Lizzy and Karuna sat on a blanket watching the sunset. At least Lizzy was watching the sunset. Karuna was watching Lizzy. She turned to look at Karuna and met his muzzle.
At first her eyes went wide, then slowly she closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss.
Karuna flashed back: He had asked Zuma how to properly kiss a girl.
Zuma's immediate response was, "The secret is the first kiss. For in that kiss, a lasting impression is made. If it is weak, she will think you are weak. And if it is comical, she will think you are a clown. With me?"
"But I've already kissed her," said Karuna, "What a minute, you're quoting Three Musketeers again."
"Yes I am," laughed Zuma, "Porthos will always be the greatest Musketeer. That said, there is a first kiss and there is a first date kiss. While the first is important as well. The first date is the second most memorable time for the young lady. First being the wedding, that is if you have one. We don't seem to have a great track record of making it to a wedding."
"Ok, regardless, the first kiss is that important?" asked Karuna.
"Yes, it's that important," said Zuma, "It allows you to establish dominance, express your feelings, and demonstrate your love for the one you kiss. It should be everything you're feeling poured into that one lasting kiss."
Karuna snapped back to the present and he leaned into Lizzy, he poured his heart and soul into that kiss. They held it as the sun sank below the horizon. Karuna leaned back and smiled.
Lizzy leaned back panting, Her panting began turning Karuna on to the point that he stood looked at Lizzy and said, "I-I'm, uh, going swimming!"
"Uh, wow, uh yeah, me too!" laughed Lizzy.
They both ran into the surf splashing and Lizzy squealing.
"So how'd it go?" asked Buster, the next morning.
"It was great," said Karuna, "She was so beautiful. I love her, she's my angel."
"So did you..."asked Buster.
"No! And I wouldn't tell you if I did," said Karuna.
"Ah come on," laughed Buster, "I want details."
"I kissed her," said Karuna.
"And?" said Buster.
"And then we went swimming," said Karuna.
"With or without your collars?" asked Buster, wiggling his eyebrows.
"With, you pervert," laughed Karuna. "So, are you going to follow through?"
"With what?" said Buster looking away.
"You know what, the bet," said Karuna.
"I know," said Buster. "You set the bar too high. I have to think about what I'm going to do."
"You can't ask her out any worse than I did," laughed Karuna.
"True, that was pretty weak," laughed Buster. "Ok, I'll ask her this weekend. I think she's working the shop all this week anyway."
"Ok, I went to the beach," said Karuna. "Why don't you go to the mountains. There's that little pond with the bridge. I think that would be really romantic."
"Ok, that works," said Buster, "But you know I can't cook. I don't think peanut butter and jelly would be the most romantic meal ever."
"I'll help you," said Karuna, "I would offer to do it, but that defeats the purpose."
"Yeah, I want to be able to cook," said Buster.
"I'll teach you," said Karuna. "It's not that difficult. We can start with something easy and expand as you practice more."
"That's fine and wonderful," said Buster, "and I appreciate it, I really do. But what about this weekend? I can't learn by this weekend."
"What are you thinking?" asked Karuna.
"Well you did the sunset. I think repeating that would look like I copied you," said Buster, "What do you think about watching the stars?"
"I think that would be great," said Karuna. "How about you, uh we fix star shaped pup treats and cut star shaped fruits and cheese."
"Is that hard?" asked Buster.
"No, I'll show you what ingredients we need," said Karuna, "then you can mix it. Anyone can use a treat cutter. I will then show you how to bake the treats."
"Ok so will we only eat snacks?" asked Buster.
"No, but then you could serve something simple like chef salad," said Karuna.
'Uh, is that appropriate?" asked Buster.
"I know my sister, she loves Chef salad," said Karuna, "And other than cutting up a few things, there's no cooking involved."
"Ok, well that is a great plan," said Buster.
"Now you just have to ask her," said Karuna.
Skye was eating as Yeshe and Everest walked in,
"Hey Girls," said Skye, between bites, "How'd the date go."
Everest began giggling immediately.
"What?" asked Skye.
"Well, it sounds like it went great," said Yeshe. "According to Lizzy they ended up swimming."
Everest was now laughing harder.
"Uh with or without collars," asked Skye.
"Oh with, thank goodness," laughed Yeshe. "I guess we have an official family tradition."
"Oh my," said Skye, she returned to her food bowl.
"Goodness Skye," said Everest, "are you trying to break my record?"
"I'm starving this morning," said Skye, "I woke up and I feel like I've been eating for the last hour."
Everest looked at Yeshe, Yeshe nodded.
"What?" asked Skye.
"I'm willing to bet a week's worth of Liver sausage, you're pregnant," said Everest.
"It's how I was when I found out," said Yeshe, "I couldn't eat enough."
