CH 5: Doggy Paddling

``Beep Bop! Beep Bop!''

The radar beeped loudly. Water and bubbles passed against the shield on Zuma's submarine. Both pups looked ahead of them. Between the sea life and sand, they could also make out a large familiar shape in front of them.

``We're right behind it!''

``Hang on dude! Going full throttle!''

Zuma floored it forward. Rocky hung on to his waist as they approached the sub. Their field of vision was slowly engulfed by the purple hue of the machine. So far, it seemed like it didn't notice them. They were keeping just enough distance as to not to be spotted. Not once did that giant periscope make an appearance. Zuma kept a steady pace behind it, before another call came in from his pup tag.

``Rocky! Zuma! What is your position?''

``Wyder Dude, We're directly behind the sub!''

``Behind it? But you were supposed to avoid...

``We didn't want to lose it again!'' Rocky chimed in, leaning into Zuma's tag ``It was my idea, I'm sorry but it looks like it going to deeper water.''

``If we stay behind it, we can let you know where it's at! We can stop this sub from causing anymore trwouble.'' Zuma added.

There was a long pause before Ryder spoke up again.

``Copy that, don't lose sight of it! We will be on your tail as soon as we can!''

``Ruff! You got it Ryder!''

Their leader disconnected and Zuma did as they were instructed. Staying just behind the monstrous machine. They were on it for some time before it started to make its way upwards.

``What the?!''

``Looks like it trying to breach the surface!''

``We gotta hang back and see what's up, hold on tight Wocky!''



Zuma pulled his steering up, his sub ascended towards the surface. Rocky hung on as Zuma floored it upwards. As the sub breached up, Bright luminance water danced and shined against the shield before the sub leaped back down, landing with a mighty splash. Rocky was lifted from his seat and collapsed on top of the brown lab.

``Whoa! Zuma! Are you ok?''

The water pup took a minute to enjoy the feeling of the scruffy pup on top of him.

``Yup~ Uh I mean...Yeah! I'm good! Sorry for the abrupt jump''

``Hehehe no worries''

``Ruff ruff! Hoovercraft!''

Zuma barked, His sub converting back to the familiar vehicle he drove, it was just a few feet behind the large purple sub. Which sat ideally on the water. Suddenly, A loud hissing noise echo through the air, as if the large vessel was decompressing. The pups noticed a small hatch towards the top of it start to turn before flipping open. A shadowy figure stepped up and out on top of the sub. It looked around causally, clearly not noticing Zuma and Rocky. There appeared to be a few smaller creatures on the figure's shoulders but what stood out the most was a large purple top hat that sat on top of his head.

Both pups gasped out loud.

``Mayor Humdinger!''

The devious mayor of foggy bottom twirled his mustache, chuckling low. The creatures which clung to his shoulders were his six kittens of his kitty catastrophe crew.

``Alright kitties! Off off! Help me with this!''

One of them gave an annoyed sigh but did as they were told, leaping off his shoulders and on to the metal exterior of the sub. Humdinger kneeled towards the hatch, reaching both arms forward. The mayor pulled his body back, seeming to try and pull something up.

``Kitties! Don't just stand there!''

The kittens all gather towards the hatch, helping humdinger pull up what looked to be a giant green sack. The mayor pulled it up and out before sitting it down next to him. With a bit of a struggle, the pups watched as he and the kittens pushed the sack towards the edge of the sub. Taking a few tired breaths as they scooted along.

``So far so good kitties! Heave ho!''

The kittens follow suit with pushing but clearly not giving the same amount of effort as Humdinger. Looking content with letting him do all the work.

``I should have done this years ago! Makes it so much easier...Huff! To...huff...deal with!''

The mayor took a small break before reaching a hand on top of the large heap, untying the knot keeping it closed.

``Alright kitties! On the count of three! One...Two...Three!''

With that, the mayor and his mischievous felines gave one last shove and pushed the sack overboard, the contents of it spilling out as it plummeted to the water. What looked to be smaller bags of trash, cardboard, and needless food scraps fell into the bay, before bobbing back up along the surface. Rocky and Zuma watched on in horror.

``Dude...not cool''

``Humdinger has been the one dumping all this trash into the bay?!''

``Yeah...though the purple submarine should have made it obvious.''

The recycle pup shook his head out of disbelief. Of course, it was Humdinger. It was easy to say if anything weird was going on, most of the time Humdinger and his kitty catastrophe crew were behind it.

