Somethings Never Change

Unusual Marshal

Skyes Pov

After being awakened by Chase, I made my way to the lookout and rode the lift to have breakfast.

This was an unusual moment for Marshall. Typically, he joins me for breakfast in the mornings, but today he sat with Chase. They're as close as brothers, but Marshall's cheeks were noticeably redder than his firetruck as he did so.

Opting to dismiss it, I attributed it to fatigue, thinking I might be imagining things. I focused on my own breakfast, minding my business.

Chases Pov

Shortly after rousing Skye and preparing for breakfast, I noticed Marshal giving me an odd, lingering gaze.

Suddenly, he became aware that I had noticed his gaze, and his expression turned sheepish, clearly embarrassed.

About to approach him, I overheard Marshal whispering to himself, 'I am so dumb. Why was I staring at Chase? Stupid, stupid Marshal. Now he probably thinks I'm weird.'

Upon hearing this, confusion set in as I wondered why he assumed I would find it weird for him to be staring at me...

Marshalls Pov

'Why did I stare at him?' I pondered to myself. Suddenly, I noticed Chase picking up his food bowl and heading in my direction.

"Hey Marshal, mind if I join you for a meal?" he asked, smiling.

"Of course, I was actually going to invite you to join me," I replied, attempting to divert his attention from my earlier scrutiny.

Gently placing his bowl next to mine, he managed to keep everything intact.

"So..." he began, taking a bite. "Do you mind explaining why you were staring at me?" he inquired between bites.

Upon hearing the word 'staring,' my nerves flared up, and embarrassment washed over me. I was fairly certain he could discern my nervousness, given the slight tremor in my hands.

"I- I was? I- I apologize, I- I wasn't aware that I was st-staring at you," I stammered, attempting to maintain composure and minimize my stuttering.

"Oh, okay. Well, I guess that settles that," he said. Somehow, I knew he didn't believe me.

I hurriedly finished my meal, feeling the conversation growing more awkward. Exhaustion weighed on me, and all I wanted was to retreat to my pup house for a nap.

After finishing my meal, I swiftly informed Chase of my intention to take a nap, not giving him a chance to respond. I was incredibly fatigued and felt a deep sense of embarrassment.