Requested by Bluewolfbat

It was an adventure to be born into the world, released from the womb as a helpless bundle of fur. The dogs of the Paw Patrol, being puppies, were only a few years old despite their reputation as emergency services. Chase was the oldest among the main six, and Rubble the youngest, with the other four in between. When the patrol was first created, some of the dogs weren't even born yet, Chase had not yet been rescued from the streets, and Rocky had not yet recovered from an alleyway of strays.

The first dog to wear the Paw Patrol badge was Marshall, back when the Dalmation was only a few months old. Ryder was still in the process of converting the old observation tower on the hill into The Lookout, with great dreams and aspirations on the boy's mind. Marshall could barely walk properly when he was placed on the floor for the first time. His legs were not fully developed, and he lacked the strength to pick himself up. The tiny Dalmation took to adventure, crawling around the tower at a slow yet determined speed.

"Looks like he's already off," Jake said with a chuckle, pointing at the floor, "how many dogs do you plan on having?"

"Maybe six or seven," Ryder shrugged, putting his hands together to think of the possibilities, "but they won't be easy to come by. How did you find Everest and Snowflake?"

"Found them in the snow," he frowned at the question, remembering the fearful night, "I don't think they're sisters, despite both being Huskies."

The two looked back at one corner of the room, where a blue dog bed had been set up to provide a warm place of solace. Sitting on it were two small dogs, tussling with one another and tripping over their own paws. Everest was the oldest dog in the room, yet she was just as tiny as the rest. She was a Husky of lighter grey and white, clearly fighting for dominance over the cushion as she kept fluffing out her tail. Across from her was Snowflake, constantly falling over and flailing her limbs in the air like an upturned turtle. She looked almost identical to her friend, but her fur was a darker shade of grey. She kept placing her white paws on the bed, trying to hoist herself up for a spot on the bed. Everest would make an irritating noise in response, coming over to repeatedly tap the top of her friend's head in retaliation.

Ryder shrugged, "well, when they're old enough to talk, maybe they can tell you."

"I should probably housetrain them first," they both laughed at Jake's joke.

Bewildered at the sounds and colors of the world, Marshall wanted to look at and smell everything that came across his wet little nose. Emitting a joyful squeak, he rolled on his side and spotted Everest and Snowflake. Amazed at seeing creatures of the same species, he wiggled himself back on his tiny paws and started dragging himself over as fast as he could. Everest was stubborn, whining each time Snowflake tried to infiltrate her bed. She hadn't learned how to use her teeth yet, so she resorted to relentlessly hitting her paw into her friend. Despite the vicious attacks, Snowflake left each one completely unscathed.

Finally finishing his journey across the room, Marshall approached the bed, neither of the Huskies had seen him yet. He was a little worn out from all the crawling, but meeting another dog had piqued his interest. Opening his small mouth, he tried to release a bark, but all that left him with a little squeak. Everest turned her head in response, looking down at the baby puppy. Knowing he was too small to play, she looked away in disinterest. Snowflake, however, caught sight of the new dog, and carefully approached the puppy. Everest near-instantly snapped to attention, frustrated that her friend's attention was on something other than her.

Neither of the puppies could speak, Marshall couldn't even stand, yet there was a flash of communication between the two. Snowflake lowered herself down and met the baby's gaze, giggling to herself at the adorable sight. The Dalmation felt captivated, even more new emotions and mental responses meeting him for the first time. Looking into the Husky's blue eyes, Marshall smiled, tapping his paws on the floor. Overcome with a warm, joyful feeling, Snowflake reached forward and tapped Marshall's nose affectionately. As Ryder and Jake talked about finances and renovations, the two puppies enjoyed each other's presence as Everest rolled her eyes.

.-.-.

Time forever moves forward, friends leave and new ones emerge. People change, although some can stay the same as the sands of time continuously fall and fade. As the years went on, more and more dogs were recovered into the patrol. Marshall met his coworkers, later friends, then close friends, and grew into a hardy firefighter. Missions came and went, he tried keeping track in the beginning, but as the number hit triple digits he just stopped.

