Marlene stared in horror as Skipper put the letter down, she was utterly embarrassed and everyone knew it. That letter was something she sent to her mother out of confidence, she needed someone to talk to and her mom was the only one who wouldn't tell her to forget him and marry the richest otter she found.

She held in her breath as skipper waddled toward her, just through her fur a dark shade of red was visible, her cheeks felt hot, and she just wanted to crawl into a hole. Of course she didn't expect Skipper to make fun of her or laugh, it was just awkward.

Skipper put an arm around her and kissed her deeply, at first Marlene was unresponsive, than she kissed back, she wasn't quiet done when Skipper pulled back, she didn't want to stop, but Skipper pulled away and smiled charmingly at her.

"I personally think it was informative." He blurted, Marlene Sighed and pulled away, he couldn't think of anything good to say, and that was the best he could come up with.

"It was also incredibly embarrassing." She moaned, dropping her big hazel eyes into her paws. Skipper put a comforting arm on her shoulder, he pulled her into a hug at first he was tense but he lightened up for her sake, he took in a deep breath and said.

"It's better than some of the unsent letter I wrote to MY parents." Marlene leaned in and nuzzled his neck sweetly, she turned picked her head up ever so slightly to look at Carlene and Private, they nodded their heads already knowing the plans.

Marlene jumped away from his grip and started for the door, Skipper jumped forward, only to be held back by Carlene and Private. He struggle to break free, the two of them together they were very strong; Private walked over to the door and blocked it off. Skipper looked up at Carlene who was holding him down single handedly, she was strong.

Marlene was about half way there when she heard Skipper yell her name, he read her letters now it was her turn, she jumped down the fish bowl entrance to the calm peaceful air of the H.q. Kowalski was working diligently with his chemicals, while Rico was in the corner with his girlfriend.

"Where are the letters?" She shouted, Kowalski turned to her with a confused look, just now noticing she was here. Marlene gasped for air but still looked around the room furiously. She started digging under Skippers pillows but found nothing.

"What letters?" Kowalski asked putting down the test tube filled with the fizzy blue liquid.

"Skipper wrote letters to his Parents about me but never sent them." She shouted as she ran across the room looking behind the TV and under the chess board that lay in the middle of the room.

Kowalski thought for a moment, than it hit him. "Oh, those letters, they make a good read and."

"Where are they?" Marlene interrupted, getting right in his face, he lowered his eyes and backed away a few steps, he walked calmly over to the fridge and pulled out a key that was hidden under a half empty carton of orange juice, He walked back over to the Skippers bunk and moved the pillow aside.

Right behind the pillow was a key hole; Kowalski turned the key and opened the drawer. Marlene lunged forward and glanced inside several envelopes were lined up inside. Marlene's eyes widened and she pulled out the first one, while Rico stood beside Kowalski as the two watched her read the letters.

"I know I've never wrote to you before, but I think I finally found a girl you'd approve of, she's sweet and caring, she strong and independent, and there is something about her that drew me to her from the minute I saw her. Her smile is like an addiction to me, and I'll do anything to see it. I'm not sure how she feels about me, but after 6 months I'm certain I know how I feel about her. I know Captain wouldn't take this as good news, but I know you would Mom, over all the time you taught me to be strong I think she is my weakness.

I find my self doing anything for her, From waking in the middle of the night upon hearing her scream, all the way to raiding the sewer and fighting a mutant lab rat to get back a Spoiled lemurs crown I knocked off while trying to impress her. I hope I haven't been too much of a bother."

Marlene smiled sweetly at the letter, but noticed there wasn't a greeting or a closing; he just wanted to talk to her. She put the letter back into the envelope and switched it for another letter.

"I'm only getting myself into deeper trouble every time I see her, that adorable smile and her reaction to my stubbornness. I am now certain Captain would not like my react to her, he would only say things like, falling to your knees for an otter, How have you been raised.

Yet I can't resist but smile every time I see her, her beautiful Hazel eyes that I've grown to love, all those stories about you and Captain meeting I get what you mean when you said Shocking touch, however I will never be able to show my vulnerability to her."

Marlene Felt tears swell in her eyes, as she pulled out the next letter, but this one had a name written on the cover, it was in a fancy Script writing, smooth and elegant, it read Marlene. She gasped for a moment and nearly tore it open.

"Dear Marlene,

In the time that you have been here, you've grown close to me; you've helped me realize that not everything has to be a mission. You've also shown me that even though I still like to protect you, you don't need it as much as I realize. Your brave and smart kind and independent, you have a certain strength that impresses me to see, and I'm so glad I can call you my friend.

Marlene I do feel more for you, more than the friendship that we both know exists. It's something I see Everyday on Privates soap operas. I care for you enough to give up the control I have left, and reduce to just a penguin with feelings higher than Friendship for you.

Marlene I love you and I wish desperately to tell you.

Skipper."

Marlene Folded the letter up and pushed it back into the Envelope, tears of happiness were clouding her eyes, as she dropped it back into the drawer. She threw the key back to Kowalski and smiled to herself.

"Marlene!" Skipper yelled jumping down the fishbowl entrance, he saw her sitting on his bunk and the second he called her name, she turned to face him, tears where crawling down her face, and the light smile that Skipper loved curled her lips upward.

She rushed over to him, throwing her arms around him and jumping into his arms, she knew she didn't want her to read them because it made him feel vulnerable, but it was the sweetest thing Marlene had ever read, and the fact that it was about Marlene made it even better.

Skipper hugged her tightly, forgetting why he had come back to the H.q. in such a rush, "Marlene." He whispered sweetly, she nuzzled into his feather, tears still dripping down her face. She chocked in for air several times, taking in his aroma of fish.

"I love you." they whispered, still hugging each other like life depended on it.