Ch 7: The Next step
It has been over a month since Chase and Marshall started their relationship. Regarding that change, nothing too substantial had happened over that time. Missions were the usual for the boys. Keeping their word to Ryder to watch out for all the members of the team, not just each other. Between playing with the other pups and being out on patrol, the two always made sure to make time for just one another. They were good at spending time with each other as friends but now it felt so much more intimate as boyfriends. No matter if they were watching tv, playing with each other, or cuddled up in one of their pup houses. For Marshall, being as close as he was to Chase currently was all he could ever ask for. For Chase, he had grown into understanding his feelings as he spent more time with the fire pup. Being that having a male lover was an adjustment, but he was happy to have his best pal be his first real boyfriend. He grew to admire almost every quality Marshall displayed more than he had before, Both physical and emotional. He even began to notice those attractive qualities in the other members of his team. Not that he would ever consider betraying his favorite little fire pup. Though, with that understanding, Chase began to feel that something was off. He and Marshall were together, He was happy with it, but something nagged at the back of the pup's head. Like there was something else he needed to do to prove to Marshall he was all in on their relationship.
``Isn't it obvious mister?'' A familiar cockapoo spoke, rolling a pup treat from her teeth as she smiled at the police pup. Chase was not amused.
``If it was obvious, I wouldn't be asking for your help Skye.''
Not wanting to bring up these feelings to Marshall just yet, Chase chose to privately discuss this nagging feeling he's had lately with Skye, both pups laid in the main area of the lookout, Rubble, Marshall, and Rocky had recently been called to a mission while Zuma had decided to take an afternoon nap. Giving them the perfect opportunity to speak to one another.
``You and Marshall do the same things so often, it's either go on a mission or play with us pups here in the lookout!''
``That's true...''
``Or you just play with each other!''
Chase cheeks turned red; his eyes widened.
``What?! We...We haven't! I mean...I thought...''
Skye giggled.
``No, not like that. I mean ya'll do the same things every day. You both have been a couple for a little bit now. It's time to do more official couple stuff!''
``More couple stuff? We spend a lot of time together already. Isn't that enough?''
``Yeah, but I mean outside of the lookout though.''
``Oh, you mean like a...Date?''
``Yeah! Like a date!''
``Yeah...a date''
Chases tail wagged slowly at the idea. Taking Marshall out, maybe treating him to a fancy dinner, maybe even a dance...
``Wait, how would I even take him out? It's not like I have money to do that sort of stuff. Unless Ryder can give me some'' He giggled.
Skye also laughed. ``True, but maybe you could ask Mr. Porter to set you up with something at his cafe. With all we've done for the town, I'm sure he'd be happy to help.''
Chase felt uneasy, ``I don't think I'd comfortable doing that. Being a Paw Patrol member means serving and protecting the citizens of Adventure Bay. Not expecting them to give you stuff in return.''
Skye smiled, admiring her friend's nobility.
Chase thought hard and came up with an interesting idea, Giving a toothy grin to the cockapoo.
``I need to do something special for Marshall, So Why don't I create a date? Somewhere private in Adventure Bay?''
``Hmmmm, that might work.''
``I could set up a table under the stars! Maybe try and make something for him?''
``Yeah! I'd be happy to help, I'm sure the rest of the pups would too, that is till you all need some privacy'' She winked at him, Chases blush returned.
``I'd...appreciate the help but maybe I should ask him first and foremost if he'd want to do that.''
``That boy will say yes to anything you ask him.''
``Nuh uh!''
``Chase, has he ever said no to you?''
The shepherd thought about it, it seemed like no matter where he went or what he wanted to do, Marshall was just a few steps behind him and always willing. He loved that about him.
``Good point...But I'd want it to be a little bit of a surprise!''
``Of course! Don't want to give it all away at once!''
On que, Chase and Skye heard the familiar sound of vehicles. Chase stood up, ready to drop the question on the dalmatian.
``Wish me luck Skye!''
``You won't need it; you got this bud'' She barked.
With that, Chase made his way over to the elevator.
``Ooof! Almost got it!''
``Uhh do you need some help Marshall?'' Rubble asked, Staring dumbfounded at the pup.
``No no! I got it!''
The fire pup was currently in the process of removing his pup gear. His helmet came off easily, but he was having a little issue with his vest. Managing to pull it over his neck but getting caught over his head and floppy ears.
``Hang on there mister, I'll take it from here Rubble'' Chase strolled out of the elevator, giggling at his boyfriends current predicament. Rubble giggled as well and left the two boys to sort it out.
``Chase? Where are you? Someone turned out the lights!''
``Marshall ~ You silly pup''
Chase leaned in and bit down on one part of the vest. Pulling back a little as Marshall pulled the other way, The vest slipped free. Though Marshall was thrown into a somersault, rolling backwards and passing the lookout doors, spinning out of control.
