Rocky and Yeshe were waking up in Rocky's Pup House.
"I can't wait until the dorms are ready" said Yeshe "Your pup house was obviously not intended for two let alone a monster cow of dog."
"What!" yipped Rocky "You're more beautiful every day I wake next to you. You aren't a monster or a cow. You're incredible, you're super strong, and have an amazing mind. I wouldn't change anything about you."
"Thanks Rocky," Yeshe said kissing him "I've just noticed how big I'm getting. I knew I'd grow but I grew up around other mastiffs. I never had any comparison. I feel so big compared to the other girls."
"Everest is getting much bigger as she grows," said Rocky "Skye is a Cockapoo, she will always be a smaller size. You can't compare yourself to others. You are my perfect mountain flower. You're still the hottest pup I have ever seen. I adore you and your fur still makes me crazy. You uh, oh."
Yeshe turned to Rocky and noticed he was aroused. Yeshe was instantly aroused but then stopped for a second thinking. I uh, I think I need to go talk to Skye real quick.
"What? Really?" whined Rocky.
"Yeah, I uh" said Yeshe and she immediately got up and left the pup house.
She turned and ran down to Skye's pup house banging on the door. There was no answer so she went to Chase's pup house and knocked loudly.
Chase opened the door. "Morning Yeshe," said Chase "is there something I can d…"
"Is Skye here!" said Yeshe "I really need to talk to her."
Skye came to the door, "What is it Yeshe?" asked Skye, now concerned. "Did something happen?"
"Well, I uh" Yeshe said looking nervously at Chase.
"Hey look at the time," said Chase, taking the hint. "I need to go do my rounds."
"Come in, Yeshe," said Skye, stepping aside to allow Yeshe in. "Did you and Rocky have a fight or something?"
"What?" said Yeshe "No, nothing like that. I woke up and Rocky was complimenting me and we were staring at each other and suddenly I wanted him more than I ever have before. Suddenly something came over me and I almost lost control. Skye, am I losing my mind?"
"Was it something Rocky did that made you stop?" asked Skye.
"No, he was more adorable than I've ever seen," said Yeshe "I just thought I was about to lose control. It scared me."
"I think I know what's going on," said Skye "Yeshe, do you understand what it means to be in heat?"
"I know what it means," said Yeshe "I know it means when a pup is in season and can get pregnant."
"Yes, that is the most important part," said Skye "But you also tend to be easily aroused. You also need to remember you are putting off, let's say a certain scent, that probably will drive Rocky equally crazy and arouse him quicker than normal. Now that's not necessarily a problem. As long as you know you are more likely to get pregnant. If not, you'll have to wait."
Skye walked over and took a deep sniff, "And you are most definitely in heat."
"So I'm not crazy," said Yeshe.
"No sweetie," said Skye "You're perfectly normal. Have you and Rocky discussed starting a family?"
"I want one," said Yeshe "I'm not sure if Rocky is ready though."
"Well you've got to talk to him," said Skye.
"Oh no," said Yeshe "I freaked out and ran out with poor Rocky turned on and confused. He probably hates me now."
"Yeshe," said Skye "Rocky adores you. Yes, he's probably confused. But I seriously doubt he hates you or is even mad. You are going to have to go explain. At the very least it's a good conversation starter to discuss pups."
"OK," said Yeshe "I'll go talk to him."
*** Meanwhile Outside ***
Chase was walking around the Lookout when he noticed Rocky sitting outside his pup house looking particularly upset.
"Hey Rocky," said Chase "everything ok?"
"No!" said Rocky, sounding sulky.
"Whoa," said Chase "what's wrong? Did you and Yeshe have a fight?"
"I don't think so," said Rocky. "I said something nice to her and then I got turned on and I thought she did too. Then she jumped up and ran out. I think I must have disgusted her all of a sudden. I'm so confused."
"Ok so tell me what led up to her running out?" asked Chase.
"She was upset about how big she's getting," explained Rocky. "I told her she was perfect and that I thought she was more beautiful than ever. She smelled so wonderful, I could help but get turned on. I could tell she was getting turned on and she suddenly stopped and ran out."
"Whoa stop," said Chase "You said she smelled so wonderful. Like more so than normal? Like something about her was driving you crazy?"
"Yeaaahh, very much so," said Rocky. "I thought it was just the moment. Is something wrong, did I do something?"
