Chase was astonished. He blinked hard as he stared at Chico with an incredulous expression. The Retriever's confident grew even bigger the more he watched Chase.

"Dude, don't forget to breathe." Zuma remarked as he glanced worriedly at Chase. Though, the shocked Shepherd didn't move an inch. Yes, he wanted his kidney to fit, 'cause it would save Skye's life. But now that it actually did fit, he felt weird. Chico was going to be Skye's donor. Chase's mixed feelings caused nausea and he narrowed his brows to control his thoughts somehow. He stared at the ground, wearing a blank expression. This caused Chico to frown in confusion as he looked at Chase.

"Are you alright?" Chico asked with obvious concern in his voice.

"Chase?" Ryder said worriedly as he kneeled down beside his dog. Though, Chase didn't answer. In fact, he didn't even look up. He was consumed by his own thoughts, and they were riding a rollercoaster. On one paw he desperately wanted Skye to wake up and come back, but on the other paw he still struggled to trust Chico. He gulped loudly as he finally found the courage to look into Chico's worried eyes, wearing a cold expression.

"Are you serious?" Chase asked faintly, to which Chico nodded. With that confirmation Chase let his head hang again, staring at his paws. He was cold and started shivering.

"Chase, what's wrong?" Ryder asked, resting one hand on the Shepherd's shoulder. All the other dogs exchanged curious glances, no one knew what was going through Chase's head. Especially Chico was worried, maybe Chase was planning another attack.

"I don't know, I feel ill." Chase admitted as he looked at Ryder shortly, before his eyes hit the ground again.

"You're nervous, that's all. Everything will turn out just fine, I promise." Ryder reassured his dog, giving him a warm smile. "I am so glad your kidney fits, Chico. You have no idea how much I appreciate this act of bravery. And I'm sure Skye will, too." he added as he glanced at the Retriever with a smile.

"Thanks. It's no problem. As an emergency doctor it's my duty to save lives, especially if it applies to someone I care about." he said calmly, returning Ryder's smile.

"I guess this makes you a hero." Rubble exclaimed with a grin.

"It is a heroic gesture, but... I don't know, are you sure you want to do this?" Marshall asked curiously, tripping over his own words.

"Absolutely. What's the point in signing up as a donor, if I don't want to genuinely help?"

"I hope you know what you're doing. This surgery holds many risks." Rocky pointed out with a shrug.

"I would take any risk to save a life." Chico replied confidently, feeling a bit disappointed that no one seemed to be excited about these news.

"Kudos." Chase breathed as he slowly looked up at the Retriever. "Take care."

Chico nodded, wearing an uneasy smile. Chase's reaction was the strangest of them all. The only one seeming to believe in the Retriever was Ryder.

Chase stood up and slowly separated himself from the group. He slowly walked towards his dog house, his tail and ears drooped, his expression a mixture of lifelessness and sadness. The others simply watched him leave, no one said a word. Zuma turned to Chico with a worried expression.

"He'll come around. He needs some time to proceed it." he said.

"No problem, but he doesn't have much time to settle with it, my surgery is in two days. I'm going to donate, no matter what, yet it would comfort me if I knew that he's okay with it." Chico sighed.

"He is. I can assure you that." Ryder said as he got back up onto his legs, flashing Chico a reassuring smile.

"Hopefully." Chico breathed faintly as he glanced past the other dogs to catch another glimpse of Chase, who was now laying in his dog house, head first. A sad sigh escaped Chico's snout before he let his head hang.

This didn't go as planned.

The next day.

Chico was strolling down the streets, his head stuck in the clouds. He thought about the surgery and was insanely worried about it. What if something went wrong? If he passed away during the process? He was too young to die, but so was Skye. He felt torn. He wanted to do good, but no one really appreciated it. Instead, they still turned him down and didn't believe in him. It gnawed on his sensitive feelings. Was he so wrong? So untrustworthy? He joined the Paw Patrol to help the ones in need, he never had any bad intentions. Though, he got pushed around, wasn't accepted. He was so sick of being rejected. His whole life had been one huge rejection. The only one letting him in and accepting him from the start was Skye. She was very sweet and caring, so Chico felt drawn to her right from the beginning. Was it a crime? How could he have known that Chase had laid his eyes on her first? No one informed him, and Skye kept denying their romantic involvement. So why was he the untrustworthy one? Why did everyone put the blame on him? Even now, when he was ready to risk his life in order to keep the Paw Patrol together, they still doubted him. He was tired of it. There was no use in trying to impress them, they would keep pushing him away. He sighed deeply as he continued his walk, not paying attention to his surroundings.

