(Stripe)
This Chapter of Bluey's Kaleidoscope is called:
•[BBQ]•

"Is it okay if I take a walk around the neighborhood?" You couldn't shake off the load of restlessness that wanted to burst out of your system.

Bandit and Chilli looked up from their late morning relaxation and the girls were playing down in the playroom. They smiled and nod in agreement. "Go for it, Kiddo. Just be back before the barbecue starts." Bandit gives a thumbs up. "My bike is down in the garage if you want to take it, but you'll have to unlatch Bingo's safety seat." Chilli suggested.

You grin and walk backwards out the kitchen. "Thanks. I promise I'll be back before then."

"Hold up." Bandit reached into his wallet and pulled out $10. "You never know." He winks.

You didn't really want to take it, but you thank him and head out to the garage.

The red bike with a wooden basket in the front stood out, so you unlatched the safety seat and pedal out onto the sidewalk after closing the garage door shut. At the foot of the cul-de-sac hill, it gave more view of more homes and all the small forest areas. You had your phone for calls and SAT-NAV if you got lost. Nothing to worry about just as long as you get rid of the nagging butterflies.

A small squeak of the brakes and the bike stopped not even an inch away from the previous spot.

You turn to look at the Heeler house and take a deep breath in.

A few times, you had run away from your so-called 'homes' and you did not want to go back to those negative surroundings. Not even attempting to let anyone know of your whereabouts. Except, this time? You want to make sure you go back home safely.

With a quick text to Bandit's phone, you push the bike forward and descend down the hill. The wind blows back your fur and you feel your heart leap at the freeriding speed. When there's other dogs on the sidewalk, you easily move to the side or onto the road, of course, looking out for vehicles. A lot of houses had plants hanging up on the porches and flower bushes outside the fences. Some dogs would wave at you which you politely, yet sheepishly smile in return.

There's quite a few parks around this area and you slow down to take a random selfie.

"Nice wheels, Mate. It's even got a basket. Nice."

You feel a punch to your arm as you roll your eyes, "Hardy har-har. Not mine, just borrowing it for now."

Theo drapes an arm over your shoulders, "Cool, but seriously. A bicycle with a basket is pretty useful. What are you doing out by yourself?"

You shrug, "The Heeler's are having a Barbecue and I'm going to be meeting Bandit's brother and his family. I just needed to get rid of the jitters. You?"

"My little brother likes to come to the park, especially when I'm visiting." Theo turns toward the park area and you see a small light brown cavoodle swinging with an older female cavoodle pushing him. They wave at you guys, which you both wave back. "I wish my dad and Dougie's dad got along, so we could all enjoy a moment together."

You hum and watch Theo's mom and little brother laugh. "Your mom and little brother are happy you're here with them. It's easy to see."

"Yep. That's what matters most." Theo began to sign with his hands while his mom did the same. It still amazes you when Theo has a silent conversation. "Alright, let's go." He hops onto the carrier and you nearly tip over.

"Huh?" You raise a brow and regain the balance on the bike.

"I told my mom that I would hang out with you for a while. You seem like you need it." Theo jabs your back and points forward. "Now onward my noble steed!"

You give your friend an unamused look. "We're both walking for a while." You get off the bike, causing Theo to fall off the back. He just laughs and follows as you push the bike.

"Soooo. I'm a little curious, you don't need to answer if it makes you uncomfortable. Did something bad happen to get you into the HOME?" Theo pulled leaves when going under the trees beside the sidewalk.

You snicker, "You make it sound like I'm a delinquent, but nah. I think I've been in the Haven since I was born. That's what they've told me anyway. I do have this feeling that's always been stuck with me for a really long time."

"What feeling?"

"Rejection. Maybe my real parents didn't want me." You grab a random stick and throw it, laughing as Theo runs after it and brings it back.

"Honestly, that is their loss." He throws the sticks and you rush after it, catching before it hits the ground. "You're the Heeler's kid now and great friend to everyone you meet. You're so lucky."

"I guess."

There was an ice cream truck going by the park once you two made it back to Theo's mom and little brother. You decide to get snow cones for you guys and take a seat on the unoccupied swing set.

