Ch 9: Lovestruck and Curious
The night sky shined as the moon cascaded its light across Adventure Bay, Along the quiet town and woods that run along it, one could see a trail of lights heading towards the lookout. The pups had finished up with Chase and Marshalls little romantic rendezvous. Gathering up what they had set up and cleaning up after themselves, they had loaded up and made their way back home. Both pups were content with how things went and felt closer than ever before. They eventually made it to the lookout, pulling their vehicles up to their designated spots. They noticed Ryder walk up towards them.
``Hey pups! How did everything go?''
Chase eagerly exited his pup house and trotted over to Ryder.
``Hey Ryder! Sorry were a little late, it went...''
``It went great!''
Chase was caught off guard, his right leg grabbed authentically by a familiar dalmatian.
``We had a nice dinner under the stars, it was very sweet of him.''
Marshall followed this with a quick lick to the side of Chases' face. It took the Police pup by surprise. Not used to displaying affection in front of Ryder. The boy just laughed along with Marshall's antics.
``That's great to hear boys. It's just about bedtime though, why don't ya'll put things back where they go and we call it a night?''
``Yes, Sir Ryder!''
Each of the pups gathered what they could, The lights and most of the other decorations could be kept in Rocky's home. He would always re-use them for something else. Skye and Zuma took the excess pup treats out and back into the lookout. Somehow, they got the feeling they wouldn't see them again if Rubble were to take them back. With everything put away, it was about time to head to bed.
``All done...'' Zuma said with a small yawn.
Chase started to undress, undoing his tie. Though he noticed the absence of his black spotted companion.
``Has anyone seen Marshall?''
``Looks like your boy is taking in the view'' Skye pointed out; The Dalmatian was sitting beside a tree, his back turned away from the lookout. Preoccupied with the sight of Adventure Bay at night.
``Hmm, you all head back. We'll join you in a few''
The chocolate lab let out another cute yawn ``Sounds good dude.''
The four pups were starting to walk away before Chase spoke up.
``And guys...''
They stopped in their tracks.
``Thank you again, really. Tonight, couldn't have gone better'' The police pup smiled at his team.
Skye gave a small yip in response. ``What can we say? We're always happy to play matchmaker.''
``Or to help plate some yummy dinner for you'' Rubble added.
``No matter what it is, we always got your back. That goes double for Marshall too!'' Rocky gave a reassuring wink to the shepherd. The mixed breed felt a sudden weight on his left shoulder, Zuma had leaned his head against him, snoring softly. Looks like the pup was more tired than he'd like to admit. Rocky felt a small blush run along his snout. One that Chase noticed, giving a knowing wink back at him.
``Uh...Uhm! let's get to bed Zuma! I mean! Your bed! Let's get you to your separate bed! ``
``Wuh..huh?'' the sleeping pup squeaked out as Rocky gently pushed him along. The three remaining pups giggled low before Skye looked at Chase, giving a warm smile to him.
``Don't stay out too late love birds!''
With both pups heading back to their respective homes. Chase turned his attention back towards the dalmatian and made his way over there.
A cool breeze blew through the pups' ears and ran along his fur, it made him shiver lightly but it wasn't bothersome. Marshall tugged and pulled open his vest. Letting the breeze blow against his chest fur, it felt amazing. His peace was given a pleasant disturbance by a handsome shepherd who sat next to him.
``Heya honey''
``Hey Baby!''
``Are you doing, ok?''
``Oh yeah! Just enjoying the breeze, and the view!''
Chase met the pups gaze out over Adventure Bay, they could make out the ember lights that lit along the streets and paved ways around town. They noticed smaller lights out in the bay, more than likely they were boats strolling through the water. Marshall wondered how often Cap'n Turbot stayed out these days.
``It's such a nice night.''
``Yeah, it really is.''
The dalmatian leaned his head against Chases' shoulder.
``It's a shame is has to end though...''
``There's always more nights like this in the future mister.''
``Oh? How do you know?'' Giving Chase a playful nudge to his side.
``Because long as we are together, I can guarantee were going to have another night like this.''
Marshall's face was all blushy again, His eyes darting between Chase and the Bay.
``Ok...I get it. There's only so much romance I can handle in one day'' He giggled.
``Really?''
``No! don't ever stop please!'' Marshall barked out in embarrassment, Leaning ever closer into Chase.
``Hehehe Thought so.''
The pups were quiet for a while, just enjoying each other's company as they watched the nightlife along the bay. Every so often Marshall would coo and rub his face into his boyfriend. Chase would respond with a nuzzle. Leaning his snout in to sniff the top of Marshalls head. He'd even nip at the floppy ear of the dalmatian, gently nibbing on it. This drove the fire pup crazy, his tail wagging madly at being teased.
``I hate to ruin the fun Marshall...but we really should be heading to bed.''
``Yeah...but there is something I wanted to ask you.''
