Ch 6- Better together.

``Keep following the light Marshall''

Everest gently flicked the light pen across the pups' eyes.

``Ahhh too bright!''

``Just have to make sure you are cognitive Marshall'' Everest said.

``Si, we all took tumble back there. We need to make sure no pup bumped their head.''

``If I go cross eyed, Do I need a splint for my head?''

``Marshall...Hehehe''

They all had a good laugh, With the day they had so far, Marshall's silliness was warranted. Ryder and Everest had escorted the three boys back to the lookout. Continuing to further examine the pups, wanting to make sure each of them would be ok from their injuries. Marshall and Chase laid on their favorite pillows while being looked at. The dalmatian had a new (this time set in place) split on his paw while Chase had a medical wrap tied around his belly and snared over his shoulder. Ryder carefully adjusted it, so it was comfortable on the shepherd. It wouldn't be the most maneuverable thing to walk around with, but Ryder was glad that he and his pups were able to escape from serious harm.

``There, how's your shoulder feeling Chase?'' Ryder asked.

``Doesn't feel like much right now honestly.''

``I hate to say it, but you and Marshall will need to sit out of missions for the next few days.''

Both pups looked down in disappointment but understood they weren't in good condition to be out right now.

``I'm going to have Tracker stay for a few hours. He doesn't have any known issues I've seen but it doesn't hurt to be careful.''

``Por supuesto Ryder. I'll let you know If I feel anything weird.''

``Just be sure to keep those two from getting too close to one another. They shouldn't be moving that much.''

Ryder and Everest laughed, but the three boys didn't really know how to respond. The ten-year-old wasn't fully aware of the situation that had transpired recently. How ironic he'd asked Tracker to get in between the couple. The jungle pup and Chase let out a small laugh. Trying not to make things awkward but Marshall kept his gaze to the floor. Only managing a small smile on his face.

``Yeah...Ryder, Tracker, Everest. Would it be ok if I could talk to Chase alone for a few minutes?''

Everest looked at the boys with concern. Turning her gaze to Tracker who gave a reassuring nod to her. Ryder could feel some tension between the usually happy couple, and he wanted to give them their space.

``Alright, we'll be waiting outside till then. I'll check on the others in the meantime.''

``Let us know if you need anything alright?'' Everest added.

She and Ryder walked out, Tracker following behind them. Not before gazing back one last time at both boys. He kept a reassuring smile on his face. Almost like he wanted to let the boys know things were going to be ok. Marshall and Chase returned the shared gaze. With that, Tracker left the lookout with Ryder and Everest, Leaving Chase and Marshall on their own. Chase suddenly felt very nervous, He hadn't felt this tense around the dalmatian since he was about to confess to him. Without a word, Marshall stood up, He carefully leaned his snout down and began pulling his bed closer to Chases. The police pup would have protested given the dalmatians condition, but Marshall showed determination, the type Chase had witnessed a handful of times on their missions. This made him even more nervous. Marshall sat back down and lay next to the police pup. Not saying a word.

``Marshall.''

No response. Chase wondered if he was giving him the silent treatment.

``Marshall, I'm...''

``I thought you both died''

Chase watched as his boyfriend's serious demeanor began to drop. His eyes began to water, and his lip quivered.

``I thought I'd never see you again...''

Chase felt himself start to break too. Quietly leaning against his boyfriend as he began to sob.

``Never Marshall, I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry.''

They didn't say anything for a while. Both boys just sat there and silently cried in their embrace. The silence would occasionally be cut by the large sniffle or hiccup from Marshall. Chase could feel his shoulder wrap get soaked. Every so often he turned to lick the tears off the pups snout, never pulling back from him. After some time, Marshall spoke again.

``You really scared me back there.''

``I know.'' Chase sadly agreed.

``You scared Tracker.''

``I shouldn't have done that.''

``You...You apologize to him, right?''

``Absolutely.''

``Good.... good...and he forgave you?''