It was the dead of morning, Marshall had woken up minutes ago but he hadn't opened his eyes. It was a foolish attempt at willing himself back to sleep, eager to return to his dreams of endless treats. Flexing his paws, he shifted his sleeping position to his side, trying a new, more comfortable method. He was close to actually fading away into slumber until a smell hit his nose. Among the overbearing smell of grass and morning dew, the stench of a German Shepherd arrived before him.

He didn't need to open his eyes to know what was coming, "if you blast that megaphone, I'm going to rip your ears off," he growled, baring his teeth.

Chase rolled his eyes, "well you're a ray of sunshine this morning. Get up, early bird gets the worms."

"We aren't birds, Chase."

"Early dog eats breakfast before Rubble gets it."

Mumbling in his drowsiness, Marshall submitted to the morning and opened his eyes, straining uncomfortably as the light flooded onto his pupils. Taking a moment to stretch out his arms and arch his back, the Dalmation hobbled out of his kennel and into the clearing. Squinting his still blurred vision, he could see the sky was painted in a lovely orange, "dude, could have waited until the sun was up?" he complained.

"It'll be up in like, three minutes," the Shepherd waved off, "everyone else is up, you were last. So technically you got more sleep."

"Lucky me,"

"Look, today is a big day," Chase came to his friend's side, slightly amused at Marshall's disheveled fur, "Ryder's throwing a get-together of sorts, he wants to throw like a family reunion, but with us."

The Dalmation shook the tiredness from his face, "you mean like a party?"

"No," Chase said almost immediately, "we don't need a repeat of our Thousandth Mission celebration, that was a fiasco," he looked to the side, not wanting to remember the chaotic night, "it's a get-together, meaning no alcohol or crazy mishaps."

"Mishaps," Marshall repeated, grinning, "yeah sure, like when Zuma caught you in your kennel with Sweetie?"

Chase physically froze, bristling his fur. He leaned in with a quiet snarl, "Marshall, so help me God if you mention that tonight,"

"Relax, I'm just pulling your tail," the Dalmation waved off, "who's coming, will it be just us?"

He was still a little agitated, but Chase recollected himself, "Tracker, Tuck and Ella, Rex," he thought for a moment, "I think… Wild Cat said he'd try to stop by, also Everest and Snowflake will be there."

Marshall had been licking his paw as Chase listed off the names, an effort to smoothen down his ruffled look. The last name that stuck in his head, Snowflake, made him stop. Instantly Chase was tuned out, as Marshall slowly looked up as his mind raced to identify the mystery name.

"Snowflake?" he asked, "who's that?"

"Oh, you probably don't remember her," the Shepherd shrugged, flicking his ear at a hovering fly, "she was one of Everest's puppyhood friends, Ryder babysat her on a few occasions."

Struggling to recall any memory, Marshall let the name wash over him. Oddly, he was beginning to feel warm, as faint glimmers of anxiety spiked in him. He couldn't remember anything from his early life until he turned one year old, as his brain had only finally finished developing to start holding memories.

"Voice ring a bell?" Chase asked, tilting his head.

"Not really," Marshall said, squinting his eyes, "but… kind of? Where has she been all this time?"

"Can't say I know, I only learned about her from Ryder. Nonetheless, she'll be there."

As Chase walked off, the Dalmation was left baffled as he sat in the grass. A Husky from his early life, someone he barely even knew, yet felt a longing to see again. The thought of meeting someone who knew him as a baby was fascinating, like finding a piece of himself he never knew he was missing.

"Has it really been five years?" he asked himself.

