``Marshall...I like you!''

It took everything in her to admit that. She's been wanting to say it for such a long time now. She had plenty of opportunities before, but she was saving it for a very special day. Now that day had arrived, and now Everest found herself all alone at the edge of a cliff on Jakes Mountain. Her ears down, her tail tucked under her, she whined softly. Things had not gone very well...



That day had started off decently enough when Ryder and the pups of the Paw Patrol had come up to Jake's Mountain for a weekend of nature hiking and exploring. Everest was more than happy to see her friends again, but one pup had always caught her eye. She had watched as the black spotted boy raced forward out of the paw patroller, only to fall face forward into an oak tree. She ran over to check on him, but Chase had beat her to it. She always thought Marshall was such a funny puppy, but with the number of adventures they had together, she began to admire so much more about the dalmatian. His kindness, his silliness, but most of all his determination to get the job done no matter what. Everest had really come to care for the pup, and she knew that today would be the day she'd finally tell him how she felt. Things had gone well so far; the team had decided to take a hike through a dense portion of woods. Everest was sure to stay close to Marshall, making small talk with him. Though Chase was always a few feet from him as well. Both pups were always laughing and chasing each other around the trees, Everest was having a tough time keeping up. They would stop every so often and admire the nature around them, looking at wildlife or plants along their path. Everest saw this as an opportunity to show off her knowledge of the forest, educating the pups on what they were seeing. Marshall smiled and nodded along as she spoke, and the husky was more than happy to have his attention. After the long hike, the pups had made a small fire pit near a clearing. Ryder fired up some hotdogs for dinner and the pups cooked some marshmallows under the starry sky. With things winding down for the night, Everest gathered her courage and asked the dalmatian to follow her. Earlier in the day, she had found a small cave near the mountain wall. Normally it would be occupied with bears, but they had left for the summer, Now the dormant structure was the perfect spot for some privacy. As both pups walked into the cave, they noticed several bright green lights stringing along the sides of the stone walls. It looked like a few glow worms nestled themselves into the tight crevasses and ceiling of the cave. A bright green glow illuminated everything around them. Everest couldn't have picked a more romantic spot.

``Wow it's soooo pretty!'' Marshall was in awe.

``Yeah! It's just about glow worm season now. You can see lots of them in a few caves around here.''

``We should tell the other pups! They'd love to see this!''

The fire pup turned to leave.

``Marshall, wait!''

The dalmatian paused in his tracks, looking at his friend.

Everest bit her lip nervously, she had trouble keeping eye contact with him.

``I have something to say to you.''

``Oh...um...sure Everest''

He took a seat in front of her, Smiling intently.

The husky took a deep breath, no going back now.

``Marshall...I like you!''

She opened her eyes, the dalmatian just stared at her in confusion. Perhaps she should elaborate more.

``I mean more than just as friends.''

Marshalls brain finally made the connection, and his eyes went wide. Everest noticed his body shrivel a little and his gaze went to the floor.

``Oh...Everest...I'm sorry. It's just...''

She let out a disappointed sigh.

``But I don't like you. That's what he'll say'' She thought to herself.

That's what she expected him to say, and she was ready for that. However, what came out of Marshalls mouth was something she could never have had anticipated.

``I like boy pups, and...Chase and I are together.''

Everests ears had twitched, and her head had turned sideways in disbelief. She could feel her jaw drop. To say she was confused would have been an understatement. Marshall, the fire pup of the Paw patrol, the one pup on the team she had a crush on, was gay?

``Marshall? Marshall!''

Things didn't help when Chase came trotting in, He had noticed Marshall had gone missing and went to search for him.

``There you are! Thought I lost you baby.''

He was quick to walk up to the fire pup and lick the side of his snout. Everest stared in shock at the affection they displayed. She felt flushed, her face red with embarrassment. How could see have not seen this coming? She had to have seen some sort of sign, right? She knew Marshall, she'd known him for some time now. She would have thought that if the pup had other interests with boys than girls, she should have picked up on it right away. A cold shiver of dread ran down her body. Maybe she didn't know him at all...

``Whoa! It's so pretty in here! Was Everest showing you this?''

