Chapter 14: Misunderstandings
After Snowflake ran into her pup house, the rest of the day was awkward. Marshall and Snowflake kept away from each other, while the other pups tried their best to comprehend what had happened between the two. They had gone to Marshall to get the details, since Snowflake wasn't in the mood for talking.
It was weird since the pups didn't understand why Snowflake and Marshall were taking things so seriously. It was a accident, and completely understandable. However, it was much different for the two pups who had accidentally kissed.
The next several days were a confusing mess as Marshall and Snowflake would feel uncomfortable around each other due to what had happened. Granted, they still worked together on missions, but outside of rescues, they just didn't know how to react to their mistaken kiss.
One night, Snowflake was lying down in her pup house on a blanket, thinking about what happened. It was hard since she knew it was an accident, but other options kept coming up in her head.
"I know it was an accident, but ... That was SO embarrassing! Still, did Marshall MEAN to kiss me? Even if it was an accident?! He's not a j*** who would force a kiss, but pretend it was accidental. He's not manipulative like that! Clumsy? Yes, but that's just who he is! Oooohhhh! I hope he doesn't think I wanted him kissing me! Why does this have to be so complicated?" Snowflake told herself, thinking about different options. This wasn't easy.
Marshall on the other hand was inside his own pup house doing the same as Snowflake, but he felt guilty. He knew the situation had been an accident, but he felt like it was his fault.
"I know it was an accident, but I feel SO bad! I didn't MEAN to trip and kiss her! But I did! Oh man! What if she liked the kiss?! I feel sorry, but I'd be telling her kissing me was bad even though it was an accident! But I'd be hurting her unintentionally! I don't want to hurt Snowflake! Why do I feel like this is MY fault?!" Marshall said to himself between tears. Marshall cried feeling sorry about what happened, not knowing if him apologizing would make things better or worse.
Eventually, after about a week of silence, and nervous looks, Marshall decided to go talk to Ryder about what had happened. Marshall went up the elevator and after walking out, went over to Ryder who was sitting on a bean bag.
"Ryder? Can I talk to you about something?" Marshall asked nervously.
"Yes, what's wrong Marshall?" Ryder asked, putting his pup pad back in his pocket.
"After you left Snowflake and I to finish putting away the laundry, I tripped and we both landed in the basket. But when we fell, I somehow accidentally kissed her. ... IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! I swear!" Marshall said emphasizing that the kiss wasn't on purpose.
Ryder was surprised. His pups never took their relationships THAT far, but like the dally said, it was an accident.
"I'm not mad Marshall. I understand. Accidents happen like that, and it's nobody's fault," Ryder reassured him. However, unbeknownst to Ryder and Marshall, Snowflake came up the elevator, and walked out, stopping short of where her two friends were.
"But I'M the one who tripped! Besides, if it's nobody's fault, then why do I feel so guilty?!" Marshall asked in an upset tone. He whined as well as the guilt built up in him.
"Because you think it's YOUR fault for the kiss. But it's not," Snowflake said causing Marshall and Ryder to turn towards the husky. Marshall and Snowflake looked at each other awkwardly before looking away.
"Marshall, Snowflake. I think it's best you two try to resolve this. Believe me, I've run into moments like this too. But nothing gets better if you don't talk it out," Ryder told them. The dally and husky looked at each other before Marshall walked over to her.
""Lady's first?" Marshall offed, feeling nervous. Snowflake took a deep breath.
"Marshall, I know it was an accident. You tripping and kissing me just that; an accident. I can tell the kiss surprised us both, and although it was nice, I don't want us doing something like that unless we're ready. I don't blame you for what happened, and I was hoping we can just move past this. Please, you have no reason to be guilty," Snowflake told the dally.
"Thank you Snowflake. But you still deserve an apology. I'm sorry for accidentally kissing you. I know it was an accident, but I still feel bad about what happened. The only reason I didn't apologize sooner was because - I didn't know if you LIKED what happened, and didn't mind the kiss. If I apologized, I could have made you feel like us kissing was a bad thing. That you shouldn't enjoy kissing another pup you like. I just didn't want to hurt you," Marshall explained, his eyes getting watery.
"Marshall, you don't have to feel bad about that! I may have like the kiss a little, but it's not like we MEANT for it to happen. It was all an accident. You don't have to feel bad about anything. I forgive you," Snowflake retorted with a smile. Marshall smiled back, before the two pups hugged each other, their tails wagging. Ryder watched them, smiling.
"Well now that you pups are aren't nervous around each other anymore. Let's go play," Ryder offered. Marshall and Snowflake separated from the hug and nodded. The three friends then went down the elevator to go play outside.