When Fires Collide - Chapter 18
Marshall, Chase, and Rocky were waiting when Cinder and Smudge arrived at the Adventure Bay Train Station.
The moment the two stepped on to the station platform all they saw was a streak of white, gray and brown over black. The two Dalmatians were swept off their feet and buried under three happy pups.
"You know," laughed Smudge, "This will never get old."
"It's so great that you could come visit," said Chase. "Bruno and I had a long chat the other night."
"Oh, you two talk often?" asked Smudge.
"Well," said Chase, "since you introduced us, we call about different cases and ideas once in a while."
Marshall and Rocky were helping Cinder to her paws. Rocky began explaining everything he had set up. He explained that he set the office up in the Lookout beside their bedrooms.
'Bedrooms, as in plural?' thought Cinder.
'You can share a bed if you want to,' Marshall thought back. 'No one who lives here will think anything of it. Both Chase and Skye, Everest and myself did often before we made everything permanent. By the way, did you know Mom and Dad were here?'
'Uh, no…' thought Cinder.
'You know how they feel about it. Also have you seen 'The Heart of Heartland' front page?' thought Marshall.
'That daily rag,' Cinder laughed mentally. 'Why?'
'Because the two mysterious Dalmatians silhouetted by the sunset, look very familiar' Marshal laughed mentally.
'Perfect' Cinder mentally sighed.
"Are you two going to share?" laughed Smudge.
Cinder realized the others were staring at the twins waiting for them to end their mental conversation.
"Marshall was just surprising me with some informational tidbits," said Cinder.
"Oh, what's that?" asked Smudge.
"Only that Mom and Dad are here," said Marshall. "And you two made the front page of the Heartland gossip rag. Ok, Let's go. Smudge you can ride with me."
"Cinder can ride with me," said Rocky. "I still have some details to explain to her since she wasn't listening the first time."
Smudge stood there with a shocked, if slightly terrified, expression.
"Don't worry," Cinder softly said, "they will love you as much as I do. I wasn't aware they were going to be here either, but it will be just fine."
Smudge took a deep breath and walked over to Marshall's fire truck.
As they rode to the cabin Marshall explained the way his dad seemed to want everything explained in report form.
"So that's where Cinder gets her briefing format from?" asked Smudge.
"Yeah, it's been like that as far back as I can remember," laughed Marshall. "Probably from when he was a fire pup himself. Don't sweat it. Dad feels required to play the tough exterior dad figure and Mom always plays the sweet mom figure."
"So Good Cop, Bad Cop," laughed Smudge, relaxing slightly.
"Exactly," laughed Marshall, "don't worry, they'll love you and accept your request. It's the only fun they get anymore. Mom grilled Everest the first time they met for over an hour; since then Her, Cinder and Mom talk all the time. If anything dad will talk your ears off asking about the London Fire Brigade."
Smudge definitely felt the sudden tension draining away. He was still nervous, but there was nothing he wouldn't endure to spend his life with Cinder.
"What about the paper?" asked Smudge, remembering the comment.
"It's just a picture, and wild speculation in the wrong direction," laughed Marshall. "You can't even tell for sure it's you. But you weren't doing anything other than watching the sunset. Don't worry about it. Those twits love chasing Cinder. But she knows just how to avoid them while still leaving a rumor of a hint, helps keep them at bay. None of them dare follow her too closely after the first incident."
"What happened?" Smudge asked, genuinely curious.
"That news agency ceased to exist" Marshall replied darkly, a look of sadness creeping into his face that Smudge had never seen before. "Oh look, we're here!" Marshall yipped happily before Smudge could ask any questions.
As the pups pulled up to the cabin they immediately noticed an older male Dalmatian sitting on the front porch. The Dalmatian stood and walked out to greet everyone as they began getting out of the various vehicles.
"Good luck," Marshall whispered as they walked up.
"Cinder, I'm sure Everest and your mother would like your company" the Dalmation, whose name was Sparks if Smudge recalled correctly, directed, "I will hear the details of your report from your mother."
"Sure dad," Cinder softly replied. She gave her dad a kiss on the cheek before flashing Smudge a warm smile and walking inside the cabin.
"I'll show you how to access your office from here too, not much point if you could only work at the Lookout," Rocky said, following the lithe Dalmatian through the door. "Jake does have a computer, right?"
"Well Marshall?" Sparks said.
"One twin sister and her scoundrel of choice, known as Smudge, delivered for interrogation" Marshall said with a playful smile.
"Very well," Sparks replied, "go and see to your mate. This 'Smudge' and I are going to take a little walk." Sparks stepped off the porch and started walking away from the cabin.
"'Scoundrel?' Thanks mate" Smudge whispered sarcastically.
"Better than the words he would have chosen" Marshall whispered back with a smirk before he pushed Smudge after his dad. "Don't keep him waiting."
