Skipper stopped just outside the otter cave. He gazed confused when he began to hear loud laughing. It almost sounded like moaning. His feathers began to poof up as he listened.

"Ah! Stop it! N-Not there!"

"Ah! But you like this, no? How about here? Just tell me already!"

Marlene's laughter grew louder and Skipper could hear a moan or two. It was a like combination of both. His face turned bright red.

What on earth where they doing?!

Without wasting another second, he slid in and gasped at the sight before him.

Antonio had Marlene pinned against her bed. He was sitting on her, his paws gripped the sides of Marlene's body. Their chests barley touched. What made the scene even more wrong was that Marlene was panting, her cheeks turned bright red under her white fur and she was sweating and almost crying as she laid under him.

It just looked so wrong. Skipper's face turned a pinkish shade as he gazed at the two.

The two otters both gazed at the penguin at the entrance and froze.

"It's.. It's not what it looks like!" Marlene gasped after a moment. Antonio quickly let her go and got up. A deep blush under his white fur as he took a few steps back.

"Amigo We.. We were just. I was just tickling her. Nothing else. " Antonio said though his voice was filled with embarrassment. He scratched his neck. "I was just trying to get her to tell me where she stashed the extra oysters."

"Behind the painting. Feel free." Marlene took a breath as she stood up. She gazed at Skipper as Antonio awkwardly walked away toward the painting. She wanted to change the subject and played with her paws. "W-What brings you here, Skipper?"

"I wanted to talk to you but I heard.."

"N-Nothing was going on." She Squeaked out. Her fur standing up in embarrassment. She understood how Skipper must've misunderstood the situation.

"I just wanted to make sure you were OK." Skipper said then he sighed and waved a flipper. "Anyway can we talk outside for a moment?"

"Uh yeah! Sure!" Marlene followed him, she called over her shoulder. "Antonio I'll be right back! Don't eat all the oysters!"

"No promises!" Antonio grinned as he took a bite.

Marlene let out a chuckle as she followed Skipper outside where it was more private to talk. She placed her paws in her hips as she gazed at him. They both stood near her pond.

"Alright. What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

Skipper turned around to face her. He decided to get straight to the point. "Antonio. Do you trust him?"

"What?" Marlene blinked

"Do you trust him?"

Marlene growled. Her fur standing up. "Look if you're going to attack him again or something then I suggest-"

"Answer the question, Marlene."

".. Yes. I trust him Skipper." Marlene said after a moment. "I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I've known him all my life. And I trust him with my life."

Skipper was silent. He was thinking.

"Is that it? Cause I need to go. Antonio is probably eating all the oysters." She said when Skipper didn't respond. She decided to head back with a sigh. "I'll see you later Skipper."

"I'm sorry."

Marlene stopped, slowly she turned around to face him. Did she just hear what she thought she heard? "What?"

"Last night," He began, taking a step closer he sighed. "I'm sorry for my actions that night. And this morning. It wasn't right on how I treated you. I was being stubborn and... I apologize"

"Skipper.. It's alright. I'm glad you finally talked to me. I didn't want things to be so awkward between us. But, I need to know." Marlene frowned. She played with her paws. Then she gazed into his ocean like blue eyes. "Why did you kiss me?"

Skipper sighed. "I.."

"I mean.. You made it obvious you don't like me in that way." She frowned. "Right?"

"I.. No. I do like you as a friend."

Marlene frowned. "So why do it?"

Skipper held his tongue. "I don't know. I just couldn't control myself."

Marlene scoffed and muttered under her breath. "Why can't you just tell me the truth?"

"Tell you what?"

Marlene looked up and met his eyes. "Nothing."

"So.." He awkwardly said. "We're okay?"

Marlene gazed at him. She didn't understand why he wasn't saying the truth but maybe it was for the best that they stay friends. She was still surprised Skipper actually apologized. He rarely does that.

"Yes, Skipper." Marlene leaned over and hugged him tight. "Everything is okay. We're good. "

After a moment. Skipper hugged her back wrapping his flippers around her back. He pulled her in closer.

"I'm glad." He whispered.

"Me too." Marlene nuzzled herself into his strong shoulder.

The hug went longer then expected, it was like they both didn't want to break free from each other. Until Skipper finally pulled away. He coughed awkwardly and backed away a bit.

"Anyway I heard the chimps talking. Guessing Antonio is staying. Is that correct?"

Marlene was surprised that Skipper wasn't angry at her. But rather just calm. It was kinda odd. She frowned. She didn't mean to keep it away from him and was gonna tell him and the others later on. "Only if it's okay with you."

"What?"Skipper blinked

"I trust Antonio. But I trust you too. " Marlene said. She took a step closer and held her paw against her shoulder. "If you really think he's a threat or a spy... I'll.. I'll tell him to leave. It's just I've never had real otter roommate. But I understand if you don't trust him.I was going to tell you that he was going to be staying. But well. You know how you get sometimes."

"Marlene I can't ask you to do that. He's obviously making you happy. I trust you and if you trust him then I'll trust him too." Skipper gave a soft smile.

Marlene eyes light up.

"You're the best!" She leaned in again hugged him.

"Yes.." He smiled as he returned the hug then pulled away. "Anyway I'll get my men. You get Antonio and the chimps. We'll meet at the shop in 15."

"Roger that!" She saluted then quickly went back inside her cave without another word.

Skipper watched her leave. She was happy and that was all the mattered. Even if it mean it was breaking his own heart. Quickly he slid back to his HQ to get the others.

Marlene sighed as she slowly walked inside her cave. She spotted Antonio sitting on her bed. He Gazed at her.

"You alright?" He asked as he handed her a oyster.

"Well.. I think.." Marlene sighed. She took the oyster and held it in her paws. "I don't know. Skipper. He's just so.. It's hard to talk to him sometimes."

"Ah yes. Love is complicated. But don't worry. Soon enough he will tell you the truth."

"I hope so." Marlene mumbled. "But maybe it's better if we're just friends."

"We'll see Marlene." Antonio placed a paw on her shoulder. "If he really does love you. He'll tell you soon enough. Just give him time."

Marlene nodded then took a bite of her food. Antonio gave a soft smile as he took a bite of his own and the two sat in comfortable silence. It felt nice and Marlene felt safe with him next to her. It's like they've known each other for years but really its been almost a day.

Marlene looked at him, a smile spread on her lips. She then took a bite of her oyster before Antonio noticed her staring.

..
.

Poor Skipper. Why can't he just tell Marlene the truth? Also did you guys think Antonio was going to be a jerk? Well it did seem like that last chapter. But trust me. Antonio is a sweetheart... or is he?

Tune in for the next chapter! How are things going to be with Antonio staying in the zoo? How will Skipper tell her the actual truth if Antonio is slowing winning her affection over time?

We shall see!