What Are You Hiding?

Ch.10 The Letter

Inside Chase's Doghouse

Quietly tip-toeing around Skye who is asleep on his dog bed, Chase is about to leave his room when suddenly he is stopped.

Skye: "Leaving already?"

Chase: "Darn, I didn't want to wake you up but yeah I have to wake the others."

Skye: "How thoughtful."

Chase: "Thanks but you can still sleep for a while if you want."

Skye: "I guess five more minutes wouldn't hurt." She yawns settling back down.

The Shepherd grabs the blanket he used and pulls it over Skye. He admires her for a second longer before heading out the door.

Once outside, however, Chase's mouth is immediately covered with a white and black paw.

Marshall: "Wait, keep your voice down. Don't wake up the others." He whispers. "And um... Good morning, Chase."

He removes his paw from Chase's snout.

Chase: "It's way too early for this, Marshall." He whispers back.

Marshall: "I know but just hear me out."

Long pause. Marshall maintains eye contact with Chase for a second too long.

Chase: "What?" He turns around.

Marshall: "Uh, just that tree! Brown is a handsome color- I mean... it's an okay color I wouldn't say it's the best but it's not the worst and-"

Chase: "Alright, alright I get it but why don't you want me to wake the others?"

Marshall: "Because... um... I want to go for a really really long jog with you privately. Only you can know about this."

Chase: "Why can't my girlfriend know?"

Marshall: "Who?" He snaps. "Oh, wait, right that girl."

Chase: "Skye has a name." He defends.

Marshall: "Yeah, sure, whatever but she can't come."

Brief pause.

Chase: "Are you... jealous?"

Marshall: "No! I mean, maybe, a little, okay yeah. But not in the way you think I'd be."

Chase: "What do you mean?"

Marshall: "It doesn't matter but I don't like Skye like that anymore." He then mumbles. "I don't think I ever did..."

Chase: "Well, good for you."

Playfully, the Shepherd punches Marshall's shoulder.

Marshall: "Maybe it's because I found someone else, someone that doesn't hate me like she does." 

Chase: "Really? Who?"

Marshall: "Well..."

All of a sudden there is a ruckus inside Chase's doghouse.

Chase: "Maybe I should check on-"

Marshall: "No! Wait!"

Chase: "What? What do you want now?" He groans.

Marshall: "I want you..."

Chase: "Huh?"

Marshall: "I meant like I want you and me to take a lap around the Lookout! Duh!"

Chase: "Why?"

Marshall: "I just need to talk to you."

Chase: "Fine."