Smudge caught up to Sparks and fell in beside him.
"So Smudge," started Sparks, "tell me about yourself."
"Well first off I was born and raised in the greater London area," explained Smudge. "My family has always worked within the Canine Conformation community."
Sparks laughed for a moment, Smudge turned to him.
"Sorry, I know that is the proper term for a dog show," said Sparks. "The thought of competing against what someone decided is the market standard always makes me laugh. Dalmatians are so much more than they are properly given credit for. And we're still better hunters than most of the sporting group even though our breed was moved into the non-sporting group. I apologize for interrupting, please continue."
"Cinder explained to my parents that your family had a history of competing dogs," said Smudge. "Regardless, I never was one to want to be a show piece. I always dreamed of something to protect the greater good. I became a Firepup in hopes of making a difference. As I grew, I worked to make my way into the London Fire Brigade, I've been there ever since."
"Very Good," said Sparks. "So what are your current and future aspirations?"
"Well," said Smudge, "a week ago I would have told you that I plan to become London's first Canine Operations Chief."
"And now?" asked Sparks.
"Now, I am considering possible professional alternatives that align better with my personal life goals," said Smudge.
"I see," said Sparks.
"So you two have been officially dating for a few months now," said Sparks. "My mate tells me that my daughter has been speaking of you for far longer."
"Y-yes sir," said Smudge.
"I know of the arranged trip to Switzerland," said Sparks. "I assume you shared a bed during that trip."
Smudge froze for a moment before stammering out an answer, "Um, I will never lie to you. Yes, sir, we shared a bed during that trip and as well as once before and last night."
"And as I'm aware she discussed her injury with you," said Sparks, stopping and turning to Smudge. "I hope it is safe to assume that you are not taking advantage of her simply because of the fact that she cannot become pregnant."
Smudge felt anger welling up inside and wanted to snap back. He took a deep breath to calm himself as he reminded himself 'He's a concerned father protecting his daughter who had been hurt before.'
"Sir, I can assure you that while we did cuddle," said Smudge, "and we did in fact sleep in the same bed, we did not go any further and I would not and will not until I have received your permission to ask her to become my mate. And even then until we have actually become mates."
Sparks raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Sir, I respect you and your mate's opinion very much," explained Smudge. "I respect her too much to even suggest anything she is not comfortable with."
Sparks said, "Ok, I appreciate your honesty. I believe your sincerity about the topic. But should you become mates, I am also assuming my daughter has discussed the possible surrogate option. As your family is largely show dogs, is there not a concern about a non-traditional birth? And would there be any pressure on your pups to follow that path?"
"Sir, I am not interested in your daughter for the pups," explained Smudge. "I love her because of her. I only want to spend the rest of my life with her in order to show her that she is the most important pup in the world to me. If we were to choose to have pups byway of Everest serving as a surrogate, it would be because we desired pups to love and raise to be whatever profession they chose; not to extend bloodlines or create show pieces for their own sake. I did hope to meet you in order to get to know you. I also wish to ask for your daughter's paw as my mate. I will do everything I can to assure you that I am completely in Love with Cinder and only hope to be a supportive mate that proves that love on a daily basis."
"Interesting" Sparks replied.
Sparks and Smudge continued speaking for a while and eventually circled back toward the cabin.
In the cabin with Marshall, Everest, and Cinder was Ash, Marshall and Cinder's mom, they were discussing various things that had occurred since the family Christmas gathering. Everest explained the effort she made to arrange the trip. Marshall chimed in about actually managing to surprise Cinder with a visit from Smudge. Finally Ash turned to Cinder.
"So he dropped everything and came when the incident on the highway occurred. Then he showed you an incredible time when you went to visit him in London. What can you tell me about the boy that has shown up and is now being led into the woods with a very protective father?" inquired Ash, with a bemused look on her face.
Cinder began describing everything she had previously discussed with her mother.
"Yes, yes," said Ash, "you've discussed this information already. But now he's here I assume asking for more than permission to date you. Since you so daftly avoided the questions at Christmas, I knew right away that you two had shared a bed already. I'm sure you did again on your vacation trip. Tell me about those details."
Cinder sat back on her haunches in shock.
"Don't act so shocked," laughed Ash. "I knew this was far more than a boy you simply liked when you first described him. But now is the time to share all those little details you enjoy sharing with Everest, Skye and your girlfriends but would be mortified to tell you mother about."
"I couldn't" stammered Cinder.
"Sweetie, you forget I'm a girl too" laughed Ash, "so spill!"
Cinder immediately began defending Smudge and explaining that while yes, they had shared a bed, they had in fact not done more than heavy cuddling. She explained that Smudge respected her and she him more than that.
"Come on Sweetie," laughed Ash. "I'm living vicariously through you. I want details."
