Yikes! I'm SO sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up here! I mean, I could give you excuses, but, they're not important. Lol! I'm just sorry I wasn't able to finish this sooner. Enjoy!

Nadine tossed and turned on her bunk, unable to get to sleep. Having slept half of the day had something to do with this, but her mind was at total unrest. Her thoughts swirled around and around, thinking of Private and Kowalski, who she liked more, if she liked any at all.

She sighed. Well, someone from the zoo would be here in two days to pick her up anyway, so hopefully before then Kowalski and Skipper would have a plan of escape for her. But…why did she feel like she didn't want to leave? The other zoo is her home…so why did she feel so at home here? She turned over onto her side, facing the four penguins on the floor. She felt a twang of guilt for taking their beds from them, but they looked comfy enough, if not comfier, so the guilt subsided. But she still couldn't get to sleep!

Nadine softly sat up off her bunk and tip-toed over to the ladder, so as to not wake anyone up. She looked behind her to make sure they were all peacefully sleeping before she advanced up the ladder and reached outside.

The moon was full overhead, and the night was cool. A gentle breeze caressed her feathered cheek, and the feeling calmed her. She tilted her head upward toward the dark, starless sky and sighed with pleasure. And then moments later she practically had a heart attack when she heard footsteps behind her.

She whirled around and jumped backwards to face the intruder, her heart thumping madly.

It was too dark to tell, but the shady shape in front of her looked like…a penguin?

The penguin held up his flippers apologetically. "So sorry, Nadine. I didn't mean to give you a fright. Are you alright?" the penguin asked with concern.

Nadine let out a gasp of relief when she recognized the voice as Private's.

"Oh, yes, I'm fine," she replied slowly.

Private seemed to relax a bit after hearing this. "That's good! I…well, I looked over at your bunk and saw you weren't there, so I decided to look for you up here." He said, shifting uncomfortably in place.

Nadine smiled, touched at his thoughtfulness and concern for her.

"Thank you, Private. I just can't sleep, so I thought that a breath of fresh air would do me good."

Private giggled a little. "Well, it's no wonder you can't sleep, you slept half the day away!"

Nadine laughed along with him. She felt happy to be with him. But then her smile vanished when she remembered the look of hurt on his face that he got when he saw her with Kowalski. Nadine felt like she should apologize…but how? How do you apologize for something like that? (Hmm…she's right, how do you? Well, maybe you could say "Sorry for making you think that Kowalski and I were getting serious when we really weren't, but I saw how upset you looked when you saw us, and I couldn't help but feel guilty for making you feel that way, so…I'm sorry." Ha! Yeah right! That's ridiculous! That totally wouldn't work! It would just make things more awkward!)

Nadine cleared her throat before mumbling in her elongated speech. "Private? Sorry for making you think that Kowalski and I were getting serious when we really weren't, but I saw how upset you looked when you saw us, and I couldn't help but feel guilty for making you feel that, so…I'm sorry." (*slaps myself in the face*)

Private stiffened with embarrassment, and though it was too dark to tell, both penguins were glowing with red faces. (Nadine! How could you make this SO awkward!?)

He stared down at his feet, blushing but feeling pleased that she apologized and that she thought that nothing serious was going on between her and Kowalski.

"Well…I-uh, I forgive you, Nadine. Although, you really don't have to apologize," Private responded with a slight smile.

Both penguins faced away from each other, due to feeling a little embarrassed and awkward toward the situation. Private then felt himself growing even redder once he realized that he was alone with Nadine. Alone! Suddenly, the memory of Skipper's "talk" flooded back into his mind and his face felt like it was on fire! (See? See how harmful "the talk" can be? Poor Private! Why did he have to lose his innocence?) He fidgeted nervously, not knowing what to say or do. (Well, at least he knew what not to do! Ha ha! Sorry, bad joke.)

Nadine grew increasingly uncomfortable with the silence, and she deducted that maybe she shouldn't have apologized to Private so bluntly about her and Kowalski…it appeared to only make things worse. (Well, not entirely, but yeah, it did make things a whole lot more awkward. What on earth possessed her to even apologize about that, and so directly? Was it her guilty conscious? Her undying kindness? Her unrequited love towards Private? Well, I don't know about the last one, but the first two seem probable. Lol!)

