Chapter 8: Setting Things In Motion

The next morning Chase stepped out of his puphouse and stretched his limbs, yawning slightly as the rays of sunlight beamed across the horizon. The German Shepherd walked towards The Lookout, entering to retrieve his Pup Pack for the megaphone to wake up the rest of the pups.

On his way up the elevator, Chase let the gears in his head turn as he contemplated many thoughts on his mind. "Today is Valentines Day. It only comes once a year. Should I finally ask Skye out and let her know my feelings?"  he pondered as his brain weighed in on the idea. On one hand (or paw), today being Valentines Day made it easy to talk about love and feelings. It may have been cliché, but a lot of people and pups would celebrate and confess their love for one another. Many would take the chance or expected their special someone to use this day of all days to finally confess. However, on the other paw, he was doubting himself some. Every time Chase was alone with Skye, they would both turn into a blubbering, flustered mess. Yesterday was a good example of that. He loved that cute, little Cockapoo with all his heart, but always got shyer and shyer the closer he came to asking her. Unanswered questions zipped through his head. What if he messed up? What if she wasn't ready herself? What if she flat out rejected him on the spot?!

Emerging back out in front of the puphouses with his Pup Pack on, the German Shepherd inhaled deeply and let out a long breath. "Calm down, Chase. Don't overthink. If not now, I've got all day to figure this out." the pup told himself. He barked out the megaphone and gave the pups a nice little wake-up call. 

"GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, PUPS! IT'S TIME TO RISE AND SHINE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY!!"

One by one, the other pups woke up and emerged from their puphouses, greeted by the sunshine as well. Between their stretching and yawning, the pups took in the warm weather the day had for them. The whole month of February had been unusually warm this year; no snow or frost at all in the first fourteen days. They had read that it was going to be around 68 degrees today, and they already felt that. 

"Good morning, Chase," Skye greeted as she walked towards him, the other pups following close behind her. "Oh, and happy Valentine's Day too."

"Yeah, bro. Happy heart day or whatnot." Marshall grinned and fist bumped Chase's paw with his own. 

Rubble's stomach growled along with Everest's and Zuma's. "Let's eat some breakfast." the construction pup suggested as the others nodded in agreement.

All seven pups entered The Lookout door and walked into the elevator. Marshall even trotted in yet again without a wipeout; his mind focused fully on the plan they would start after breakfast. After a short trip they arrived in the kitchen and saw Ryder making their meal.

"Goooood morning, guys." Ryder greeted as the pups sat down in the dinning room, watching the boy prepare their food in the kitchen. "I made you all some special pancakes."

The pups howled in joy at Ryder's announcement. Pancakes were some of their favorite, and they greatly appreciated it on the occasions they had them. Soon enough, Ryder came in and served each pup their meal. Each dish consisted of three pancakes, a scrambled egg, two sausage links and a strip of bacon. However, there was a special twist to their meals today. The pancakes were cut in the shape of hearts, with little messages written on them with strawberry syrup. "Happy Valentine's Day Pups."

"Thanks, Ryder sir." Chase said as the others praised him with gratitude. They all looked down at their plates.

"Awwww." Skye gushed at her pancakes with the message 'Hugs & Kisses'.

"This is so adorable!" Everest squealed as she held her cheeks with her paws, her pancakes reading 'Sugar Muffin'.

"'Smooches'? Eww." read Rubble from his dish. "But the pancakes look delicious, though."

"All the ladies out there know I'm a 'Sweetheart'." Zuma smirked as he looked at his meal.

"Hmm....I guess it fits me." Rocky observed his pancakes reading 'Cutie Pie'.

"Mine's....uh, okay." Marshall tried to defend his pancakes that read 'Romantic'.

Chase looked down at his dish with the message 'Hugs XOXO' written on it. "This sounds fine to me."

The pups all chowed down on their decadent breakfast as Ryder sat and ate with them. Aside from their dishes, the group also ate some bananas and had glasses (dog bowls for the pups) filled with water or juice. Once breakfast was done, the group discussed their plans for the day.

"I'll get all these dishes cleaned and put away." Ryder said as he started clearing the table. "After that I don't have anything specific for the day. Just going to modify my ATV and check the brakes. You pups can go out and enjoy the day. If any emergencies arise, I'll call you on your Pup Tags." The pups all nodded at Ryder in response before turning towards each other.

"So, what do you pups want to do today?" asked Chase to the other six. The pups obviously knew what they were doing, having to set up their "plan" and all, but they couldn't tell him outright. Quickly, each pup came up with a half-truth that wouldn't raise the German Shepherd's suspicion.

"I'm going to Mr. Porter's to help him with some food prep. Nothing to big." Rubble stated his plans.

"Well, I'm headed out to do some exploring in the forest and the trails." Rocky explained. "Got to look at some interesting plants I passed by a few days ago."

