"I'm sick. Pretty sure of it."
"Oh, uhhhh....You don't look sick?"
It wasn't exactly the first thing she'd expected to hear when she entered the cove. Moby had called her to their shared space on Seal Island. Which had surprised her, considering the last time they met, it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. She wanted so badly to apologize for what happened in Puplantis but the stubborn pup seemed more concerned with his supposed sickness. Coral raised a paw and pressed it against it against Moby's forehead, He quickly baited it away and blushed.
"Yup, definitely sick. Probably a fever or something." He turned his gaze to face the cove wall.
"Okaaay" Coral tilted her head curiously at her friend. "And how exactly are you sick?"
"Well for one, I can't focus. Normally I'd be up and running. Working on one of my recent projects."
The former Merpup pointed to a number of blueprints scattered by one side of the cove. McSquidly halfheartedly tried to sort what he could between his tentacles. The delicate plans getting stuck in his grip.
"Right." Coral muttered.
"Every time I try to get started on my drafts, my mind drifts to my friend..."
"Rocky?"
"What? No..." Rocky was one of his only other close friends. Their shared love for mechanics and repair brought them close some time ago but what he had with Rocky was simple friendship. Moby slowly muttered out the name of the pup he was thinking of.
"Arrby"
"Ohhhh! Interesting."
Coral walked over to the Moby's work station. Grabbing a note pad before being offered a pen by McSquidly. She then found the smoothest rock in the cove, hopped on it and sat down.
"Alright mister, start at the beginning. When did this "fever" start?
Moby sat in place and thought for a moment.
"It was after we got back from Puplantis, but I think it really ramped up a few days ago...
--
"Alright! Got the panel in place! Masks down!"
"Yup yup"
On queue, both boys drop their welding masks down, Moby held the panel in place with his mechanical tentacles as Arrby welded it to the sub. With that, the exterior of Mobys newest sub was all but finished. They had a tough few days getting the frame all set up based on the prototype model they had made when they first met. Now that the exterior was finished, they could set the interior up with all the necessary tech it needed to properly function. McSquidly chirped and clapped at the pair. Applauding their hard work. In between it all, Moby hadn't felt the need to shut himself out with his shell phones now and then. He thoroughly enjoyed having Arrby around to assist him. Even if he did ramble a bit about other pups in particular. Moby remained polite though.
"Wait wait, so the knight is living at the castle now?"
"Yup, for the time being."
"And that royal pooch is okay with that? Seems like they're both the type that would eat each other alive"
Arrby shuttered at the thought but joked.
"I'm sure they will be totally fine when I see them again. At least that's what I'm hoping for."
Moby watched as Arrby begin to fuss with his front paws again. Slowly rubbing them together in unknown anticipation. Moby had noticed the pirate pup only did that when he was nervous. He grinned, glad he wasn't the only one to have certain ticks when he's anxious.
"I'm sure they will be fine. Ya know, for a kind pirate, you can be very persuasive when needed."
"It's apart of my charm."
He gave his eyes a flutter towards Moby. The pup feeling his heart being tugged at the sight.
"Why don't we...take a break."
"Oh yeah. Sure thing!"
The boys settled down on the sandy floor of the cove. McSquidly tossed the pair some pup treats. Moby easily catching his with a tentacle while Arrby fumbled his in his short paws. Moby held back a giggle and picked it up for him. He idly snacked on his treat as they sat side by side. Arrby took a small bite of his, his mind else where as he pondered a question.
"You alright?"
"Oh! Yeah! It's just um..."
Moby could guess what he was going to ask him. He had mentioned a large royal event once or twice during their conversations.
"I wanted to ask if you'd join me at the gala but something tells me that wouldn't be your scene."
"Smart pup, Hard pass from me." He said with a sneer.
"I figured. Mister music and dance hater."
"Guilty as charged."
"I just thought it'd be nice for you to meet my other friends in Barkingburg."
"We could always meet some where else if ya want, Do a picnic or lunch together. That's something friends do right?"
Moby cringed at what he was saying, He wasn't one to leave his own turf but he was willing to make an exception for Arrby.
"That'd be nice. I'm sure you don't want too many pups crowding this little cove up"
"Please don't. You and Coral are enough. Sometimes Rocky."
McSquidly chirped towards the sullen pup. He had flung over Moby's shell phones which the pup caught with ease.
"Oh, need some quiet time?"
"Nah, but good to have them just in case. Never know if a spontaneous musical will occur."