The silence grew even longer, and neither of the penguins knew what to say. Nadine glanced around at her surroundings apprehensively and she suddenly felt very tired. So she decided to go back inside and turn in for the night.

"Um…Private? I'm going to go inside now and…go back to bed," she said slowly before heading towards the HQ opening, which was right behind Private.

Her unexpected words caused Private to start in surprise (he was deep in thought thinking of what to say next) and he bumped into Nadine as she passed him, sending both of them tumbling towards the ground, Private landing on top of her! (EEP! Awkward!)

Nadine's breath got knocked out of her as she landed on the concrete. And her mind was all a jumble at what was going on.

Private was looking down and facing Nadine's reddened face. Her brown eyes were filled with confusion and her body was stock still with surprise. He blushed nervously and his body tingled with excitement from the contact of her skin.

"Oh! Nadine, I-I'm so sorry!! I didn't mean to…I-I mean a took a stumble and I-I'm so sorry! Here, let me get off of you. Eh heh," Private laughed nervously.

He stood up off of her (awkwardly) and then offered a flipper to help Nadine up. Nadine took it gratefully and hoisted herself up off the ground.

"You're not hurt, are you?" Private questioned, guilt in his voice.

Nadine felt his sincerity in his apology, and understood that that was a total accident. "Oh, I'm fine, really. Just a little winded," she reported, turning away from him.

"Good! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had harmed you in any way!" Private admitted, and with that, he reached out to her, took her in both flippers, and he hugged her firmly yet gently, and in a loving way. Nadine's eyes widened, and she surprised herself by returning a hug. (EEP!! NO WAY!!!)

How did I get the courage to do that? Private asked himself, feeling exhilarated with newfound confidence.

Nadine enjoyed the embrace and she rested her head on top of Private's (remember, she's a bit taller) for a moment before gently letting go of him. Both penguins were shaking with a surge of joy and embarrassment, and both were extremely red…again. But this time, it didn't feel so awkward.

"Er…let's go back inside…to bed," Private recommended, gesturing towards the HQ.

Nadine nodded in response and she followed him inside.

"G-good night, Private," Nadine whispered as she curled herself up on her bunk.

"Good night, Nadine," Private whispered back as he crawled under his covers.

Wow, Private…he's so sweet, and gentle, and caring…maybe, just maybe… Nadine thought, as she gradually fell into a peaceful sleep.

Yeah…I don't know about that scene. It felt kind of…choppy to me. Please let me know what you think! : )

***

The next morning dawned, and Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private were already up and stretching. Today they were practicing…yoga. (Yoga? That doesn't sound very…military like. Are you sure that's even training?)

"Okay boys. Feathered peacock. Hold it…hold it…and relax. Breath in…out…in…out," Skipper said encouragingly, looking very relaxed and at peace with the world. (Feathered peacock? Is that even a real yoga pose? Google! Oh, it is. Yikes. It looks hard.)

The other three weren't having much luck with this pose. (I can see why! I mean, you need major upper body strength for that one! I never thought that yoga could be so intense!) They were straining and groaning, trying to keep their balance, and they were looking very un-relaxed and at war with the world.

"Alright. At ease. Ah," Skipper sighed as he stretched out his flippers, "That was refreshing! Yoga maintains flexibility men, which is needed in our back-flips and when we're in stealth mode. Plus, it's enjoyable and helps to relieve stress. Agreed?" he asked sharply, turning to them.

"Um…oh, yes, we agree, we agree," Private nodded eagerly, but un-truthfully. He flopped down on the ground with an "uf!", unable to find an easier way to get out of the upside-down position.

Kowalski stooped his shoulders in exhaustion. He didn't have very good balance and he found yoga irrelevant to their training, no matter what Skipper said.

Rico on the other hand loved yoga, but he wasn't very good at the harder poses, and it normally irritated him when he couldn't get them right. So…right now he was in a pretty bad mood, groaning to show it.

