Ch 6: Where we go from here
``This isn't a dream, right? I'm not going to suddenly wake up in my pup house...'' Marshall thought to himself. The pup was still on his back in the grass, looking up at who he considered the most handsome pup in all of Adventure Bay. He could take a million tumbles, falls, and trips over himself if it meant he could always look up at that face.
``Silly pup, Come mere.''
Chase leaned in to pull his friend turned boyfriend up from the grass. He felt a sudden wave of confidence from being able to express himself to Marshall and Chase took this opportunity to pull the fire pup up so fast, his snout pressed against his. Their wet noses colliding with Chase giving a sharp grin in response. Marshalls black and white coat was looking much redder suddenly.
``Ch... Chase!'' He giggled.
``What? Just being friendly''
``Sure, you are mister...'' Marshall grinned back.
The dalmatian couldn't help but wag his tail in delight, he started to jump around Chase, leaping and skipping along. Chase was quick to follow too, giggling along with his partner. Marshall was so happy he couldn't contain it. He took a gamble today, one he thought would for sure cost him his friendship, but it all paid off in the end. There was so much he wanted to do, so much he wanted to say to Chase. So many secret feelings and unshared fantasies he wanted to tell him. All in due time, as a new thought entered his mind. One that caused the pup to halt in his steps.
``Marshall! Wait!''
Spoke to soon as the police pup crashed right behind him. Both pups taking several tumbles forward before landing on the soft grass. Marshall having ended up on Chases back, his head laying on the top of the shepherds. The Police pup turned his head upwards.
``Hey, are you ok? Why did you stop all the sudden?''
``Chase...I just thought of something.''
Chases ears flatten at the slight concern coming from Marshall's voice. He was quick to lap his tongue under his chin, a wet and slick feeling the pup appreciated greatly.
``What's up Hun?''
``What are we going to tell the others? Like, can we even be together while we work on the same team?''
``What?! I mean...I don't see the issue with it.''
``With our friends yeah, I think they'd be ok with it...but what about Ryder? What will he think?''
Chase was quiet for a bit. He figured his friends would be more than supportive with their new relationship. Though, he never thought about how their leader would react. Would he be upset? They wouldn't be breaking a rule in the Paw Patrol. Not to Chases knowledge that is. He wasn't aware if there was even a specific protocol for this sort of thing in the team. Before he could contemplate this further, his ears picked up a very familiar call coming from the lookout. As if the universe had heard his concern, Ryder had called for the pups. It was close to dinner time at this point. He figured the rest were already inside waiting for them both.
``Oh, Ryder is calling us Marshall, Time for dinner.''
``Oh right...guess it is about that time.''
The Fire pup started to get up off his boyfriend, but Chase had other ideas.
``Uh uh, Allow me!''
``Huh? Chase what are you...''
Before he could get a word out, Chase had slowly lifted his four paws upwards pushing his body up. Carrying Marshall on his back''
``Whoa! Chase!''
The Dalmatian blushed at the surprising strength his BF had.
``Your chariot can take you any where you need to be!'' the confident pup announced before starting to make their way towards the lookout.
``Oh? I'm not to heavy for you right?''
``Nonsense! Come on, got to keep my baby fed.''
``Hehehe I'm not a baby.''
``I know, I'm working out a nickname for you. With being together all that, might as try and give you one'' The shepherd blushed. The Dalmatian couldn't help but smile further at his effort.
``And Marshall...We can talk more about our new ``Situation'' later. Preferably close to bedtime if that's ok with you.''
Marshall nodded in agreement. There was a lot to be considered right now, and maybe just straight up going to the team with the news of their relationship might be a little too forward. Plus, it meant he could spend some much-needed alone time in Chases pup house tonight. He cooed low at the thought as he was carried off.
