Chase quickly wiped his face and looked back to see Ryder approaching, a worried look on his face.
“Hey, Chase,” Ryder said softly as he sat down beside him. “I had a feeling you will be here.”
Chase tried to keep his voice steady. “Oh… hey, Ryder.”
Ryder didn’t say anything at first, just sat beside him in silence. Chase could feel Ryder’s eyes on him, but he didn’t dare look back. He wasn’t ready to talk about it, especially not with his leader. But Ryder seemed to know what was going on without Chase saying a word.
“I knew something’s been bothering you,” Ryder said after a while. "And I don’t want to push you, but if you want to talk… I’m here."
Chase hesitated, his heart was pounding. He wasn’t used to talking about his feelings, especially not ones like this. But he also knew Ryder genuinely cared.
"It’s… it’s Skye" He finally whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Ryder’s expression softened. "I thought it might be. I’ve noticed the way you look at her"
Chase felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment. “Was it that obvious?”
Ryder gave him a gentle nod. “Maybe not to her, but yeah… I could tell.” He chuckled a bit.
Chase looked back out at the ocean, taking a shaky breath. “I tried to tell her today, but… she just doesn’t feel the same way. She barely even noticed what I was saying.”
Ryder put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Chase. I know that’s tough to go through. But just because she doesn’t feel the same way now doesn’t mean she doesn’t care about you.”
Chase swallowed hard, feeling that familiar ache in his chest again. “It’s not just that, Ryder. Today, I almost let someone get hurt because I was distracted. I was so focused on her… I didn’t see Humdinger fall. I could’ve caught him, but… I just wasn’t paying attention.”
Ryder nodded slowly, understanding the weight of what Chase was saying. “I get it, Chase. It’s a lot to handle, especially when you’re feeling like this. Maybe… maybe you need some time to figure things out.”
Chase looked at him, realization dawning. “You mean… step back?”
"Just for a while,” Ryder said gently. “Give yourself a chance to work through this. The team will be here when you’re ready."
Chase didn’t respond right away. He stared out at the ocean again, his mind spinning. A part of him wanted to stay, to prove he could handle it. But he knew Ryder was right. He couldn’t keep going like this, distracted and hurting.
"Thanks, Ryder, I'll think about it" he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ryder gave him a reassuring pat. "Take the time you need, Chase. We’ll all be here when you’re ready."
As Ryder got up and left, Chase stayed where he was, watching the last bit of sunlight slip below the horizon. He didn’t know how long he’d stay out there, but he didn’t want to leave just yet. Right now, he needed the silence, the waves, and the chance to finally let go of the feelings he’d been holding onto for so long.
YOU ARE READING
PawPatrol: Unspoken Heart
FanfictionChase always loved Skye, but she didnt feel it back. she didnt react like she should on his feelings and that made Chase lose his feelings towards her, and he got some mental problems, with self acceptance etc. Skye realised she loves him aswell but...
