"Happy birthday dear, Chase. Happy birthday to you!"

The cheerful shouts that followed in harmony and the handful of enthused howls was enough to make Chase's head spin. He held everything together, never allowing his mask to fall. This was his birthday after all, he was supposed to be smiling.

With a deep breath, he blew out the candles, forgetting altogether to make a wish, and prayed instead that he would be able to survive what was supposed to be a celebration. Everest placed a kiss on his cheek and whispered she would be right back and wandered into the sea of people.

The cheering continued to grow as his party guests became more and more animated, some banging on the table, rattling sets of silverware on the table.

The noises blended together into a distorted jumble of tones and vibrations that tickled his ears and sent shivers down his spine. Refocus. He busied himself by checked off items on his mental birthday to-do list. The first item and arguably the most important item, stipulated that he was to be a good boyfriend.

A good boyfriend smiles on his birthday, greets and engages his guests in conversation, being sure to thank them for coming, all simple and unimportant tasks compared to its primary objective: A good boyfriend doesn't worry his girlfriend. Which meant by no means would he bring up today's mission.

A flash of a camera brought Chase back to the party. Back to the smiling faces sitting around him, chatting away or eyeing up the cake, in Rubble's case.

A good boyfriend smiles for pictures. Crap. Chase didn't have to look at the picture to guess how he looked. Completely spaced out. He hoped Everest wouldn't make him retake it. She didn't have to worry about looking bad in pictures, she looked perfect in all of hers.

Katie moved swiftly over to Chase with a spring in her step, holding onto the digital camera like it was a priceless treasure. She must have been trying very hard to overcompensate for earlier.

"You look too cute, Chase," she said, showing him the picture, yep, spaced out. Katie must have misinterpreted Chase's silence and quickly corrected herself. "Or handsome, I should say, now that you're all grown up," she said smiling sheepishly at him.

The gap in his response was one second too many, and worry tugged at her features. Chase understood, people walked on eggshells around him ever since his personal nightmare before Christmas. And he dreaded how things would change after word got out about his most recent mission.

A good boyfriend doesn't dwell on the past in the company of his guests. Chase chastised himself, trying to find Katie's attention again, which had gone back to the photo.

"Thanks, Katie, I guess I wasn't ready for that one," he said, giving his best smile.

Katie gave a small nod, distracting herself with her camera, failing to conceal the worry that flashed across her face before she composed herself. "I'll get a better one of you later, with Everest too, Excuse me while I grab your present, Cali might need help carrying it," she laughed, in an off way. It sounded forced. He tended to have that effect on people, especially the ones closest to him.

When he looked up to the table, the cake had been cut up and portioned out onto colorful blue plates dotted with small stars. Most of the crowd gathered around him had dispersed once they had cake in hand, or paw.

The table was empty around him. Most of the citizens spread out, across the lawn scattered with tables. Most of the adults were sectioned together, safe for Mr. Porter, who headed a table of his own with Alex and Jake. With the pups paired off and sitting scattered at their own tables, safe for Everest, who had disappeared somewhere. Probably micromanaging another aspect of his party. He sighed.

But Chase knew that it was for his benefit, most of the smaller details were designed for his benefit: No loud music, no yelling, and by no means was anyone allowed to bring up last year. All of which he was satisfied with, as it made things easier, but one rule made someone else upset. No surprise party.

Everest was a lot of things to him, but a good liar was not one of them. And God love her, she had about as much subtlety as Marshall had balance. it didn't take much for him to catch wind of the surprise party she was planning. And he wouldn't have said anything if he'd known how upset it would make her to hear no.

A piece of cake was placed in front of him, in his bowl and a chair was pulled up beside him as a boy sat down with his own cake.

Ryder picked at his own piece before starting the conversation Chase had been dreading.

"I grabbed you a piece before Rubble could come back for seconds." Ryder smiled nervously at Chase. "Is the music too loud?"

Chase sniffed at his cake, strawberry, before answering. "I'm fine, Ryder." His gravelly voice betrayed him. Birthday boys are happy on their birthday. Chase straightened up in his seat and flashed Ryder a smile and tried to be a happy birthday boy and not the dog who had his fangs buried in a man's arm just a short time ago.

"It was nice of Mr. Porter to make two cakes," Chase said, grasping at any piece of conversation still hanging in the air.