The Paw Patrol spent the day setting up for the party, which Chase repeatedly insisted was to be labeled as a "get-together." It was to be held outside, as The Lookout didn't have enough space for the planned festivities. Skye set up banners, Zuma and Rocky moved tables, and Rubble covered the catering for the food. Marshall found himself walking with Rubble to the pet stores to pick up the ordered kibble and treats, briefly stopping to enjoy some ice cream with his bulldog friend. Chase directed the entire thing, barking commands through his megaphone despite not actually doing any work himself. Skye suddenly popped the idea that they set up torches and a bonfire, to give the gathering an "island theme." Chase shot down the idea with an exasperated look, and the six dogs spent a solid fifteen minutes debating on if the event should have a theme or not.

As night fell, friends from near and far started arriving just the last bowl of chips was placed. Tracker arrived first, joyfully asking where the food was, then made a slightly stereotypical joke. The dogs stared at him in mild shock, bewildered at his controversial words as the Chihuahua attacked the chips. Tuck and Ella zipped into the clearing, trying to pull off a dramatic entrance as Sweetie passed by them, rolling her eyes at the duo. Marshall knew Sweetie had arrived because Chase suddenly blushed a dark pink, and the Dalmation chuckled to himself as he tossed a piece of bacon in his mouth. Watching each old friend enter the clearing and be embraced by his coworkers, Marshall grunted sourly. No one had approached him yet, despite everyone forming a large group talking and laughing. Rolling his eyes, he knew it was another event he'd spent alone. Chase was laughing with Liberty and awkwardly making small talk with Sweetie. Rubble was enjoying food was Tracker, with Skye making a rather flirtatious conversation with Tuck. Zuma and Rocky were always a duo, clearly content with one another in a way that insulted Marshall to the core.

"And everyone forgets the Dalmation," he mumbled, picking up his red plastic cup in his mouth. Sighing, he picked himself off from the ground and looked around for the drinks.

"Marshall?" came a voice behind him.

"What-" he snapped his head around, not in the mood for conversation, yet stopped when he caught sight of the dog standing before him. It was a Husky, someone he almost mistook for Everest, but upon closer inspection, he realized the dog had darker fur. Dropping his cup, he tilted his head, trying to get a read on the new dog.

The Husky flinched at his attitude, "oh, is this not a… good time?" she lowered her ears apologetically.

"No, wait," Marshall took a step forward, "you look… familiar."

Shuffling her paws in the grass, the Husky smiled softly, "I'm Snowflake, I think we met a long time ago?"

"Really?" the firefighter was amazed, "sorry it… it's been a long time," he shook his head, his fur was getting hot for some reason.

Snowflake giggled, covering her mouth with her paw, "it really has. Last I saw you, you couldn't even walk properly."

A red blush crept over Marshall's face, "I was a baby, we've all been one," he said, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Well, you've certainly grown," the Husky smiled, looking him up and down, "you're taller than me now."

"Yes, it's called being an infant,"

Trying to ignore his anxiety going on alert, Marshall came forward to his old friend with a smile. She returned his joyful expression with her own, fluffing up her fur and wagging her tail. "When Ryder called me to let me know about the party, I couldn't miss it," she explained, "I really wanted to see you again."

"Me?" Marshall said in surprise, briefly freezing up. He was helpless to stop his tail from wagging, "why would you want to see me?"

"I just want to catch up," she shrugged, "seeing how we can actually talk now. Besides," she glanced to the side with a raised eyebrow, her face flashing a look of irritation, "Everest is probably hogging everyone's attention."

"If Sweetie doesn't get it first," Marshall chuckled, then smiled warmly as his mind drifted off into the fond memories he'd been making, "there's a lot to go over. It's been five years, after all."

"Well we have time," she nodded, "wanna take a walk?"

The Dalmation nodded eagerly, his old depressed attitude dying away as he found someone who finally wanted to be with him. The two of them began walking together, grabbing a bite to eat from the tables before Rubble and Tracker obliterated the food. They quickly made haste to escape the now roaring clearing, eager to flee from the flood of dogs. Marshall started Snowflake on a round-trip around the tower, the moon rising into the night sky as they began.

