Ch 8: Dance with me!

``Hehehe! That tickles Katie!''

``Almost done mister.''

Marshall did his best to keep himself still, Katie gently sprayed a light fragrance onto the pup's fur and slowly ran a comb through it. Ensuring it'd soak properly into his coat.

Katie was taken by surprise earlier when the fire pup stumbled his way into her parlor. Quite literally as the pup had managed to take two steps in before tripping over himself and into the nearest cat carrier. After helping the poor pup out of his cramped space, he quickly told her about his need for a bath and brushing. Mentioning it was for a very special occasion. Katie wasted no time getting the Dalmatian in a tub, washing the pup clean and drying him off before removing some excess fur from his coat. A quick blow dry later, Katie was just about done with cleaning. Though her curiosity peaked at the pups sudden need to look sharp.

``Alright you dashing dalmatian. Tell me what's so important that you needed to get a quick groom?''

Marshall looked down, fiddling with his paws a little before. Between the rest of the pups, they so rarely spoke of their personal matters outside of the lookout. Considering that Katie was willing to take Marshall at last minute though, He felt like he owed her that much.

``Chase is taking me out on a real date tonight!''

``Oh? That's exciting!''

Katie had heard down the grape vine that Chase and Marshall were dating. Like most in Adventure Bay, she was incredibly supportive of the couple.

``Yeah! Though I don't really know where we're going, or what we're doing yet'' He chuckled nervously.

``A surprise date? Even more exciting!''

``I just want to look extra special for Chase tonight, make sure I look good and all.''

``Aww Marshall, besides the occasional bath and fur maintenance, Chase will love you no matter what you look like'' she gave a brief pat on the fire pup's head in reassurance.

``I know, but he's putting in a lot of effort today just to surprise me, I want to be able to do the same with him.'' Marshall looked up at the stylist. ``Do you think you could recommend something for me to wear? Maybe a dress shirt or a fancy hat?''

Katie grinned at the pup and thought for a few moments before her eyes lit up.

``I think I have just the thing!''




While Marshall was out, Chase was quick to scramble back up the lookout to enlist Skye's assistance. He had done the hard part of proposing the idea to the pup, Now Chase had to figure out where to go from there.  Skye was eager to help and was quick to inform the other pups of the situation. After some much needed brainstorming, Chase had a more concrete idea of what he wanted to do. He had approached Ryder to ask if he could take several of the vehicles out to a secluded place towards Jakes Mountain. Their leader was more than happy to oblige, long as the pups weren't out too late. With that, Chase instructed Rocky and Rubble to gather what they needed into both his and Rocky's vehicles. Not before leaving a small note just right outside the fire pups house. Giving him instructions on where he should go once, he returned. The pups took off towards the mountain, they scouted around between the large trees and bushes before they settled on a secluded clearing in the middle of the woods. Chase was quick to get things started, he and Skye started to clear off leaves and debris that surrounded the area. He directed Rubble to help move a few rocks close by a lone stump which sat in the middle of clearing. Zuma moved Chases pup house to some trees while Rocky managed to route power from the pup house to a few fairy lights he had in his truck. Zuma helped the recycle pup string them up, ensuring they would not overheat and be a hazard. Afterwards, Skye and Rubble were on food duty, they brought along several options for dinner and were assembling some form of gourmet meal. Liver sausages, pepperoni treats, and some edible pup safe whipped cream on top. Not exactly their usual type of dinner, but they weren't incredibly picky about what they ate. Rubble was first to taste test of course. Luckily the group brought a whole lot more snacks in anticipation of Rubbles unending appetite. By the time the pups got everything in order, it was dusk. Things were just about set up and ready, All except for the police pup. Chase had coordinated where he could and helped every pup with what they needed but now the shepherd had sat himself behind his pup house, anxiously fiddling with the undone bow tie around his neck. Chase thought he should dress up nicely and brought along his tuxedo, but something was gnawing at the back of his mind.

``I hope he gets here ok; I left him directions on where to meet up. What if he gets lost? What if trips over himself?''

