A/N:

Hey all! Sorry it's been a while, but I've been incredibly busy. I've also run into a bit of writer's block on Of Flames and Fury, but have some of the next couple chapters done. Not full chapters but part of a couple of them. Thanks for your patience there.

I have the start of a few new stories brainstormed, so be on the lookout for new original content soon!

But, to tide you all over for now, and hopefully for a much shorter time period, here's #5 in my PAWSome Love one-shot collection. Again, please let me know what you think and any feedback is welcome via PM, or suggestions as well.

Enjoy! I enjoyed writing this one, so I hope you like it!

-Zomatic-

Winter: the season of love. The cold weather had embraced Adventure Bay. Gone were the tourists of summer and fall, and in their place were the first misshapen snowmen of early-season snowfall. The quaint shops throughout town were decorated with the first signs of Christmas; pine trees dotted the windows and glitter and tinsel glinted in the bright winter sunlight.

The efflux of visitors brought a welcome lull in rescues for the pups of the PAW Patrol; they still had their share of a few snow mishaps, including minor spinouts and vehicles stuck in the snow, as well as some skaters injured from minor falls on the ice. But those were simple for the team. The pups were surely enjoying the breather.

As November turned into December, the pups circled a certain date on the calendar: December 15th. It was something they'd been looking forward to for months. To the unknowing mind, it was just an ordinary day. However, Mayor Goodway was hosting Adventure Bay's first annual Winter Talent Show, and to try something new, the pups were competing as individuals.

They all enjoyed the previous successes of winning along side one another, but they longed for a new challenge. Ryder begged the pups to reconsider, but their competitive nature was already showing. No pup shared what he or she was going to do for the talent show and they all trained hard in secret.

The lull in rescues gave the pups a lot of time to spend with each other, leading to much friendly banter between them when it came to the talent show.

A week before the competition, the pups were all stirred from their slumber by Chase.

"Time to get up, pups! We need to clean up the yard and pup houses, it snowed a lot last night," the shepherd pup called through his megaphone.

The rest of the team groggily stumbled out of their warm houses into the snow, chilled instantly by the cold blanket covering the entirety of Adventure Bay. They rushed into the lookout and grabbed their hats and winter coats before joining Chase to shovel the snow. They quickly cleaned up the lookout driveway and their pup houses before scurrying back inside for breakfast and hot milk.

Ryder looked on as he placed the food and milk dishes in front of his pups, who were more than eager to warm up with the food in front of them. He chuckled to himself at the rapidity that his pups downed their provisions.

"Shoveling made you hungry, huh pups?" Ryder asked jokingly.

All he received in response was mumbles and "mmhmm's" from his pups. He laughed again; it always warmed his heart to see his pups enjoying themselves, especially when there were few rescues. The team deserved their break, and Ryder would do anything to make sure they get their rest. He walked out of the room, stealing one more glance at his pups, smiling.

"So, are you pups all ready for the talent show?" Chase asked the rest of the pups, finishing his warm milk before the rest. The others looked up from their dishes and smirked, not allowing Chase to gloat.

"Weady to win, dude," Zuma boasted, eliciting a laugh from Chase.

"In your dreams, Water boy," Marshall answered, grinning.

"That's right," Skye responded, "Cause I'm winning."

"Rubble will be winning, on the double," the bulldog followed.

Chase laughed again, "Do you always have to say your catchphrase, Rubble? Or are you too nervous that you're going to lose." The pups all laughed.

Chase glanced over at the one pup who hadn't spoken. "What about you, Rocky?" Chase asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "Aren't you going to join in?"

Rocky looked up from his bowl nervously. He looked around at the other pups before opening his mouth to talk. "I'll be ready," Rocky answered weakly.

"You better bring your A-game, dude," Zuma smirked, causing Rocky to blush and shy away.

"Oh, sowwy, Wocky," Zuma continued. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

With that, the pups ran off to continue to practice, with only days left until the big show. Chase and Skye left together, and Marshall scurried off to Jake's mountain.