"It still feels too good to be true." You try to nip at your friend when he successfully steals a spoonful of your snow cone. "Dude!"

"Could be, but it's up to you if you want to make it true. All families are complicated and aren't perfect. I'm happy with just me, my mum and little brother when we hang out." Theo nods toward his small family who were sitting on grass, enjoying their snow cones. "You'll be alright, M—ATE!" His snow cone falls out of his hands after you shove his swing with your foot. "Nooooo!"

"That's for stealing some of my snow—" Your frosty treat falls to the ground when it's smacked by Theo's hand. "—cone?"

"Ha-Ahhh!" Theo takes off running as you angrily chase him. "You sure got a temper when it involves food!"

It turned into roughhousing, nothing too serious, more playful than anything else. It tired you both out and eventually, your phone rings for a facetime call and you answer it after seeing Chilli's name. "Hello?"

"(Y/n)! Are you heading back home now?" Bluey said excitedly through the phone.

"Uncle Stripe said he's on his way to our house!" Bingo shouted.

You watch the small heeler's get picked up into Bandit's arms and they shriek in laughter. You smile and wave at him.

"Take your time, Mate. Your sisters are just impatient buggers right now after realizing you weren't anywhere in the house." Bandit laughed and spun around with Bluey and Bingo.

Chilli is in frame now and she chuckled, "We'll see you in a bit, Sweetie. Ride back safely."

"I will. See you guys in a bit." You hung up and turned to Theo and his family. "I've gotta get going now."

"Alright. See you at school, Bro." Theo fist bumps with you.

"Same." You wave to Theo's mom and little brother before hopping onto Chilli's bike. It was going to be tough getting up the hill. Walking or riding, going up a hill has always worn you out. You pushed the pedals as the bike began to slowly start to go backwards. "Damn it." You got off and started walking, lugging the bike beside you. The heat from the sun didn't help either and you pant, feeling a bit sweaty once you reach the Paddinton Cul-De-Sac.

A dark colored vehicle that you faintly recall was parked in front of the Heeler's home. You push the bike across the yard and examine the vehicle from afar.

"Sh!"

Your ears peek up as you freeze near the porch and casually lean the bike against the bird fountain. Suddenly, something pops against your shoulder and your whole side is covered with water. "Gah!" You immediately bolt for the backyard when everyone rushed out from behind the Heeler's jeep, arms full of water balloons, but the kids had water guns.

"You're not getting away that easily, Kiddo!" Bandit shouts.

"Chilli, Bingo, Socks, Muffin! Go around the other side of the house!"

That must be Stripe. You run faster and quickly slip under the house once you make it to the back steps.

"Wait a minute. Where'd they go?" You hear Bandit's little brother ask.

"Best keep your guard up, Mate. They're up to some-" The blue heeler is cut off by a water balloon to the face. "Hey!" He laughed and threw one back, which Chilli yelled out.

While they are distracted, you quickly slip out and head straight to the garden hose. The end is pointed directly at Bandit's head, but you smirk and direct it toward his behind. "Best cover your bum!"

Bandit screamed at the sudden coldness shooting at his bottom. Stripe pointed and laughed at his brother, only to fall back when the water was splatting his face. Unfortunately, for you, the pups had gone back around the house and began shooting their water guns at your back.

"Ah!" You laughed and did your best to water them down, but the smallest heeler pup that looked like Stripe, was yanking on the hose.

It didn't help that Chilli and Stripe's wife, Trixie, were throwing water balloons too. Bandit got up to rush at you, only to slip on a mud patch and yanked you down with him. Now, it was Socks, who held the end of the hose, running around to spray everyone.

"I've got it!" Stripe tried to turn off the hose, but Socks wrapped the hose around his legs. He tripped and landed on top of you and Bandit as you guys tried to stand up.

"Stripe!"

You laugh and whistled at the little pup. "Good one, Little Pup!"

Socks wagged her tail and barked happily, accidentally letting the hose go free from her mouth.

