The forecast had turned out to be more than accurate. Snow fell from the sky at a rapid pace and every pup was on standby, needing to be ready for anything. Until then, the team had to bide their time with whatever was available to them in the lookout. Chase and Marshall were of course glued to one another the whole time, with some of their friends tagging along with whatever they decided to do. The couple were currently playing a game of pup pup boogie, with Marshall dominating the score board. Out pacing Chase frequently. Even as their friends cheered and howled in encouragement.
``You got the moves baby!'' Chase commented.
``You know it! Uh huh! Uh huh!''
Marshall stepped in pace to the beat, never losing track of the symbols displayed on the screen. Chase was panting heavily at this point. Struggling to keep up.
``Alright, I'm tagging out! Who's taking over?''
On que, a familiar chihuahua stepped forward between the other cheering pups.
!Yo yo yo! Can I give it a try?''
Chase stumbled over his legs at the sight of the jungle pup, He fell backwards off the dance pad. The other pups recoiled at the wipeout and Marshall paused the game.
``Chase! Are you alright?''
The German shepherd was quick to respond.
``I'm...good?''
``Hey, that's my line!''
All the pups laughed in response with Tracker politely walking over to Chase. Holding his paw out.
``You got quite the moves!''
He stared at the pup above him. The positive mood Chase was in suddenly faded, and that dull sense of worry came flooding back to him. He quickly got up, disregarding his friends' paw. Tracker took notice and leaned back, surprised at the somewhat rude gesture Chase displayed. Chase was surprised with himself; He'd never done something like that before. He quickly shook the feeling off. Offering a quick, ``Thanks!'' Before joining the other pups nearby. They all seemed to have noticed Chases' behavior. All expect Marshall, who quickly broke the awkwardness.
``Tracker! You want to dance against me?''
``Si! Me encanta bailar!''
He quickly set himself on the dance pad and Marshall gave a confident smile to him.
``Well let's see if you can keep up!''
He un-paused the game and both pups danced in sync to the beat. Marshall and Tracker kept an amazing pace with one another. The other pups howled at their performance. Every pup except Chase, who kept his eyes on Tracker.
``Wow...He really can dance huh? Especially against Marshall...'' He thought.
That dull feeling came back to him as he watched.
``Is he trying to impress him? Maybe...No...No...that doesn't make sense!''
Chase kept feeling uneasy.
``Why didn't I accept his help back there? That was rude. Tracker didn't do anything to offend or upset me...''
Chase pondered to himself, not really watching the boys dance anymore. His mind swirled with concerning thoughts. Especially to a certain situation Marshall mentioned to him some time ago.
``No no...It wasn't like that! It was a one-time thing! To keep him warm, Tracker would never.... Marshall would never...''
``Beep Beep!''
Their pup tags rang out, Ryder was calling them. Chase snapped out of his thoughts and jumped to action. The team raced to the elevator. Not noticing Marshall leaping off the dance pad and straight into Tracker. The pups tumbled and bowled into the rest of the team. Knocking them off their paws. They all knew what would follow next.
``Whoops! Guess it takes two to Tango!''
``!Dos al tango!'' Tracker added.
Every pup laughed as the elevator went up. Chase kept quiet; His concern only seemed to grow. It didn't help that he was being sat on right now...
``Thanks for racing up here pups.''
The team all lined up in their usual spots, Chase taking special attention to be as close to Marshall as possible.
``Main street has a broken traffic light; it is causing a serious back up of cars. If they don't get moving soon, the snow could bury their vehicles and stall them completely! So, for this mission I'll need...''
Ryder scrolled through his pup pad. Chase kept his attention on his leader but felt a sudden creeping realization. One he hoped wouldn't come to pass.
``Chase! I'll need your traffic cones and megaphone to direct traffic.''
``Chase is on the Case!''
So far, so good.
``And Rocky, I'll your tools to repair the broken traffic light and get things running.''