Rocky looked on with a hint of sadness; as the pups got older they were pairing off. Chase and Skye were the first to become mates, followed quickly by Marshall and Everest. Rocky just sighed; he longed for a mate of his own but didn't know how to go about it. He had feelings for some pup but didn't know if they would be reciprocated. He struggled with it, but suddenly, he got an idea and rushed off to Katie's parlor. Katie had been helping the eco pup prepare for the talent show, and Rocky wanted to run an idea past her.

"Wow! That was amazing, Rocky!" Katie exclaimed. She had been helping the eco pup practice his routine for the past couple weeks and was skeptical of Rocky's change of plans. However, Rocky quelled her fears with one rehearsal.

Rocky beamed, his face turning slightly red. He pawed the ground as he answered: "thanks, Katie, do you really think so?"

Katie knelt down and patted Rocky softly on the head. She looked him straight in the eye and spoke to him. "Of course, I do, Rocky. I thought that changing your performance this close to the show would be a tough task, but that was outstanding." She stood up and turned away. "Besides, I believe you'll be winning in at least one way."

Rocky blushed again, jumping to his paws with his tail wagging.

"I'll be back tomorrow for one final run-through," Rocky answered. "And then, Katie…" Rocky gulped.

"Yes, Rocky?" she answered.

"Can you, um, give me a bath before the show?" Rocky stammered, surprised himself that he would ask for such a thing. Katie chuckled, kneeling down once again and scratching Rocky behind the ear.

"I thought you'd never ask…" Katie turned around to see Rocky rushing out of the parlor. "Heh, guess that scared him away…"

The sun shone brightly, glistening in the fresh snow. A light breeze blew the fluffy flakes across the yard; the Lookout appeared as the centerpiece in an Adventure Bay snow globe. This morning, none of the pups needed Chase to stir them from their slumber; they were all excited and nervous for that night's talent show. They rushed in for breakfast before Ryder called them all to the top of the lookout.

"Alright, pups. I know you're all excited for tonight's talent show," Ryder started. "But we need to help Mayor Goodway set up the stage and seats before the big event." The pups howled in agreement and excitement and rushed off to Town Hall to help the Mayor complete preparations for the occasion.

After a few hours of hard work, the stage, lighting, decorations, and seating was complete. Mayor Goodway requested a Christmas theme, complete with festive trees and lighting, as well as glimmering stars and icicles. The Town Hall square was transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Even the pups were in awe of their work, but they weren't able to admire it for long; they all rushed off for final preparations on their acts.

Rocky scurried home to drop off his equipment and then drove over to Katie's parlor. He strolled in and tried to find Katie. He peeked around the corner and gasped, running to hide. He hid behind a clothes hamper until a chocolate lab pup wandered out, thanking Katie on his way. He hurried in after Zuma left and hopped right into the warm bath Katie had prepared for him. The blonde giggled, unable to contain her disbelief at what she saw in front of her.

"So, Rocky, are you ready for tonight?" Katie asked as she scrubbed the mix-breed's fur with pup shampoo.

Rocky looked up at her with a slight pang of nervousness in his eyes. "I think so, Katie," he answered meekly.

Katie stopped scrubbing and looked down at Rocky. She smiled warmly, urging confidence from the eco pup. "Rocky, you'll be great. We've been working together for weeks, even though we changed the plan, and I know it'll…"

Rocky interrupted Katie, "Thanks, Katie! I appreciate it." He smiled, feeling much better about the night ahead. Katie quickly finished Rocky's bath and dried the pup. She smiled as Rocky hopped off the step.

"Thanks for everything, Katie," the eco pup said to Katie, beaming with confidence.

"You're welcome, Rocky," Katie answered, smiling from ear to ear. "But I have one more surprise for you."

Rocky looked at the blonde-haired girl, confused. "But, you've done so much for me already," he stuttered, embarrassed that Katie would go through even more trouble for him.

"I'll be right back," she called over her shoulder, running off to the back room of the pet salon. In a few minutes, Katie returned, holding a suit and tie. The tie was multiple shades of green, and the suit had a green pocket square. Rocky looked up at Katie, his mouth wide open in surprise.