"We get enough trouble from Foggy Bottom," Marshall rolled his eyes, "Humdinger doesn't know when to quit."

Snowflake flashed a coy smile, "sounds like a really sad old man."

"Ha!" The Dalmation laughed, rearing his head back, "totally, I mean, get a life much?"

"Did you really get powers from a meteor?" she tilted her head, remembering a postcard from Chase with an interesting group photo.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I was on acid through all of that," Marshall said, chuckling slightly, "that whole thing was a really weird trip… just a lot of colors and flashing lights."

His partner laughed at the comment, only she quickly noticed Marshall wasn't laughing with her and was giving her a confused look. She then realized the Dalmation wasn't joking, "you've done LSD?" Snowflake's eyes widened at her friend's drug use.

"Once," Marshall clarified, "just to see what the hell would happen. Then five minutes later, I see a meteor on the beach and I can breathe fire," he gave a bored shrug, "but what's been going on with you?"

"Oh, me?" the Husky suddenly looked away, "well… nothing really that interesting."

Marshall raised an eyebrow, flicking his gaze down to her neck. He could clearly see Snowflake's collar, with a blue tag that displayed a binocular symbol, "well you have a badge, that's clearly something significant."

"Oh that, that's nothing," Snowflake waved off, "it's an old collar, I just wear it 'cause it has my vet numbers on it."

"Wait, you don't work in the mountains?" Marshall asked, "I think Chase mentioned you were partners with Everest."

"Yeah we were," the Husky bristled, flattening her ears, "but she kicked me out."

"She what?!"

"I had another opportunity for work," Snowflake explained, "I guess the idea of me simply looking for another job pissed her off enough that I was allowed on the mountain anymore."

Marshall felt a flame of anger within him, revolted at Everest's actions. For a dog they trusted so often, it was unlike her to do something like that, "so what do you do now?"

She hesitated before giving a shy smile, "mostly… skydiving."

Upon hearing someone mention his lifelong dream, Marshall completely stopped, staring at his friend in bewilderment, "really? Seriously?!" His tail sprang into energetic wagging, and for a moment he felt like a puppy again, "you actually jump out of a plane?"

"Well, sure," Snowflake said, "it's a very… popular activity where I'm living, which is odd because skydiving isn't usually the thing you think of when it comes to town traditions." She waved her paw off, "but hey, what do I know?"

"What's it like?" The Dalmation gave her his full attention, "I've always wanted to skydive!"

"You've never been?"

"Unfortunately no," the spotted dog looked to the ground, "I have to focus on missions a lot, I don't really get a lot of free time."

"Oh," Snowflake frowned at her partner's dejection, "I'm… I'm sorry about that,"

Marshall waved it off, "it's fine, there are more important things anyway."

They walked in silence as they rounded the tower. It was an awkward meetup, but Snowflake was determined to let some things emotions out tonight. It was either that, or she never revealed them in the first place, the whole reason she hyped herself up into coming to the party was to spend at least a few minutes with a special Dalmatian. Snowflake was a more obscure mutual friend of the patrol, she wasn't like Liberty or Everest, as in someone they didn't live with but frequently met. She was more of a bystander to the action, confined to another town while Chase sent her letters and cards. It wasn't meant to be personal mail, Chase wasn't handwriting the letters or even putting genuine thought into them. They were just envelopes filled with photographs of whatever big thing the Paw Patrol had achieved that day. The cards made her angrier and angrier, creating a longing to be with them, to be with Marshall.

She didn't know what came over her, but there was something that sparked between them at first sight, even all the way back when they were infants. All she wanted was his care, however she had to get it. Every photograph that fell into her paws always pulled her gaze onto the one Dalmation that shone in each capture. Countless times she had heard of his exploits, jumping into flaming buildings and saving life after life. She was well enamored with his EMT skills,

"Ugh," Marshall grimaced as they emerged back in the clearing, "what are they doing?"

