It's in the eyes. Always the eyes.

Chapter Fourteen| Interrupted Confessions

        It had been a month since they all gathered to celebrate Christmas together—sharing laughter, exchanging gifts, and basking in the warmth of each other's company. Coco had even surprised everyone on New Year's Eve with an epic firework display that lit up the night sky in brilliant bursts of color. And it had also been a month since Penny and Crash shared their first kiss under the mistletoe, a sweet moment of surprise that left both of them breathless.

Since then, something had shifted between them—something Coco and Aku-Aku hadn't quite picked up on. Penny and Crash's interactions were still familiar, their playful banter and affectionate gestures still present, but there was a new undercurrent. Whenever they were close, their touches lingered just a little longer, their eyes meeting with a quiet intensity that wasn't there before. It was subtle, but it was there.

Penny would often find herself leaning against Crash's side when they all sat together, her head resting on his shoulder, and he never seemed to mind. If anything, he'd pull her closer with a small, protective smile. When their hands brushed as they passed things to one another, they would linger, fingers gently grazing before parting, as if neither of them wanted to break the connection.

Coco, caught up in her experiments and projects, hadn't noticed the growing bond between her brother and Penny. Aku-Aku, wise as he was, seemed to sense something, but chose not to comment. Perhaps he understood that something was blossoming between them and trusted that it would reveal itself in time.

But for Penny and Crash, their bond had deepened. They didn't need words to express it—the glances, the soft touches, and the moments of shared quiet spoke volumes. The world around them remained unchanged, but to them, it felt like everything had shifted since that kiss under the mistletoe.

One bright morning on the tropical island, the sun shone warmly over the beach, casting a golden glow on the crystal-clear waters. The gentle breeze rustled the palm trees, and the soothing rhythm of the waves lapping against the shore created a peaceful melody. It was the kind of day that felt like everything was in perfect harmony—except for a bandicoot and a fox who were trying, desperately, to express their feelings.

Crash and Penny had spent the past few weeks dancing around their emotions, each harboring a growing fondness for the other, but neither had managed to say the words aloud. Penny felt her heart flutter every time Crash was near, his goofy smile and playful antics making her chest tighten in the most wonderful way. And Crash, though he wasn't always the best with words, had been feeling a pull towards Penny that was more than just friendship. He cared for her deeply and wanted her to know how much she meant to him.

This morning, both of them had decided—independently—that today would be the day. After weeks of keeping their feelings bottled up, they would finally confess to each other.

They were both excited and nervous as they walked along the beach, side by side, the ocean breeze tousling their fur. Penny's heart raced as she glanced at Crash, her hand brushing against his as they walked. He was quiet today, quieter than usual, and she couldn't help but wonder if maybe he was feeling the same way she was.

It's now or never, she thought, taking a deep breath.

Crash, on the other hand, was trying to gather the courage to speak. He had rehearsed what he wanted to say a hundred times in his head, but every time he looked at Penny, his thoughts seemed to scatter like leaves in the wind. He could feel the warmth of her presence, and it made his heart pound. Come on, Crash, just say it! he urged himself.