Skipper's POV

He looked through his attire for the evening. Cowboy or Bad boy were the choices.

"Private. Which should I wear to Julien's birthday, Cowboy or Bad boy?" He asked Private. Private pondered over the question.

"I think Bad boy, Skipper. It portrays your inner person." He raised his eyebrow at Private's comment but shook his head. He put his costume on his bed.

"I'm going to see if Marlene is awake yet. I'll be back in a minute. Have you prepared the party decorations and everything?" He asked Private. Private nodded. Skipper leapt out of base and made his way to Marlene's cave. He looked at the clock on the wall near her bed. 9 o'clock PM, Time to party. He looked into her cave and saw her sleeping peacefully. He crept up to her and stopped in his track when he heard her mumble his name in her sleep. She started to toss and turn. She kept mumbling his name loudly until she screamed and woke up. She screamed again when she saw him.

"Are you okay Marlene? I came to tell you that Julien's surprise party is in 5 minutes in our base. It's a masquerade and you don't need to bring anything because we have prepared them already. I hope… you'll… well, hope I see you… there… maybe… I… have to go… see you!" He stuttered and turned around.

"Skipper!" She yelled as he stepped out of the cave. He turned around sharply to see her hobble over. "Will you be there?" He nodded. "Okay. I'll come!"

Skipper smiled and went home to get changed. He would give her the surprise of her life.

5 minutes later at the party.

When Skipper entered the base, he saw everyone dancing. He smiled and winked at the team through his mask. He felt a tap on his shoulder and saw Kitka. He smiled and hugged her.

"Ah! Skipper, nice to see you again. Kowalski invited me. He said that you might need some company from an old friend." She said. He smiled and asked her for a dance. She complied and they danced. The song changed to a slower track. They danced till the end of the sing when Kitka dipped him low and kissed him. He heard someone take in a breath and pushed Kitka away in time to see Marlene leave.

"Marlene!" He called out to her and chased after her. They neared Julien's habitat when she slipped on her bad leg and fell. She cried out in pain as she clutched her leg and tried to get up. Skipper ran as fast as he could and crouched beside her.

"Marlene, are you okay? Let me see." She thrashed around until he straddled her chest and held her down. "Marlene! Hold still or else the pain will be worse!" That got her attention and she held still. Skipper got off her and examined her leg. The cut had reopened and her knee had swollen. She bit her lip as he ran his flipper over the cut. He had a chance at that moment to look at what she was wearing. She was wearing a purple, flowing ball gown and a feathery mask. He took off the mask and saw her eyes were brimming with tears.

"Oh, Marlene." He said sympathetically, "I'm sorry, I didn't think –" He was cut short by her placing a finger on his beak.

"No, Skipper! I was foolish to run away. It's my fault. But now you know my secret. And I know yours." She smiled and leaned closer to him. He leant closer but he heard the team arriving so he pushed her down gently.

"Skipper! Marlene!" He heard Private yell. Kowalski soon appeared beside Skipper and gasped at her leg.

"Skipper, we have to let her rest. She's made it worse now. Can you take her home, Skipper? But first I need to talk to you." Kowalski said and dragged him away.

"I'm sorry, Skipper. I didn't know." Kowalski explained.

"No matter, Kowalski. I forgive you. But know I have to get her home. Explain the situation to Kitka. She'll understand." He turned to Marlene and picked her up. Once she heard the team's voices vanish, she leant her head against his chest. She looked into his eyes.

"I like your costume. You know I like Bad Boys." She said. Skipper chuckled at the Cheeky Little Devil. He kissed her forehead as she snuggled up to him and fell gently to sleep.

At that moment, Kowalski, Private and Rico

"Aw! Mission accomplished. Mission Love Boat a success." Private said and high-fived Kowalski and Rico.

"Come on! Let's get back to the party!" Kowalski said and they jumped down and slid back to their base.

A little OC, I know. Sorry, but I couldn't resist the little love. I'm going to continue the story…