They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Party Time

The pups mingle at the party, receiving heartfelt thanks from the citizens of Adventure Bay. Everyone appreciates the incredible work they've done. After some time, the pups naturally drift into smaller groups, each doing their own thing. Marshall and Everest are seen talking together.

Marshall: "So, Everest, now that Orion's been dealt with, are you heading back to Jake's cabin?"

Everest smiles.

Everest: "I'm not sure yet. I might, but I think I'd like to stay at the Lookout a little longer. Why? Are you worried? Hehe."

Marshall blushes.

Marshall: "Hehe, maybe."

Everest smiles again, a soft blush on her cheeks.

Everest: "Oh, stop it. Even if I do go back, it's not like you won't ever see me again. I'm only a five-minute drive away."

Marshall: "I know, it's just... I have a lot to prepare for since I'm going to be the next lead pup. I was hoping you'd be around for that."

Everest: "You just love my company, don't you? Hehe."

Everest snuggles against Marshall. He's caught off guard at first but soon relaxes, wrapping a paw around her. From a distance, Rubble and Rocky notice.

Rubble: "Looks like Marshall and Everest are closer than we thought. Hehe."

Rocky: "What? How?"

Rocky glances over, noticing Marshall's paw still around Everest.

Rocky: "Well, would you look at that. I knew it."

Rubble: "You knew about this?"

Rocky: "What? I had a hunch."

Rubble giggles.

Rubble: "You and your hunches."

Rocky: "Don't look at me! I'm just like that, I guess."

Rubble: "You think we'll ever find love too, Rocky?"

Rocky is visibly surprised. Why is Rubble, still so young, thinking about love? Then again, Rubble is growing older. Rocky understands the curiosity; he once had the same thoughts.

Rocky: "You're wondering about puppy love already? You're only five, Rubble. You don't need to worry about that for a long time."

Rubble: "I dunno, just a random thought, I guess. I'm tired, though. Fighting Orion was exhausting, but I'm glad it's all over now."

Rocky: "You just love sleeping, don't you?"

Rubble grins.

Rubble: "Yup!"

*****

Meanwhile, Zuma and Liberty sit on a log, chatting with a group of kids about the Paw Patrol.

Zuma: "Being part of the Paw Patrol has been one of the highlights of my life. In my three years with the team, I've made some really great friends."

Zuma glances at Liberty as he says this. His feelings for her have grown since the Orion incident. Liberty had spent the most time with him while he was recovering, and he'd risked everything to save her. She's special to him, and he knows it.

Kid: "I wanna be part of the Paw Patrol!"

Zuma: "Hehe. You already are. Everyone in Adventure Bay, the city, and beyond is part of the Paw Patrol. Don't ever feel left out—I know what that's like, hehe."

Nearby, Liberty talks to another child about her time with the team.

Liberty: "Being the newest pup in the Paw Patrol has been such an eye-opening experience. I've learned so much in a short time. It's hard to believe I'm coming up on my first full year! Time sure flies, hehe."

Kid: "Are you friends with all the other pups?"

Liberty: "I'd say I am—some more than others."

She glances at Zuma as she speaks, noticing how good he is with the kids. It's a side of him she finds endearing. When the kids leave, Liberty and Zuma find themselves alone. They inch closer, preparing to talk.

Liberty: "You kn—"

Zuma: "How wa—"

They accidentally speak at the same time and laugh it off.

Zuma: "Ladies first, hehe."

Liberty rolls her eyes playfully, but she can't help smiling. She always enjoys Zuma's company.

Liberty: "Hehe, thank you. So, I noticed you seemed more mature when you were talking to that kid."

Zuma blushes slightly.

Zuma: "Well, ever since my lisp went away, I've been feeling more... grown-up, if that makes sense. I'm just glad I can finally say 'really' instead of 'weally.' Hehe. I hope it didn't seem weird."

Liberty: "No worries. I kinda like it, hehe."

Now it's Liberty's turn to blush.

Zuma: "I overheard you saying you like some of us more than others. Were you talking about me? Just curious."

Liberty freezes for a moment, her nerves kicking in.

Liberty: "Well, uh... yeah."

Zuma blushes again, but he grins.

Zuma: "Really? Hehe. I kinda thought so."

Liberty: "You did? Was I that obvious?"

Zuma: "Well, maybe. But for what it's worth... I feel the same way."

Liberty: "Wait, really?"

Zuma looks around nervously, lowering his voice.

Zuma: "I don't want to say too much here. It's crowded. Meet me at the cliffside at sunset, okay? There's something I've been meaning to tell you."

Before Liberty can respond, Zuma quickly walks off. He's nervous, but he's committed now. Liberty watches him leave, tilting her head curiously. What could he possibly want to tell her? There's only one way to find out...