Though, his thoughts got harshly interrupted as he bumped into someone. Chico shook his head and whispered a quick 'sorry' as his eyes suddenly met Marshall's confused ones. The two dogs stood in front of each other and stared at one another for a moment, before Marshall cleared his throat.

"Uhm, sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going." he apologized, flashing Chico an embarrassed smile.

"Me neither." Chico chuckled awkwardly.

"Where to?" Marshall asked curiously.

"Uh, nowhere to be honest. I was just taking a walk." Chico shrugged.

"Was Katie very mad when you got home?"

"No, she was asleep. Haven't talked to her today."

"Why?" Marshall asked, tilting his head.

"Well, I didn't like her behavior and her judgy tone when she talked to Chase. He doesn't deserve that."

"Oh, really?" Marshall said, wearing a doubtful expression. Chico sighed as he sat down, giving Marshall a confident nod.

"Really. Why does everyone think I'm nasty? The only reason that Chase and I don't get along is his hostility." Chico snorted.

"Yeah, but why is he being hostile? Ever thought about that? He always had a close bond with Skye and-"

"And how was I supposed to know? No one told me." Chico interrupted with an angry frown. Marshall blinked hard as he emptily stared at the Retriever.

"It was kinda obvious. You tried to piss Chase off on purpose, don't even deny it." Marshall argued back.

"Well, Skye showed sincere interest in me and he always got between us, flashing me dark glares whenever he could and pissing me off, so at some point I just joined his own game. When Skye had that crash, I immediately retracted myself from the situation and decided that I would leave him the precedence, but somehow he still acted malevolent. I am sick of it." Chico protested.

"That's just because he doesn't trust you."

"Why not?" Chico snapped angrily. "I am willing to donate my kidney in order to save his Skye, how does he still not trust me?"

Marshall needed a moment to let Chico's words sink in. His eyes darted around for a while, until they landed back on Chico's. Finally, Marshall let out a deep sigh. "I don't know. I know you haven't had it easy in your past, but neither did Chase. He is beside himself with worry about Skye, you shouldn't take his behavior to heart. As soon as she wakes up and brings some peace into his soul, he'll automatically change. You met each other at a wrong time, I don't know what else to say."

"It's not your fault. The only one inviting me with open paws was Skye, that's why I came to like her. I understand that Chase was upset when she showed interest in me, but I'm also a dog with feelings. How many other dogs do you know that would sacrifice a vital organ to save someone they recently met?" Chico sighed, his posture softening to a point where he almost seemed submissive. Marshall cracked a short smile as he sat down and shrugged.

"I don't view you as a threat, or a bad dog in general. Though, if I had to pick sides, I would always choose Chase over anybody else. Please understand." Marshall said in a soothing voice. Chico took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, it's fine."

"How do you feel about your upcoming surgery?" Marshall asked cautiously, trying to change the subject.

"Honest answer?"

"Please."

"I am scared. I am shitting my fur. Do you have any idea how many things could go wrong?" Chico said with obvious concern in his voice. Marshall drooped his ears.

"No, I don't know what it must feel like. I remember how Ryder didn't want Chase to donate, and back then I didn't understand. But seems like Ryder wasn't so wrong, huh?"

"Ryder was worried, which is totally understandable. He loves his dog and doesn't want anything bad happening to him. Must feel nice to have someone actually care about you." Chico sighed, his eyes hitting the ground. Marshall tilted his head worriedly as he examined Chico's sad face.

"Hey, you have Katie. She is worried sick about you."

"That's what you think, but in reality it's all about her. It's not that she was actually worried about me when Chase attacked me, it's that Chase did something she didn't allow him and it makes her furious. He doesn't take her serious. She always wants to be the center of attention, I don't think she genuinely cares about me." Chico explained faintly, not looking at Marshall. The Dalmatian gulped loudly as he felt sympathy for the poor Retriever.

