I owneth not the penguins or anyone affiliated with them.
This is total, and utter, blasphemy and trash on my part. But, hey, if you like it, by all means, read away, friends!
His team was starting to notice some things about their leader.
Like how he had a thing for the ladies. He wasn't as bad as Julian, but he certainly had his moments. Whenever a lady needed assistance, Skipper would rush to their side. Whether it was Marlene or Kitka, Skipper was wound around their little fingers.
…Er, paws and claws.
When Marlene needed help, Skipper would come to the rescue doubly fast.
When Kitka was being accused of being a rabid bird eater, Skipper defended her honor.
When Marlene pleaded for something, it was given over to her immediately. No questions asked. Case closed. That's an order.
Kitka loved the attention, for the short time she was there. However, their differences were bound to drive them apart. Skipper, a strong, proud penguin, and her, a bird of prey, didn't belong together. His friends looked too tasty. Even he looked slightly delectable.
Marlene didn't notice a thing.
Private did.
Kowalski did.
And Rico did.
But none said a thing.
Even as the Love-u-lator didn't chose show Skipper as Marlene's soul mate, and Skipper demanded a wider, more in detail search. Denial, Kowalski reasoned. When Fred blew his chance, Skipper was smug and happy, content that no idiot would ever win Marlene's heart. That meant Julian had no hope of being with her, either.
Even as Skipper's protective nature sparked whenever Marlene was around Julian.
Even as Skipper's pride beamed on his face when Marlene chased Julian down with a crowbar, which was eagerly supplied to her by Rico.
Even as Skipper gave into her pleading on saving the walrus spy. They knew she was a spy, they KNEW. But Skipper was their leader, and Marlene wanted that incognito mammal saved. So it was.
Even as Skipper rushed into Marlene's habitat without thinking when she screamed in the night.
So, whenever Marlene needed something, or a pretty brunette bird came around, his team was on their toes.
Even if Skipper didn't notice, they did.