"Rocky," said Chase "I know it's been a few months that y'all got together. During that time have you noticed sometimes she smells different and it seems harder for you to control your urges?"
"Well sometimes she does smell different and that scent does make me want her more." said Rocky, now thinking about it.
"Ok," said Chase "I think I understand at least part of the issue. Tell me Rocky, I know you got the control yourself talk from Zuma and the Dad talk from Toby. Have you been told about a female dog's heat cycle?"
"I've heard about it," said Rocky "But that just means she is more likely to get pregnant, right?"
"Well, yes that is part of it," explained Chase "She also puts off pheromones that will draw her mate to her. Meaning her scent will change, those pheromones will often drive you to mate more. It is her instincts driving both of you. Since you two have been more active, this may be her first real heat cycle. Have you two talked about starting a family?"
"She mentioned when we first became official that she would like a family," said Rocky. "But I guess we haven't really talked about it since the retreat started getting closer to being finished. SO you think it's not something I did? If she is wanting a family, why did she stop and run out? I haven't seen her, do you think she went back to Jake's Mountain to talk to Toby?"
"No she's ok," said Chase, "She came to my pup house this morning and I got shoved out so she could talk to Skye. I'm sure she was just confused by her feelings and needed a girl's perspective. Why don't you two spend the day together and have a good talk. Do something cool, like make a picnic and go enjoy yourselves. Maybe the trails on Jake's Mountain."
"That's a great idea," said Rocky "Thanks a lot for helping me calm down."
Rocky ran into the Lookout to put together something for the picnic.
Skye and Yeshe, were coming out of Chase's pup house as Chase walked by. He walked over and nuzzled Skye. Chase turned to say something to Yeshe but caught a strong scent.
"Oh yeah," said Chase "That's the issue."
"What?" said Yeshe "Is it bad?"
"What?" exclaimed Chase "No, it's not bad you're just…"
"In heat," said Yeshe "yeah, I know, Skye explained it."
"And I told you it's perfectly normal," said Skye "But you're going to have to talk to Rocky."
"Ok, where is he?" asked Yeshe "Chase did you see him? Is he upset with me?"
"Yes,I saw and spoke with him," said Chase "He said he was planning something with you and went into the Lookout. I think he probably wanted you to wait at the pup house, he'll be back shortly. And no, he wasn't upset at all."
"Ok, I'll go wait for him," said Yeshe "We need to talk."
Yeshe walked away toward Her pup house. Skye walked over and nuzzled Chase.
"So was Rocky upset?" asked Skye.
"He was confused," said Chase "But what he described, I figured out what was probably going on. Her scent confirmed it."
"And what did you tell him to do?" asked Skye
"I told him they needed to talk and suggested a picnic on the trails near Jake's," said Chase.
"Oh, very nice suggestion," said Skye, licking Chase's muzzle. "I think that deserves a special treat, come with me, I might add the muzzle this time."
Skye walked back toward Chase's pup house swaying her hips. Chase just giggled and followed becoming more aroused as they entered his pup house.
*** Meanwhile at Zuma's ***
Zuma opened his eyes and stared at the most beautiful pup in the world. He softly caressed her head and her ears. He leaned over to gently kiss her when her eyes fluttered open.
She smiled, "Good morning my sweet water pup."
"Good morning my love," said Zuma, kissing her again gently.
"I think I'm going to go down to the shop and get ready for the day," said Zuma "Do you want to go eat breakfast first?"
"That would be great," said Sunny. "Now that Rocky has interconnected the retreat and Jake's lodge I can do most of my bookkeeping from here. So I'll get to that after breakfast. I really enjoy bookkeeping and accounting more than I thought I would. Now that I'm actually using it, I understand it better."
"Rocky is amazing when it comes to technology," said Zuma "Do you regret leaving college and not finishing your degree?"
"I will never regret leaving college for you," said Sunny "but I am thinking about taking some additional accounting classes though. I am trying to look into what it would take. I really don't want to have to go back to campus. I could never leave you for that long."
"I'll survive if I have to," said Zuma "But I want you happy as well. Your happiness is the most important thing to me."
"Dad said he was going to come this weekend and watch your surf competition," said Sunny. "He's really impressed with how well your team is doing."
"He's the one that suggested I coach a surf team or swim team," said Zuma "Maybe he'll have a suggestion for how you can take some classes."
"Well, I'm starving" said Sunny standing and stretching "Let's go eat and get the day started."
