“Skipper, the show’s about to start,” Private called from the television. “Will anda be back quickly?”
“No, anda three go on and watch it without me,” Skipper berkata from across the HQ. “I have something to take care of.”
“You sure?” Private asked. “Is something wrong?”
“No, young Private,” Skipper assured him, “everything’s fine.”
Without waiting for him to respond, Skipper climbed out of the hatch and made his way over to Marlene’s.
“Knock, knock,” he called as he entered her cave.
“Come in,” Marlene called back. When Skipper entered, she was oleh her mirror brushing her fur. “Ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred,” she finished with satisfaction. “What brings anda here?” she asked setting her brush down and turning to him.
“I was just checking on you,” Skipper replied. “Anything new?”
Marlene smiled and sighed. “You could say that,” she replied wistfully. “Remember Antonio?”
“How could I forget?” Skipper replied without meeting her eye.
“Well, he asked me on a date,” Marlene berkata hugging herself. “He’s so nice, and we seem to have a lot in common.”
Skipper forced a smile. “Hey, that’s great. Good for you,” he berkata as encouragingly as he could manage.
Marlene was too distracted to notice his unease. “And he’s really handsome, don’t anda think?” she asked resting her elbow on her dresser and propping her head up oleh her fist.
Skipper arched an eyebrow. “Uh . . .”
Marlene giggled and sighed. “I think he might even be the one,” she berkata fiddling with the bunga he’d diberikan her, which were now in a vase.
“Really?” Skipper asked looking at the flowers.
Marlene shrugged a shoulder. “I know, I barely know him, but I don’t know, I just have this feeling. I’ve never felt this kind of feeling before. anda know what I mean?” she asked turning back to him.
Skipper thought for a moment. He was thinking maybe he did, but he wasn’t sure from where. “Did he give anda those?” he asked regarding the bunga and ignoring the question.
Marlene smiled again. “Yes,” she answered, “aren’t they beautiful?” she asked grabbing one and smelling it.
“Did anda tell him those were your favorite?” Skipper asked doubtfully.
Marlene looked at him with an excited light igniting in her eyes. “No! Not once! It’s like he just knew! No one’s ever known me like that,” she berkata breathlessly.
Skipper felt his blood start to boil. Antonio lied to her. He bit his tongue and took a deep breath. “I’m glad he makes anda happy,” he said, trying not to growl.
Marlene giggled again. Then she got to her feet and approached him. “Could I ask anda a favor?” she asked wringing her hands. “I trust your judgement.”
“Eh, I guess he’s okay, from what I’ve seen,” Skipper replied. “If he hurts you, though, there’ll be no need to take Rico off his leash, because I’ll be his worst nightmare,” he berkata clenching one fist in the palm of the opposite flipper.
Marlene awkwardly cleared her throat. “Skipper, that’s really sweet of you, but I wasn’t talking about Antonio.” She pressed her lips together and watched him slowly drop his flippers.
“Oh,” he berkata with a cough. “Sorry. Then what were anda talking about?”
“I was just wondering, um,” she paused, looking at the ground like she was too shy to ask, “do you—think I look okay?” she asked finally, looking up at him.
Skipper looked her over and smiled calmly. “You look beautiful, Marlene,” he assured her. “Even a blind man could see that.”
Marlene relaxed with awe and she smiled. “Aw, Skipper. Thanks,” she berkata stepping meneruskan, ke depan and wrapping her arms around his neck.
“No problem, Marlene,” Skipper replied returning the hug.
“Oh,” Marlene berkata pulling away, “do anda think my bulu is soft enough? I’ve spent the last jam brushing it, making sure there were no knots atau anything,” she asked holding out her arm.
Skipper met her eye, and then he reached out and ran his flipper down her arm, paying close attention to its silky texture. Marlene turned so he could check her back. Reluctantly, he placed one flipper on her shoulder and the other, he used to stroke her back. Her bulu was very soft. He felt along her other arm before Marlene turned to him, her face close to his, waiting for an answer.
“Skipper?” she said, causing him to snap back into reality.
Skipper met her eyes, which were mere inches from his, and cleared his throat as he stepped back. “Your bulu is fine, Marlene. Soft as silk,” he assured her.
Marlene smiled again, but it quickly faded. “Is everything okay?” she asked with concern dancing across her eyes. “You don’t seem yourself.”
Skipper shook his head and smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine, Marlene. Have fun on your date,” he berkata turning around, but at the last second, he stopped and turned back. “Ah, but not too much fun,” he said, trying to pretend that he was joking.
Marlene laughed. “Don’t worry about me, Skipper,” she said. “And thanks again. You’re a good friend.”
Skipper smiled again and gave a salute. “Anytime,” he berkata before leaving.
As soon as he left her habitat, he leapt onto his belly and slid to the park at puncak, atas speed. When he got there, he looked around for Antonio. When he found him, he marched up to him. He was leaning against a pohon with his Spanish gitar with his back to him. He heard footsteps and quickly tucked the gitar away.
“Marlene, you’re early—” he berkata turning around just as Skipper grabbed him oleh his chest bulu and shoved him against the tree.
“All right, lover boy, just what part of ‘being a gentleman’ is lying to your girl from the start?” he demanded.
“Lying? What are anda talking about?” Antonio asked as fear gripped his throat. “You’re hurting me!”
“Oh, this is nothing compared to what I’ll do to anda if anda don’t start talking,” Skipper threatened, gripping his bulu tighter. “I just saw Marlene. anda let her believe anda just knew what her favorit bunga were? I didn’t tell anda that—or anything for that matter—so anda could go making her believe that anda can just read her like a book. That’s called deception, imbécil!”
“Whoa, whoa! I-I didn’t mean it like that! ¡Por favor! I just wanted to make her feel special! I didn’t use any of the other information anda gave me in that way! Believe me, señor! I didn’t think it was that big of a deal!” Antonio pleaded, trying to break free from Skipper’s steely grip.
“A lie is a lie, no matter how small,” Skipper growled. “I swear on every fiber of my being, if anda lie to her again, I will find anda and you’ll wish all I did was rip your bulu off!” he threatened. He let him go with a shove and batted the little tufts of bulu off his flippers.
“I’m sorry,” Antonio berkata rubbing his chest. “It will never happen again. In fact, I’ll tell her that anda told me they were her favorites. I’ll make it right! . . . All right?” he asked timidly. He couldn’t believe he was making such a big deal out of this.