``He did yeah. Though I don't forgive myself for doing that to him. For doing that to you.''

``I...'m just so...confused? No. That's not it''

Marshall pulled his head away from Chase. Since having time to themselves, Marshall had thought hard about what he was feeling right now. Seeing his partner act that way had stirred something in him. A blazing emotion he hasn't felt before. At least not to this degree.

``I'm...I'm soo happy your safe. I really am. I'm also glad you apologized to him. But...I'm.... I'm...''

The word finally came to him, and Marshall turned to the quivering pup.

``Chase, I'm...mad at you.''

Chase lowered his ears at the fierce gaze Marshall shot him. The German shepherd felt his head slightly cower at the sight. The dalmatian was surprised at this new emotion. Breaking his serious look for a moment.

``Huh, so that's what that feels like. I don't think I've ever been mad before. Weird.''

``Hooray?'' Chase questioned, trying to lighten the mood.

``Yeah I'm actually...Hey! Wait a sec!''

Marshall wasn't buying it. Going back to his serious expression.

``Chase, what you did really upset me. How could you yell at Tracker that way? You've never yelled at any of our friends like that. I didn't recognize you there!''

Chase felt his head lower at every word of disapproval from his boyfriend. Tucking his chin under his paws and giving the most pleading look he could to the fire pup.

``Marshall, Baby. I'm soo sorry. I don't know what came over me. I wasn't thinking. You got hurt and you were spending all this time with Tracker, I thought...''

Marshall put the pieces together, somehow the realization of what made Chase yell at his friend made him feel even worse.

``You thought what? That...he was going take me from you? That I would leave you?''

Marshall turned away from his boyfriend, Looking more scorned than before.

``Chase, I spent most of my life on this team secretly being in love with my best friend. Keeping that feeling bottled up in fear that you wouldn't love me back. Now that I finally have you, after all this time, did you really think I'd throw that all away for Tracker?''

Marshall felt his eyes tear up again.

``Noo...I know you'd never do that. I'm just a selfish jealous pup. I let my mind race and think of the worst-case scenario. I wasn't thinking clearly.''

``For that moment, you really weren't. I'm disappointed in you and frankly still peeved off.''

Marshall sat and stewed in his anger. Chase kept his head down and said nothing. Never taking his eyes off the black spotted boy. He wished Marshall would have yelled at him. Snapped at him the way he did to Tracker but Marshall giving that sour look and serious tone was so much worse. The police pup figured that he didn't want him being around right now. It hurt him, but he wanted to respect his boundaries. The shepherd wanted to say something, anything to his boy, but words failed him. He didn't think they'd do any good with the mood Marshall was in.  Chase carefully began to move himself off his pillow, leaning down to pull it away from the fire pup. He was surprised when Marshall turned and placed his free paw on the fluffy surface. Stopping him in place.

``Chase? What are doing?''

``I thought...I thought you'd want some space from me. I understand if you don't want to...

``What the? Why would I want that? Plus, you really shouldn't be moving much with your shoulder.''

Marshall gave a somewhat reassuring grin to him. Not one of immediate forgiveness but it was tender at least. Chase felt the edge of their confrontation brush off slightly.

``Chase, Sit.''

``Ye...Yes Marshall.''

The police pup dropped the pillow and sat back on it. Intending to be as obedient as he could with him. The dalmatian took a deep breath and slowly exhaled it. He looked closely at the German shepherd. He saw the face of the boy he fell for, the one who confessed to him, the one he slept next to so often. His lips quivering and his eyes pleading for forgiveness. Marshall knew he couldn't be upset with him forever, but he wasn't sure if he could forgive him immediately. He leaned forward, Nudging his head against Chases. The Shepherd took the affection in stride, softly nuzzling their foreheads together.

``You were really jealous of Tracker and I hanging out?''

``Yeah. I thought about that night you told me about. The one where you both cuddled as you slept. We hadn't seen him in a little while since we became a couple.