"Ah! Runaway hose!" Bluey yelled and laughed when the older gray heeler grabbed for it, only to slip on the grass.

"Ahhh!" The smaller gray heeler just screamed and tossed her water gun to the side once it ran out of water. "This is why I wanted the bigger water gun!" She chased the garden hose. "Get back here water hose! I need water!!!"

You sit up finally, only to get caked in the face by a big glob of mud.

"That's for spraying my bum, ya little bugger." Bandit grimaced when mud slapped on top of his head.

"I'd say it was pretty funny, Bandina!" Stripe grabbed more mud. "Gah!" Mud splattered the side of his head.

The hose shuts off after Chilli managed to circle around the three of you. "Alright! This was supposed to be a water fight, not a mud fight." She raised a brow at you three with amusement at your muddy forms. "Kids, I think this water fight turned into bath time for them, don't you think?" Chilli waved the hose.

You, Bandit, and Stripe froze and glanced at each other.

~*•o•*~

Another water fight broke out, but this time, no mud. You easily shook off the water and were glad it cooled you off from the hot sun. Unfortunately, the kids still didn't know how to shake, so each of the adults were drying them off with towels.

"How did your ride around the neighborhood go, Kiddo?" Bandit asked.

You snickered when Bingo and Bluey's fur puffed up. "It was great. I hung out with Theo for a while and I got us snow cones."

"Aw! We missed out on icy treats?" Bluey pouted. "Aw." Bingo's ears fall against her head.

"Sorry, guys." You help them brush their fur down and whisper, "Next time, we'll have tons of treats without the parents knowing."

"Can we join too?" Muffin bounced with excitement and Socks just barked, not knowing what you guys were talking about.

You hold a finger to your lips and wink, "Yep. This will be our super sweet secret between us kids. Touch pinkies and make sure no one knows, but us." You hold out your pinkie.

The small heelers grew happy with their tails wagging as they touched your pinkie with theirs, well, Socks just licks your hands. You guys laugh, "Ew. Socks!"

"Whatever you kids are planning, it's most likely not going to happen." Bandit calls out.

All of you look at him before pretending to whisper random things when huddling. Suddenly, you're picked up by your ankles and held upside down. "Ah!!" You flail around and huff at who held your ankles. Stripe and Bandit.

"Enough plotting there, Kids." Stripe snickered.

"We weren't plotting anything." Bluey smiled innocently.

You try to push Socks away when she begins to attack your face with licks. "Ah! No! Down, girl! Actually, put me down! Wah!" You tense when your body is moved again.

Stripe now held your wrists while Bandit held both your ankles. "Look, Kids. A new swing." They began swinging you really high, back and forth. "You're lucky we're not at Stripe's house. We would've tossed you in the pool by now."

You blink up at Stripe, "You have a pool?"

"We sure do."

"Cool...." Usually, rich dogs have a pool and you know you're being stereotypical about it, but you did have encounters with some rich dogs and their pups being....not so nice about you. "I think my stomach is getting queasy." You fake a hurling sound for a fake excuse to go inside. You needed time to ground yourself again.

"Uh oh. Sorry about that, Kid." Stripe helped you stand after Bandit let go as well.

The kids ran into the playroom, starting a pretend game, but the grown-ups noticed your sudden uncomfortable expression after you disappeared upstairs.

"Did I do something wrong?" Stripe asked.

"Nah. They've just been through a lot and they're getting used to actually having good dogs around." Bandit gently gave his brother a pat on the back.

"Do you think they'll like the gifts we got them?" Trixie grew worried. "We didn't know what they would like."

Chilli smiled up toward your bedroom, "I'm sure they'll be grateful with what you guys got them. We still have shopping to do as well for their bedroom. So far, they are doing so great." She waved to Bandit and Stripe, "Let's get started on cooking, yeah? I'm sure you all are getting hungry after that run."

Bluey perks up, "I'm going to get the grill started then." She said at the same time with her dad.

~*•.•*~

"You're just overthinking things again. These guys are not like in the past. They won't look down on you."