"I'm going into town, dude. Might twy to impwess some ladies with my chawisma." Zuma gave the group a smirk and playful wink.

"I'll be following after Zuma - minus the ladies, of course." Marshall chuckled as he nudged his friend. "Got to look at some things."

Everest turned to her fellow female friend. "I was planning on doing some things with Skye since we didn't get to chill yesterday. Sound alright with you?" The Cockapoo yipped in approval and excitement. 

Chase was a little surprised that everyone had the day booked. "Wow! I had no idea you all made plans for today."

"Yeah, sorry bro. Perhaps we can meet up later when we're all done." Marshall pawed the ground, before looking at his friend with a grin. "Since we're occupied, you can finally set yourself up on a date."

"Oh, quiet you." Chase shot back playfully, blushing a little to the amusement of everyone. "I may not have date, but I'll find something. Humph!" The others chuckled as Skye couldn't help but giggle herself and smile at the police pup. 

The pups all exited The Lookout as they went their separate ways. Although he was a little sad that the others had made their own separate plans, Chase still took it well. He decided that the best course of action would be to take a walk towards the beach and maybe go for a swim, it being a nice sunny day and all. He had heard from Zuma that just swimming on your own time was a lot of fun, relaxing, and helped clear your mind. The police pup definitely needed all three; plus it would help him figure out his dilemma with Skye. Warmth from the sunlight brightened his mood as he lightly jogged down to the beach.

The other pups had all gone out to do what they said earlier. Although partly true, the pups had bigger plans with their excursions.

Rubble's trip to Mr. Porter's was so he could help him make some baked goods for Chase and Skye's date. The group had decided on a fresh batch of buttered dinner rolls to pair with the entrée, and a red velvet cake with cream cheese icing for dessert, cut into the shape of a heart. With Rubble headed there first thing after breakfast, it gave him the time he needed to mix the ingredients, pour into the pan, bake the cake, let it cool before icing it, and package it nice and neat for delivery to the designated spot. The construction pup planned to cook the rolls last minute, that way they would still be fresh for the meal.

Rocky's journey into the forest was for more than just nature and plants. His mission was to scout out and set up the perfect location for the picnic-style date two certain pups would share later. His ideal spot was an open area by a waterfall the pups had found in earlier adventures. Aside from setting up a location, he also brought decorations along with him to really set the atmosphere of the date. From candles, rose petals and strings of lights, the recycling pup was well prepared for his task.

Zuma hummed a little as he drove down into town, good vibes seeming to follow him on his trip. He was, in fact, NOT going out to look for some ladies (it was just a cover). His real objective was to go to the downtown deli and order some gourmet sandwiches for the main entrée. Everyone in the PAW Patrol knew just about every pup's foods they liked or disliked, so it was easy to come to a decision. Chase and Skye both took a liking to Italian cooking or food in general, so the Taste Of Italy Sub was the sandwich of choice! Between the layers of different meats, cheeses and vegetables, it was a mouthwatering feast to enjoy. Aside from the subs, Zuma was also tasked to get some drinks from the establishment as well. The Chocolate Lab drooled a little at the thought of all the delicious food as he approached the building.

Marshall drove his firetruck just behind Zuma, listening and bopping his head to some songs coming from his radio. Although he was following behind the water pup, his destination was in a different section of the town entirely. The fire pup's part of the plan was to get supplies and dishes from the store for the evening's events. He had with him a list from napkins to plates to a picnic basket and much more. As long as he avoided the near-empty Valentine's Day section of the store, he would be able to find everything he needed without trouble.

Everest and Skye walked into The Lookout's lobby, deciding to play some matches of Pup Pup Boogie since they didn't get to the previous night. Everest's part of the the big scheme was to distract Skye from the other's tasks and the "plan" in general. Although it didn't seem like much, it was very important. The Husky had to keep her friend occupied so the pilot pup wouldn't get suspicious. She would also find the opportunities to check in on the other pups through their collar mics; check in now and then to see how far along they were. 

Chase was easy; he hadn't quite picked up on Skye's feelings towards him yet, so there was no worry regarding him finding out about the "plan". He had gone towards the beach for the day, so he wasn't even going near where the other pups were. Even if he did run into them, Everest was sure the boys could make up a quick excuse to direct his attention away. 

Skye, on the other paw, was a bit more unpredictable. Everest knew about the pilot pup's crush on the police pup, but wasn't sure if she knew of the returned feelings. With today also being Valentine's Day, Skye was sure to be more aware of any romantic notions directed at her. Everest made sure to keep a keen eye out for if she would latch on to what was currently unfolding around her and Chase. 

The day was off to a good start. With Rocky, Marshall, Rubble and Zuma having left to start their tasks without any suspicion, and Chase making his way down to the beach, Everest let out a thankful sigh. She and Skye began setting up the dance boards and starting up the game. In no time they were battling it out and shuffling their paws across the board. 