Chase took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

``It's ok'' he thought. ``It will be ok! Long as nothing goes wrong...What if he doesn't like it? What if he thinks were going too fast? Oh dog...''

``Ahem...You alright their mister?'' A familiar mixed breed spoke from behind him, Chase jumped a little.

``Oh, hi Rocky, just...uh...having some trouble with this.''

``Hehehe, Here let me help.''

He walked on over and lifted himself on his hind legs. The pup grabbed his tie with both paws and slowly started to work them around Chases neck and just below his pup tag. Chase couldn't help but be amazed at how articulate Rocky's paws were, moving so carefully but with precision.

``Oh wow, You're pretty good at this.''

``Thanks, I'm used to working my paws under some tight gears and wires, long before I had my pup gear. Makes it easy for me to work them around most things.''

The police pup couldn't help but smile at him.

``I appreciate the help, got to make sure I look my best for tonight.''

``Of course, but is there anything else on your mind besides worrying about your dress sense?''

Chase was impressed, seems like Rocky could read him like a book.

``I just want things to go perfectly tonight. This is kind of a big step, and I don't want anything to go wrong.''

``True, though you seem to have forgotten to bring a ring for him.''

``What?!'' He barked in surprise.

The recycle pup giggled ``I'm kidding, Marshall will love what you have done tonight, don't be so uptight about it buddy, you just have to have fun with him. Whether things go according to plan or not''

Chase looked away for a moment, Rocky's words did put his mind at ease. He knew Marshall would have a good time regardless, there wasn't any sense in worrying about situations he could not control.

``I have to admit Chase, I'm pretty impress but you, maybe even just a little envious.''

Chase looked back at him.

``What do you mean?''

``Well, being able to tell Marshall how you feel, actually being together, setting up this entire thing for him. Kind of makes me wish I had the courage to do the same thing.''

Rocky blushed a little, his paws slowly working the tie, but Chase could tell his mind was somewhere else. The police pup had a pretty good Idea where. His gaze looking past the recycle pup and at his friends, specifically at a certain chocolate lab that giggled at Rubble as he stuffed his mouth with whip cream.

``Awww, Rocky...you both are such good pals. You are just as close as Marshall and I were before we were together. He's probably waiting for you to say something. You just have to be brave.''

Rocky chuckled ``Easy for you to say, it was super easy to tell that Marshall was head over tail for you. Zuma is a little harder to figure out.''

``Hehehe now who's the one overthinking about stuff?''

Rocky chuckled again but he didn't meet his gaze at the Shepherd.

``I wish I could have your courage Chase; nothing seems to scare you.''  

``That's not true, I was terrified to tell Marshall how I felt, I needed encouragement from you and Skye to be able to get my words out remember?''

``True...''

``If you could help me work up the nerve to tell Marshall how I felt, I'm sure a certain water pup would like to hear what you have to say.''

Rocky grinned and Chase could see his tail wag a little.

``Maybe...I kind of want to do something more...Romantic.''

``Like a big surprise date like this?''

``No...Maybe something smaller...Something to best express myself to him.''

Rocky finished up with Chases bow tie, giving it a gentle pull in both directions.

``Thank you, Rocky'' Chase said.

``No problem bud.''

Both pups moved towards the clearing. Skye, Zuma, and Rubble gathered around the two of them. Skye gave a playful whistle to Chase, admiring how handsome he looked in his Tux. He blushed at her, appreciating the compliment.

``Things are all set up here Chase!'' Zuma called out.

``Your meals are all prepared and placed!'' Skye yipped out.

``Maybe...you need a little more time to taste test your entree? I'd be happy to help'' Rubble said, nudging Chase before laughing with the rest of the team.

``No, I think we're good. Thank you, guys. I couldn't have done this without your help.''

``No worries, dude!''

``Marshall is going to love it!'' Skye said confidently. Chase smiled wide at his friends, feeling so lucky to have such a great team by his side.

On que, the pups heard the familiar roar of a fire truck start to approach them. The pups let out an audible gasp.

