Zuma was competitive, that much everyone knew. Despite his laid-back nature and usually a loner attitude, when it comes to a challenge, the Chocolate Labrador was all for it - in the waters, or on the ground, he didn't matter to him. When someone questions him about his authorities or talents, Zuma was right there, waiting to prove that person wrong.
So it's a wonder how he'd managed this without feeling like a complete idiot.
Zuma stared at the boxes before him, filled with plastic and paper and other things Zuma didn't know.
Don't get him wrong, it's not like Zuma didn't like recycling - his home is with the waters, for crying out loud, and a healthy bay makes a happy Zuma - it's just...
Zuma's not going to lie and will come right out and say it - he'd never pay attention when it came to recycling. It was just one of those things humans kept pestering about that made Zuma ignore the lesson entirely and despite wanting to keep the Earth healthy and clean, the Chocolate Labrador would occasionally throw trash in the wrong containment or even leave it on the ground. You'd think the water-loving pup would know better, but since people kept ranting on and on about Saving Ze Earth, Zuma thought it was best fit to leave it to the professionals.
And one of those professionals just so happens to be certain gray mix-breed, that wears his tag and the color that represents recycle proudly, and the keeper of Zuma's heart.
The things I do...
Zuma plucked a bottle from the box, stared at it for a bit, and before placing it where the soda cans were.
"Zuma, that bottle is plastic. It goes in the plastic recycling bin." A voice said and Zuma sighed, hanging his head. I love you, Wocky, I weally do, but sometimes you're just a tad bit annoying. He thought, placing the bottle in the correct bin. It was worth it, though, as Rocky's face gleamed with happiness, wagging his tail. I'll never get tired of that face.
"Now what?" Zuma asked, looking at Rocky. The smile on Rocky's face made Zuma's heart beat a little and the Chocolate Lab found himself grinning back. Is this what Chase feels when he's around Marshall? No wonder he has become a careless fool. If only you knew what you do to me Wocky...
"Um, Zuma? Are you okay bud?" Rocky asked, concern flowing in his golden-brown eyes, and a little pink in his cheeks. Zuma blinked and then shook his head. Okay, note to self: Do not daydream with your crush standing next to you!
"I'm good. What were you saying?" He asked.
"I was saying we should melt the plastic down so they can be reused again." Rocky said, picking up the small bin with his tool arm.
"Oh? Weused as...?" Rocky cocked his head to the side, his bent ear flopping slightly. Zuma stared at it in a trance. Rocky really is adorable. He just doesn't know it.
"You know? I don't really know, but I'm sure it'll get some proper use afterwards." Rocky said just as they stopped near Marshall and Chase. The fire pup was pinned to the ground while the police pup held him there, nibbling on his ear, making Marshall squirm.
"C-chase!" He whined, blushing. "Chase, stop! Z-Zuma and Rocky are watching!"
At this, Chase paused and look to see Zuma and Rocky standing there. He raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"Nothing, we were just wondering if Marshall - or you - wanted to go down to Mister Ed's garage and help us melt some plastic." Rocky said, smirking as Marshall tried to squirm his way out of Chase's grasp.
"No thanks, I think we'll stay here, as we're kind of busy." Chase said, ignoring Marshall's whimpers and begging to be let go.
"Alright. Have fun guys." Rocky said as he and Zuma turned around and began walking away.
"W-wait! I want to come too! C-Chase!" Marshall said, whimpering as Chase growled at him and bit his ear again. Rocky shook his head, in slightly amusement.
"Those two, I swear. As soon as they got together, I think Chase's hormones just went flying through the roof." He said, causing Zuma to laugh lightly. When they reached the garage, Rocky and Ed began chattering, all the while, meltdown down the pastic bottles. Zuma honestly couldn't care less but the way Rocky seems to love recycling, made it all worth it.
The things I do for you Wocky...
"Feel free to look around for some stuff you might use." Ed said, and with that, the pups looked around the yard.
"Wocky, why are we here again?" Zuma asked.
"We're here, because after we went swimming like I'd promised, you wanted to know where I usually go after I'm done recycling my stuff and how I always have something we need during rescues. So, it's a trade!" Rocky said with a smile on his face, before he'd paused and frowned. "Unless...unless you don't want to. I'll understand. Recycling is not for everyone."
Hearing the hurt in Rocky's voice made Zuma winched, and his gut squirm even worse when Rocky gave him the kick-dog look. It's so totally not fair that the sad puppy dog look can also work on other pups.
"No, no. I'll stay." Zuma said, making Rocky smiled and then nuzzled him, which cause Zuma's face to flush.
"Thanks Zuma." Rocky said before hurrying over the pile of junk. Zuma touched the place where Rocky nuzzled him at, flushing again, as a dreamy smile appeared on his face.
The things I do for you Wocky. I just love how adorable you are when in your element.
A/n: Ta-da! Hopefully just as cute as the first page :D