"There must be someone out there that cares about you." Marshall said soothingly. Finally, Chico looked up into Marshall's eyes, his eyes showing sadness.

"I don't matter to anyone. Not even to my parents."

"You mattered to Skye." Marshall reassured.

"No, she rejected me shortly before the accident happened." Chico sighed.

"What? Really? Why would you donate then?" Marshall asked flabbergasted. He did notice how the atmosphere between Chase and Skye had changed, but he never knew that she purposely rejected Chico.

"Because I was in this situation before. And back then I just sat around and did nothing. This time I want to do the right thing. I am not letting anybody die on me another time."

"The loss of your brother still hurts, huh?" Marshall asked with a voice just above a whisper.

"It haunts me. When he died, I lost it all. I lost everyone, because they all put the blame on me. I am always the guilty one." Chico breathed faintly. "Even if I die tomorrow, I died doing the right thing. I died saving a life, and that's what I came here for."

"Chico, you're very brave. I tip my hat to you." Marshall said calmly, flashing the Retriever an unsophisticated smile, which Chico returned.

"Thank you, Marshall."

"You're not going to die, but even if you do, I want you to die knowing that I care about you." Marshall whispered, his smile never fading. Chico's eyes widened as he stared at Marshall with an aghast expression. His lips stared quivering as they curved into a warm smile.

"I appreciate that."

"No problem, bro. Take care."

"You too." Chico said faintly, before he continued his walk, now feeling way more at ease.

Even though Marshall was on his way to visit Everest, he decided to turn around and return to the lookout after he talked to Chico. He had this odd urge to tell Chase about it. Perhaps they should bury this dispute and become friends. So Marshall ran home. Many things had changed since the pups became older, but not everything. Marshall was still clumsy. The closer he came, the more he stumbled over his own legs and eventually fell. He landed head first in a flower bed. The elderly lady currently watering her plants, gasped in surprise and dropped the watering can. Marshall shook his head and body vigorously to get rid off the potting soil. He sneezed before he finally looked at the lady with an awkward grin.

"Sorry." he mumbled.

"Oh my! Aren't you from the Paw Patrol?" the lady asked, cupping her face in her hands in excitement.

"Uh, yeah?"

"Ohh, my daughter recently got a puppy and she adores you guys! Please come inside and tell her some stories, it'll make her incredibly happy." she suggested with a large grin.

"Heh, I would love to, but I'm in a hurry." Marshall said awkwardly as he took a step backwards.

"Nonsense, the Paw Patrol always has time for their fans!" the lady exclaimed before she grabbed Marshall's collar firmly to pull him inside. He struggled to escape her grip, but eventually sighed and allowed the lady to drag him inside.

He was greeted by a little Collie, a blue merle one with smooth coat. Her light blue eyes widened with excitement as she recognized Marshall.

"Oh Lord! It's Marshall from the Paw Patrol!" she chirped with her high-pitched voice, followed by a girlish giggle.

"It is, baby! He's here to tell you awesome stories." the elderly lady explained as she let go of Marshall and vanished into the kitchen. Marshall gulped loudly as he looked around nervously, not sure what he was doing here. He needed to talk to Chase before it got late.

'Better make this a quick one.' he told himself mentally before his eyes landed on the Collie's ones.

"Hey there, what's your name?" he asked politely, offering the small Collie a warm smile, which she returned.

"Dakota." she said happily.

"That's a gorgeous name. Your owners are spoiling you, huh?"

"Only my grandma, heh. She wants to fulfill all my wishes, that's why you're here. Tell me the scariest story you know, please please please!" she said, giving him the most adorable puppy eyes.

"You're a pretty demanding pup." Marshall snickered as he sat down. "How old are you?"

"9 weeks."

"Oh my." Marshall grinned. "So cute."

"And you?"

"11 months."

"Who's your oldest member?"

"Rubble, he's already 12 months, a whole year old." Marshall said with a smile.

"And your youngest?" Dakota asked curiously.

"Skye..." Marshall breathed, his expression suddenly changing. "She's only 10 months old."

