind. He was heading for a small cliff overlooking the mountain slope when a rumbling sound filled his ears. He turned to his right just in time to see a large rolling snowball crashing into him. The male tumbled toward the cliff from the impact, coming dangerously close to going over it. When the motion stopped, he was on the edge of the cliff with snow in a pile on top of him. He groaned a bit as he sat up, moving the snow off of him and uncovering something surprising. The tail of what looked to be a feline stuck out in the snow as well on his lap. Quickly he moved the snow out of the way to uncover the body of a female draped face down over his lap. She was covered head to toe in a skin tight body suit and visor. He might have taken a minute to admire her figure had she not been seemingly unconscious. “H-Hey miss are you alright?” he asked, turning her over and shaking her lightly. Light groans came from her at this motion, bringing a sigh of relief from the male as he realized that she was alive.


The female’s eyes opened slowly, focusing in and out for a minute as she came around. “What’s going on? What happened?” she asked in thought as she looked around. The last thing to come into focus was the male’s face. And she opened her eyes surprised at the sight of it. “Sly?” she asked disoriented. “What? Do I know you?” asked the male confused. “It’s me. Ryu.” she replied as she took off her visor, letting him see her face. “Ryu? What are you doing out here? And what happened?” asked Sly surprised to see the familiar cheebit face. “I’m staying at the lodge over there for vacation. I went snowboarding but the stupid visor fogged up and I missed the rock that caused me to trip.” she explained. “Turning you into the snowball that almost took me out.” he finished for her. “Oh I’m sorry.” she replied. “I’m fine. Are you okay?” he asked concerned. “I think so.” she replied as he helped her back to her feet. She pulled the head portion of her body suit back, letting her ears and long pink hair out into the air. Sly sighed in relief. She seemed to be okay. “I have a few scratches, but nothing major.” she replied looking over herself. “That’s good to hear.” said Sly truthfully. “So what are you doing out here Sly?” she asked curiously. “Ironically the same as you. I’m on vacation at the lodge down the hill too. Just a weekend stay.” he explained. “Me too. I never thought I’d run into you here. Or that it would be so literal that I did.” she replied with a small chuckle. A sudden smirk crossed the wolfox’s muzzle as he turned toward the lodge, judging the distance. “I see that smirk. What are you thinking Sly?” she asked curiously. “I was just thinking since you’re part cheetah that speed would be your cup of tea. What would you say to a little race from here to the lodge?” asked Sly looking back at her. “I’d say you’re on, as soon as you fix that strap on your ski.” she replied with a smile. Sly looked down only to feel the rush of displaced air as the cheebit female sped by him suddenly. He shook his head and smiled to himself suddenly. He didn’t have to look anymore to know that he’d been tricked. He took a glance anyway to confirm it before giving chase quickly.


Ryu giggled to herself as she made her way down the slope. She had to have at least a five second lead on the wolfox now. Her long hair and ears flowed majestically behind her in the wind. Through her squinted eyes she could see it. In roughly thirty seconds she will reach the goal. Other skiers quickly became moving obstacles as she went, weaving back and forth around them. She looked back and saw no sign of the wolfox. She smiled to herself. There was no way he would catch up. She was about ten seconds away from the goal when a shadow passed over her, followed by the displaced snow from a low cliff. She looked up to see Sly emerging from the forest and landing next to her. “Thought you had it won didn’t you?” she could hear his voice. She smirked as she bent low. This was going to be a close finish. Sly bent low as well, both trying to become as streamlined as possible for the final few yards. The male squinted, the visor he was using had been fogging up consistently since the race began. And he could barely see the ground at all for the white of the snow mixing with the fog. A blunt hit to his foot took him off guard as he suddenly found the world upside down. Ryu heard a yelp and turned just in time to see her opponent rolling her way now, covered in snow just as she was not long ago. She gasped as she quickly shifted to the left, moving just out of the way of the snow laden male and pulling ahead. A few seconds later and she reached the lodge, turning triumphantly to see Sly roll to a stop behind her; his head sticking out of the top of the large snowball. She giggled as she unclicked her left foot from the board and stepped up to him; relishing the look on his face as she wiped the snow from his visor. She could see his eyes dazed behind the plastic and took it from his head. “Looks like I win Mr. Sly.” she announced. Sly shook his head, snapping himself back to reality and realizing his predicament. “Looks like you did. Care to help me out?” he asked. “Actually I kinda want to savor my victory a bit more.” she replied, semi dancing around him. “Oh ha-ha.” he replied as she wrote the word loser in the snow in front of him. “I’m just teasing you. Of course I’ll help you out.” she replied with a smile.


