Zuma was soon asleep, but Rocky found that he could not. He licked Zuma's ears absentmindedly, his mind already figuring out what he was gonna do in the morning. Suddenly, his ears swiveled to the left and Rocky heard soft...paw steps. Hmph. If Chase thinks he's gonna come back and hurt Zuma again, my boyfriend, he's got another think coming! I'll tear him limb from limb before he lays a paw on my Zumi. Rocky thought, growling possessively, curling around Zuma just a bit tighter.

"Chase, you better leave right now, or I'm going to tear you to pieces!" Rocky shouted. "I've had just about enough, and I'm not taking any more of it!"

"Whoawhoawhoa! Rocky, it's me, Marshall! Calm down, don't kill me!" Rocky stopped growling and cocked his head.

"Marshall?" he asked. The light of the fire finally reached the stealthy pup, and Marshall emerged from the shadows.

"No one could find you, but I knew immediately where you were," Marshall said.

"Oh...yeah…" Rocky said. "It's nice here, very private."

"I know, that's why I like it so much. It's hardly changed since we left."

"I know right? It seems like forever, but it's only been sixty-three days." Rocky said. "Did anyone follow you, or know where you went?"

"No. I said I was going to take a walk. Everyone was fine with that." Marshall said. "Listen, dude, I'm really sorry for what happened. I don't know what's going on with Chase. He began crying, but when I asked him what was wrong, he told me to go away or he'd beat me up as well. I don't know what's going on. Also, Taja's really worried about Zuma."

"Taja's really worried about Zuma." Rocky mouthed to himself in a whiny, bitchy voice silently. Marshall didn't notice. He looked at Zuma and 'awwed' softly. Rocky smiled.

"He's okay now, right?" Marshall asked.

"Yeah...the little guy will be fine now," Rocky said, kissing his nose and nuzzling his neck lovingly, not caring that Marshall was watching. Zuma made contented noises in his throat. Marshall seemed...a little shocked at Rocky's actions.

"What….what was that?" Marshall asked.

"I don't know…" Rocky replied absentmindedly. "I'm just...happy around him."

"But why are you being so...protective of him?" Marshall asked.

"I don't want Chase to hurt him again," Rocky replied not liking where this was going.

"But...sounded so possessive...almost territorial." Rocky winced.

"No I...wasn't…" he said weakly.

"You were being possessive of Zuma, I heard it!" Marshall said confidently. "And how do you explain your position around him, then?" Rocky blushed and realized that he could not deny the facts. He tried to uncurl from Zuma, but he whimpered and held onto Rocky's pelt, trying to pull him back.

"Don't...don't leave me…" he whined. Rocky couldn't do it and he resumed his position around Zuma quickly, licking his ears.

"No...I won't leave you. Calm down, Zumi." Rocky said.

"Leave you? Zumi?!" Marshall exclaimed. Rocky winced.

Please don't put it together...please don't put it together… Zuma mewled and licked Rocky's neck. Rocky couldn't help but lick him back.

"Ummm...Marshall...I don't know how to tell you this…" Rocky said.

"You have feelings for Zuma!" Marshall shouted, cutting to the chase. Rocky was completely blindsided, though expecting the accusation, he had no idea how to answer it.

DANGER!

WARNING!

ERROR!

His mind screamed at him.

Rocky's brain shut down, and he was unable to get any intelligible thing out for a full minute.

"I...uh...well…" Rocky shook his head and looked down at Zuma. He was sleeping, completely unaware of everything.

"Zuma looks like he likes you," Marshall said. "A lot. He's always talking about you, and how great you are, and ya de yah, yah, yah. He's always trying to figure out reasons to spend time with you, or just talk to you. And he just won't stop saying how smart you are, and how kind you are, how you have the cutest looking paws and tail. He even talks about you in his sleep! Zuma likes you a lot, and I will bet my tail, and every pup treat I'll ever eat for the rest of my life that he's in love with you." Marshall said.

"Awww..." Rocky cooed. "That's so sweet of you, Zuma. I...I never knew that..." Rocky couldn't help but smile. "But how did you…"

"I know things, Rocky," Marshall said. "And you made your feelings very clear just now. Do you two love each other?"

"Yeah…" Rocky admitted.

"Romantically?" Marshall pressed. Rocky sighed. Well, Marshall's already figured it out, now. No point in stringing him along.

"Yes, Marshall, we do. Very, very much. I can't imagine my life without him anymore. I'm lovesick and there is no cure." Rocky said. "I love everything about him, for the color of his eyes, to the texture of his fur. And he feels the same way about me. We've been in love for a while now, and we fell in love at first sight. I'm sorry I kept it from everyone so long...are you...upset with us?" Rocky asked. "If you are...please...leave Zuma out of it."