``Actually Chase, it's kind of...''

Before Marshall could explain, the husky ran past both boys and out of the cave. She could hear both pups calling back out to her, but she didn't listen. She ran as fast as her little legs could carry her. Through the woods and up the trail on Jake's Mountain, the path was covered in grass and dirt which clung to her paws and fur. She didn't care where she was going, long as it wasn't anywhere near Marshall and Chase right now. She didn't feel like she could face them currently. Eventually, after running so fast, she slowed down. Walking along the curved trail on the side of the mountain till she reached a rocky but stable cliff where she could lay down and rest.



Everest laid herself down, pulling her snow cap off her head, she rested her snout between her front paws, her tail tucked under her hind legs and her ears flat on her head. She whimpered low. She didn't move much or lift her head up, every so often she heard the wind blow past her ears and against her body. Normally her fur would keep her nice and toasty, but the awkward experience she had left her feeling cold, a slight shiver would run down her body as she thought back to the fire pup's reaction to her confession.

``No...no...noo...'' She thought to herself, wallowing in her immense disappointment. The noises around her became white noise as she sunk further into her thoughts.

``I made him uncomfortable. Of course, I did! I assumed he liked girls. How could I not know?''

Everest could feel her eyes start to water. She lifted her head briefly to look out along the cliff edge. Through her tears she could make out a long river and countless trees that stretched for miles but soon her image blurred. She dug her head back down into her paws.

``I can't go back...It's so embarrassing.''

The husky could feel the world around her go silent.

``I don't know what to do.''

``Everest?''

A small voice brought her back to reality.

The husky lifted her head out of fright, turning to her left and noticing a familiar cockapoo standing next her. She was dressed in her flight gear, her jets shutting off and folding back into her pup pack.

``Oh...Hi Skye''

``Are you ok? We've been looking for you everywhere.''

Everest felt her ears flinch, looking down at her pup tag which beeped and glowed rapidly. She had heard it earlier when she made her way up the mountain. She assumed it was Ryder or Jake inquiring about where she was but with all that she was processing right now, it was safe to say she was distracted from responding. She sighed loudly and laid herself back down. Flicking the tag mindlessly with her paw. The husky wondered if all of this was worth having Jake worry about her. She did just take off without saying anything. Skye just stared at Everest; she could tell something wasn't right.

``Is there something wrong with your tag?''

``No'' she said flatly.

``Well...why don't we use my tag to call Jake and the others...''

``I'm soooo stupid!''

Skye jumped at the sudden outburst.

``What?''

``How could I not see it? How could I be so blind?! I just...I don't...Grrr.''

Everest stomped one of her paws against the ground, A low growl coming from her mouth.

Skye recoiled; she had never seen Everest this upset before

The husky took another breath and tried to calm herself down.

``Sorry...I'm sorry. It's not important. Let's let the others know where we are.''

Everest lifted her paw up to activate her tag but felt Skyes paw reach for hers, stopping it. Everest looked at the cockapoo. A concerning look sat on her face, Skye knew something was very wrong and as much as she wanted to let the others know Everest was ok, something told her to hold off for now. Not until her friend was feeling better.

``Everest...is this about what happened with Marshall?''

The pup felt a deep blush start to form on her snout.

``He said you ran off after you and him were in the cave. He didn't elaborate on what was happened, but something tells me it was important.''

Skye looked at Everest with sympathy.

``You can tell me if you want but only if you really want to. I'm here for you girl.''

The cockapoo gave a reassuring smile to her friend, one that Everest appreciated it. When she wasn't assisting the pups on a mission, Everest couldn't help but feel a little lonely sometimes. She always wanted someone else to talk to about her feelings for Marshall. She could have told Jake, but she would have preferred if another female pup were to hear her out. Especially with something this delicate. She took a shaky breath and tried to gather her thoughts.

``I...I like Marshall. I liked him for a very long time. More than a friend.''

Skye's eyes widened and she had to suppress a loud squeak from her mouth. She couldn't help but get excited over potential crushes and romance among pups, but this seemed like a touchy subject right now.

``He's just so funny, charismatic, and always willing to lend a paw when need be.''

