She had to have run the eye liner three times at this point. Everything else about her was perfect. Fur, brushed and groomed. Teeth, whiten and polished. Claws, trimmed and filed down. Her dress sat to one side of her pup house. Pristine and ready to be worn. All that she needed done was her dog forsaken eyeliner.

“Almost, Almost…”

She gently moved her mechanical arm ever so delicately over her right eye, just under her lid. It curved slightly. The pivotal point of the black pen smudging against the end of her eye lash.

“Bollocks!”

She tossed the pen to one side. Quickly grabbing a tissue to wipe her eye. Her frustrated movements causing it to smudge more.

“UHHHHHGH!”

In a manner most unbecoming of her, she clamped the tissue between her teeth. Trashing her head about in a wild rage. She stopped suddenly, as if she had come to the realization of how uncouth she looked. She spat out the tissue in disgust. Bits of it fluttering all over the floor of her pup home. She felt the gentle nuzzle of her toy companion rubbing against her front paws.

“Thank you Busby. Perhaps I’m overindulging but tonight must be perfect! It must be…”

Her thoughts couldn’t help but dwell on the upcoming appearance of a very friendly pirate pup. So much so, she hadn’t heard the first few knocks against her pup house. She expected the unwelcome presence of Claw who no doubt would be venturing outside his temporary home in the gardens but as Sweetie popped her head out, She caught the sight of the familiar blue gown of the princess.

“Hello Sweetie! I wanted to see if you’d like to sample some of the hors d'oeuvres being served at the...”

The princess stopped mid sentence and leaned down. Noticing the obvious black smudge on her pup’s face.

“What happened here?”

She moved a finger against her pup’s snout only for Sweetie to rudely smack it away.

“It’s nothing. Just a little issue with my make up is all. I’d love to sample the delicacies but I still have much to prepare for.”

Sweetie had assumed that the princess would insist she come along any how but instead watched as the princess pulled out a handkerchief. She bent down, slowly dabbing it against her tongue before wiping at Sweetie’s eye. The pampered pup didn’t shy away from her movement. Even if it was a little unsanitary. Though she had considered the amount of times she had licked the princess's face.

“Is something troubling you Sweetie?”

She raised an eyebrow at that.

“How...How did you know?”

“Well, it’s been sometime since I’ve seen you make a considerate effort to get dressed up for a royal gala. Normally I’d see you sneaking off somewhere, Plotting.”

“Hmmp! I don’t plot that often.” Sweetie blushed. The princess giggled and stood up.

“Why don’t I help you with that make up?”

--



“Yar! Arrby! Where the heck are you heading to now?!”

Sid quickly trotted after his pup. Who was hurriedly making his way to the shore of their island. His normally small pup pack stuffed with a few accessories. The pirate pup had already tried to explain days prior to his departure, but as usual, Sid had been preoccupied with something else to fully pay attention. Only seeming to care last minute when it was time for Arrby to leave.

“I told you, I’m just going to visit some friends for a good while tonight. I’ll be sure to bring you back something you really really need!”

Arrby half lied to his captain. Sid had more than enough stuff as it is but Arrby felt bad not bringing back at least one thing for him. Maybe the gala would give out gift bags or something for their guests.

“Really? Seems pretty convenient that every time you head out, more and more of my precious treasure seems to disappear.”

“Heaven forbid we have less stuff.”

Sid stepped in front of the pup. Frustrated.

“And what exactly do you have in that pack there?”

He had began to reach a hand down to inquire. Arrby ducked out of his grasp. Only for Sid to snag him by the scruff of his neck. Lifting him up with ease.

“What exactly is going on here pup? Out with it!”

Arrby wanted to reply in his usual friendly tone but he had enough on his mind already. Since the last time he saw Moby, he had realized he had develop some difficult feelings. Not just with the former merpup by with his more prestigious friends up in Barkingburg. It made his stomach twist and turn just thinking about it. He had hoped that tonight he could gain some clarity on what he should do. He had even been tempted to tell Sid about it though judging from his captain’s look, he didn’t seem to be interested. Not that Arrby had thought he would be. That blatant disrespect he received from his captain had began to work his last nerve. He sneered at him.

