The sun was setting over Adventure Bay, casting a warm, golden glow across the beach. Zuma and Rocky sat side by side on the weathered dock, legs dangling over the edge, toes barely touching the cool water below. The air was calm, filled with the quiet sounds of the waves lapping against the shore. Zuma’s wet hair dripped saltwater as he leaned back, a broad smile plastered on his face, his tail wagging lazily behind him.

Rocky, sitting next to him, was more composed, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he absentmindedly adjusted his tool belt. His dog ears twitched at the distant call of a seagull, and he glanced over at Zuma, who was chattering excitedly about some new diving trick he’d mastered. Rocky’s eyes softened; he loved watching Zuma’s enthusiasm, the way his amber eyes lit up when he talked about the ocean.

Zuma nudged Rocky with his shoulder, his grin widening. “Hey, you listening?” he asked, his tail giving an excited wag.

Rocky chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, I’m listening,” he said, his voice warm. He reached over, his hand finding Zuma’s, their fingers intertwining with an easy familiarity. Zuma’s cheeks flushed slightly, the gesture making his tail swish a little faster.

They stayed like that, hands clasped, enjoying the peaceful moment together as the sun dipped below the horizon. Neither of them said much, but they didn’t need to—just sitting there, with the gentle evening breeze ruffling their hair and the comfort of each other’s presence, was enough.