They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Please Be Okay

After a few hours, Marshall and Zuma lay in hospital beds, resting in the medical bay. Slowly, they began to stir awake. Liberty stood by Zuma's side.

Zuma: "Ugh... What happened?"

Liberty: "Hey, Zuma. You're okay now."

Zuma: "Is that you, Libewty? My head is spinning."

Liberty smiled softly as she looked at Zuma. She couldn't believe he had risked his life for hers so suddenly. She would never have expected Zuma—or anyone, for that matter—to make such a selfless gesture.

Liberty: "Yeah, it's me, Zuma. I'm here."

Zuma: "Oh, good. That means... ah, what I did wowked. Heh—" coughs

Liberty: "Whoa there, Zuma. You need to relax, alright? You got messed up pretty bad."

Zuma: "I guess a shockwave is pwetty dangewous, hehe."

Liberty: "Hehe, yeah, it is."

Liberty decided it was time to find out why Zuma had saved her.

Liberty: "Zuma. Why did you jump in front of me and let the shockwave hit you?"

Zuma: "I weally don't know. Ahem, but did you not want me to save you?"

Liberty: "No, no, of course not. Pssh, I'm really thankful. I was just curious."

Liberty felt slightly flustered. No pup had ever done so much for her in such a short time. Zuma had pulled her wagon, played with her while others hadn't, and now, he'd practically saved her life.

Liberty: "But seriously, Zuma, thank you so much. I'm like, indebted to you forever now, hehe."

Zuma: "Hehe, yeah, I guess you awe. But don't, ahem, take it to the heawt. You don't, ahem, owe me anything. Hehe—" coughs

Liberty: "Easy now. You need rest, okay? I'm always here if you need me. The Paw Patrol always stays together... Do you guys say that, or—whatever. Just rest, okay? For me."

Zuma: "I'll be fine. I just need some sleep. This pup is still stwong, hehe."

As the anesthesia took hold, Zuma drifted back to sleep. Liberty smiled at him, noticing how peaceful and content he looked despite his injuries. "He has a cute face," she thought to herself. She turned to leave but glanced back one more time before walking away, her heart feeling lighter.

*****

After a short while, Everest entered the medical bay and approached Marshall, who had a cast on his leg.

Marshall: "Oh, hey, Everest."

Marshall's cheeks flushed red at the sight of Everest visiting him.

Everest: "Hey, Marshall. Hehe. I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to check on you."

Marshall: "Well, as you can probably tell, I'm doing great. Uh, thanks for visiting me." chuckles nervously

Everest: "Is your leg feeling better?"

Marshall: "Yeah, it's getting better. It doesn't hurt as much, so I'll take that as a good sign. Hehe."

Everest: "Hehe, good... Marshall?"

Everest hesitated, trying to gather her thoughts.

Marshall: "Yeah? What's up?"

Everest: "Well, um... I guess I have something to confess. Sort of."

Marshall raised an eyebrow, curious and slightly nervous. He decided to break the tension with a joke.

Marshall: "A confession? Wait, don't tell me—" jokingly gasps "Did you take my pup-fu belt?"

Everest laughed, touched by his humor.

Everest: laughing "No, you lug nut. I just wanted to say... I've been missing you."

Marshall's blush deepened as he stared at Everest, his heart racing.

Marshall: "Uh, uh... really?"

Everest: "Yeah... I don't know why, but I just miss having you around. Even though it's only been two days, it feels like so much longer."

Marshall's expression softened as he spoke from the heart.

Marshall: "Everest, I feel the same. It's only been two days, but I miss the fun, understanding pup that you are. That's you, by the way. Hehe. I miss playing with you... being near you. I hope that doesn't sound creepy."

Everest's cheeks burned, and she felt her heart flutter.

Everest: "I... I don't know what to say. I didn't expect this to go... this way."

Marshall: "Honestly, me neither, hehe."

The two locked eyes, realizing their connection was more than just friendship. It was deeper, and it was growing stronger. Their moment was interrupted when Chase walked in.

Chase: "Whoa. Was I interrupting something? Sorry if I did."

Both Marshall and Everest looked away, flustered.

Marshall: "It's nothing, Chase. You're fine."

Everest: "Yeah, nothing at all."

Chase: "Okay. Everest, Ryder wants to see you."

Everest: "Alright. See you later, Marshall."

She walked out, leaving Chase and Marshall alone.

Chase: "You hanging in there, Marshall?"

Marshall: "Yeah, though I'm stuck in this cast for now. Hehe."

Chase: "Hehe. Ryder said just give it a week, and you'll be back on your paws."

The two shared a brief but meaningful moment, their bond as strong as ever. The Paw Patrol wasn't just a team—it was a family. And as they grew together, they knew their connection would last a lifetime.