``Oh boy!'' Chase called out muffled, the vest still between his teeth, he ran after him. He was more than accustomed to Marshall inadvertently hurting himself and made sure to stay on his toes (or lack thereof) in response to his mishaps. Marshall kept on spinning till he eventually crashed into a tree. The Pup fell backwards against the bark before sliding down it. His body in the grass, His eyes spinning with dizziness.
``Marshall! Are you ok?!''
The pup shook himself straight before calling out ``I'm good!''
``Oh Marshall, you've got to be more...whoa...''
Chase felt his face go flush, Marshall's vest fell as his jaw dropped a little, The Dalmatian was splayed on the grass, His collar missing, and his four legs all curled up and tuck against himself, His big blue eyes looking up at him.
``Sorry Chase...I'm good though! Really!''
The shepherd didn't say anything, His heart fluttered, and his mouth went dry. The confidence he had a moment ago was gone at the sight of the cutest thing he'd ever seen. He always slightly worried that he might eventually get tired of the sight of Marshall. That the pup's charms would fade over time and his feelings would too. That didn't seem to be the case currently and it stirred several butterflies in his tummy.
``Chase? Are...are you ok?''
The shepherd shook himself out of it.
``Sorry! Sorry...Pretty boy''
Chase blushed at him while Marshall giggled at the handsome pup, Happy that he was still looking for a proper nickname for him. Chase leaned down to lift his partner.
``Whoops, looks like I lost my pup tag!''
Chase looked down at the vest before lifting it back up to shake it, seeing a familiar bright yellow collar drop from it.
``There it is!''
``We'll have to have Ryder put it back on for you, maybe Rocky could help.''
``True!''
``How was the mission baby?''
``It was great! I mean...not great like it was good that Farmer Al barn heater almost blew...but we got it cooled down and repaired.''
``That's great to hear Hun'' Chase smiled, nuzzling the dalmatian.
The fire pup responded back by licking the police pup's snout.
``Three nick names in one day?''
``I'll find something that fits! I'm sure of it!''
Chase pondered for a moment before spouting the first words that came to mind.
Uhhhh...Angel...Dust?''
``Oh, I like that!''
Chase bit his lower lip. ``I don't think that's appropriate Marshall.''
``Why not?'' He tilted his head curiously.
``It's hard to explain.... Besides I have something I wanted to ask''
``Oh?''
``Marshall...we've been dating for close to a month. And...
The Dalmatians silly demeanor dropped a little.
``Oh no, Marshall thought. He had been so happy these last few weeks. His best friend now turned into his boyfriend, but sometimes a small fear lingered within him. What if this was all just temporary? What if Chase grew out of his feelings? Maybe he'd reconsidered their relationship?
``Yes Chase?''
``I...I think it's time we take this to the next level, make things a little more...official.''
Marshall's voice caught in his throat; His eyes widen. A lot of thoughts swirled in his mind, yet his head felt foggy, If Chase was implying what he thought he was implying, then this was quicker than expected. He suddenly felt very hot under the collar, though he currently wasn't wearing one. Marshall opened his mouth, but little words came out.
``Chase...I'm...
``Marshall, I want to take you out on a date! A proper date!''
Marshall didn't respond. Just when he thought things were going super-fast, he was brought back to reality with a very romantic gesture. Marshall head still felt foggy, but his tail wagged excitedly in response.
``I don't exactly have an idea where we'd go, but I want to try and set up something for us.'' Chase awkwardly scratched at the back of his neck. ``If you're interested that is...''
``Yes!!!''
Marshall yelped, biting his tongue a little at how loud he was.
``I mean yes, I would love that!''
``Great! Though I am going to ask you give me a few hours to set up.''
``No problem, but are you sure you don't want me to help you baby?''
``Aww I want it to be a surprise for you though.''
Chase nuzzled noses with Marshall, the dalmatian's back leg kicking in excitement.
``Ok!'' He yelped back in response, his voice swooning, he was a lovestruck pup right now.
``Great! I'll see you later tonight then, I mean...Soon as I figure out where and what we're doing.''
The shepherd leaned in to give an affection lick across Marshall's snout, being sure to linger a little longer on his mouth. The fire pup cooed, and his legs wobbled.
With that, Chase winked at his boyfriend and turned to leave. The cool and confident pup was back but only for a moment. As he began to ponder, he seriously considered where he would take Marshall tonight.
Marshall on the other hand was so lost in his head with puppy love, he could hardly bring himself back to reality.
``Oh wow, A date! An actual date! It's serious now!''
With a gleam in his smile and a pep in his step, the dalmatian grabbed his pup tag and ran towards the lookout, After that. He'd need to run out to Katies pet parlor.
``If we're taking the next step, I'm going to dress up for it!''