Skipper breathed heavily as he tried to slow his jantung rate. He looked down at the grass, and then he met his eye again. “No. Don’t mention my name. Tell her . . . that a little birdy told you,” he suggested. Antonio was about to laugh, but Skipper glared at him and he shut his mouth. “I’ll be asking her about anda soon. She’d better tell me what I want to hear,” he berkata looking him up and down before turning on his heel and walking away. After going a few feet, he stopped and turned back. “And this confrontation,” he berkata pointing to the ground with his flipper, “never happened,” he finished as he started ominously waving his flippers around—his signature move. Antonio nodded fervently and Skipper continued on his way.
— § —
“Antonio!” Marlene called as she ran up to him from behind. Antonio spun around in shock without realizing that it was Marlene’s voice, not Skipper’s. He held his hand over his thumping jantung and took a deep breath.
“Marlene,” he berkata with a relieved laugh, “you startled me.”
“Oh, sorry,” Marlene berkata coming to a stop at his side. “So, what are we going to do?”
Antonio smiled. “I was hoping to take anda for a walk, just so we can get comfortable around each other,” he berkata offering his arm.
Marlene looped her arm around his with a smile. “Okay,” she said.
Skipper, who was up in a pohon with binoculars and a parabolic microphone, scoffed to himself. “Not too comfortable. I see what you’re trying to do,” he berkata under his breath.
“So, Marlene, tell me about yourself. What are your interests?” Antonio asked as the two started walking across the park with the sun dipping under the horizon.
“Well, like I berkata before, I really like swimming, games, music, being with friends,” she said. “I like a lot of things.”
Antonio smiled down at her. “What kind of musik do anda like?” he asked.
“I usually just listen to pop atau . . .” She trailed off.
Antonio arched a brow. “Or . . .?”
Marlene cleared her throat and looked at the grass. “Spanish guitar,” she berkata quietly. She looked back up at him. He was smiling warmly.
“If only I knew someone who could play one,” he berkata with a grin.
Marlene started to smile. “Antonio . . .?”
Antonio stopped oleh a pohon and pulled out a Spanish gitar and a plate of oysters on half-shells. Marlene gasped with surprise.
“You know how to play Spanish guitar?” she asked in surprise. “And anda have my favorite food! It’s like anda can read my mind,” she berkata hugging herself bashfully.
Antonio smiled again, but it quickly faded. “Actually,” he berkata regretfully, “I didn’t read your mind, exactly.”
Marlene arched a brow. “What do anda mean? Then how did anda know?”
Antonio sighed. “Let’s just say, a little birdy told me,” he admitted.
Marlene narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Did this little birdy also tell anda what my favorit bunga were?” she asked.
Antonio nodded slowly. “Yes. I’m—sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. I should have,” he admitted.
Marlene smiled. “Well, that’s okay. anda really did all this for me?” she asked stepping closer to him.
Antonio smiled back. “For you, anything.”
A moment of silence caused the tension to grow between them and they broke eye contact.
“So,” Antonio started, “shall we?” he asked gesturing to the soft rumput beneath them.
Marlene smiled and sat down. Antonio sat selanjutnya to her, setting the plate of oysters on the ground between them and holding the gitar across his chest.
“May I have the honor of playing a song for you?” he asked.
Marlene nodded. “Por favor,” she berkata sweetly. Antonio smiled. She was so cute.
“The accent needs work,” he berkata with a laugh.
Marlene laughed. “Then I guess you’ll have to teach me,” she said.
The intensity started to grow between them again and Antonio tuned the gitar for a moment to take their minds off it. He started playing the intro and turned his head to her.
“Sabes que te atraparé, sí.
Cueste lo que cueste llegar.
No, no te dejaré
Como todos los demás.
“Olvida a tus amigos, no les importa a dónde vayamos.
Si les importa, nos perderemos en la multitud.
Te he estado buscando por siempre, nena, vamos
Juntos, nena, vamos, vamos.
“En este loco mundo de opciones sólo tengo algunas.
O tú vienes conmigo, o yo iré contigo.
Porque finalmente encontré, finalmente te encontré.
Nunca tienes que preocuparte de que te diga la verdad.
Nena te he estado buscando, y cuando te vi supe
Que finalmente encontré, finalmente te encontré.”
Marlene watched in awe as he finished the last chord. “Wow,” she berkata breathlessly, “I have no idea what any of that means, but it sounded beautiful.”
Antonio laughed. “Well, in summary, it’s saying that throughout my entire life, I’ve been looking for the one, and I think I’ve finally found her. I will go wherever anda go,” he berkata looking into her eyes.
In the pohon several yards away, Skipper rolled his eyes. “You’re moving too fast,” he berkata to himself.
Marlene smiled at Antonio, but then she looked down at the grass. “Antonio, you’re the sweetest thing a girl can find, but don’t anda think that’s a little much for only knowing me for a couple days?”
“Pft, told you,” Skipper laughed.
Antonio sighed. “Of course, I’m sorry,” he said. “It’s just that ever since I met you, all I want to do is be oleh your side.”
Marlene smiled. Antonio smiled back and glanced at her lips. He started to lean in, and as tempting as it was, Marlene pulled back and acted as if she didn’t notice.
“So are we going to enjoy these atau what?” she berkata picking up an oyster and holding it between their faces with a smile. Antonio smiled back and accepted it. Marlene picked up another one and held it up. “Cheers,” she berkata with a humorous smile. Antonio laughed and clicked his oyster to hers.
“Cheers,” he said.
The two ate their oysters and talked a while longer. Skipper remained in his tree, watching intently as if Antonio were going to strike any minute. Finally, Antonio got to his feet.
“Would anda like to go for a swim in the pond?” he asked.
Marlene got to her feet. “Shouldn’t we wait another hour? We just finished eating not too long ago,” she said.
Antonio took her oleh the arm. “Come on, live a little dangerously,” he berkata with a laugh.
Marlene threw her head back with a laugh. “Ooh, yeah! Swimming after eating, we’re real daredevils,” she said.
Antonio laughed with her. “Come on!” he berkata pulling her along.
After they were a good enough distance away, Skipper dropped down from the pohon and followed them to the pond. He climbed into the nearest pohon and carefully reset his equipment as the two started swimming around.