In the bathroom, you stare down at the sink after talking with yourself. You actually did want to hurl not too long ago, but with a sip of cool water, it subsided a bit. You took a deep breath and let it out, only to choke on your sip when you saw Stripe standing in the doorway.

"Whoa! Are you feeling alright, Mate?" Stripe nearly panicked.

You sigh, "Yeah. Though you popping out of nowhere and nearly giving me a heart attack had probably caused it." You grimace at your rude words, "S-sorry."

"No, no. I should have knocked first, but honestly the door is wide open." Stripe scratched his head sheepishly, "I just came to check up on ya because I don't know what I did, but I hope you're not upset with me too much."

You tilt your head at him, noticing that he was getting fidgety at your quiet stare. He was getting self conscious? "Oh....well it's not you. I was just overthinking again. Happens from time to time."

"It happens to all of us, even when we don't deserve it." He chuckled lightly.

This time you got a good look at him and noticed some of his markings were brown and he was a different shade of blue than Bandit. The most noticeable was the stripe going around his stomach area and the bent left ear.

"Has my brother been good to you? Sometimes he tends to tease a lot." Stripe grumbles a little at the mention of Bandit's brotherly teasing.

You couldn't help but grin, "He's good. Although, I think he's met his match with the teasing."

"Well, good on ya." Stripe said proudly and held out his fist to you while you two walked toward the stairs.

You fist bump, then you both make an explosion sound effect.

"Nerds!" Bandit coughs loudly while walking by from the bottom steps into the kitchen.

You and Stripe glare at him then glance at each other. "He's gonna regret that comment."

"Definitely. Anything you have in mind?"

Both of you walk into the kitchen, "I'll figure something out and show Big Blue how smart nerds are." You give a thumbs up while Stripe nods.

"Where's Trix?" He asked Chilli.

"She's getting something from the ride." Chilli began chopping up lettuce and vegetables.

You watch Bluey and Bandit for a while as the smaller blue heeler copied her dad at setting up the grill. Her grill was just one of the wooden benches and a metal tray on top of it. Adorable. Your attention went to Chilli as she began looking at the tablet and pulling out ingredients. "What are you making?"

"Aunt Mary's Balsamic Vinaigrette. It's dressing for the salad." Chilli took out a small bowl from the fridge. "Can you cut these boiled eggs in half and put them in the salad? I've already taken the shells off this morning."

You nod and stand close to her, your tail wagging a little at her small request. "Do you want me to put the salad back in the fridge when I'm done?"

"Yeah, I don't want it getting too warm."

The cutting was easy and once you close the fridge door, you turn to see Chilli really concentrating on the salad dressing recipe. Carefully, you take out your phone and set it to the camera option. You've wanted to make a collage, but you've never stayed long enough to have memorable moments.

"Did you have fun riding around the neighborhood?" Chilli asked while putting the dressing to the side and giving her full attention to you.

You catch Bingo walking out to the patio with her small relaxing chair. The smell of the grill finally made the atmosphere feel like a barbecue. "Yeah. I'm hoping to try skateboarding down the hill next time. The bike was a good rush." Your tail wagged.

"Oh! Sounds like fun. Although, if you ask me, I think roller skates give you more freedom and a bigger rush." Chilli giggled into her hand. "This one time when we were mid teens, we were playing tag with roller skates on. Mind you, we were on holiday at the time, so we did not know the area well. We hadn't known that we were heading for a set of stairs that lead to a park down below."

"Brandi!" Teen Chilli shouted out and pointed at the concrete stairs.

The older sister slightly panicked and gulped, braced herself. "Uh-JUMP!!"

Without thinking, the two red heelers jumped and somehow angled their skates onto the stair rails opposite of each other. Both girls slid all the way down before safely landing, but lose enough focus to fall into some bushes.

"Did that just happen?" Teen Chilli asked with tons of leaves and twigs in her fur.

"Yeah." The other red heeler that she was going to have a heart attacked herself.

Immediately, Teen Chilli cheered out loud, "AGAIN!"

Her older sister shook her head in exasperation then snickered while watching her little sister try to pull herself from the bush. "Of course you would say that, Chilli-Bean."