"Oh, I love her so much! Can you bring her here?" she asked with a sweet smile. Marshall coughed awkwardly as he thought of an answer. "Uh, she's... uh... very busy." he stammered nervously before he got up. "And so am I, always gotta look out for the bad guys. I'll come back later and tell you all the stories you wanna hear, okay?"

"But-"

"No buts, young lady." Marshall scolded playfully. "Be safe. And whenever you're in trouble, just yelp for help!" he said before he rushed out of the house, leaving a disappointed Collie pup behind.

/ / /

He hurried down the streets. Why did things like that always happen to him in the worst time? Chico's surgery was tomorrow, he had to convince Chase to talk to him.

He finally arrived at the lookout, panting heavily. He wasn't used to running so fast, that's what he had a car for. He stopped in front of Chase's dog house, but it was empty. He looked around and spotted Rocky sitting on a large rock, staring at the sky. He rushed over to the Terrier and startled him with his sudden appearance, causing Rocky to lose balance and fall off the rock. Rocky slowly got up back on his legs and glared at Marshall.

"In heaven's name, you scared me." Rocky spat accusingly.

"Sorry." Marshall grinned awkwardly. "Seen Chase?"

"Yeah, he left 15 minutes ago."

"Oh damn!" Marshall blurted, his eyebrows narrowing. "Where to?"

"He didn't tell me." Rocky shrugged. "Why?"

"I have to talk to him, it's urgent."

"I guess it has to wait." Rocky said dryly. Marshall sighed deeply before giving in with a nod.

"Yeah, I'll just watch some TV while waiting for his return."

He emptily stared at the door of room 24. He hesitated to go inside, he didn't feel stable. Though, he couldn't shake his wish to see her, so he opened the door with closed eyes, sneaking inside. He closed the door by kicking it with his hind paws. He slowly opened one eye, hoping for a miracle, but nothing had changed. Chase let out a troubled sigh before opening both eyes and sitting down beside her bed. It wasn't the first time he saw her in this state, yet it still felt foreign.

"Hey Skye, how are you?" he asked, followed by a sad chuckle. He drooped his ears and rested his head on the edge of her bed.

"I hope the sun is shining wherever you are, and that you're happy." he sighed deeply. "I've come to bring good news. You're going through surgery tomorrow. Chico's kidney fits. I hope that you're gonna wake up."

He paused to survey her face, but no movement. He drooped his ears further as he squeezed his eyes shut. "You know, I can't wait to have you back. Everyone misses you. Paw Patrol ain't the same without you. You just gotta promise me to be strong. I know your state is still weak, but you gotta keep holding on. That surgery won't be a stroll down the beach... it's risky, and I am scared to lose you during the process. Please don't give up." he whispered faintly, his lips curving downwards. "I hope you're just as excited as I am. I can't wait to finally see your glistening pink eyes again. I need your soul around mine. We're all nothing without you."

He lifted his head to look outside the window. The sun was slowly setting, but that wasn't keeping him from staying. He swallowed thickly as he turned his attention back to Skye. "The doctor's said you're aware of your surroundings, does that mean you hear me? If you do, please give me a sign. Breathe heavy, cough, flinch, anything." he said hopefully, but she didn't move. "Skye please." he breathed.

"PLEASE JUST WAKE UP!" he yelped forcefully, a river of tears suddenly flowing down his cheeks. He bared his teeth in agony as he started sobbing uncontrollably. "I can't take this any longer, you've been gone for too long. What if something goes wrong tomorrow? I can't lean back and wait. I can't. I CAN'T! Don't you understand? I JUST WANT YOU BACK!" he yelled through his violent sobs, hoping Skye would hear him. He broke down, pressing his forehead against the wooden floor forcefully, shivering. "Oh, Skye. You have to be strong. Please, please, please. Don't leave me, don't leave us. This life is so wonderful, please don't give up. Ryder needs you, Paw Patrol needs you, hell, even Chico needs you. But most of all do I need you. Please wake up..." he winced, wearing a pained expression. His sobs echoed through the room, but Skye seemed deaf to them. He cried silently to himself for the next 10 minutes, before he finally calmed down and came back to a sitting position. He wiped his tears away with his front paw as he looked at Skye with quivering lips.

