The worst was yet to come, and Skipper knew it. His mother was always someone he loved to see, but his father was someone he tried to ignore and get away from. He only told Marlene half of the story of what happened between him and his father, and he didn't want to upset her by telling her the rest.

Especially if the worst had anything to do with Alexis, He shuttered at the thought, alarming Marlene in the process. "What's wrong Skipper?" She asked with a concerned tone in her voice. He smiled at her and pulled her in closer to himself.

"I'm fine." He promised sincerely, or at least he was fine for now. Marlene smiled and kissed him on the cheek, Skipper felt at ease for a moment. This was going to be a very long family visit. Skippers smile fell as he walked by Marlene's side in the depths of the sewer.

"Ok Skipper what's wrong, you never worry. You obsess and get paranoid but never worry." Marlene stated upon seeing Skippers smile fall flat. Skipper looked into her deep hazel eyes, he just couldn't lie to her, especially with her pleaded eyes.

He let out a brief sigh, why was it he felt compelled to tell her about his Father. Maybe it was because she could never go without knowing something for very long. Maybe it was because he was powerless when she batted those eyes at him. Maybe it was because he was completely utterly in love with her.

What ever the reason he still had to tell her, maybe not in full detail, but she would find out regardless. "I'm not an only child Marlene, or at least I wasn't, My older brother was the perfect military man without trying." Skipper started sadly, what was he doing, revealing his past like this.

"I slaved over being better for as long as I can remember but it was always my brother Captain was proud of, I'd never been able to please him, and eventually gave up trying." He said, "I found myself getting better without overworking myself and soon I was almost as good as my brother." Skipper smiled upon thinking of these treasured words.

"My brother never made me feel bad about him being better, in fact he was down right the most supportive person to me. Than he went out on a mission and was reported MIA, his team was never found either, we assumed the worst." Skipper bowed his head in shame.

As Marlene watched him she could tell his brother was someone he really cared about, he always watched out for Skipper and supported him, and Skipper looked up to him. This stung Marlene, and she only prayed there was a chance he was still alive, she really was naïve.

"That's when things got worse with my father, instead of morn over the death, he expressed himself in anger, anger towards me. He over worked me and forced me to go on dangerous missions. Leading to the sea lion attack and me coming to this zoo." Skipper smiled and pulled Marlene closer to him.

Marlene couldn't help feel slight pain, even in the warm embrace of Skipper, maybe it was because she never gave her brother enough credit. Darrin watched out for her and cared for her, even though sometimes he went over board he meant well.

"What are the Chances he is still alive." Marlene whispered as a tear fell down her cheek. Skipper tensed up, he'd never considered the possibilities his beloved brother was alive, yet he so desperately wished the chance were high. "I'm not sure Marlene, I don't tend to think about it." He replied wiping away Marlene's single tear.

They remained silent for a good amount of time, they really weren't sure where they were going. Just as long as it was quiet, and away from the sewer rats. Marlene felt herself ease and the pain in her chest began to dull away, yet the memory remained.

"Your mother is very nice, and very brave." Marlene choked up, breaking through the silence, Skipper was mildly confused, "How so Marlene?" He asked, Marlene turned to face his, staring deep into his ocean blue eyes, they seemed darker because of the lighting.

"she lost one of her sons, and her other son is so far away, I can only imagine the happiness she feels to see you again. I can tell she wants what's best for you, it's how a mother is." Marlene chuckled lightly and rested her head on Skippers shoulder, he wrapped a paw around her and thought for a moment.

With each step they took, new thoughts flooded their minds, most of them pushed into the recesses of their heads, never to be heard by the other. And others floated to the surface screaming to get out and be heard, yet both of them stayed quiet and enjoyed the silence.

Their steps echoed lightly through the tunnels of the underground. Both unsure if the other was going to talk when an intake of breath was taken, Marlene felt things were uneven, how could she believe Skipper was so fearless, strong, caring, and well put together after all the terrible things he's heard about them.

"Skipper." She whispered out loud, the military leader turned to face her as they continued to walk along, She tried to pull a smile on her face but found it harder than she thought. "I'm sorry, about all that's happened to you, and I'm amazed you're still so strong."

Skipper wrapped both his flippers around her, hugging her romantically, she smiled as a tear of joy rolled down her face, This was how she always wanted to feel. Proud, excited, loved, cared about, warm, happy, and in love. It all seemed so perfect, despite what was happening above ground.

They broke away and Skipper took hold of Marlene's paw, he guided her down the dark tunnel and back towards her own habitat. Marlene looked around, No sign of Rodger or even the rats. Just peace and quiet with Skipper, The love of her life.

Skipper pulled on Marlene's paw anxiously, he seemed a little flustered since Marlene had brought up the possibility his brother was still Alive, and he wasn't looking forward to going back to his own H.q. He hated his father more than Ring tail, actually it was a dead tie.

"Skipper, Thanks for telling me about your brother." Marlene noted happily, Skipper nodded and brought a grin to his face, "What was his name?" Marlene asked cautiously, "Comrade," Skipper whispered just barely loud enough for Marlene to hear.

Skipper pulled on the rope he kept tied to the sewer gate for when ever Marlene came down. She climbed up with him right behind her and slid open the gate. Darrin was already back, and by the looks of it a little shaken up, Marlene ran over to him wrapping her arms around him with great force.

"Thanks for always watching out for me Darrin." She mumbled, Darrin didn't react at first, than he smiled and wrapped his own arms around his younger sister, "Don't sweat it Marlene." He answered, kissing the top of her head. Skipper smiled, he wished he'd gotten to tell his brother how supportive and helpful he was.

Ok guys this is a SPOILER so if you don't like spoilers than don't read this, I need help, first off here is the spoiler, well kind of.

Marlene is going to have a dream that Skipper is Proposing to her. nothing Big and Fancy just a sweet caring proposal ho should he do it? Help me out here, Winner gets a shout out, and if I don't get an idea before next Thursday, than the next chapter won't make it in time for the weekend. So help me out and Review. BTW what did you think of this chapter?