``We have to make sure he doesn't get away this time.''

``True! But Wyder and the rest aren't here yet!''

``Then we need to stall him!''

Rocky thought for a little bit, looking at what they had around the craft. He turned back towards the sub; they weren't too far away from the large propellor that propelled the massive machine. The large blades jutted just above the water. The recycle pup could make out certain sized bolts which held part of it in place.  An idea came to him, one that made him nervous.

``Zuma, does your pup pack have any sort of attachments besides jets?''

``Not really, just those and the oxygen tank to breathe. What are you thinking?''

``I think...I think I need you to distract him while I disable his sub. I can take your pup gear and one of those Allen wretches we have to unscrew the bolts off his propeller.''

The water pup hesitated, the plan was good but the image of a cold, confused and struggling Rocky came back to mind.

``Wocky...It's a good plan! Weally! But...''

``But?''

``But...why don't I just go down there instead! While you distract him?!''

``Zuma, can you use an Allen wretch with just your paws?''

Zuma looked down at his forepaws, realizing why Rocky asked about attachments. He wasn't as articulate with his paws like Rocky was. Zuma couldn't hold on too much unless it was in his mouth, and he needed that to breath through his respirator. Rocky could easily maneuver his paws to grip the wretch properly and be able to use Zuma's gear at the same time.

``No...''

``Then we don't have any other options then, come on let's do this!''

The brown lab hesitated, Rocky tilted his head at him.

``Wocky...''

``Zuma?''

``It's just...''

In his mind he saw Rocky again, struggling against the waves, keeping his nose above water. The recycle pup picked up on his concern. Moving close to lay a paw on one of Zuma's own.

``It's ok, I'll be fine. Really!''

The brown lab stayed quiet before leaping on Rocky, hugging the pup as tight as he could. Rocky gasped and settled his snout into Zumas neck, only to hear a soft wine come from the pup.

``What if you panic? What if you strwuggle to get it done? You don't have your pup tag; I can't contact you if something happens.''

Rocky felt his heart swell as he listened to his friend.

``You almost drowned today Rocky. I almost lost you! I can't lose my friend! Any of my friends! Especially you...Not you dude...not you''

Zuma leaned up and pressed his head against Rocky. The mixed breed returned the affection, nuzzling him close, looking into his soft yellow eyes. Zuma suppressed a sniffle and did his best to not bawl in front of him. Rocky knew the lab had every right to be concerned for his safety and he wanted to do his best to reassure him.

``Zuma, Today has been one of the most difficult days of my pup life. I lost my pup house, all my stuff...I was wet and cold...and if it wasn't for you, I don't think I'd be here right now.''

Rocky moved his forepaw up to stroke Zuma's chin.

``Even after all of that, the most difficult thing I had to do today, was finally being able to tell you how I feel about you...''

He fought back a few tears.

``And being out on the water today, just the two of us, it was all I've could have hoped for. Maybe not the most ideal circumstances but I wouldn't trade that time together for anything.''

He gently lifted the lab off himself, Standing back on his own four paws.

``Sure, I'll admit I am a little afraid to go back in the water, but I was more afraid of singing that song for you earlier. If I could do that, then I can do anything! Especially if you're with me.''

Rocky used both his forepaws to caress the brown lab snout. The water pup nuzzled into his paw pads, a smile slowly starting to form.

``When were together, I think we can do anything!''

Zuma moved his own paw against Rocky's snout.

``You're...You're right Rocky.''

``Like you said, Deep breaths, right?''

The recycle pup gave a big toothy grin at him, Zuma couldn't say no to that face.

``Yeah, Deep bwreathes''

 ``Alright. Now...I'm going to need you to strip.''

Zuma was taken aback. His brown coat turning a deep red at Rocky's words, stammering his own words as he spoke.

``Wocky! Now? It's a little sudden but...''

``Hehehe Noooo silly, So I can wear your pup gear.''

``Oh...right'' Zuma giggled.



It was a little snug, but Rocky managed to squeeze himself into Zuma's gear. Securing the orange vest tight around him as well as the pup's water helmet. His gray ears poking out the top. The Allen wretch snugged between his vest and his chest.

``All set dude?''

``Yup yup! Got the wretch and the respirator ready.''