``Green means go!'' Rocky cried out.
Chase felt his heart sink in his chest. This was exactly what he was afraid of. With every pup standing by for this blizzard, there was a possibility that he would need to go on solo missions without Marshall. He had expected that. After all, not every single pup was needed for specific situations but that would mean that Marshall would be by himself with Tracker at the lookout. Chase secretly pleaded that Ryder would call either pup to join them but no such luck. After Ryder gave his signature call, He was off and slid down the pipeline. Rocky gave Zuma a quick lick to his snout before running towards the slide. Chase started to make his way out before turning towards Marshall.
``I'll be back as soon as I can!''
``Be safe out there, ok? and buddle up!''
He gave a reassuring lick to the police pups nose. One that practically made Chase melt. He suddenly felt much more secure. Until another voice spoke up.
``Good luck Chase! Buena suerte!''
The security faulted at Trackers comment. His ears lowered in concern, both Marshall and Tracker taking notice. Chase quickly picked them back up and gave a reassuring smile to them.
``Thanks Tracker!''
With that, Chase turned and headed down the slide. The wind chill struck his ears and face as he slid down. Leaping into his pup house turned police vehicle. He quickly put on his snow cap and drove forward towards Ryder and Rocky. As he followed his team, His thoughts continued to plague him. He took a slow breath, keeping himself calm.
``It will only be for an hour or so, they'll be fine...He'll be fine. Tracker...''
The same dull feeling persisted.
``Tracker...Why do you make me sooo...nervous?''
Chase shook his head again, these uncomfortable thoughts still dwelled in him, but he had a mission to focus on. His love life would have to wait for now.
It had been some time since the boys had left. Since then, both Rubble and Everest had been called out to help. Snow continued to pile on the roads of Adventure Bay and the pup's bulldozer and snowcat would be perfect for getting things cleared. The four remaining pups decided to go about keeping preoccupied in the lower portion of the lookout. Skye and Zuma were coloring together, Not saying much but enjoying each other's company. Marshall and Tracker on the other hand were much louder with their activity, both pups settled on a game of Simon says. They laid on adjacent dog pillows as the electronic game pad buzzed and glowed in front of the dalmatian. His eyes fixated on the pattern in showed.
``Ten cuidado Marshall'' Tracker said, the pup managed to make it to twelve lights on Simon says, Marshall currently sat at thirteen.
``Shhhh, concentrating...'' Marshall whispered.
As the last light lit up, Marshall quickly worked his paws down. Hitting every button in the correct sequence. Simon beeped twice. Letting out an electronic voice announcing, ``New high score!''
``!Excelente!''
``Yes! Let's see if I can get to Fifteen!''
Marshall slammed his paw down in excitement. The Simon says flipped in the air, landing on his head.
``Oof! Marshall ?estas bien?''
The game beeped twice before declaring ``Game Over.''
``Im good! Simons says...do a flip?''
Both pups laughed it off, with Marshall letting the pad slip off his head.
``First pup boogie and then Simon says. You are really good at memorizing patterns!''
``Thanks! Guess you can say it's one of my hidden talents. Apart from talking to animals and having four front paws.'' He joked. Getting another giggle out of the chihuahua.
``So what do you want to do now? We can check to see what Zuma and Skye are up too!''
``Si!...But I wanted to ask you something first.''
``Oh?'' Marshall tilted his head curiously. Tracker bit his lip, afraid what he was going to ask might be too personal.
``Marshall, what's it like having a boyfriend?''
The question took the fire pup by surprise, but he was more than happy to answer.
``It's pretty...awesome.''
``Especially since it's your best friend?'' Tracker teased. He had picked up some time ago that Marshall really liked Chase.
``That's what makes it soooo awesome!'' Marshall giggled, tapping his front paws in excitement. Tracker admired his friend's attitude. He couldn't help but feel smitten over how cute the fire pup could be sometimes.