You and Chilli laughed at her good memory of her and her sister.

"We'll get you a pair of skates, if you want them, hey?" She hugs your head.

"Yeah. That sounds fun." You hood her arms.

Stripe appears next to you. "Talking about wheels, eh? I'll tell you what, BMX biking is the way to go, Mate. That's if you don't have an annoying older brother always teasing you about your skids." He says the bit loudly.

Bandit just grins, "And you are still terrible at it."

Stripe huffed. "You're lucky the kids are around."

"Still won't do you any good, Mate." Bandit rolled his eyes in amusement.

Trixie appears with a big tote bag and a 6 pack of blue cans which she placed into the fridge. "Cheese and Crackers, the gifts are heavy." She placed the tote bag near the counter.

You take a peek to see some paper wrapped items.

"(Y/n)! Mind bringing over the sausages, they're in the fridge." Bandit called out to you.

"On it!" You salute and open the fridge to see the sausages on a metal tray. Also the blue cans sat next to it. "Mmm." You glance back to see everyone occupied with different conversations. Quickly, you pull out one cold, blue can and shake it uncontrollably. You take another one into your arms while holding the sausage tray in your other paw. "Here you go. I brought these along for you and Stripe, since it's hot out."

"Nice." Bandit placed the can on the table and took the sausages. "Can you get a stubby holder for me?"

You grew confused and wondered if he was joking. "A what?"

"The fabric that you put around a beverage to keep it cool." Stripe explained.

You facepalm and grab the beverage holder for Bandit. From a safe distance, you take a seat on the floor next to Muffin and Socks.

"What's your name again?" Muffin asked.

"(Y/n)."

"Are you Bluey's friend and are you here for a play date?"

"Uh....no. I'm Bluey and Bingo's older sibling." You smile at your little sisters while they smile back.

She stared at you suspiciously and it became a little uncomfortable to you. "No, you're not."

Bluey spoke up in defense, "Yes they are, Muffin. We just had to wait for them like how you were waiting for Socks to come out of Aunt Trixie's belly."

Muffin perked up and now smiled at you, "Oh, okay, Bluey. You're a big baby, (Y/n). Don't worry, we'll take care of you!" Socks barked in agreement.

You're speechless and just ended up nodding sheepishly. Eventually, they'll understand later on.

"AH!!!" Bandit got sprayed in the face by his drink and Stripe laughed at him, but got the same treatment when opening his drink. Everyone burst out laughing at the two as they rushed over to clean themselves in the kitchen.

Stripe comes back out first with a new can, "I thought we were supposed to get Bandit, not me."

You smirk, "You didn't say anything about yourself. Besides, you are Bandit's brother, so you're obligated to receive the same treatment."

"Then expect the same thing to happen soon, Big Bubby." Bandit smirked back.

Your face flushed at the nickname and you glared at him. "Only Bingo and Bluey are allowed to use that name." You blow a raspberry at him.

He shrugged while opening another drink, "Well, I am obligated to use that name since I am the father to you and your sisters." Suddenly, a bug lands on his nose and he freaks out. He drops his drink in order to slap the bug away. "Ah! Get it off!!!"

You laugh with Stripe, noticing that Bingo was missing from her chair, but she returns with two green plant stems. You watch her place it in Bandit's sun hat. Pretend salad, you guessed.

"Hey, Kiddo. Can you help Stripe watch the sausages? I'm grabbing another drink." Bandit held the tongs out to you.

You walk over and click the tongs, "I have the power." You try to snip at Stripe which he easily takes away the cooking utensil from you. "Aw."

"You've already gone mad with power, Mate." Stripe snickered. "Besides, everyone knows I'm the best chef."

Bandit snags the tongs away from his little brother, "By everyone, he means no one." He teased and took a sip of his drink.

You watch Bingo start pulling away the bench. "Just borrowing this, Dad!"

Apparently, Bandit didn't know what she was talking about and placed his drink down where the bench used to be. The can fell to the ground again. "Hey!"

You and Stripe laugh again.

"Karma for the teasing." You say.

