The first snowflakes of winter had started to fall yesterday evening. Soon it amounted to up close to three inches of snowfall. Following that, Reports came in of a strong blizzard beginning to form. One that would see a mountain of snow and ice which would soon engulf the often-sunny town of Adventure Bay. All hands were on deck, as the citizens prepared for the inclement weather. It was double time for the Paw Patrol as well. Rocky and Everest were on point, The husky using her snowplow to plow the piling powder on the roads while Rocky followed behind in his truck, spraying salt across each cleared section.
Back at the look out, the pups were doing their due diligence to prepare for the worst. Not only did they need to be prepared for any related emergencies these next few days, but they needed to rearrange where they were going to sleep at night. Normally they'd be happy to sleep in their respected pup houses, but this upcoming blizzard was proving to be a concerning matter for Ryder. He was not going to let his pups sleep out in the cold. Zuma and Skye were already working to put their toys and bedding inside. While Rubble used his rig to move some of the larger objects into the garage. Between all this prep, Marshall assisted the best he could.
``Easy...Carefully...''
He carefully gripped the handle of the snow shovel between his teeth. The dalmatian moved one paw over the other, pushing his head forward to scoop up patches of snow. Taking his time to plow the excess near his pup house. He would work his way around and get to the other pups' houses soon after. Being sure he didn't fall or trip over himself. Unbeknownst to him, he was being watched. A vicious predator stared at his prey. Waiting for the right moment to pounce. He ever so closely inched his way towards the black spotted boy. Ducking between the grass and snow.
As he worked, Marshall's ears perked up under his red and yellow snow cap. He dropped his shovel and looked up.
``Hmm? Zuma? Skye?''
He looked around the snow-covered yard. Whiteness surrounded him. Marshall shrugged his shoulders and went back to work. He managed to work the handle back in his maw when he heard it again. Dropping the shovel in a fright.
``Whoa! Who's there?''
The dalmatian started to get nervous, he spun around and looked around his pup house. That's when he heard it again, this time right behind him. Marshall jumped back around but only saw the large pile of snow he had scooped up.
``Phew...for a sec I thought...''
``Gotcha!''
From the snow pile, a voice called out and the icy powder flung in all directions. A brown blur leaped towards Marshall. He yelped and fell backwards. Landing on the shovel handle, causing more snow to fling up and land on top of the pup. Marshall just laid on his back, his face and the length of his belly buried in the white powder.
``Whoa! You good Marshall!?!''
The dalmatian felt a paw start to brush the snow off his belly. He looked up to see a familiar handsome face staring back at him. The German shepherd wore a blue and yellow snow cap on his head. Just enough to keep his head warm but leave his ears sticking out. He gave a toothy smile to him.
``Hey Chase...I'm good!'' He exclaimed.
``Good, I got exactly what I was looking for!''
Chase pressed a paw to the dalmatians chest, keeping him pinned the ground.
``Chase! What are you doing?''
``See, when I was helping put stuff away, I realized I've been looking for the cutest pup in Adventure Bay all morning! And now I have him right in my grasp!''
Chase proceeded to lean down and lick Marshall's snout. The pup felt the snow practically melt off his body. Chase knew exactly how to push his buttons and he loved every minute of it.
``Stoooop! Hehehe! I got to push the snow away.''
``Do you? Wait, you got a little something on your face.''
The police pup continued to lick at Marshalls snout. The dalmatian giggled madly as he was teased.
It has been eight months since Chase and Marshall officially became boyfriends. In the past year, Chase had delt with new feelings. Ones he had very little experience with before. Let alone coming to terms with being attracted to boys, he realized that his attraction was directly tied to his closest friend. It was a strange, frightening but exciting feeling to explore. One he wanted to explore with the cutest pup he knew. For Marshall, to say feelings were mutual would be a massive understatement. The fire pup had a crush on Chase since day one being on the Paw Patrol. He kept his feelings close to his chest. Concerned that his best friend wouldn't reciprocate. Luckly, things had panned out nicely for both pups. They would often spend their days close together. Ensuring much needed support during missions and plenty of fun during play time. Everyone had come to accept the new couple on the team and things have been going great so far.
Chase ceased his attack and duck his head under the pup, flipping Marshall on to his back.
``Heheh Thanks for the lift baby!''
``No worries, let me help with that Hun. You worked so hard already.''
The police pup flipped the snow shovel handle up with one paw. Keeping the flat end planted on the ground.
``Uh huh. Sounds like some pup is worried I'll trip over myself again.''
Chase averted his gaze from him.
``I mean...snow is pretty slippery!''
``Chase...''
``Awww can't blame me for wanting to keep you safe.'' Chase said, giving puppy eyes at him. Marshall couldn't resist.
``I appreciate it baby.'' Marshall leaned forward and licked one of Chases ears. The fire pup then lifted himself off his boyfriend. Only to leap on the flat end of the shovel. Propelling himself forward.
``Whoa!''
With that, the dalmatian skidded across the ice in a flash, Chase was quick to tail him. Marshall yelped with each mound of snow he ran into.
``Hang on Marshall!''
Immmmm tryingggggg!'' Marshall yelped out, the shovel hitting each crack and pebble on the icy concrete. The pup came to a sudden stop as the shovel planted itself into the iced over grass. Sending Marshall flying into the air. The fire pup could make out Rubbles truck as he flew, landing into it and next to Rubble. The bulldog turned and looked at him. Seemly unbothered that Marshall fell from the sky.