``It was kind of a weird situation where we ended up together. I had confessed to him finally, around the same time, He had started to get feelings for me too. It worked out for both of us.''
``Que lindo. I'm happy for you two. Seems like Chase is super protective of you.''
``Only because I usually trip over myself so often. Hehehe'' Marshall jokingly moved his front and back paws in opposite direction.
``Si, though didn't he seem a little...different around me?''
Marshall stood in place, looking at Tracker in concern. He had caught wind of it earlier when they were being called on by Ryder. He didn't want to alarm Tracker though and kept a smile on his face.
``Oh...uh yeah. That was sort of strange.''
Tracker tapped on his front paws nervously.
``Marshall, did you ever tell Chase about that one time we...you know?''
The Dalmatian felt his snout turn a little red but shook his head.
``Of course, I tell him everything.''
Sometime ago, prior to Chase and Marshall being together. Tracker had previously visited the Paw Patrol. Ironically enough, around wintertime as well. Though the winter then was a lot calmer than what they were currently experiencing. However, it did not mean that accidents still didn't happen as Tracker and Zuma were called to rescue the Turbots. Both Cap'n Turbot and his cousin thought it was a good idea to see who could walk furthest along the frozen bay. That was until it began to break and separate. Stranding them both on floating sheets of ice. Tracker had traveled with Zuma on his hovercraft, attempting to his cables to try and pull the cousins of their situation. Things did not go exactly to plan, As Zuma had lurched forward on a sheet of Ice. Causing the craft to buckle up and throw Tracker overboard. The jungle pup nearly freezing his tail off in the water. Zuma had quickly rescued the boy and Ryder advised Marshall to take him back to the lookout for treatment. The rest of the team would stay out and help to save the turbots and their boat that ended up getting caught in the drifting ice.
Tracker sniffled and shook slightly, the chihuahua was all bundled up in a large blanket and dog bed in the lookout. Marshall walked in wearing his EMT gear, gently pushing a bowl of soup as carefully as he could towards his friend.
``How are you feeling Tracker?''
``Estoy bien, just a little chilly!''
He kept a smile on his face, not wanting to admit that the plunge in the water shook him to the core.
``Well luckily, I have just the thing to warm you up. Some soup and...ruff ruff! Heat pad!''
The heat pad shot out from his pup pack. Marshall leaped to catch it but just managed to hit it with a free paw. It flew further in the air and landed directly in the soup bowl. Splashing Tracker all over his snout.
``Oh no! Tracker, are you ok?''
``Yup yup!'' He quickly licked the soup off his nose, it was creamy.
``I got to say Marshall, that might have been your most delicious wipe out ever. !Delicioso!''
``Hehehe de nada!'' Marshall replied, Picking up some Spanish from the pup.
The funny moment had come to a halt as Tracker felt another shiver run up his spine. He buddled himself further into the sheets.
``You...you wouldn't happen to have another heat pad, would you?''
The fire pup looked down in disappointment. His ears lowering.
``No...That was my only one.''
``Oh...It's ooooooookkkk'' Tracker said through chattering teeth. Wrapping the blankets tighter around himself.
``It's not though.''
Marshall felt horrible, He had dropped his only means of keeping Tracker warm and the blankets weren't enough. The dalmatian thought for a moment before getting an idea.
``Tracker, As the EMT of the Paw Patrol, it's my duty to ensure to are properly taken care of! I have an idea to keep you warm. With your permission that is...''
Marshall rubbed one of his front legs anxiously. Tracker stared at the pup, curious at what he had in mind.
That's when he started to remove his EMT gear, letting his vest and pack drop to the floor before walking towards Tracker. The jungle pup suddenly felt very flush.
``There is a something we do here in the lookout when it's too cold to sleep outside! Me and the other pups huddled together for warmth! I was going to do the same with you, if you're ok with that.''
