Lil idea I had in my brain. What if they had instincts that came over due to their feelings for you? Either thinking nothing of it (because it's second nature) or you guys are specified dating. Or they die of embarrassment lol. Please enjoy my rather unorganized ramblings.
Reader is a human female.
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Headcanons with both Fox and Falco (separate) on how they take care of their mate (crush) on an instinctual animal level.
Animal Instincts
Falco:
-Allopreening:
(if already dating)
This man tends to forget that you're human, but he can't help it. Your hair is slightly messed up from bedhead? You couldn't get all the tangles out of your hair? He walks over and gently preens and nuzzles your hair and neck with his beak carefully.
When he does it, it makes you giggle since it's kinda ticklish and also pretty amusing how insistent he gets if you try to squirm away.
"Falco! C'mon, stop it, it tickles!" You giggle.
He grabs you gently and holds you still. "Hey, don't move around so much! I'm almost done...." He takes this very seriously, and at first, thinks nothing of it until Fox teases him about it. He then vows to do it only when you two are alone.
(if not dating yet/oblivious to his feelings)
Same scenario as above, but instead of giggling, you go into a state of pure shock. Because.....Falco is being affectionate?! To you?!
You kinda just sit and let it happen. I mean, he wasn't hurting you. It was just....a bit odd.
"Uhhh......F-Falco?"
"Yeah, what?" He says annoyed. Oh my God, was he serious?
"What are you doing...?"
He huffs, like it's the most obvious thing on the planet. "What does it look like I'm doing, dummy? I'm---"
Then it hits him like a ton of bricks.
What....was he doing?
Shocked, he jumps back from you and makes what you'd describe as, some form of a yelp? He turns away from you with one winged hand in front of his face.
"I.......sorry."
Before you can speak, he storms off, looking mad, the door closing behind him.
Everyone is shocked. You especially. He was......cleaning you or something? And then he APOLOGIZED???
Rob came up behind you. "Falco exhibiting strange behavior. Further data is needed before making a conclusion on the cause."
Spoiler he fuckin knows what the cause is
As the others talked amongst themselves, you frowned. You'd have to ask him what was bothering him later.
(Allopreening if dating, continued)
When you two are officially dating, Falco then expects you to take care of his feathers too, which you do automatically without a second thought.
While you're both lounging, you look at him and gently move your hands to smooth out his feathers.
Along his arms, his neck, his hands, and his face. This is one of the most peaceful and intimate things you can do with him, so he really only allows it when both of you have privacy.
Most of the time, you two do this in silence, with an occasional compliment from you about his coloring and how soft his plummage is.
He never says anything, just turns his head away. Be patient with him, he's really kinda emotionally constipated.
When he's really comfortable, he lets you touch other places if you know what I'm sayin' 👀👀❤️
- Lifelong bonds:
Congratulations, once you manage to break through Falco's prideful and tsundere-ass heart, he is yours for life.
Seriously, like he is full on DEVOTED to you and you only.
Regardless of what grumpy ass things he says.
He does have an image to upkeep, but when he's alone with you, he's a complete mush, believe it or not.
He'll be damned if the others see him like that.
Especially Fox.
- Food Sharing:
This man will share his food with you, which the others find strange.
After all, you have your own plate. So what the hell?
But there he is, sitting next to you in the dining room, watching you protectively as you nonchalantly eat a meal.
He'll get up and look around in the cabinets and fridge for things to go along with it.
Sometimes it's something small, like some fruit. Other times it's a whole fuckin' plate of assorted foods.
"Here, have this too." he'll say casually, tossing you an apple mid air.
"Catch!"
Then he'll just get up and leave, leaving everyone in shock as you think nothing of it, setting the caught apple on the table in front of you fondly.
- Sweet Tones:
He's addicted to how soft and sweet you talk to him. Absolutely entranced by your voice.
He can't explain it, but it makes him melt. Of course, around the others, he has to act like he couldn't care less.
But even that's beginning to disappear.
"Falco, can I talk to you for a second?" You say in a soft and sweet tone. There he is, without a response, up and walking to you without a second thought.
His feathers on his head fluff up a bit, and his pupils dilate.
"Yeah, what's up?" He says softly back, as you excitedly tell him about something you heard recently.