“You know what, It’s really none of your business."

Sid’s jaw dropped, absolutely flabbergasted at his first mates response. He dropped his pup, Arrby landing on all four in the sand.

“Arrby! What’s gotten into you?”

 The pirate pup might have went too far with that retort. Perhaps his new friends were really rubbing off on him.

“Uh...Well….”

Arrby’s pup tag had gone off, Surprising both pirates. From the opening of their cluttered cave, The pup saw the shape of Moby’s new and improved sub bobbing out of the sea and idling by the shore.

“Bow wow wee! Where you at? Did I reach the right spot?” Moby called from the pup’s collar.

“Be right there!” Arrby replied back to his tag. He quickly readjusted his pack before looking up towards Sid.

“I’ll be back Captain boss mister Sid sir. I promise.”

“Yarrr! but you still haven’t told me where your going?! What the heck is he doing here?!”

“It’s...complicated.”

Sid looked completely perplexed, he had further questions but Arrby’s patience had finally run out. He bolted out of the cave and towards the shore. He quickly gave Sid a wave and hopped in the sub. The pirate eyed the pair curiously as they departed. Moby brazening rolling his eyes towards the boy as they disappeared under the surface. Sid stood by the shore, confused, flabbergasted, and a little hurt. He had a good mind to follow the pair. It would be easy to track Arrby with his pup tag.

“None of my business, We’ll see about that!”

Sid had turned and stomped back towards his hideout. Ready to set sail on his ship. Only to stop short, hearing the crunch of paper under his boot. He lifted it up and noticed a map pressed into the sand. Realizing this must have slipped out of Arrby’s pack. The pirate leaned down and unfurled the chart. Noticing the number of spots Arrby had visited recently, and certain things he had buried there.

--



It had been sometime since she had been in the princess’s room. Being of royal class, She had maintained a level of maturity and grace with her taste of decor and how tidy she kept things but Sweetie could see the occasion blemish of the princess’s personal hobbies. A fantasy book sat by her bedside, a series she was enamored with. She could see a torn down box fort stacked neatly to one side of her room. Sweetie and the princess had designed and played in that make shift fort some time ago. Long before her current responsibilities. The pup was surprised she had kept it.

“Now then, Eyes closed.” The princess instructed.

Sweetie obeyed. Keeping her head still as the princess carefully glided the tip of the pen under her pup’s eyes.

“There we go, how’s that?”

She held up a mirror to her companion who turned her snout both directions. Admiring her work.

“Much better. Thank you Princess.”

The polite girl gently lifted up a brush off her counter and offered it to Sweetie. The pup nodded, allowing her to carefully brush her fur. She ran the brush against her head and along her back. The pup loving the affection.

“Talk to me Sweetie. Is something bothering you?”

Sweetie stumbled at that, she knew this would be brought up. Not exactly wanting to explain the whole situation regarding a certain knight who’s not suppose to be on the premises. She decided to tell part of the truth.

“Well yes. There’s this pup. I invited him to the gala tonight and...I just want everything to be perfect.”

“For him?” She inquired. A slight giggle escaping her kind smile. Sweetie looked away and blushed.

“He’s very...important to me. I just want to be my best self in front of him. No schemes or trickery a foot. As much as I’d enjoy it.”

“It seems like he’s made quite an impression on you if it’s encouraging you to be on your best behavior.”

“Yes it’s been quite a change of pace for me.”

“In either case, I’m sure no matter how you behave, He will enjoy just being able to spend time with you.”

“I certainly hope so.”

Claw’s presence still lingered in the back of her mind but she didn’t harbor on it for long. All that mattered was she got to spend time with Arrby. Tonight, she would show him how much he meant to her. The princess finishing grooming her precious pup. Setting the brush down.

“We still have an hour before the gala starts. Why don’t we head down to the kitchen and try those hors d'oeuvres? Settle your worries with a tasty treat?”

Sweetie was geared to indulge in what she could in the kitchen but She hesitated. It had been sometime she had her princesses attention. Just spending this short time together was nice and she was sad to let it go. She wanted to keep it for just a little longer.

“That sounds lovely but would it be okay if we just sat here for a moment longer Lynn? Just the two of us?"