``Take your time, ok? I'll move my hovercraft close to him and distract that big meanie before he catches on to anything.''

``Sounds good''

``Be careful down there Rocky.''

``I will! I promise!''

Rocky was about to put the respirator into his mouth before Zuma took it from him, leaning forward to let his tongue run under Rocky's snout. Lapping against his teeth and up his nose. The mixed breed shuttered at the affection.

``For luck!''

Rocky smiled back at him

``That's all the luck I'll ever need!''

Rocky sat at the edge of the craft, Taking in a deep breath.

``Green means goooo!''

The recycle pup howled before putting the respirator into his maw and falling backwards off the sub. The pup had shut his eyes tight as he hit the water. He felt his whole-body float gently under the waves. Opening his eyes, he could make out bubbles floating upwards and the slow current glowed off the light of the moon just from the surface.  The familiar sensation of the cold wet water started to ache on his fur, reminding him of his previous experience earlier but the pup immediately took a few slow breathes from the respirator. Keeping himself calm.

``Deep breaths, deep breathes'' He thought, activating the jets of Zuma's pack, He propelled himself forward towards the lower half of the sub.


 
``Almost done kitties! Just one more sack and we're out of here!''

Humdinger had managed to push and pull two boxes and a smaller load of trash out from the sub but he struggled with his last load. As the mayor pulled up on what looked to be the biggest sack of trash he had, its contents inside it got all jumbled up, blocking the hatch and making it difficult to lift. While he was trying to unstick his garbage, His kittens deciding to jump and play with one another than help their villainous owner. None of them noticed a small orange hovercraft approaching the side of the sub.

``Hggnh! Why does this stuff...Hggnh! ...Have to be soooo heavy?!'' The mayor whined.

``Hold it, Dude!''

Humdinger stopped pulling and jumped, He turned his gaze out along the water to see who had called out to him. The mayor looked down and spotted the brown lab in his little vehicle. Looking so small compared to his

``Well well! Isn't it Zuba!''

``It's Zuma!''

``Whatever! Looks like the Paw Patrol has caught up to my little scheme!'' He chuckled, Twirling his mustache again.

``What are you doing out here Mayor Humdinger? Why are you tossing your twrash out into the bay?''

``Hmmpph! For you information, It's not my Trash. It's Foggy Bottoms!''

``What?''

``See, my citizens have been complaining about how their trash isn't being collected on time, how it keeps piling up in town. Blah blah blah. So, I figured I could dump a teeny tiny amount out into the sea! Nowhere near foggy bottom of course. Don't want to make my city water dirty!''

Zuma couldn't help but roll his eyes at him, Thinking the mayor had no idea what ``Tiny'' amount of stuff he was throwing out here.

``But dude! You are making adventure bay dirty with all this stuff.''

``Oh don't lose your puppy head over a little trash, I'm sure you and your friends would be able to take care of it anyway! Speaking of which...''

The mayor turned his head left and right, scoping out the area. Noticing how the pup seemed to be the only one out on the water.

``Where is the rest of the Paw patrol huh?''

Zuma quivered a little

``Uhhh...They're going to be here. Weally Soon!''

``Oh? Then I best be on my way then! Come along Kitties!''

The kittens jumped on to Humdingers shoulders, one of them rudely blowing a raspberry at Zuma. The mayor made his way back to the hatch, However the last sack of trash still blocked his path. He desperately tried to kick it back down into the sub. Stomping it as hard as he could.  Zuma started to panic, Rocky had not come up yet, Humdinger was going to get away. He had to stall him further.

``Hey! It's not just a little trash!''

Humdinger kept on stomping, not looking directly at Zuma.

``Oh little, big, in between? What does it matter?! It's not really hurting anybody.''

``Yes, it did''

The mayor paid no mind to the pup.

``Oh what? Some seaweed and barnacles?''

``No dude! The creatures that live in these waters! The whales! The fish!''

The mayor stopped briefly, pondering.

``Oh...uh...I wouldn't know about that.'' He quipped, before continuing his stomping  

Zuma growled in frustration.

``You hurt Rocky!''

Humdinger stopped turning his head back to the pup, an eyebrow raised. The kittens also looked curiously at him.

``Wh...What do you mean?''

Zuma suppressed a growl in his throat.

``Earlier today, when we were chasing you, you caused Rocky's boat to capsize!

Humdingers curiosity peaked, he approached the side of his sub, looking down to make eye contact at the chocolate lab.