"Oh my god, Rocky! I've been wanting you two to get together for the longest time now! I'm so happy for you!" Marshall said, hugging Rocky as best he could.

"You're...happy for us?" Rocky asked, in shock.

"Yes! I couldn't be happier for you!" Marshall said. "I've known he likes you for the longest time, it was you I wasn't sure about. You don't really let anyone into your heart at all, but I knew if anypup could do it, it was Zuma! Why would I be upset?! You found true love!"

"Well...we're not in a normal relationship per se. We're both males...and...well...society doesn't accept that kind of relationship well."

"But I'm not society. I'm your friend." Marshall exclaimed.

"Yeah, but I get you understanding. You've always been nice. And you never judge others." There was a short silence.

"So...are you like, gay or something?" Marshall asked. "I mean...I don't wanna be rude or anything, just curious."

"It's okay, Marshall. Even before confessing my love for Zuma, I've never liked anyone else Honestly, I was asexual until I met Zuma...especially after...what happened…" Rocky trailed off, and Marshall saw crushing regret, shame, and remorse in his eyes. I wonder what happened… Marshall thought. Rocky sighed and shook his head." And it would return that way if Zuma left my life."

"What about Zuma?" Marshall asked.

"I don't know," Rocky said.

"Oh, come on! You're telling me you never thought about this!?" Marshall asked.

"Ummm...we never really needed to discuss it," Rocky said. "We didn't care, as long as we had each other. I find tags restricting. I don't know what Zuma's orientation is, but I know that I will never have romantic feelings for anypup other than Zuma, so... I have none."

"Maybe you should talk about it? If you ever do go public with it, that's a good question to know the answer to."

"Maybe...I'll ask him about it...later..." Rocky said, yawning. Zuma murmured, then softly kissed his neck before settling down again.

"Sorry, buddy," Rocky said. "All our talking is probably disturbing you. You're a very light sleeper...like me." Zuma muttered something and fell asleep again.

Marshall noticed and he put a paw over his mouth, trying to contain the squeal of joy.

"Ahhh! You guys are so cute together!" Marshall said.

Rocky opened his maw to reply, but Marshall shut him down. He was bouncing around, looking giddy.

"Oh, my god! I have so many questions! Who confessed first?"

"Zuma. and I came along after him about thirty seconds later," Rocky said.

"Have you kissed yet?" Marshall asked. Rocky blushed.

"Day one," he replied. "He's a really, really good kisser. It's magical; dreamy." Marshall's eyes sparkled.

"Does...does he like it?" Marshall asked.

"He loves it," Rocky replied. "He's extremely touchy and possessive... I swear, I have the most pawsy boyfriend ever."

He's your boyfriend?! Squee!" Marshall exclaimed.

"Yeah...he asked me about fifteen minutes ago," Rocky said. "And how could I not accept?"

"You two deserve each other, you know," Marshall said softly.

"So he tells me...I don't think I'll ever believe him though." Rocky said. "He's just too good for me.

But keep all of this to yourself, okay. I feel like I can trust you. If Zuma didn't exist you'd be my best friend."

"Aww...thanks, Rocky. I swear, I will never tell anyone about this. You have my word." Marshall said. "Well...Zuma's okay, so I can tell Taja…" Rocky growled very low, and threateningly. Marshall got a little scared. "Whoa! Dude!" he said. "You're getting territorial again!"

"Sorry, Marsh," Rocky said quietly. "Taja likes Zuma. It's not her fault, but I don't like it. Zuma's mine, and I am his. We've made that very clear. We've marked each other and everything."

"Whoa, dude. You really went all in." Marshall murmured.

"Yeah...I guess we did."

"But...don't you understand that when you mark someone, you are bound to them for life. Essentially, you marked him as your mate...forever." Marshall said.

"I know...but...it felt so right," Rocky said. "I wouldn't say we are mates yet, I wanna take things slow. But Zuma on the other paw…" Rocky trailed off.

"He wants to take things quickly?" Marshall asked.

"Yep. He even wants to make love to me." Rocky admitted, blushing. Marshall had to bite his tongue to keep in his squeal. "I know, right? As I said, I have the most pawsy boyfriend ever."

"You've gotta keep me updated, okay?" Marshall asked.

"Yeah...why not? It feels good to talk to you anyway." Rocky said.

