A/N: I hope to get the final chapter up before the weekend. If not, then it won't be up until Monday or Tuesday. Chapter three is here, and the next chapter may or may not be the last. I haven't decided. Enjoy and Review!

CHAPTER 3 – THE DATE

The next day, roughly 2000 hours (8:00).

Skipper walked up to Kowalski. Private couldn't hear what they were saying, but he could hear that it was about Marlene. Rico sat in the corner, combing his doll's hair. Focusing on Skipper and Kowalski's conversation…

"…Flowers, check. Tie, Check. Anything else, Skipper?" Kowalski asked, running off a checklist of things for skipper's date.

"Negatory, Kowalski. I guess I should head over." Skipper turned to face his troop.

"Men, I will see you tomorrow A.M. I expect to see you back in your bunks when I get back. Dismissed." Skipper went outside and got in the Penguin coupe. Formerly girly, it was changed (for the night) to a sleek, black car with leather seats and cup holders. Kowalski even added a stereo system. Marlene smiled as he pulled up to her habitat.

"Where are we going?"She asked as skipper held the passenger door open for her.

"It's a surprise." Skipper smiled. He turned the car and steered toward the zoo gates. A metal pail awaited them, attached to a rope and pulley system. The two entered the makeshift elevator, and ascended. They stopped at the top, above the bell. A table was waiting for them, with a candle in the center. Two plates and two seats. Max the cat stood off to the side, with a tuxedo on. Taking their seats, Max walked up to them.

"What can I get for you tonight?" He asked, serving as a waiter. Skipper ordered Tuna, and Marlene ordered a tray of Clams. Skipper stared at her. Marlene blushed. She kept thinking about what she had done to get this, and that it was wrong. Skipper wasn't himself- or so she thought. They ate in all but silence, relishing the date. Marlene looked up at the night sky, noticing the bright moon at an ellipse.

"Beautiful" she whispered

"Sorry, what was that?" Skipper asked

"The moon. It's beautiful tonight." She answered. "Do you want to watch it with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Skipper smiled, and pulled his chair around the table to connect with hers. The two of them hugged at the waist, and stayed in this position until they fell asleep. Max came back over. Seeing they were asleep, he blew out the candle and took their dishes away.

The sun rose, and the clouds were a lovely pink and orange. Skipper woke up. Quickly realizing how soon it was to opening, he shook Marlene up. She was leaning on his shoulder, asleep as well.

"Huh? Whazzat? Oh, skipper – Skipper! It's opening soon!" Skipper smiled.

"At least let me take you back home" he said

Marlene nodded, and the descended down the zoo gates. they drove back to the otter habitat, and skipper lead her to the front of her cave.

"That was the best night of my life." Marlene whispered. Skipper leaned in.

"Mine too." Neither of them knew what to do, but still it came anyway. The kiss. The sparks, the flare. The emotion Marlene felt behind it was amazing. It lasted for about 15 seconds – the longest 15 seconds of Skipper's life. Unfortunately, it had to end. Skipper left back to his coupe in a light hearted manner. Marlene, dazed and happy, danced around her habitat.