Antonio splashed water at Marlene and ducked under the water to escape her revenge. Skipper started to get annoyed that he couldn’t see them from time to time when they submerged themselves underneath the water. If he jumped in and hid himself under water, he wouldn’t be able to hear them anymore. Plus, he couldn’t make his own oxygen.
After several minutes, they surfaced with a laugh. Antonio placed his hands on her waist and looked down at her with a relaxed smile. Marlene looked back into his eyes, also smiling. Slowly, Antonio leaned in again, and this time, Marlene didn’t object. Skipper’s jaw fell open as their lips met, and Marlene melted in his arms.
He set his binoculars down and watched from a distance, feeling his jantung sink for reasons he couldn’t identify. Then he felt angry. It was enough to make his blood boil. It didn’t take him long to realize he wasn’t mad at Antonio, but at Marlene. How could she let him do that?! Didn’t she sense that he was bad news?! Didn’t her gut tell her this was very, very wrong?! He had to save her from him, but how?
But before he could formulate a plan, his head started to clear. He still wasn’t sure why Antonio irked him so. He wanted to argue that he had lied to Marlene, but somehow that didn’t seem like a good enough reason. Plus, to be truthful, talking to Antonio behind her back was sort of lying, too . . . Besides, he told her the truth later. Although, that didn’t necessarily mean he wouldn’t lie again.
This didn’t make sense either. He thought he knew Marlene. This whole time, he’d been telling Antonio to take things slow because he knew that’s how Marlene took any relationship, not just romantic ones, and yet here she was kissing him?!
Finally, after a bazillion centuries, the two parted and looked into each other’s eyes with a smile.
“I should, uh, go back to my habitat now. It’s getting late,” Marlene berkata softly.
Antonio nodded. “Of course,” he said. “When can I see anda again?”
“Well, we’re open tomorrow, so I can see anda in the morning and get back oleh ten, and I wouldn’t be able to see anda again until after five pm,” Marlene replied.
“I’ll take whatever I can get,” Antonio replied.
The two held eye contact for a few lebih moments before Antonio led her to the bank and helped her out. Then the two headed for the zoo.
Skipper hopped down from the tree, infuriated. How could Marlene be so—well, stupid?! How could she possibly let him take advantage of her like that?! She barely knows him! He promised himself he was going to fix this. He had to think of a way to get Marlene to see the truth. He headed back for HQ. Rico and Private were already in bed, but Kowalski poked his head out of his lab a few detik after he dropped in.
“Ah, Skipper,” he whispered, “I thought I heard you. Come in my lab.”
Skipper followed Kowalski into his lab, closing the door behind him.
“So, what happened?” Kowalski asked.
“Kowalski, Antonio is doing something to Marlene,” Skipper replied with a grimace.
Kowalski arched a brow. “What?”
Skipper shook his head. “I don’t know, but Marlene is falling for it. If we don’t stop this soon, things are going to end worse than I expected,” he said.
Kowalski’s eyes widened. “Skipper, what happened?”
“Well, first he gave her oysters on half-shells and sang her this romantic Spanish cinta song. Marlene was putty in his hands,” Skipper replied massaging his clenched fist.
Kowalski lowered his brow. “I don’t get it. What’s wrong with giving her things she likes?” he asked.
“It’s lebih than that!” Skipper protested. “I know Marlene. She never moves this fast. Kowalski, he kissed her. And she let him. They only met yesterday!”
Kowalski folded his flippers. “So? Maybe she really likes him. Just because he makes her happy doesn’t mean she’s under some kind of spell,” he reasoned.
Skipper rolled his eyes. “That’s just what he wants everyone to believe. Maybe he does have a ‘perfect body,’ and knows Spanish guitar, and has his little way with words. He only wants one thing from Marlene, Kowalski. I can see it in his hungry little eyes,” he berkata growling.
Kowalski spread his flippers. “Skipper, you’ve only known him for a couple of days! How could anda possibly come to that conclusion? Did it ever occur to anda that he really does like Marlene for who she is and not . . . that?” he argued.
“Look, Kowalski, all I know is that my gut is screaming at me that this guy is bad news. Every time I see him, I get this uneasy feeling, like he’s about to take something from me,” Skipper berkata scowling.
“Then why have anda been helping him?” Kowalski asked impatiently.
“Because I was hoping I was wrong! I was hoping he was a good guy that wouldn’t hurt Marlene,” Skipper answered turning away and walking alongside one of Kowalski’s examination tables. “But when I saw them together tonight, I just couldn’t shake this powerful urge to step between them—to take Marlene as far away from him as possible. It was the way he looked at her, like he was getting closer and closer to making her—”
“Skipper,” Kowalski interrupted, coming around to face him, “I think you’re way overthinking this. For one instance, let’s say that your suspicions of Antonio’s intentions are correct—that that is all he wants. Why is it your place to involve yourself in this, anyhow? If Antonio tries anything, I can assure you, Marlene will put him in his place.”
“And if he tries to force it?” Skipper challenged.
Kowalski sighed. “I don’t want that to happen either. But it still doesn’t make it any lebih our business to butt in like this,” he berkata regretfully. “We’ll just have to hope that Marlene will be able to take care of herself. anda berkata yourself that she isn’t a fragile woman, and I have to agree. But I also need to ask anda this: Why is it that you’re the only one with the problem?” he asked putting his flippers on his hips.
Skipper huffed impatiently. “Because I’m the only one with any sense, apparently! I don’t know how I could be the only one to loathe the idea of Antonio putting his dirty paws on Marlene!—to hate the fact that Marlene is falling for him!—to have this burning desire to meninju, pukulan that rotten Latino in the throat!” he berkata slamming his fist into the table. He didn’t hear a response and he looked at Kowalski, who was staring at him with wide eyes and a brow cocked. “What?” Skipper demanded.
“Well,” Kowalski started, “I have a followup question. What would anda do if anda were wrong? What if Antonio is actually a really nice guy and he falls in cinta with her, and she him?”
Skipper was struck oleh the question. “I—I guess I would be happy for her,” he berkata shrugging, not meeting his eye.
“You don’t seem too sure about that,” Kowalski observed.
Skipper looked at him. “What are anda talking about?”
“It’s just that—I’m starting to think I know why anda feel the way anda do,” Kowalski replied.
Skipper arched a brow. “Oh? And what makes anda an expert on me and my feelings?” he asked defensively.
