A lot had happened ever since that day, when he met the tanuki who stole his heart. He found his way to Pure Heart Valley, became a member of the Sheriff Department, and settled in nicely.

Of course, he texted Tanya almost everyday when he had the chance. They had gotten to know each other, even if it wasn't face to face.

That was a good thing in his opinion, since every time she complimented him, his face flared up.

Right now, he was texting her while waiting in line for some ice cream near evening. Shrike was roaming around the kingdom in his stead, which gave him the chance to chat with her, since he enjoyed seeing his red face every time. They were currentlty chatting about her job. 

So, you basically catch people who have high prices? Sly

I guess you can say that. ;) Tanya

Is that even legal? Sly

Welp, not really, but it's fun. I oughta bring you with me for a hunt one time. Tanya

No thanks. I'm still a hero-in-training. Sorry. :( Sly

Indeed, the cat felt a twinge of regret for his words. He did have his own morals, yes, but this was his crush, after all. He wanted to spend time with her, wherever she was. 

Thankfully, Tanya took it quite well. 

You don't have to worry a single thing, Sly. I like you for a reason. Tanya

Oh really? Thank you so much! Sly

He felt a wave of relief after reading her response. Thank goodness she was so forgiving towards him!

It's fine, Sly. Tanya

Anyway, where did you say you've settled in again? I forgot. Tanya

Ah, it's Pure Heart Valley. Sly

Why? Sly

Oh, no particular reason. Tanya

Just look behind you. Tanya

"Huh?" he whipped around-

"T-TANYA?!" his mouth went open.

He could have sworn that the person behind him was a middle-aged male!

But instead, here she was. 

His crush, lazily playing with a leaf on her hands. 

"Hello there, Sly," she smirked playfully, making his heart flutter like a butterfly's wings.

"H-Hey there!" he tried to act cool. "Why didn't you tell me you were in town?"

"I love surprising my friends, especially you," she smiled in reply.

"A-Ah, I see...." he was having a mental breakdown on the spot, though. Why was she here?!

"You okay there?" she asked, snapping him out of it.

He just nodded so his inner strife was not visible to her, "Yeah, I am."

The tanuki grinned, "Good to know."

Once Sly got ice cream for both of them, the two found themselves sitting on a hill as they watched the sun set.

"This is really pretty..." Tanya smiled at the orange and red that illuminated the skies above.

"It is.... B-But not as stunning as you...." he blushed.

"W-Wha?" Now it was Tanya's turn to flush.

"Y-Your turquoise eyes shine brighter than this sunset...." he confessed. "And even more than the moonlight on the day we met...."

"Oh, Sly...." she blushed scarlet.

The cat inhaled. He did not know what he was doing, but he hoped he was doing it right.

"E-Ever since I met you that fateful night, I-I had a crush on you, Tanya.... You're beautiful, stunning, smart..... You are a muse in my eyes.... S-So...." He took in a deep breath, ignoring the colouring of his cheeks. "W-Will you accept my feelings, Tanya Keys?"

There was complete silence on her side, which worried him. Did Tanya not want his feelings? Did she like someone else?

That prompted him to turn to her....

Only for her lips to crash into his.

After a few minutes of being on cloud nine, she let go with a smile on her face, "Of course, Sly."

That.....

That made Sly feel like the luckiest guy on the Earth.