Marshall gave a smile in reassurance; letting the pup know this was just a friendly cuddle between pals. Tracker held his breath and kept his cool. He eagerly shook his head up and down. He was not going to pass up on this opportunity. Marshall took his que and walked on next to him. Letting himself slip under the blankets and close to Tracker. The pup felt the cold chill suddenly leave him; He slowly leaned over and sank himself into the dalmatians black spotted fur. The warmth radiated off him, lighting a fire under his paws which ran up his spine and to the very tip of his ears. Looks like he figured out why he was called the fire pup.
``There, is that better Tracker?''
The chihuahua didn't respond immediately. Seeming to fall deeper into the pup's warmth. He managed to let out a quiet.
``Perfecto''
``Nothing like a good old fashion puppy pile to keep every dog warm! Even if it's just the two of us.''
``Do you all do this often?''
``Only when it gets chilly, or when it's an emergency. I remember this one-time; Alex thought it was a good idea to try and lick frost off a street sign. His tongue got stuck and he was outside in the snow for a while.''
``!Pobre cosa! Poor Alex.''
``Yeah, but luckily, we were able to get him unstuck. He got a blanket and plenty of cuddles from us to warm him up quick!''
``That's good to hear. I must admit, it'd be hard to do anything else while in this position. It's super comfortable. Comodo.''
``Oh yeah, it's super nice. Especially when I get to be close to Ch...''
The dalmatian bit his tongue, almost spilling his biggest secret in front of Tracker. The Jungle pup didn't seem to notice, and he gave out a large yawn.
``I'm feeling sort of sleepy all the sudden.''
``Well, you had quite the adventure today bud.''
``Is it ok if I take a little nap?''
``Go right ahead Tracker, I'm not going anywhere. Plus, A nap does sound nice right now.''
Marshall slowly settled his head on top of Trackers neck, being sure not to lean against his ears too much. The jungle pup dug his nose under his chin.
``Gracias Marshall.''
``You're welcome, Tracker!'' Marshall said, wagging his tail slowly. Tracker followed suite, his tail slowly trailing against his friends.
``I mean it...For everything today. Te lo agradezco, te aprecio mucho.''
Tracker wanted to elaborate further on how grateful he was for the dalmatians help. He didn't want to admit it, but he had a small crush on the fire pup. He had never had the opportunity to say anything to him before, but he felt a small spark of courage come to him. It was now or never.
``Marshall...I...''
``Cha..Cha...Mmm.''
``Que?'' Tracker questioned, only to realize that Marshall was out like a light.
The dalmatian cuddled and breathed low as he slept. Tracker listened as he softly snored into his ears. He found it quite pleasing. He had never cuddled with another pup like this before, but he could get used to it. Tracker slowly closed his eyes, not before feeling Marshall suddenly snuggle harder into his neck. One audible word escaping from his mouth as he dreamt.
``Chase...''
Tracker grinned. He thought he had heard Marshall cut himself off from saying that name out loud before. It seems like the fire pup had a crush on a certain someone. He let out a small sign of disappointment but nodded in acceptance.
``Oh well, this is still nice though.''
He then slowly drifted off to sleep.
``It was...nice when we did that.''
``Yeah...It was'' Marshall admitted. Both pups weren't looking at each other, experiencing some shared awkwardness with where to go from there.
``But...yeah. I told Chase about that night a while ago, he didn't seem bothered by it.''
``Are you sure Marshall? I'm...I'm just worried that Chase might think I'm some sort of...threat.''
``A... threat?''
Tracker backed down, feeling he might have upset his friend.
``I mean...I don't think he is dangerous or anything, far from it. It's just that...I did have a small crush on you prior to you and Chase being together.''
Marshall's eyes widen, Tracker quickly stammered.
``But nothing serious now, obviously! But I don't think Chase realizes that. I just don't want him getting the wrong idea when we hang out together.''
``What? You think Chase thinks you might...steal me from him?''
It sounded so silly when he said that aloud.