``Oh! Hey Marshall!'' Rubble smiled at his concussed friend, who quickly shook himself awake.
``Marshall! Rubble! Are you both ok?''
On que both answered.
``We're good!''
All three pups laughed among themselves. Though under his smile, Chase breathed a sigh of relief. He loved being with Marshall. He could put up with any sort of hijinks or clumsy thing he did. As long as he wasn't hurt, everything would be fine.
``Pups! Where are ya'll?'' Ryder called out. ``Please come back to the look out! I've got some updates to share.''
The pups all barked and scattered towards the front of the lookout. Inside, the pups were all lined up. Marshall sat next to his boyfriend and laid his head against his shoulder. Chase appreciated the extra warmth.
``Good news pups! Everest and Rocky just finished plowing the roads. They're making their way back home now.''
``Yes!'' Zuma barked. Tapping his little front paws in excitement. Between Marshall and Chase getting together, Zuma and Rocky had also started dating. Chase smiled at the brown lab, clearly excited to have his boyfriend on his way home.
``How goes preparing for the blizzard pups?''
``All of our large play sets have been loaded and tucked in the garage Ryder!'' Rubble announced.
``Yip! All our smaller toys and beds have been placed inside too!'' Skye yipped.
``Excellent work pups! How's snow plowing coming along?''
``Almost done Ryder. I got a little distracted...'' Marshall eyed Chase. The police pup pretended not to notice. Getting a giggle out of the team, Ryder included.
``That's ok Marshall. Rubble can help with his rigg now that he's free. I just want all of us to be ready when we're called on patrol. This could be a pretty big storm, and we must make sure we're prepared for anything. Both at home and out in the bay.''
``You can count on us Ryder!'' Chase called out. The other pups howled in agreement. All except for Marshall. Who just stared at his handsome pup. Always getting lovestruck at his encouragement.
``That's good to hear. With that, Everest will be on standby with us. So, she'll be staying at the lookout till further notice.''
``Yay!'' The pups exclaimed.
``But we also have some one else coming to stay over!''
``Huh? Who is it Ryder?'' Marshall asked curiously.
On que, the pups heard the low roar of a jeep making its way towards the look out. The pups ran outside and looked towards the freshly paved path. They could make out a familiar zebra striped jeep. A long eared chihuahua and his human companion pulled up next to the group.
``Hola amigos!''
``Tracker! Carlos!'' Marshall yelped in delight.
The pups all barked and hopped in excitement as both boys approached the team.
``Hey Ryder! Hi pups!''
``Hey Carlos, Glad you both made it safely.''
``Ryder! Are Tracker and Carlos going to stay with us?'' Chase asked.
``Yup Yup! I figured we needed a lot of pups on hand just to ensure we can cover any possible scenario this blizzard might throw at us.''
``Plus, it was a good excuse to let Tracker see you pups again. Plus get to play in the snow.''
Carlos petted Trackers head; The pup squeaked in excitement.
``Tracker, you aren't wearing your pup gear though or anything to keep you warm.'' Skye pointed out.
``Si! I'm trying to get used to the cold! I figured that maybe I just let the cold seep into my fur! En mi pelaje!''
Carlos scratched his head in amusement.
``I tried to warn him that it'd be cold, but he insisted.''
Ryder laughed a little.
``You sure that's a good idea Tracker?'' Chase questioned. Raising an eyebrow.
``Si! I will be uuused..to the cold...in no timmmme!''
Trackers' confidence started to shift as an especially cold wind blew through. The jungle pup shivered. Chase couldn't help but giggle slightly. On the other hand, Marshall was quick to walk up and give Tracker a warm embrace.
``Oh no, Can't let you become a pupicle again!''
Tracker yipped in surprise at the sudden hug. Giving a warm smile. This took Chase off guard; He wasn't expecting his boyfriend to do something like that. As quick as it happened, Marshall pulled back.
``Oy, Let's not let that happen. Guess I need to wait a little longer to get used to the cold.''
``Puppy pile to keep Tracker warm!''
The other pups soon joined in, leaping on top of the jungle pup. Tracker yelped as he was buried by the others. Chase soon followed suit, being the last one to join in.
``Hehehe, Alright pups let's get our guests out of the cold. Everest and Rocky will be home soon.''
``Alright Ryder!''
The pups started to lift off Tracker, making their way inside. As Marshall and Chase walked side to side, Tracker walked next to the fire pup. Chase eyed him curiously.
``I'm feeling warmer already! Mas calido.''
``That's good, I think we have your ear covers somewhere in Skyes pup house. Got to make sure those are covered especially!''
``Have Tracker and Marshall always been this friendly with one another?'' Chase thought.
``Yeah...He's friendly to every pup. Especially to Marshall, I think he knows we're together...He's awfully close to him...''
Chase pondered to himself; an uneasy feeling started to rise in his chest. It wasn't pleasant, like what he felt when he realized he had a crush on Marshall back then. No, this felt different...cold even.
``Chase? Chase?!''
The police pup snapped back to reality.
``Ohh uh! Sorry, what was that?''
``I said do you want to show Tracker our new treat dispenser?''
``Oh! Uh yeah sure! This way boys! Especially you.''
Chase led the way, being sure to run his tail under the dalmatians chin. Ensuring Tracker saw it. The jungle pup blushed at the sudden affection before giggling awkwardly.
``Que lindo!''
The pups made their way towards another room in the lookout and Chase continued to feel uneasy. He didn't really understand why.