``That's true.

``Plus, this whole blizzard was keeping us so busy in the last few days.''

``I'm glad things are lighten up now.''

``Yeah, but we had to be separated during missions. We didn't get to spend time together.''

Chase dug his paws into his bed. Feeling bashful.

``You were spending that time with Tracker and none of that time...with...me.''

Marshall listened to the police pup, a smile creeping on his face for a moment. He understood how difficult it was for Chase to be so vulnerable in front of him sometimes.

``Awww Chase. You are a jealous boy.''

``Yeah, I am. I was being dumb.''

``I don't think you're dumb Chase. Grumpy yeah, but not dumb.''

The dalmatian eyed his injured paw, thinking carefully about what to say next.

``It's weird, I've been in love with you for such a long time. I had this image in my head about how things would be like when we were together.''

``Yeah?''

``Mmm hmm, I had this idea of how you'd be. Always the gentle pup. Always kind, nice to everyone he'd meet. Cause that's the pup I always see every day. So far you have exceeded my expectations but...''

``But?''

Chase worried the mood had begun to sour

``When you snapped earlier, it sort of...broke that perception of you.''

Chase felt his throat dry and asked a worrying question.

``Permanently?''  

Marshall shook his head.

``No, it was kind of a good thing that it happened. I think I might have had some unrealistic expectations of you. You're a great pup Chase, but not a perfect one.''

``Huh, that's funny. Tracker and I had kind of a similar conversation. About not being perfect pups and accepting when we make mistakes.''

Chase sighed low and pulled his back to look at Marshall deep in his eyes.

``I never want to lose you Marshall. Never...what I did was not ok.''

``Oh I agree but...we'll work on it. The same way you work with me on not being a clumsy fella all the time.''

Marshall carefully leaned his head under Chases chin, giving it a gentle nuzzle. The police pup slowly laid himself down and onto Marshall's neck.

``Sounds like a deal to me.''

``For one, you owe me like...a hundred cuddles. Especially kisses.''

``Hehehe I think I can do that.''

``And Tracker deserves a pupcicle for what he went through.''

``Absolutely! He's a good boy.''

Chase enjoyed the moment of bliss with his boy. Planting a gentle lick to the dalmatians forehead.

``I'm not a perfect puppy baby but I hope I can keep being the good boy you fell for.''

``I think we can work on that. Only if we do it together.''

``Always.''

At that moment, Marshall had forgiven his boyfriend. He knew Chase was committed to him and willing to learn from his mistakes. Marshall didn't have a perfect pup, but he was still his pup. He was willing to take the good and bad like Chase does with him. The clumsy and jealous type. What a combination. With love and silliness thrown in between them.
 



The weather had begun to lighten up a bit, it was possible to sit outside without being blinded by snow. Ryder was on his pup pad, checking on the other pups in town. Tracker sat nearby and looked out into the clearing gray sky. He could just make out a little sunlight between the clouds. It gave him hope that things were going ok between Marshall and Chase.

``Finally, some sun!''

Everest caught Tracker by surprise. The husky taking a seat by the jungle pup.

``Si, I can actually see my paw in front of my face Hehe.''

``I don't think I've ever seen a blizzard that bad. Not even on Jakes Mountain.''

``There's a first for everything I guess.''

``Hey, is everything ok with Chase and Marshall? I feel like were out of the loop on something.''

The jungle pup wondered if it was his place to devolve details on what occurred, but he didn't want Everest to worry.

``Oh yeah. No hay problema! They just need to have a talk.''

``Oh...ok. That's good to hear.''

She turned her attention back out to the sky.

``Chase is a lucky pup to have someone like Marshall.''

``Oh yeah, he is a special boy...''

Tracker felt his blush return, hoping his friend didn't notice. His gaze bashfully looked at his friend. The husky had picked up on that look and raised her eyebrows in a tease. Tracker felt like crawling into a hole.