The princess was surprised. It had been sometime since anyone had addressed her by her proper first name.

“Of course we can.”

She lifted a hand and gently petted Sweetie’s ear. The pampered pup leaned into her grasp. Enjoying the one on one attention. She cursed herself for not having the rose Arrby had gifted her, This would have been the perfect moment to give it to her. She thought a lot about what the pirate advised her to do. It was now or never.

“We...don’t spend a lot of time together. Not since your parents departure. I understand there are certain responsibilities you must do but...I miss my friend.”

Sweetie turned her gaze away from the princess. Not entirely ready for how she would react. She felt her hand slip off her head. Lynn pressing her palms against her lap. Thinking hard about what to say next.

“Oh, Sweetie. You’re right. It has been some time since we have done something like this. I know things have changed so drastically since my parents left. You must be so lonesome sometimes.”

“Busby keeps me company. So has Arrby. Much more than usual.”

Sweetie felt two hands reach under her, The princess had pulled her up and into a gentle embrace. She buried her nose into the small of Sweeties back. The pup could have sworn she had felt a few tears run down the length of her fur. The princess did her best to keep her voice from shaking.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll see to it after the gala that we get that time together. I promise.”

Sweetie quickly turned, she had so rarely seen Lynn lose her composure. It made think back to simpler times. She thought back to one particularly turbulent night. A storm had rolled in, Thunder and lighting rocked the castle. Sweetie had snuggled close to Lynn. The pair hiding in their fort seeking comfort in one another. It seemed so long ago, but Sweetie cherished that memory. The pup leaned up and licked up the tears that ran along the princess’s face.

“That would be lovely. In that case, I really have to behave myself till then.”

The princess let out a small smile. Placing her hand under Sweetie’s chin. Giving it a scratch.

“All those times you tried to steal my crown. Was it all simply to get my attention?”

Sweetie bashfully looked the other way.

“Maybe. Not always though. Sometimes I do revel in the thought of being in charge. Only if it means relieving that responsibility off of your shoulders.”

“Oh Sweetie, You should have never needed to go through such lengths. Not anymore.”

“That’s good to hear. I have more pressing things to attend to from this point forward.” She said snidely. Clearly over this mushy moment. The princess smiled at her sly puppy.

“Such as a certain pirate?”

“No comment.”

--

Arrby didn’t say much of anything as he sat in the sub. He kept his sight out to the ocean that sprawled across the glass shield. He did admire the view, seeing schools of fish and dolphins passing by every so often but it wasn’t enough to distract him from how he left things with Sid. He also felt those complicated feelings begin to swell. Every so often he’d gaze to look at the water pup just a few inches away from him. He fiddled with front paws. Clearly not sure what to say. Moby had noticed his dour disposition from the corner of his eye.

“He looks upset. Is he upset? Come on say something! Anything.”

Moby bitterly thought to himself. He had cheered up Coral. Surely he could make Arrby feel better! Especially since he came to realize how much he really cared for him. Confessing that to the pirate would be whole other issue he had to deal with but he had a plan...Sort of.

He just needed to make sure Arrby was okay first.

“You doing alright?” He asked nonchalantly.

“Meh, I could be better.” Arrby admitted.

“Sid being a pain in the...”

“No! Sid is...well he’s Sid and I’ll deal with that later.”

“Long as he doesn’t chew your head off for it. If so, I’m coming back there and dragging him out to sea myself!”

“Hahah my hero.”

“I can be. When I feel like it.”

Moby flicked his head back, the blue streaked tuff of fur on his head flung as he winked at Arrby. The pirate felt his himself clam up at the sight and looked away. Moby patted the space between them.

“You know I don’t bite right?”

“Right! Sorry.”

Arrby wasn’t sure why he was apologizing. He scooted closer to his friend. Feeling his leg brush against him. Moby didn’t seem to mind though and the pirate could have sworn he saw him smile a little.

“Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it”

“Oh uh...you’re welcome, Excited for tonight?”

“Yeah, it will be a nice distraction from things.”

“Sid things?”

“Nah, Some other stuff I’ve been thinking about.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“Maybe not right now but definitely at some point if you don’t mind. It does involve you. And Sweetie...and Claw….”

