Just a warning, this one will have some pretty strong Kowalski/Rico. In fact, it's all Rico/Kowalski. XD And Yeah, I know there's only three in this one. That's cause I wanted a page that's all these two. What can I say? I love 'em.

The Penguin Credo

16. Teammates

Kowalski was tired of this psycho. What did Skipper expect to accomplish, choosing someone who could barely function long enough to speak more than a word or two? Simply being around Rico made him nervous, sure that something was going to happen.

Releasing a heavy breath, Kowalski glanced to the side. The manic penguin was in the tree beside him. It was a simple recon mission, but he couldn't help feeling anxious. The unstable penguin could do any number of things to turn this from recon into full-fledged battle.

A deep roar caught his attention, his gaze snapping to the side. He wasn't much of one for swearing, but the jaguar glowering at them allowed him to make an exception. "Shit!"

He and Rico hopped down from the tree as the beast began to climb it, sliding on their bellies to get away. Suddenly, the jaguar bounded in front of Kowalski, forcing him to stop. His eyes widened and he took a step back, his heart pounding. There was no way he could get away from this creature alone. Fight, maybe, but he was in no way the strongest fighter.

Maybe if he-

All thoughts stopped as he heard a whistle. Both his and the jaguar's attention turned to see Rico grinning, waving himself tauntingly at the creature. It snarled, turning to start after him. Kowalski watched in amazement. Rico simply stood there, waiting as it sprinted toward him.

Waited… waited…

Kaboom!

For the longest time, Kowalski could only continue to stare, his jaw slack. Rico waddled up to him, covered in soot and jaguar blood. Not exactly pleasant, but he wore a big grin on his face anyways.

Kowalski swallowed thickly. "Uh…"

"Kaboom!"

Slowly, Kowalski smiled, giving a nod. "Right… kaboom." He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. Perhaps he could learn to trust him…

17. Friends

Kowalski released a deep breath, staring miserably at the picture sitting in front of him. He sipped his 'love shake' slowly, trying to make it last in hopes that the fruity bliss might drown out his depression a little longer.

He'd known it all along, really. Skipper had told him on more than one occasion, but he'd held on to the hope that maybe… just maybe she might have just been… hiding her feelings. He should have known better.

"Ah, Doris, it seems we were never meant to be." He took the picture by the frame, pushing it face down so that he wouldn't have to think about it. He tried to think of formulas. X equals negative B plus or minus the square root of B squared minus 4AC all over 2A… or was it 3? Was he really so distracted that he couldn't remember the quadratic formula?

"K'walski."

The intellectual penguin jumped a little in surprise, turning his attention at the sound of his name. Blinking owlishly, he realized it was only Rico, who was looking at him with his head cocked slightly to the side.

"Oh… um… yes, Rico?"

Rico had a deep frown on his face, and slowly, Kowalski realized he held an expression of what actually appeared to be… concern. Shaking his head, he turned his eyes to his shake.

"Oh, don't worry about me, Rico. I'm just as chipper as ever."

The manic penguin wasn't convinced. He sat down next to Kowalski, remaining silent as was per usual. Kowalski swallowed thickly, his gaze still turned away. He felt a flipper slide around his shoulders and carefully, the shorter penguin pulled him closer.

Closing his eyes, Kowalski released a deep breath.

"Thank you, Rico."

18. Lovers

Kowalski smiled slowly as he was pulled into the world of consciousness, concentrating on the light nuzzles on the back of his neck. He didn't bother opening his eyes yet, just enjoying the comfortable warmth provided by the body so close to his own.

He felt the gentle vibrations of a rumbling chuckle on his skin. He felt flippers traveling up his sides playfully, shivering beneath the touch. "Rico…" he murmured happily. Such addicting sensations, so surprisingly tender coming from the scarred penguin.

Kowalski turned around slowly to face Rico, opening his eyes. "Since when are you an early riser?" he asked lowly, leaning forward to rub their beaks together lightly. He eared a soft grunt of response, and shook his head, smiling. "That's not to say I'm not…" he blushed, ducking his head a little to hide his face "… enjoying new alarm system, of course…"

Rico released a soft purring sound. Kowalski guessed it meant that he enjoyed it as well. He smiled, closing his eyes and enjoying the attentions from the other penguin.

"Uh… guys?"

Kowalski's eyes snapped open. He turned quickly, his gaze falling on none other than Private. The tallest penguin's face turned dark read. "P-Private…" he laughed nervously, covering his face with his flippers. "Hi. How long have you been there?"

"J-Just a little while…" Private cleared his throat, looking away. "Uh, Sk-Skippa' wants us all upstairs pronto."

Not daring to look, Kowalski simply nodded, still hiding behind his flippers. "Thank you, Private. Could you…?"

"R-Right." Private turned around, hurrying off quickly.

Slowly, Kowalski uncovered his face again. Seeing that Private was gone he sighed, turning back to face Rico. "We should, uh-" Rico chuckled again, obviously not quite as embarrassed. He moved on top of the taller penguin, starting to nuzzle his neck again. "R-Rico! Skipper said-"

A little 'hmph' sound that the manic penguin made told Kowalski that Skipper would have to wait.