"True! I've know a few sea shanties that'd drive ya nuts!"
"I'll drag ya out to sea."
"Promise?"
Arrby smirked at the Merpup, calling his bluff. Moby slipped them over his neck for the time being.
"I actually do need to practice my dancing for the gala though. All I know is how to do is the pirate jig."
"Pirate jig?"
"Yup yup, perfect for my short sea legs." he wiggled them in front of himself to demonstrate.
"Hahahah, now that might be worth seeing in person"
That got a genuine laugh from Moby. Arrby loved making him smile. It wasn't something he saw too often.
"I don't hate music...by the way."
"Oh? I was just kidding about that."
"I know, The Merpup's music can be very overwhelming. Especially under the sea. It really makes you appreciate the silence when you have it."
"Yeah, I can imagine it's a lot for you to deal with."
"Top sider music is bit better but I can't really focus on my work unless I have quiet. Not that I mind having you around though."
"I get ya, I don't think I ever really experienced a lot of "quiet" before." He flexed his paws in quotes at the word. "It can be pretty loud trying to get anything done with Captain Sid."
"Haha, I bet."
"Our work flow isn't as precise or efficient like when you and I work together. Sid gets...distracted easily. Our ship is barely holding together right now with him constantly taking it out in search of treasure."
"It's still not working properly? It's been weeks at this point!"
"Not in it's entirety. He says he needs to give a "Test run" but I know he's looking for an excuse to take more things that don't belong to him."
"Sounds like...a lot." Moby wanted to say annoying but thought that might have come across as mean.
"It can be. I really hate saying this aloud but...It's hard to tolerate Captain boss mister Sid sir's decisions sometimes. I feel like I can never relax when I'm with him lately."
"Jeez, You shouldn't have to put up with that"
"That's why I like going out on my own. It gives me an excuse to just leave it all behind for a while. Plus, hiding some of Sid's overhaul of treasure is a plus too."
"Dog knows he needs less stuff." Moby said with an eye roll.
"Also just hanging out with you has been a big relief. Same when I get to see Sweetie and Claw."
"But who do you enjoy spending your time with the most? Not that I care or anything." He half teased.
"Pfft! Like I could choose!"
"You're right. Clearly I'm coolest friend. So I win by default."
Arrby gave him a playfully shove.
"Very funny smart boy."
Arrby laid down further into the soft sandy floor of the cove. His smile fading slowly.
"Is it...is it bad that I don't want to hang around Sid constantly?"
"No dude, You deserve to have your own space sometimes and be able to do your own things."
"Yeah, maybe you're right. A little quiet now and then isn't too bad."
Moby watched the pirate pup as he rolled himself on his back and stared up above. Every so often he would fumble with his front paws again. The formal Merpup could tell Arrby's concern's about Sid were really weighting on him. He wanted to do something to relive his stress but didn't really know what to do. He was half tempted to just put his shell phones on and drown out everything. That was when it came to him. Arrby flinched slightly as he felt Moby slip something on his head. The Dachshund lifted a paw up and felt the familiar grooves of Moby's shell phones.
"Give it a shot. Just for a few minutes. Could get ya to relax a little."
"Oh...uh...alright."
Arrby pulled the shell phones over his flat ears. He closed his eyes and laid back into the sand. The troubling thoughts of his over bearing boss melted away as white noise envelop him. His eyes drifted to the roof of the cove, every so often he'd see tiny bugs move along the curvature of the stalagmites above. They'd fly around and bump into the florescence string lights that hung above them. Arrby finally began to relax and Moby curiously watched the pirate settle in.
"Might as well chill out too." Moby thought.
He pulled off his gear and rolled over onto his belly, setting his head between his front paws and closed his eyes. Letting the gentle noise of the waves outside of the cove take him away for a while. It wasn't hard for him to focus on one sound among the tiny noises he'd pick up every so often. It wasn't overwhelming like being under the sea or outside. He could just focus on the waves and just let the ambiance take him away. They must have sat in that chill silence for fifteen minutes or so. Even McSquidly seemed to drift off to sleep next to the boys. Moby was so engrossed he hadn't noticed Arrby's paw brushing against his. His gentle touch brought him back to Puplantis. Where Arrby had shield his ears during his panic attack, how easy it had come to the Dachshund to be kind when he needed to be. To Moby, that had come so naturally and a part of him really wished he could do that for Arrby. Without thinking, he found himself locking his paw over his friends. The pirate's paw seemed so much smaller compared to his and Moby thought it was very cute. He slowly drew circles into his paw pad. Being sure not to disturb his friend who smiled silently at his touch.
