Ryder patiently waited in the office lobby. He would play with his tablet occasionally but primarily bide his time looking out a nearby window. It was late afternoon, and the sun had begun to set towards the bay. He watched the small forms of town folk right by the beach and could vaguely see the shape of the pups in their vehicles heading towards it. His team was always early, he smiled at how eager they were to get things set up. His attention turned towards the sound of an opening door. Noticing a familiar grey furred pup walking out to the lobby.
``Thank you doctor! I'll see you again in a few weeks.''
He quickly ran up toward Ryder. Eagerly begging for head scratches.
``Heya Rocky, everything went well?''
``Yeah yeah! Come on! We got to help the other pups! The sun is going down.''
Rocky nipped at his leader's pant leg, intending on dragging him along.
``Hehehe Rocky! Alright, let's head on over.''
Despite Rockys assistance to get to the beach as fast as possible, Ryder assured him they'd have plenty of time. Preferring he and his pup take a leisurely stroll through town as they make their way over. Ryder and Rocky eagerly greeting everyone they passed by. Ryder was happy to see the recycle pup so upbeat. It had been close to a month since the whole sea monster incident. Most of the goods Sid Swashbuckle and Arrby took had been returned. Well, whatever was able to be recovered from their currently sunken sloop. Since then, Rocky had let his feelings about his near-death experience out in the open. Not just to Zuma, but for the rest of the pups as well. Since then, Ryder had made it a priority to reevaluate his protocol with the pups on their missions. Mental health being a top priority. It wasn't enough for the pups to be ok physically. This whole ordeal had taught Ryder that he?d need to be more aware of his pup's feelings as well. From that point, Ryder got in contact with a doctor and allowed his pups to be examined for their wellbeing. They could have a therapy session as often or as little if they like. For Rocky, they had been a little more reoccurring.
``So Rocky, did you want to talk about your session today? If you want too though! No pressure.''
``Oh, it went well Ryder. We mainly talked about it how to cope with uncomfortable feelings again.''
``That's good.''
``She reaffirmed some techniques I can use if I ever feel panic coming on.''
``Awesome. I just want to make sure you're doing better Rocky.''
``Much better now, especially when I get to see Zuma later.''
Since that night, Rocky and Zuma had come to a compromise to let the chocolate lab do what he loves. With Ryder's agreement, He could explore the open sea with Coral and Cap'n turbot for a full week every month. The brown lab promised he'd be back to see his friends and continue to meet his required duties as part of the Paw Patrol. Of course, the most important thing was being able to see his boyfriend.
``Do you think he'll love our surprise? Rubble just came back from builder's cove to see him!''
``I think he will be more than happy with his surprise Rocky.'' He was reassured.
Noticing they were walking past a bench, Ryder stopped in his tracks. Rocky noticed this and watched as his leader sat down. Patting the spot next to him. Rocky trotted over and took a seat. Curious at what he was doing. Ryder couldn't hide the somber look he gave.
``Rocky, I know I might sound like a broken record at this point but...I'm sorry.''
Rocky tilted his head at the boy.
``Ryder, It's ok. We already told you. Nothing that happened was your fault.''
``Still though Rocky, I'm your caregiver. I'm supposed to protect you. To protect all the pups. For those last few missions, I put the mental stain onto you and the team. First Chase at Adventure City and now you after that whole ordeal with Humdinger and his polluting.''
Ryder laid his hand against Rockys head. He did his best not to look vulnerable next to his team but if the last few weeks had taught him anything, it was to always let your friends know how you're doing.
``Sometimes, I get so preoccupied with making sure people are safe and okay during missions that I neglect ensuring you and the other pups are doing good too. I should never have let efforts on the team cause you any sort of hardship. I'm just...I'm so sorry.''
Ryder did his best to keep himself together. Rocky didn't take the apology laying down. He quickly tackled his leader to the ground. Quickly barraging his face with a torrent of licks.
``Hey hey! What the?! Ahahah! Rocky!''
``Uh uh! No frowny faces today. No way.''
Rocky stopped his attack and placed a paw against Ryders chest. Giving a confident smile towards him.
``Ryder, It's ok. Nobody is perfect. Sometimes we struggle with certain things, sometimes we make mistakes. It happens but I don't hold it against you and neither do the rest of the team. I'm not going to let what happen stop me doing what I love. Whether it's spending time with Zuma or being the best pup I can be on the Paw Patrol!''