"Looks like you haven't let up since the last time we played." Skye complimented as they faced off.

Everest smirked with confidence as she kept up with her friend. "Yes I have. Don't think because I'm by myself doesn't mean I haven't practiced."

"Fair, fair." the pilot pup observed, moving her paws around the board to each space that lit up. "Things are so much brighter with you over. The boys really like it when you visit, too."

"Thank you," the Husky smiled thankfully, "It's always a joy spending time with you and the boys. I've seen their eyes light up when I make surprise visits."

Skye let out a playful snort as she bobbed her head side to side to the game's music. "You're right, but lets be real, girl. Marshall practically drools when he hears you're coming over. He's obviously falling for you hard! I'm amazed he hasn't tried to ask you out in the last year."

Everest let out a small giggle as she blushed slightly, amused at her friend's observation. "Yes, yes. I know. He is such a cutie though. I mean, maybe he'll take me out?....Not that I'd miiiind...." She trailed off as she thought of the possibilities of her and Marshall together.

"BOOM! I won." Skye chirped, the screen showing that 'Player 1' came out victorious. She turned towards Everest and gave her a smug little look. "Looks like someone shouldn't have gotten distracted making wedding plans with a certain Dalmatian."

"S-shut up!" Everest lightly pushed her friend with playful nature, rolling her eyes as the Cockapoo laughed at her own teasing. "I wasn't thinking that far....yet." The Husky was about to open her mouth and tease Skye about a certain German Shepherd, but quickly bailed on the idea and kept her mouth closed; lest she give off any hints of the scheme and put her friend on alert for clues. She simply smiled at Skye as they reset the game for another round. 

"We still going down to Katie's place to get a bath and groomed?" the pilot pup asked her friend, referring to the pet care shop owner - a close friend the pups and Ryder all knew well.

"That's still the plan," Everest beamed, "Get all clean and fluffy and looking pretty. Maybe even turn some boys heads *wink* ; it's Valentine's Day after all."

"Hehe. Maybe we will." Skye admitted as she started the game back up. She really was excited to get a warm bath and have her fur trimmed and styled. It would definitely make her feel better, and perhaps get noticed by some single guys in town. But deep down, Skye hoped that her trip would catch the eye of one certain German Shepherd she was close to. Maybe even get a loving compliment from him.

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Down at the beach, the sun was high and the waves calmly washed up on the shore. The unusually warm and sunny day made it almost feel like summer, with a few seagulls flying around and heat rays beating down. The sunny day had attracted a few people and pups to the beach, as the rest had other plans and weren't prepared for the summer-like weather. Those who had come down were either swimming, sunbathing, building sand sculptures or walking and running around.

Chase was swimming and diving about in the water, feeling the waves wash his stress away. The pup doggy paddled across the shoreline, dove down and completely submerged himself under the waves for a bit, before coming back up and breaking the surface, taking in a deep breath. The German Shepherd was enjoying himself immensely, happy that he took a piece out of Zuma's book and went for a swim. His little excursion allowed him to clear his head and think more clearly. 

Chase's mind drifted back to Skye: that cute, beautiful, precious, dreamy, loveable.... The police pup got a little to lost in his thoughts. There was just so much to love about her. She was always there to help the other pups when they needed it, and was reliable when you needed a favor. He loved that she was good and genuine at comforting everyone and lifting spirits up. Chase was caught up in her looks; from her fur to her eyes and her smile, the Cockapoo was perfect in his eyes. 

"Should I ask her out today?" thought Chase, pondering the question as he looked at the traffic on the beach shore. As he gazed his eyes caught on to a pair of pups laying under an umbrella. Underneath a female Corgi lay on her stomach as rays of sun hit her back from one side. Beside her a male Golden Retriever sat up and adjusted the umbrella, cutting off the beams as shade took it's place. Sitting back down, the Golden Retriever turned his head and stared into the Corgi's eyes before the two leaned in and shared a kiss. Although he was a distance away, Chase sighed happily at the sight with a burst of confidence, coming to a decision. "You know, maybe I can make a move!"  

With a flame of confidence burning inside his chest, Chase swam back towards the beach shore. He took large strides and ripped through the waves, traveling at a steady speed. Reaching the ground, the police pup walked across the sandy shore, going from the wet sand to the dry warming grains further up. Chase walked up to the public shower and pushed on the soap dispenser, rubbing it all over his fur. He proceeded to stand under the stream of water and scrubbed the soap around, the shower washing the saltiness of the ocean out from his fur. The German Shepherd turned off the shower and shook himself dry as the sun did the rest. He made his exit and walked back across the beach towards the direction of The Lookout. 