Ryder hummed in response, mindlessly turning his cake into a pile of crumbs and frosting. "How are you feel . . ."

"I'm fine Ryder, just like the last time you asked." He sighed. "Thirty minutes ago."

Ryder ran a hand through his wavy hair. "I told Marshall about what happened, if something else happens, I want him to be informed and prepared." Chase nodded sadly. "Sorry, Chase, I should let you enjoy your party, I'm just worried," Ryder said, placing a kiss on his head and walked off in Katie's direction.

Chase looked down at his bowl. The birthday boy must eat his own birthday cake. If only the other items on his list were easy as that to follow.

With his nose buried in cake, he failed to notice his surroundings like he usually was so mindful of, too busy drowning in the heavenly aroma of his bowl and changing his birthday rule book: the birthday boy must eat two pieces of his cake, minimum. Resurfacing after his bowl was licked clean, he found Skye sitting next to him at his table. At least she was easier to talk to than most others.

She looked nervous, beautiful in her pink button up shirt and jeans, but nervous as she tapped her paws on the table next to the small box wrapped in navy blue paper and topped with a yellow ribbon.

"Something tells me you wrapped that," Chase said, trying to ease both of their nerves.

Skye laughed lightly, "Yes, yes, I did. Rocky let me use his pack." Both of them paused at the end of her sentence.

"He wanted to come." Her paw crossed the edge of the line Everest had set in place as she grasped for words. "Really, you know he feels. . ."

"Skye?" A voice called calmly from behind Chase.

Skye shut her muzzle, taking on a more rigid stance. Chase however upon recognizing the voice felt the tension in his body lessen. The air around him changed from the smell of cake and Skye to a more delicious scent of lavender and pine needles that made his legs weak and filled his body with warmth.

"Everest, what a pretty dress," Skye said, through a nervous smile.

Everest smiled at her and nodded. "Thank you, I hope your enjoying yourself regardless of our agreement."

"I wouldn't miss it. We . . ." Skye bit her lip. " I hope you like your gift, Chase," Skye said.

Chase tried to keep his face neutral and offered a small smile. "Thanks, Skye."

Skye was quick to hurry off. Not bothering to excuse herself.

"Agreement?" Chase tilted his head, turning to Everest.

Everest shook her head, "Nothing you need to worry about." And walked up to Chase and nuzzled his neck as he buried his snout in her neck.

"How is my birthday boy doing?" Everest said, taking his paw in her own.

"Infinitely better now," Chase laughed; his head still buried in her feathery soft fur.

Everest ran her claw tips through the fur on his neck and steadied herself as Chase melted deeper into her grasp and his body shivered in delight and his voice wavered as she worked her magic, turning him into putty in her paws. "Where did you run off to?"

"Oh, you know, secret missions to complete, guests to talk to."

"What kind of mission?" he asked, tilting his head.

"You'll know soon enough."

Breaking apart from him, his husky sat inches away from him, smiling warmly. "Some other guests have presents for you."

"Do we like these guests?" Chase said, earning a playful bop on the head from the husky.

"I would hope so. One of them is your best friend."

Chase was reluctant to see too many more guests as anxiety chewed away at his mask. However, he nodded and nuzzled into her neck. "Ok."

For Marshall, he would always make an exception. Blood is thicker than water.

Everest waved her paw into the group of people and dogs mingling casually. Out of the crowd came a cattle dog, present in maw, being tailed by a Dalmatian keeping his eyes on the grass.

Chase lit up upon seeing his former nurse, opening up his arms and pulled Cody in for a hug.

"Great party, Chase," Cody smiled, stepping back to let Marshall greet the Shepherd. Chase felt himself stiffen up as he hugged his best friend. Marshall squeezed harder than usual and nuzzled his head into Chase's neck. They broke apart, Marshall mumbling out a Happy birthday and backed up to Cody, who picked up a large bag and handed it to Chase. Reaching for the bag and grabbing it in his teeth, Chase's body lurched forward as the bag hit the ground.

"Do I want to know what's in here?" Chase asked, looking questioningly at the bright blue bag.

Cody laughed stepping closer to Chase. "Not that I'm trying to pry, but someone told me you have had issues with sleeping ever since your," he paused and looked at Marshall, suddenly cornered, "Procedure. So we decided to get you a weighted blanket. It was Marshall's idea actually." Cody said, smiling shyly.

