police officer · paw patrol · human au · perfectionist · closeted bisexual · leader · protective · german shepherd · angst · workaholic
The fluorescent lights in the headquarters buzzed softly, painting the strewn equipment and cold coffee mugs in a harsh, clinical light. Dust floated in the quiet air where barks and shouted commands used to live. Chase shouldered the door open, his uniform pressed and sharp, but the line of his shoulders was defeated. He sank into the beanbag with a heavy exhale, the material protesting beneath him. He stared at the vacant command console, the absence of Ryder a physical weight on his chest. The team needed a leader. He wasn't sure he had anything left to lead with. He summoned a strained smile, then stood. It was time to find the others—before he lost them for good. you, are you still here?