chapter 2: telling the world

NEUTRAL POV

4 DAYS LATER

It was a dark and warm night in late September. The moon was full and shining directly above Adventure Bay, and it was mostly a quiet night at the lookout, with both couples headed out on a rare double date at a fancy French restaurant. Rubble, Rocky and Zuma were all left alone at the lookout while Ryder ran some late errands around the town. The three boys were keeping themselves busy by watching Apollo The Superdog and the Attack of the AI. Much to Rubble's delight, it was made anime-style. The mix and the lab groaned as they stuck through 2 hours of fight scenes, strange characters and depressing deaths, only for the bulldog to fall asleep just after the credits started rolling. Rocky took this moment as his chance and made his move as he gazed directly at his best friend.

"Hey, Zuma?"

"Yeah, dude? You wanna...umm...mess around with Robo-dog or something?"

"Actually, no. I just wanted to talk to you...in private...where nobody would hear us… is it ok with you?" The recycling dog asked.

"Yeah, no prob. You lead the way." Zuma agreed. The two walked outside the lookout together and after a long walk, sat at a cliff directly over Adventure Bay beneath them. The moonlight was bright as ever, and both canines felt a slight breeze grazing their fur coats. Rocky felt a tinge of sweat and nervous energy, unsure if he actually wanted to go through with telling his best friend his big secret. "So, what's on your mind, dude?" The lab inquired quietly.

"Ummm...I have to tell you something very important. Something that has been affecting me since I was 12. And...uhh...promise not to tell anyone. Ok?" Rocky whispered. Zuma nodded. The mix began to sweat even more, and after almost 20 seconds of silence, he inhaled. Then exhaled deeply.

"Zuma...I'm gay." The mix blatantly spoke. A quiet, eerie silence followed. Zuma was in a bit of a shock, but he soon understood. The water rescue dog smiled before he hugged his best friend.

"I knew it. I knew you were gay." Zuma grinned.

"Wait...you did?" Rocky asked dumbly as the two separated.

"Of course." The lab shrugged.

"So...you're not mad at me? Disappointed? You're not gonna shun me or anything?" Rocky gasped.

"Why would I ever do that to my best friend? All because of your sexuality? I mean, dude! Being gay doesn't make you any different. You're the same Rocky that I love, like a brother. You're attracted to guys. There's nothing wrong with that." Zuma asserted.

"Thanks, Zuma." The mix smiled as the two best friends hugged it out again. Rocky was very relieved that his best friend took the news well, and perceived this as a good sign to tell his other friends. But that would have to wait.

"Remember that time we did some Wham at the Karaoke show as George Michael and Andrew Ridgely? You had so much fun, dude! I could tell you were gazing at some of the male dogs in the front row. It's like you were singing to them!" Zuma laughed.

"Yeah, that was great. I felt...you know...free of my bounds. Free of being ashamed of myself for four minutes!" Rocky added enthusiastically.

"Remember that time when you measured our dicks?! You were staring at a few of them, not gonna lie! Why did you ask to measure them again?" Zuma giggled.

"Hey, I was just making sure that Dr. Marshall wouldn't rig Chase's results." Rocky chuckled. Just recently, the males of the PAW Patrol had a guys night, and as a result truth or dare, the male dogs measured the size of their red rockets for fun. Marshall did end up winning, but it didn't matter to the rest of the guys, except Chase, who was a little upset. Both Rocky and Zuma were wheezing on the grass, laughing to their heart's content about the mix being unknowingly obvious about his orientation.

"Seriously, I think all the guys might think you're gay. If you tell them, they're not gonna be surprised." Zuma admitted, as the two finally caught their breath.

"You believe they wouldn't be surprised?"

"Absolutely. Guys know guys and their tendencies. How they act, walk and talk. It's like a code. Skye and Everest would probably be a bit surprised. But they'll still accept you. We all will." The lab said with confidence.

"Even Ryder would accept me? He wouldn't just kick me off the team and throw me onto the street like a stray?" Rocky asked curiously.

"Bro, there is NO WAY that Ryder is gonna kick you off the team. You're literally one of the most important guys we have, and you're so fuckin' smart with your inventions and fixing things. If Ryder kicks you out, I'm telling ya, all of us are walking out too. Because we love you as yourself and you're a big part of our family. We got your back, Rock." Zuma declared.

"Thanks...I really needed that...hey, I...uhh...also have something important to tell you." The recycling dog stuttered as the crickets chirped loudly around them.

"What's up, man?"

"Well...when I was 12, when I was just discovering my sexuality, I started looking at you...a little differently. I've always admired you as my best friend. You've always stuck by me, you always wanna hang out with me over anyone else and...well...you're a great guy. You're also pretty good-looking, if I had to be honest. Even though we don't have a whole lot in common, we just go well together. And uhhh...for the longest time...I...I had a crush on you." The mix spoke, almost ashamed at the thought. Zuma's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't have imagined in a million years that Rocky liked him that much. Both looked away from each other for at least a minute in silence before returning their gazes.

"You did? Or...do you still have that crush on me?" The chocolate lab whispered to him.