``Oy-oy-oy! Is it that obvious?''

``Clearly, I had that same look you had once before. Only got it every time I was near a certain fire pup.''

``I don't mean too. Believe me, I don't! I'd never come between them!'' Tracker practically pleaded.

``Whoa whoa! Easy Tracker. I know you wouldn't do that. You're a good boy. I just want you to know you aren't alone. ``

The husky scooted closer to him, giving him a reassuring hug. Tracker appreciated the gestured. He pulled back and eyed Everest with concern.

``I used to have a much stronger crush on him. It's different now that he has Chase. So why does that feeling linger?''

Tracker dug his paw against the ground, playing with white powder under his digits. Everest listened closely.

``Does the feeling of liking him, even slightly more than just friend. Does that ever go away?''

``Not completely. Even if you just remain friends. I can speak from experience.''

``Oh...'' Tracker responded. Everest continued.

``Though, it's better to have them as friends than nothing at all. To have that special pup in your life. Even if nothing romantic will ever come from it.''

``Si, that is true. I've made my peace with that. I guess I'm more concerned if...like...''

``If what?''

``What if I meet another boy, one that is available? Would that feeling still carry over? I don't want to expect that pup to be exactly like Marshall.''

``I don't think any pup would be like that. Jake tells me that everyone on this planet is unique in their own way. Sharing a quality that only fits them. It's good that you recognize that you don't want to look for Marshall in other boys. You got to fall in love for them, not a version of some other pup.''

``Bien, tengo que tener eso en cuenta.''

``Hmmm?''

Tracker pointed to his head.

``I've got to keep that in mind. Especially if I ever meet some pup special.''

``Exactly!''

Tracker turned his head up towards the sky

``He's out there somewhere. No matter how far I am.''

The husky leaned herself into her friend. Giving him a gentle nuzzle to his ear.

``You never know, he might be closer than you think.''

Both pups took solace in their shared experience. It wasn't often that the northern and southern pups met. Given their distance, but when they did have the opportunity to spend time with each other. Tracker and Everest always found it pleasant.




That day's events would bring to light a significant change in weather. Over the next few days, the blizzard that had wrecked Adventure Bay had wind down significantly. Most of the accumulated snow and wind had gone. With temperatures returning to a comfortable degree. The remaining members of the Paw Patrol did their best to assist where they could. In no time, citizens were able to step outside safely. Roads were plowed and cleared of remaining snow. Mayor Goodway had officially declared the blizzard had passed. A week had flown by, and the pups were finally able to breathe easily.

``I'm thinking of a number from one to one hundred!''

``Hmmmm.''

 Chase thought about it for a bit.

``Forty-two!'' Skye called out.

``Twleve!'' Everest added.

``Seventy-one'' The police pup said confidently. Marshall smiled at his response.

``Whoa! How did you know?!''

``Fire code Baby, I know how you think!''

``Uhhh huh. I'm thinking of several pups, one of them, has an accent.''

``Let's see....''

Chase shifted his weight and laid against the dalmatian.

``An accent huh? That's hard to say.''

``Dude, it's clearly Tracker'' Zuma retorted.

``Nuh uh! That's too easy!'' said Skye

``Oh come on, what about Claw or Al?'' Rocky added.

``Que, Claw? ?Quien es ese?''

``Oh man, that boy was trouble!'' Rubble added, snapping an available pup treat between his teeth. ``See there was this mission in Barkingburg...''

The entire gang sat and listened as Rubble recounted the events to Tracker. Chase and Marshall appreciated having every pup in one place at the lookout. They had recovered nicely from their injuries but were still off duty for the time being. Having their closest friends nearby helped elevate their boredom. When the boys weren't keeping themselves preoccupied with their time together of course.  

``Wow! Dragons?''

``Yup yup, though Marshall was the real hero that day.''

``He was, My little perfect rescue knight.'' Chase commented playfully.

Marshall beamed a silly smile at him and nipped his neck.