"That would explain a lot," said Skye. "About time. I think I was killing poor Chase."
"Ah, pour baby was wearing out as the sex slave," laughed Everest.
"Gotta keep the goddess happy," laughed Skye.
"Well if you ever fill up we can run by Katie's and get you checked," said Yeshe. "That is if you trust Gale enough to do the test."
"Yeshe, I'd trust Gale to deliver the pups," said Skye.
"And do your fur at the same time," laughed Everest.
Skye cleaned up and they headed over to Katie's.
"So I know I'm supposed to brag about being an alpha stud," Chase was saying to Marshall, Rocky and Zuma. "But I think Skye's trying to kill me."
"What?" asked Marshall.
"If she doesn't end up pregnant soon," said Chase, "I'm going to die. I'll die happy, but die nonetheless."
The guys laughed at that.
"Well I don't think I'm supposed to say anything yet," said Zuma. "But I think Sunny is pregnant. She was going to Katie's this morning to find out for sure."
"Well it will be nice if they end up pregnant together," said Marshall. "Of course, we'll see if that doesn't push Everest over the edge."
"Y'all still haven't decided to try for another?" asked Rocky.
"I think she does," said Marshall, "But she doesn't want Lizzy to feel like the new pup would replace her or make her feel less loved."
"Lizzy's smart, dude," said Zuma, "sit down and talk to her. I think she's old enough to understand that it doesn't change anything."
"I guess if Everest decides then, that's exactly what we'll do," said Marshall.
Everest, Skye, and Yeshe walked into Katie's. Gale called out from the back, "I'll be right there!"
"No rush," said Yeshe.
A few moments later, Gale and Sunny came from the back.
"Hey Sunny," said Everest, "I was wondering where you'd gone this morning. Come for a trim?"
"Uh, no, actually I came by to get a check up," said Sunny.
"Are you sick?" asked Skye.
"No, oh heck," said Sunny, "I was going to wait and tell everyone later. I'm pregnant!"
"Congratulations!" said Yeshe.
"I'm here to get checked also," said Skye, "Yeshe's convinced I'm pregnant. Everest has a week worth of sausage riding on it."
"Um, sausage," said Sunny, "I'm so hungry."
"I know right?" said Skye.
"Well let's get you checked," said Gale, "I hope I get to help with the deliveries."
"I was thinking Katie can help you," said Skye, "I want you to deliver my pups."
The girls all went back and Gale ran the test. Sure enough Skye and Sunny were pregnant together. Chase was so happy he cried. Skye wasn't sure if it was the pups or if it was that he finally would get some rest.
Buster walked into Katie's, Gale was sitting at the counter.
"Hey Buster, Need me to bathe you," said Gale, and then immediately turned bright red realizing what she had said, she slammed her head on the counter whimpering.
"Uh, well, that's tempting," laughed Buster.
"Uh. now that I've embarrassed the crap out of myself," giggled Gale, "Is there actually something I can do for you?"
"Gale, I wanted to ask if you would like to go on a date with me tomorrow?" asked Buster.
"About time," said Gale, "I mean, yes I would love to go on a date with you."
"I'm sorry," said Buster, "I know I should have asked you sooner. I was nervous."
"Where are we going?" asked Gale.
"It's a surprise," said Buster, "I promise you'll like it."
"Ok, what time tomorrow?" asked Gale.
"Apparently 6 is the designated first date pick up time," laughed Buster.
"Sounds great," said Gale, "I'll be here."
"Awesome, I can't wait," said Buster, turning to walk out.
As soon as he cleared the doors, Gale immediately called her mom, "Mom, he finally asked me out."
"Great, I'm here with Skye and Everest," said Yeshe. "I'll let them know and we'll get everything planned."
Buster called his dad, and then called Karuna. Karuna told him to meet him at the cabin.
"I have all the ingredients we need," said Karuna. "We'll get everything put together and figure the plan out. I'll let dad know to reach out to your dad. That is unless he has some plan for getting you ready."
"He didn't say anything," said Buster, "I don't think he had anyone when he and mom first dated."
Buster headed for the cabin. Karuna had everything ready and stood back directing Buster on what to do and how much to add. He showed him how to cut the pup treats out and while they were baking he showed him how to cut the fruit and cheese, Karuna suggested waiting until right before he went to cut the fruit so it wouldn't brown before they got to the spot.
"I have an idea," said Karuna.
"Oh, What's that?" asked Buster.
"How about when you go to pick up my sister," said Karuna, "I go set everything out and then you show up to a prepared evening. That way you only have to worry about taking good care of my sister."
"You'd do that?" asked Buster.
"Of course," said Karuna, "I'd do anything for you bud."