"What do you think, Rocky?" Katie asked the pup, still smiling.

"It's perfect," Rocky answered, unable to come up with any more words.

Katie helped Rocky change into his new outfit. She stepped back and allowed Rocky to admire himself in the mirror. Still speechless, he turned around and smiled, unable to put words to his feelings.

"For a night like tonight, you deserve this, Rocky," Katie replied. "It's almost time for the show. Everything will be great. I'll see you there." The mix-breed quickly left the pet salon, hopped in his truck, and drove to the town square, eager for the night's event but still very nervous for what was ahead.

"Alright Adventure Bay!" the mayor's voice boomed over the loudspeakers. "We've turned this beachside paradise into a Winter Wonderland! And to get us in a festive spirit, I'm proud to present the first annual Adventure Bay Winter Talent Show!"

The crowd cheered wildly; since the tourists had vacated the area, the townsfolk had been eagerly awaiting a special event like tonight. They were always willing to cheer for the heroes of the town: the PAW Patrol.

"We have a special treat for all of you tonight," Mayor Goodway continued. "The members of the PAW Patrol will be performing in the talent show. But, for the first time, they will be performing individual acts!"

The crowd gasped in surprise; they were unsure what to think about the pups performing without each other. But they continued to cheer, ready for a fun night.

"Without further ado, let me introduce the emcee for tonight's festivities: Katie!" The blonde stepped out onto the stage and began to entertain the crowd.

Rocky stood off to the side, preparing himself for his act. His nerves were on edge; not only was he performing alone for the first time, he was taking a big leap of faith. He'd been hoping for this moment for months. He had sadly watched the other pups pair off with their chosen mates, while he remained a single dog. He only had eyes for one pup, and truly hoped they felt the same way. And he was ready to dive in. The setting was perfect; a light snow fell over the beautiful lights and decorations around the stage and around Adventure Bay. He closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander.

But his daydream was quickly broken; the first act of the night was ready to perform. "And first, we have Chase and Skye, performing a duet!" The crowd cheered, excited for the pair of pups to get the show started. They jumped right into their song, tag-teaming the lyrics and singing together in perfect rhythm. The crowd grew more and more involved as the song came to an end.

"…And I've figured out with all that's said and done.

Two, is better than one."

Chase and Skye finished their song in perfect harmony. The crowd cheered and whistled. The two pups kissed each other, eliciting an audible "aww" from the audience. Rocky smiled with a slight pang of jealousy, but he knew his moment would be coming.

Next up on stage was Rubble, followed by Marshall. Rubble remixed a few EDM tracks and showed off his DJ skills, which got the crowd on their feet. Marshall sang a medley of Christmas songs, inviting his mate Everest on stage to help him with his final number. The audience appreciated the festive spirit. Katie walked out on stage to introduce the act immediately before Rocky.

"Give it up for Marshall and special guest, Everest!" Katie exclaimed, eliciting another reaction from the crowd. "I know I'm in the Christmas spirit now! Next up we have the water rescue pup from the PAW Patrol, Zuma!" The audience cheered wildly as Rocky looked on. Realizing he was next, he was unable to focus on Zuma's performance. His heart began to race as Zuma finished his song. He closed his eyes and walked to the back of the stage.

"Yes, Adventure Bay! Wasn't Zuma great?" Katie asked the audience. "But, we still have one final act. Let me introduce the team's eco pup. The one and only Rocky!" The crowd cheered as Rocky closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He slowly walked out on stage and stood in front of the microphone. The bright lights accentuated the green trim of his suit and tie. Rocky looked out into the audience and noticed Zuma, who couldn't help but stare at the mix breed. Rocky smiled, though his heart continued to race. He took one more deep breath and spoke into the microphone.

"Before I begin, I have a few words to say," Rocky stuttered. He looked out into the audience again and locked eyes.

"I'd like to dedicate this song to a special someone. And they'll know who they are," Rocky continued. He nodded over at Katie, who started the music.