``Wait, was that that green thing I saw earlier today when I dove down in the bay? I thought it was one of my sacks.''

``It wasn't! It was Rocky! When you went under, you made a big wave that knocked him and his boat over!''

Humdinger seemed bewildered, struggling with his words.

``Well...how was I suppose...''

Zuma stood up on his pedal, Staring daggers at the mayor.

``All his stuff spilled out on the ocean floor, everything he ever collected! Worst of all, Rocky lost pup gear! His tag! He couldn't swim that well, I had to save him!''

Zuma did his absolute best to articulate what he was trying to say, Lisp or not, He was angry, and the person responsible for his anger needed to hear it.

``He was so scared! He was just trying to help clean up your mess and it could cost him everything! Your actions have consequences dude! I almost lost my friend today!''

Zuma didn't hold back, he felt tears start to well up from his eyes, but he couldn't care less right now. The kittens who were usually so snarky had just stared at Zuma before turning their gaze to their leader. Humdinger said nothing, His eyes were wide, his stance was bent, as if the weight of what he had done was finally hitting him. He awkwardly scratched at the back of his neck, taking his eyes off the pup. Not able to keep looking at him. He bit his upper lip, gently gnawing at his mustache. He felt his stomach toss and turn uncomfortably. The mayor was used to splitting a few hairs, ruffling a few feathers, if it meant that he could get what he wanted. This time though, the idea that his actions might have very well put another life in danger made the mayor's ego sour. The guilt he felt right now was unfathomable. His eyes met with the sniffling pups.

``I...I didn't know that...I thought I was...Is he alright?''

``He's fine, no thanks to you.''

The mayor looked down at his feet, not knowing what to say next. One of his kittens gave a low ``Meow?'' response to him. Acknowledging that they were all at a loss for words.

``Zuma...Look...I'm...''


``Gotcha! Yip yip!''

A blinding light suddenly flashed from the night sky, the beamed pointed squarely on the mayor. His kittens jumped off his shoulders in surprise.

``What the?'' Zuma barked in confusion before hearing the familiar whirling of blades spinning above them.

The confused mayor squinted his eyes and looked up. He could make out Skye in her helicopter circling the purple sub. Soon several sirens could be heard along the ocean waves. Zuma looked out along the bay; he spotted some long shapes underneath the water. Long traces of bioluminescence tracked along the objects as they slowly breached the surface. Zuma could make out several subs, varying different colors parked next to hovercraft. Marshall, Chase and Rubble at the helm of each of them.

``Sorry we took so long Zuma!'' Chase called out.

``Woof Woof! Yeaaah! Aqua pups go!''

Mayor Humdinger couldn't believe his eyes.

``What the? When did you pups get your own submarines?! That's not...

He was cut off when the sound of a large splash took him by surprise, water erupted from behind the mayor, soaking him and his kittens. He turned around to see what looked to be a huge silver sub in shape of a whale! One that dwarfed his own.

``Fair...''

The sub bellowed and a familiar voice could be heard booming towards the troublemaker.

``Attention Mayor Humdinger! This is Ryder in the whale patroller! The Aqua pups and I have you surrounded; we are commandeering your sub. Stay where you are!''

Humdinger started to panic, the sudden fear of facing the consequences of his actions overtook the immense guilt he was feeling a moment ago. The mayor motioned for one of his kittens with his hand, keeping his eyes on the large sub, he pointed towards the hatch. His kitten took notice and quickly ran towards the blocked path. Managing to worm himself between the sack and the opening, just enough to slip on through the hatch and down into the interior of the sub. The mayor giggled in delight; He just might be able to make a quick getaway.

``I must admit paw patrol, this was quite a surprise but let's see if you pups can catch up to my much more superior mayor super turbo sub! Full speed ahead kitten!''

Humdinger called out. On que, his sub started to move, it's loud airhorn went off, Making the pups cover their ears once more. Zuma's eyes went wide, He kept his paws on the steering of his craft, he was ready to give chase once again. The other pups also readied themselves. When suddenly, the mayor's sub lurched forward and stopped. A low hum was heard coming from the propellor. Humdinger looked back in shock and confusion.

``What?! What's going on? Why aren't we moving?''

A sudden splash from below caught everyone's attention. A familiar mixed breed pup had popped up next to Zuma's hovercraft.