"Thanks," said Buster, "You've made this perfect. You're not planning to stay and watch are you?"
"No, you're the pervert, remember?" laughed Karuna. "Besides, I like you and all but I don't want to watch you kissing on Gale."
Buster had pulled up to the trail leading to the pond. He walked around and helped Gale step out.
"Uh Buster," said Gale, "I thought you said we would have dinner."
"We will, trust me," said Buster.
They walked into the clearing and Gail saw the blanket laid out with the food arranged and drinks iced down.
"Oh Buster," said Gale, "Did you come set this up before you came to get me?"
"No, I helped prepare everything," said Buster, "But Karuna offered to come set everything up when I left to pick you up."
"Is he hiding nearby?" asked Gale.
"No, he said he was in no hurry to watch us," laughed Buster. "He just wanted you to enjoy our first date."
Gale turned to Buster and stared into his deep blue eyes, He hesitated but she didn't. She pressed into the kiss and Buster felt like he was melting. The kiss was as passionate as Gale had hoped it would be.
They enjoyed the meal and the snacks. The stars were perfect. Buster and Gale actually looked at them at least a little. They laid back on the blanket and were watching the stars. Gale laid her head on Buster's chest. She got caught up in listening to his heart beat and the rise and fall of his chest. The next thing they knew, the sun hit Buster in the face.
"Oh DOG!" cried Buster, jumping to his paws, "Your dad's gonna kill me. OH DOG! Your mom is going to kill me! MY DAD"S GONNA KILL ME!"
"Calm down Buster, " said Gale. "Let's go home, we'll tell them the truth and face how ever they choose to punish us. I fell asleep also."
"But I ruined our first date," said Buster, he dropped to the ground hyperventilating and whimpered.
"Buster," said Gale, "Come on. They're not going to actually kill us. The worst they'll do is yell at us for not being more responsible."
They gathered everything up and headed back to the retreat. As they pulled up they noticed that All the parents were sitting in front of the cabin.
"I'm dead," said Buster.
"Chill out," said Gale, "Let me talk."
Buster never heard her, he was already planning what to say.
They stopped and got out.
"Well, we're listening," said Yeshe.
"I am so sorry," said Buster. "I was irresponsible, I allowed us to fall asleep. It was just, uh, nevermind."
"It was just what?' asked Kang.
"It was just so perfect," said Buster, "She smelled so wonderful, the stars were perfect, the food was good, we were so relaxed and enjoying talking as we watched the stars. We just got too comfortable and we fell asleep. I realized what happened when the sunrise hit me this morning."
"Gale, what do you have to say?" asked Rocky.
"Dad, it really happened just like Buster said," said Gale, "Dad, mom, nothing happened. We didn't sleep together. Well actually we did, but we did do, uh, that."
"Yeah, I don't think that helped," said Buster. "It was my responsibility, you allowed me to take Gale out. And I allowed us to fall asleep and failed to bring her home at an appropriate time. I fully accept responsibility for this and will accept whatever punishment you feel is appropriate."
"No! I was equally irresponsible," protest Gale, "if you punish him, punish me as well. Just please don't stop us from seeing each other. I love him."
"I will leave this to you," said Kang.
Rocky looked at Yeshe, "So what do you think?"
"I think they should both work double shifts for the next week," said Yeshe, "Buster takes all the night shifts and Gale informs Katie that she is working this week from open to close everyday."
"I'm ok with that," said Kang. "Rocky, anything more?"
"I think they should get to write a paper on all the star constellations they were supposed to be looking at," said Rocky.
"Wow, that's brutal," laughed Kang, "but I agree."
"Ok guys, First off, we believe you," said Yeshe, "Second, I appreciate you owning up to your mistake. You are going to do the things we decided. If you do these things, We will allow you to continue seeing each other. I expect better behavior from both of you."
"Yes, ma'am" said Buster.
"Yes, Mom," said Gale.
"Well, can we work on the paper together?" asked Gale.
"I think that's ok," said Yeshe. "What do you guys think?"
"I'm ok with a joint paper," said Rocky, "Kang?"
"Sure, But if I walk in and find you doing anything other than writing, Buster, We're going for a little run."
"Yes, sir," said Buster, They turned and walked into the cabin going to the study room.
"So you're not going to tell them that you went and found them?" asked Rocky.
"No, at least not right now," laughed Kang. "They do make a cute couple. It could have happened to anyone. You know the boys are going to rib him but also be jealous of him."
"Boys!" sighed Yeshe shaking her head, "Young or old, boys are always boys."
"You love us," said Rocky. "But We never pulled an all-nighter. Maybe we should check out this pond."
"Sounds good to me," said Yeshe, "Kang, would you and Mudita like to join us for some star watching?"
"Why not," laughed Kang, "It will be fun."