Moby wasn't an affectionate pup. He could be polite, patient, even joke here and there but affection was hard for him. For whatever reason though, when ever this smaller pirate pup was around. He thought that could change. Maybe he could be much more vulnerable when they were together. He lifted his head and stared at the dreaming pup. His thoughts lost in confusion and gentle bliss.
"Arrby. What are you doing to me?"
"BEEP BEEP BEEP!"
"Yipe!!!" Moby jumped back in shock, McSquidly squealed in surprise and plopped himself directly on Moby's head. Arrby shot his head up and looked at his pup tag. He signed loudly before pulling the shell phones off to answer the call.
"Yarrrrr! Arrby! When are ya coming back home? I need need NEED your help with something!"
Moby could practically feel the pirate roll his eyes before he calmly replied back.
"I'll be there as soon as I can!"
"Yarr! How soon is soon pup?"
"Like...thirty minutes?"
"Perfect! This cool drone I've spotted will never see us coming! Yar har har har har!"
"What? Captain we already have..."
Before he could argue, Sid had already disconnected.
"Drone....ugh!"
Moby carefully pulled his tentacled friend off his face before approaching the smaller pup.
"You gotta head out?"
Arrby stood up, brushing the sand off his fur.
"Yeah...Sid needs me. You gonna be okay with putting in all that tech?"
"Rocky is coming in a few days to assist me. So we'll get it done. Plus I've got plenty of arms to spare."
McSquidly chirped and gave a friendly salute to the pirate.
"Good to know. Guess I'll see you after the gala then huh?"
He handed the shell phones back to Moby. The genius pup stared at them for a bit before coming to an easy decision.
"Keep em."
"What? But their yours"
"Eh I can make another pair any time. If you ever need some quiet time, just slip them on and...you know..."
Moby felt his heart race at what he wanted to say next.
"Think of me. If you want or....whatever."
Moby felt a part of his soul cringe into oblivion saying that but he was quickly brought back to life by the look on Arrby's face. His eyes lit up and Moby could tell he was trying to control his wagging tail. Trying not to show how much that meant to him.
"Thanks Moby."
"Anytime."
Arrby turned to leave but stopped. His captain needed him, he really really did but Arrby really really really didn't want to go just yet.
"Ya know, Did I tell Sid thirty minutes? I meant forty."
Moby smirked at that.
"I heard forty."
"Yeah, soooo...did you want to at least start on the electronics for the sub?"
Moby was so ready to say yes but a much more affectionate activity came to mind.
"We could. Or...I could teach you to...dance"
"You? Teach me to dance?!" Arrby teased.
"Well yeah! You said you needed to learn for the gala. I don't know! Forget it I..."
Moby grumbled in embarrassment. He was ready to drop the whole thing till Arrby placed a paw on one of his own.
"I'm only joking. I'd love too but I didn't think you'd want to do something like that."
"I don't! I mean...not just with anyone. Plus you've help me out a lot recently. Merpup dancing isn't so different from topsider dancing. Just with paws instead of fins."
"Lead the way bud."
With tempered enthusiasm, Moby signaled to McSquidly to give them a beat. The mollusk seemed surprised at his friends direction but didn't hesitate to plop himself on a rock and play a couple of sea shells. Moby lifted Arrby up on his back legs. Getting into position.
"This is a typical sea celebration dance. One tail stroke...I mean one leg back and then one leg forward."
Arrby spaced his legs apart.
"Like this?"
"Yup, now we'll..."
Moby coordinated the dance flow, He would back up while Arrby stepped forward. Before doing the same maneuver in reverse. The two going from standing to four paw trotting.
"One, two ,three,. Back, forth, back, One, two, three."
Soon enough, Arrby was getting the hang of it. He couldn't help but mouth along to the beat McSquidly played. The melody reminding him of one of his familiar sea shanties
"Yo ho ho...yo ho ho!"
"What did I say about spontaneous musical numbers."
"Sorry, I am getting a hang of this though!"
"You got it, One, Two, Three. Yip, Yip, Yip!
He gave the pirate a spin before dipping him. Locking eyes with him for a brief moment. He wanted to say something of substance to the pup. Anything affectionate, but all he could come up with was.
"This doesn't leave the cove."
The pirate laughed aloud before replying.
"You're secret is safe with me. Promise!"