``Oh no! He's here early!''

This wasn't originally part of the plan. The pups were just going to leave the two to themselves and head back down the mountain but looks like Marshall couldn't wait.

``What do we do dude?'' Zuma cried out.

``We can't go back down now; it'd ruin the surprise!'' Rubble barked.

Chase looked around wildly before yelping at the first thing to come to mind.

``Quick! Hide!''

The four pups scrambled to hide behind something. Rocky and Zuma hid behind a tree, Rubble had leaped into front of Chase police vehicle, landing in it with a thud, While Skye tucked herself in a nearby bush. Chase stood there in shock, before quickly turning to face the oncoming fire truck. He fiddled with his tie once more before approaching the vehicle. It pulled to a stop, and he watched familiar fire pup leap out, and immediately fall over himself.

``Ooof...Hey Chase!''

``Marshall! Are you ok...''

Chase stopped in his tracks as Marshall stood back up, their eyes locked onto one another. The fire pup was wearing a bright red vest with a red bow tie to match it. His fur had been brushed and he smelled like a pleasant scent of lavender and soot. Marshall looked so dapper in his get up, it seems that the fire pup had felt the same way about the shepherd, as he looked at Chase in admiration. Seeing him all prep and dressed sharply in his tuxedo. A sight he hadn't seen since the last time they were in BarkingBurg.  Chase gave a toothy smile back at the dalmatian, one that made goosebumps run down his back and to the end of his tail.

``Wow...Chase. You...''

``You look...''

``Amazing'' Both pups said in unison. Both catching their breath and looking away in slight embarrassment.

Marshall turned his gaze passed the pup and gasped at the beautiful set up he saw.

The clearing was made up of brown and gray dirt, with patches of grass poking up from different spots. Chases pup house had been parked along the trees, where it looked like fairy LED lights had been strung up and around several of the branches. In the middle, sat a large stump which had a large white sheet adorned on it. There were two large rocks which sat on each side of the stump with two comfy pillows sitting on top, perfect for sitting.  Two food bowls sat across from each other. Filled to the brim with whipped cream and an assortment of pup treats, A small electric candle twitched brightly in the center of the makeshift dinner table. Marshall was touched that Chase went through all this trouble for him. Not just to make dinner, but being sure all proper fire precautions were taken.  

``Chase! You did all of this for me?''

``Well...I had a lot of help'' Chase admitted. Wondering if the Dalmatian had noticed Rocky's rig just passed the tree lines.

``AaaaChoo!'' A sharp sneeze echoed through the woods, specifically from Chases pup house. Rubble covered his mouth and kept still.

``What was that?''

``Ohhhh...uh! Sorry! Must be my allergies'' Chase said, giving a fake squeeze soon after. The dalmatian giggled at his antics.

``So...Shall we?'' Chase held out his paw, Marshall excitedly took it as he was led towards the stump.

Marshall took a seat, wiggling his rump into the comfy pillow. His eyes wandered upwards at the lights above him, but the pup just couldn't keep his gaze away from the handsome shepherd for too long. Chase felt the same, enjoying how starry eyed the Dalmatian was right now.

 ``So, I take you like it?''

``Like it? Chase! I love it!'' Marshall beamed.

``I'm glad, It's a nice night out. It'd be a shame to waste it being inside.''

``Yeah...'' Marshall cooed at the police pup, letting his paw slide across the tablecloth to touch Chases. The pup gave a warm smile in return.

``I hope you're hungry! I didn't know if you wanted anything specific, So I grabbed a bunch of stuff from...''

Before the pup could finish his sentence, Marshall had already mushed his face into his food. Bits of kibble had piled up on the sides of the bowl and rolled off the stump. Chase couldn't help but laugh a little before digging into his own bowl.

Marshall's appetite overtook his manners, the fire pup lifted his head up and licked off cream from his snout.

``Sorry! Sorry! I had forgotten to eat lunch earlier before I got groomed.''

Chase lifted his head up, munching down his food before speaking up.