*** With Marshall and Everest ***
"Good morning my sweet snowflake," said Marshall.
"Good morning," said Everest, kissing Marshall.
"So what do you have planned today?" asked Marshall, as he rolled over on his back looking up at Everest.
"Well I was going to go back to Jake's and see how the retreat is going," said Everest. "But I could be talked out of it."
"How about I go with you and maybe we could get lost in the woods somewhere," said Marshall, licking Everest.
"What do you mean?" said Everest "There's nowhere on Jake's Mountain that I would be lo… oh, OH… Yes, that sounds like a great idea."
*** Lookout Kitchen ***
Rocky had grabbed a picnic basket and was making some sandwiches. He had also put some water and treats in the basket. He grabbed a blanket and was just about to seal the basket and head out to find Yeshe when Zuma walked in.
"Heah dude," said Zuma "what you doing?"
"I decided to take Yeshe on a picnic," said Rocky.
"Cool," said Zuma "Any special occasion?"
"No, we just need to talk about somethings…" Rocky's voice faded as he said the last part.
"Ok, Rocky" said Zuma "I know that voice and can see it in your eyes. Spill it."
"It's nothing," said Rocky
"You know I will still tickle you if I have to," said Zuma.
"Fine," said Rocky "Yeshe and I were sort of getting ready to make out and she stopped and left."
"She what!" said Zuma
"No, no, it's ok now," said Rocky
"If she left, how is it ok?" said Zuma
Rocky breathed out and started, "She left to go talk to Skye. Apparently Yeshe is in heat and something startled her. She ran to talk to Skye and I was left frustrated and confused."
"Oh, Ok," said Zuma exhaling "I assumed you knew about heat. But I guess I could.."
"NO, I do understand," said Rocky "and what I didn't Chase already explained. I just think we need to talk and discuss some things."
"Rocky," said Zuma "Are you afraid of starting a family?"
"I want pups," said Rocky "I know Yeshe wants a family and probably wants to have some of them assist at the Retreat as Guardians. I'm just afraid that I won't be good enough."
"Rocky are you having trouble with you know…" asked Zuma
"No not that," said Rocky "I just mean she's a pure blood and I'm"
"Don't you dare start that 'I'm just a Mutt' thing again," said Zuma.
"But I am," said Rocky "what if our pups aren't as beautiful as she is. What if they are as weak as me, or, or…"
"What if they're as smart as you are?" said Zuma "What if they are as loyal and funny as you? What if they become someone's best friend that stands by their friend through rough times and good times? Rocky there is nothing wrong with you other than poor confidence. There is nothing you wouldn't do for anyone, especially for Yeshe."
Rocky had tears running down his muzzle, "Zuma? You really feel that way about me?"
"Rocky, I love you," said Zuma "You are my brother and I would do anything for you. You will make a great dad, because you care more than anyone I know. You are the smartest pup in the world and if I could figure out a way to prove it I will."
Zuma grabbed Rocky and pulled him into a hug. "Now you go and talk to Yeshe," said Zuma "and if she wants a family, you step up and make me proud."
"Thanks Zuma," said Rocky "thank you for always being there and knowing just what to say."
Rocky picked up the basket and walked out of the Lookout to find Yeshe.
*** With Rubble and Obi ***
"Obi," said Rubble "I've watched everyone else go through all this fear and struggle to ask a certain question."
"Ok, Rubble," said Obi "I assume there is something you want to ask me?"
"Yes, Would you like to go on a date with me," said Rubble. "Like a real date? I know we have been close friends for a while. I think I'd like to try something more."
"Rubble, are you asking me to be your mate?" asked Obi.
"Maybe someday," said Rubble. "We're still young. Let's try boyfriend / girlfriend for now."
"Yes, Rubble, Yes!" shouted Obi jumping on top of Rubble pushing him back and kissing him all over his face. "But I still want to go on a date."
"Ok, I'll pick you up tomorrow at 6." said Rubble.
"Why are you going to pick me up?" asked Obi
"I need to go ask Skye to take you to Katie's for a spa day," said Rubble "I don't understand but apparently it's a tradition that all the girls have done before their first dates."
"Ok, do I need to ask Skye?" asked Obi.
"No I think I do," said Rubble "Skye loves doing it and it makes her happy. I'll go right now."
Rubble asked Skye and then since Chase happened to be there he asked if he and Marshall would help him get ready. They were all excited to help.