Meanwhile, Peppy, Fox, and Slippy look at each other slack-jawed and then at each other, trying to comprehend the insane situation they just witnessed.
"Did....we all just see that?" Fox asks stunned. "Uh...uh huh..." Slippy answers shakily.
Peppy simply looks on at you too, noticing how Falco seems to not be so on edge whenever your near him, talking with him.
He smiles softly and knowingly, before turning away to tend to the lil palm tree on the bridge without a word.
- Aerial Displays:
Oh boy, like he didn't do stunts before.
Get ready for some seriously intense maneuvers from this man.
The funny thing is, at first, he has no idea why whenever you tag along for a mission, he feels inclined to show off even more than usual.
He chucks it up to him knowing you'll 'ooh' and 'aah' at his tricks. (Poor soul doesn't know he's down so bad)
He loves the attention you give him, it really boosts his ego.
But why did he care so much what you thought of him?
Fox was leading the pack, ready to shoot down an enemy reinforcement heading towards you when Falco swooped in and shot it down.
He then somersaulted up and over you, doing several barrel rolls around the various debris, all while then hitting the brake so you could catch up to him.
"Heh, you weren't actually worried were ya? Relax, I gotcha.
You beamed in awe. "Wow, Falco! That was AMAZING!"
Fox stays quiet and shakes his head. Wow, Falco really was down BAAADD for you.
Hehehehe
Fox couldn't help himself at the opportunity to tease his rival, so he patched into said rival's arwing on a private communication line.
"Wooowww, look at you, Mr. Cool guy! Impressing your woman, I see~!"
Falco blushes slightly under his feathers, immediately getting mad.
"What the hell are you talking about, Fox?! If I hadn't stepped in, she would've gotten hit!"
Fox laughs, ending his transmission. "Sure, sure, whatever you say~!"
Meanwhile, you see that they're talking to each other, but can't hear what they're saying. You try to read their lips but sigh in defeat. It's no use, oh well!
So you glide over to Slippy and Peppy to better analyze your surroundings, continuing on with your mission.
- Talon Interlocking:
So, a bit difficult to do since you're a human, so Falco settles on holding your small hand in his feathered one.
He just can't help the urge to just hold your hand in his. Like a weird impulse.
It's so weird, he thinks. Sometimes when you're all just chilling in the bridge, goofing off, he'll sit by you and just....play with your hand.
He looks at it, smooths the back of it over with his feathered fingers, then seems content and let's go, acting like nothing happened.
You usually don't question it - assuming it's a self-soothing/regulating behavior he does to calm down and think.
You smile, feeling proud he felt that way about you, safe with you.
Which he does, but little do you know, it's a WHOLE lot deeper than that.
"Falco?"
"Hm?"
"What are you doing?"
"Oh, uh, nothing. Just checking something." Then he'll scan you over, squeeze your hand in his and let go.
And then he'll get up and go down the hall to grab something and come back. Usually a drink of some kind, which he shares with you. Then, he does it again, and you simply smile, saying nothing.
As usual, the others witness this and never say a word, albeit they are still kinda shocked seeing Falco have a soft side, but it's only for you.
They all look on amused at how oblivious Falco is to the fact that he's subconsciously claimed you as his mate, Mr. 'I fly solo' over here. Meanwhile, you think he's simply being nice, but eventually the others clue you in on his behavior, making you blush and feel quite honored, happy he returns your feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fox:
-Grooming:
Quite similar to Falco's preening, Fox will notice if your hair is slightly knotted up or if it's a bit messy.
He simply walks over to you to help you fix it.
It's his job to take care of you, after all!
Wait.....right?
You're casually talking with Slippy about a new upgrade he's thinking about adding to the Arwings, when out of nowhere, Fox walks up to you with a kind yet determined look on his face.
You both greet him and he simply goes right up next to you and moves his head realllll close to your face.
You blush. Hard.
He appears to be looking you over, as if checking if you have any injuries. You hesitate to speak up as he seems so focused.
"Uh, Fox?"
"Hm." He hums nonchalantly, like this is completely normal and expected.
While you stutter shyly on what to say, you shiver a bit as you feel his breath and whiskers on your nape as he gently nuzzles the back of your neck.
