``Whoa...It's starting to get difficult to see!''

``Careful driving up to the lookout Rocky, don't want to stall.''

The pups drove as slowly and carefully as they could. Through the falling snow, they could make out the familiar shape of their home. Their workload was quite a lot, Chase had directed traffic best he could, the backup of cars had stretched a long way back while Rocky had fixed the broken traffic light. By then though, Snow had coated the roads in and out of Adventure Bay. Both pups had to wait for Rubble and Everest to plow what they could. Driving their vehicles back and forth across town to ensure cars could make it out ok. Ryder had advised Chase and Rocky to head on back home and warm up, staying behind to with Rubble and Everest to help plow snow away from city hall. Seems like Mayor Goodway could not leave out of her front door at this point.

As much as he enjoyed helping, Chase was happy to be heading home. The cold was really nipping at his ears and paws. He felt like his nose was going to fall off his face. He can't imagen Rocky was fairing any better.  The mission had distracted him from his lingering thoughts but as he approached the concrete path of the lookout, apprehension struck him again.

``It will be fine! I'm overreacting. Tracker knows Marshall and I are dating. I don't need to be worried...What exactly am I worried about?''

The question still plagued his mind.

The police pup quickly parked his vehicle and raced inside with Rocky. The minute the boys entered the lookout, the warm heated air struck them. Melting away the excess snow off their bodies. Making them feel much more comfortable. It was then when a brown blur suddenly jumped Rocky from the side. Dropping the pup to the floor.

``Welcome back dude!'' Zuma cried out, assaulting the recycle pup with several licks to his snout and face.

``Ahhh! Zuma! Heheh! I missed you too!''

Both pups giggled and nuzzled into one another. Chase couldn't help but grin at the loving couple but looked around for his admirer.

``Hey Zuma, Where's Marshall?''

``Oh, he's by the TV. Sleeping next to Tracker.''

Chase felt his heart stop, a lump forming in his throat. The police pup slowly walked his way over to the other side of the lookout. The T.V was still on; a weather report continued its live coverage of the blizzard. Chase could make out the small figure of Skye sleeping peacefully on one of the dog beds. He carefully tiptoed past her, trying not to wake her up.  As he did, he noticed an opened coloring book out and a few scattered crayons on the floor.

That's when he saw them. Tracker was snuggled up next to Marshall, sleeping peacefully. His boyfriend was sprawled out the floor, His back legs kicking in the air as he slept away. It wasn't exactly cuddling but it wasn't sleeping separately either. Trackers ears started to move, and the pup opened his eyes. Taking a minute to recognize where he was, his eyes met the police pup in front of him. His head immediately shot up.

``Chase! Welcome back!''

``Hey...What are you two...''

On que, Marshall had rolled over, squishing Tracker briefly under him. The pup yelped and Chase fell back in surprise at the sound. Marshall jumped up, shaking himself awake.

``Whoa! What? What happened...Did I fall asleep while drawing...Oh my dog! Tracker are you ok?''

The jungle pup was beat red at having Marshall on him for a moment. It was then that the fire pup noticed his boyfriend staring at the pair. He squeaked in excitement.

``Baby!''

Marshall ran forward and drew his boyfriend in a tight hug, giving a quick lick against his snout.

``Whoa...you're wet and shivering! Poor thing, it's chilly out there huh?''

``Yeah...Chilly''

Chase was only half listening; his eyes did not leave Tracker. The uneasy feeling he had started to swell, and he felt his jaw clench. Tracker picked up the unease radiating from the stare Chase gave him. His ears were lowering in response. Chase's gaze slightly faltered at Trackers reaction, and he quickly snapped out of it. Turning his attention back to Marshall.

``Babe, I'm sorry, what were you saying...''

``Oh, I just wanted to talk to you about something. Regarding Tracker and me.''

Chase held his breath. Fear clutching his chest.

``Chase...''



``Beep beep!''

``Come in Skye! I need air support along the main roads. Marshall and Tracker! We need you in town, asap!''