"I'd better go. The pups will be looking for you. I'll make sure they don't find you two, okay? Say goodnight to Zuma for me, will you?"

"Of course. Goodnight, Marshall. And thanks." Rocky said softly.

"No problem. Goodnight." Marshall disappeared into the darkness and turned back once. Rocky was murmuring something to Zuma, and he kissed him softly. Marshall squealed on the inside and scurried away. Rocky heard Zuma whining and opened his eyes. Zuma was kicking slightly and tears were running out his eyes again.

"I'm not gone, Zuma. And I'm never leaving you. Ever." Rocky whispered in his ear. Zuma stopped immediately and smiled. Rocky felt Zuma's warm tongue lapping at his neck, and he sighed in pleasure. Zuma eventually settled down again into peaceful, contented slumber. Rocky smiled, as he snuggled with his most valuable possession, his most precious belonging, the love of his life. He curled tighter around Zuma until he fully circled Zuma, his tail resting at his forepaws.

"No one will hurt you. No one, not now, not ever, not while I'm living." Rocky whispered, licking his forehead. "I'll protect you with my life. Because I love you. You own my heart, and I own yours. Because you are mine." Rocky laid his head down, and Zuma buried his snout in his neck. Rocky could feel Zuma's hot breath against it, and he smiled.

"I'll never be able to treat you well enough," he said sighing. Zuma was so trustful of him. He's at my complete mercy. I could do anything to him. But he trusts me. What did I do to deserve you, my dear Zuma? As he looked at Zuma, sweet, innocent, little Zuma, the answer came to him.

"Nothing." he finally answered, closing his eyes to sleep. "Nothing at all."

Morning broke bright and clear. Rocky opened his eyes and found himself looking directly into Zuma's.

"Good morning, Wocky," he said, licking his nose.

"Hi, Zumi…" Rocky said shyly. He yawned, and he felt himself falling asleep again.

"Wake up, Wocky dude," Zuma said

"Just five more…" Rocky trailed off. Zuma kissed him softly, and Rocky moaned, leaning further in, feeling his body come fully online.

"Now, that's the way to wake up," Rocky said, smirking at him. Zuma blushed.

Zuma tried to sit up, but his body screamed at him.

"Aww….shit…." he moaned. "Evewything huwts," Rocky growled.

"I could tear Chase apart right now." he spat.

"And I wouldn't hold you back," Zuma groaned. Rocky was silent for a moment before speaking again.

"You've been having dreams again, my love," Rocky said. Zuma stiffened, and Rocky licked his ears. "Whoa, whoa, buddy...calm down, dude." Zuma relaxed at his touch.

"I'm sowwy…" he said. "I'm okay...I just...I…" he trailed off. "I don't wanna talk about it." Rocky understood that prying information out of Zuma when he didn't want to talk was an awesome way to turn him against you, so he stayed silent.

"Okay, Zuma," Rocky said softly. "I just don't like seeing you upset. I'm here for you if you need me."

"I'll always need you," Zuma murmured. "Always." Rocky rested his head over Zuma's and closed his eyes, content to just be with him on a perfect spring day. Zuma's stomach growled softly.

"I'm hungry, Wocky." he mewled. Rocky sighed.

"And things were just getting good," he mumbled to himself. "Come on, let's go see what Ryder got from the store yesterday." He reluctantly sat up and let Zuma go. He sniffed his pelt.

"Umm...Zuma...we're gonna have to wash...again." Rocky said.

"Why?" Zuma asked.

"Your scent is all over me, and mine is all over you," Rocky replied. "The moment we go inside, they are going to ask some questions." Zuma sighed.

"But...you smell so good. I don't want to wash your scent off!" Zuma cried. Rocky nuzzled his neck.

"Me neither. But we have to, Zuma." Zuma sighed and took a step forward. He collapsed on the ground.

"Oww….!" he cried.

"Oh...I forgot about that." Rocky said. "You still can't walk." Zuma shook his head. "I'd heal myself, but I'm hurting too badly to focus on my powers enough."

"And I only learned the basics, as you've been using your powers every day for two months….roughly," Rocky said. He bent his frontside down. "Come on. I'll carry you." Zuma yipped happily and scrambled onto Rocky's back, holding on to his neck.

"Hey...I guess we have a good excuse now, right? Chase beat me up, and I can't walk, so you're going to carry me around." Zuma said. "No one will ask any questions now."

"You're a young genius, Zuma," Rocky said, closing his eyes for a moment.

