Unfortunately for him, despite knowing how much longer he could have slept if given the opportunity, a sudden knock on the door sent the Dalmatian jumping out of bed, startled. Struggling to even keep his eyes open, he groaned, almost regretting the decision to get this little sleep.

"Y-yeah?" he asked, nearly forcing his body to not fall back over on the bed and pass out. Wondering why he was the only one up, he turned back, instantly becoming jealous of the Husky who was still snoring away without a care in the world.

The door opened, revealing his owner, who seemed confused at how tired both pups clearly were. The Dally smiled nervously, but his anxiety really skyrocketed as he realized the horrible truth of what was behind him. They had completely forgotten to clean up last night, crumbs were scattered around the floor, and the pillows they had been using as cushions were still against the walls.

"Marshall....You two didn't stay up last night, did you?" Even he knew how awful he was at lying, but there really wasn't much he could do. Either tell the truth and drag his mate down with him to face the consequences, or attempt to make something up. And if that were to fail, which admittedly it probably would, the punishment would only be increased.

"Uh, w-well, Ryder, we actually just—"

"A-actually, it's my fault. The storm kept me up last night, and I think me being up kept him awake." The Dalmatian felt the weight in his chest immediately disappear. His saving grace had come to the rescue, and just in the nick of time, giving him the chance to let out a silent sigh of relief as the Husky suddenly appeared next to him, conveniently blocking the view of the inside.

"Oh, alright then." Both pups smiled in success, nuzzling each other to say good morning as their owner had bought her white lie. Despite the two having nearly everything in common, unlike Marshall, it was a skill that she had become nearly an expert on.

She had lied about many things, mainly her emotions, for as long as she could remember, it only made sense that she had gotten pretty good at it as time went on. "Well, you two get up, we have to go to Katie's in a few hours."

"Wait, we do? Why?" The boy turned back around and raised an eyebrow at the two, knowing for certain he had already informed them about this. The pups were completely clueless, but giving them the benefit of the doubt, after the chaos they had experienced yesterday, he couldn't blame them for forgetting. He only remembered because he was lucky enough to check his calendar for once.

"Yeah, she wants to do a checkup on you, Everest, she hasn't done one since your surgery. Plus, while we're there, we'll grab your medicine too." The Husky yawned and nodded as their owner walked away, giving them the space to wake up and do what they needed to do.

Although she knew it was best to get used to it, Everest couldn't help but feel the awkward tension in the air. She figured it was only her, but just the fact that Marshall knew about her depression sent her into some new emotion she had never felt before. Of course, he never said anything, but her worries told her he was silently judging her.

Even if he wasn't, she was positive their relationship wouldn't be the same, whether that be for better or for worse. And that wasn't the anxiety talking either, she knew it would change them, just as it had done for Marshall when he was diagnosed with PTSD. The only thing she wasn't certain of was how it would change how he viewed her.

"That was a good coverup," the Dally commented as he stepped outside onto the wet, soggy grass, taking her mind off the thought. She smiled lightly as she came out next to him, taking in the smell of the cool, freshly watered lawn.

"Thanks, good thing it worked too. I doubt Ryder would've been very happy if he knew we were up last night." Marshall shook his head and looked up across the yard, gazing out into the rising sun above the water.

"No, he wouldn't have been. Anyways, let's go get some food." The two walked over to the tower, the others who were all in their own waking up state following close behind. Thankfully, the uncomfortable aura the Husky had been feeling didn't seem to come from them, which was a small relief. Although in reality, the only one she even cared about judging her was the only one who knew to begin with, so it's not like it would matter much.

Everyone exchanged their mostly unenthusiastic greetings, which was normal. Somehow no one there was much of a morning person, especially with Marshall and hers desire to stay in bed for as long as they could. A mission that the others, even if they could struggle from tiredness from time to time, would never be able to fully understand the way they did.

The pups all made their way up the elevator, tiredly walking to their bowls of freshly prepared breakfast. Everyone grabbed their meals and split up into their own little groups, each going off in their separate directions.

Rocky, Zuma, and Rubble just stayed in the kitchen, Chase and Skye went out into the balcony, and Marshall—who had thankfully remembered to take his medicine—and Everest headed over the couch, allowing for the Husky to lay down and rest her legs. Ryder had told them all a few times not to eat on the couch, but in the end, it just became one of those rules that no one really bothered to follow nor enforce.

But of course, as their lives never seemed to be allowed a simple break, they both could sense each other's dwindling moods. The Husky was naturally anxious about her appointment, but that wasn't her main concern.

Even if the Dally was typically a worry of hers, something was different. He seemed even more down and stressed than he usually did, which wasn't a detail she could simply bat her eyes at and ignore. She assumed it was due to his parents, but she really had no way of knowing what was going on in that head of his. It's not like he would instantly open up about it if she asked.

She cuddled closer, that being about the only thing she could think of in the moment that may make him feel better. However, the smile that appeared on his face was one she had seen too many times to be fooled by it again.