Moby’s mouth dried up at hearing that but he kept his cool.

“Sure thing. I’m always happy to listen. Despite my face.”

“Your face?”

“I’ve got resting grump face. Least that’s what McSquidly tells me.”

Arrby giggled, It wasn’t like Moby to make jokes. He could only guess that he was in a good mood. Arrby was already feeling better just by being near him. He had absentmindedly leaned into Moby some more.

“That’s how you usually look like but I think I know you well enough now to know you’re not a grump.”

Moby felt the fur on the back of his neck stand up, he let one paw go of the steering wheel. Trying to look casual. He was half tempted to let his paw run along Arrby’s back.

“If I’m being honest, it’s hard to be grumpy around you.”

Moby felt his stomach flutter at saying that aloud. Guess it was now or never to shoot his shot.

“Ya know, if you get tired of all that singing and dancing tonight, You’re welcome to hang out at my place afterwards. I mean! If you want to, up to you. Whateves.”

Moby pretended not to care but he cared immensely. His quiet embarrassment was replaced with tempered relief as Arrby gave him a playfully nudge with his shoulder.

“I’ll consider it. After all, You’re my ride back home.”

“Bow wow...yay.”

Moby died a little inside. He couldn’t believe he said that. He quickly turned his head back, pretending to concentrate on driving. He had to play it cool, keep his excitement to a minimum. Especially as they had finally reached the shore of Barkingburg.

--

The bright lights of the rustic town had glimmered with the dusk covered sky. Arrby quickly hopped out of the sub and gave Moby a friendly wave. The pup nodded, trying to hide his enthusiasm before departing under the water.

Arrby watched him go, A part of him genuinely sad that he wasn’t going to the gala.

“What in the world was that?”

Arrby spun around. Seeing the familiar sight of Claw. Still in his usual metal attire but without his helmet on.

“Oh hey! That was just Moby. He gave me a ride here! Wish I could have introduced you both.”

“Hmmm perhaps another time. Took me a little bit to sneak out of the castle. Guards are all over the place! “

“Oh man, best to stay out of sight. You could ask Sweetie to show you all the hidden passages around the castle. Help you get around easier.”

Claw could say quite a lot of things about Sweetie at this point but bit his tongue.

“Yes, well...she’s been preoccupied with the set up for the gala. Unfortunately I’ve been left to my own devices.”

Arrby wrapped his arm around Claw.

“Well, I’m here now.”

“Yes, Quite an improvement.” He blushed. “Did you get my suit from Dragon Highlands?”

“Yup yup!”

“Excellent. Back into the castle then.”

“Lead the way!”

Sure, Arrby could have just waltz into the castle as formally invited guest but then he couldn’t cover for Claw. Plus, being sneaky was fun! It took some clever maneuvering but the pups managed to tiptoe pass the guards and into the royal gardens. Claw guarded the outside of the pup house. Bashfully keeping watch as the pirate pup changed his clothes. Every so often he could see the shape of guests and their four legged friends walk into the gala. He so desperately wanted to attend but he was determined to keep his word to not cause any issues. No pup said anything about him watching from afar though.

“Alright, I think I am all good to go. How do I look?”

Arrby stepped out of the moss covered house. His black suit and red bow tie glowed brightly under the dim lanterns that lit the garden. Claw kept his composure but couldn’t help letting his tail wag.

“Quite dashing I would say. Though, your tie is not centered. Plus your bandanna and collar clash with the look.”

“Oh yeah. Good point.”

He pulled His bandanna off, giving his head a quick shake which Claw found adorable. He also removed his pup tag. Handing it to the Doberman.

“Here, Why don’t you hang on to this for the time being.”

“I’ll guard it with my life!” Claw announced dramatically. “Ruff! Pincers!”

On que, His pincers popped out his pack but immediately went hay wire.

“Ugh, Let me just…”

Claw approached the pup. Carefully taking the tag in his mouth and placing it aside. He stood up on his hind legs and used his front paws adjust Arrby’s tie around his shirt collar. He kept his gaze on his work and tried not to stare at the pup just a few inches from his face. Though their eyes met every so often.