``Hey hey! Careful with the shoulder silly''

``Right! Sorry! Couldn't help it.''

``So is no pup going to comment that Rocky said Al had an accent?''  

Everest said, giving a confused look to the mixed breed.

``What?! He speaks in trucker!''

``Right, and I speak surfer dude''

Zuma nudged his grey partner while the others laughed.

``Ok ok...I guess...''

They were interrupted by Ryder and Carlos stepping through the lookout doors.

``Alright pups, Carlos has the jeep all packed up.''

``Hora de regresar a casa. Ready to head out Tracker?''

Tracker felt his ears fall at the news. He looked at his friends before standing up. Giving a confident grin at them.

``Guess it's back to the jungle with me.''


The gang followed the boy and his pup outside. Feeling the snow dissipate under each step they took on the concrete path. Everything was a puddle at this point. Every pup huddled around Carlos and Tracker. It had been a wild week and they felt so much closer to their far away friends since then. It was sad to see them go.

``Don't be stranger!''

Skye said, giving Tracker a tight hug, with Zuma, Rocky, Rubble joining in. Only for the group to be tackled to the floor by Everest.

``Especially if you need a break from the tropics! Come visit me up the mountain sometime!''

``Hehehe of course Everest!'' Tracker giggled.

Marshall and Chase sat back to watch their friends. Chase let a whine escape his mouth. He couldn't help but think back on their time together. Both the good and the bad. After all they had been through, He was really going to miss having the jungle pup around. Marshall picked up at this, placing a paw over his own. Chase turned and smiled at his boy. Both pups seemed to come to the same conclusion as they approached the group.

``Tracker, you and Carlos get home safely, ok?''

``Keep us updated on things in the jungle! We're always a phone call away.''

``Will do Guys! Thanks for everything, I...uh...''

Tracker felt himself hesitate, Thinking back on their adventure.

``I hope we can hang out again soon! And things will be a lot less crazy next time.''

He shifted his gaze towards Chase. Assuring that he meant this as an apology for the awkwardness that followed them over the last week. The police pup could see the sadness on his face. It seemed that Tracker still felt somewhat guilty for their experience. Though Chase knew Tracker didn't do anything wrong.  Marshall felt the same and knew exactly how to fix this. Both boys lifted their paws up, Pulling the Jungle pup into a close hug. Trackers face lit up, with both boys nuzzling into his neck.

``I don't know, Things are a lot more interesting when you are here Tracker!'' Chase said.

``For better or worse, we're always glad to have you around.'' Marshall insisted.

The jungle pup did his best to keep his tears back and hugged his friends closely. The group cooed at the sight. Chase and Marshall had one heck of a time explaining to their friends the whole situation to them between missions. The gang were just glad to see it was all set and resolved.

Chase took the opportunity to snake his head against the jungle pups' ears to give Marshall a quick kiss. The dalmatian was taken by surprise but slowly melted into it. His eyes staring directly at the handsome shepherd.

``Sneaky puppy'' Marshall cooed.

``Yeah, but you're the cutest one'' Chase whispered back.

``Escuche eso. I heard that sneaky boy'' Tracker added.

Chase felt his face go red. The other pups getting another laugh out of the trio. Before Marshall leaned back in to lick at Chases snout.

The storm tested every pup's patience. Pushing them to the brink. Trying to coax out the unsavory aspects of themselves. Like a bitter chill that nipped at their legs and fur. That storm had passed, the cold had vanished, and the snow was all but a puddle now. Allowing the boys to leave tracks behind. Though these tracks would remind them of the awkwardness that occurred, it wouldn't tarnish anything between them. Not the love that Chase and Marshall felt. Not the deep admiration Tracker had for both boys, and not the friendship they had with one another. They weren't perfect pups, but they were getting better together.





Epilogue: Dino What?