--
"Crap." Moby cursed aloud. "Well, so much for not telling anyone about that embarrassing moment."
He sat up from his spot, nonchalantly stretching himself out.
"Anyway, since then that pirate has been on my mind. Not entirely sure why but...uh?"
Coral had dropped her notepad and pen. A massive smile practically glowed on her face, a tiny low sequel could be heard from her snout as it slowly built up to a higher and louder octave. Her eyes were massive and practically bulged out of her head. Needless to say, Moby was very uncomfortable.
"Coral? Can you...what are....why?" was all he could say.
She leaped down from the rock and met his snout just inches apart from her own.
"MOBY!!!!!! You're in love!"
Moby's face went totally red.
"Bow wow WWWWHAT?!!!!"
"You are! You have massive crush on Arrby!"
"Don't be ridiculous! I...I wouldn't...I mean...I couldn't...I...McSquidly!"
Moby turned his attention to his mollusk friend. Wanting his opinion. The squid simply shrugged and chirped something along the lines of "Yeah man, You got it bad."
"Not helping!" He stammered.
"Awww Moby. It's okay" Coral wanted to put a paw on his shoulder but respected his boundaries.
"No it's not! I mean...This is bad! I think?"
"What so bad about it?"
"Nothing! Everything! Something in between! Ughhhh!"
Moby felt like he'd rather have another panic attack than deal with what ever overwhelming feeling he was experiencing right now.
"No way! There's no way! I....I...I...I need another opinion!"
--
"Oh yeah, That's definitely a crush!"
Rocky said nonchalantly. He tightened a bolt against the console of the sub while Moby dropped his tools in shock.
"Dude! No way!"
"Told you" Coral added, She watched the boys work. Enjoying a pup treat with McSquidly chirping in agreement with her.
"Still not helping!" Moby spat out to the pair. "Rocky, let's think about this logically. How could I have a crush on him?"
"Logic has nothing to do with it. You're clearly into him."
"How though? We just started hanging out a few weeks ago."
"Well, you seem to open up a lot more to him than you have with me when we hang out."
Moby felt bad hearing that.
"Right. Sorry."
"Eh, don't be. I know how you are Moby. We bond over our hobbies but bonding emotionally is very different for both of us. Plus I've got my own little love bug back home."
Moby squirmed at Rocky's mushy talk. With Coral and McSquidly giggling at the sight.
"Still though."
"Moby. I've had plenty of friends who had crushes on one another and what you are describing is definitely a crush."
"Bow wow noooo...."
Moby began to sulk, slinking to the side of the cove wall and dropping to his hind legs.
"Again, Why is that a bad thing?" Coral asked.
"It isn't. It's just awkward. What am I going to say to that stubby little guy?"
"Well you should be honest about it, That's for sure." Rocky added.
Corals eyes lit up, She jumped from her spot, Dropping the pup treat before posing dramatically
"Moby! The gala! We could help you confess there!"
"Huh?"
"The princess invited me herself! I could add you as my plus one!"
She ran up next to Rocky. Curious at his thoughts of the idea. The mixed breed looking a little uncomfortable before politely adding.
"Well, Me and the Paw Patrol will be there. If you needed the moral support."
Coral squealed with excitement, the idea of creating some sort of romantic heist for her friend made her immensely happy. Moby on the other hand thought hard about the idea of being at the gala. Seeing Arrby there, surrounded by music and all those people and animals cheering the pair on. It made a knot in his stomach, and not the romantic kind. He felt his ears begin to ring again and he let out a few short slow breaths. Coral took notice Moby's condition and quickly composed herself.
"Or...uh...We don't have to."
"No. Please no"
Moby said flatly, Coral knew that was coming and Rocky sensed some tension.
"That's not my style. If I'm going to say something to him. It's going to be on my turf and in private."
Rocky nodded his head respectfully while Coral sighed in defeat.
"Fair enough...Oh!" Her ears shot up as her collar chirped. Moby and Rocky could make out familiar Merpup language coming from it.
"Yip yip! Be right there!"
Coral hung up her collar and began to walk out of the cove.
"Looks like the Merpups need my help with something. I'll see you at the gala Rocky!"
"Can't wait!" He tipped his hat to towards her.
"Moby, Could you walk me to my sub?"
His ears shot up in surprise.
"Oh uh, sure. McSquidly. Do you mind?"
The squid eagerly gripped a wrench. Happy to assist the recycle pup while Moby and Coral stepped out of the cove.