“Thanks again for letting me borrow this.”

“It’s no problem. I thought my suit would fit you perfectly. Plus I don’t have much use for it now.”

He gently lifted one of Arrby's paws. Tucking the cuffs back so the pirate wouldn’t trip over himself.

“I really wish I could go inside. Just so we could keep hanging out.”

Arrby pulled himself forward and embraced the purple cladded knight. Claw sunk into the embrace. Leaning his head into the pirates neck.

“I know Claw, but I don’t want you getting it trouble. Not on my account, but I’ll come outside and check on you when I can. Bring you a snack or two.”

“Yes! Please please please!” Claw gave the biggest eyes as he could.

“Hehehe you don’t have to beg. Though it’s pretty adorable when you do.”

Both pups had paused at Arrby’s unintentional flirting. The pirate awkwardly stroking the back of his head.

“A knight like me isn’t suppose to be adorable. I’m brave and fierce.” Claw commanded.

“Of course. Sorry”

Claw dropped his boastfulness for just a moment.

“But I don’t mind being called adorable if it’s from you” He said shyly.

Arrby fiddled with his paws, his stomach fluttered with anticipation. Not entirely sure as to why. The normally brave knight also seemed so nervous all the sudden.

“Are you alright?”

“Um..Arrby…”

“Halt! Who goes there?!”

Arrby froze, recognizing the Earl of Barkingburg walking towards the pair. His eyes shifted to Claw but to his surprise, the knight had already disappeared.

“Oh! My mistake! You’re Arrby aren’t you?”

“I...I am! Sorry! I saw the garden and just wanted to take a gander at it” Arrby didn’t know why he was apologizing again.

“Oh no harm done master Arrby. It is quite the sight to behold. Though we must really do something with that old pup house. Sweetie barely uses it.”

The Earl laughed and Arrby went along with it. Changing the subject quickly.

“Which way to the gala anyhow?”

“Right this way master Arrby.”

The pirate followed the Earl. Turning his head one last time to see Claw pop his head from one of the shrubs. Who gave a sad but supportive smile. The knight was happy to assist Arrby but he had come so close to telling him how he really felt. Now all that was left to do was watch the show. See if Sweetie dared to make a move.

--

To say the royal ball room was packed would be an understatement. The invitations had come far and wide. Many of the attendees had already began to file in. The band played their royal melody as the help ran around. Offering hors d'oeuvres and drinks to their many guests. From the top of the lavish stairway, Sweetie and Busby sat. Gawking at the crowd.

She quickly noticed the Paw Patrol. The team were all dressed up formally. Chase and Marshall walked close to one another. With Rocky and Zuma following behind the happy pair. Everest, Skye, Rubble, and Ryder had followed suite. Sweetie had even noticed a pair of twin pups who admired the interior of the castle as they walked in. Perhaps those were the Mighty Twins she had heard so much about. She rolled her eyes at the sudden appearance of a large walrus and a lanky but properly dressed man with glasses walking along side him. Why that man wore rubber boots with his formal attire, Sweetie could only guess.

It wasn’t just those from Adventure bay that were invited, There were a number of royal horses from the stables. Monkeys and white tigers from the jungle led by their professional handlers. A young prince from Palace of Versailles trotted in with his three royal dogs and what looked to be a dark furred wolf. To her surprise, even the fore mentioned but rarely seen Cat Pack had also walked in. Wild and his team had on a variety of dress shirts and matching ties that complimented their fur. The cats observed their surroundings before waving down the Paw Patrol. Between all the familiar and less familiar faces she saw, She had yet to notice the dachshund she had been nervously anticipating. She suspected that Claw might have something to do with his delay. She had half a mind to trot down to the garden and interrogate the knight herself. Up till someone had tap her on the shoulder.

“Hey there!”

Sweetie turned to see Arrby, The Earl of Barkingburg just behind him. Offering a friendly gesture to the pair. The pirate pup had actually acquired a proper suit and it fitted himself well. His fur was groomed and his familiar bandanna was gone. Giving Sweetie a proper glance at his fore head and floppy ears for the first time. She thought he still looked cute despite being dressed properly. Arrby on the other paw, was taken aback by Sweetie. She was dressed in a lovely pink gown, adored with a much more luxurious tiara on top of her head. Her make up was on point, her eyeliner empathizing her lashes as she looked at him.

