Opportunities Taken - Chapter 1

This is a continuation of the Story started in Missed Chances. If you haven't read it yet, jump over it's only 4 chapters but sets up the background.

The next morning Marshall was once again sitting on the front porch with a thermos of coffee waiting. Like clockwork Chase came running up the drive, he saw Marshall and walked over smiling.

"Morning Captain," laughed Marshall, handing him a cup of coffee.

"Thank you Captain," laughed Chase, taking the cup and sitting down next to Marshall.

"So I take it you've both decided to get together?" said Marshall.

"What? no, we just sat up talking and then she went to bed," lied Chase.

"You really are a terrible liar," laughed Marshall.

"We did stay up talking," laughed Chase.

"And Kissing, and…" said Marshall.

"Ok, ok I'll admit to kissing her," laughed Chase, sighing.

"I'm not judging," laughed Marshall, "You two are adults. Honestly, I'm happy for you two. But why the sigh?"

"Marshall," started Chase, "I don't deserve this chance. I waited so long. It's really a wonder she's even willing to talk to me at all."

"I can assure you," said Marshall, "according to Everest, she's never stopped liking you. She's probably got a copy of every article about you that the news was allowed to print. She never stopped hoping. But now what?"

"Well, I'm not going to let the opportunity get past me," said Chase. "As far as what now? I guess we'll see each other when we can. We both have busy schedules. I seem to be teaching in Germany a lot. I think we'll probably at least set up an office there. So I suppose she can come see me there anytime."

"Well, I know she flies all over the place," said Marshall. "Did she say what she was doing in Germany when you saw her?"

"She was picking up Douglas," said Chase, "He has a parts distributor he likes to deal with that lives in Berlin. So there's a good chance she'll be there once in a while."

"I see you finally came out of the cabin," said Rhonda, as she walked up.

"I'll have you know," said Chase, "I was up at 0400 and running by 0415, thank you very much."

"I'm kidding," laughed Rhonda, "It's great to see you smile. I haven't seen that in a while."

"I have that way with some pups," laughed Skye as she also joined them.

One by one the others began waking and joining.

"Zuma?," asked Skye, "shouldn't you be in school?"

"I took the week off," said Zuma, "I hardly ever use the substitutes and they won't gripe as long as I keep bringing home state titles."

Everest stepped outside and called for everyone to come to breakfast. They spent the better part of the day catching up and telling stories. They decided to go to dinner that evening at Mr. Porters. He welcomed everyone and was seating them when a teenage boy walked over with the menus.

"Alex?" yipped Chase, "My haven't you grown up?"

"Yes, he's become my best waiter," bragged Mr. Porter.

As they were all eating an old truck drove by and backfired. Chase dove to the ground and was reaching for his pistol that wasn't there. Rhonda and Skye ran to him.

"Chase!" cried Skye, "What's wrong?"

Chase seemed to not hear her.

"Skye," said Rhonda, "Let me handle this one."

Skye stepped back.

Rhonda knelt down, "Captain!"

Chase looked at her blinking.

"Captain, All Clear!" barked Rhonda.

"C-clear?" Chase said shakily.

"Come back to me buddy," said Rhonda, now in a softer voice.

"W-what happened?" Chase asked.

"Backfire, false alarm," said Rhonda, looking up to Skye who was in tears as the others quietly watched.

"Oh, oh shit," Chase said as he regained his bearings and realized he had probably scared his friends.

"It's ok buddy," said Marshall kneeling down offering a paw.

"Marshall?" said Chase, "I - I'm, uh, sorry, I've made a mess of this evening for everyone."

"No, you concerned us," said Marshall, "But we all have our demons. Yours are just a little more real than most people or pups could handle."

"B-but am I?" asked Chase.

Rhonda had stepped over and taken Skye aside; she was explaining that it was just a flashback.

"I-is he ok?" asked Skye, through her tears.

"He'll be fine soon," said Rhonda. "Don't let it scare you. He's getting much better."

"How much more can he take before something happens?" asked Skye.

"Skye, He'll probably kill me for telling you this," said Rhonda, "This is why we're teaching now. He's done his share and then some. He was the first K9 EOD Tech, He's done things we'll never be able to talk about. He reached the point in every bomb techs career when he wasn't afraid of the devices anymore. He also has had some bad incidents, one really bad one, when that happens most simply hang it up and find something else, or worse keep going and get themselves or their team injured or killed. He won't quit, but he's teaching others how to be better than himself. He needs to take his own advice and speak to someone."

"Like a counselor?" asked Skye, genuinely concerned.

"Maybe someday," said Rhonda. "But someone he trusts. Someone he can open up to and not fear judgment or pity. He won't be able to provide details, but if he can get to talking, it's a good chance he can find balance and put the past behind him. Teaching is a really good outlet for him, he's still involved but not out in the shit show anymore."

"T-thank you Rhonda," said Skye.

They looked over, Marshall had Chase up and sitting in a chair. Marshall handed him a glass of water.

"He's got some crazy crap in his head," said Rhonda, "But I honestly think he would have done anything for even a slight chance of getting together with you. He has talked about not getting together with you being his biggest regret. I'm glad you two seem to be hitting it off again. He needs you more than he knows. Please don't let any of this scare you. I'll give you my number, if you need me, night or day, anywhere in the world, you call me."

"Thanks Rhonda," said Skye, as she pulled her into a tight hug. They returned to everyone.

"Sorry for the show," said Chase, blushing, "I'll be here all week, don't forget to tip the waitress."

Everyone laughed and returned to their dinner.

Chase, Skye, Douglas, Rhonda, Marshall, and Everest rode back to the mountain in Chase's Hummer. They small talked but no one brought up Chase's flashback.

They stopped in front of Chase and Rhonda's Cabin. They parked and got out. Marshall turned to walk toward Chase when Rhonda stopped him.

"Let Skye handle this one," said Rhonda. "I spoke with her. He needs her and he needs to let things go for a few days."

"Ok, Rhonda," said Marshall, "I trust you. I'm close by if either of you need me."

Chase and Skye had started walking away toward one of the many trails leading from the cabins.

The night was growing darker but the stars were out and the moon provided enough light to navigate the trails safely.

They finally came to a clearing both of them remembered from years past, it overlooked the city and Adventure Bay, in the distance, sparkled in the moonlight.

"It's so beautiful," said Skye.

"Just like you," said Chase.

"Chase, I know you can't tell me details," said Skye, "But let me help you. Let me in so I can be there for you. Let me save you, like all those you've saved over the years."

Chase was silent for a moment, "I didn't save everyone. That's part of the problem."

Skye took his paw and stared into his warm brown eyes, "I just want to help. I want to understand what I can."

"Well, I guess in order to get to the bottom of it, let me start from the beginning," said Chase. "When I left for basic training…"

TO BE CONTINUED…

Well there you go, we begin the next chapters of the story that originated with Missed Chances. Explanations of Chase's PTSD and continuation of the SKASE ship were requested and I really enjoy these two. I'll probably throw a little Rocky backstory as filler.