``That's our Marshall alright.''

``Yeah, we get along so well together. I thought that maybe...you know...he could feel the same way?''

``I see.''

This subject brought another pup into the cockapoos mind, but she let her friend continue.

``So, I took him to the cave and finally got the courage to tell him how I felt! And it couldn't have turned out more horrible...''

Skyes ears lowered.

``Oh no, That's right. We didn't get a chance to tell you and Jake about Marshall and...''

``Chase''

Everest felt her spit out that last word. She didn't mean for it to come out as harshly as it did.

``Yeah...Marshall is gay, and Chase is too. Well for the most part''

``What do you mean?''

``It's not my place to say, but regarding Marshall, he's always had a crush on Chase. A month back, Chase started to have feelings for him too.''

``Right...so they only got together recently then?

``Mmm hmm''

``Perfect timing too...'' Everest said low.

Skye raised an eyebrow at her.

``Everest...Do you have an issue with Marshall liking boys?''

``Kind of...''

Skye gasped, only for Everest to stammer her words.

``Oh no no no! Not like that! I have no issue with boys liking other boys! Far from it! I just meant like...''

Everest turned her gaze back out along the cliff.

``You think you know a guy, right? You spend time around them, seeing what they do, observing who they are. You really get to know them. At least as much as I could. Seems like we don't go on a lot of missions together anymore.''

``Yeah...It has been while hasn't it?''

``Even so, I cherished the times I could be around him. I thought I could read Marshall like a book. Like there wasn't anything I didn't know about that pup.''

``Guess this was one thing you couldn't have seen coming.''

``That's the thing though Skye. I should have!''

Everest leaped on to her four paws.

``I should have known, I should have seen the signs, if there were any! But I didn't. Now I don't even know where we stand. Were we even friends at all? Are we just acquaintances? How good of a friend am I if I couldn't even figure out that the one boy I liked was gay?!''

The husky couldn't hold back, her forelegs shook, and she could feel the tears start to come back. Skye looked at her. She leaned upwards and nuzzled her face into the side of Everests body, placing a paw on her shoulder. She chose her next words carefully.

``Everest, I think it's a little more complicated than it seems.''

Everest steadied her breathing and listened to the smaller pup.

``Chase and Marshall have known each other for so long, those two could tell you almost anything about one another. They were one of the first two members of the paw patrol.''

``Wow...that far back huh?''

``Mmm hmm, if you had to take a guess as to who would have end up together. They wouldn't have been far off.''

``I guess so...''

``However, they didn't display how they really felt for one another for some time. Chase only recently confessed that he might like boys too. Heck, I didn't know at all till he told me and I'm around him 24/7.''

She hated to admit it, But Skyes ignorance of one of her closest friend's preferences did make her feel slightly better.

``The opposite happened with Marshall; He had a crush on Chase for a long time. He didn't show a lot of giveaways to how he felt about him prior. Chase was oblivious to it.''

A small snort came from Everest.

``Sorry...That's a little funny considering he's the police pup.''

``Hehehe yeah, if any pup should have caught on, it would have been him!''

Both pups laugh out loud.

``You'd be surprised how subtle those boys can be sometimes, take Rocky for example. That boy usually doesn't go anywhere near the water, unless a certain lab encourages him.''

``No way! Him too?''

``Oh yeah... Not sure if he's going to make a move on Zuma yet. Took me a while to pick up on that one but what I mean is that some pups don't openly express who they are or what they want. Sometimes they keep the most personal version of themselves locked away. Not because they're ashamed, it could be for several reasons. Maybe they aren't ready to come out or maybe they are still figuring things out.''

Skye looked at Everest with a bright smile.

``Trust me, if you were around them as much as I am, you would have picked it up quickly. I'm sure any one of our friends would have been open to telling you about their sexuality sooner or later. Regardless, that doesn't make you a bad friend for not figuring it out.''

The Husky thought for a moment and slowly nodded her head in agreement. Though she didn't seem a hundred percent sure.

``Maybe...''

``Feeling a little better now?''

``A little. I appreciate it, Skye.''

``Of course!'' The cockapoo yipped.

