Skipper's POV

The two of them had been in the lab for a while now. Part of me wanted to see what they were up to, but the other part would rather just stay here and look over some mission files.

Private was still watching the Lunacorns. Thanks to my bad luck, there's a marathon running. And from personal experience, you don't want to change the channel when Private's watching a Lunacorn marathon. You just don't. Guess no TV time for me.

After I had finished, I decided that it was probably best if I just quickly checked in on my other two comrades. I got up from where I was sitting and heading towards the door. I opened it just a little and looked inside.

Both of them had fallen asleep, still on the floor where we had left them. Rico was in more of a sitting position while Kowalski was sprawled out across his lap. It was actually a bit heartwarming.

I smiled and closed the door gently, not wanting to wake them up.

"What are they doing in there sir?" Private asked.

"Just sleeping."

"Sleeping?

"That's right."

He shrugged his shoulders and returned his attention back to the screen. I walked back to the table and sat down, not really knowing how I wanted to spend the rest of the night.

My mind flashed back to the scene that I saw just moments ago. The two of them looked so peaceful together. Maybe me and Private could do that some time...

I slapped myself in the face to clear the though from my head. Private looked over with a concerned look on his beak.

"Is something wrong?" He asked.

I rubbed my stinging cheek.

"Nope. Everything's fine here."

I gave him a phony smile and hoped that he would just forget about it. You know, maybe I shouldn't try to deny those thoughts. Maybe I enjoy them. Store them in my memory and never forget.

I smiled, a real one this time, down at the table and started to zone out a bit. I looked over at the clock and was shocked by how late it was.

"It's getting late Private. Let's hit the sack."

"But what about Kowalski and Rico?"

"They're fine. Don't worry about them."

I climbed the ladder and got myself comfortable in my bunk.

"I'm thinking about giving you guys the day off tomorrow."

Private looked up at me from his bunk below.

"What for?"

I rolled over and closed my eyes.

"No reason."

"Well, thank you sir." Private said, smiling to the back of his leader.

"Don't mention it. Good night."

"Good night Skippah."

I pulled the covers up a bit more.

"I love you." I said under my breath.

I blew him a kiss and then floated off into a deep sleep.

Rico's POV

I woke up at a reasonable time the next morning. Kowalski was still sleeping on me, so I decided not to move just yet. I didn't want to disturb him.

I looked down at him and slowly stroked his back, which got me a few sleepy moans of approval. He was so adorable.

I decided to follow my love interest's lead and fall back to sleep. Having him right there with me felt amazing, so why not do it for a bit longer?

3 hours later...

I woke up for the second time that day. I looked at the clock that was on the wall.

So much for a reasonable time.

It was almost noon. I looked down at Kowalski and noticed that he was STILL sleeping. I know he had a rough time last night, but this is ungodly.

"Eh. 'Walski." I said, nudging him lightly.

He opened his eyes a bit but then buried his head into my chest feathers.

"I don't wanna..."

The Kowalski that I know would never say something like that, so I guess this memory loss thing will take about as long as I had suspected.

"Ooh 'ave to." I told him, trying to pry him from me.

"But whyyyyy?"

I smiled at his childlike nature. I grabbed him and brought him up into a standing position along with me. I motioned to the lab door, letting him know that we were going to leave, but right away he grabbed my flipper.

I looked back at him, blushing a little. He just smiled at me and motioned to the door just like I did.

So this is what we're doing, huh?

I let him hold onto me as we left the lab. Skipper and Private were at the table playing another round of cards.

"Hello sleepyheads." Skipper said smiling.

As soon as Kowalski saw the other two, he hid behind me.

"What's wrong with Kowalski?" Private asked.

I explained to them what I made of the situation.

"So you're telling me that he doesn't want to go anywhere without you?" Skipper asked.

I nodded my head. Skipper shrugged and looked back at the hand that he was playing.

"Maybe you should stick with him until he feels better Rico. Maybe let him get to know you." Private suggested.

I looked at the penguin hiding behind me and then back at Private.

"Whatever."

Private smiled and then returned to their game.

I turned around and offered my flipper back to Kowalski. He took it right away and followed me to the couch. I sat him down and watched as he waited for me to do the same.

"Wait here."

Kowalski had a sad look on his face, but listened anyway. In a few minutes I was back with some fish. I handed a piece of it to him and watched as he looked at it with a puzzled expression on his beak.

"It's fish." I told him.

"I like this?"

I nodded.

He put the fish into his mouth and slowly started to chew it. He gave me a satisfied look and stuffed more into his mouth.

I chuckled a little as I watched my friend eat fish for the "first time". I felt something touching my side and noticed that he had scooted closer to me. My face turned a deep red as he slowly started to stroke my feathers.

"Thank you, it's Rico right."

"Yep." I said nervously.

"Well thank you Rico."

I never wanted this to end. I rested my head on his shoulders and started to purr lightly from the affection I was being given. I felt myself being touched again, but this time it felt different. It felt like a kiss.

I looked up at him and right away he locked our beaks together. My heart was racing and my thoughts were slowly starting to fade. I started to kiss back and enjoyed the sensation even more.

After a few minutes of pure bliss, Kowalski broke the kiss. I let out a few protesting moans.

Great, I thought. Now I'm acting like the child.

He smiled at me and leaned over closer. Soon he had me lying against the sofa with him on top. He rested his head on my chest and closed his eyes. I let out a sigh.

Again?

I just hope this isn't all from that stupid machine. I'll try to get some more answers later, but for now, I need some Kowalski time.

Hey guys! I finally got around to doing the second chapter to this story. I would've done it yesterday but I had a decent amount of homework. Honors or not, you shouldn't have to do a 4 paragraph essay for History on the second day of school! Regardless, it's here. Ooh! Before I forget! I decided to add some Pripper in this story just to spice things up. Well, mainly because I have more experience with writing Pripper than Kico, but whatever! I hope you all enjoyed and thanks for reading! XD