Breakfast went without much of a discussion between them, no one was exactly sure of what to say. The silence only broke when Rubble went around to everyone and handed out pieces of bacon, which although no one was really sure if Ryder gave them to him or if he had just stolen them, it didn't stop any of them from accepting his gift.

It was until after they both had finished eating that Marshall stood up and jumped off the couch, Everest slowly doing the same, despite the fact that she knew she'd have to lay down sooner than later. The Dally yawned and stretched, still in the process of waking up, before carefully helping his lover down.

"Now what? We still got a couple hours until Katie's," she asked, wobbling from the drop between the cushions above her and the carpet below. The male rubbed his eyes and looked outside, instantly finding his answer within his best friend. The same one who shared this day just as he did, if not more.

"I'm gonna go check on Chase, you can come if you want." They both knew it wasn't even worth questioning if she would follow or not, the answer was obvious to everyone. No one would even dream of separating them, and the last ones who would ever let that happen were themselves.

Although the Husky fully understood why this checkup was necessary, she still remained close behind, she only stood in the doorway as her mate walked out to meet his brother. This was more of a family matter between the two, she decided it wasn't her place to get involved, unless it was her usual job as emotional support.

Skye turned her head as she saw the couple walk outside, and it didn't take her long to catch on either. Having the same thought process as Everest, she quietly left the two alone, joining her friend as their mates sat next to each other, looking out over the land.

"How's Chase taking it?" The Cockapoo let out a heavy sigh, instantly taking her eyes off the Husky and onto the Shepherd. It was only about just an hour ago, if even that, she had woken up to the sight of her usually self-collected mate in tears, clutching his officer bear, then her once he noticed she was up as he tried to calm himself.

"He's...well, he certainly misses them a lot. And I know he's been under a lot of stress recently, I mean, we all have. It's probably gonna be a rough day for him, but he'll manage." Everest nodded, knowing full well she wasn't being told everything, which honestly she was glad about. Those details were best left between them, just as how her and Marshall kept their own issues quiet. "What about Marshall? How's he been? Just, in general."

"Yeah, we talked. He was pretty upset but he's getting over it. But generally speaking, he's not doing too bad. About as good as he can be. Seems like he's getting better...but I don't know, he seems a bit off today. Maybe it's just 'cause of his parents." Despite her concerns, Skye smiled in encouragement, although a bit surprised, she was more than happy to have her expectations surpassed.

"It probably is, I wouldn't stress too much about it. But that's great, Everest. Marshall's really lucky to have someone like you as his mate." Although her immediate urge to deny her and insist otherwise, by the time she had turned over, the Cockapoo was already heading back inside. Everest took one gaze back out into the balcony, and silently decided it was better to give the two some space, following Skye back inside.

She immediately felt guilty for leaving the Dally alone, and she almost stopped and returned to his side in fear that he'd be anxious without her. She hated being without him, even for a few minutes, but the more she thought about it, the less and less she understood her reasoning.

Was it really only to make him feel better? Or was it just a simple yet effective way to keep herself sane?

◾◻◻⬛◻◻◾

The Dalmatian and the Shepherd stood out on the balcony, although despite not saying a word as they watched the sun come up over the bay, they both knew they were having the same thoughts. It was a silent conversation between the two, but deep down they could feel the tension as they attempted to decide who would speak first.

"So....How are you feeling?" the Dally finally asked, even though he already was aware of the answer. Even if Chase was never the most emotional one, he was able to tell when something was wrong, and no one would exactly be fond of the day their parents died.

Of course, he loved and missed them, but his small puppy brain never had the chance to truly remember much, unlike his brown-coated friend, who at the time was the only one of the two who could fully process what death meant. Although, now both could say the same.

"I-I really miss them," the hollow, empty voice spoke back, looking down as he looked up into the sky, making sure his tears never fell. Marshall noticed one of his paws being wrapped around his teddy bear, instantly recognizing the ever so faint smell of Chase's parents trapped on the stuffed animal, the very one that was given to him just days before their death.

"I-I know, s-so do I. I'm sorry, Chase, I know y-you knew them better." The Dally could feel the guilt starting to spread in his heart, slowly catching on to a realization of his feelings. Chase was the one who got to be with their parents, not him, he barely could even remember them. Who was he to be mourning?

"Buddy, you don't have to be sorry. They're your parents too, not to mention how much you've been through." Even though the Shepherd's intentions were meant to be comforting, he unknowingly stuck a deep, previously unseen nerve in the spotted pup.

His parents...what would they think of him now? Everything he had done, how weak he had been, all the pain and worry he had caused for the others, especially Everest. He silently looked up at the clouds, trapped in the fact that surely his parents were looking down at him with disappointment.

The poison was rapidly spreading through his heart as he slowly connected the dots, the fact that had to have been a disappointment to the family he once had. He had never thought about it before, but in this new light, it made perfect sense. Who would want a son like him? Or, a mate for that matter?

Who would ever want to call themselves his family?

"Hey, Marshall, you okay?" Even with his head spinning, the Dally choked down his tears and forced a smile onto his face, looking back at Chase who seemed all but convinced by the answer he was trying to give off.