But Skipper seemed satisfied with their behaviors, and turned to face the sky. "the zoo's open today, boys, and you know what that means?"

"Cute and cuddly, Skipper?" Private panted out.

"Extra cute and cuddly. Remember, this is the first day that Nadine is--Nadine! Good morning! I trust you slept well?" Skipper asked, turning with flippers rested on his hips to face Nadine, who was coming up out of the HQ.

She yawned a bit and glanced around before slowly nodding.

"So, the zoo is open today?" she ventured to question.

"Why, yes, this will be the day that you are introduced to the public. The zoo opens in around…45 minutes, judging from the sun's position." Kowalski stated, blushing slightly as he smiled at Nadine.

"I see," she responded quietly, blushing in return to Kowalski's smile. Skipper looked between the two of them, comprehending what was going on. He frowned a little before smacking Kowalski lightly upside his head when Nadine's back was turned, talking to Private.

"Yes! This will be a lot of fun! I think that the humans will adore you!" Private beamed, blushing as well.

Nadine blushed even more, and looked embarrassed at the compliment and Private's endearing grin.

Skipper again looked at Nadine and then at Private, comprehending the same thing as before. Rico tapped Nadine on her shoulder, and she turned in response, so Skipper used this opportunity to smack Private upside his head.

My team's gone soft! All lovey-dovey! Skipper thought, a little taken aback. And at this moment, Skipper had an epiphany. Wait a second! Private's "Evol" bug…that's just "love" bug backwards!! Ooh, that Kowalski! That-that Private! Skipper gritted his teeth and fumed over this, vowing to make them regret lying to him. His own team!

Kowalski and Private snuck glances at a clearly ticked off Skipper, wondering what was wrong. Meanwhile, Rico was trying to pantomime to Nadine how they would act when the crowds started to get here, Nadine only grasping half of what he was trying to tell her.

Skipper cleared his throat harshly, making everyone jump. He wanted to give Kowalski and Private a piece of his mind! But not now, in front of Nadine. So instead, he said, "Ready positions everyone! The zoo's almost ready to be opened! Nadine! Pair up with…" Skipper knew better than to pair her up with Kowalski or Private, both of whom were looking hopeful to be picked. So he decided to go with…"Rico! Show her the ropes!" Kowalski and Private looked dejected, but Rico clapped his flippers with excitement, looking forward to showing Nadine what to do for the humans.

Gradually, a slow stream of people started to enter the zoo, strolling around excitedly, looking at maps, and pointing at exhibits.

Skipper automatically brightened up, "Alright men. Commence operation 'Cute and Cuddly!'" He commanded, beginning to dawdle around aimlessly.

Private skid on his stomach in circles, and then dove into the water surrounding the platform of concrete.

People began to flock around the penguins' habitat, noticing that they were all active and looked very cute, as always.

Rico waddled around Nadine, encouraging her to do something as well.

Nadine understood, and began to jump up and down, and then pretended to slip and fall to the ground.

The audience "awed!" collectively, pitying Nadine's (false) clumsiness.

Rico hurried over to her, thinking that she seriously had fallen on accident. He looked at her with concern and he cocked his head before helping her up.

The audience "awed!" again, but this time it was for Rico's sweetness.

"Hey, look! That penguin that fell, he's new!" some girl said, pointing at Nadine. (Nadine looked very ruffled at this comment.)

"Ha! Dummy, it's a girl!" a boy teased her. (Nadine looked relieved that someone was able to identify her gender correctly).

"Really? Aw! How sweet! That one and her must be dating!" the same girl said, fantasizing their romance.

Nadine and Rico both looked at each other, and blushed, turning away from each other awkwardly. Rico immediately let go of Nadine's flipper, which he realized he still had from helping her up. (What's this? Could Rico be…no way!)

Kowalski and Private both heard this, and they didn't like it one bit. They both gradually started to make their way towards Nadine and Rico, acting cute along the way. Kowalski and Private looked at each other nervously.

"Huh? No way! They are so not right for each other! Look at his height! She would look cute with…that one!" another girl chimed in, pointing at Kowalski.

