Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
A/N: I hope you like this story, This is a sequel to "Tough Love", I just cant stay away from Pripper! Or is it Skivate? Whatever, there might be some Kico or some other pairings in there too!:) Sorry if the story seems bunched together, I tried to give a part to each of the penguins, but I'll most likely make separate chapters for SkipperxPrivate and another pairing, if I decide to make one. R&R!
The sun had already risen, gleaming across the streets of New York City, as Skipper, Private, and Rico were just beginning to rise themselves. Rico was sitting at the table, occupied by his doll, which he had been brushing the hair of since he had awoken. Private was intently watching Tv, and Skipper was right beside him. Skipper had no idea why Private was so in to the odd shows the humans put on the television, but if it made Private happy, it made him happy.
Skipper's thoughts were interrupted by the low moan of pain coming from Private, and he was quick to react.
"Private, you O.K.?" He asked with care in his voice, putting his flipper gently on the pained penguin's lap. Private gripped his side, trying his best to force a smile.
"I'm fine, Skippah. Just hurts a bit." He whispered, putting his flipper on the leader penguin's and gripping it softly. Skipper smiled, but knew he was lying. Private was in the most pain of his life.
Just last night, Private had left the HQ and was attacked by a pack of wild dogs. Skipper thanked God for being there just before the little Private's life could have been ended. He remembered every second so vividly, watching the little penguin bleed in his arms as he told him he loved him. He remembered the kiss, that wonderful kiss, and carrying him back home to the HQ, where he belonged. He also remembered getting to the lair, waking up Kowalski, and watching the painful operation as Kowalski sewed up the injuries as best he could. Skipper could feel himself almost cry just thinking about it, so he decided to try to forget. After all, it was all in the past now.
Skipper leaned in towards Private, making sure Rico couldn't see, and gently kissed him on the forehead. When he pulled away, he had a stern, but still caring voice as he whispered,
"When they leave for training, I need to have a word with you." Private giggled a bit, but stopped as he noticed that Skipper still had a worried look on his face. He was going to say something, but stopped as he caught a glimpse of Kowalski finally getting up and out of his bunk.
Kowalski lazily jumped down from his bunk and sat at the table beside Rico, quickly pulling out a notebook and crayon as he observed the two at the couch. He was trying to take notes on how Private was reacting to the stitches and heavy dosage of painkillers he had given him, but he had something else on his mind. Not too long ago, he had noticed that Skipper and Private were spending a lot of time together. At first he didn't notice anything and was too busy to care, but after a while he had become suspicious.
He began to write something down, but noticed the leader leaning in towards Private. He saw the little penguin turn red, but lean in as well. Soon after, the two were as close as they could possibly be on the couch, and were staring into each others' eyes. Kowalski, as surprised as he was, started to write.
It seems that Skipper has taken an affection to Private. Im not sure what it is all about, but it seems that Skipper is trying to become more of a father figure for Private. Could there be an explanation for this? Did something happen while Skipper found Private in the city that I or Rico do not know about? Or am I wrong, and is there something more serious going on between the two? I can only sit and watch, as I believe it is too early to make accusations.
Rico had noticed the strategist writing and watched him intently. Something about Kowalski working got Rico enthralled in the penguin. He wasn't sure why, but after a while he noticed he stopped brushing the hair of his doll and was now staring at Kowalski. He wasn't sure how long he was staring, but after a while Kowalski noticed and turned back to the crazed penguin.
"Uhmm...Rico?" He asked, wondering why he was staring at him with such an odd look on his face. It resembled someone who was completely intrigued with something, though Kowalski couldn't figure out why Rico was intrigued with his face. Rico quickly snapped out of it and was now bursting with red. He was stuttering, trying to figure out why he was staring in the first place, when Skipper began to speak.
"Alright, men. We need to go topside. We may have woken up late, but that doesn't mean we can stop our training." He commanded, getting up with the rest of the team. He noticed Private try to stand up, and he put a flipper on his shoulder, shaking his head.
"But Skippah! Im alright, I can train!" Private protested, determination in his eyes. But his hope had been crushed as Skipper said,
"Private, you're in no condition to train today. Maybe tomorrow." He said, trying to make his way to the ladder, where the other two penguins were already halfway up.
"But Skippah..." Private started, a small tear in his eye. But he was cut off by Skipper putting his flipper on the distraught penguin's beak.
"Private. I know you're not O.K. You don't have to train because you think it would make you seem stronger. I already know just how strong you are" He said with a smile on his face as he pulled Private in closer, touching his beak with his own. Private smiled as he slowly turned red.
"Alright. Thank you, Skippah."
"Don't mention it, Private. I'll be back in here to check up on you in a few minutes. But for now, you should rest." Private nodded happily as he watched Skipper climb up to the habitat, hoping he would return as soon as possible...