A lull in the conversation, tiny but noticeable, fell over them. Chase crouched down and examined the heavy yet soft black blanket. He stole a glance first at Everest and then Marshall.

"Thanks Marshall, I'm sure it will help me sleep much better." The first genuine, although nervous smile graced his muzzle as he watched Marshall.

"I hope so, Chase," Marshall said, analyzing him like he was a patient.

"Anyway," Cody interjected, "I'm sorry we can't stay longer, I promised Marshall I'd help him study for his E.M.T exam."

Chase nodded and couldn't help tilt his head. Marshall, as if reading his mind, answered his silent look.

"I'm spending the night at his place," Marshall finished.

"That's nice of you to help our Marshall," Everest said.

Without a hint of hesitation, Cody hugged Chase again, leaning closer to his ear. "I really hope it helps." They shared a small smile after parting and Marshall took his turn.

Marshall's hug was arguably tighter, on the edge of too tight for Chase's comfort. "Get some rest."

Chase hoped Everest didn't read much into Marshall's behavior. He was a natural worrier; it wouldn't raise questions on its own.

As Cody and Marshall left, it set in motion the end of the party. The sun had gone to sleep, tucking away behind the mountain peaks. Which meant clean up duty for the team.

Ryder gathered all of the leftover food and packaged them into takeout boxes, Zuma and Rubble handled transporting the leftover food into the kitchen, Skye was tasked with taking down the string of lights that lined the backyard trees. Everest and Chase made trips from the yard to their room, carrying Chase's presents. Afterwards they went to help Ryder with dismantling the trashcan size speakers.

Ryder stopped upon seeing Chase and Everest approach. "What's up, you two?"

"Just want to lend a paw." Chase reached for one of the speakers and pushed it to the garage, but a hand grabbed the corner of the box. Chase froze and looked to Ryder.

"Why don't you go rest Chase, I can take it from here."

Chase sighed, "I'm fine Ryder."

Ryder pushed his eyebrows together and pulled the speaker out of his reach. " You've had a long day, go rest."

Chase scoffed at this, but a stern look from Ryder shut him up. Everest wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him along to their room. Chase begrudgingly followed her lead, guilt chewing on his insides as her eyes became tight, focused. A tell Chase always noticed when she was worried. He let his paws drag across the pavement, knowing full well that he had just failed his number one rule.

Before they reached the lookout. The sliding doors opened, and a gray dog walked out, his steps faltering as he saw the pair.

Rocky took in a deep breath and approached; his tail tucked between his legs. He lowered his head as they passed, only meeting Chase's gaze once.

"Happy birthday, Chase."

Chase remained silent, focusing on the movement of his chest as he breathed. " Thanks." He pulled Everest closer to him, cringing as Everest smiled at Rocky, who averted her gaze and kept walking to Ryder, tools in paw.

The lookout was black, safe for the lights at the entrance to the elevator. They rode up in silence. With the presents off to the side of the room, they moved to their respective dressers.

"Chasey?"

Chase's paws froze at the collar of his shirt. His suspicious confirmed. She only used that name when she was worried.

"Ryder told me about what happened."

"You knew?" He met her gaze in the mirror. "Evey, I'm sorry, I was going to tell you. I just didn't want to worry you."

Everest sighed as Chase hung his head, looking up when she walked up behind him and placed her paws on his shoulders.

"You know I worry anyways." She said beginning to unbutton his navy-blue shirt.

Her ears were low, radiant smile missing from sight. He had to give her something as the guilt chewed a hole in his gut and his birthday list burned to ashes.

"It was harder than I thought. I thought . . . I would do better, feel better."

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there with you," Everest said.

Chase wheeled around and took her face in his paws. "No. Evey, you don't have to do that. I would never put that burden on you."

"It wouldn't be a burden, I'm supposed to support you, now more than ever."

"It's nothing I can't handle. Really. I just need to train harder, get stronger."

Everest tugged at his hips and brought their bodies together. "Baby, you couldn't try any harder than now. You're working so hard, and that makes me proud of you, but you need to understand that I am here to help you. You don't have to face this all alone."

