They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

Chase's Birthday

A few days have passed, and Chase's birthday has finally arrived. As always, the Paw Patrol is busy preparing for the celebration. Rocky is putting up decorations with Rubble.

Rocky: "Okay, let's see... move it to the left a bit."

Rubble adjusts a flag line over Chase's doghouse.

Rubble: "Like this?"

Rocky: "Yeah, but erm... bring it down a bit."

Rubble lowers the flag line.

Rubble: "Oh, I see. Maybe just move it... here."

Rubble shifts the flag line slightly, centering it perfectly.

Rocky: "Wow. Good job. It looks great, doesn't it?"

Rubble takes a step back, admiring their work.

Rubble: "Oh yeah, definitely."

Suddenly, Rubble hears an engine in the distance, but it doesn't sound like a car.

Rubble: "Wait, Rocky, do you hear that?"

Rocky perks up, listening carefully to the distant whining sound. His ears twitch in recognition.

Rocky: "That's... that's a V4 engine! It has to be a motorcycle. Who could it be?"

Rocky stares down the road, and as the sound grows louder, a motorcycle comes into view. His heart skips a beat when he sees who's riding it—a familiar pup.

Rocky: "Oh no... it's Gasket."

Rubble notices Rocky's sudden nervousness and looks at him curiously.

Rubble: "What's wrong with Gasket being here?"

Rocky stumbles over his words, struggling to form a coherent response.

Rocky: "Um. Uh. She's... uh... um... ehhh."

Rubble smirks knowingly.

Rubble: "Ohhh, I get it. Hehe. Good luck, buddy."

Rocky's confusion deepens.

Rocky: "Wait, what?"

Before Rubble can reply, Gasket pulls into the lookout on her sleek black Honda Rebel 500. Rocky is awestruck by both the bike and the rider. Gasket parks, removes her helmet, and waves excitedly.

Gasket: "Hey, Rocky! Hehe!"

She trots over to him, grinning brightly. Rocky, meanwhile, is frozen in place, still processing the situation.

Gasket: "What's up, Rocky?"

Rocky tries to snap out of it but stumbles over his words.

Rocky: "Hey... uh... um... Gasket. Hehe."

Gasket tilts her head, eyeing him curiously.

Gasket: "You okay, Rocky? You're kinda staring into space."

Rocky finally regains his composure.

Rocky: "What? Oh, no, I'm fine! Just surprised to see you here. I thought you were staying at the bike shop."

Gasket: "Schedule change, that's all. Plus, Dwayne and Hubcap have everything under control. I'm just here to have a wheel of a time! Hehe. Is that okay?"

Rocky: "Of course! Feel free to stay. Hehe."

Gasket: "Great! By the way, the decorations look awesome! Did you do anything in the garage? I'd love to check it out."

Rocky: "Actually, no. The garage is where I'm working on Chase's birthday project."

Gasket: "Ooh, a project! What kind?"

Rocky: "A car."

Gasket: "Nice! Can I see it?"

Rocky: "Uh, sure."

Gasket: "Cool beans!"

Rocky leads her to the garage and opens the door, revealing Chase's car.

Gasket: "Ooh, an Italian! I love them!"

Rocky smiles, thrilled to share this moment with someone who appreciates Italian cars like he does.

Gasket: "Hey, hey! Pop the hood—I wanna see that Italian engineering!"

Rocky obliges, opening the hood to reveal the modified V12 engine. Gasket gasps in amazement.

Gasket: "Wow! A V12! And you added a turbocharger and an intake? You really know your stuff, Rocky! Hehe."

Rocky beams with pride, his nervousness melting away.

Rocky: "Well, I try my best."

Gasket: "Hmm... you should add a nice flywheel or maybe a differential. Oh! And have you considered—"

She pauses, catching herself.

Gasket: "Sorry, I got carried away. I'm sure you've got great plans for it already."

Rocky: "Actually, I was planning to add those exact things tomorrow."

Gasket: "Tomorrow? Do you have anyone to help you? Those are two-pup jobs."

Rocky: "No, I don't. But tomorrow's Chase's party, so it'll have to wait."

Gasket's eyes light up with an idea.

Gasket: "I can help you!"

Rocky freezes, his nerves returning. The idea of working so closely with Gasket both excites and terrifies him.

Rocky: "Um... uh... sure."

Gasket: "Yay! Thanks so much!"

In her excitement, Gasket hugs Rocky, making him blush. She quickly pulls back, embarrassed.

Gasket: "Oh, uh, sorry. I don't know why I did that. Hehe. I just get so excited about vehicles!"

Rocky: "It's okay, hehe. But don't worry about it now—today's Chase's birthday! Come on, let's head back."

Gasket smiles and walks with Rocky to the party.

*****

The celebration is a success. Throughout the event, Rocky and Gasket spend most of their time talking about cars and bikes, forming an even stronger connection. As the party winds down, Gasket is the last to leave. She approaches Rocky, smiling warmly.

Gasket: "Rocky, I really enjoyed our talk today. It's been so much fun! I've never met anyone as passionate about cars and bikes as you are. Hehe. Even Dwayne and Hubcap don't get this excited. Thanks for everything, and... maybe we can talk again sometime?"

Rocky's tail wags in excitement.

Rocky: "Yeah, totally! I'd love that."

Gasket: "Great! Here, take my pup phone number so we can keep in touch."

She hands Rocky her number before putting on her helmet. With a cheerful wave, she rides off into the sunset. Rocky watches her leave, his heart racing. Maybe... just maybe... Gasket is the one for him.