Rocky closed his eyes and began to sing. Still utterly nervous, his voice was quiet at the beginning. To help him through the song, he started picturing all of the fun time's he's had with this pup; from his arrival at the lookout up until now, this pup had been his best friend.

"I was the boat stuck in a bottle,

that never got the chance to sail the sea…"

He thought about all of the rescues they had done together; even those where Rocky ended up falling in the bay. Yes, he hated the water, but this pup made him feel right at home.

"…I was one in a hundred million.

One burned out star in that galaxy

I was lost in the sky, just wondering why

Everyone else shines out, but me…"

He thought back to the moments where he started falling for this pup; the sense of humor, the caring nature, and the overall exuberance for life won Rocky's heart. He opened his eyes and looked out in the crowd and could not find the pup he was looking for. But Rocky continued to sing, closing his eyes one more time.

"…I come to life when I am with you

The best me has his paws around you

You make me better than all else before

Thank God, I'm yours…"

By now, Rocky was fully engulfed by the moment. He opened his eyes and continued to belt out the tune. The entire crowd was enthralled, swaying back and forth to the music.

"…I was a worn-down set of shoes

Wandering the lonely streets

Another face in the pound

Head looking down

Lost in the sound of a distant melody

Empty pockets at the roulette

Always landing on the wrong bet

I live for the spin, hoping to win

Go all in just to lose again…"

The song continued to flow and Rocky truly hoped that his message was coming through. He finished the bridge and the music became quiet, as Rocky readied himself for the final chorus.

"I was the boat stuck in a bottle

Who never got the chance to sail the sea…"

Rocky smiled and took a deep breath. Whatever was about to happen, he was ready. He'd sung his heart out and expressed his true feelings. The eco pup sang the last words with pure emotion.

"…I come to life when I am with you

The best me has his paws around you

You make me better than all else before

Thank God, I'm yours

The worst of me is just a dog-gone memory

You put a new heartbeat inside of me

You make me better than all else before

Thank God, I'm yours

Thank God, I'm yours

Thank God, I'm yours"

Rocky finished the song and closed his eyes; the crowd was silent for what seemed like eternity before they burst into applause. Rocky bowed and walked off the stage and down the stairs. Katie came out on the stage for the final announcements.

"Wow! That was emotional, touching, and beautiful. There must be a special pup out there," Katie voiced, eliciting another round of applause from the audience. "But it's time to announce a winner!"

The crowd became silent, eager to hear the results of the talent show. Rocky slowly walked behind the stage, closing his eyes and taking more deep breaths. He readied himself for the results, but before he could hear what Katie said, he bumped into another pup.

"Wocky?" the eco pup heard softly. He opened his eyes and looked right into the eyes of the team's water rescue pup.

"Zuma…" Rocky breathed, his heart beginning to race once again. He couldn't find any other words to say.

Zuma looked up, then took a step closer to Rocky. "That was beautiful, dude," Zuma said, causing Rocky's heart to race faster. "You wewe amazing up there, and handsome, too." The two pups heard a roar from the audience, but their focus couldn't be broken.

Rocky cracked a small smile, but still, the words would not come to him.

Zuma glanced upward quickly. "Look up, dude," Zuma continued, a small smirk on his face.

Rocky cocked his neck and looked up, realizing what Zuma had noticed. He looked back at Zuma and smiled. He placed a paw around Zuma's neck and placed his lips against the lab's. And they kissed; no words were needed. Their tongues danced around each other's, neither pup daring to break for air. All of the emotion of the night poured out in that first kiss under the Christmas mistletoe. They finally broke the kiss, gasping for oxygen. The two pups stared deeply into each other's eyes, before Zuma finally broke the silence.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, Wocky, dude. Thank you," Zuma breathed. The two pups reveled in this moment, stealing another quick kiss. They walked back towards the stage paw in paw.

The audience seemed to be growing restless, but the two pups didn't care. Little did they know that Rocky had won the talent show. But to Rocky, he had his prize in his paws.

Hope you enjoyed that one! It was a fun one to write, as Rocky and Zuma are two of my favorite characters and two who are easy to write as a pair. Until next time,

-Zomatic-