“Arrby! You made it!”

“Yeah, Wow...you look stunning.”

Sweetie tried to keep her composure. As a royal pup should but a slight tint of red flushed on her snout.

“Thank you, You look very nice as well.”

Arrby took the compliment in stride.

“Oh, Hello there!”

Sweetie jumped as the princess suddenly appeared next to the pair. She leaned down and offered a hand. Arrby politely raised his paw and gave it a shake.

“It’s so lovely to see you again Arrby. Sweetie has been quite excited for your arrival.”

“What?! No..I mean...yes...a little!” Sweetie stammered. Arrby paid no mind.

“Like wise Miss royal princess ma’am.”

“Would you like to join us for the introduction? As you were invited as Sweetie’s guest, You are more than welcome too!”

Arrby shifted uncomfortably. He wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but something told him he’d be introduced to the entire court.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not exactly a fancy pup.”

Sweetie calmly took one of his paws into her own.

“You’re a perfect pup Arrby. Just follow my lead.”

Arrby blushed nervously.

“Lead the way!”

With that, The Earl cleared his throat and lifted a finger. On que, the band stopped playing. All was still for a moment before a few horns blared out in a dynamic symphony. Making Arrby jump. Sweetie held back a laugh and locked her right paw in his. The pirate kept his cool as the crowd all turned to witness the spectacle.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and fellow animal friends! Presenting the Princess of BarkingBurg and her royal animal companion!”

Every one clapped and marveled at the princess who bowed in politeness. Sweetie did the same with Arrby awkwardly bowing as well.

--

From where he sat, Rocky eyed the familiar dachshund walking next to Sweetie. Raising his eye brows in surprise.

“Well, I didn’t see that coming. Moby is going to be disappointed.” He thought.

Something else had caught his eye though. From one of large glass stained windows, he swore he could make out the shape of an armor clad pup. From the looks of it, he didn’t seem too happy with what he was seeing. His attention was brought back to reality by a light shove from his partner.

“Dude, what are ya looking at?” Zuma asked.

“Oh nothing. At least I think it was nothing.”

--

Arrby waved to the crowd, trying his best to follow along with Sweetie's royal wave as they made their way down the stairs.

“Not bad for a swashbuckler.”

“Thanks, though I think some folks might get some ideas about us.”

“Is that so?” Sweetie ideally said, clearly not minding people’s assumption.

They made their way to the final steps, with princess clapping her hands and thanking everyone for attending.

Everyone began to conversate among themselves while others began to pair up as music began to play. Sweetie noticed several obvious partners gathering together. She watched one of those twins offering a paw to Skye, The cockapoo yipping loudly in acceptance. Wild shyly approached Rubble of all pups and offered his smaller paw to the bull dog. Rubble smiling brightly towards the cat.

“Sweetie, would you like to...dance?”

Arrby had asked her so shyly. His paw held out, His gaze on the floor, clearly he wasn’t used to be being so direct.

“I’d love too.”

She held out her paws and let Arrby take lead. The pirate nervously took her paws in his and began to waltz. He was doing well, for the most part. He would stumbled now and then. Trying to stay in sync with classical music the band played. Mouthing to himself the steps he was taught.

“Well well, Look at you.” Sweetie said.

“Sorry, I’m doing my best.”

“Oh no no! You’re doing lovely! Moving so elegantly.”

“Thanks. I learned a few things from a good friend.”

She held back a sneer, before bluttering out.

“Let me guess, Claw?”

“Oh no, Moby.”

“Ah yes. The mer...I mean former merpup.”

“Yup, He’s full of surprises. Same with Claw too. He actually lent me this suit!”

Her face soured at mention of him but she quickly brightened up.

“Well that’s quite generous of him. Glad to see him being capable of being kind and well behaved when he’s able to.”

“I’m sure he’d take that as a compliment.”

Arrby dipped the pup, with Sweetie taken aback at how close their snouts were for a few seconds. Before she could react, Arrby pulled her back up.