All the dogs were playing Jenga, as they had set up a large tower of wooden blocks. They were obviously very far into the game, as the tower was missing several pieces and looked as if a minor gust of wind would topple it. The party was split into two teams and was getting much too competitive with each other for a simple game of Jenga.

"No!" Chase shouted, "go for the ones at the bottom!"

"There aren't anymore!" Liberty cried in panic, staring in fear at the wooden tower she was supposed to dislodge a piece from, "I can't even see the top, I'm too small!"

"For-feit, for-feit!" Rex was chanting, trying to throw off the Dachshund.

"Don't you lose this!" Sweetie jumped up on Tuck's back, "God help you if you lose this!"

"What am I supposed to do?!" Liberty was shaking, darting her eyes up and down the tower, "there's nothing I can do!"

Chase's howl could be heard across the yard, "just pull something!"

"Uuh, uhm…" Liberty winced, then grabbed onto the edge of a block, "alright this one!"

"Ha! She touched it! That means she can't take it back!" Rocky pointed.

As the city dog fearfully began to tug the block loose, the entire crowd exploded in an uproar. A massive amount of hype and excitement flooded into every dog there, everyone buzzing and quivering with anticipation. Everyone was yelling over each other, Marshall couldn't hear himself think. Where in the world was Ryder during all this?

Tragedy struck, as Liberty failed to safely remove the block. The tower toppled, collapsing into a pile of wood and broken dreams. The entire collection of dogs erupted at once at the sight.

"AAAAHHH!" Sweetie recoiled so hard she fell backward, screaming as if she was being stabbed a dozen times.

Tuck flinched, bristling his fur, "Sweetie, that was like, right in my fucking ear…"

Marshall and Snowflake watched the riot with widened eyes, making sure to step back in case someone started throwing haymakers. The crowd was so intense, they were sure blood was about to spill.

"You want to just…" Marshall was visibly uncomfortable, "go inside?"

Snowflake blinked at the chaos, "... yeah."

The two dogs walked silently into the elevator of the tower, weaving through the tangled mess of rampaging dogs. Along the way, they spotted Rubble and Tracker, not even paying attention to the game and still focused on the food. As the doors shut them in, they felt themselves ascending upward.

"Um… wow," Snowflake laughed, "are they always that crazy?"

"Just be glad they're not playing Pup Pup Boogie," Marshall said without hesitation, well aware of the violent terror that erupted from such a game.

"How do you deal with them?" the Husky looked to her companion, eager for the answer.

"I…" he started to say, then realized he had no answer to begin with,"... do not."

The elevator doors opened into the empty tower, and both dogs stepped out into the quiet room. The screens were off, and most pieces of machinery shut down, providing a low hum that made a peaceful atmosphere. It was a well-deserved break from the commotion actively taking place outside. Marshall idly walked to a treat dispenser, knowing a trick for the machine that gave out treats without needing to pay for them. As the Dalmation turned the crank on the side in a nonlinear, specific pattern, Snowflake observed her surroundings.

"So this is where all the magic happens?"

"Mostly," Marshall leaned down to pick up the treats that had fallen from the machine, free of charge, "we all get in formation, Chase says that stupid, dumb catchphrase of his, and Ryder starts talking."

The Husky tilted her head, "you don't seem to like your job."

"What? I do, it's just-" Marshall searched for the words, but nothing came to him, "I… I don't know. Things have just been dull lately…" he quickly corrected himself, "for a long time."

"I know the feeling," Snowflake admitted. She looked around a little more before speaking again, "even skydiving gets boring."

"How does throwing yourself out of a plane and plummeting to Earth become boring?" Marshall chuckled, bringing the treats over and offering them to her, which she took with a thankful smile.

"Because I have to do it alone," she confessed, her smile shifting into a sad frown, "everyone I jump with always has someone else. You know, with those double harnesses."

Marshall brightened a little, imagining skydiving with a friend, strapped to one another, and dropped at an exciting height. It'd be a bonding moment for sure, his mind went wild with the things he'd see from above.