Chase sighed and put his head down, feeling the weight of the day press down on his shoulders as it finally caught up with him and he realized just how tired he was.

"Hey," she said putting a paw on his chest. "Do you remember Christmas Eve?"

Looking up from the floor, Chase nodded slowly, a sad smile creeping onto his muzzle. "We swapped stories and ate too many cookies in one night than is healthy."

Everest giggled and nodded her head. "You remember what you taught me?"

Again, he nodded, how could he forget? It was the first time he'd ever prayed in front of her. "I can't believe Jake never taught you how."

She let out a small laugh." Ya. But I'm glad you did instead."

She paused and waited for him to come to his own conclusion, but he remained silent. "Show me again, please."

Chase smiled and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Come on, seriously," she said and nudged him with her paw.

Bowing his head, he began. "Tonight I come before you, too tired to stand, too scared of the shadows around me. I invite you into this moment, and pray you uplift me with your hand, and shine your light through this darkness. We love you for all that you have done for us, and for all that has yet to come. Amen."

A small, content sigh left his muzzle and the weight that crushed his shoulders lightened, and he took in the first calming breath all day. Everest kissed his cheek and leaned into his side.

"Better?"

"Yes."

"Good because it's time for you to open your last present."

Chase sighed and let out a yawn. "Can't it wait until morning?"

"It's my present to you, love." She turned so her back faced him and looked back with a smile. "Unzip me?"

In a flash, Chase was behind her, and did as he was asked. "Why didn't you say that you were my present? I would have unwrapped you this morning."

Her dress hit the floor and Chase pulled her so their bodies pressed together, and he kissed her softly. Chase moved his paw lower to her backside and deepened the kiss. Everest pushed his paw away.

Giggling, she spoke, "Chasey, I am not the present."

"It's too late now, you are already unwrapped."

Smiling warmly, she took hold of his paws and looked into his eyes lovingly before she cupped his head in her paws. "Sweetie, I am not ready for puppies."

And she kissed his nose and wandered out of the room. "Yet." And she swished her tail and Chase had no choice but to follow her into the bathroom.

The lights were off, but small flickering candles brightened the room to a dim warm glow that surrounded the bathroom, resting on the counters leading to the bathtub, which had candles circling most of the perimeter, except for the side facing them.

"So, this was your secret mission?" Chase asked, mouth agape.

Everest nodded, waiting at the side of the tub, watching with half open eyes as Chase smiled at the sight as the flickering flames danced in the still comforting darkness. He moved slowly over to her. "Eve," he started but she cut him off, sealing their lips together.

"You've been pushing your body so hard and that's great, but sometimes it needs a more tender touch," she said wrapping her paws around his neck and kissed him as she took off his collar. Everest got into the tub first and sat up against the edge.

"It's ok love, the water's nice and warm."

Chase looked down to the ground before he looked into the confident Huskie's eyes and decided to go with it and carefully climbed in.

"Come here," she said, and he listened, leaning back into her open embrace, letting out a sigh as his back rested on her chest and her arms circled around his waist.

"That's my boy."

All the tension began to melt away as the hot water soaked through his fur and touched the knots in his muscles and loosened the sore ones around his lower back. The heat penetrated further than that, deeper than muscle and wrapped around his spine gently, where bone and metal met and fused together. A long sigh leaked from his muzzle as the pain, tension and rigidness bled away and everything lightened. He felt almost weightless, and he loved every second of it, and leaned deeper into Everest's soft fur as she began to sing softly in his ears.

"Just a jump away from where you want to go. . ."

He could feel her breath hit his cheek, and nuzzled into her neck. Happy whines bubbled up from his tummy into the air effortlessly, and they only increased as soft kisses were placed along his neck, and gentle paws ran up and down his tummy.

"But you're too afraid of doin' it alone."

"So getting halfway there is all you ever know."

"I've been down that road."

Closing his eyes, he let the warmth and joy envelop him completely as he sunk heavier and heavier onto Everest, letting go of everything. Letting the stress, disappointment and the fear of the future melt away, silently thanking the ceiling and above for Everest. More whines of contentment leaked from his muzzle as the angel behind him brought him into a deep calm, where the only thing he held onto was the words she sang beautifully, and the hope in his heart.

"There's pieces of yourself you're going to find. Maybe that's the use in trying."