``That's ok Marshall, I haven't had a chance to eat either. There was a lot to do beforehand.''

``Still very sweet of you''

``What can I say, I'm a romantic pup when I want to be.''

``I appreciate it baby.''

``Oh, using a nickname for me now?'' Chase smirked.

``Yup, and I have settled on baby.''

``Any sort of reason why?''

``Nope, just thought it suited you.'' He giggled.

Chase laughed along with him, before both pups settled their snouts back down on their bowls. Skye ever so carefully edged her face out of the bush, she couldn't help letting out a soft little giggle as she watched the boys, from being so formal and courteous gentlemen to hungry pups again.  Soon both boys had finished their meals. Marshall desperately tried to lick off a small portion of cream off the bridge of nose. Only for Chase to take the lead, Leaning in close over the stump. Paws on the table, he let his tongue flip out and quickly lap the white cream off the pup's nose. Giving a small wink at him. Marshall caught his breath, he suddenly felt a little warmer under his vest, he gave a tug on his collar and giggled nervously at the shepherd.

``Was that too much?''

``Noo noo! It was really cute.''

Chase stuck his tongue out to tease the pup further, only to feel his belly start to stir, the pressure came up his throat and a small belch escaped from his mouth. Chase leaned back in his seat, embarrassed.

``Oh! Excuse me''

Marshall gave a slight smirk before responding back in a much louder burp.

``Whoa Marshall!''

``Hehehehe, try and beat that!''

``No need! That was amazing! Perfect comedic timing as always''

``Well, you can say I have a gas...uhhh ...wait hold on, that gross. I meant...uhm.''

The dalmatian stumbled over his words. Normally one for funny if sometimes cringe inducing puns to go along with his antics, but nothing came to mind. While Marshall pondered, Chase found himself getting that gnawing feeling again. There was a lot of effort in setting things up today, but it seemed that they had gotten through dinner so quickly. He wasn't entirely sure where to go from there. He nervously tapped his paws under the white tablecloth, pressing them into the stump. The quiet noise of the forest and wind had started to make him nervous. As if someone was reading his thoughts, soft music started to play from between the tree lines. Chase gasped before Marshall took notice.

``Music? Nice touch babe'' he gave a wink to the police pup.

``Uhm thanks!'' Chase said quickly, before turning his head toward the source of the rhythm.

``Where did that come from?'' he thought.



Rocky could feel the tension come off Chase as he sat with Marshall, He had ducked between trees and quickly jumped into his truck to pull out a boombox he kept. He quickly switched it on and played the radio, The dalmatian was quick to move his head along to the beat and Chase seemed to relax. Rocky then quickly hid himself by the tree he and Zuma currently occupied.

``Nice work Wocky'' He whispered.

``Thanks! Thought they could use some atmosphere.''

``Feels weird spying on them though.''

``Yeah...but we can't leave without interrupting things...''

Both pups leaned their heads from behind the tree, watching things unfold. Rocky leaned further, only to feel himself press against Zuma's shoulder.

``Oh! Am I too close Zuma?''

``No, you're ok dude.''

Zuma settled next to the pup as they watched.

``Ya know what would have been super womantic?''

``Yeah?''

``If Chase had played a song for Marshall.''

Rocky's eyebrow raised curiously.

``You think so?''

``Oh yeah, I mean...I would have found it romantic if someone did that for me'' Zuma admitted, A slight blush forming on his face. Rocky's eyes went wide at the sight.

``Sorrwy I know that's a little corny''

``No no no! I think that's cute...I mean...if Chase had done that for Marshall.''

The recycle pup looked away, hoping Zuma couldn't see him turning red. Zuma giggled in response, turning his head back at the couple. Rocky, however, was trying to suppress a smile on his face. He had an idea of exactly how he could express himself to Zuma. It was going to take time and a lot of practice...


 

Marshall bobbed and wiggled himself to the music, Chase was much more relaxed but still felt slightly uneasy, though he has long since learned that bottling up how he feels does no good, he figured he might as well come out with it.