Tracker laid on his back lazily out on the balcony of the treehouse. His eyes closed, Absorbing the sunrays that stoked his belly and neck. He'd appreciated the change in scenery from time to time, but he was glad to feel the heat of the jungle on his fur again. He could hear every hoot and holler from monkeys deep within the trees. He was sure Mandy, and her family were nearby. Having their usual fun. He could also pick up the soft bellow of an elephant and the cackle of flamingos as they grazed by the water. It was all so peaceful to him.

``Ahhh, Se siente bien estar de vuelta.''

``I agree! Down here Tracker!''

The pup rolled himself back over and peered down the canopy at Carlos. His precious friend was holding what looked to be two ripe coconuts in both hands. Tracker wagged his tail and quickly barked. His cables activated and lowered him down towards the ground.

``How are your cables treating you?''

``Muy bein! Rocky fixed them up brand new!''

Carlos leaned down to place the sweet treat in front of the pup. A straw poking just from the top. Tracker leaned his snout forward, quickly wrapping his lips against it. Letting the crisp coconut water slip into his mouth. The pup laid down and enjoyed himself, Carlos taking a seat right next to him.

``Glad to be back home so soon Tracker?''

The pup thought for a sec.

``Si y no. Yes and no. I'm glad to be warm again and back to see Mandy and all our animal friends.''

``Yeah?''

``Yeah! But I also miss my pup friends too.''

The pup gently caressed the fruit between his paws.

``Well, we could always invite them up here again sometime.''

``True but they've been through so much recently. Who knows when that will be.''

``Funny you should mention that.''

``Que? What do you mean?''

Carlos then pulled out his phone, Bringing it close to Tracker.

``I got a unusual call earlier today I wanted to talk to you about.''

He began to pull up some pictures. They looked to be of the jungle but something about them looked off.

``So, get this, you know Cap'n Turbot right?''

``Si!''

``Well, I got a call from his sister. She's a veterinarian some place far away. She said that she found some interesting structures out where she is.''

Carlos flipped his phone overto give the pup a better look. He observed what looked to be large objects engraved in dirt. The engravings looked to be joints, like what you'd see on animal bones. The scale was much larger though.  

``Whoa! Those are massive! Muy Grande!''

``Mmmm hmm, what do you think those type of bones are?''

``They're far too big for an elephant. They don't look like any animal I've seen before. Maybe a...''

Trackers eyes shot up towards Carlos. Who gave him a smirk.

``No way! No way!''

``Mmmm hmmm!''

Tracker paced in place.

``Dinosaurio!''

``Yup! But not just Dinosaur bones though!''

Carlos leaned in and placed a hand on the top of Tracker head. Ruffling his ears in excitement.

``Tracker, Do you want to take a trip to the Dino wilds? We'll invite Ryder and the other pups too!''

Tracker beamed a bright smile at his companion and leap into his chest. Attacking his face with a torrent of licks.

``SI SI! Yes!!!''

Carlos giggled at his excited pup. He had told Tracker stories about a land that homed real life dinosaurs. Carlos had promised them that they'd visit it some day between their archaeological digs and Paw patrol missions.

``Yup! it will be our first time out there! There's going to be a lot to see and plenty to discover!''

``When do we head out?''

``In a week, We got lots to prepare for!''

``Yes! I'm so so so excited!''

Tracker practically galloped to the treehouse. Carlos followed his excited pup before adding another surprising detail.

``Ya know, Doctor turbot mentioned having a pup herself! I don't think you all had a chance to meet yet!''

Tracker stopped in place. Looking back at Carlos. If his day couldn't have gotten better. The thought of meeting a new friend just made him want to leave right away.

``No way!''

``He certainly sounded excited to have us around too.''

Tracker felt his heart leap a little at what Carlos just said.

``He? A...a boy pup?'' Tracker thought to himself.

He breathed out slowly and did his best to set his expectations. Who knows what could happen, they could just be friends. On the other hand, this was a whole new world they were going to explore. Anything could happen. He turned towards Carlos.

``Oh? what's his name?''