Kowalski took a breath, searching for the right words. “Well, I have known anda for a while, but I’ve never seen anda like this. Your behavior, it—well, it reminds me of something. I need to ask anda this: Skipper, are anda sure it’s Antonio that’s the problem?” he asked eyeing him carefully.
Skipper was taken aback. “Excuse me?”
“What I’m asking is, do think that maybe . . . you’re the problem?” Kowalski suggested.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Skipper asked folding his flippers.
“I’m just wondering,” Kowalski started, “maybe it isn’t the fact that Antonio’s not right for Marlene that you’re against him. I’m suggesting that maybe you’re against him because he is.”
Skipper closed his eyes in thought. “I don’t understand what you’re saying,” he said.
Kowalski sighed impatiently. “You’re really going to make me say it, aren’t you?” he asked himself lebih than Skipper. “Skipper, why are anda being so protective of Marlene?”
Skipper looked at him with surprise. “Because she’s a close friend, of course. Why would anda even ask that?” he asked.
“And why are anda close friends with Marlene?” Kowalski asked, ignoring the question.
Skipper rolled his eyes. “I fail to see what this has to do with Antonio,” he said.
“Everything, actually,” Kowalski replied. “Answer the question.”
Skipper thought for a moment. “Well, she’s kind, she isn’t annoying like Ringtail, she’s smart, unlike a lot of mammals,” he said, listing them out on his flipper.
Kowalski rolled his flippers. “Go on,” he urged.
Skipper rolled his eyes impatiently and continued. “She’s a good listener, she, uh, she’s very reliable. I can count on her for just about anything. Behind anda boys, I think I trust her lebih than anyone. She puts up with me, somehow,” he berkata with a smile. “Come to think of it, it seems no matter how many times I infuriate her with our covert ops, it never seems to have a negative impact on our relationship,” he berkata looking at the ground thoughtfully, recalling all the times Marlene yelled at him not to “burst into her habitat,” atau “be so paranoid,” atau “hijack an A-380 purely for research purposes.”
He looked at Kowalski. “I’m still not getting your point,” he said.
Kowalski rolled his eyes. “Have anda ever thought of Marlene as something other than your friend?” he asked, willing him to understand where he was going with this.
“Of course, anda know I always consider people I meet for the first time my enemy,” Skipper replied.
Kowalski slapped his forehead. “And I thought I had a hard time comprehending these things,” he berkata rubbing his temples. “Skipper, do anda remember when Doris was dating Doug—the porpoise?”
“Yeah, anda wouldn’t shut up about it for three weeks,” Skipper replied.
“Remember my paranoia about him?” Kowalski followed up.
“How could I forget? One hari anda even claimed he was part of the Canadian Mafia—which doesn’t exist,” Skipper replied.
“Right,” Kowalski replied dismissively, “and remember when anda tried to tell me that Doug was just a regular guy and it was just my jealous delusions leading me to those conclusions?”
“Yeah,” Skipper berkata suspiciously, “what are anda suggesting?”
Kowalski sighed and put a flipper on his shoulder. “Don’t anda think that maybe anda might be having some, err . . . jealous delusions?”
Skipper batted his flipper away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not jealous of anybody,” he argued. “What reason would I have to be jealous?”
Kowalski crossed his flippers and gave him a hard stare.
“What?” Skipper said. “Are anda saying that I want Marlene?”
“Actually, anda berkata it,” Kowalski pointed out.
“Don’t play dumb with me,” Skipper snapped.
“You of all people should know I’m incapable of playing dumb,” Kowalski replied with a smile.
Skipper rolled his eyes. “Kowalski, my paranoia is not brought on oleh some fit of jealous rage.”
“Then tell me why you’re angry at Antonio,” Kowalski challenged.
“I told anda I don’t know! I just feel that he’s—” Skipper stopped midsentence, realizing how unconvincing his answer was. Kowalski looked at him anticipatorily, as if saying, Want to continue proving my point? Skipper spread his flippers. “Well, I—” Kowalski folded his flippers. “I’m your commanding officer,” Skipper berkata putting his fists on his hips, “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
Kowalski shrugged. “That is correct. anda don’t have to explain anything,” he berkata with a smile. He continued before Skipper could respond. “I think anda need to sleep on it. I’m beat, anyway,” he berkata with a yawn. “See anda in the morning, Skip,” he berkata patting him on the shoulder.
Skipper watched as he crossed the room to the door. “You don’t know me as well as anda think anda do, Kowalski,” he called after.
“I hope that belief helps anda sleep, Skipper,” Kowalski replied over his shoulder without stopping. He left Skipper alone in the lab.
Skipper looked down in thought. Kowalski berkata himself once that he knew nothing about love. What could he possibly know about his feelings? Then again, he did know a thing atau two about jealousy. But could he really be jealous of Antonio? And the bigger question: did he really love Marlene? Love was a strong word. Sure, Marlene is strong, level-headed, and he couldn’t deny that she had her looks, but she had always been a friend to him. She could tanggal whomever she chose and it would mean no difference to him (unless it was the likes of evil puffins atau dolphins, but he was pretty certain she wouldn’t be into that).
He thought about Antonio and Marlene ciuman in the pond again and cringed. The thought of him and Marlene together did irk him. But it wasn’t because he was jealous. Antonio just sent the wrong signals with him . . .
. . . for reasons he couldn’t identify . . .
Skipper sighed and buried his face in his flippers. Now he was getting a headache.
— § —
Translations:
imbécil = stupid/fool
The song Antonio sang was an excerpt from Enrique Iglesias’ Finally Found You. The lyrics in English are:
anda know I'm gon get ya, yeah.
Whatever it takes to get there.
No, I won't drop you
Like everybody else does.
Forget about your friends, they don't care where we go.
If they do, we'll get lost in a crowd of people.
I've been looking for anda forever, baby, we go
Together baby we go, we go
In this crazy world of choices I've only got a few.
Either you're coming with me, atau I'm coming with you.
Cause I finally found, I finally found you.
anda never have to worry if what I say is true.
Girl I've been looking for anda and when I saw anda I knew
That I finally found, I finally found you.
A big thanks to Vivi-ntvg (on FanFiction.net) for checking all my Spanish and giving me the translation of the song. Any mistakes anda found/find are on my part, as Vivi did not see the words in context. I have corrected and will correct any mistake, if any, if and when pointed out.