"Y-yeah...I'm fine. But, are you gonna be okay?" he asked in return, taking the subject and flipping it back onto his questioner, who seemed to not fully know the answer himself. He certainly wasn't fine in the moment, but chances were it would mostly brush off the next day, that's how it always worked out.

"I should be fine, it'll go away. Probably just go hang out with Skye for the rest of the day, take my mind off things, you know?" Marshall, knowing exactly what he meant, nodded in agreement.

"All too well," he muttered, too lost in the chaotic void to really get himself into the conversation. One side of him was yelling, berating him for not comforting someone he considered his brother in the time he genuinely needed.

As if all he were was a leech, draining the Shepherd of his time for his own selfish desire to feel better. He wasn't helping him at all here, just the opposite in fact. Being nothing more than a waste of pity, as per usual. "I...I'm gonna go outside."

Not exactly caring what response he would've gotten, not that much of anything could've stopped him, the spotted pup turned and left, leaving a concerned Chase who could only watch as his life-long best friend slowly fell apart and dragged himself out.

Ignoring anyone who may have tried to call out to him, though even if they did he never heard them in the first place, the Dally walked out back to cold grass, shivering from the early morning December air around him. With his fur entering the damp, near-freezing lawn, he laid down, looking out silently as the faint sound of the bay echoed below.

And without any company or much of anything around him, the dreaded voices in his mind slowly arose, tormenting him as they took over his thoughts. He threw his paws over his head in a desperate attempt to end the ceaseless pain, but no matter how hard he tried to resist it, they were relentless, constantly telling him he was worthless.

He wanted to block them out, to go to his mate, or anyone who might care, but he forced himself to reject that option. He couldn't let her see him now, not like this. Not still being a disappointment to her, and everyone who ever cared about him. Surely, she wouldn't want his problems on top of her own. She was hurting, he couldn't go to her, that would only make her feel worse, right?

She's just pretending to love you so you won't feel bad, why would she ever care about a freak like you? She would be so much happier if you were dead. The Dally shut his eyes, clenching the grass with his paw, begging and pleading for it to just end. He was calling out for help, but nobody was coming.

With tears flowing down his furry, spotted cheeks, just as the rain had fallen down the previous night, he forced himself to stand, looking down at his paws. His eyes were emotionless as his claws emerged, and with them being more than sharp enough to accomplish the peace and safety he wanted, only one goal came to his mind.

You could see them again, you'd be free. You terrify your own mate, this would be what she wants. This would make her happy again, she wouldn't have to be afraid anymore. It's a win-win for both of you, so just do it.

They refused to give up, tearing down his walls and destroying any sense of humanity they could find. Deep down, he knew this was wrong. He knew how pathetic this was, letting his thoughts control his actions, and in this moment practically his entire life. But he couldn't stop it, the choice was no longer his to make.

"T-this is for the best..." he muttered aloud, slowly bringing his claws to his neck. They might not have been ideal, but it was the best he had as Everest forced him to throw away his blade the day she was told about that old habit. It wasn't like he had much of a use for it anyway, he had quit a while ago. Now, just a little bit of extra commitment was all it would take.

He could hear the chaos in his head, urging him to continue. Admittedly, he was scared of the unknown laying ahead, but the handful of thoughts trying to fight this were overtaken by the poisonous cloud of darkness, corrupting what little hope he tried to hold onto. Taking everything desire and wish and brutally crushing them before his very eyes.

The chance at being free from all this pain was so tempting, and he knew he could do it. It was like being a kid at a candy shop, just instead of begging parents for money, he was begging to be normal again. To be who he once was, but that chance had to have been long gone.

Months had gone by, and each day just brought more challenges. The constant sense of stress and fear, he could barely leave the house without looking over his shoulder every other minute. Nothing he tried could bring him the feelings he needed, so what was the point? What was the purpose in living anymore if all he did was meaninglessly hurt his family?

And of course, at the center of it all, Everest. The one who could take the pain and make it somewhat bearable, at least enough to keep going. But still...he couldn't do that to her. She was suffering because of him, forced to live in constant fear. It would be selfish to keep stealing from her well-being just to feel better.

This was the only way to make her happy.

Knowing he was making the right choice, the Dalmatian dug his claws deeper into his flesh. His body tried to regret the act of harm, but he forced himself to push harder, crimson red leaking out as he winced in pain. It felt like he was burning, but it would all be over soon, just one quick motion and he would've finally done something good for this world.

"M-Marshy?" Startled, Marshall shot his head back around, Everest shaking with a petrified expression on her face as she saw his claws in his own skin, blood slipping out and down his cheeks. Her terrified face was almost enough to pull him out of this trance, but inner thoughts only pushed him further. This was for her own good, after all. "What a-are...w-what are y-you doing?"

"E-Eve...I l-love you, d-don't forget that," was all he could force himself to say as he ran his paws across his neck, hearing nothing but a horrified scream as he fell over, finally being consumed by the darkness before he could even touch the ground.