They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

A Mechanic's Heart

Gasket takes a deep breath, preparing herself for what she's about to say. It's something deeply personal and incredibly important—for both of them.

Gasket: "Rocky, what I wanted to tell you is... I think I... have feelings for you."

Rocky freezes, his eyes wide with shock. He never expected this revelation, but as the words sink in, a wave of happiness washes over him.

Rocky: "Really? Are you serious?"

Gasket: "Why would I joke about something like that? Of course, it's true."

Rocky's heart races as he takes in her words.

Rocky: "I'm sorry. It's just... I've got feelings for you too."

Now it's Gasket's turn to be shocked. She stares at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of insincerity.

Gasket: "Pump the brakes. You... like me too?"

Rocky: "Um, yeah. Honestly, I do."

Gasket: "How? I mean, I was a bad pup before, and you're a good one. How could we even work?"

Rocky: "Opposites attract, I guess."

Gasket smirks, a hint of her usual confidence returning as she feels a flicker of happiness she hasn't known in years.

Gasket: "Huh. Never thought of it that way. So... do you wanna, like, get together then?"

Rocky: "I mean, we both like each other, right? I don't see why not. Let's give it a shot."

A genuine smile spreads across Gasket's face. For the first time in a long while, she feels true happiness.

Gasket: "Well, in that case..."

Gasket leans in closer, her face just inches from Rocky's. Rocky starts to smirk nervously, his heart pounding.

Rocky: "Whoa. Uh. What are you doing?"

Gasket quickly pulls away, her confidence replaced by a wave of self-doubt. She looks away, her ears drooping.

Gasket: "I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. Just... uh... um..."

Her voice falters as anxiety floods her mind. Rocky notices her unease and starts to worry.

Rocky: "Gasket, are you okay? You don't look so great. Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry if I did."

Gasket: "No, you're fine. It's just... I... I need a minute."

Before Rocky can respond, Gasket scurries off, her nerves getting the better of her. She hops on her bike and speeds away, leaving Rocky standing there, confused and concerned.

Rocky: "Gasket! Come back! What did I say?"

Gasket ignores him, her thoughts racing as her anxiety spirals.

Rocky: "Ugh. Good job, Rocky. Real smooth..."

*****

Gasket parks her bike near a tree overlooking the bay. She slides off the seat and sits under the tree, wrapping her arms around her knees as she tries to calm down. Tears well up in her eyes as her thoughts spiral.

Gasket: "Why did I do that? What was I thinking? You're so stupid... stupid... you'll never find someone..."

Tears streak down her face as she buries her head in her paws, overwhelmed by emotions she doesn't fully understand.

*****

After a few minutes, Gasket hears footsteps behind her. She looks up, startled, as Rocky gently places a paw on her shoulder.

Rocky: "Hey, hey. Why are you crying? Are you okay?"

Her first instinct is to run, but the warmth of his touch stops her. For the first time, she feels safe.

Gasket: "I just... I just... I'm overwhelmed."

Rocky kneels beside her, his voice soft and reassuring.

Rocky: "It's okay. I'm here."

Gasket's tears slow as she leans into him, resting her nose against his neck. Her ears droop, and her eyes close as she finds comfort in his presence. Rocky freezes for a moment, then relaxes, his voice gentle.

Rocky: "It's okay. I've got you."

Her breathing steadies as she speaks, her voice trembling but sincere.

Gasket: "Thank you, Rocky. I needed this. You don't know how much. I've never felt love before—not in my whole life. I thought I'd lost the ability to feel it... until the day we first talked, as friends and not enemies. My heart hasn't stopped racing since then. You make me feel like I matter. Like I'm... whole."

Rocky is deeply moved by her words.

Rocky: "Gasket, you're the only one I've ever felt this connected to. That day, talking to you at the party—it was like something clicked. I've never met anyone like you, someone who just... gets me. I think I liked you even when we were enemies. But now... it's so much more."

He pulls her into a gentle embrace, holding her close.

Rocky: "You've made this mechanic's heart roar, Gasket. And I'll always be here for you, every step of the way. Because... I love you."

Gasket's face lights up as she looks into his gleaming eyes, her heart pounding with a mix of joy and relief.

Gasket: "I love you too, Rocky. I always will."

Their eyes meet as they lean in closer, their lips brushing in a tender kiss. The world seems to fade around them as they share this moment, their connection solidified. After a while, they pull back, smiling at each other.

Rocky: "Let's get you home, okay, Gask?"

Gasket giggles at the nickname, a playful sparkle in her eyes.

Gasket: "Hehe, you're such a charmer, Rocko."

*****

Rocky drives Gasket back to the diner, where Hubcap and Dwayne are waiting.

Hubcap: "Jeez, where were you? We had a ton of customers today!"

Dwayne: "Yeah, we could've really used your help!"

Gasket rubs the back of her head sheepishly.

Gasket: "Sorry. Uh... the project took longer than we thought. Hehe."

Hubcap sniffs the air, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Hubcap: "Wait a minute. I smell another dog on you..."

His eyes widen as realization dawns.

Hubcap: "No way... you didn't—"

Gasket: "What? Ew! No! Well... not yet, at least. Hehe."

Hubcap groans, while Dwayne shakes his head with a grin. Gasket just laughs, her heart lighter than it's been in years.