“No, anda three go on and watch it without me,” Skipper berkata from across the HQ. “I have something to take care of.”
“You sure?” Private asked. “Is something wrong?”
“No, young Private,” Skipper assured him, “everything’s fine.”
Without waiting for him to respond, Skipper climbed out of the hatch and made his way over to Marlene’s.
“Knock, knock,” he called as he entered her cave.
“Come in,” Marlene called back. When Skipper entered, she was oleh her mirror brushing her fur. “Ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred,” she finished with satisfaction. “What brings anda here?” she asked setting her brush down and turning to him.
“I was just checking on you,” Skipper replied. “Anything new?”
Marlene smiled and sighed. “You could say that,” she replied wistfully. “Remember Antonio?”
“How could I forget?” Skipper replied without meeting her eye.
“Well, he asked me on a date,” Marlene berkata hugging herself. “He’s so nice, and we seem to have a lot in common.”
Skipper forced a smile. “Hey, that’s great. Good for you,” he berkata as encouragingly as he could manage.
Marlene was too distracted to notice his unease. “And he’s really handsome, don’t anda think?” she asked resting her elbow on her dresser and propping her head up oleh her fist.
Skipper arched an eyebrow. “Uh . . .”
Marlene giggled and sighed. “I think he might even be the one,” she berkata fiddling with the bunga he’d diberikan her, which were now in a vase.
“Really?” Skipper asked looking at the flowers.
Marlene shrugged a shoulder. “I know, I barely know him, but I don’t know, I just have this feeling. I’ve never felt this kind of feeling before. anda know what I mean?” she asked turning back to him.
Skipper thought for a moment. He was thinking maybe he did, but he wasn’t sure from where. “Did he give anda those?” he asked regarding the bunga and ignoring the question.
Marlene smiled again. “Yes,” she answered, “aren’t they beautiful?” she asked grabbing one and smelling it.
“Did anda tell him those were your favorite?” Skipper asked doubtfully.
Marlene looked at him with an excited light igniting in her eyes. “No! Not once! It’s like he just knew! No one’s ever known me like that,” she berkata breathlessly.
Skipper felt his blood start to boil. Antonio lied to her. He bit his tongue and took a deep breath. “I’m glad he makes anda happy,” he said, trying not to growl.
Marlene giggled again. Then she got to her feet and approached him. “Could I ask anda a favor?” she asked wringing her hands. “I trust your judgement.”
“Eh, I guess he’s okay, from what I’ve seen,” Skipper replied. “If he hurts you, though, there’ll be no need to take Rico off his leash, because I’ll be his worst nightmare,” he berkata clenching one fist in the palm of the opposite flipper.
Marlene awkwardly cleared her throat. “Skipper, that’s really sweet of you, but I wasn’t talking about Antonio.” She pressed her lips together and watched him slowly drop his flippers.
“Oh,” he berkata with a cough. “Sorry. Then what were anda talking about?”
“I was just wondering, um,” she paused, looking at the ground like she was too shy to ask, “do you—think I look okay?” she asked finally, looking up at him.
Skipper looked her over and smiled calmly. “You look beautiful, Marlene,” he assured her. “Even a blind man could see that.”
Marlene relaxed with awe and she smiled. “Aw, Skipper. Thanks,” she berkata stepping meneruskan, ke depan and wrapping her arms around his neck.
“No problem, Marlene,” Skipper replied returning the hug.
“Oh,” Marlene berkata pulling away, “do anda think my bulu is soft enough? I’ve spent the last jam brushing it, making sure there were no knots atau anything,” she asked holding out her arm.
Skipper met her eye, and then he reached out and ran his flipper down her arm, paying close attention to its silky texture. Marlene turned so he could check her back. Reluctantly, he placed one flipper on her shoulder and the other, he used to stroke her back. Her bulu was very soft. He felt along her other arm before Marlene turned to him, her face close to his, waiting for an answer.
“Skipper?” she said, causing him to snap back into reality.
Skipper met her eyes, which were mere inches from his, and cleared his throat as he stepped back. “Your bulu is fine, Marlene. Soft as silk,” he assured her.
Marlene smiled again, but it quickly faded. “Is everything okay?” she asked with concern dancing across her eyes. “You don’t seem yourself.”
Skipper shook his head and smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine, Marlene. Have fun on your date,” he berkata turning around, but at the last second, he stopped and turned back. “Ah, but not too much fun,” he said, trying to pretend that he was joking.
Marlene laughed. “Don’t worry about me, Skipper,” she said. “And thanks again. You’re a good friend.”
Skipper smiled again and gave a salute. “Anytime,” he berkata before leaving.
As soon as he left her habitat, he leapt onto his belly and slid to the park at puncak, atas speed. When he got there, he looked around for Antonio. When he found him, he marched up to him. He was leaning against a pohon with his Spanish gitar with his back to him. He heard footsteps and quickly tucked the gitar away.
“Marlene, you’re early—” he berkata turning around just as Skipper grabbed him oleh his chest bulu and shoved him against the tree.
“All right, lover boy, just what part of ‘being a gentleman’ is lying to your girl from the start?” he demanded.
“Lying? What are anda talking about?” Antonio asked as fear gripped his throat. “You’re hurting me!”
“Oh, this is nothing compared to what I’ll do to anda if anda don’t start talking,” Skipper threatened, gripping his bulu tighter. “I just saw Marlene. anda let her believe anda just knew what her favorit bunga were? I didn’t tell anda that—or anything for that matter—so anda could go making her believe that anda can just read her like a book. That’s called deception, imbécil!”
“Whoa, whoa! I-I didn’t mean it like that! ¡Por favor! I just wanted to make her feel special! I didn’t use any of the other information anda gave me in that way! Believe me, señor! I didn’t think it was that big of a deal!” Antonio pleaded, trying to break free from Skipper’s steely grip.
“A lie is a lie, no matter how small,” Skipper growled. “I swear on every fiber of my being, if anda lie to her again, I will find anda and you’ll wish all I did was rip your bulu off!” he threatened. He let him go with a shove and batted the little tufts of bulu off his flippers.
“I’m sorry,” Antonio berkata rubbing his chest. “It will never happen again. In fact, I’ll tell her that anda told me they were her favorites. I’ll make it right! . . . All right?” he asked timidly. He couldn’t believe he was making such a big deal out of this.