The rest of the day was not very eventful, but not without an obvious merit of comfort for the two pups. As Chase had dropped off Marshall prior to entering the lookout, both managed to have their dinner bowls sat right next to each other. Marshall was constantly leaning his hind quarters against Chases as they ate. The police pup didn't mind though. It was just being friendly enough where others could not misinterpret it as something more affectionate. That is for every pup except for Skye. The cockapoo sat across from the boys, and she was trying to suppress the biggest smile on her face. Chase smiled back at her, He figured that out of every pup, shed be the first to figure out if their little conversation had gone well and it looked like she already approved of the outcome. He moved one of his fore paws up to his mouth and gave her a quick signal. Advising her to keep this news on the down low. Skye took notice and nodded her head, using her own paw to make a zipper motion across her snout. Chase knew he could always rely on Skye for this sort of thing and was so happy he had turned to her earlier for advice. He pondered if Rocky had figured it out by now, but he seemed a little more preoccupied with talking to Zuma during their meal. Rubble was far too busy stuffing his snout with kibble to notice. Typical for the construction pup but always very adorable. Following Dinner, the pups spent some time coloring some pages they choose out of their favorite coloring book. Both pups laid with one another on the play area. Chase had chosen a happy field with some random trees and grass; Marshall had preferred a cute page with a bunch of ducklings swimming in a pond. While the fire pup was distracted with his coloring, Chase had managed to slip in a very subtle drawing of what appeared to be Marshall under one of the trees, emphasizing little hearts around the pup. He showed the dalmatian, and Marshall giggled and tried to hide his blush. His tail wagging excitedly against Chases own.
Pretty soon it was bedtime, and the pups made their way towards their respected pup houses. At least, that's what Marshall did at first. As the other pups fell asleep in, the fire pup had tip toed silently towards Chases house. Chase, being a resourceful pup, had grabbed a much larger blanket for the both of them. Scooting over to let his Bf lay next to him. The Shepherd was quick to lean in and nuzzle Marshall's neck.
``Heeeey! Hehe that tickles!''
``Sorry! Just wanted to give you a little love'' Chases laughed nervously. With Marshall finally being with him, the police pup had to admit he was a little clueless with how to behave with a lover. Not really having any prior experience before with a girl puppy, let alone a boy.
``Aww it's ok. I don't mind any love you give me'' Marshall cooed back, rolling over to look up at Chase and expose his belly. His paws half heatedly reached up and pressed on Chase's nose.
``Marshall! Hehehe, you silly pup''
``What? I can't help but boop your handsome snoot!'' The dalmatian had waited so long to be this close to his best friend and he was going to enjoy every moment he could. Even if it meant being twice as silly than he normally was.
``Soo for the record, Skye and Rocky already know about us.''
``Ohh?''
``Prior to you returning from your mission, I had asked Skye for some advice with how to talk to you about what happened earlier. Rocky had joined in too; both gave me the courage to be honest with you about how I felt.''
Marshall's tail wagged happily. He was glad to already have two of his friends support their new relationship.
``What about Zuma and Rubble?''
``Not that I am aware of, but I'm sure we can tell them sooner than later. That just leaves...
``Ryder...''
Both pups looked at one another but didn't say anything. The thought still dwelled on what their leader would think of this turn of events. They knew they weren't doing anything wrong but couldn't help but fear what ever consequences they'd have to face, if any.
``I'm...I'm sure he will take it well, we aren't breaking any rules.''
``I really hope so...'' Marshall wined.
``Ryder has always been understanding, I know this will be a new situation to explain to him, but we will manage!''
``Ye...Yeah! I'm sure we will! We might also need to give him the old puppy eyes too, just in case!''
Marshall leaned his head up to give the saddest, biggest, puppy eyes he could. Being sure to slightly wave his front paws at Chase.
The love-struck German Shepard could not contain himself and with a quick smile, He leaned down and pressed his snout against Marshall's belly. Blowing air into his fur and giving him a raspberry. The fire pup was thrown into a fit of giggles.
``Noooooo! Hahaha Stopppp! Chaaaase! Hahahah!''
``You asked for it!'' Chase Replied back and kept blowing.
Marshall squirmed and tried to get away from him, failing to escape his grasp.
``Stopp! Hahaha! I'm gonna peeee!'' He threatened.
``Not in my pup house! You aren't!'' Chase laughed back.