"I really wish I could skydive," he admitted again, "I know I said it before, but you make it sound amazing."

"Well," the Husky trailed her paw along the ground, "I could take you some time if you were free."

The Dalmation stopped, alarmed at what he had heard. The party outside could still be faintly heard, yet somehow the silence was even louder. "Why…" he began, shaking his head a little, "would you want to take me?" He was overjoyed at the offer, but confused about why it was him to begin with.

The dark grey dog just looked to the side, "I guess the same reason I chose to come here," faint red spread across her face, "I just wanted to see a certain Dalmation."

Marshall could feel himself malfunctioning inside. His fur grew hot, his paws beginning to sweat as he struggled to process the words that had just entered his head. Despite his mental protests, Marshall couldn't help but release a mess of flustered words.

"Sorry if that's dumb," Snowflake lowered her head, "it's just… I've had this feeling about you for the longest time. I really wanted to see you again, we weren't really able to connect as infants."

"I…" Marshall stuttered, his face burning up, "I've felt… the same way," he froze as he realized what he just said.

"Oh," Snowflake slowly breathed out, her blue eyes flicking around, "well that's… interesting."

The room was growing awkward and tense, Marshall had to do something before one of them tried to flee from the embarrassment. He quickly turned, much to the Husky's surprise, walking over to the other side of the room. "Speaking of, uh, skydiving," he desperately tried to save the conversation, "Skye keeps a parachute in here."

The Husky blinked in response, "an… entire parachute?"

"Yeah, I helped her put it away a few months ago, it kind of exploded out into the room," Marshall chuckled at the memory, "it was kind of my fault, but it was fun."

"Skye told me that night she would take me skydiving," he began, his voice taking on a sad tone, "it was a… nice moment between us," he trailed off, "she never did."

He felt a soft paw rest on his shoulder, "I'm sorry that happened," Snowflake said to him, "you sounded really excited there."

"I was. I really was, and she just forgot about me."

The mere paw touch quickly evolved into Snowflake nuzzling his shoulder, "you deserve better, let me take you some time."

Marshall felt his worries melt away as she comforted him, the sadness burning away as he felt care and love he had gone years without. Noticing he was smiling, he instantly zipped his head away, embarrassed of himself. Unfortunately for him, Snowflake near immediately noticed her partner's elation, which only made her giggle to herself. Eager to rescue his drowning ego, the Dalmation rushed over the wall lockers, hunting for something to divert Snowflake's attention.

"Here," he said, reaching for the handle, "I think this is where she stuffed the gear,"

"How much did she put in there?" the Husky asked,

Marshall clicked the button on the handle, unlocking the cabinet, "I don't rememb-"

He was cut off as a massive explosion of fabric blasted out of the locker. The Dalmation was shoved backward like a bowling pin, Snowflake could be heard jumping back in shock, her fur spiking up as she snarled in surprise. Both dogs were brutally consumed as the massive sheet flung over their heads, then slowly came to a rest as it expanded to its full length on the ground. Two lumps were visible under the parachute, one with legs sticking up in the air, and another that had its limbs tucked in defensively. It was a flat minute before either of them spoke.

"God damn it," cursed the first lump,

"Hey, language," the Husky's voice came from the other, "did a parachute just explode over us?"

"Yes," Marshall gritted his teeth, trying to move around under the sheet, "this isn't even the same one, how often is Skye doing this?!"

Snowflake rolled her eyes at her partner's grouchiness, before she stood up under the parachute, visibly appearing as a loaf on the outside. Feeling joyful at the sudden experience, she let herself relax, "look, I'm a ghost!" She began moving around, playfully bounding under the sheet, "Oooooo… I'm haunting you! Come on Marshall, we're ghosts!"

Marshall was trying to present an unplayful mood, but Snowflake's happy personality was beginning to rub off on him. Standing up, his vision was completely obscured, "blind ghosts, maybe," he muttered, "hey, can you also not see literally anything?" He took a few steps forward, paranoid he'd trip over something. The weight of the parachute over his nose was getting increasingly uncomfortable.