``Oh no you don't!''

The pup lifted himself back onto the craft, Dropping the Allen wrench and several bolts along the floor. Humdinger looked in shock at the recycle pup.

``While you were dropping your trash, I unscrewed the bolts to your propeller! You are not going anywhere!''

The pups all howled and cheered for Rocky, Humdingers jaw had dropped at the realization. Zuma was quick to tackle hug the recycle pup, giggling loud, so happy that his friend was alright. Mayor Humdinger caught sight of this, Seeing Rocky in particular. Laughing along with the water pup. Even though Rocky had bested him, A part of humdinger was glad to see that he was ok. The words Zuma spoke earlier radiated back into the mayor's mind and the guilt came flooding back with it. He looked around, the whale patroller on his left, the Aqua pups on his right, Skye right above him and nowhere else to go. He let out a small sigh in defeat.

``I...I give up...''



The shore of Adventure Bay was looking a lot cleaner than it had earlier in the day. With the paw patrol and the citizens combined efforts, most of the trash had been cleaned up. Some random bottles would float towards the beach now and then, but nothing massive. A perfect amount to save for Mayor Humdinger to pick up, Mayor Goodway figured this would be the perfect way to punish the miscreant. Given that he was the reason why the waters were so polluted lately. The purple coated troublemaker stood idlily by as the pups watched the whale patroller lower Rocky's pup house on to the beach. It was in no shape to go anywhere in its current state. For the time being they would have to leave it as is. What was important was that the whale patroller managed to tow Humdingers Sub, with all the remaining trash he had dumped, and all Rocky's things as well. They delicately unloaded what they could from the hull, sorting out stuff to be properly disposed of and what could be repurposed.

``Excellent work pups!'' Mayor Goodway cheered.

``Whew, that's just about everything'' Ryder exclaimed.

``Good...Cause I'm one tired pup'' Marshall panted, plopping onto the sand.

``Aww Don't worry, I'll give you some paw rubs when we get back home'' Chase barked, lifting a paw to scratch behind his bf's ear.

Ryder dropped the last load next on the beach, Giving a proud smile towards his team.

``You all worked so hard today! And been such good pups! but there's two pups I want to give some special recognition too.''

Ryder walked forward towards Rocky and Zuma, Leaning down to pet both of their foreheads.

``Rocky, Zuma, both of you were so brave today, you managed to not only clean up the waters of Adventure Bay but put a stop to the pollution.''

Rubble howled in response.

``Three cheers for Rocky and Zuma!''

``Yip yipp Hooray!''

``Yipp Yip hooray!''

Rocky smiled at the pups around him, feeling a small paw lay against his own, turning his gaze to meet Zuma's. Who looked just as proud at their success today.

``Yip yipp Hoooray!''

``Thanks guys, but we couldn't have done it without each other''

``Totally dude''

The mixed breed felt a small tap against his ear, turning in surprise to see not only mayor Humdinger but his kittens behind him. He had removed his hat from his head and fiddled with it nervously in his hands. His kittens hid behind the mayors' legs, giving a pleading look to the pup.

``Hello Rocky...Look, Your buddy told me what happened earlier today. I didn't realize what I did, not just with my polluting, but also causing your pup house to sink. And for that...I'm...I'm...''

The mayor swallowed a lump in his throat, struggling to say something he rarely said.

``I'm sorry''

The pups gasped in shock, Even Ryder and Mayor Goodway seemed taken aback. It wasn't like Humdinger to apologize for his misdoings.

Rocky was a little hesitant to accept his apology, but he could see the mayor genuinely meant what he said. He smiled up at him.

``It's ok, just know that there are better ways to dispose of trash then just dumping it somewhere.''

``I'd certainly like to know how...Seems like all my citizens talk about is how dirty foggy bottom is all the time.''

``If you want, I'd be more than happy to stop by sometime to show you how to properly dispose of stuff, repurpose what you can, maybe even start a proper recycling program for you! If that's ok with Ryder.''

Ryder grinned at the mixed breed.

``Of course, Anytime''

Humdinger smiled back at Rocky.

``I...I would like that. Thank you''

``Meow meow!'' The kittens agreed.

``Alright now Mayor Humdinger, just because you're sorry, doesn't mean you will get away from picking up after yourself!'' Mayor Goodway said sternly. Handing a bag and some gloves to the purple coated man. He hesitated for a moment before sighing to himself, putting his hat back on his head and taking them. Wanting to get done with his punishment as soon as possible.

