Rocky was walking down the driveway, humming a cheerful tone, as he thought about what he was going to get for his mate, Zuma. The water pup had been so excited to spend Christmas with him that Rocky ended up sleeping with him in his pup house a night before. Thinking about it, Rocky couldn't help but smile and laugh a little at the memory. The recycle pup loved everything about Zuma, he was just like him in a way, and have some similarities made it easier to connect and communicate with someone. Rocky remembered, when he first joined the PAW Patrol, he had been hesitate and had considered Ryder untrustworthy. Zuma had been like that too, only out of nervousness instead of doubt. He remembered how the Lab constantly stuck by his side, because Rocky had been in the same boat, and for some reason, Zuma was attracted to him like Marshall was to Chase. Looking back, Rocky could have laughed at how nervous and unusually clumsy he had been whenever Zuma popped up outta nowhere, and wouldn't leave him be. Since then, their friendship grew and so did their feelings.

Rocky just smiled as he was brought back to the present.

Now, they were mates and Rocky could honestly say that this was best thing to ever happen to him in life. Zuma, as it turns out, was very easy-going and for a moment, Rocky had feared Zuma would try and push the subject of him being in the water a little more harder than he did, but as it turns out, Zuma was understanding. Rocky didn't even have to say anything, Zuma guessed Rocky had had a bad experience and he would never try to make Rocky do anything he wasn't comfortable with. They took baby steps, and soon Rocky didn't even mind the water as much as he did in the past - so long as he was with Zuma, anyway. Zuma was a gentle lover, patient with him, didn't mind most of their activities involved going down to the recycle place, and whenever Rocky was in his element, Zuma didn't disturb him. Instead, he just smiled reassuringly, and let him be. When they were alone, the two would snuggle and talk quietly, until they both fell asleep usually in one or the other pup house. The first time they made love was a pleasant memory Rocky often found remembering, like right now.

Blushing slightly, Rocky shook his head.

Yes, he was very much in love with Zuma, and he wanted to get him a present that respected that. He wanted the Chocolate Lab to know that Rocky enjoyed every, waking moment with him and he couldn't have asked for a better mate if he'd tried. Wanted to show just how much Zuma means to the recycle pup.

"You know Zuma's favorite thing in the whole world? Spending time with his mate." Chase had told him, chuckling lightly as Rocky blushed. "He won't stop talking about you, Rocky. The pup's crazy in love with you."

"Kind of like how Marshall is with you? Marshall won't stop talking about you either, bad and good." Rocky had responded, making Chase laugh.

"Yeah...something like that. I'm crazy for him, too."

"I think we are all a little crazy for our mates."

"Love's just crazy in general."

"Ain't that the truth?"

After that, Rocky had planned this day to be perfect. Zuma deserved the best, and was Rocky was going to give his mate the best Christmas ever.


"Has anyone seen Wocky? I can't find him anywhewe." Zuma asked, concern. The sun was still high in the sky when Rocky left the Lookout, but the others shook their heads.

"Not since this morning." Skye said. Zuma bit his lip, looking at the ground. Seeing this, Marshall spoke up.

"Rocky said he'll be out for a good while trying to surprise you, Zuma. I wouldn't worry much." The Dalmatian said, but that did little to ease Zuma's mind.

"Wight. Thanks Mawshall." Zuma said, turning away. The others watched him go before Marshall let out a sigh.

"I swear, Zuma's like a lost puppy without Rocky." He said. Chase nuzzled him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Kind of like someone I know?" He whispered, but Marshall knew exactly where Chase was heading, and gave him a side glare.

"Says the one who whines every time I leave for a mission." He said, causing Chase to blush as Rubble and Skye snickered underneath their breath. Hearing them, Marshall rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't laugh if I were you two. Rubble's just as worse as Chase, and Skye you kind of become clingy whenever Rubble isn't around."

The two dogs blushed, utterly mortified.


The sun was starting to set and Mayor Goodway's Christmas party was about to begin, and there was still no sign of Rocky anywhere. Zuma was starting to get worried when his pup tag lit up.

"Zuma?" It was Rocky.

"Wocky? Whewe awe you, dude? We were just about to leave to the Chwistmas pawty." Zuma said, his concern overpowered his anger. Then again, Zuma wasn't exactly the easiest person to get angry.

"Zuma, don't go." Rock spoke through, making Zuma confused.

"Go? Wocky what's wrong?" He asked, trying not to panic as a series of events went through his head.

"Nothing's wrong, Zuma. Just...don't go to the party. Meet me down at the beach, please. I have a surprise for you." Rocky said, but before he could question it, Rocky stopped the call. Zuma looked at the others, who had a smile on their face.

"Go." Ryder said and Zuma didn't need to be told twice.


When Zuma reached the beach, his mouth dropped open in awe at the all the lights, the dinner down on the blanket, and of course, when he saw Rocky.

Gone with the hat and his usual green suit, Rocky was wearing a black tux, fur combed, and if his nose was deceiving him, he could have sworn Rocky smelled like shampoo, meaning the mix-breed had taken a bath prior, and judging by the smell, he had a bath at Katie's shop.

Zuma was in awe.

"I wanted to make our Christmas together special." Rocky said, shifting nervously on his paws. "So I decided we can have a dinner down at the beach. I also have a gift to give to you, from the bottom of my heart, as well as the ocean's." Zuma had been confused until he saw Rocky holding up a pretty, sparkly, orange shell as well as a green one. "Went down into the ocean to get this. I actually met our mer-pup friends too, surprisingly, and they found a whole collection of different colored shells. If you like, I can show you where it is."

Zuma smiled as he walked up to Rocky and kissed him. Breaking apart, Zuma whispered...

"Maybe some othew time. Wight now, I'd wather spend time hewe with you, on the beach." He said, making Rocky smile. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."