Cinder whimpered and looked over at Marshall.
"Marshall, Shoo," giggled Everest.
"I think I'll go read my latest magazine," said Marshall, rolling his eyes and rising to walk into the living room. He closed the door behind himself.
"There, now details," laughed Ash.
"Well, I guess I can share some of my favorite moments," Cinder whined softly.
She began to describe the first time at his apartment and him pulling her into his paws and snuggling into her. She described that she really enjoyed him holding her in his paws as they fell asleep. She explained that waking up in his protective paws was one of her favorite feelings. She explained that then on the trip to Switzerland the night she told him about her injury that his total unquesting acceptance made her heart melt. His caresses and kisses were always incredible but there was one kiss in particular that when she closes her eyes she can still feel.
"I'm just starting to reliably feel Marshall's emotions," chimed in Everest, "But even I felt the power of that kiss. Then at the airport before we flew back, the intensity of their goodbye kiss almost made my knees buckle."
The girls looked over and Ash had her eyes closed as she listened.
"Mom?" asked Cinder softly, "are you ok?"
"I'm fine honey," smiled Ash. "I'm just thinking back on the days when your father and I first started dating. I remember him kissing me like that, and even now I still enjoy waking in his protective paws. I can see that there is a lot going on between you two that is more than fur deep. It makes me happy knowing how well he handling hearing about your injury, I know that has been an issue in the past…" Ash paused to give her daughter a squeeze-hug as Cinder briefly remembered more painful experiences. "Don't you worry now dear, those are in the past" Ash continued comfortingly. "It sounds like he is a good pup and makes you happy. Now, Everest, I'm pretty sure I could figure out what you think but I'd like to hear it from you."
"My opinion?" Everest snorted with amusement, "my opinion shouldn't be a factor, it's not my place."
"Oh?" said Ash with a raised eyebrow, "You are a member of this family and one of Cinder's closest friends so I value your opinion. Also, it's too late to say it isn't your place, unless you have an identical twin that planned and took them on that Swiss trip without your knowledge…"
"She's got you there" Cinder softly giggled.
Everest growled something inarticulate but probably inappropriate that made both girls laugh before continuing. "The whole point of the trip was to give them a chance to figure it out themselves, without any outside pressure. I was fully prepared to only bring one of them back."
"You would have left Smudge there for me?" Cinder softly gasped.
"Not anywhere he would have been found" mumbled Everest. "But yes, based on all the times Cinder and I have talked about Smudge and my own conversations with him, I think he is a good pup. And if he is what Cinder wants, I say let her have him."
"And if he ends up hurting her in the future?" Ash asked inquisitivly.
"Then we take a little trip to Antarctica. Lots of places for him to 'explore' there." Everest replied without hesitation.
Ash giggled even more. "You know Everest, I love how blunt and protective you are, Marshall couldn't have picked a better mate to be a part of this family."
"I hope you feel that way about Smudge one day" Cinder softly whispered.
"I'll talk to you father and see what he thinks" Ash replied as she stood up, gave her daughter and daughter in-law kisses on the head and walked out.
In the next room, Ash found Marshall laying on the floor reading. She walked over, kissed the top of his head and laid down next to him with her head on his back. "So, what is she really thinking?" Ash softly asked.
"Are you asking me to spy on my beloved twin sister for you?" Marshall asked inquisitivly.
"No more so than you already have" Ash replied with an amused snort, "you know her better than anyone and knows what she is thinking and doesn't want to share. I did the same thing with her and Everest. I'm sure she never even though a peep about it but you two did not make it easy on her."
Marshall winced and blushed at the same time imagining what Cinder might have gone through. "He let's her be herself" he finally said, "and he makes her happy. And he did that before finding out about her injury so I don't think there is reason to suspect that he has that ulterior motive in mind. She is at peace with him in a way that only a mate can provide; I'm sure you know what that is like mom."
"Yes I do" Ash replied, closing her eyes again. "You know your father is being tough on him not because he thinks you aren't being a good brother in how you look out for her. It isn't just an act or a negative reflection on you; Cinder has been though too much and she deserves the best and he will do everything he thinks is necessary to protect her."
"Thanks mom" Marshall replied. Somehow, his mother had worked out the one thing that bothered Marshall about all of this. "Now that I'm going to be a dad, I have a feeling that I'm eventually going to understand way better than I do now.
"May you get what you so richly deserve" Ash said with a laugh as she stood, gave her son a lick on the top of his head and walked out to confer with Sparks.
Sparks and Smudge walked up to the cabin.
"Smudge, you may go and see Everest now," said Sparks, "I will confer with my mate and discuss our findings. I will return to you with the decision of our deliberations."
Sparks turned and walked to the edge of the porch awaiting his mate Ash. She walked out as Smudge was walking in. "Hello Smudge, it is so nice to finally meet you." She turned and looked at her mate who was staring up at the mountains. "We'll speak later." Ash turned and Sparks stood and began walking as she caught up to him.