Kowalski perked up at this, and he walked over to Nadine. The crowd looked over at him expectantly, wondering what he was going to do. Nadine looked up at him to, having no clue what Kowalski was planning either.

What should I do to show my affection? I've never really been good with feelings…or emotions…so what to do? What to do? Well, in Antarctica, males would…hmm…I suppose I could experiment with that approach, Kowalski quickly planned out.

Kowalski then proceeded to…preen her?!(WHAT?!?! Kowalski! How forward of you!)

The audience "awed!" yet again. And Nadine trembled and grew hot with embarrassment as Kowalski trembled and grew hot out of his forwardness to preen her. He was gently preening her neck, and his heart thumped madly.

He's--he's preening me? Nadine thought in disbelief.

I'm--I'm preening her? Kowalski thought in disbelief.

The girl who said that Nadine and Kowalski should be together looked smugly at the other girl, "You see? They're perfect for each other!"

This made the two redden even more, as Kowalski ceased his preening and pulled away from her slowly. Nadine quickly turned away from him and turned a dark scarlet.

Did…did I enjoy that? Nadine thought giddily.

Another girl joined in on the penguin-coupling conversation.

"What about the smallest one? They're both so adorable, I'm sure they're compatible!"

With that, Private hurriedly waddled to Nadine and he…he didn't know what to do. He just blushed madly and looked down at his feet. (Private! This is you're your chance to show affection for Nadine! Don't waste it!)

There was silence for a moment or two…but then…

"May…may I kiss you?" Private squeaked out, hesitantly. (EEP!!! GO PRIVATE!!!)

Nadine looked shocked. Kiss her? Wow! No one had ever kissed her before! But, she felt respected by the fact that he asked her permission to kiss her. So, turning away with her face burning, she nodded.

Private gulped nervously, before standing up on his tiptoes and sweetly pecked a kiss on her cheek. (Aw!! A cheek kiss! How sweet!)

I…can't believe I did that! Private thought, happily and in a daze.

That--that felt…nice, Nadine thought, bringing her flipper to the cheek that Private kissed.

The crowd "awed" in total unison, with the Private-Nadine coupling girl yelling, "See? See?"

Rico was standing, his mouth agape watching the scene. His face was red and he felt awkward that he was witnessing Kowalski and Private show their love for Nadine.

"Woah," Rico managed to grunt out.

Skipper was busy the whole time, waving at the crowd and doing flips in the water. When he emerged, he found the scene just as he left it: Rico with Nadine and Kowalski and Private doing their own cute routine. (How did they go back to normal so fast?)

Skipper smiled. Good idea on my part for pairing Rico with Nadine. Who knows what would've happened if I let Kowalski or Private be with her? (Well, you would have known…but you missed it…all of it. Every cute, adorable, awkward, romantic moment of it!!)

For the duration of the day, the penguins swam and looked extra cute for when the visitors got to throw fish at the penguins. But, surprisingly for Rico, he found that he couldn't help but…let his eyes stray towards Nadine. He criticized himself, refusing to admit anything, telling himself that he gave up on love. So why Nadine? Maybe…because she looked at him and not at his scar? Looked deeper into him?

Rico burped, trying to distract himself from what he didn't want to acknowledge: that he was starting to like Nadine…a lot. (WHAT?!? Wow, what a turn of events! GO RICO!! But, will Nadine ever know this?")

"Satisfactory work today men, and Nadine! Your cuteness was unfathomable! But, your cuddliness needs more cuddly. See to it! Oh, and Kowalski, Private. Could I speak to you inside for a moment…alone?" Skipper arched a brow at them both, and then turned to waddle inside, his flippers resting behind his back. Kowalski and Private both gulped and nervously followed.

This left Rico alone with Nadine.

Yeah, what a loser way to end the chapter. I know, I know, I'm sorry! But, I don't know, I wanted a cliff-hanger, I guess. Okay! So…what do you think about these probable couple names?

~Kowalsdine

~Privadine

~Ricadine

Yeah…lame couple names. Can you guys come up with some better ones? Oh, and let me know which one you want paired with Nadine. I kind of have an idea already…but we'll see. : ) Thanks guys!!HaHHHHHHHZXAh