“I really do appreciate you taking him in for the time being.”

“It’s only for your sake. I wouldn’t have done that for any other pup.”

“Guess that must make me pretty special to you then huh?”

Sweetie tried to sneer and gawk as usual by her true feelings shined through.

“As a matter of fact, yes. You very much are.”

The pirate pup suddenly felt hot under his collar and Sweetie steered their conversation somewhere else.

“I finally talked to the princess today by the way. It was a good talk. A proper one.”

“That’s awesome to hear!”

“It was a little awkward but I think we really are getting somewhere now. I don’t know if I would have done that if you hadn’t push me to do it.”

“All I did was recommend it. You did the hard part. Being honest.” Arrby chuckled, letting his digits rub into between Sweetie's paw pad. The pampered pup appreciating the feeling.

“Ya know, I should take my own advice and say something to Captain Sid.”

“I take he’s being difficult again?”

“Yeah, but...I don’t wanna focus on that right now. I’d rather keep my attention on you.”

“Arrby.”

Just then the trumpets started to play a bumping beat. A cello and violin began to play in merriment with one another. Drums bumped and bounce to the cadence of the other instruments. The melody reminded the pirate of a familiar sea sanity. He began to pick up the pace. Sweetie did her best to keep up with his waltz which turned into something else entirely. The pair flung and spun around the ballroom. Arrby seeming to let the music take him with Sweetie barely able to keep up.

“Whoa! Slow down Pirate!”

“Come on! Let’s get those sea legs moving princess!” He teased.

“You mean Queen! Heheheh” She laughed aloud. The occasional snort coming out of her mouth.

“That’s soo cute!”

“Ugh! Hahah! No it’s not! Shush” She said between giggles and snorts.

Their brash dance of a combined ballroom waltz and pirate jig had caught the attention of the other guests. Some had began to clap along to their dance while others followed suite with their partners. Following them in sync as Sweetie took the lead. Dropping her formalities, she grabbed Arrby’s paw and flung the boy full force. The wiener dog spun in several circles before ricocheting back to Sweetie. The pampered pup grabbing him and dipping him the same way he had done.

“Now who has sea legs?”

Arrby was at a loss as Sweetie looked down towards him. Her confident and slightly devious face stole his heart. It was a face he had seen on two other pups before. Sweetie wore it with feminine grace. He leaned up and gently licked the side of her snout. Some guests gasped at the sudden display of affection. Sweetie practically dropped the pup in shock.

“Uhhhh! Busby! Distract!”

On que, her faithful companion began to wiz and spin on the dance floor. Keeping the other guests attention just long enough for Sweetie to pick up Arrby. Pulling him off the dance floor, towards the right hall where the help would occasionally walk through. She pulled him under one of the large stain glass windows. The light of the stars bleeding through it and into the hall.

“I’m soo so sorry!” Sweetie cried out.

“Hahaha, it’s okay. I caught you by surprise is all.”

“Perhaps, You did miss after all.”

Arrby tilted his head at her.

“I missed?”

“You missed.”

Without another word, Sweetie leaned into the pup. Locking her lips with his. Arrby’s eyes shot open before closing. Sweetie had never been so bold or up front with any pup before. She had him exactly where she wanted him. Arrby very much enjoyed the kiss and the lovely feelings that it brought along within him. He loved her, he knew he did. He made no mistake about that. He wasn’t sure when it happened or why but he couldn’t deny how he felt. Though in the back of his mind, something lingered. A flame that burned for two other pups as it did for Sweetie. The thought of that flame being snuffed out, alarmed him. He didn’t dwell on it for now, but for the Knight that pressed himself against the window just above the kissing pair, His fire had smoldered. He grinded his teeth in quiet anger. Tears had began to well in his eyes but he fiercely fought them back.

“No...No!”

Sweetie had thought she had won. That Arrby was hers, but Claw wasn’t going to quit so easily. Even if it meant having to do something he had never thought he’d ever do.

“No, No. I refuse!”

He leaned into the window, Placing one paw against the glass, closest to Arrby. Before placing it against his chest plate. Right at his heart.


“Arrby, Wait for me. Please. It’s time for this Knight to speak his truth.”