"Awww...thanks, Wocky," Zuma said shyly. Rocky blew the fire out and began walking back to the Lookout. Zuma noticed things happening around them. The birds began chirping, and squirrels tussled around in the grass. The clouds above the two cleared and the sun shone it all its majesty. The still recovering grass sprang to life, and it came up, full and vibrant. The wind picked up a little, and it circled Rocky, blowing through the young prodigy and his boyfriend's fur. The temperature increased to a perfect seventy-five degrees.

"Wow...this is beautiful, Wocky. Look at what you're doing!"

"Oh...I didn't notice." Rocky said. "It just happens...from time to time...when I can't control my emotions anymore."

"I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and assume I'm making you very happy, yes?" Zuma asked.

"You got it," Rocky replied. The lookout came into view, and soon, Rocky had made it. Rocky walked through the sliding glass doors, and as he turned to go into the kitchen, he bumped into Chase.

"Hey, watch it, dude!" Chase shouted at him.

"Sorry," Rocky said in an unapologetic voice.

"And where have you been all night?" he asked.

"That's none of your business." Rocky snapped.

"You told Marshall." Chase continued hostility.

"Mawshall? What's he talking about, Wocky?" Zuma asked.

"I'll fill you in later," Rocky murmured. Chase hit Rocky with his paw.

"Listen to me when I'm talking to you!" he shouted.

The pups heard a crash and they ran from wherever they were to see what was going on. Even Ryder came from downstairs.

"Ahh...that was refreshing..." Rocky said to Zuma.

"I know, right? I wish I had it on recording. Oh well..."

"Rocky! What's happened here?!" Ryder asked. Glass was all over the floor, along with a decent amount of blood.

"I threw Chase through the door," Rocky said, walking past him into the kitchen. "What do you wanna eat, Zuma?" he asked, showing no concern for their dying teammate.

"Umm...I don't know. Something weally good." Zuma said.

"Well...I was thinking about making an omelet and some french toast to go with it." Rocky said. "I haven't made it in a while, though."

"Since when do you know how to cook?" Zuma asked, impressed.

"I have a lot of spare time, Zuma," Rocky said. "You can help if you want." So, the two pups busily began preparing breakfast while Marshall tried to stop Chase from bleeding out. By the time he came back inside, the two pups were talking with each other and smacking on their food happily.

"He'll live," Marshall told them.

"Who?" Rocky asked absentmindedly.

"Chase! The one you threw through the glass and almost killed!" Marshall shouted.

"Oh, him…" Rocky said. "Well...good for him I guess." He turned back to his bowl.

"You really don't care if he lives or dies, do you?" Marshall asked angrily and regretfully at the same time. Rocky didn't say anything. Marshall sighed. "Chase wants you to help him, Zuma."

"Help him! HELP HIM?!" Zuma shouted.

"Do you have no sympathy?" Skye asked, coming into the room.

"SYMPATHY!?" Zuma howled, enraged. "MAYBE IF HE HADN'T FUCKING BEAT ME UP AND CUWSED ME TO HELL AND BACK AND MOCKED MY VOICE I'D SHOW A LITTLE MORE CONCERN!" Rocky touched his shoulder, and Zuma's hackles fell down. "I don't care about his condition. It's just bad karma for him."

"Zuma...he's hurt...really bad," Marshall said. "I know he's been really mean recently, but please...do it for me? Besides, you owe me one." Zuma muttered under his breath.

Actually, he does. One, for keeping our secret yesterday, and two, for not telling them where we were at.

What secret? Zuma asked.

I'll tell you later. Rocky replied.

"Fine, Marshall. But only because you asked." Rocky carried Zuma over to Chase, and he put his paws over him, healing him quickly. "You'd better be lucky Mawshall is looking out for you, pup, because left up to me, I'd leave you there to bled to death!" He growled.

"Zuma, Rocky, I need to have a word with you," Ryder said, tapping his foot against the ground. "Upstairs. Now."

"Sigh...and I had plans to go to the beach," Zuma said sadly.

"Don't worry, Zuma. I'll take you there later, okay?" Rocky said as they followed Ryder into the elevator. Marshall watched them go up. He looked back at where Chase had been and realized he wasn't there anymore.

"Chase! Chase, I need to talk to you!" Marshall said. Sigh...he has to be around here somewhere...I'll find him. Marshall thought.

Tears ran down Chase's face freely and dropped onto the ground.

"Let me go...please…" he begged. "I can't take it...anymore…"

I'll never let you go. I still need you. Jason said softly.

"I don't wanna hurt my friends! Just let me go! You've had your fun...please...leave me alone…" Chase whined.

I still have work for you, Chase.