"I will come back tomorrow, hoping to finally look into your eyes again. You look cute when you sleep, but I prefer looking into a vivid face. I don't want to force you, if you decide that you wanna sleep a little longer, just know that I'll come here every single day. I'm not giving up on you. I wish you best luck for your surgery, you're a fighter. Please remain strong." he said weakly as he planted a soft kiss on her dry nose. "I love you." he whispered before he retracted his face from hers and turned around to exit the room. He stopped in front of the door and looked over his shoulder one final time, still wearing an utterly sad expression. He caught one final glimpse of her lifeless body, before he exited the room and went home.

/ / /

He arrived back at the lookout, all his muscles felt numb. He dragged his paws across the floor and stopped in the middle of the parking lot, looking around. His sad eyes checked their surroundings, all dogs seemed to be sleeping already. He sighed deeply before he entered his dog house and laid down. He grabbed Skye's blanket with his teeth and placed it between his front legs. He nuzzled his head into it and inhaled her scent. And for what seemed the millionth time, he cried himself to sleep.

The next morning he got woken up by someone vigorously shaking him. He slowly opened his eyes and glared at the silhouette in front of him. As he realized it was Marshall, he relaxed and yawned.

Marshall was taken aback as Chase opened his sore eyes, but decided not to ask any questions. Instead, he just grinned awkwardly.

"What is it?" Chase asked annoyed as he got into a sitting position.

"I need to talk to you, can we take a walk together?" Marshall asked nervously. Chase cocked an eyebrow in confusion, but nodded anyway.

"Sure." he said as he stretched.

So they walked down the parking lot. Chase glanced at Marshall, who seemed tense. "What's wrong, buddy?" Chase asked worriedly.

"We need to talk about Chico." Marshall sighed. Chase rolled his eyes, but didn't comment.

"He's not who you think he is. I got to talk to him a few times." Marshall explained.

"Cool." Chase shrugged carelessly. "Is that all?"

"Chase, he is trying to help. Donating a kidney is a bit much for having intentional thoughts, don't you think? I don't deny that he might have had ulterior motives, but can you blame him? Skye has an enchanting personality. Every dog would be lucky to date her."

"Get to your point." Chase demanded sternly. Marshall stopped and sat down to look into Chase's eyes.

"My point is that you have a wrong image of him. He knows what it's like to lose somebody you love, that's the real reason why he signed up for the donation. It's not for you, or specifically for Skye. It's for him. He's trying to make up for a mistake he did in the past." Marshall said, his expression serious and calm. Chase tilted his head as he sat down and gestured Marshall to continue. So Marshall told Chase about Chico's past, and Chase listened carefully, not interrupting. The more Marshall said, the sadder the Shepherd's expression got. He had no idea.

"So, he's basically doing this for his brother?" Chase asked as Marshall finished his tale.

"You could say that. The reason he didn't tell you was that he thought you wouldn't care. Just like everyone else." Marshall sighed.

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone let him down afterwards. He has no one. He's all alone in this world, has no one to hold onto. I think there's a very kind soul hidden in the body of a disappointed and distrustful dog." Marshall said faintly while drooping his ears. "He's aware that he could die during the surgery, and he's scared. He was very upset that no one encouraged him, that no one seemed to care that he's putting his life on the line. As if his life didn't mean anything to anyone. I am sorry if this disappoints you, but I told him that I care about him. I wanted him to have something to hold onto, that he has something to cross his mind if he loses his life today. I didn't want him to feel worthless."

Deeply touched by these words, Chase let his head hang and sighed. "I'm awful." he whispered with a shaky voice.

"No, you aren't. You had no idea." Marshall reassured him with a sad smile. Chase looked up at Marshall and they exchanged a glance of sadness. "Where is he?" Chase asked.

"Probably at the animal hospital." Marshall shrugged.

"Thank you, Marshall. I owe you." Chase said softly, before he suddenly ran off. Marshall opened his snout to say something, but Chase was already gone. He smiled to himself as he returned to the lookout.

/ / /

Chase arrived at the hospital in a flash and hurried through the doors. In the waiting room he hastily looked around, searching for the doctor in charge of Chico's surgery. As he couldn't find a doctor, he stopped a nurse.