They return their gear to the lodge, but not before complaining about the visors fogging up on them. The lodge manager apologized and offered a free dinner voucher to the both of them as compensation. “So what do we do now? Dinner isn’t served for another hour.” said Ryu as they left the lodge back outside. “Hmm…What happened to us before gave me an idea of something I’d like to do. Something I haven’t done in a long time.” replied Sly with a smile. Ryu watched the wolfox as he bent down, picking up a handful of snow. She smiled to herself as he began rolling and packing it into a large ball, already aware of what he was doing. Sly rolled the packed ball of snow around, it getting bigger as it picked up more and more snow eventually forming the base for his future creation. The cheebit giggled as she bent down to help, rolling the next part herself.


A short while later they had the ‘skeleton’ for a simple snowman. All they needed was a few things to make him stand out. Ryu looked around and found a few black rocks to use as his eyes and mouth, and a thick branch served as his nose. “For a bit of attitude…” said Sly as he took a twig and placed at the corner of his mouth. Ryu was looking around for anything else they could use when she heard two pats of snow being added. She turned back and stifled a giggle as she realized that the male had added snow breasts to the middle ball. Sly laughed as he stepped back to admire his handiwork. “Enough of that Mr. Perv. There are kids around.” she chided softly. “Alright alright.” he consented as he wiped the snow balls away. “But he is still missing something.” he said as he thought. A cold rush of air made his ears twitch as he turned to see the female standing next to the snowman; his hat which formerly rested on his own head was perched atop the snowman’s now, completing the look. “That looks alright.” said Sly admiring their creation. “I’m going to take a picture of it.” she replied taking out her phone and aiming the camera. A gleam shone in the wolfox’s eyes as she turned to face away from him; an idea sparking in his mind quickly.


The camera clicked, capturing and immortalizing the scene in digital image. “Got it.” she said to herself before feeling a soft, wet, blunt force hit her on the butt. “Hey!” she said as she turned around, only for her eyes to widen at the sight of Sly standing there with a snowball in his hand, a small pile on the ground next to him. He smirked at her as he took aim again. “Eep!” she exclaimed as she took cover behind the snowman. “This is for winning the race isn’t it?” she asked as she began making her own snowballs to fight back with. “You know it.” he replied. “You’re such a sore loser.” she said as she popped her head out, to find the wolfox was not where he had been previously. She turned to have a snowball smash on her face from the right. The snow ran down her face as she stared at his hiding place, behind a nearby tree. “You’re going to pay for that wolfox.” she said. “Oh? Bring it then.” he replied, making another icy projectile to throw.


Time passed and the two had a lot of fun together in the snow. Their fun began to wind down as the sun began to set. “Attention guests; dinner is now being served in the lodge restaurant. Book your times now as choice seating is limited.” came the announcement through the P.A. system. “Getting hungry?” asked Sly. The cheebit female nodded as her stomach growled a bit in response. The male chuckled a little as they headed back to the lodge.


Sly stood outside of Ryu’s room. He’d already changed into his casual clothes, an open blue shirt over a white t-shirt and blue jeans and his hat. He checked his watch as he leaned against the wall. The knob jiggled before turning, Ryu stepping through the door wearing a pair of bluejeans and a purple blouse. “You look lovely.” he said as he saw her. “You look rather handsome yourself.” she replied with a light blush at the compliment. “Shall we?” he asked with a short bow. Ryu nodded before closing the door, they heading for the restaurant.


“Table for two please.” said Sly as they stepped up to the host. “Ah mousier and madam. You have arrived. The lodge terribly apologizes for your equipment malfunctioning this afternoon. Of course you know that your meal will be gratis, but we have also reserved the best table for you as well.” said the skunk host calling over a koala waiter. “Please show them to the presidential table.” he instructed. “Yes sir. If you would both follow me…” replied the koala, taking a pair of menus and leading the way. Sly and Ryu followed the male, looking around at the elegant setup of the restaurant. They passed many patrons and were surprised to find the waiter ascending a spiral staircase leading up to the next floor. They looked at each other before following behind him.