He then very verryyyy delicately traces his fangs along your hair and neck, before patting it down with his hands and looking at you so sweetly.
"There. Much better!"
He pats your back and looks over his shoulder at you once more to double check you're okay, then walks off.
You and Slippy are both left without words. You blush and look over at your froggy friend for some kind of answer, and he looks deep in thought.
When out of nowhere - it clicks, making him smile to himself. You notice this and you can't help but ask him what that was about.
It's nothing to worry about (Y/n)! It's a good thing! Fox really wants to....take care of you, to put it one way, heh heh!"
You blink and try pressing him for more info, but he deflects.
Fox is his close friend and he was going to keep his friends feelings to himself for now. After all, that was for Fox to tell you, not him.
(When you're dating)
Fox and you will be cuddling in his room on his bed, when both of you will be chatting about this or that, just enjoying the peaceful afternoon.
He'll lean into your face, making you blush a bit and stop talking, looking up at him expectantly.
Fox then lightly and softly licks your cheeks a bit, then places a kiss where he licked.
This repeats on your forehead, your chin, and then your neck, which will usually make you moan.
When you do, Fox immediately perks his ears and head up, while you stutter out an embarrassed apology, placing your face in your hands.
This turns him on like no tomorrow, and he'll tell you it's perfectly okay while lightly laughing since he thinks you're adorable, asking if he can continue with you enthusiastically nodding yes.
If anything, it usually leads to........naughty time. 👀👀❤️
-Shadowing + Vocalizations:
Fox will, at times but not always, follow you around wherever you go on the Great Fox.
It's not in a creepy stalker way. No, not at all. It's more like a, 'I need to double check that you're safe and your needs are met' way.
If you leave the bridge for a bit, after several minutes, he'll get antsy.
Fox will pace, tap his foot nervously. Just fidgeting in general.
Then when he simply can't rest, he gets up to go find you. And when he does, he sorta keeps around the perimeter.
Still chatting with the others or challenging Falco to a game, the usual. No one suspects anything, really.
But if he needs to locate you, he can't help but get a bit....stressed.
He felt his heart beat pick up a bit, the strange sense of worry overtaking his common sense. He knew you were fine! You were aboard the ship, probably just exploring around.
He felt silly, but he couldn't shake this odd feeling. He just HAD to see with his own eyes that you were indeed okay.
Fox shook his head. Why was he being so...irrational? This feeling....it was so weird.
"Hey, (Y/n)?" He called out, waiting for a reply. No response. He grew slightly more worried, so he called out again.
"(Y/n)?
"I'm in here!" You chirped.
Fox felt his tail wag a bit, and his stress melt, hearing your voice. It was coming from the kitchen.
You were most likely getting a cup of that tea you loved so much. The kind at that little shop on Corneria. Phew.
He walked in, and hovered by the doorway, looking around. You stared at him briefly, thinking that he must've just been deep in thought.
Which this leads into the next part...
- Feeding:
Even though you are the primary cook (plus Rob), Fox will sometimes randomly bring you a snack.
It'll be close to bedtime, and you'll yawn a bit. Several minutes later, Fox will place a small plate with crackers and cheese, and a cup of your favorite drink on the table in front of you.
"Uh, Fox? Is this...for me?" He nods proudly. (Sooooo cute 😭)
"Yeah! You looked tired, so I thought this would help you." You blinked and your eyes widened a bit, admiring the small snack before you. You smile at him.
"Thanks! How did you know?" You asked bewildered. Your tummy did feel a bit empty.
He was about to answer, but he stopped. Unable to truly find a why. Or a how.
He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.
"I guess.....I just somehow knew? Instincts, maybe!" He said calmly, as he watched you happily munch on the food he brought you.
It made his heart swell with pride.
Wait, what the fuck?
Over crackers and cheese?
Fox felt a bit confused at his actions and feelings, but couldn't deny his growing affections for you.
Wait, affections?
As much as he may regret it, he's debating asking Peppy to help him understand what was going on with him.
Until then though, he pulled up a chair next to you, and chatted away, making you laugh.
- Playful Chasing and Sparring:
Now this one, this one catches the others off guard.