``Um...hey boys''
The pups froze, At the entrance of Chases pup house, A tall figure had leaned down and peered inside. This figure looked at both boys curiously.
``Ryder!'' Chase and Marshall barked. The fire pup being sure to stand up quick, A little too quick. Tumbling over Chase and managing to tangle each other in the larger blanket.
``Whoops.''
``Ryder...I...''
``Hehehe all right boys, fun is fun. But it's bedtime now. Marshall, why don't you head to your pup house?''
Marshall's smile faded; he lowered his head. He didn't want to bring any attention about their relationship in front of Ryder, so it he figured he'd better follow his instructions. So much for late night cuddles.
``Uhh sure thing Ryder''
He gently pulled his legs out from the blanket before walking towards their leader, he turned his head to Chase, giving him a brief smile.
``Goodnight Chase...''
He suppressed a wine, Chase took notice.
``Goodnight...Marshall.''
Marshall stepped out of the pup house and followed Ryder along the concrete path. This wasn't right. Chase felt it, he could see the slow sway of Marshalls legs, like he was going as slow as possible. Probably postponing himself from going back to his own house. He knew his pal wanted to spend the night with him, they could have a night together as lovers for the first time. Chase gridded his teeth in frustration. He finally had confessed to his best friend, finally had the opportunity to be with him, but the idea of having to walk on eggshells around their leader about it just didn't seem right anymore. Not if it meant having to see Marshall disappointed.
``Wait! Ryder sir.''
The shepherd had leaped out of his pup house towards the two, Marshall looked back in surprise. Ryder had done the same.
``Oh? What's the matter Chase?''
``Ryder...I'd prefer to have Marshall...stay the night with me...''
The dalmatian blinked, a look of confusion and concerned appeared on his snout.
Ryder raised an eyebrow at him.
``Are you having trouble sleeping Chase?''
``No sir...''
``Is Marshall sleep walking again?''
``Not recently''
Ryder chuckled.
``Chase, I know you want to play still but we need to be sure to get eight hours of sleep.''
``I know, I just would like Marshall to stay with me...''
Marshall's head lowered and his tail tuck under his legs, Chase caught sight of this. He didn't mean to make things uncomfortable. He just couldn't stand seeing Marshall so worried. Ryder sensed this tension as well.
``Pups. What's going on?''
``Ryder...Sir''
Chased swallowed a lump in his throat. He puffed his chest out and stared directly at his leader.
``Marshall and I are together...He's, my boyfriend!''
The shepherd spoke loud and proud. He felt his heart beat rapidly in his chest. Ryder eyes went wide. Marshall didn't speak, He just kept looking at Chase. He knew there could be very real consequences for them in a few moments but the dalmatian was lovestruck at the sight of his crush confessing to their leader.
``Boyfriend.''
Marshall mouthed the words slowly. Chase called him his boyfriend, and everything felt right in the world.
But only for a moment, For Ryder just stared at the shepherd then at the dalmatian then back at Chase, the pup braced himself for any discipline he might face. No treats, no playtime, no missions. What ever it may be, He didn't care. If he could be with Marshall, it was all worth it.
``Well...it's about time.''
The shepherds jaw dropped; Marshall's head felt lighter all the sudden. Both pups were having a hard time processing what just came out of their leaders' mouth.
``So, who admitted it first? Was it You Chase? No! I bet it was Marshall! Hahaha''
Ryder leaned down to pet the pup, but Marshall only stammered.
Ehhh...uhh...Wahhh?''
``You knew?!''
Chase barked, just a little too loud. He recoiled back a little and dropped his voice.
``You knew?''
``Of course! Chase, Marshall. I've known you pups for so long now. It's kind of easy to pick up on these things.''
``Did I...Make it obvious?''
Marshall finally asked, Coming to his senses.
``A little, there were some give aways. Like the time ya'll saved Jake in that cave, or the time Chase caught that pup cold.''
``Oh yeah! He was bed ridden.''
