chapter 9

A/N sorry for it being a bit short, i've been swamped with school stuff

"Skippah" Private called, entering the park, exhausted from carrying the shovels. "Skippah" He called again, noticing he wasn't at the tree he normally was. Private kept walking and eventually found him pacing in the middle of the park, lost in thought. "Skippah" Private said again, startling the older. Skipper turned around quickly and walked over to the younger

"Hi Private" he said, awkwardly.

"Hi Skippah, boy it sure took me awhile to find you"

"Sorry, I decided to go for a walk and clear my head." And think about you. God, I feel like a pervert! Your just a kid, this is so wrong.

"Hope it helped" Private said, setting the shovels on the ground.

Skipper snuck a look at the younger, still feeling horrible. Oh god, if Private knew what I was thinking...He's too young for any of this stuff, heck, he probably doesn't even know what love is.

"Skippah?" Private asked, noticing the elder looking at him funny.

"What? Sorry Private" he said, wishing he could just shut off his stupid brain. "What are the shovels for?"

"Well, I thought maybe we could dig under it, it might work, its worth a try." Private said shyly.

Skipper smiled. He sure is determined to get me out of here. He picked up a shovel and absentmindedly started digging.

"Um Skippah?" Private giggled.

Skipper looked up and realized he had been so busy trying to get his mind off Private he had begun digging at a tree. Skipper let out a nervous laugh and began walking towards the zoo, the only sound the pitter patter of Private following him.

Skipper doesn't seem like himself, he seems distant, is he not happy to see me? Oh dear, if Skipper knew what I was thinking about him, that I liked him, I'd be kicked off the team! Well, once he gets back to the zoo. Gosh, I sure hope he can't read my mind, If I got kicked off the team I'd never see Skipper again...

Private was startled as he walked into the older, who had stopped because they had reached the edge of the park.

"Skipper turned around. "A little up in the clouds Private?" he smirked.

"Sorry Skippah" the penguin said, looking at the ground, knowing if he looked at the older he wouldn't be able to contain his smile.

"Come on" The elder encouraged, motioning to the ground." We might as well get started."

They worked side by side for what seemed like hours. Private worked nervously, aware that Skipper was a mere few feet away. He felt almost dizzy, as if a soft hum was radiating from his body, he was happy. Happy to be to be standing a few feet away from Skipper, happy to work side by side his ex-leader, happy he was with him. When he felt himself tire, he just looked over at the other penguin and was filled with energy again. It'll all be worth it when Skipper comes back to the team.

Private's a distraction, I cant work like this! Skipper was blissfully aware that Private was next to him, that if he leaned over he could hug him, stroke his silky soft feathers, it took all his willpower not to. He was afraid it might scare the younger, and the last thing he wanted was to hurt the little penguin. Skipper noticed how the younger looked over at him every once in awhile and felt worried. Oh god, does he know? Am I staring at him? Am I leaning to close? He let his shovel clatter to the ground, trying to distract himself from Private. "Lunchtime" he said happily, watching the younger perk up at the mention of food.

"But where are we going to find food? You cant leave the park." Private said, confused.

Skipper grinned and tapped the younger's head. "Hello? You awake today? What about the pond."

"Oh" Private laughed, embarrassed, "I forgot about that."

"Apparently" Skipper smirked and Private felt his tummy flip flop with happiness. He followed absentmindedly to the pond, where he watched Skipper pull out two fishing polls from behind a bush. He handed one to Private and sat at the edge of the water.

"Really Skippah?" Private asked, amused.

"What? Don't look at me like that, the humans wont miss them."

Private went over to the water and sat at the edge, a few feet away from Skipper, thrusting his feet into the water. He kicked his feet, staring into the water.

"Private, stop kicking, you'll scare all the fish." Skipper hissed.

"Sorry Skippah" Private whispered, staring back into the now still water. He saw the other penguin's reflection in the water a few feet away. He looks so calm and concentrated. .and... Private felt something nibbling at his feet and looked down. Fish! He was about to reach down and grab one but he felt the nibbling turn into a tickle. He giggled quietly, but his giggles grew louder and louder. Skipper noticed and walked over.

"What's so funny Private, I told you if you aren't quiet you'll scare the fish."

Private pointed to his feet in the water and said in between giggles. "The fish are nibbling my feet, it tickles"

Skipper frowned disapprovingly. But that frown turned into a smirk as he got an idea. He leaned down towards the younger and tickled him. Privates giggles turned into full blown laughter as he rolled around on the ground, his sides aching from laughter. "Skippah stop" he pleaded, but the older paid no attention, the younger's laughter was music to his ears. Private rolled away once again...right into the pond. Skipper couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. He watched the younger swim towards the surface. He's kind of...beautiful...AH! I'm getting all soft and mushy!

Private broke the surface of the water sputtering and coughing. "Skippah" he shouted accusingly. Although I didn't really mind...his flippers feel perfect. The younger immediately blushed at his thoughts.

Skipper helped the younger out of the water, trying desperately to hide the blush he felt as his flippers connected with the younger's.

Private lay on the grass beside the older. "I think we scared the fish away Skippah" he giggled. Skipper couldn't help but laugh along with him.