Skipper breathed heavily as he tried to slow his jantung rate. He looked down at the grass, and then he met his eye again. “No. Don’t mention my name. Tell her . . . that a little birdy told you,” he suggested. Antonio was about to laugh, but Skipper glared at him and he shut his mouth. “I’ll be asking her about anda soon. She’d better tell me what I want to hear,” he berkata looking him up and down before turning on his heel and walking away. After going a few feet, he stopped and turned back. “And this confrontation,” he berkata pointing to the ground with his flipper, “never happened,” he finished as he started ominously waving his flippers around—his signature move. Antonio nodded fervently and Skipper continued on his way.
— § —
“Antonio!” Marlene called as she ran up to him from behind. Antonio spun around in shock without realizing that it was Marlene’s voice, not Skipper’s. He held his hand over his thumping jantung and took a deep breath.
“Marlene,” he berkata with a relieved laugh, “you startled me.”
“Oh, sorry,” Marlene berkata coming to a stop at his side. “So, what are we going to do?”
Antonio smiled. “I was hoping to take anda for a walk, just so we can get comfortable around each other,” he berkata offering his arm.
Marlene looped her arm around his with a smile. “Okay,” she said.
Skipper, who was up in a pohon with binoculars and a parabolic microphone, scoffed to himself. “Not too comfortable. I see what you’re trying to do,” he berkata under his breath.
“So, Marlene, tell me about yourself. What are your interests?” Antonio asked as the two started walking across the park with the sun dipping under the horizon.
“Well, like I berkata before, I really like swimming, games, music, being with friends,” she said. “I like a lot of things.”
Antonio smiled down at her. “What kind of musik do anda like?” he asked.
“I usually just listen to pop atau . . .” She trailed off.
Antonio arched a brow. “Or . . .?”
Marlene cleared her throat and looked at the grass. “Spanish guitar,” she berkata quietly. She looked back up at him. He was smiling warmly.
“If only I knew someone who could play one,” he berkata with a grin.
Marlene started to smile. “Antonio . . .?”
Antonio stopped oleh a pohon and pulled out a Spanish gitar and a plate of oysters on half-shells. Marlene gasped with surprise.
“You know how to play Spanish guitar?” she asked in surprise. “And anda have my favorite food! It’s like anda can read my mind,” she berkata hugging herself bashfully.
Antonio smiled again, but it quickly faded. “Actually,” he berkata regretfully, “I didn’t read your mind, exactly.”
Marlene arched a brow. “What do anda mean? Then how did anda know?”
Antonio sighed. “Let’s just say, a little birdy told me,” he admitted.
Marlene narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Did this little birdy also tell anda what my favorit bunga were?” she asked.
Antonio nodded slowly. “Yes. I’m—sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. I should have,” he admitted.
Marlene smiled. “Well, that’s okay. anda really did all this for me?” she asked stepping closer to him.
Antonio smiled back. “For you, anything.”
A moment of silence caused the tension to grow between them and they broke eye contact.
“So,” Antonio started, “shall we?” he asked gesturing to the soft rumput beneath them.
Marlene smiled and sat down. Antonio sat selanjutnya to her, setting the plate of oysters on the ground between them and holding the gitar across his chest.
“May I have the honor of playing a song for you?” he asked.
Marlene nodded. “Por favor,” she berkata sweetly. Antonio smiled. She was so cute.
“The accent needs work,” he berkata with a laugh.
Marlene laughed. “Then I guess you’ll have to teach me,” she said.
The intensity started to grow between them again and Antonio tuned the gitar for a moment to take their minds off it. He started playing the intro and turned his head to her.
“Sabes que te atraparé, sí.
Cueste lo que cueste llegar.
No, no te dejaré
Como todos los demás.
“Olvida a tus amigos, no les importa a dónde vayamos.
Si les importa, nos perderemos en la multitud.
Te he estado buscando por siempre, nena, vamos
Juntos, nena, vamos, vamos.
“En este loco mundo de opciones sólo tengo algunas.
O tú vienes conmigo, o yo iré contigo.
Porque finalmente encontré, finalmente te encontré.
Nunca tienes que preocuparte de que te diga la verdad.
Nena te he estado buscando, y cuando te vi supe
Que finalmente encontré, finalmente te encontré.”
Marlene watched in awe as he finished the last chord. “Wow,” she berkata breathlessly, “I have no idea what any of that means, but it sounded beautiful.”
Antonio laughed. “Well, in summary, it’s saying that throughout my entire life, I’ve been looking for the one, and I think I’ve finally found her. I will go wherever anda go,” he berkata looking into her eyes.
In the pohon several yards away, Skipper rolled his eyes. “You’re moving too fast,” he berkata to himself.
Marlene smiled at Antonio, but then she looked down at the grass. “Antonio, you’re the sweetest thing a girl can find, but don’t anda think that’s a little much for only knowing me for a couple days?”
“Pft, told you,” Skipper laughed.
Antonio sighed. “Of course, I’m sorry,” he said. “It’s just that ever since I met you, all I want to do is be oleh your side.”
Marlene smiled. Antonio smiled back and glanced at her lips. He started to lean in, and as tempting as it was, Marlene pulled back and acted as if she didn’t notice.
“So are we going to enjoy these atau what?” she berkata picking up an oyster and holding it between their faces with a smile. Antonio smiled back and accepted it. Marlene picked up another one and held it up. “Cheers,” she berkata with a humorous smile. Antonio laughed and clicked his oyster to hers.
“Cheers,” he said.
The two ate their oysters and talked a while longer. Skipper remained in his tree, watching intently as if Antonio were going to strike any minute. Finally, Antonio got to his feet.
“Would anda like to go for a swim in the pond?” he asked.
Marlene got to her feet. “Shouldn’t we wait another hour? We just finished eating not too long ago,” she said.
Antonio took her oleh the arm. “Come on, live a little dangerously,” he berkata with a laugh.
Marlene threw her head back with a laugh. “Ooh, yeah! Swimming after eating, we’re real daredevils,” she said.
Antonio laughed with her. “Come on!” he berkata pulling her along.
After they were a good enough distance away, Skipper dropped down from the pohon and followed them to the pond. He climbed into the nearest pohon and carefully reset his equipment as the two started swimming around.