``Chase was asleep most of the time, but you kept coming by and checking on him. Just watching him as he slept''
``Heheheh...well...'' The dalmatian felt very embarrassed.
Chase just stared at his blushy boyfriend.
``Awww, Marshall''
``It was a really bad cold...I was worried.''
``Oh! You also do this thing where you stare at Chase when he's in front of you, Like for a looooong time! Almost like you staring at something particular...''
``Ok ok! I get it!'' Marshall ducked his face down between his paws in embarrassment. Chase tilted his head in confusion.
``My point being, I know you pups. There isn't anything I can't figure out on my own.''
``Ryder sir...I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner. We were just afraid that we might get in some sort of trouble.''
``Why would you think that? I don't have any issue with it.''
``That's good to hear.''
``As long as both of you continue to do your absolute best on every mission. Even though you are together now, You can't only prioritize each other's safety. You have to look out for the rest of the pups as well.''
Marshall made his way back over to Chase. Nudging him slightly, as he gave a serious look to Ryder.
``We promise Ryder, our relationship won't interfere with our duties to the team.''
``Agreed!'' Chase said in confidence.
``Good to hear pups, and one more thing. Don't stay up too late now, ok?''
Both pups giggled in response
``We won't Ryder''
Their leader kneeled and reached out both hands to pet them, giving reassuring scratches behind their ears.
``Have a goodnight pups.''
Ryder stood back up and turned to leave, making his way towards the lookout doors and out of sight. Marshall and Chase stood by for some time, both dumbfounded and relieved at what happened. Marshall was the first to speak.
``Well...That went better than expected Ahh!!!''
The fire pup was caught off guard as Chase lifted him on his back before making his way back to his pup house.
``Yes Yes yes!''
``Chase! Haha! I can walk you know?''
``Sorry! I'm just...I'm just so happy you don't have to leave, and that Ryder is ok with us!''
``Yeah, I was a little nervous how that would go down. We didn't even need to use puppy eyes!''
``Aww I was hoping to see that cute sad face again.''
Marshall blushed and wagged his tail; Chase had slowly lowered himself. Letting the dalmatian slip into his pup house, getting himself comfy before patting the spot next to him.
``Room for one more!''
Chase smiled at the dalmatian; he took a quick look up towards the sky. Lots of stars shined bright above the lookout tonight. Sometimes the shepherd would idly watch them before drifting off to sleep. This time though, He'd have some much-needed company. Chase moved himself next to Marshall, getting nice and snuggled up to the clumsy pup. The dalmatian leaned in and gave a slow lick against his snout, ever so slightly brushing under his lips and against his teeth. Chase jumped from the sudden intimate affection.
``Whoa.... Marshall...I...''
``Too much?'' He whimpered.
``No no, just soooo.... exciting''
``I've...I've been wanting to do that for a while.''
``I figured; I don't mind you being so affectionate.''
``Good, Cause Intend on giving you a whole lot of it!''
``Hehehe I'll do my best to match it. Sweet potato''
Marshall giggled.
``Sweet potato?''
``Still working on the nickname thing. I can find you something better though!''
Chase pondered for a for a moment before looking back at his boyfriend.
``Soooo how often do you stare at me when I'm not looking Marshall?''
``Oh uh...not often...'' He said cautiously.
``Am I just that handsome?'' Giving a toothy grin and wink at the pup
``Yeah!'' He gushed ``But it's not exactly your face I was staring at...''
``Wait what?''
``Nothing!''
Marshall said before digging himself under the blanket, hiding his face from him.
``Hey! Get back here!''
``Nope! Time for bed!''
``Awwww is my little fire marshal sleepy?'' He teased.
``Hehehe yes and he would very much like some cuddles'' Giving the same sad puppy eyes from before.
Chase didn't fight back and quickly found himself nuzzled up to Marshall. His head resting on top of the dalmatian's.
Both pups had what they wanted now. For Chase, it was someone he cared enough to explore these new feelings with. For Marshall, it was finally being with the one pup he always loved. With Ryder now aware of their relationship, it seemed all was going well so far. The next question they would have to answer though, is where do they go from here?