Rocky gave one more lick to Ryders face. The ten-year-old sporting a grin on his face before scratching under Rocky's chin.
``Thank you Rocky. You're such a good pup.''
``Only because I have such a great friend.''
The recycle pup helped the boy back on his feet. Intending to keep him moving towards the beach.
By the shore, Rubble ducked and dodge several random things as they were tossed out of Rocky's truck and onto the sand.
``Whoa whoa! Careful Motor! We don't need all that stuff.'' Rubble said.
The smaller bulldog popped her head from the junk pile.
``Awww but Motor want to make things super special for Zuma!''
Charger trotted from the front of truck. Hopping into the pile to pull his little cousin out.
``We will, Trust me!''
``Hehehe thanks for driving Rocky's truck here Charger. Can you both help me set up the first part of our tiny construction project?''
``Oh yeah. Like I always say! Grab it!, Lift it!...''
``Move it!'' Motor finished.
The pair eagerly ran to set up whatever was thrown on the sand in a secure spot.
Rubble hopped into his bulldozer. Pushing a mountain of sand close to the shore. Marshall and Chase quickly began to shift through the sand. A small shovel and buckets next to them.
``Race ya Marshall! Let's see who can make there's first!'' Chase playfully nipped at Marshall's tail. Getting a jolt from the dalmatian. Who planted face fist into the pile of sand. Quickly poking his head out.
``Oh ho ho ho! You're soooo on!''
The boys began to sculpt what they could out of sand. Every so often the love brids would tease and nip at each other. Rubble giggled at the sight; he couldn't help but envy the pair. It wasn't long before Motor and Charger joined in on the sculpting fun. Rubble looked up to see Skye quickly planting a series of umbrellas by sand. As she set up the last one, Ryder and Rocky had finally reached the beach.
``Hey guys! How goes things?!''
``So far so good. We got my cousins and the boys working on the sandcastles. We still need to grab some seashells for decoration!.''
Rocky wagged his tail excitedly. An idea coming to his mind.
``Leave it to me! Come on Ryder! Green means go!''
``I hope they haven't changed plans, that outing took a longer than expected.''
Zuma, Coral and Captain Turbot had quite the day today. The trio had noticed a new pod of spinner dolphins popping up by the coast and wanted to document them. With their research set and a quick stop by Seal Island, they were set to meet the rest of the pups by the shore of Adventure Bay. Dusk had fast approached, His hovercraft jumped against the waves as he drove. With Corals Sea horse and Captain's Turbot's ship sailing nearby. It wasn't long before they reached the dock, and Zuma could already see his partner run along the beach towards them. He'd been gone for seven days at this point and that was more than enough time to miss his boyfriend's scent. Just as Rocky reached the dock, The brown lab had beat him to the punch and practically jumped out his hovercraft. Tackling the mixed breed. Both boys taking a tumble with Zuma settled on top of him.
``Hey there shell collector.''
``Zuma! Arf arf!.''
The boys nuzzled and licked each other's faces. The whole crew awed at the site.
``Ahoy there Paw Patrol!'' Cap'n Turbot replied. Hitching his beat to the dock.
``Hello Captain, so glad you and Coral could stop by today!''
``oh oh oh! Skye!''
The Cockapoo flew over to her cousin, giving her a tight hug as the other pups greeted them.
``Welcome back cousin! How are you and the merpups?''
``Fintastic Skye! I have so much to tell you about...Oh wait, One sec!''
Coral turned toward Captain Turbots boat. Seeming to eye something on board. To the pup's surprise. They saw a familiar Portuguese Water Dog stepped off board. His yellow squid friend settled on his back who gave a gentle wave to the group.
``I invited Moby and Mcsquidly along. I hope that's ok.''
``If not I can just totally...swim back or whatever.''
Moby looked away, seeming to want to high tail it out of there if he wasn't wanted. The other pups wanted to greet the introverted pup but could tell from his body language that he wasn't super comfortable being here. So, they respected his boundaries and gave a reassuring yip and howls towards the merpups.
``The more the merrier.'' Ryder added.
Rocky sat up in surprise. Having not seen the merpup in a while.
``Hey Moby.''
``Rocky!...I mena...hi''
``Is that Tool wall holding up well?''