``Marshall...''

``Oh! Yes Chase?''

``I have to admit...I'm feeling a little...uneasy...''

The dalmatians smile fell and he let his paw slide forward, Chase instinctively raised one of his own to meet with his.

``Is something wrong?''

``Well, no, not really. I just feel very inept when it comes to this stuff.'' Chase admitted.

Marshall listened closely.

``I mean everything here is set up like a romantic date, I figured we'd have dinner under the stars and stuff, but I just don't know where to go from here is all.''

``Oh Chase, it's ok. I'm new to this sort of thing too.''

``Rocky said it doesn't have to be anything serious, just to go with whatever happens. Which makes sense.  I always have fun with you when were together, but I want to show you how much being a couple means to me.''

``Chase, Baby. You have done more than enough of that for me. This was such a sweet gesture.''

The shepherd smiled back at him. It always felt good to be so up front with his feelings. Marshall smiled warmly at his partner, but like Chase, he also had something he needed to say.

``Can I be honest about some feelings I've been having lately?''

``Of course.''

Marshall looked down at his empty food bowl, the last thing he wanted to do was worry the police pup.

``Sometimes I get afraid that this won't last...''

``What? What do you mean?''

``Well...I'm your very first relationship, right? With a boy. I know you weren't originally expecting to like boys...so sometimes get afraid that...this might be a faze you know?''

Marshall moved his gaze up towards the sky, admiring the moon.

``We're still just pups Chase, Things could change. Our relationship shifted from being friends to lovers, but what if the opposite could happen too? Like, you still find girl pup's attractive right?''

Chases ears dropped, he didn't want to confirm Marshalls worries, but he'd be lying if he didn't admit he could still be attracted to girls as much as he was boys. He was still figuring things out while being with the fire pup.

``Yeah, that is true.''

``What if you find yourself attracted to a girl instead? Or another boy who's a lot cooler than me? Anything could happen.''

A small wine escaped the dalmatians throat. Chase dower demeanor suddenly switched, A sly smile on his face. It seemed like the pup had some questions to ask.

``Marshall, my silly pup. Who exactly would be cooler than you?''

Marshalls turned his gaze back to his boyfriend.

``I don't know...lots of other pups.''

``What? like Rex or Al?''

``Yeah! Though we don't see them too often''

``Afraid Everest might get my attention?''

Marshall couldn't help but giggle at that mention.

``Nooo...if anything I think she'd tried getting my attention.''

The team had figured that Everest might have had a slight crush on Marshall, she made it obvious anytime she was with the pups. Although Marshall was flattered, He didn't pursue her over his feelings for Chase and being confident that he most definitely liked boys. Everest was disappointed but came to understand this over time. With a little help from Skye and Chase, who had a similar situation previously, she learned to move on and was happy Marshall could be with the boy of his dreams.

``Sure, next you'll be saying Sweetie would try and woo me!''

Chase dramatically put a paw over his head, swooning a little. This got a loud laugh from Marshall.

``Oh, I seriously doubt you'd go for that.''

``True, though I'd know who you might have gone for if we weren't together, mister cuddle bug.''

The fire pup froze at the mention of that, his face went a little red. Marshall had told Chase about a certain incident when Tracker paid a visit during wintertime. The poor pup was freezing, and Marshall had done his due diligence to keep him warm while they napped. He got a little too close for comfort for him and the jungle pup. Not that either of them minded. Marshalls sleep walking tendencies lead to crazy things sometimes.

 Chase stood up and walked himself over to the blushing dalmatian. The pup was surprised to have both of Chases front paws lift and caress his cheeks. Gently rubbing circles in them as his gaze met with his.

``Marshall, you are so much more than my boyfriend, You're my best friend, first and foremost. That has always been the most important part of our relationship.''

Marshall listened intently. Never breaking eye contact with him.

``My feelings for you are tied in with how close we are, boyfriends or not. That will never change. Sure, there might be other girls or boys I might find attractive at some point but none of them are ever going to match my silly little dalmatian in charm, charisma, and absolute adorableness.''

