A/N: Action takes place during the time of the episode Driven to the brink (Season 2, episode 25). It's advisable to watch the episode before reading this fanfic. The title of this chapter is taken from a song, with the same title by 702.
Chapter I - The Little Game We Play
~3rd person POV~
After the car challenge to navigate around the zoo in clockwise direction hadn't gone according to the plan, the car was brought back to the garage. The vehicle seemed to be overheated and Rico was ordered to cool it by any means. Private decided to help him. The Brit wanted to talk to the car and convince it not to attack Rico anymore.
In the main room, Skipper peeked at his lieutenant from behind the folder he was holding as the latter was doing himself up in front of the pink plastic hand mirror for over an hour. Seriously, there were only the make-up and eyeliner needed and Skipper would think that he had got a girl in his team. Even Julien didn't take so much time. The boss cleaned his throat to remind Kowalski about his presence. The scientist stopped the activity and stood up, turning to his leader.
"Asking for permission to leave the base."
"If you're about to hit on Doris AGAIN, I'm feeling obligated to remind you..."
"I know Skipper. No need to say it out loud AGAIN." Kowalski shifted impatiently, this conversation was really unnecessary.
Skipper glared for a moment at the other penguin and looked back into the folder, "Granted. Looking splendid.", he smirked.
Kowalski climbed quickly up the ladder, grateful that Skipper was busy with the folder and hadn't noticed his light blush. Inhaling the fresh air, the scientist left the penguin habitat and slowly headed towards the aquarium.
~Kowalski's POV~
Why am I doing this to myself? This cover is ridiculous. Pretending that I'm interested in Doris to gain his attention. Putting a show by sitting around for an hour and seventeen minutes just to get a sarcastic remark...or it wasn't sarcasm, was it? Nine times out of ten Skipper's remarks are mockery, especially when they are directed towards me. It has an injurious effect on me and still...nah! Even thinking about emotions is really not my strong side. I don't want to imagine what would happen if Skipper learnt the truth...relax Kowalski, you're going to chit-chat with Doris for a while, come back home in despair and sob your heart out, because the one whom you cherish doesn't share the same feeling. Heh, true reason, wrong target. It's all wrong! No one falls for their friend... especially when the friend is a higher rank.
My effusive interior monologue was manifested by frowns and wing swings. I had used to talk to myself but stopped after almost giving all away in the unexpected presence of Private. The young penguin's viewpoint and innocence could fall down and I didn't want it to happen. I sighed and entered the dolphin aquarium.
~Skipper's POV~
Few seconds after Kowalski had taken his leave, I sprang to my feet, reached out for the pair of binoculars and exited the base by sliding through the secret passage. I didn't want to use the main entrance, because Kowalski could see me. It turned out later that I worried unnecessary since the 'genius' hadn't paid any attention to his surroundings. I went after my soldier to the aquarium.
I'm in. So far so good. Won't hear much but there aren't any hideaways in front of Doris's pool to come nearer to Kowalski. The egghead looked as if he served in the Charge of the Light Brigade on the way here. Now he's acting natural. Bad strategy, tall boy. No one would put up with you like that, 'course I do but you're my solace...I mean soldier!
The time passed and I got the impression that something was wrong, very wrong. Doris didn't shoo Kowalski away, the penguin didn't cry or yell at her. Maybe this time he succeeded? "Yes, and tanks can transform into planes.", I mumbled to myself. After few minutes, Kowalski said goodbye to Doris and, with a smile on his beak, headed back to the base.
"What in the name of walrus fang is going on here?!", this time I said it louder which attracted the dolphin's attention. My spy action was a failure, luckily Kowalski had already left the aquarium. "Why hello handsome. Are ya watchin' meh?", Doris's high voice together with her Brooklyn accent was disturbing and raised my anger even more. I didn't understand how Kowalski could fall for a creature like her. "No, have you just accepted him?", I moved to the essence of the whole affair. "Whom? Kowalski? Hell no, we're just friends. He's not my type. But I'm single, ya see an' willin' ta meet wit' a betta penguin, if ya kno wat I mean~", to stress her words the dolphin waved with her tail temptingly. I scolded myself in my mind for being so careless on a mission. Deciding that the best I could do would be a good and quick retreat, I waved my flippers in circles at her: "You didn't see anything, got it miss?" and I slid away.