The cockapoo yipped from her sleeping spot. Giving a brief stretch before running towards the front door.

``This puppy's got fly!'' She spoke.

``On it Ryder! Tracker let's get a move on!''

The jungle pup let out a sign of relief.

``Si! Let's head out!''

``But...But what you were about to say?'' Chase asked, His ears flattening at having to see his boyfriend go.

``We can talk about it later baby. We have a mission to do! Ruff!''

Chase wanted nothing more than for Marshall to spill the beans now, but he knew their obligation to the team was far too important.

``Alright...but please be careful out there. It's freezing and it's getting worse.''

``I'll be fine, I'm all fired up after all.''

Marshall stuck his tongue out in response to his corny joke. It almost made Chase feel better. The dalmatian gave another lick against his nose before walking passed him. Tracker walked by at a much quicker pace. His gaze towards the floor. Chase followed them out the door, Watching the pups quickly suit up and leap into their vehicles. Marshall giving one last smile towards Chase as he and Tracker sped off. The police pup sat by the lookout door, His unease at an all-time high.

``What did he want to talk about...What happened between him and Tracker? Tracker looked so scared...Did I scare him?''

Chase's breath began to pick up and his mind started to spin with ideas.

``Does Marshall...want to include him in our relationship? Maybe he's had second thoughts about us being together? That doesn't sound like Marshall! It doesn't! So why...why am I so afraid?''

The pup kept staring out as the vehicles speed along the road till the falling snow obscured them. Both pups disappeared in the white haze. Chase stumbled back into the lookout. His chest and head felt heavy.

``Why do I feel like this? What's happening to me?''

He desperately wanted to express his concerns, but Marshall and Tracker were gone for now.

``Maybe I could talk to Skye...oh.''

She would be the next pup he'd could talk to about anything, but she was out too.

``Carlos?''

No, this didn't seem like something he'd want to bother him with.

He needed some pup who could relate to his relationship. That's when he remembered that he didn't come home alone.




``Oh yeah...right there Zuma.''

Rocky laid on his favorite dog bed. Zuma sat next to him with a bowl of hot water and a rag. He was carefully using his snout to press the wet rag into Rocky's left front paw. Digging between his paw pads. Rocky cooed low, enjoying the little massage he was getting.

``Feeling better Rocky?''

``Mmmm hmmm, I had some snow between my toes. Feels a lot better now.''

``Your paws were stiff as ice dude. The weather is gnarly out there huh?''

``Yup, just need to stay nice and dry with you for a while.''

``Oh yeah, I can help with that.''

Zuma raised his eyebrows at the pup, the mixed breed sticking his tongue out in response. That was Zumas que to lean himself against Rocky, his snout nuzzling into his neck. Rocky whined low and settled himself into a more comfortable position. Laying directly on his side as the water pup clung onto him. Letting Zuma press his body close.

``You make for a comfy pillow...Wocky.''

The lab let his lisp slip for a moment, he knew it drove Rocky crazy. The recycle pup twitched in delight, flipping himself on his back. Zuma shifted over and settled on his chest. Letting his paws wander and rub his grey belly.  

``Zuma! Mmmm~'' Rocky pleaded.

``What? I'm just giving my handsome boy some belly rubbing.''

``It's no fair if I'm the only one getting loving.''

``Well, I don't ya perk that snout up and kiss me already.''

Rocky leaned his head up before pressing his snout against Zumas. Planting a gentle kiss on his lips.

``Guys...um...hey...''

Rocky broke the kiss, looking up to see the upside-down figure of Chase staring at them. Normally Rocky would be annoyed with some pup rudely interrupting his time with Zuma but he let it slide considering how Chase looked right now.  His body was slumped slightly, his tail tucked under his legs, his ears were lowered, and he looked like he was on the verge of tears.

``Whoa dude...Are you ok?''

Chase bit his lower lip and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

``I think Marshall is going to leave me for Tracker!''

Rocky flipped himself up right in shock, making Zuma fall on his back.

