*Flashback

I don't know why I'm saying this now, when I should have said these words such long time ago. Heck, you're not even hearing me, I'm saying all this in my mind, but at least I can let it all out in this way.

The first time I saw you was ... probably the best moment of my life, when we went to rescue Jake all the way to the South Pole. I never thought we would find this amazing pup with him. A lovely Husky pup with big blue eyes like the sky, and the most beautiful smile I have ever seen before.

Then, when we saw you and Jake in the ice bridge and the harness broke, the way you saved him was just amazing. I knew right away that Ryder would want you to join the team, but I was afraid that you would choose to stay in your igloo. That didn't happen, and you came with us back to Adventure Bay. I didn't know in that moment why I felt so relieved when you said yes to Jake, but also kind of sad, since that was the only home you ever knew, but seen that you were happy with us...

Missions after missions we grew closer to you, and my admiration towards that pup that saved Jake back in the South Pole transformed into something I couldn't describe in the moment.

"What is this feeling? Why do I feel like this?" I asked myself these questions so many times. I guess we can say that that's when I started to have a crush on you. But the thought of me actually confessing my feelings never passed through my head.

Because, just think about it. Why the most amazing and beautiful pup on earth would even notice a silly pup like me? I got so depressed... it was hard to fake a smile every day around the other pups when inside I was devastated. But the warm feeling in my chest anytime I thought about you countered this, and with some time, I got used to it.

Missions, days, months passed and my feelings only grew stronger. With more moments together my crush started to evolve into something else, and I only realized it that day...

It was sunny, we all finished breakfast and I heard that you were coming to discuss what should the PAW Patrol do for the upcoming Talent Show. I wondered in my mind if, like last year's, they would make me sing, which was ok now, since I grew more confident in front of a crowd, but I never expected that they would make you... sing with me.

My eyes opened wide when I first heard that we would be performing together with the others playing the instruments. After the meeting and with everyone gone already, I sat with my mind in blank. Well, with only one question:

"What am I going to do?!"

"Nervous, Marshall?"

And there was Chase, teasing me about it.

"Not funny, Chase." I sighed.

"Believe me, I had nothing to do with this. It was Skye that said that Everest has a wonderful voice, and then Zuma suggested you to make it a duet."

Days after the show I heard that this was a plan made by this little liar. Sometimes I wonder why he is my best friend.

"So, what are you going to do?" he asked next.

"I don't know. Maybe I should just see how things go when we practice."

"Sound good."

"Yeah, I mean, they didn't say what kind of song we had going to sing. It's not like we necessarily have to sing a romantic song or something, right?" I chuckled.

And he looked away, humming a tune for himself.

"Right?!"

"Well... you see... Skye thinks that you two have to sing a romantic song. Actually, in this moment she should be giving Everest her list of romantic songs for the talent show."

Sometimes I hate him, but without it... I wouldn't have realized what it was, what I was really feeling. That song described it perfectly...

I don't know if you remember it, but it was one of the best days of my life. The day when we practiced for the talent show.

"Are you ready, Marshall?" You said with that wonderful smile on your face.

"Y-yeah, of course"

"Well let's start then. Skye gave me a list of songs that we could play."

"Really...? Ok, let's see it."

We started to read the list. It was a huge list, but you quickly selected what you wanted.

"I like this one, but this one is better...Well, I don't know. I like all these songs, but we have to select only one. What do you think?" You said, looking now at me. I didn't know what song to play, it wasn't really my style. I gave a quick look to the list, thinking that maybe the title could help me.

"What about this one." I finally said, pointing the number 13 of the list, from a human band called "Extreme", which I remember because of Chase.

"Yes! I love that song. How didn't I see it?" you said, very excited.

I grabbed the radio and pressed the "skip" button until it ended in the song. I liked the sound of the strings in the beginning, whenever Chase listens to this, and then I remembered that I actually knew the song... and the first lines.

"You have to start, Marshall."

"R-really? Why?" I said, getting nervous, knowing how the song starts.

"Yeah, I mean, it sounds better if your voice comes before mine. It gives it some harmony."

"Ok" then my part started.

"S-Saying I l-love you, is not the words I-I want to hear from you-"

I couldn't remember any moment that I felt more nervous than that day. I was too nervous to even follow the rhythm correctly. I felt so ashamed, seeing you pressing the stop button.

"Let's try something different, so any of us gets out of rhythm." 

I couldn't believe what you did next, positioning in front of me so we would be face to face, with our eyes meeting. I immediately felt the heat climb up my face.

"W-what are you do-"

"Shh, don't say anything. Just focus on me and sing, ok?" you said softly as you pressed the "play" button. The song started again.

"Come on, just do it." 

And again, the strings...

Saying I love you, is not the words I want to hear from you

It's not that I want you not to say, but if you only knew.

I saw you smiling, but in the moment I thought you would laugh of me.

But you only giggled before starting to sing with me...

How easy, it would be to show me how you feel. 

The sound of your voice echoing in my ears felt so wonderful, it made me feel more confident, just staring at you like we were alone in the world, singing together.

More than word, is all you have to do to make it real

Then you wouldn't have to say, that you love me

Cos I'd already know

What would you do, if my heart was torn in two

More than words to show you feel

That your love for me is real.

I don't know if it was what I think it was, but I could feel we were getting closer to each other.

What would you say, if I took those words away

Then you couldn't make things new

Just by saying I love you...

We were face to face, both looking at each other's eyes, just inches from each other.

I pressed my teeth, shooting in my head "Just tell her!" again and again. I wanted to confess right there, because I finally found the perfect words for the feeling I felt since the first moment.

"Just tell her: I love you!"

But nothing came out of my mouth.

"That talent show is in the bag!" you finally broke the silence.

"Y-yes, I think so..."

"Oww, I can't wait to sing with you again. This is going to be great!"

Indeed, it was great. When we won the first place prize, you were so happy...

But I just couldn't believe how of a coward I was. Right after you left the day of the practice, I ran to my pup house and I cried until I was asleep. I was worthless, I missed my chance, nothing mattered anymore...

And then, the day of the contest, I saw your smile again, and I swore myself that I would do anything to make you happy, I promised to never let anything get away that smile that gave me hopes again.

  I don't know why I'm saying this now, when I should have said these words such long time ago. Heck, you're not even hearing me, I'm saying all this in my mind, but at least I can let it all out in this way...

 I love you, Everest.

*  *  *  *  *

"It's a promise. Just...please, stay with me...Everest..."

Please...

.

.

.

"Y-you p-promise...?"