"So how'd it go?" asked Marshall, as Smudge stepped through the door."
"I-I'm not sure," said Smudge, looking somewhat confused.
"Did he say no?" inquired Marshall.
"No, he did not really say one way or the other," explained Smudge. "He asked questions and then said he and his mate would deliberate and let me know the outcome."
'So is Smudge ok,' Marshall heard in his head.
'He's shook up a little,' Marshall thought back. 'It seems dad really put him through the ringer. He and Mom walked off to deliberate.'
'Deliberate, really?' Cinder, laughed in her head. "Warn him they are probably going to mess with him some more.'
'Possibly,' thought Marshall, "Does Everest need anything?'
'Food,' laughed Cinder, 'probably liver if I know her.'
Marshall laughed out loud.
"What?" asked Smudge as he had been watching Marshall and waiting.
"Cinder says I should go get Everest some liver," laughed Marshall. "But that has been the one thing she has not craved. In fact, she almost threw up when I made her some. I'll break out the Kobe Wagyu for her.
"Holy cow, is that what you've been feeding her this whole time? It is a miracle that you haven't gone broke yet. Is that all she said?" asked Smudge, worrying that something else had been said.
"Only that Dad will probably mess with you some more," said Marshall. "Don't worry, this is the first boy Cinder has brought to meet them. Dad's being extra protective of her, for good reason, and he doesn't want anything bad to happen to her. Let's go get Everest's steak before she bites someone."
Smudge laughed and followed Marshall into the kitchen.
"So what did you think?" asked Ash.
"A fine young pup," said Sparks. "I asked him some rather pointed questions and he was quick to defend our daughter's honor, I like that. He didn't deny that they shared the bed together, I appreciate his honesty above everything."
"Cinder did the same," said Ash. "She never denied it at Christmas, she just never admitted it. This time she did and also adamantly denied anything beyond cuddling and sleeping of course."
"So what is your opinion?" asked Sparks.
"I believe I will let you decide how to handle this," said Ash. "I think you already know my opinion. I will allow you to decide how to best handle it."
They continued walking for a while discussing the anticipated joy of their first grandpups. They intentionally took way longer than needed in order to allow Smudge, and Cinder for that matter, to stew a while.
After about an hour they returned. Marshall was sitting in the living room reading a medical journal. Marshall rose as they walked in.
"Well?" asked Marshall, his tail wagging.
"You may alert your sister and her 'friend' that we have reached our decision," said Sparks. "They may join us for a formal briefing."
Marshall's tail drooped and he turned to go let Cinder and Smudge join his parents in the living room.
Shortly after they both walked into the room. Marshall turned to leave.
"No son," said Ash. "You may stay and hear the decision as well."
"O-ok," said Marshall, turning back.
"Smudge," said Sparks, "Is there anything you wish to add before we reveal our decision?"
"I would just like to repeat," said Smudge. "That I deeply love your daughter. I will do everything in my power to provide a happy and stable home. I will strive to maintain your confidence that I will stop at nothing to maintain your trust."
Ash maintained a stern face as Sparks stepped forward.
"Cinder and Smudge," started Sparks, "You mother and I have discussed this topic at length and reached our decision." Sparks turned to Smudge. "We would ask that you no longer consort so wantonly with our daughter."
Marshall's jaw dropped in shock.
Smudge felt tears begin to well up.
Cinder jumped up and appeared ready to explode in anger.
Sparks held his paw up to stop any further discussion. Cinder bit her tongue turning to Smudge.
"Our decision is final," said Ash somberly.
"It is our desire that if you desire to continue consorting with Cinder in any way that you will find an appropriate time to propose in a manner fitting a true English Gentledog, that would make his properly raised parents proud, and us too."
Marshall blew out his breath he didn't know that he was holding and turned to Cinder who appeared on the verge of tears.
"You scared me dad," whined Cinder softly as she squeezed Smudge's paw in happiness before running and throwing her paws around her dad's neck.
"That was good dad" laughed Marshall, "you really had us all going for a moment."
"Well your father originally wanted to wait a day before telling you the last part," said Ash "but I told him that was probably a bad idea given the impulsive tendencies you both inherited from neither of us."
"I only hope that you actually make it to a wedding unlike some pups in this family," said Sparks, turning and looking at Marshall.
"We had a wedding," said Marshall, pausing and continuing, "Eventually. And it was before we mated, thank you."
"I can attest to that" Everest chimed in from the doorway where she had been eavesdropping from. "Thank God that was the only thing he made me wait for though, otherwise we would not have made it."
"TMI Everest!" Everyone else laughed.
Smudge stepped over to shake Sparks' paw and was drug into a hug by Ash which evolved into a family group hug.