``Well pups, I think we can go ahead and call it a day, though we will need to figure out where Rocky will sleep tonight.''

The water pup spoke up quickly.

``Uh! Wyder sir, I think we got something figured out already.''

The brown lab leaned close to Rocky, His head pressing under his chin in affection. Rocky blushed and couldn't help but let his tail wag.

``Awwwww!'' Skye and Marshall said in unison, Giving the biggest smile towards the pair. Chase smiled back at the new couple.

``It's about time'' He barked.

Rubble looked around in confusion. Clearly not putting two and two together.

``What? What? I don't get it.''

Ryder laughed, Giving a warm smile to the pair. Looks like another set of pups on his team had a little romance going on, and he was more than happy for them.



Trwe..trwe...Treasure

``Yup, Treasure!''

``piwate..pirrrate...Pirate!''

``Mmmm hmm!''

``So far so good''

``Now say, Yarrr shiver me timbers!''

``Heheheh I'm not Arby dude.''

Rocky teased the brown lab, it was close to midnight at this point and way past the pup's bedtime. Skye and Rubble were in their respected pup houses, Marshall had collapsed on Chase in his bed, While Rocky found himself comfortably settled with his new boyfriend. The brown lab yawned loudly and nestled himself against Rocky.

``What a day...''

``Yeah, who'd think this mission would end so late, and with me without a pup house.''

``Awww, not happy spending the night with me?'' The lab whined playfully.

``Hehehe I'm more than happy. In fact, I think I could get used to this.''

``Good, Because I expect a lot of cuddles now during bedtime.''

``Oh? Is that all?''

The mixed breed winked at Zuma, Getting a small blush out of him.

``I would also accept licks.''

``Oh yeah? Even if I don't bathe for a month, would you still cuddle me then?''

``Ohhhh noooo. Please anything but that!'' Zuma begged, before leaning his snout against Rocky's neck, Taking a deep whiff of his coat. He smelled less of sea water and salt and more like his usual scent, which Zuma was very happy with. Rocky leaned down to provide a gentle lick to his forehead. Resting his chin on the lab.

``Time for bed Zuma?''

The water pup looked up at him.

``Can you...Sing me to sleep?''

Rocky gave a small smile back.

``I'd love to, but I don't think I can play guitar right now without waking up every other pup.''

``Aww, sing solo then?''

Zuma gave him a long pleading stare; Rocky was happy to oblige.

``Alright''

Zuma rested his head between his paws as Rocky began. Starting with a small hum from his throat before letting the words flow out his mouth.

Cause I don?t care when I?m with my baby, yeah

All the bad things disappear

And you?re making me feel like maybe I am somebody

I can deal with the bad nights

When I?m with my baby, yeah

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Rocky sung low before hearing the lab below him chimed in.

I don?t like nobody but you, it?s like you?re the only one here

I don?t like nobody but you, baby, I don?t care.

I don?t like nobody but you, I hate everyone here

I don?t like nobody but you, baby, yeah

Rocky smiled wide, their tails wagged, and paws moved along to the beat, both pups harmonized together.

?Cause I don?t care as long as you just hold me near

You can take me anywhere

And you?re making me feel like I?m loved by somebody

I can deal with the bad nights

When I?m with my baby, yeah

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Both pups howled at the last verse before Rocky leaned his snout into Zumas, Letting his tongue lap against his wet nose. Zuma returned it with a quick lick against Rocky's mouth.

``Was that planned mister?''

``Nope!''

``Heheh. Ya know, I can teach you how to play guitar sometime if you want.''

``I'd like that, Long as I can teach you some new swimming techniques.''

``Aww, Something wrong with doggy paddling?''

Rocky nuzzled the brown lab once more, resting his head against his as the pups closed their eyes, Zuma taking one last look at him. The handsome pup bringing so much comfort and warmth as he remarked with a yawn.

``Nah, Doggy paddling is...awesome dude...''

Rocky eyes fluttered at the brown lab; His heart swelled at the sight of the adorable pup he could now call his boyfriend. Today hadn't gone exactly as planned for him, it had gone as well as trying to doggy paddle in rough waters. In any case, Rocky had managed to accomplish his goal today and it was more than he could ever ask for.

``Yeah. It's perfect.''

THE END