They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

I Don't Like You

Chase was still angry about the event that had hurt his best friend and left an emotional scar on his team. The memories haunted him, and sleepless nights had become his new normal. Skye had noticed the changes in him, even though he was unaware, and she couldn't help but worry. Chase had never been an angry pup before. What was happening to him? Late at night, Chase tossed and turned in his bed, unable to fall asleep. Frustrated, he decided to get up and grab some water, hoping it would help. He knew how important rest was, especially with the challenges the Paw Patrol faced daily. Quietly, he got out of bed and took the elevator down to the kitchen. The room was empty, save for a single buzzing light overhead. Chase grabbed his water bowl, filled it at the tap, and set it on the floor to drink. He tried to stay quiet, unaware that Skye had heard his every move and was now standing behind him.

"Chase," Skye said softly, making him freeze mid-drink. "What are you doing up? Tomorrow's a big day. We're getting more information about this whole Scorpio thing."

He turned to face her, startled but not as much as usual. His expression was distant, his mind elsewhere—a look Skye didn't recognize.

"Oh. Hey, Skye," Chase muttered. "I couldn't sleep. Thought some water might help. Why are you up? I know how much you love your beauty sleep."

Skye chuckled lightly. "Well, I guess... I couldn't sleep either." She paused, her tone turning serious. "Chase, I'm worried about you."

Chase's ears perked up in surprise. He had always been the one to worry about Skye, not the other way around. "Uh, really?" he asked cautiously.

Skye didn't hold back. "Yes, Chase, I worry about you. You're not the same pup I've always looked up to. You're angry, snappy... and you don't feel like a leader anymore."

Her words stung, but Chase tried to mask his emotions. "Really? You think I can just move on? My best friend was hurt—badly. The team was emotionally wrecked. And that explosion? It was a reality check. We may look like we've got it all together, but we're just pups. Fragile, Skye. And it feels like I'm the only one who sees that."

Skye's eyes narrowed. "Come on, Chase. Do you really think you're the only one who's hurting? We all are. I just... I don't like this new you. I miss the old Chase. The one who lifted our spirits and made us confident. That pup isn't here anymore."

"Well, I'm sorry. Deal with it," Chase snapped, his frustration boiling over.

Skye stepped closer, unfazed by his tone. "'Deal with it'? Really? The old Chase would never say that. He'd find a way to fix things. And he always did."

"Well, that Chase is on vacation," he said bitterly. "Just leave me alone, Skye. Please."

"No," she said firmly. "I can't. I can't leave the pup that I... I..." Her voice wavered, but she pushed through. "...adore."

Chase's anger melted into shock. "Wha-what?"

Skye stood her ground, her cheeks flushing but her resolve unshaken. "Yes, Chase. I adore you. I respect you. And I want what's best for you. This isn't it. I want the brave, confident Chase back. The one who made the Paw Patrol strong. Since the day I met you, I've looked up to you. You were my role model. And now..." She trailed off, her voice trembling.

Chase looked down, her words hitting him harder than any reprimand ever could. "Really, Skye? Gee, I didn't know you thought of me like that."

"I do. We all do."

He took a deep breath, speaking from his heart for the first time in days. "Well, Skye, I've always adored you too. I've respected you. And I've looked up to you more than you know. Losing someone you care about... it's hard. But I don't want to lose you."

Skye's blush deepened as she stood stunned by his honesty. Her emotions surged, raw and overwhelming. "I don't want to lose you either, Chase. You're an amazing pup—always have been—and I can't bear the thought of you not being here with us. With me."

Chase chuckled softly, his old warmth returning. "What you said really opened my eyes. I can't act like this around my team. Being a leader isn't just about strength or smarts—it's about bringing everyone together. You guys really do reflect me, huh?"

Skye smiled, her voice lighter now. "Well, you are hard to miss."

They both laughed, the tension easing between them. As they talked, their thoughts wandered to what life might look like after the Paw Patrol. Chase couldn't help but imagine Skye as a wonderful mother, and Skye pictured Chase as a great father. Without realizing it, they had inched closer to one another, their eyes locked.

Suddenly, they noticed the proximity and jumped back in unison. "Whoa!" they said simultaneously.

Awkward silence hung between them, but Skye quickly broke it. "Well, uh, are you okay now? Can you sleep?"

"Yeah, I think I'm getting tired now," Chase joked with an exaggerated yawn.

Skye giggled. "You're too funny, Chase."

They shared one last smile as they rode the elevator back to the sleeping quarters. When they reached their beds, Skye whispered, "Good night, Chase."

"Good night, Skye. Get that beauty sleep," he teased with a grin.

Skye climbed into bed, smiling softly, and Chase did the same. For the first time in what felt like forever, they both drifted off to sleep with light hearts and bright smiles. They had needed this moment.