Usually it's Falco who's challenging Fox while they're on a mission to challenge the authority of Fox being leader and his skills, but this time? This time it's Fox challenging you!
Playfully of course.
It's always something goofy or him messing with you.
"Hey, (Y/n)! Try to keep up!" He says, using the boost to get farther ahead.
"Oh, hey, wait up Fox!"
Both of you are heard laughing as you try to catch up to him, only for him to put on the break, then do a somersault before speeding up again, him faking you out.
"Hey!" You call out while laughing. Fox smirks at you, relishing in how happy you sounded.
"What? What did I do?" He says in a teasing tone, before he pulls back into normal formation.
Now, unlike in Falco's where Fox teased him over a private channel, Falco didnt return that courtesy.
Oh no.
He opens up the shared one.
"*Whistles*. Look at you, leader! Really showing off for your girlfriend, huh?"
Fox's eyes widen and he feels a heavy blush crawling up his neck. "W-what?!"
Slippy and Peppy tried hard not to laugh, but you all could still hear their muffled amusement through the intercom.
Fox was silent and didnt say a word. He coughed into his hand, and changed the subject.
"A-anyway, back to what General Pepper advised us to be on the lookout for. Stay sharp, everyone!"
You blushed, hard.
You blinked, trying hard to focus on Fox's orders.
Did he....?
Maybe....?
You smiled softly, the thought making your chest feel a welcoming warmth.
- Traveling Together:
Whenever you guys finally land on Corneria (this is after Andross is defeated btw) everyone splits up for a bit to stock up and do what they'd like.
As you stretch your legs and arms, you make a proclamation. "Alright! I'm gonna go look at some shops downtown! I'll be back!"
You wave and jog off as the others wave to you back before turning to do their own thing.
Fox calls out to you.
"Hey, (Y/n)! Mind if I tag along?" He'd ask, you stopping and giving him a grin. "Of course I don't mind! Let's go!"
So there you both were, walking down the sidewalk as you were so enamored by the large buildings and stores, stopping along the way to look inside shop windows and chat with Fox as you did so.
Meanwhile, as you guys were laughing and chatting, Fox was keeping an eye out for you.
Most people were staring. It was rare to see a human. He got that, but it bothered him. But why?
He notices how some guys were watching you both, and he wrapped an arm around you protectively.
Now, it wasn't like the men were eyeing you up like candy, but Fox couldn't explain it. He just didn't like it. At all.
You looked up at Fox and smiled, pointing to something you thought was cute, completely in your own little world, and he smiled back at you warmly, just you two sharing a cute conversation.
It made you feel like this was a date! Wait.....
A.....a date?!
You tried calming down your blush and while you were flustered, you almost tripped on a crack in the sidewalk.
Fox caught you with his arms and lifted you up back on your feet. "Whoa, hey, are you okay!? You're not hurt are you, (Y/n)?"
You nod and hug him by the side. "Mmhm! I'm fine! Thank you!" You beam.
Now it was Fox's turn to blush.
Thank goodness he had fur to at least shield it from your gaze.
You both continue on your little shopping trip, his hand gently resting on your shoulder.
You felt really really happy.
Later, Fox had went to go shower after dinner and it was you and the rest of the gang in the bridge.
They asked what you did and you shared that you and Fox shared the day together. As you spoke, you noticed how the three of them had knowing smiles, making you stop and feel your face getting warm.
"Uhh, w-why are you guys looking at me like that? Is something wrong?"
Falco simply crosses his arms and says nothing, giving you a 'really?' face.
Slippy looks happy, moreso than usual.
Peppy gives you a gentle smile. You're all just staring at each other, before you blush, standing up in a hurry.
"Wh-what?! Why are you guys looking at me like that?!" You stammer, trying to sound serious.
They all look at each other, laugh, and tease you playfully. Peppy then stepping in and telling Falco and Slippy to pipe down and leave you alone.
Of course, Fox happened to hear all of this, as he was ready to enter the bridge, but figured he'd let the dust settle a bit before walking back in.
After all, he couldn't really afford for them to tease him in front of you.
........
Then he thought of you.
He sighed and walked in anyways, and sat down right next to you, holding your hand in his, tightly and proudly.
This was the start of a beautiful relationship.
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