``Hmm?''
``Do you remember the first day that we met?''
Chase tilted his head curiously at his boyfriend.
``Uhh...kind of? That was a long time ago.''
``It was, but I'll always remember it.''
``Marshall! Marshall!''
Ryder called out but got no response. The young man had already checked the pups brand new firetruck and some of the unfinished portions of the lookout to no avail. He was worried that the most recent recruit would have wandered away from his new home. Unbeknown to Ryder, the dalmatian had quickly found himself tucked behind a tree just along the concrete path of the lookout. He laid his head under his fire helmet and thought where he'd go from here.
``Way to go Marshall...talk about one heck of an introduction to the new pup...''
It was less than a few days ago when Ryder had taken in Marshall. The young man had discovered the pup on the other side of Adventure Bay. The dalmatian had been walking idly by Farmer Al's place when the smell of smoke had caught his attention. Marshall had noticed a small fire had started by the Barn. The pup made it his priority to evacuate the barn animals nearby and grab whatever means of water he could to put out the blaze. Farmer Al was more than grateful, and Ryder was very impressed by the pups' quick thinking and determination. Ryder knew immediately that this pup would be perfect for his new team. He had just introduced the pup to the lookout, his new gear, and pup house. While giving this introduction, the dalmatian was caught by the sight of another pup making his way to them. All decked out in navy blue police gear, his cap slightly too big on his head. He beamed a big toothy smile at him, one that made his tummy feel all fluttery, His face feel all toasty and his mouth dry as a bone. Marshall had tried to introduce himself, but the pup trip over his own paws, activating the water cannons of his gear and spraying the German shepherd. The pup went flying backwards from the blast. As Ryder went to check on Chase, Marshall had fled.
``Just when I thought I'd have a home...''
Marshall whimpered low and covered his face further with his paws. He suddenly stirred when he felt a slight tap against his helmet.
``Hey...are you ok?''
The pup looked up from his paws and immediately felt flush. The familiar police pup stared down at him, Giving that same bright smile at him.
``Ohh...uh...uh!''
``I think we got off on the wrong paw there, that was the wettest introduction I ever had.''
The pup laughed a little, but the dalmatian looked away in embarrassment.
``I'm sorry...I didn't mean to.''
``It's ok, Accidents happen!''
``Seems that accidents happen a lot when I'm around.''
``What do you mean?''
Marshall picked himself up, he mindlessly fiddled with his new pup tag. His gaze not meeting the police pup.
``I'm kind of...clumsy. Sometimes I have two left paws. Wherever I go and try to do something, I usually fall over and cause a scene. I don't mean to! Honestly''
The shepherd listened closely.
``It's one of the reasons why I'm by myself so often. I'm afraid of causing problems. Maybe...maybe Ryder was wrong when he chose me to be part of this team. I might just cause more issues and...I don't think other pups would want to be around me for too long.''
Marshall whined low; He thought it wasn't super appropriate to spill his feelings to a pup he just met but he never had anyone else to talk to. Might as well, considering that this wasn't going to be his new home for much longer.
``Hey now, don't be too hard on yourself. Ryder sees the best in every pup. No matter who they are.''
``Yeah...but...''
``So, you have a mishap here and there, it doesn't mean other pups don't want to be around you and id would be a pretty bad pup to judge you on one incident.''
Marshall couldn't help but smile a little. The shepherd moved to his side and sat down.
``Truth be told, I can understand how you feel. I don't want to go into too much detail about it but...I was abandoned not too long ago.''
Marshall turned his head to him. That confident and glowing smile had vanished, and he just stared ahead of himself.
``I used to think that one of the reasons why I was left by myself was because there was something wrong with me, that it was the reason why other people didn't want me around.''
His ears fell flat, and he gently played with the grass under one of his paws.
``I was on my own for a while, until Ryder found me. He took me in, gave me a home, with no questions asked. He saw something in me I guess, something those who abandoned me clearly didn't see.''
A smile returned to his snout.
``It made me feel loved, like there were people and pups out there who wanted to be near me because they saw what Ryder saw. Whatever he saw in me, he clearly sees it in you too.''
He turned his head back at the Dalmatian.
``I defiantly see it too, doesn't matter how clumsy you are. It's going to take a lot more than some water to make me not like you already.''
Marshall's tail wagged excitedly; he felt his eyes water slightly but held back as much as he could. He gave a warm smile in return to the pup.
``Thank you...I really appreciate it.''
``No problem, why don't we start over?''
The pup offered his paw to him, asking for a high five.
``Hello! My name is Chase, The police pup of the Paw Patrol.''
The dalmatian hesitated for a moment, before slapping his paw against Chases.
``Hi Chase, my name is Marshall! And I'm the fire pup of the Paw patrol!''
``Nice to meet you, Marshall! Let me be the first to say welcome to the team!''
