Chase Runs Away

Attempt #3 at Peace

Marshall or Everest? Marshall or Everest? Marshall or Everest? This was the question on the Shepherd's mind as he made his long and dreadful walk across the room. He figured that both of the situations were serious but he couldn't quite prioritize the two. One was someone he treated like a brother and had known since he was a puppy, and the other was his girlfriend. His relationship with both of them were currently damaged but which should he try to fix first?

"Maybe I should talk to Marshall now and apologize. Then he might be able to get over me dating Everest." The Shepherd thinks to himself.

Chase slows down his walking pace to a slow trot to give himself more thinking time.

"Of course not! He has liked this pup for years now, and I just swooped in. Of course he won't forgive me! Not unless..." The Shepherd thinks as his thoughts trail off.

Chase knew that this was a big deal and a simple heartfelt apology probably wouldn't appease the Dalmatian. Marshall was a situation he needed to handle separately, but for now, Everest seemed next up.

Chase notices Marshall walk over to chat with Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble. Leaving Everest alone.

Chase sighs in relief.

"Finally! I won't have to figure out a way to tell Everest I want to talk to her alone." Chase thinks to himself in astonishment. Surprised by his good luck.

The Shepherd quickly makes his way over to the Husky. Everest seems shocked by his swift approach but calms down a moment later.

"Hey, Chase...what's up?" Everest asks nervously.

At the sound of the Husky's voice, Chase's confidence left his body. He wasn't ready for this conversation. He wasn't even sure if this relationship was right for him.

"H-hey Everest. I-I just think we need to talk" Chase says timidly.

Everest's eyes widen.

"I feel the same way. There's definitely a lot to talk about sense ya know, all of this happened. Starting with our relationship" Everest says as her voice trails off.

Chase felt the same way. This was a touchy subject, but they both knew they had to address it. After all, this was arguably the cause of all of this conflict up until now. Of course Chase could've blamed the whole situation on the pup's conversation, but he was past that phase.

"Yeah, I agree. So...what are we gonna do? I want what's best for you in this situation. Especially, because I feel kind of guilty" Chase says with his head down.

Everest looks puzzled.

"Guilty for what?" The Husky asks.

Chase sighs.

"I feel like I brought all of these burdens to you. You were doing fine and well, and I just brought all of my problems to you. I feel wrong for doing that" Chase says, sadly.

Everest gives the Shepherd a friendly hug.

"Chase, you know I'd do anything for you and any of the other pups. You didn't give me any of your problems. I took them upon myself, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Don't ever feel shameful for that. I'd do anything for you whenever you needed me to" Everest says sweetly.

Chase smiles at the sweet words of the Husky.

"Thanks, Ev! Everybody has been so good to me. Why do I feel like I've changed the most. It's like I don't even know who I was before I left the lookout" Chase says while rubbing his head.

Everest thinks for a minute before replying.

"It's not your fault. You've had the biggest changes and adjustments since you left, and you almost died in the snow trying to get here. It makes sense that you aren't the peppy police pup from before" Everest explains while sadly remembering the Shepherd's icy body on the doorsteps to the cabin.

Chase nods in agreement.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I'm glad I can always rely on you" Chase says with a smile.

"Always" Everest replies. "So...our relationship" She starts.

"Oh yeah. How do you feel about it? I believe you've made the best decisions so I'll go with your judgement" Chase says.

Everest sat and thought, but her face looked very conflicted. It was as if every thought lead to the same result. She sighed.

"Chase, you know I love you and the rest of the pups, right?" The Husky asks in a sad tone.

Chase looks confused.

"Of course I do, and I love you too" Chase says as he nuzzles the Husky, but he's shocked when she doesn't return it.

Everest sighs again.

"And...you know I want what's best for all of you, right?" Everest asks with her head down.

Chase thinks for a moment before his eyes widen as he realizes what she's saying.

"Wait, Everest? Are you...b-breaking up with me?" The Shepherd asks with shock.

Even with her head down, Chase could tell tears were forming in her eyes.

Everest nods.

"Look Chase," Everest starts, looking into his eyes. "I'm doing this for the team. It'll be best for everyone if we weren't together. Especially Marshall." The Husky says.

Chase's tears start to form. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew he said he'd trust her judgement, but he didn't actually expect things to go this way.

"Everest, forget the other pups! I don't need them. Please don't do this! I can stay up here and never have to even think about them! It can be just you and me!" Chase begs the Husky.

Everest's tears start flowing out faster. She hated having to do this.

"Chase, calm down, please. You know I can't do that to you. I can't be the reason you leave you whole family behind. It's not worth it. We aren't even married or anything near that" The Husky replies, trying to reason.

"No! I can't just calm down! I've been convincing myself that everything has been my fault, but actually it's the pups ruining everything for me! I wouldn't even be up here if it wasn't for them, and I wouldn't be losing my girlfriend right now!" Chase says as the tears start flowing faster.

Everest wipes her tears and puts her hand on the Shepherd's shoulder with a serious face.

"Chase, please don't do that. Don't move backwards. You've made so much progress through this. Don't let your emotions take you back there.

Chase was confused for a minute until he realized what she was talking about.

"W-wait. You knew w-what I was doing?" The Shepherd asks in shock.

Everest nods.

"Yes, Chase. I saw you walk over to the other pups and try to fix everything, and I'm glad you did. I want things to get better for you. As far as I've seen, you've made peace with all of your family except one" The Husky says as she points at the Dalmatian with the other pups.

Chase sighs.

"I want to be on good terms with him, but...do I really have to lose you in the process?" The Shepherd asks in sadness.

Everest pulls the sad Shepherd into a hug.

"Chase, even if we aren't together, I won't love you any less. You're not losing me" Everest says comfortingly.

Chase finally calmed down as they broke apart from the hug.

"Thank you Everest...for everything" The Shepherd says to the graceful Husky.

"Anytime Chase. I'm always gonna be here for you. Now...go get your brother back" Everest says.

Chase nods his head. With his heart full of emotions, he makes his way to his final destination.