``What?!''

``Yeah! I mean...not really! I mean...sort of...I don't know! Ugh!!!''

Chase stood up and started to pace back and forth. Zuma got back on his paws and sat next to his boyfriend.

``Dude, what do you mean?''

``Start at the beginning.'' Rocky said.

Chase collected his thoughts but continued to pace. The pups listened intently, their gaze following him.

``Alright. So, Zuma, do you remember that one time when you accidentally dropped Tracker in the water last winter?''

``Oh boy, don't remind me.''

Zuma had always kicked himself for letting one of his friends take a cold plunge. He apologized to Tracker profusely after that.

``Well, that's when Marshall had to take care of him. How he had to keep him warm and...all that. I know that was a long time ago and way before me and Marshall were together, but I can't help but think about that every time I see them together. Now I come home, and I see them sleeping next to one another.''

``Okay?'' Rocky answered, his tone confused.

``I know, it shouldn't bother me. We pups sleep next to each other from time to time but something about Tracker being next to Marshal just rubbed me the wrong way. I feel so uneasy...like Tracker is trying to make moves on him.''

Chase was talking a million miles a minute. Rocky tried his best to hang on to every word while Zuma gave a dead pan look at the stammering German shepherd. He stood up and silently marched towards him.

``Tracker is not like that...I know he isn't. It's just that he gets along so well with him. If there was even an opportunity that he could be with Marshall, would he try to...hpmmh!''

Chase was cut off by a firm paw placed against his mouth. Zuma giving his friend a look before speaking.

``Deep breath bud. Count to four.''

Chase did as he was instructed. Sitting down, he began to count to four and slow his breathing.

``Dude...You're jealous.''

``Jel...Jealous?'' The idea seemed so foreign to him.

``Totally dude, it's so obvious.''

``I don't think...''

``Chase, you are one hundred percent jealous of Tracker.'' Rocky commented.

Both pups asserted it again, Chase let them continue.

``Tracker and Marshall have always been close friends, and you feel threatened. Not just because he's your best friend but now that he's your boyfriend.''

Chase kept quiet, letting his feelings process. He looked down at his front paws in embarrassment.

``It's not like that! He's just spending a lot of time with Tracker. Alone...and no time...with...me...''

The police pup slapped his forehead.

``Heck, I am jealous.''

``No duh dude!''

``I kind of figured you'd be the jealous type Chase. No, a thanks.''

``None taken Rocky.''

``Though, I don't remember you being like this around Everest.  She spends time with Marshall too, she even straight up confessed to him once!''

``I know...'' Chase remembered that night full well, He had helped comfort Everest after the fact. She was in the dark about his relationship with the fire pup at the time and did his best to console her with Skye.

``It feels different this time though! I think it might because Tracker is a boy.''

``Mmm hmm, A cute boy who might swoon Marshall back to the jungle with him.''

Zuma paused for dramatic effect; Rocky laughed but Chase didn't appreciate it.

``That's not funny Zuma...''

``I'm only joking dude; you know Tracker and Marshall would never do a thing like that to you.''

``I know but why do I still feel weird about it though, how do I deal with these feelings?''

``Have to talked to Marshall about it yet?''

``No, he left for a mission as soon as we were going to talk, He even mentioned wanting to talk about something, regarding him and Tracker.''

``Hmmm, that's a little concerning. Talk about poor timing.''

``This blizzard isn't helping anything.'' Chase said sadly.

``Alright, we just got to make sure you keep a level head. Why don't try a little role play?''

``Roleplay? What do you mean?''

``We're gonna act out how you react around Tracker when he's near your boyfriend. That way you can collect yourself for whatever they want to talk about.''

The brown lab pointed his paw towards his boyfriend.

``Rocky, can you pretend to be Marshall?''

The recycle pup stood up from his bed and gave a smirk,

``Long as I don't have to wear his water cannon. Alright, Let's see. How to be Marshall...''

Rocky walked over to Chase. Breathing a short sign and getting into character. Giving the biggest smile he could towards him.

