Marlene growled. It's been hours since she was still stuck in the volcano. And she had given up on calling for help. How could the penguins just leave her here? It was rude.

She sighed deeply. "Great. Hours left here and they still forgot about me. Some friends."

Marlene wrapped her tail tightly around herself. It was getting a bit cold.

She heard someone coming but she didn't care anymore.

"Marlene." Skipper stepped forward. "Come on"

"And what?" she glared up at him, not moving an inch. "You're gonna leave me in other places too aren't you."

"Marlene I apologize."

"Yeah whatever." Marlene looked away and hugged herself tightly . "I appreciate you coming back. But, Just leave me alone."

Skipper frowned. He didn't mean to hurt his friend. His enemy was defeated but was it worth it?

"No can do Marlene." He waddled towards her and sat very close to her. Their bodies just inches away. "No penguin or otter left behind."

"Oh really? Then what was that, a couple hours ago?" Marlene growled. "You guys acted like I didn't exist. I've been here for hours Skipper. Hours."

"I know Marlene and I once again apologize." Skipper sighed softly. "It took a while but we defeated him. He nearly out smarted us. I came as soon as it was over. I thought it was better for you to be here then out there. He could've hurt you or worse."

"Is that why you left me?" Marlene's face soften. "To keep me safe? Skipper I.."

"You mean alot to me Marlene. You're a good friend." Skipper gazed away.

"Yeah.. You too."

"Well come on." Skipper reached out his flipper. "Let me walk you home."

Marlene took his flipper with her paw and stood up with a smile.

"But how are we supposed to get out if here?" Marlene asked. "Did you bring rope?"

"leave that to me."

Skipper picked up Marlene bride style. She let out a surprised yelp. Then he charged to the wall. Marlene closed her eyes to imbrace for the hard impact. But Skipper jumped up and used his strong feet to bounce back and forth against the wall then to the other side forming a z while he jumped out.

It was quickly over. Skipper gently placed Marlene at the edge.

"Whoa!" Marlene nearly lost her balance. But Skipper gripped her waist and shoulder holding her close. She tried not to look into his eyes while she had a paw on his shoulder to keep her balance. "Umm. Thanks Skipper."

"No problem doll face." Skipper let her go. He waved a flipper. "Come on."

Marlene slowly followed him. She tried to hide her blush under her fur. That was exciting.

"It's nice out isn't?" Skipper gazed up as he walked.

"Yeah really nice." Marlene finally caught to him and gazed at the stars.

Skipper stopped. "Marlene."

"Yeah?"

"I really am sorry for leaving you in there. But I wanted you safe."

"It's alright Skipper." Marlene rubbed her shoulder. "I know you wanted me safe. It's alright."

"Good." Skipper jumped at the edge of the Marlene's home . He waited for Marlene to jump up.

"Well, this is me." Marlene said. She yawned and couldn't wait sleep in a her comfy bunk. Marlene gave a smile. "Thanks for walking me home and getting me out of there."

"The mission isn't complete unless I make sure you're safe inside." Skipper jumped into the water.

Marlene was confused. She could've gotten in by herself but Skipper wanted to walk her inside her own home. This was odd. She snapped out of her thoughts and quickly followed him.

He led her inside her own home. But Marlene walked forward.

"There. I'm home. Safe and sound." Marlene said. She slowly turned around to face him "Thank you, now you could-"

But she never got to finished as Skipper gripped her shoulders and pulled her in for a soft but firm kiss.

Her eyes widen. Just as her mind was progressing this. Skipper pulled away.

"I.. I don't know what that was." he begin taking steps back. Then slid on his belly. "I gotta go."

Marlene stood there dumbstruck. Then her mind progressed what just happened. Skipper had kissed her. One of her closest best friends had kissed her, But why?

She wanted follow him and get some answers but it was late.

Her heart pounded as she thought back at the kiss. Soft but firm.

She sighed happily and tried to get her dreams to repeat what just happened. In the morning. She'll go and talk to Skipper and get some real answers.