Dai elbowed him again, harder. “If he wanted us to know his animal, he’d tell us. Take a hint, Chase. Or I’ll tell the Commander the truth about that ‘mysterious’ flood in the fire station during our training.”
Chase pouted, but desisted. “Fine, fine. I have to go work on our public relations now anyway. We’ll talk about this later. Over drinks! The Full Moon, eight o’clock tonight, okay? See you there!”
Without waiting for a response, he headed towards a group of senior ladies. Dai winced, recognizing them as the ones who’d been wolf-whistling the squad earlier. They seemed very happy to see Chase again.
“Sorry about him,” Dai said, turning back to Hugh. “He means well. He’s just very…very Chase.”
“So I gathered,” Hugh replied dryly. He eyed Dai for a second, with an odd expression—not quite friendly, but a good deal less guarded than before. “Thanks.”
“For what?”
Hugh shoved his hands into his pockets. “For not asking.”
“I know better than to annoy someone who might be in a position to save my life someday,” Dai said with a wry smile. “I hope you do join the team. I think you’d fit in.”
“I’ll think about it,” Hugh said again…and this time, it sounded like he actually meant it.
Griff and Ash rejoined them after a few minutes. The Fire Commander was as expressionless as always, but there was a broad, warm grin on Griff’s face.
“Time to depart, gentlemen.” Ash beckoned to Chase, calling him back over too. “Our work here is complete.”
Dai glanced back at Mr. Jones and Minnie. The mated couple were looking into each other’s eyes, communicating in the wordless way of two people who had become one over many, many years. They seemed to glow, backlit by the setting sun.
Dai sighed. Chase glanced at him, head cocking.
“What’s wrong?” his friend asked. “Aren’t you glad for them?”
“Of course I am,” Dai replied. “It’s just…I wish I had that.”
One of Griff’s eyebrows quirked. “First day on the job, and you’re dreaming about retirement already?”
“No.” Dai gestured at the couple. “I mean that. My true mate.”
Silence met his statement. Looking round, Dai saw the same expression on every face…a perfect mirror to the yearning, wistful feeling in his own chest.
“Yes,” Ash said at last, softly. “We all do.”