Antonio splashed water at Marlene and ducked under the water to escape her revenge. Skipper started to get annoyed that he couldn’t see them from time to time when they submerged themselves underneath the water. If he jumped in and hid himself under water, he wouldn’t be able to hear them anymore. Plus, he couldn’t make his own oxygen.
After several minutes, they surfaced with a laugh. Antonio placed his hands on her waist and looked down at her with a relaxed smile. Marlene looked back into his eyes, also smiling. Slowly, Antonio leaned in again, and this time, Marlene didn’t object. Skipper’s jaw fell open as their lips met, and Marlene melted in his arms.
He set his binoculars down and watched from a distance, feeling his jantung sink for reasons he couldn’t identify. Then he felt angry. It was enough to make his blood boil. It didn’t take him long to realize he wasn’t mad at Antonio, but at Marlene. How could she let him do that?! Didn’t she sense that he was bad news?! Didn’t her gut tell her this was very, very wrong?! He had to save her from him, but how?
But before he could formulate a plan, his head started to clear. He still wasn’t sure why Antonio irked him so. He wanted to argue that he had lied to Marlene, but somehow that didn’t seem like a good enough reason. Plus, to be truthful, talking to Antonio behind her back was sort of lying, too . . . Besides, he told her the truth later. Although, that didn’t necessarily mean he wouldn’t lie again.
This didn’t make sense either. He thought he knew Marlene. This whole time, he’d been telling Antonio to take things slow because he knew that’s how Marlene took any relationship, not just romantic ones, and yet here she was kissing him?!
Finally, after a bazillion centuries, the two parted and looked into each other’s eyes with a smile.
“I should, uh, go back to my habitat now. It’s getting late,” Marlene berkata softly.
Antonio nodded. “Of course,” he said. “When can I see anda again?”
“Well, we’re open tomorrow, so I can see anda in the morning and get back oleh ten, and I wouldn’t be able to see anda again until after five pm,” Marlene replied.
“I’ll take whatever I can get,” Antonio replied.
The two held eye contact for a few lebih moments before Antonio led her to the bank and helped her out. Then the two headed for the zoo.
Skipper hopped down from the tree, infuriated. How could Marlene be so—well, stupid?! How could she possibly let him take advantage of her like that?! She barely knows him! He promised himself he was going to fix this. He had to think of a way to get Marlene to see the truth. He headed back for HQ. Rico and Private were already in bed, but Kowalski poked his head out of his lab a few detik after he dropped in.
“Ah, Skipper,” he whispered, “I thought I heard you. Come in my lab.”
Skipper followed Kowalski into his lab, closing the door behind him.
“So, what happened?” Kowalski asked.
“Kowalski, Antonio is doing something to Marlene,” Skipper replied with a grimace.
Kowalski arched a brow. “What?”
Skipper shook his head. “I don’t know, but Marlene is falling for it. If we don’t stop this soon, things are going to end worse than I expected,” he said.
Kowalski’s eyes widened. “Skipper, what happened?”
“Well, first he gave her oysters on half-shells and sang her this romantic Spanish cinta song. Marlene was putty in his hands,” Skipper replied massaging his clenched fist.
Kowalski lowered his brow. “I don’t get it. What’s wrong with giving her things she likes?” he asked.
“It’s lebih than that!” Skipper protested. “I know Marlene. She never moves this fast. Kowalski, he kissed her. And she let him. They only met yesterday!”
Kowalski folded his flippers. “So? Maybe she really likes him. Just because he makes her happy doesn’t mean she’s under some kind of spell,” he reasoned.
Skipper rolled his eyes. “That’s just what he wants everyone to believe. Maybe he does have a ‘perfect body,’ and knows Spanish guitar, and has his little way with words. He only wants one thing from Marlene, Kowalski. I can see it in his hungry little eyes,” he berkata growling.
Kowalski spread his flippers. “Skipper, you’ve only known him for a couple of days! How could anda possibly come to that conclusion? Did it ever occur to anda that he really does like Marlene for who she is and not . . . that?” he argued.
“Look, Kowalski, all I know is that my gut is screaming at me that this guy is bad news. Every time I see him, I get this uneasy feeling, like he’s about to take something from me,” Skipper berkata scowling.
“Then why have anda been helping him?” Kowalski asked impatiently.
“Because I was hoping I was wrong! I was hoping he was a good guy that wouldn’t hurt Marlene,” Skipper answered turning away and walking alongside one of Kowalski’s examination tables. “But when I saw them together tonight, I just couldn’t shake this powerful urge to step between them—to take Marlene as far away from him as possible. It was the way he looked at her, like he was getting closer and closer to making her—”
“Skipper,” Kowalski interrupted, coming around to face him, “I think you’re way overthinking this. For one instance, let’s say that your suspicions of Antonio’s intentions are correct—that that is all he wants. Why is it your place to involve yourself in this, anyhow? If Antonio tries anything, I can assure you, Marlene will put him in his place.”
“And if he tries to force it?” Skipper challenged.
Kowalski sighed. “I don’t want that to happen either. But it still doesn’t make it any lebih our business to butt in like this,” he berkata regretfully. “We’ll just have to hope that Marlene will be able to take care of herself. anda berkata yourself that she isn’t a fragile woman, and I have to agree. But I also need to ask anda this: Why is it that you’re the only one with the problem?” he asked putting his flippers on his hips.
Skipper huffed impatiently. “Because I’m the only one with any sense, apparently! I don’t know how I could be the only one to loathe the idea of Antonio putting his dirty paws on Marlene!—to hate the fact that Marlene is falling for him!—to have this burning desire to meninju, pukulan that rotten Latino in the throat!” he berkata slamming his fist into the table. He didn’t hear a response and he looked at Kowalski, who was staring at him with wide eyes and a brow cocked. “What?” Skipper demanded.
“Well,” Kowalski started, “I have a followup question. What would anda do if anda were wrong? What if Antonio is actually a really nice guy and he falls in cinta with her, and she him?”
Skipper was struck oleh the question. “I—I guess I would be happy for her,” he berkata shrugging, not meeting his eye.
“You don’t seem too sure about that,” Kowalski observed.
Skipper looked at him. “What are anda talking about?”
“It’s just that—I’m starting to think I know why anda feel the way anda do,” Kowalski replied.
Skipper arched a brow. “Oh? And what makes anda an expert on me and my feelings?” he asked defensively.