Traveling through the sand, Chase looked up to see that the sun was still sky high. It looked to be about noon, so had plenty of time to get back to Skye. He got really excited and giddy as he made his way home. Ideas rushed through his head as to where he was going to take her. Not wanting to get to far ahead and stress himself out, he focused on what to say when he asked the question. 

The police pup juggled around whether he should go into detail or compliment her during the exchange. "Maybe I should tell her how pretty her eyes are? No, wait - tell her about how I'm attracted by her kindness and personality." Chase talked to himself out loud as he walked down the sidewalk. After a bit of internal debate he eventually changed it up to a new approach. The police pup took a deep breath and spoke his idea out loud, both to practice and to burn it into his mind for no mistakes.

"Keep it short. Keep it simple. All I have to do is ask Skye out on a date today. That's it."

As Chase continued his walk back, he saw The Lookout come into view, causing him to increase his pace in excitement. He was a mix of nervous and overexcited inside, his heart started to beat faster from these strong emotions. The police pup had made it up the driveway in no time, approaching the tower and the puphouses surround it's base. As he approached them, he instantly noticed that Skye of all pups was standing to the side by her puphouse, looking towards the door of The Lookout a several yards away facing right of the direction the Cockapoo's quarters currently was. This caused the German Shepherd's heart to jump and increase speed as he slowed down his pace.

"Yes! She's alone." thought Chase, trying his best to calm his nerves. "This will make it easier. Okay, okay. Keep it cool. Don't die. Gosh, I can't believe I'm doing this....!"

Skye was standing and shuffling around in place as she waited for her Husky friend. The two were getting ready to go down to the pet parlor for their bath and grooming, but Everest had forgotten something at the top of The Lookout and had gone back in to get it. The pilot pup's attention was suddenly broken when she heard a familiar voice behind her.   

"Hello Skye."

The Cockapoo turned around to see Chase walking up to where she was. She smiled brightly and returned the greeting. "Hi there, Chase. Nice to see you."

The German Shepherd's heart was beating a mile a minute now that he was face-to-face with Skye. Doing everything within himself to keep calm, he returned with a smile of his own. "It's g-good to see you too. So, umm, what have you been up to?"

"Nothing to crazy. Just playing some Pup Pup Boogie with Everest." Skye answered cheerily as she explained a little what all she had done with her snow pup friend.

As the two pups were striking up a conversation, Everest was inside picking up her misplaced item. She had secretly taken off her mic pin during her and Skye's game earlier so it wouldn't risk damage from all the dancing and moving about. The Husky had gone back in to retrieve it, thinking she had left it in a different room or possibly the top of the tower. Luckily for her, it was in the same room from their game earlier; laying inconspicuously on the lower level of a coffee table. Reattaching it back to her collar, Everest made her way back out the door to rejoin Skye and go to the pet parlor. The minute she turned to the right of the doorway, she noticed that Skye was talking to Chase, who wasn't there when she went in! Thinking on her paws, Everest quickly jumped back and ducked behind the doorway, securing her hiding place before the other two even had a chance to notice her. The snow pup peaked her head out the side of the frame to spy on them, her powerful ears poised and focused on what the two were talking about.

"....and then me and Everest are going to Katie's se we can get groomed and cleaned and oh so pretty!" Skye explained with a joyous tone, smile getting larger at the thought of all the fun they were going to have.

"That sounds....fun?" Chase replied, his mind doing summersaults as his opportunity drew near.

"Oh, it will be," Skye stuck her tongue out him with a wink. "So what are you doing? Did you need me for something?"

Chase looked down as he pawed the ground in front of him with anxiety. "Alright...this is it...." he thought as he mentally prepared himself to ask the one question that would change his life forever going forward. Taking one last breath, Chase lifted his head and stared directly into Skye's glimmering, pink eyes. "There's something I've always wanted to ask you...."

Everest's eyes practically bulged out of her head as she saw where this conversation was going. Nearly having a heart attack from shock, she stepped back behind the doorway completely out of view. The husky sat down on her haunches with her back against the frame, using her front paws to fumble with the mic on her collar and turn it on.

"Pups, pups! Come in now! THIS IS AN EMERGANCY!!" Everest nearly screamed into the mic, but kept her voice down to not alert Chase and Skye several  yards around the corner. Alerted by the worried tone in her voice, the other four pups immediately answered to check in on what was going on. 

"What's up, dude. All okay on youw end?" Zuma came through.

"What is it, Everest?" asked Rocky.

"An emergency?" Rubble questioned.

"Everest, What's going on? You don't sound too good." Marshall asked with concern of his own.

The Husky was ready to explode from the unfolding situation before her. This wasn't supposed to happen. It put their master plan in jeopardy! Not wasting another second, she spat out what was going down on her end.

"Put whatever you are doing on hold." Everest commanded with a petrified voice. "Chase is about to ask Skye out right now!"




"WHAT!!!!"







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