"Where's Chico?" he asked out of breath. The nurse arched an eyebrow as she looked down at the tense Shepherd.

"Uh, who?"

"The donation. There's a donation taking place today."

"Oh, you mean that Golden Retriever?"

"Yes, yes. Where is he?"

"He is in the examination room. You can't go in there, he's getting prepared for the surgery." the nurse said, but before she could even blink Chase was gone. She looked around and grunted.

Chase broke through the door of the examination room and called Chico's name. The already sedated Retriever was laying on a hospital bed, two doctors stood around him. They all turned their attention to Chase.

"What a surprise to see you." Chico whispered faintly. Chase sat down beside his bed and offered him a warm smile.

"Hey, buddy. How are you feeling?" Chase asked calmly.

"Dizzy." Chico chuckled.

"Sir, you can't be in here." one doctor interrupted, but the other doctor silenced him with a glare.

"Did they already anesthetize you?" Chase asked worriedly, a sad frown plastered to his face.

"No, they sedated me first 'cause I was really agitated and scared." Chico admitted, his voice raspy and weak.

"Oh, you don't have to be. Everything will be fine." Chase reassured with a sad smile.

"Why are you here?" Chico asked.

"Because I wanted to tell you that I am sorry. Like, really sorry. I wanted you to know that I care about you, and that Paw Patrol needs you to come back, okay, buddy?" Chase said, causing the Retriever to chuckle heartily.

"Really? Who sent you here? Your bad conscience?"

"Oh, shush. It has been gnawing on me way too long now. Just know that I think of you as a friend, as someone that matters."

Both dogs exchanged a soft smile. Chico nodded, acknowledging the Shepherd's support. "Thank you, Chase. It means a lot to me. If I die today, it would be an honor if you attended my funeral." he said weakly, his eyes getting moist.

"Don't say that, Chico. You're gonna be fine. It's all gonna be fine, okay? I'll be the first face you see as soon as you wake up, I promise." Chase said, feeling his heart sink to the ground. Chico's emotional words caused a cold shiver down Chase's spine.

"If your ugly face is gonna the first face I see, then I wanna stay anesthetized forever." Chico joked, a weak chuckle escaping his snout. Chase felt that Chico's state was getting weaker and he was losing awareness. He looked at the doctors, and they gestured him to continue. Chase tilted his head confusedly.

"He was so scared, it soothes him that you're here. The anesthesia should start working any moment." one doctor whispered quietly. Chase's eyes widened. They were already anesthetizing him. He gulped as he looked back at Chico, who had a hard time keeping his eyes open.

"Hey, buddy. I am here, okay? I am here for you. You're so brave, I am very proud of you." Chase said faintly, his lips quivering.

"Oh, haven't heard that in a long time." Chico whispered with a smile.

"Just know that I mean it. I regret the way I treated you. Just be strong, buddy. You're gonna make it." Chase whispered, desperately trying to hold tears back. When did he get so sensitive and emotional? He had no idea.

"Chase."

"Yes?"

"You're the best friend I ever had, even if we only became friends a minute ago." Chico chuckled faintly.

"Don't be silly. The sedation is messing with your brain."

"Look around, Chase. Do you see anyone here? Nobody cares. Katie wished me good luck, but I came here alone. The only one here is you. You're the only one that cares. And I am grateful for that." Chico whispered, before he sighed loudly and closed his eyes.

"You have no idea how grateful I am..." Chase breathed, his eyes watery. He glanced at the doctor, and he nodded.

"He's gone. We can begin." he said, flashing Chase a smile. "Don't worry, he'll be fine. You did a great job."

Chase gulped as his expression saddened. He glanced at Chico again, who started snoring softly. Chase flashed him a warm smile.

"You're gonna make it, buddy. I'm here for you."

With that, Chase exited the room, letting out a long, troubled sigh.

For the first time ever he actually hoped that nothing would happen to Chico.

And for the first time ever, he was actually worried about Chico.

Dropped another one! Just for you! (:

That's probably gonna be the last one before New Year, so please share your thoughts with me.

And thanks for the kind reviews, means a lot to me. xoxo