Chase gave a quick salute with his right paw, only to do it a little too fast. His hat falling off his head. Both pups giggled at each other.
``Looks like I haven't grown into this hat yet.''
``Might be just some getting used too!''
``Hehe yeah, why don't we both go see Ryder. Let him know you're ok?''
``Yeah, that's a good idea''
``We can play afterwards! You have to see the awesome toy chest we have.''
``Oh! Do we have a pull toy? I love tug of war!''
``We have several pull toys! You can pick your favorite out!''
The boys walked along towards the lookout, Chase keeping that confident smile on his face. While Marshall walked and laughed alongside him.
``You know Marshall, I have a feeling you and I are going to get along great!''
Marshall turned his head. Catching that toothy grin on the police pup's face. That weird feeling came back up to his belly and his face felt warm again. It confused the pup but in a surprisingly good way. He wondered if he would keep feeling this more often now. Maybe it was because he had a new home. Maybe it was because he had a new friend, or maybe it was something else...
Before he could think further, the pup tripped over himself. Landing on the concrete with a dull thud.
``Whoa! Marshall! Are you ok?''
The dalmatian stood up confidently and smiled at his new friend.
``Yeah! I'm good!''
``Wow...That was so long ago now.''
``You were sooooo sweet back then!'' Marshall beamed.
``Aww am I not sweet now?''
``Hehehe you know what I mean''
Marshall nudged the police pup again. Looking up at the tree they were standing under, a few stray leaves falling on top of them.
``Actually, I'm pretty sure this is the spot where we first met!''
Chase looked up and gasped.
``You're right! And this is also where you confessed your feelings to me!''
``Whoa! Talk about coincidence'' Marshall blushed.
``Maybe this tree is special.''
``Maybe you're just special'' The fire pup remarked. He turned his head away from Chase in embarrassment. The police pup took it in stride.
``But for real though, that day really changed things for me. It made me put trust in being around other pups.''
``I know how you feel. After being left in Adventure city. I didn't think I'd meet any other pup to be friends with, but I glad you were the first.''
``Same here baby''
Marshall gave Chases snout a nuzzle.
``It was also the day I started to feel something for you, it was friendship for the most part but that twisty tummy feeling grew over time. Made me realize that I might like boy pups more than just friends. That I might have really...really started to like a certain police pup turned best friend of mine. Emphasis on the word ``Really''
``Huh that is interesting. I had the same feelings when I started to feel like you were more than a friend to me. Though I'd describe mine more like...butterflies in my tummy''
``Aww that's cute!''
Chase felt his snout go flush.
``That night when you brought me back to bed and we talked about my clumsiness being a burden and all, it reminded me a lot about that very first conversation we had. I think that's what really pushed me to give you a lick the following day.''
``Talk about a big step forward for you.''
``What can I say, I'm a love-struck pup!''
Marshall beamed a smile at his boyfriend.
``I believe it. I'd say my approach to admitting how I felt was a bit more apprehensive.''
``That's ok though! You are still figuring things out.''
``Yeah, I guess it really started with me being...curious.''
``Always the detective aren't you baby?''
Marshall leaned in close to the police pup, he nuzzled his wet nose against Chases. Chase cooed low and gave a small lick against Marshall's mouth. Marshall felt that twisting stomach sensation reach a new level for him, and it made him want to try something bold.
``Chase...''
``Yes Marshall?''
``You were so romantic with that date. It's time for me to try something new too.''
``Oh? What do you have in mind?''
The dalmatian thought for a moment, his tail wagging excitedly.
``I...I want to try kissing you. Like...actually kissing you. The way people do it!''
Chase looked at him curiously before giggling a little.
``Oh? We haven't done that before, but I really want to try!''
``Hooray!''
``I'll try anything with you.''
Marshall leaned in.
``Is that your curiosity talking?''
Chase moved in closer.
``Maybe...''
As their snouts collided, Marshall turned his head right while Chase followed suit with his left. They maneuvered the openings of their mouths, pressing their noses and their canine teeth against one another. The wind picked up and blew through their fur and ears as they pressed into one another. Each pup picking up each other's scent along with the smell of grass and sea salt as the wind carried on. It was a strange kiss, but a kiss none the less. A very intimate one with the perfect atmosphere to go with it. The starry night above, the soft grass below them, the very tree where they met and confessed to one another. It was a kiss neither pup wanted to break from. They knew they'd have to head to bed soon, but for the time being they would enjoy the moment. A magical moment from one love stuck pup to a curious one. They stood there and enjoyed it for what seemed like forever before the lovers parted. Chase looked at the bright eyed dalmatian in front of him. He couldn't believe he got to do that with the most precious creature in the whole world.
``You good baby?''
Marshall just stared lovingly at the pup before him, mouthing out the first thing he could think of.
``Yeah...I'm good.''
THE END
(Thanks for reading! Big thanks to lightspeedthepup for their amazing artwork!)