"No, I decided to drop it just a few days ago...I don't wanna be bothersome, but...uhhh...are you bisexual?" The mix inquired. Zuma took a deep breath, sighed and put his arm around Rocky's shoulder.

"Listen, bro. I don't wanna hurt your feelings, but I'm not bi. I'm straight 100%. I think I understand why you feel that way. I mean, I go to the club every other Friday to go and see the girls. Some dogs I know use that excuse to go to the club or hang out with females constantly to hide their shame that they're gay. But not me. I don't go to a club just to put on an act. I go there to be myself. You're lying to yourself if you aren't true to yourself." proclaimed the chocolate lab.

"I understand...thanks for being honest…" Rocky sighed in defeat.

"So, have you told anyone else about your 'secret'?" asked Zuma. The mix paused for a brief moment and turned to his best friend, giving him full, undivided attention.

"No. You're the first one I've ever told." answered the recycling dog.

"Wow...thanks, Rocky...that really means a lot... are you gonna tell Ryder and the rest of us?" gasped Zuma, surprised at the revelation.

"Well...I'll talk to Ryder tomorrow night or something. I'll figure out when I tell the rest of them. Maybe sooner rather than later." admitted Rocky.

"Take your time with this. It's very important. We'll still love you as yourself." The lab spoke gently.

"Hey...Zuma...thank you. For accepting me. That's all I ask. Anyways, I'm gonna head back in now...it's a little windy out here." said the mix with a warm smile, as they both walked back into the lookout together.

the next night

"Hey...Ryder...can I talk to you for a moment?" inquired Rocky as he knocked on the boy's bedroom door. It was 10 PM, and all the pups were starting to get some rest. Meanwhile, Ryder was awake in his bed, looking up some new brands for pup treats for his canines when he heard the knocking.

"Come in, Rocky." answered Ryder as he entered the room through a dog-friendly entrance at the bottom of the door. He walked slowly and jumped onto his bed and lied on his stomach in front of the boy. "Is something wrong?" he asked out of concern.

"Well...I wouldn't say there's anything...wrong...but uhhh...I have something very...important to tell you. Promise that you won't get mad at me?" stammered Rocky, feeling nervous butterflies flutter in his stomach.

"I promise." Ryder assured him. The mix began to sweat. He was extremely uneasy about admitting a secret so delicate, so intimate, so life-changing to his owner. His ears dropped as he sighed deeply.

"Ryder...after a long time...I've realized that...I...I...I'm gay." spoke the mix, plain as day. Ryder was admittedly very surprised to hear that one of his own was homosexual, and it resulted in almost 30 seconds of silence as he processed the information in his head. Rocky began sensing the worst, and tried his best to come up with something to ease the tension. Before the canine could say anything, Ryder smiled.

"I'm really glad you told me. Thank you." answered the boy calmly as he embraced his recycling dog. The fears of him getting lashed out at deflated significantly as Rocky sighed in relief.

"Thanks, Ryder. For accepting me...so...you're not gonna kick me off the team because of me being gay...are you?" asked the mix in curiosity, needing to be absolutely sure that his nightmare wouldn't become a reality.

"I would never do that. You're so important not only to me, but your friends and everyone in Adventure Bay. Being gay does not change anything about you, Rocky. Being attracted to male dogs doesn't make you flawed. You're still the same pup that I adopted a long time ago... And I still love you, no matter what. I support you, and I want you to feel like you're in a safe space to be yourself." acknowledged the boy, as they seperated.

"You're not just my owner...you're the father that I never had." sighed the mix, as he looked up to him. Ryder, even though he was only 12, understood many adult concepts early for his age, mainly because he knew that his dogs would age much faster than him. He loved every single one of his canines like they were his children: each had different personalities that made them all special. He secretly considered himself a 'father figure' and embraced it every day.

"I don't wanna sound nosy, but have you told anyone else yet?" asked Ryder as he stroked the top of the recycling dog's head.

"I told Zuma last night," said Rocky.

"Was he the first one?" inquired Ryder.

"Yes, he was. He took it very well, actually." The mix spoke up.

"That's great. I'm very happy to hear that. Now, are you intending to keep this a secret between you, Zuma and I? You know, you don't have to tell anyone else if you don't want to." stated Ryder.

"Well, judging from your and Zuma's reactions...I might come out to the rest of my friends sooner rather than later. Preferably when we're all together. I just don't know when I'm gonna do so..." Rocky replied quietly.

"Take your time. Do what you think is best for yourself...you wanna talk about it?" asked the boy in a calm voice.

"Well...not right now...I'm a little tired." Rocky yawned as he embraced his 'father'.

"That's ok. And...thank you again for telling me. I'll keep your secret safe for you." stated Ryder as he returned the affection. The mix licked his owner's face, wished him goodnight and left the room. As he left the lookout tower and retired to his pup house for the night, he curled up in his pup bed and felt a little more...relieved than he normally did. There was one more set of friends he needed to tell: and he set his mind to figuring out just how to do it.