"What do you want...now?" Chase asked.

I want you to turn in Rocky.

"Why! He's had enough, he...doesn't need...the FBI...on his tail...as well…" Chase panted.

I'm not done with him. I need him separated from his friends. I need him separate from that annoying brown mutt he always hangs around. Without his friends, he's easy to manipulate.

"No...he's not!" Chase said firmly. "Rocky is the smartest pup I know! He'd never fall into one of your traps!" Chase felt a wave of pain wash over his mind, so powerful, he was brought to his paws….again.

But even he has a weakness. I'll find out what it is, and you're gonna help me do it. Now...be a good little puppy and call your partners. Your paws uphold the laws, right?

"I hate that phrase! " Chase said. "It's a tool... to keep order...but sometimes...it can create...chaos...there's more to life….than...keeping...the law…

Not anymore. My word is the law. And you must obey. Chase tapped his pup tag.

"Call the nearest FBI office," he said. His tag flashed.

No! Stop it, stop it! Chase pleaded.

That's right, Chase...obey. Jason replied. This is fun. It's almost like having a slave do your every bidding. Oh wait, that's right, you are my slave, and you are doing my every bidding.

Fuck off, dude. That wasn't funny in the slightest, it wasn't even amusing.

Eh...you can't please everyone.

"You've reached the Federal Bureau of Investigation office #16. How may I help you?" A female voice said.

"I'd like to submit a tip," Chase said.

I would make you turn yourself in as well, for stealing information, but...I need to make sure they go after Rocky. So...good for you! And all of your friends! Rocky's gonna be your scapegoat.

No! We all decided to…

Obey, Chase.

"I'm calling from Adventure Bay. Residing with me is one Rocky, who framed Copycat for helping burn down the hospital. Also, he broke into the information center and stole all information on Daniel Goode. He also broke into Goode's house and stole other documents about him."

"Is he still there with you?" the voice asked.

"Yes. If you come now, you can get him." Chase said.

"Thank you for your call. We are sending someone right now. Again, thank you for your call." Chase's tag flashed twice, and the call ended.

"I hate you," Chase said. "I've gotta...warn...Rocky..."

Oh, no you won't, Chase...you don't have a mind...you're not strong enough to fight me…

Suddenly, the effort of speaking became too much, and Chase had to use his mind again.

Please, Jason! My mind is weary now. I want my friends back. I want to stop being your slave! Let me go!

What, and lose my only link to Rocky again? No way. Jason replied.

Why do you even want him so much?! This is ridiculous, sure, you may be crazy, and for some deranged reason, you like torturing others! But all Rocky did was escape! What is with you and him? Why are you spending all this time, all this energy, just for him?

Because no one shows me up and gets away with it. After he got away my entire facility was shut down. Every animal collected was set free. My entire life's work! Luckily, I was able to pin the blame on someone else, and I got off scot-free. Yes...having money does make life easier sometimes. But then….that pup had the nerve to come back! He took two of my other prisoners and destroyed my second facility.

That in and of itself is enough for me to go after him...but I really have other plans for him. I've seen what Rocky can do. His power level is off the charts. Everything he's done that's you've seen, I've seen as well. No...I have plans for him. He could rule the world with that power...and I want it.

You'll never get away with whatever you are planning. I'll tell them everything! Chase's mind shouted at him.

Tsk. You wish. Your mind is not your own, remember? I control it, and I have full dominion over it. If I don't want to talk, you won't. And you are too weak to fight me. Chase whimpered and curled up, wishing Jason would get out of his mind, and leave him alone. And you can't do one damn thing about it. Tears rolled down Chase's cheeks.

"Please...just let me die…" Chase prayed. "I don't wanna live this pointless life anymore. Just let me go." Chase received no answer from the skies, and he gave in to hopelessness.

Hello, again! (get it?)

(yeah, only a few of you are gonna get it...)

So yes! Charisma, bsassan, you guys were right! And anyone else who suspected Jason was behind this, give yourself a high-five!

...

No, I mean it...

XD

So! Rocky has a conversation with Marshall, who figures out that the two are in love, to which Rocky eventually confesses. This makes Marshall the first (and only) pup to know about their relationship. Not a whole lot of action in terms of time in this one, but...you still need to know all of this. Jason is shown to be in control of Chase's mind, and Chase is currently powerless to escape. Jason is using Chase to find out Rocky's weakness primarily, and while he's at it, he might as well have some fun, right? (At everyone's expense, but hey, he's evil...he doesn't care about you.)

The next chapter should be up next week.

That's everything so...

LightningPelt12, out!