The snow pup lifted her paw to her chest, she felt a slight ache deep within. One that swelled every time she thought of the look on Marshall's face.

``Even so... him saying no still hurt...more than I'd like to admit. I could have taken it if he said he didn't like me but admitting to me he liked boys is what pushed it. How do I handle rejection like that?''

``Well, I can only give you advice from the other side of a similar conversation I had once...when I told a pup I didn't feel the same way he felt for me.''

``Whoa, you rejected another pups' feelings?''

``Oh yeah and it was a little awkward.'' Skye giggled, looking embarrassed.

``Who was it?''


``Uhhh....I think I can explain that.''

Both pups jumped in surprise. Looking behind them, they noticed a familiar German shepherd hanging sideways on one of the great oak trees.  His wall walkers keeping him in place, He was outfitted in tactical spy gear, Night vision visors covered his eyes before they lifted upwards into his helmet.

``Sorry! I didn't mean to eavesdrop!''

``Chase? How long have you been there?!'' Skye asked, Tilting her head at the sideways police pup.

``Just about when you found Everest, I was going to say something till she started talking about what happened. With Marshall and all...''

Everest felt her ears fall again. The pup slowly wall climbed himself down from the tree and approached them, walking over to Everests right side and taking a seat.

``I'm sorry we never told you about Marshall and I being together, Things kind of happened so quickly.''

``That's ok...'' Everest said, she didn't make eye contact with the pup.

``Believe me though, I know what it's like being rejected.''

``So you were the one who confessed to Skye?''

``Yup yup, I had a crush on Skye for a short while when she first joined the team. I admired her actions on missions, when she'd help save the day, how friendly she was with me and the others.''

``Chase! You're going to make me blush at this point!'' The cockapoo threw her back, dramatically swooning.

This got a small laugh out of Everest. Chase smirked and rolled his eyes.

``Anyway, that small feeling I had for her suddenly grew out of nowhere. So one day, while at the lookout, I got the courage to ask her directly.''

``Which all though I was very flattered, I said didn't feel the same way.'' Skye said.

``How did you handle it, Chase?''

The shepherd shrugged his shoulders.

``It was awkward at first, it hurt too, but over time that big feeling I had for Skye slowly started to go away, I can only assume it was a more of a spur of the moment type of thing when I thought I really liked her.''

Everest frowned at the thought that she would eventually no longer feel the way she did for the fire pup.

``I don't think how I feel about Marshall will go away so easily...''

``I agree. He is... he is an amazing boy'' Chase smiled at her, a light blush appearing on his snout. She noticed his tail wag slowly.

``This might be a little hard to explain but...a part of me had always loved Marshall. That feeling was always there since the day I met him. It made me realize that there might be certain things I see in boys that I find attractive. Marshall checked all those boxes for me, being my best friend was also a big plus.''

``I bet that made telling him how you felt easy then?''

``Not really...It takes a lot of courage to tell someone how you feel about them. Marshall could also speak on that. He's the one who confessed first, that pup was so nervous. He was really afraid I would not want anything to do with him if I turned him down. Part of me was afraid he would be the one to say no. Luckly, things worked out, even if we didn't end up together. I still think things would have been ok.''

``What makes you say that?'' Everest inquired.

``Some feelings never really go away. They always stay with you; it doesn't have to be anything romantic or need for longing. Just having that person or pup in your life is more than enough. That's how I feel about Skye currently.''

Chase blushed at cockapoo; she smiled back at him.

``And that's how I feel about you mister.''

Chase looked down on the grass, noticing Everest's cap. He carefully picked it up in his mouth. Lifting his head back up, the hat between his teeth, offering it to her.

``Hmmmph hmmm...Marshall...mmmm hmm Friends!''

He spoke with the hat in his maw. The husky looked at him in confusion.

``What?''

``I think what Chase meant to say is, regardless of the outcome, Marshall would have still been friends with him, and Chase would still be friends with Marshall. It's the same with me when I turned him down. Marshall will still be your friend no matter what happens. That romantic feeling you have for him may start to fade away, but that feeling of having such a good friend in your life will always stay. That's permanent, because that's what having great friends feels like. Especially on this team.''