``With a few modifications it's doing pretty good. Right Mcsquidly?''
The Cephalopoda squeaked in agreement.
``Dude, the cove looks so good now. You got to check it out sometime baby.'' Zuma said.
``I absolutely will!'' Rocky gave a reassuring wink to his partner.
Moby eyed the group of pups curiously. Rising a paw to count them all.
``Is something wrong Moby?'' Chase asked.
``Aren't you all missing a pup? Where's the yellow one?''
``Here I am!''
On Que, Rubble stepped onto the dock.
``Just adding a few finishing touches on...''
Mid-sentence, Charger and Motor ran past him and the group of pups. Jumping in front of the merpups.
````No way! You're a merpup too? What's it like? Can you change back when you want? How do you use the...''
Charger went on and on while Motor crawled on top of his head. Reaching a paw out to Moby.
``OHHH! Motor loves the blue steak on your head!''
Moby jumped back.
``Ack! They're multiplying! McSquidly, Evasive maneuvers!''
McSquidly jumped in fright, landing on Mobys face. The merpup barked at the sudden darkness and fell backwards off the dock. The other pups quickly checked if he was ok, a few suppressing a laugh as they did so.
Zuma and Coral were in awe at the amazing display set up on the beach. A sandcastle replica of Puplantis stood in front of them. From the massive under sea castle to the statue of King Merpup. String lights twirled and ran each way across the set of umbrellas above. Giving a luminous glow off the number of seashells that adorned every building. In the sand below it all, was writing stating ``Welcome back Zuma!''
``Oh my shellfish! This is.. This....''
``Totally Awesome dudes!''
Zuma was so enamored by the sight; He didn't notice Rocky sneak behind him. He felt something slip around his neck. Looking down to see a necklace made from several brightly colored shells.
``Rocky...Dude.''
``Just a little something I made for my favorite shell collector.''
Zuma pulled the boy close, Giving him a quick kiss.
``Such a romantic dude.''
``I can't help it.'' Rocky admitted.
Zuma was quick to acknowledge the other pups around him.
``Thank you all for the nice surprise.''
``No problem, it was all Rockys idea'' Ryder pointed out.
``Awww come on, I didn't want to make it seem I only did it for Zuma.'' Rocky shyly kicked the sand in front of him.
The other pups giggled; Coral laughed along. Although she could pick up that this was more of a grand romantic gesture for Zuma. She appreciated being included in it.
``Actually, there is one more thing.'' Rocky quipped. Suddenly slipping behind the sandcastle to pull out his yellow guitar. This was the pup's queue to take their places. Rocky and Marshall sat near some buckets. While Skye pulled out a keyboard and Rubbles music mixer from behind the sand structure.
Charger, Motor, Ryder and Cap'n Turbot watched the display with much excitement. Much to Moby's dismay. He recognized when a song was about to start.
``Oh no...''
He quickly covered his ears. He suddenly felt a tap of his shoulder. Looking over to see Coral, his pair of noise canceling headphones in her paws.
``You know, I appreciate you stopping by Moby. Even though parties aren't really your thing.''
``Yeah. Thanks....''
He took the headphones and prepared to slip them on. Not before turning back to Coral.
``I didn't really come here to hang out. I guess this is...my way to say thanks to them for saving my sub. What was left of it anyway.''
``Aww come on, the pirates said they were sorry for taking it.''
``The pirate kid didn't! Only his pirate pup! He seemed sincere at least...''
Coral laughed a little.
``Hey, my seahorse is still running if you want to slip out of here. You don't have to stay if you don't want to.''
Moby thought for a moment. It was a tempting offer, but he shrugged his shoulders.
``Eh... I think I'll manage.''
Moby slowly slipped his headphones on. Coral took note of his gaze towards the other pups. Especially towards Rocky, she felt a small sense of pride in Moby. Sure, he was sometimes grumpy, but she was happy to see him make a new friend.
Rocky began to strum his guitar slowly. Opting to use his paws instead of his claw arms. Getting used to the tempo. The pups began to bang their paws against the buckets. Their tails swaying and thumbing on the sand. Zuma's ears picked up on the tune they began to play. Recognizing it immediately.
``No way dude!''
``Yup, this took a little while to learn too. This one is from all of us. Right pups?''