Kowalski took a breath, searching for the right words. “Well, I have known anda for a while, but I’ve never seen anda like this. Your behavior, it—well, it reminds me of something. I need to ask anda this: Skipper, are anda sure it’s Antonio that’s the problem?” he asked eyeing him carefully.
Skipper was taken aback. “Excuse me?”
“What I’m asking is, do think that maybe . . . you’re the problem?” Kowalski suggested.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Skipper asked folding his flippers.
“I’m just wondering,” Kowalski started, “maybe it isn’t the fact that Antonio’s not right for Marlene that you’re against him. I’m suggesting that maybe you’re against him because he is.”
Skipper closed his eyes in thought. “I don’t understand what you’re saying,” he said.
Kowalski sighed impatiently. “You’re really going to make me say it, aren’t you?” he asked himself lebih than Skipper. “Skipper, why are anda being so protective of Marlene?”
Skipper looked at him with surprise. “Because she’s a close friend, of course. Why would anda even ask that?” he asked.
“And why are anda close friends with Marlene?” Kowalski asked, ignoring the question.
Skipper rolled his eyes. “I fail to see what this has to do with Antonio,” he said.
“Everything, actually,” Kowalski replied. “Answer the question.”
Skipper thought for a moment. “Well, she’s kind, she isn’t annoying like Ringtail, she’s smart, unlike a lot of mammals,” he said, listing them out on his flipper.
Kowalski rolled his flippers. “Go on,” he urged.
Skipper rolled his eyes impatiently and continued. “She’s a good listener, she, uh, she’s very reliable. I can count on her for just about anything. Behind anda boys, I think I trust her lebih than anyone. She puts up with me, somehow,” he berkata with a smile. “Come to think of it, it seems no matter how many times I infuriate her with our covert ops, it never seems to have a negative impact on our relationship,” he berkata looking at the ground thoughtfully, recalling all the times Marlene yelled at him not to “burst into her habitat,” atau “be so paranoid,” atau “hijack an A-380 purely for research purposes.”
He looked at Kowalski. “I’m still not getting your point,” he said.
Kowalski rolled his eyes. “Have anda ever thought of Marlene as something other than your friend?” he asked, willing him to understand where he was going with this.
“Of course, anda know I always consider people I meet for the first time my enemy,” Skipper replied.
Kowalski slapped his forehead. “And I thought I had a hard time comprehending these things,” he berkata rubbing his temples. “Skipper, do anda remember when Doris was dating Doug—the porpoise?”
“Yeah, anda wouldn’t shut up about it for three weeks,” Skipper replied.
“Remember my paranoia about him?” Kowalski followed up.
“How could I forget? One hari anda even claimed he was part of the Canadian Mafia—which doesn’t exist,” Skipper replied.
“Right,” Kowalski replied dismissively, “and remember when anda tried to tell me that Doug was just a regular guy and it was just my jealous delusions leading me to those conclusions?”
“Yeah,” Skipper berkata suspiciously, “what are anda suggesting?”
Kowalski sighed and put a flipper on his shoulder. “Don’t anda think that maybe anda might be having some, err . . . jealous delusions?”
Skipper batted his flipper away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not jealous of anybody,” he argued. “What reason would I have to be jealous?”
Kowalski crossed his flippers and gave him a hard stare.
“What?” Skipper said. “Are anda saying that I want Marlene?”
“Actually, anda berkata it,” Kowalski pointed out.
“Don’t play dumb with me,” Skipper snapped.
“You of all people should know I’m incapable of playing dumb,” Kowalski replied with a smile.
Skipper rolled his eyes. “Kowalski, my paranoia is not brought on oleh some fit of jealous rage.”
“Then tell me why you’re angry at Antonio,” Kowalski challenged.
“I told anda I don’t know! I just feel that he’s—” Skipper stopped midsentence, realizing how unconvincing his answer was. Kowalski looked at him anticipatorily, as if saying, Want to continue proving my point? Skipper spread his flippers. “Well, I—” Kowalski folded his flippers. “I’m your commanding officer,” Skipper berkata putting his fists on his hips, “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
Kowalski shrugged. “That is correct. anda don’t have to explain anything,” he berkata with a smile. He continued before Skipper could respond. “I think anda need to sleep on it. I’m beat, anyway,” he berkata with a yawn. “See anda in the morning, Skip,” he berkata patting him on the shoulder.
Skipper watched as he crossed the room to the door. “You don’t know me as well as anda think anda do, Kowalski,” he called after.
“I hope that belief helps anda sleep, Skipper,” Kowalski replied over his shoulder without stopping. He left Skipper alone in the lab.
Skipper looked down in thought. Kowalski berkata himself once that he knew nothing about love. What could he possibly know about his feelings? Then again, he did know a thing atau two about jealousy. But could he really be jealous of Antonio? And the bigger question: did he really love Marlene? Love was a strong word. Sure, Marlene is strong, level-headed, and he couldn’t deny that she had her looks, but she had always been a friend to him. She could tanggal whomever she chose and it would mean no difference to him (unless it was the likes of evil puffins atau dolphins, but he was pretty certain she wouldn’t be into that).
He thought about Antonio and Marlene ciuman in the pond again and cringed. The thought of him and Marlene together did irk him. But it wasn’t because he was jealous. Antonio just sent the wrong signals with him . . .
. . . for reasons he couldn’t identify . . .
Skipper sighed and buried his face in his flippers. Now he was getting a headache.
— § —
Translations:
imbécil = stupid/fool
The song Antonio sang was an excerpt from Enrique Iglesias’ Finally Found You. The lyrics in English are:
anda know I'm gon get ya, yeah.
Whatever it takes to get there.
No, I won't drop you
Like everybody else does.
Forget about your friends, they don't care where we go.
If they do, we'll get lost in a crowd of people.
I've been looking for anda forever, baby, we go
Together baby we go, we go
In this crazy world of choices I've only got a few.
Either you're coming with me, atau I'm coming with you.
Cause I finally found, I finally found you.
anda never have to worry if what I say is true.
Girl I've been looking for anda and when I saw anda I knew
That I finally found, I finally found you.
A big thanks to Vivi-ntvg (on FanFiction.net) for checking all my Spanish and giving me the translation of the song. Any mistakes anda found/find are on my part, as Vivi did not see the words in context. I have corrected and will correct any mistake, if any, if and when pointed out.