``I wouldn't go that far but he might be a little apprehensive with us being alone. Aprensivo! He really didn't take his eyes off me when he was here Marshall. I'm not trying to upset you, I'm just concerned.''
Marshall stood in silence. To him, Chase is the most perfect boy in all of Adventure Bay. Maybe even the whole world. The idea that Chase would feel that Tracker was some sort of threat to their relationship made him very nervous. Marshall felt something new come to his mind and his stomach quelled at it. The sensation wasn't a pleasant one. He noticed the uncomfortable look Tracker gave him, one of worry and concern he might have stepped over some boundaries. Marshall put his thoughts aside and brought that familiar smile back to his face.
``Nahh! Chase wouldn't think that...I'll talk to him when he returns. Just to make sure everything is ok.''
``Oh, that's good. I'm sorry if I made things weird. Lo siento''
``No no, it's ok, I'm glad you told me your concerns.''
Marshall gave another toothy smile to the pup and that made Tracker feel more at ease. Wanting to get off topic, Marshall found the perfect segway.
``Soooo...you liked me too?''
The fire pup jokily raised his eyes brown and gave a wink, Tracker felt his face go red.
``Si! I mean...I did!''
``Awww I'm flattered Tracker, seems that there are quite a few pups who've been drawn to me...'' Marshall thought back to Everest and that previous situation.
``What's there not to like? You are one of the nicest pups I've ever met.''
``Awww thanks'' His tail wagged at his friend's complement.
``To be honest, If you weren't with Chase, I think I would have at least tried to tell you how I felt earlier. Though that ship has sailed. I'm happy for you and him, you're both perfect for each other.''
Tracker smiled but his ears remained lowered. Marshall could pick up on his unease.
``Why so glum bud?''
``Sometimes, I just wish I wasn't so far way from other pups. It'd be easier to find a special someone...''
A soft whine escaped his throat and Marshall's heart melted at the sight. He quickly walked over and gave him a hug.
``I think you will one day Tracker, he's out there. You just have to hold out hope.''
Tracker dug his nose into Marshall's neck, his ears perked up again.
``I will, no me rendire''
Marshall broke the embrace.
``How about we go do some coloring with the others?''
``That sounds nice, Though I might nap next to you, I'm feeling kind of sleepy right now.''
``Trying to sneak into another puppy pile mister?''
Tracker bit his lip. Not sure how to respond.
``Hahaha! Just teasing! Come on.''
Marshall led the way towards the others. Zuma and Skye had finished coloring and were currently watching T.V. Invested in an active weather report.
``As we continue to monitor the blizzard in Adventure Bay, We predict up to seven inches of snow and strong wind chill to develop further by nightfall. Officials advise that residents should be prepared for the worse and to remain indoors!''
``Bummer dude, Things are going to get intense out there!''
``I sure hope Ryder and the others will make it back prior to then.''
Marshall paused and listened in; His concern growing with Chase still being out there. He decided to try and take his mind off it, grabbing whatever coloring book was available. He laid down with a set of crayons and began to color in between the lines. The mindless task helped relax him. All the while Tracker had sat next to him and laid his head down. He would periodically listen to the weather report, but his ears were far more drawn to the smooth low scratching coming from the pup next to him. The sounds of his coloring soothing him.
Tracker was glad that he made his feelings aware to Marshall. He trusted that things could be settled amicably and that he wouldn't need to be so concerned with what Chase thought after all. Tracker did feel that a small part of him would always like Marshall more than a friend, but he was content with being his friend first and foremost. Though, he figured that it didn't mean he wouldn't be able to cuddle up to him. Not as intimately as with his boyfriend of course.
He opened one eye and looked at the dalmatian, ever so slowly shifting his bodyweight to press his back against the fire pup. Wondering how he'd react. Marshall paid no mind and Tracker breathed a sigh of relief.
``Not as good as a puppy pile, but this is still nice.''