``Oh boy! I'm fired up! I'm so clumsy and I love love love my boyfriend Chase so much!''

Rocky exaggerated himself, bouncing up and down before pressing his face way to close to Chases. The German shepherd was dumbfounded at the act. Zuma suppressed a giggle.

``Rocky!''

``I just want to be near him, cuddle him and I'm constantly staring at his bu...Mmmph!''

Zuma quickly put a paw over Rockys snout.

``Anyway...Let's pretend I'm Tracker. The cute long eared jungle pup.''

Zuma took his place, moving his hips a bit with sway as he came up to Rocky.

``Hey there dude...Uh...I mean...Hola?''

``Oh, hi Tracker!''

``?Quieres jugar al tira y afloja conmigo?''

Chase was surprised at Zumas Spanish speaking, even Rocky seemed impressed. He kept in character.

``Yeah sure! Whoops!''

Rocky tripped over his front legs, Chase was less surprised seeing that.

``Guys, Marshall doesn't just fall over like that.''

``I thought that was very accurate of me.'' Rocky argued.

``One sec Chase, just watch.''

Chase didn't seem fazed, but he let them continue.

``Are you ok? Eres bueno?''

``I'm good! If only some police pup would come check on me!''

Rocky motioned for him to take part. Chase went up and did his best with what he had to work with.

``Hey...bud. We need to talk...''

``Si Chase! What about?''

``Look, I know you and Marshall are friends, but I don't appreciate you being sooo...I mean...I don't mind if ya'll play together but...I just...don't...''

``Don't?''

Chase looked down at his paws.

``Guys, this isn't really working...I don't even know what I'd say to him.''

``You're right, you should be more concerned with the other pups hitting on Marshall right now!''

``Aww hey guys!'' Rocky posed dramatically on the floor. Swooning at no one.

Chase flipped around, a slight fury in his step as he barked at nothing.

``Ruff! Back away from the fire pup!''

Rocky jumped in fright.

``Chase...We're still roleplaying.''

The police pup back down and felt even more ashamed of himself.

``Great...Can't even control myself over a fake pup near Marshall.''

Zuma placed a paw on his shoulder.

``Don't be so hard on yourself dude, we just got to work on it.''

``Guess I really am the jealous type...but I don't want to be this way. Especially not around Tracker. He's my friend and we were close till then.''

Rocky joined in and nuzzled Chase's forehead.

``Long as you keep a level head on your shoulders, I don't think you'll do anything to ruin your friendship with Tracker or Marshall.''

Chase couldn't help but dwell on the thought that his jealousy might cost him with closest relationships. Not just with Marshall but one of his oldest friends.  Zuma picked up on this.

``Rocky dude, I don't think ruin is the best word to use...''

``Right! Sorry! I meant uhhh...Damage...Wait! Disrupt?''

Chase perked up at his friend's reassurance. They were trying their best to make him feel better.

``Thanks guys, I appreciate the help, but I don't think I'll be able to settle this until Tracker and Marshall get home.''

``You've got nothing to worry about dude.''

``You know we have your back always.''

The shepherd was quick to wrap both his paws around the boys, Giving them a tight hug. Their happy moment was caught off by a familiar noise.

``Beep Beep!''

``Calling all pups! Calling all pups!''

The three boys reacted to their collars. Chase answered.

``Chase here, what's going on Ryder?''

``Have any of you heard anything from Marshall or Tracker?''

``No sir.'' his voice shuttered in concern.

``They haven't made it to city hall yet. I've tried calling them, but I haven't gotten a response. I need all three of you to head out to the boy's last known location. Skye is heading there as well.''

``Roger...Ryder...''

The unease soon returned to Chases chest. A sentiment shared by the other pups near him. The snow continued to fall, and the weather report on the tv blared, continuing with their forecast with a stern warning.

``We are urging all residents to stay indoors. The wind chill has picked up! The snow is falling at a rapid pace. Making it impossible to see anything! Again, we urge everyone to stay indoors!''