The Husky spoke in a dramatic voice, "I am the ghost of…" she trailed off, searching for the perfect target, "... vacuums!"

"The ghost of vacuums?"

"Yeah, vacuums are scary," Snowflake shuddered. The typical house cleaning appliance was a subject of fear among dogs. A big, scary machine that roared out constantly never failed to scare a dog, even Chase fled with his tail tucked under when Ryder had to clean up some crumbs on the floor.

"Roar!" she barked playfully, beginning to run forward, "I'm coming for you!"

"Wait, can you see where you're going- OOF," the air was knocked out of Marshall as the Husky crashed into him at full sprint, both dogs tumbling onto their sides and becoming entangled in the parachute.

"Ow," Marshal strained as the Husky fell on top of him, "I may actually become a ghost now-"

Snowflake giggled as she stared down into his eyes, "oh suck it up, you big baby."

"Just because you knew me that far back doesn't mean you can call me that," Marshall was thankful the lowlight was obscuring the hot pink burning on his face.

His captor wasn't holding back, "you were a cute baby," she grinned, "so small and yawning all the time."

"Snowflake-"

"And you drooled everywhere."

"... that's enough."

Laughing at her heckling, Snowflake sighed and lowered herself down on Marshall's stomach. The Dalmation was unexpectedly warm for having a short coat, and she nuzzled into his chest. The firefighter hadn't protested, at least not yet, and Snowflake grew worried when she didn't hear any response from him.

"Marshall?" she looked up at him, "you alive?"

The Dalmation blinked as he laid on his back, "I'm not sure honestly."

"Is this okay?" She tensed a little, a twinge of insecurity rising within her, "if you want me to stop, you can just-"

She was interrupted as her partner reached up, wrapping her arms around her and pulling her in for a deeper hug. Marshall had longed for the feeling of a Husky's thick fur, but Everest was not an option he wanted.

"You can stay," he breathed out, smiling as his heart glowed warmly, relaxing him as he embraced the moment, "you never have to leave."

The Husky happily nestled her muzzle into his neck, "be with me?"

"I'm with you." Marshall finally admitted, happy to welcome her in.

Rubble's face suddenly appeared under the parachute, "hey guys!"

"WAAHHH!" Snowflake sprang off the Dalmation and flew backward, getting further folded and tangled into the parachute. Marshall had the lying daylights scared out of him, causing him to physically jolt and spring his legs out in all directions.

The Bulldog gave an amused bark, "whatcha doing under here?"

"Having a nice time before you fucking showed up," Marshall held a paw over his chest, trying to slow his rapidly beating heart, "how did you get in here, we didn't even hear the elevator!"

"Maybe you were distracted," Rubble sat down, wagging his tiny tail, "seriously, what kind of game is this, it looks fun!"

Snowflake spoke up, "we're playing ghosts!"

"Ghosts?!" Rubble jumped excitedly, "wow, I've never played that before! Hold on, let me get the others!" He quickly turned and ran out, jumping back into the elevator.

Marshall recoiled at his words, and he desperately tried to wrench himself free from the sheet so he could stop him, "wait, no!" It was too late, Rubble had already shut the doors, and headed back down outside.

"Great, now they're all gonna be up here,"

"At least we'll be playing ghosts," Snowflake crawled to him from under the sheet.

"I was perfectly happy playing our own thing," Marshall looked down slightly, turning red a little.

Snowflake understood perfectly, she giggled slightly and leaned into him, affectionately licking his cheek. "Another time, my Dalmation," she whispered in his ear, "another time." Marshall felt her tongue graze across him, his heart blasted rays of sunshine off every wall, and he felt lighter than air. He was surely ready to skydive now. Laughing with her, the two of them tussled with each other as the elevator began to arrive, packed full with over a dozen dogs ready to join the game.