With that, Chase gave a slow and somewhat sensual lick up the pup's nose and up his forehead, before placing another lick on his cheek. Marshall's eyes went wide, those bright blues staring deep in the shepherds' pools of golden brown. Before he knew it, Chase was caught off guard by a black and white blur leaping on top of him. He fell backwards and the pup found himself pinned under the weight of the dalmatian as he gave him a torrent of licks against his snout and face. He thought ``This must be how Ryder feels'' Though these licks were far more affectionate.

``Ok ok! Hehehe! Marshall!''

The Dalmatian licked and slobbered on the pup, before rearing his head back. Marshall looked down at Chase and said something he had always wanted to say.

``I...I love you Chase! I love you soooo much!''

The shepherd looked up at his companion, raising one paw up to caress his snout.

``Hehehe I love you too silly boy''

He leaned up to nuzzle noses with the fire pup. Marshall returned it affectionally.



``Awww!!''

The sudden cry from the woods made Marshall jump in surprise, landing on Chases' belly, knocking the wind out of him.

``Ooof!''

``Sorry! Sorry!'' Marshall quickly stood off him. ``I thought I heard something!''

Marshall eyed a very noisy and wavy looking bush before a familiar cockapoo leaped out.

``Sorry Marshall! It's just me!''

``Skye? What are you doing here?''

Rubble poked his out from Chases pup house ``We were supposed to leave you alone but kind of got stuck out here!''

Rocky and Zuma poke their heads out from behind the tree. Chase stood back up and trotted over to the group.

``We didn't mean to spy on ya'll dude'' Zuma said softly.

``Sorry buddy'' Rocky whined.

``They all helped me set everything up today, if it weren't for them. We wouldn't have this nice little dinner date.''

Marshall looked at Chase before turning his gaze back to his team. A smile of gratitude formed on his mouth.

``Aww you guys...''

``Well, it was Chase who had the idea in the first place, we can't take all the credit''

``It was a team effort!'' Chase called out; he rubbed one of his ears nervously.

``Don't be so modest mister'' Rocky said.

``That long lick against Marshall's head definitely wasn't part of the plan'' Zuma teased.

The pups all laughed together; Chase blushed as he felt Marshall nestle himself into his shoulder. He leaned his head into the pup, wondering if all this excitement meant it was time to call it a night. As the police pup pondered, a certain guitar rift started to play among the woods. One that caught the dalmatians attention, making his black spotted booty wiggle a little.

~Oh don't you dare look back

Just keep your eyes on me

I said you're holding back

She said shut up and dance with me

This woman is my destiny

She said oh oh oh

Shut up and dance with me~


``Oooooo! I love this song! Come on Chase!''

``Wah?! Marshall! Whoa!''

The Shepherd was pulled to the middle of the clearing, Marshall jumped and moonwalked in front of Chase. The pup giggled at how lively he was being and was quick to match his steps with his boyfriend. His body swung and pivoted with Marshall as they danced along to the beat.

Skye giggled at the spontaneous dance session and pulled Rubble along with her to join the boys. Rocky hesitated before Zuma gave him a friendly nudge.

``Come on dude, got to show me those dance moves!''

``You are on mister!''

Soon both pups also joined in on the fun. All of them marveled and danced around one another. Between the giggles and silliness, something intimate was going on between Marshall and Chase. Both pups swayed and dipped and turned along the music in sync. Both knew how to dance but it was rare for anyone on the team to be in so tandem with one another. A lot of truths were spoken tonight, one sharing his doubts and the other sharing his apprehension.  Both uncomfortable things to say, but they needed to hear it. No matter what was said between them, both pups knew their bond for one another was unshakable. As they looked into each other's eyes as they danced, they knew their relationship was only just beginning.  

 

~Don't you dare look back

Just keep your eyes on me

I said you're holding back

She said shut up and dance with me

This woman is my destiny

She said oh oh oh

Shut up and dance with me

Oh oh oh shut up and dance with me

Oh oh oh shut up and dance with me~