Everest smiled at Skye. Taking both pups' words to heart, she leaned in to take her cap from Chase and placed it back on her head. She could feel her eyes watering again but this time it wasn't from sadness.

``Thank you, guys.''

``Anytime!''

``Yip yip!''

Everest took a deep breath in reassurance.

``Guess we can't keep the rest of them waiting any longer, we should let them know where I am.''

With that, the husky jumped to her four paws and bolted down the trail.

``Race ya'll down!''

``Awoooo!'' Chase howled and went after her.

``Heheheh! Hey wait up!'' Skye followed.



 

``Everest! Oh man! I'm sooo glad you are ok!''

Jake was quick to wrap the husky in a tight hug, maybe a little too tight.  

``I'm sorry to make you worry.''

``It's ok Everest, we're just glad you are safe.'' Ryder said.

The pups howled and whooped in response. Jumping forward and greeting Everest happily. Though she noticed one pup hiding behind one of the many oak trees that surrounded them. The sight of the pup made her throat close and her heart race. She looked back at Skye and Chase who gave her a reassuring nod. Chase would normally want to comfort his boyfriend, but he wanted to give the pups the opportunity to talk about what happen. She felt her courage return and turned her attention back to the fire pup, walking towards him. The black spotted dalmatian was slumped against the tree. Digging one of his paws in the dirt, looking down and not meeting her gaze.

``Marshall?''

He looked up.

``Everest.... I'm glad you're ok...''

``Th...Thank you.''

A dull silence fell between them before Marshall spoke up again.

``I'm sorry if I upset you....''

``Upset me?''

``Yeah, didn't you leave because I turned you down?''

``No...Well I mean...I did run away but that's not your fault.''

She walked forward and sat herself next to him, resting her head against the tree.

``I didn't know you liked boys Marshall and I have no issue with that. I guess I was more beating myself up for not realizing that you and Chase were together.''

``Yeah...I'm sorry. It only happened recently.''

``Oh, I know now, Skye and Chase filled me in on all the romantic details'' She teased.

Marshall brightened up a little, his tail wagged slow.

``Regardless, rejection is hard, and I did get upset when you said no but that doesn't mean I don't want to be friends with you. I'd rather have you as a friend than nothing at all. If we can't be together romantically, I'll happily be your pal. If you still want too...''

She bit her lower lip nervously but managed to smile at the pup. Marshalls worried look had begun to fade, and he gave back a toothy grin in response. Shaking his head up and down excitedly.

``Yes! Of course!''

Everest breathed a sigh of relief and felt the pup's paws wrap around her body, giving her a gentle and affectionate hug. Everest was quick to return the embrace.

From a distance, Ryder, Jake, and the other pups couldn't help but look at the two of them as they spoke privately. Chase smiled proudly at his boyfriend; glad he could get some closure. Skye had to hold back a few happy whimpers from her mouth, she was very pleased that Everest could confront her fears. The cockapoo felt a slight tap against her. Noticing Rubble looking back and forth between the pair.

``Uhhh...Did we miss something?''

Skye giggled.

``Don't worry. Everest is just being very brave right now.''

 

The husky let go of the fire pup and picked herself back up.

``We should probably head to the others, let them know what's going on.''

``Oh yeah! They must be super confused right now.''

``For the record Marshall, Chase is a lucky pup to have a boy like you'' she said with a blush, Marshall couldn't help but blush back.

``Thanks, but I'm the lucky one.''

Both pups soon made their way back to the group. Everest was beaming with newfound confidence; Her legs ached from all the running she did up and down Jakes Mountain.

``How fitting.'' she thought.

 With all she went through, confessing her feelings, getting rejected, then reconciling. Her whole body, physically and emotionally, felt like she just climbed a large summit to get where she was now.  The effort to get there was exhausting and the results weren't what she thought they would be, but from this summit she can see how amazing the view was, Black spotted and white. With shades of brown, pink, green, and quite a few colors. They painted a beautiful pallet of friendship. Sure, it may never become anything more than friendship, but she started to feel like she'd be ok with that.

``That was definitely worth the climb'' She thought and slowly smiled to herself.