3 days later

It was a Thursday night at the lookout, and all was well. The whole PAW Patrol just got back from an unusually lengthy search and rescue for Chickaletta (for the 140th time), and were all eating dinner together. As he and his other canine friends ate their fine kibble, Rocky wondered if this was the time and the night to finally break the news. Is it a good time right now? We're all together. I just don't want them to lose their appetite right now. Maybe I should wait until after dinner. Yeah. That could be beneficial. He pondered to himself. 15 minutes later, after everyone was finished, the recycling dog cleared his throat.

"Hey...guys...can I have your attention for a moment? Just one second?" asked Rocky. The canines and Ryder stopped and turned their attention to him. He stood like a statue for a few seconds, sweat starting to trickle down his face. He scratched at his collar for a moment, while his ears dropped. Ryder knew exactly what was going to be said, and knelt next to the nervous dog.

"It's ok." He whispered gently. Zuma, sensing that this was the moment, smiled. He turned to his best friend and nodded. These seemingly small gestures gave a temporary boost of willingness for Rocky to go on, as he stood up on all fours in front of everyone. Seeing their friend's vulnerability, his friends that did not know the secret were getting a little worried.

"Guys...I have noticed over the years that...I'm different from everybody else. I process things in my brain differently, as a response to my asperger's. I struggle sometimes talking to others as a result of that, too. But...there's one more thing that separates me from the rest of you. It's that...well...I realized that I'm gay. I'm attracted to guys." spoke the mix.

Rubble, Marshall, Everest, Chase and Skye looked at him for almost five seconds before any made a move. Finally, the bulldog smiled a great deal before rushing over to his friend and embracing him tightly.

"That's awesome, dude!" The construction dog cried. Everyone began to smile, as the information finally registered. Marshall howled with joy as he hugged Rocky as well.

"I'm so happy for you, man!" cheered the dalmatian. Chase walked over to the mix and proceeded to pat him on the back.

"Rocky, you're the bravest dog I've ever met." The German shepherd spoke with genuine admiration.

"Yeah! We love you, Rocky! No matter what!" Skye squealed with excitement.

"We'll support you every day, Rocky, no matter who you love! Don't let anybody tell you you're wrong!" Everest proclaimed, as all of the canines gathered and embraced the mix in a group hug. Rocky was overwhelmed with relief, crying tears of joy. After two minutes, with his friends let go, Ryder stood up.

"Rocky, we will all love you unconditionally, no matter how you live your life, because you are living your life in your own special way. We're gonna support you and be your greatest allies, in any way we can. Your sexual orientation does not define you at all, and you're still the same good old Rocky that I adopted as a puppy. We want you to feel safe here and this place to be a safe place to express your feelings, because you are a part of our family. And you being yourself is the best thing that we can ask of you. Just follow your heart, and you will find a way." declared the boy. Smiling as he became a hot, blubbering mess of tears, Rocky made no attempt to hide his gratefulness.

"Thank you guys for accepting me...you guys are the most awesome family I could have ever dreamed of…" choked the mix as his emotions continued to flow.

"Yo, is there anything we can do for you, brotha?" Marshall asked the recycling dog.

"Gee...well...I haven't really thought about that…" Rocky mumbled, wiping his tears from his face.

"Oh my god, that reminds me! I gotta do my DJ set Saturday night at the HoundDog!" Rubble exclaimed.

"You see, Rocky? That's the nightclub I go to. Every other Friday, when the couples are out doing their thing, I go there to see the girls, man. Saturdays are less busy, though. You wouldn't last a moment on a Friday night, dude...it's chaotic." spoke the chocolate labrador.

"What do you mean by 'less busy?'" the mix asked inquisitively.

"On Fridays, there are over 300 dogs that come in one night, usually. On Saturdays, there's usually around 150. It's not as bad. Also, the club is only 20 minutes away in Orchard Park." responded Zuma.

"Plus, the nightclub is pretty well sized. It's in a two-story building that some dogs rented out. It has a bar, a dance floor, an arcade, and the second floor is simply known as XXX. Doesn't take a genius to know what goes on up there." Rubble quipped as the other pups laughed.

"The only reason I haven't gone up there is because Ryder exists. He'll find out one way or another. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I'm pretty famous at the club." Zuma spoke up.

"Well, he wouldn't kick you out of the Paw Patrol. But he would punish you pretty harshly. I'm just saying, you don't wanna be a baby daddy at the age of 16, you know?!" Rubble giggled.

"Since when did you know street talk?!" Zuma gasped.

"I was raised in the projects in Orchard Park before I came here. I know black people talk." Rubble told the water rescue dog.

"Anyways...I know you're not very much of a 'social dog' by any means. But, what I'm trying to say is, you might find someone special there. It's worth a shot. Whadda ya say, pal?" asked Zuma. Rocky was quite unsure on how to answer this question. He only came out to most of his friends just moments before, and hated the thought of being surrounded by DOZENS of other dogs in an admittedly small location. But the chance of finding somebody, anybody that might catch his eye was an interesting proposition.

"Ok, I'll do it. Saturday night, it is." answered Rocky. The pups cheered, as Rocky thought to himself again. Maybe if this doesn't work out, there's always dating sites. seems like a good starter. But what is life if you don't wanna roll the dice sometimes?