What they saw when they arrived shocked them; a private room with a single table. A pianist sat nearby awaiting his cue to begin next to a large window overlooking the beautiful view of the sun setting over the mountains. Both Sly and Ryu’s jaws were on the floor as the waiter moved to pull out one of the chairs. “Miss?” he offered the seat to Ryu. She managed to shake off the wonder to take her seat, followed by Sly on the opposite side of the table. “Can I get you both started with a beverage?” asked the waiter taking out his pad and pencil next. “I’d like lemonade.” “Sprite for me” replied Sly and Ryu respectively. “And would you like time to peruse the menu, or do you have an idea of what you’d like?” he asked next. “Well unless it’s not on the menu, I’d like a steak. Medium rare.” said Ryu. “Very good. It comes with broccoli and mashed potatoes.” explained the male jotting down the order. “And for you sir?” he asked next. “I’ll have the same. Medium well.” replied Sly handing the menu’s back to the waiter. “Very good. I’ll be back in a bit with your food. Please enjoy the music and have a lovely meal.” he said finishing writing and taking the menus before taking his leave. The pianist took this as his cue and cracked his knuckles in preparation. “Well well, I didn’t expect this.” said Sly pleasantly surprised as the light melody from the percussion instrument tickled their ears lightly.


The two eat dinner together, chatting about a few things in the past and present. Dessert was a big slice of chocolate cake for each of them. The decadent confections were swiftly consumed by the pair before they got up to leave. The pianist bowed his head in thanks as they left a tip in his jar on the way out.


Sly and Ryu walked around the lodge, each taking note of a few locations. “Sauna, pool hall, lounge…” said Ryu absently as they went. They passed multiple couples and a few single patrons all heading for different venues. I heard this place has a back patio that offers a spectacular view of the stars.” suggested Sly. “Really? Well then let’s go.” replied his cheebit companion as they begin searching for it.


The back patio was completely devoid of people, only a lone telescope stood there. Sly and Ryu stepped out and gasped at the sight of the snow covered mountain slope almost glowing in the full moonlight. “This is an incredible view.” said Sly amazed. “Yes it is.” said Ryu turning her gaze upwards. Sly smiled as he took the view in, he turned to Ryu, to see a confused face on her. “What’s wrong?” he asked curiously. “I can’t find the big dipper.” she replied. “Lets see…It’s right there.” he pointed, stepping up next to her so that she could follow his pointing finger. “Ah I see. So what brings you up here this weekend Sly?” asked the cheebit curiously, leaning against him softly still looking up. “Just a bit of relaxation. I hadn’t taken a vacation in a while. Saw an ad for the ski lodge and decided to go.” replied Sly. “Everyone needs a vacation once in a while.” she replied. “Mhmm, so what brings you up here Miss Ryu?” he reciprocated. “Same reason as you. Just a vacation.” she answered. “That’s always good.” he said as they continue to stargaze.


A short while later Ryu shivered softly, snuggling closer to Sly unconsciously. “Getting cold? Perhaps we should go into the lounge. There’s a fireplace in there.” suggested Sly. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.” she replied as they turn to go back into the lodge together. As they do so, a shooting star flies over head in the clear night sky.


The lounge was fairly empty, most of the patrons having retired for the evening. Ryu sat next to the fireplace huddled up in a blanket. She looked around at the few others enjoying the warmth and light of the fireplace and spotted Sly approaching. He had two mugs in his hands as he sat down next to her. Ryu draped the blanket over him as he handed her a mug of hot cocoa. “Thanks. This has been a fun day. I’m glad I ran into you.” said Ryu honestly. “Me too. Though my back may have something to say about it in the morning.” replied Sly jokingly. “Back hurting? I know just the thing for it. Have you tried the lodge’s hot tubs? I heard they’re to die for.” suggested Ryu. “I haven’t, but that is a good suggestion of something to do tomorrow. Would you be interested in joining me?” he asked. “Of course I would.” she replied scooting closer and cuddling against him, purring softly. The two remain close together; enjoying the warmth from the fireplace, and the companionship of a friend late into the night, and look forward to more fun the following day.

The End


Here is the Christmas gift I offered to  Bi-Ryu_Chan before my writers block set in those long months ago. *Sigh* She said that she would like a story of Sly and Ryu going on a winter themed date and the first thing to come to mind was a ski resort.

Hope it was worth the wait Ryu.

Ryu the Cheebit belongs to  Bi-Ryu_Chan

Sly and Story belong to me.