The team howled in agreement. Their melody had synced, and Rocky began to sing.
I know it's a bad idea
But how can I help myself?
Been inside for most this year
And I thought a few things, they might help
It's been a while, my dear
Dealin with the cards life dealt
I'm still holdin back these tears
While my friends are somewhere else
Zuma swayed with his boyfriend, nuzzling close into him before singing the next verse.
I pictured this year a little bit different when it hit February
I step in the bar, it hit me so hard, oh, how can it be this heavy?
Every song reminds me you're gone and I feel the lump form in my throat
Cause I'm here alone
The pups looked into each other's eyes before singing together.
Just dancin with my eyes closed
Cause everywhere I look, I still see you
And time is movin? so slow
And I don't know what else that I can do
So I'll keep dancin with my!
The pups all danced and howled along to the beat. Rocky and Zuma in sync with one another's movements. Chase and Marshall leaned close to each other as they played. Charger, and Motor jumped along to the beat. Ryder and Cap'n Turbot clapped along. Both humans were incredibly impressed with the pups show. Coral yipped and sang loudly. Moby didn't do much but if someone looked closely, they could have sworn to see one of his paws thumping against the sand. Even Mcsquidly danced next to him. Their musical arrangement bounced along the waves of the ocean. Merpups from far and wide began to make their way towards the sound of the impromptu concert. Somewhere off a faraway island, Where Sid Swashbuckle continued to feverously dig for whatever he could find in the sand, His pirate pup Arrby had felt a sudden pep in his step and began to dance along the shore.
Soon as the merpups showed up by the team sing along, that was enough for Moby to take Corals previous offer and leave with her sub. She didn't mind though; she was content with staying with her cousin and her friends to discuss what she had seen over the past week. Rubble's cousins engrossed at every word she spoke. As they sat around the sand and talked, Rocky had one more surprise for his water loving lover. He had managed to store Zuma wind board in his truck. He quietly set it up and took them both out to sea.
Zuma carefully guided his board along the waves. Every so often looking back at his boyfriend.
``You doing ok baby? We can turn back if you want.''
``I'm fine Zuma, Got my life jacket and everything!''
The lab didn't detect any sort of worry in his voice. Which was a good sign. Zuma let go of the sail and let the board drift slowly across the water. Night had completely fallen, and stars illuminated the night sky above them.
``Just making sure.''
He sat in front of Rocky, the recycle pup strumming his guitar with a free paw.
``Hehe...Does this remind you of anything?''
``How could I forget?''
Zuma nuzzled his nose close against Rockys neck, Indulging in his pleasant scent.
``Best night of my life.''
``Mine too.''
``So therapy has been really doing wonders for you huh?''
``Oh yeah, not as anxious being out here anymore. Having you nearby definitely helps. I only wished I'd learned that sooner.''
``It's all good. Long as you're still feeling ok. I can come back any time between my travels. Just say the word.''
``Nah, You go out and see the big blue Zuma. I'll be fine. For real this time.''
Rocky eyed his guitar again, strumming each cord slowly.
``Zuma, everything we've been through, Whether it was the day I almost drowned or the worry I had with that whole sea monster thing. It was kind of like a trial for me.''
``A trial?'' Zuma questioned.
``Like a test in our relationship. How do I put this...It's like a rising tide. It slowly rises and pushes everything bad I feel to the surface.''
``Yeah?''
``Yeah but the panic can only last for so long, Like the tide does. It will recede in time.''
Rocky pressed his forehead against Zuma's.
``Long as I have you, I know I'll be ok. No matter how far you are or where you go next. You'll be right here.''
The mixed breed lifted Zuma's paw to his chest. The chocolate lab leaned into his neck before nuzzling his snout into his ear.
``Your...Left chest pocket?''
Rocky leaned in further.
``You, right where I keep my random screws and pocket sand.''
The pups giggled loudly before Zuma closed the gap between them. Kissing Rocky softly.
``I love you, seashell''
``I love you too...Shell collector.''
Rocky pulled the lab close to his chest. Maneuvering the guitar and his front paws around the boy.
``How about an encore huh? This time just you, me and the sea?''
Zuma looked up the smiling recycle pup. He knew that in their relationship they might need to face a few rising tides but if they were together. Nothing would stop them from keeping afloat.
``One more time...Wocky''
THE END