"You sure you're going to be okay with this whole Arrby thing?"
"I'll do my best. It's not exactly a science I have experience in but I'll manage. Somehow."
The pair walked towards the shore. Coral's seahorse sub bobbed in the shallows where it was parked. Moby had half expected Coral to give a cheerful yip and take off but she stood by the shore, seeming to really think about what she wanted to say next.
"Moby."
He sighed aloud. Wanting to drop the Arrby situation entirely at this point.
"Yeah?"
"If I was a bad friend, You'd tell me right?"
Moby stared at her, genuinely unsure at what she meant.
"I'm not following."
She sat down, Letting the ocean barely touch her paws.
"I mean, I have had a habit of really inserting myself into your life. Whether it's crush you have on Arrby, or having you visit Puplantis now and than. Even when you really don't want me to try."
"Coral, It's alright."
"Is it though? I mean, was it alright when you had meltdown back home? I just wanted you to still connect with the other Merpups while you were away but instead it made you shut down. Is it me? Am I the issue?"
"Coral."
She stammered slightly and tears began to well in her eyes.
"I try to hard to engage with you and I feel like I just make things worse. Now I just tried to push you to confess Arrby at the gala. How silly is that? Maybe it's best if I just leave you alone."
Moby was at a loss. Of all the pups, Coral was not one he had expected to break down in front of him. He thought back to that day at Puplantis. To all the things he said to Arrby in solace afterwards. How he was over Coral constantly wanting him to participate in Merpup life. He could lay out those exact same frustrations right here right now. Really let her know what he thought. A meaner more callous Moby would have probably done that. He thought about what Arrby would do in this situation. He sat next to her, placing a paw of her shoulder.
"Coral, I'd...miss you if you'd stop coming around."
She lifted her head up.
"Really?"
"Yeah, I know I don't say it too often but you're a good friend. A great one even."
Coral smiled at the pup. It might have been the first time he had said it to her but it meant the world.
"Thank you. I'm really really sorry about what happened in Puplantis."
"No problem. You made a mistake, it happens. You were just trying to be nice."
"I just...I just want you to know that the Merpups and I really care about you. It should have never led to you shutting down like that."
"It's gonna take a lot more than some loud music and social situation to break me." He joked.
Coral giggled at that.
"Yeah, clearly."
"Look, I should have said something to you a long time ago. While I appreciate your help and wanting me to stay true to my roots. Puplantis, just isn't the place I want to be. Don't get me wrong, It will always be my home but I'm happier here. On the surface. I'm a better pup than I was. I work on my inventions in peace. I'm a lot more polite and patient with folks...mostly. It doesn't make up for a lot of the stuff I did but I think the direction I'm going is the best for every one. Regardless of which ever direction we take. I still appreciate you a lot. I made a lot of good friends since coming up here and that includes you."
Coral gave Moby the brightest puppy eyes she could. Looking like she might cry out of bliss at this point
"Permission to hug?"
Moby rolled his eyes and smirked. Holding his front arms out.
"If you have too."
Coral gave him a quick one before following up with.
"Thank you. You have changed a lot."
"I blame the pirate mainly."
"I wish the best for you and Arrby."
Moby smiled, seeming confident but in reality, he was still trying to figure out what to do about that. One thing at a time.
"Thanks, If anything comes out of it. I'll be sure to let you know."
"You better, I want all the details on what your gonna do!"
With that, Coral was back to her usual bubbly self. Moby sighed out in relief, briefly looking at her bobbing sea horse sub. That's when he got an idea.
--
Arrby sat near the shore of his island home. Sid was off flying another drone he didn't need while their ship still sat in a rough state. Their secret cave base of operations was overflown with random items and trash that had began to spilled out and on to the beach. He didn't focus on any of that right now though. Arrby caressed the shell phones in his paws before quickly slipping them over his ears. He closed his eyes, Letting the quiet take him again while the thoughts of Moby and his two other friends danced in his head. He imagined the four of them having a picnic somewhere. Just hanging out. Sweetie would probably bring tea, Claw would whine for some sweets, and Moby would just sit back and watch the clouds roll by. It was a lovely thought, the perfect afternoon with the pups he loved. Arrby's eyes shot open and he felt himself gasp at that.
"Loved?"
Before he could dwell further at that word. He jumped at the feeling of his pup tag going off. Hearing the familiar voice of Moby on the other line.
"Hey, I won't go to the gala but...do you need a ride that night?"
