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As the pups were getting closer to the edge of the forest, they slowed down. It wouldn't be much longer, and Marshall's sprained paw was starting to hurt again.

"We're almost there!" Chase told the Dalmatian, who was a couple of feet behind.

"I sure hope so. I don't think I'll be able to walk for much more." Marshall was trying his best not to put any more pressure on his paw.

Chase called for Ryder with his pup tag. "Ryder, sir, are you and the rest of the pups almost here?"

"Almost Chase. It's taking us a bit longer than expected because of the storm, but we shouldn't take much longer." Ryder told Chase.

"Okay Ryder, sir! We will be waiting for you guys!"

Chase went back to go help Marshall walk, and they made their way out.

---

As the rest of the Paw Patrol arrived, including Everest, Chase and Marshall were waiting for them under some trees to avoid the rain. Though, they were both already drenched at that point. Marshall's fur was still a bit dirty with mud, but he didn't mind. As the spotted pup saw everyone pull up, he let out a giant smile. Everyone got off their vehicles and ran to hug the dirty, soaked pup.

"Marshall! We're so glad you're safe!" Rubble spoke with tears in his eyes.

"We were so worried that something bad had happened to you!" Everest added.

"I'm sorry everyone..." Marshall said. "I just thought that I've caused too many problems and the Paw Patrol would be better off without me..." He looked down in shame with tears in his eyes.

"Are you kidding? We love you and need you!" Skye told Marshall as she tightly hugged him.

"You're the best firefighter pup in all of Adventure Bay! Maybe even in the world!" Rocky added as he joined in on the hug.

"Marshall, you're like family to all of us. We all love you and no one could ever replace you." Ryder pet the Dalmatian on the head as he giggled.

"Group hug!" Rubble shouted, and everyone came in to give Marshall the biggest hug ever. He blushed and chuckled some more as everyone seemed to squish him.

"Ryder's right!" Marshall thought to himself. "It doesn't matter if my own family loves me or not, because sometimes the best family members are the closest friends that are there to love and support you."

However, Marshall noticed there was one pup who was off to the side. Zuma wasn't in the group hug. He was off to the side with a serious and sad expression. Marshall was curious and wondered how Zuma was feeling. Was he sad at all that he left? Did he even care? Did any of this mean anything to him?

Just as the group hug ended, Marshall made a request. "Hey Ryder, is it okay if I just talk to Zuma alone?"

"Sure Marshall! But don't take too long. It isn't a good idea to stay out in this stormy weather for much longer."

Marshall and Zuma headed behind a couple of trees. It was an awkward silence walk. Neither of them knowing where to start. Once they got to a quiet place, Marshall was the first one to talk.

"Zuma...since the moment I laid my eyes on you, I've had a crush on you. That crush eventually turned into love. Love that I couldn't keep holding anymore. It ate away at me that I couldn't be yours." Marshall paused for a moment and sighed. "But after this experience...after our fight and countless times I spent crying, I've realized something. Sometimes you can't always get what you want, no matter how hard you try or how much it hurts."

Zuma wasn't saying a word. He was just staring into those big beautiful blue eyes of Marshall. Now that he wasn't suppressing his feelings, he realized just how stunning Marshall was, even if he was all wet and dirty.

"As much I don't want to Zuma...I'm moving on. I can't always be waiting for you to return my love. Especially since I already know the answer to that. So, you don't have to worry about me anymore."

There was a long pause. The only thing that could be heard was the sound of the rain. It wasn't until Marshall broke the silence once more.

"Anything you have left to say?"

Zuma smiled, grabbed the Dalmatian's uninjured front paw and dragged him back where everyone was.

"Zuma! What are you doing?!"

As they made their way back to Zuma's vehicle, Zuma jumped to get something out of it. He grabbed Marshall's teddy bear and showed it to the spotted pup. The Dalmatian was awe-struck as the Chocolate Lab gave him his teddy.

"Marshall....I'm sorry for what I said and how I hurt you. Words can't express the regret and sadness I have been feeling. The truth is...I thought it was wrong to love a boy. That it was only right to love a girl. But I was wrong. You proved that. Looking back, every minute I have ever spent with you is paradise. The world means nothing without you. I want to have a relationship with you, to call you my mate, for you to be in my loving arms, but most importantly, I want to be able to return your love."

Marshall was shocked. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Zuma...I.."

Zuma surprised Marshall with a kiss to his lips. Marshall thought about pulling away, but he couldn't. It would've been a lie to say he wasn't enjoying every moment of this kiss. He still wanted Zuma, and Zuma wanted him now. The two closed their eyes and continued to kiss in the rain. The rest of the pups let out a cute "Awwww!"

As the kiss ended, the confused Dalmatian turned to the rest of the Paw Patrol.

"You guys don't think it's wrong for two boy pups to love each other?" Marshall tilted his head.

"Of course not!" Rocky reassured Marshall.

"Love is love! No matter who it is!" Everest told them.

"If anything, it makes you guys extra cute and extra special!" Skye teased.

Zuma nuzzled the Dalmatian's cheek and asked Marshall a question he thought he would never hear from the Chocolate Lab. "What do you say, Marshall? Will you be my mate?"

Marshall blushed deeply before he could respond. "Of course I will!"

Everyone cheered for the newly dating couple.

"They are so adorable!" Everest said.

"I just know they will be a great couple to each other!" Rubble said.

At that point, Marshall let out a series of loud sneezes.

"Uh oh! Okay pups! It's time to head home! Sounds like Marshall might be getting sick out here!" Ryder told all of the pups.

As everyone got in their vehicles and started to head out, Marshall got in with Zuma, since his fire truck was still back at the Lookout.

"I know just the perfect place for our first date!" Teased the brown pup as they headed home.