Chapter 12: Marshall's Growing Concern

*Note: a * means a dream is happening.*

It took a minute for Marshall and Snowflake to calm down, due to their emotional stress. Once they calmed down, the two separated from the hug and without saying a word, went down the elevator.

No pup said anything. Once Skye, Rocky, and Rubble returned to The Lookout, Marshall, Snowflake and Chase explained the emergency to them. There wasn't a dry eye as the pups realized just how close Marshall had been to getting seriously hurt, or worse. The pups cried as they embraced each other, not wanting to let go of the pups that almost could have ended up in the vet or hospital. Ryder joined them shortly, sharing in the emotions too.

Soon, it was bedtime, and the pups all went to bed inside The Lookout. It mostly turned out to be a peaceful night, but for a certain Dally, the memories of the rescue were still fresh in his mind:

*The fire ragged around Marshall! Even with his water cannons, this was too big a fire to put out alone. Smoke filled the air, making it hard to see! The heat was too intense! He just hoped Ryder and Snowflake could help-

CREEEEEEK ... CRASH! The roof caved in on Marshall! Burning heat and pain filled his body as Marshall was completely at the mercy of the fire! He screaming in agony, burning, begging for help!

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!"*

"AAAHHH!" Marshall exclaimed, waking up from his nightmare. Looking around, none of the pups had woken up. Sitting still, Marshall thought about what he was feeling; afraid he could have died, sad he made Snowflake, Chase, and Ryder worried, and conficted because he was now finally realizing just how much he cared for Snowflake. He was starting to see the husky as no longer just his best buddy, but instead, that he loved her. He had been holding it in for a long while now, but if he didn't get his feeling out, Marshall had no idea what he would do!

Marshall quietly got up and walked into the elevator. The doors closed before the elevator went up to the top floor. Marshall got out, and looked around. He knew it was late, but Ryder was the only one who would understand him. To his right, he saw the door to Ryder's room. The Dally walked towards it, and saw the door was ajar. Marshall opened the door, quietly walking in. Ryder was sleeping, though he turned over, opening his eyes slightly.

"M-Marshall? What's wrong?" Ryder asked sympathetically. Marshall whined.

"Ryder, I had a nightmare. But, I'm also concerned," Marshall told him. The ten year old nodded before letting the Dally onto his bed.

"Was it about the rescue?" Ryder asked curiously. Marshall nodded sadly.

"I know I'm the fire pup Ryder, but I've never -" Marshall said before stopping mid-sentence. Suddenly, Marshall started crying.

"I-I've never been so SCARED! I wanted to get out of that cabin, but I couldn't! My training's never prepare me for a situation like this! I-I could only wait, with fire everywhere! If you and Snowflake hadn't helped, I would have been burned alive! Or the burnt roof would have collapsed on me! Ryder, I could have - I could - " Marshall explained with fear, as tears rolled down his face. Marshall's voice cracked, as he tried to say the last part. The one thing he hoped he wouldn't have to face as a fire pup, but almost did.

"I could have DiED!" Marshall squeaked as his voice cracked, and he sobbed heavily.

"Marshall," Ryder said as he scooped the pup up in his arms. Marshall sobbed as he hugged Ryder. Although death was always a possibility on missions, facing it head on and with little preparation was absolutely terrifying!

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that. We'll do more training so no pup has to face what you went through again. To be honest, I was just as scared as you. Even if I didn't show it," Ryder told the pup as he pet him. Tears now rolled down Ryder's face as he recalled the fear he had during the mission. The two friends cried for a good five minutes, hugging for at least twenty minutes. Slowly they calmed down.

"I promise Marshall, I won't let this happen again! Nobody should feel scared and helpless," Ryder told Marshall, hugging him tight.

"Thank you Ryder," Marshall said before they separated from the hug.

"So, was that you're concern?" Ryder asked kindly. Marshall's ears dropped back, and the pup had a nervous look.

"No. I need your advice, Ryder. You see, I love having Snowflake on the team, and hanging out with her. However, over time, I've started feeling like she's more than a friend. I get extra nervous and excited around her, and every moment I spend with her is like a golden coin of memories I keep adding to the treasure chest in my heart!" Marshall told his owner. Ryder was now curious, and concerned.

"When did you started having these feelings?" Ryder asked him. Marshall thought.

"A few weeks ago. When I was having a snowball fight, I saw Snowflake watching, and she looked so cute just relaxing in her van. We had fun riding the washing machine; pretending it was my fire truck while feeling the vibrations of the washer as it cleaned the laundry -" Marshall retorted before quickly realizing his mistake.

"You were RIDING the WASHING MACHINE?!" Ryder exclaimed in shock. What on earth was Marshall THINKING?!

"It was only one time! I've always been curious how the vibrations feel. I swear, we won't do it again!" Marshall reassured him until Ryder relaxed.

"Anyways, doing that, until the laundry came flying at us. Hanging out on that cold winter night was relaxing, even though Snowflake caught me sleepwalking under my bed sheet - yeah, I accidentally scared the pups, since they thought I was a ghost! But then the next day we had fun playing games in the snow! We got tired, but it was fun. Though I felt bad for Snowflake; watching the snow fall at night made her remember her home town, and owner, Benjamin. I hugged and comforted her, so she wouldn't be so sad. Then, there was the emergency today. I know Snowflake would be safe, but I was scared, and felt bad knowing she had to see me in such danger! I know I shouldn't feel like this towards my best buddy and team mate, but I can't HELP it! I have a crush on Snowflake! Heck, I think I'm in love with her!" Marshall explained. His eyes were filled with worry. Ryder listened, then pet him.

"I'm glad you were honest Marshall," Ryder told him in understanding.

"Thanks, but what do I do?! The last thing I want is to ruin our relationship as friends AND team mates! I've never had to deal with this. When we first met, I knew Snowflake was special, and I started having a crush on her at first, but I don't want that same spark to drive us apart," Marshall replied, before whining. Ryder kept petting his pup as he thought about Marshall's words. This was tricky having two pups who loved each other but respected the other. Suddenly, he got an idea.

"Marshall, I won't deny your crush for Snowflake. However, I think for now, it's best if you keep your feelings hidden as best as you can. We don't need two team mates who have a broken friendship or can't see eye to eye on missions. That will only make things worse. But I do want you to appreciate your time with Snowflake. Can you do that?" Ryder reassured him.

"Of course. Thank you Ryder," Marshall said before the two friends hugged again, and Marshall licked Ryder.

"Goodnight Ryder," Marshall said after separating from the hug.

"Goodnight Marshall," Ryder replied. Marshall turned and left, but just as he got to the elevator, Ryder spoke.

"Oh, and Marshall, remember; washing machines are not toys," Ryder told him. The Dally smiled.

"I understand. But it was fun -" Marshall started saying, till he was cut off.

"Marshall ..." Ryder retorted seriously. Marshall blushed.

"You're right. Washers aren't toys. Sorry," Marshall replied before the elevator went down.