Bandit rolled his eyes, "Nah, it's called bad luck. There was no effort put into it. Besides, you two are the ones laughing at my misfortune." He playful ruffled the top of your head before going to get another drink.

You see Chilli coming back from the kitchen with another salad and she's pulling the bench back. "I got it." You help her by picking up the bench and putting it back easily.

"Thanks, Sweetie. What do you think of this Salad?" She shows you a bell pepper salad.

You grin and take out a strip of yellow pepper to munch on, "Tastes healthy."

She and Trixie laugh. "Guess that's a yes."

A tennis ball goes flying by and knocks Bandit's new drink from his hand. "Hey! Bingo!" The small red heeler apologizes while Bandit goes back inside, only to return with a bottle of water. "Biscuits. That was the last one. I guess water is the healthiest option."

Bingo groans, "Red pepper? There's no red plants around, though, Muffin."

You watch Muffin point to the tree in the backyard and Bingo happily run downstairs. It didn't take long, but you see something go flying over the railing and smack Bandit behind the head.

"Bingo, what are you doing?" Bandit called down to Bingo after nearly dropping his water bottle. She shouts back at him about making salad which he holds up his hands in defense. "Okay.... man. I don't think I'll be ready for the girls to be teenagers."

"Me neither, Mate. I hope Muffin grows out of her attitude." Stripes says.

Once Bingo comes back and takes her seat in her chair again, you sit on the bench behind her. "Are you making Salad, Bingo? It seems like a lot of work." You chuckle and take out the loose petals and leaves from her fur.

"Yeah. A three colored pepper salad. I don't think there's any more colors of pepper for it, so now I can relax in my relaxing chair." Bingo leans back into your touch as you're brushing her fingers on her head. "Sure is a lot of work."

"Yep. Grabbing all the ingredients is hard work. You did great, Little Sis." Though, you hear Trixie praise Chilli on the homemade salad dressing and take note of Muffin glancing at their pretend salad.

"We need salad dressing!" Muffin declared.

Bingo sighed in defeat, "Okay....Can I borrow this, Dad?" She grabs his water bottle and runs off again.

This time, you follow her and catch her trying to turn the hose. "Need help, Little B?"

"I need more mud, but I forgot which way to turn the hose on." The bottle was filled with a little bit of mud. That honestly wasn't going to turn out well if Bingo did this by herself.

You take the end of the hose from her, "Lefty Loosey." Water pours out onto the mud patch as Bingo giggled. "Then Righty Tighty." The water stops flowing.

"That sounds silly, but I like it." Bingo gathered more mud in the bottle.

"Well, you get things done when it's fun." You quickly spray Bingo which she squealed then grin mischievously. "Hey, Bingo. Do you want to prank your dad?" When she nods, you point the nozzle up at the patio and get ready to turn the handle. "Call him until he looks over."

"Dad! Hey, Dad! How do you turn on the hose?! Dad!!" Her tail wags.

Bandit looks over the tail down where Bingo was calling, "Yes, Bingo." His eyes widen when he sees your smirking expression and the end of the hose pointed in his direction.

Stripe steps beside him to see what's going on, only for Bandit to pull him in front as a shield. "Oh!" The water makes his shout turn to gargling. "Bandit!"

"Ha! Can't get me now!" Bandit laughed out.

You stick your thumb over the end of the hose and make it spray like rain over the patio area. "Then I'll make it rain!"

"It's raining!" Bluey says cheerfully and everyone now looks down at you and Bingo.

"Bingo, turn off the tap!" Stripe suggested.

"I don't know which way to turn it off!" Bingo lies and giggles in her hands.

"Right to tight! (Y/n), you're getting the patio wet!" Bandit tried to reason with you.

You glance up at the sun then smile, "It's still hot out. It'll dry up fast. I'll only stop if I get to spray you once in the face because pulling Stripe in front of the range of fire was very cheeky." You wag a finger.

"Fine. Best make it quick!" He stepped in front and braced himself for the cold splash to his face after the sprinkle stopped.

"Bluey, count to 10!" You say and off the tap.

"Oh man." Bandit shut his eyes as she began counting with enthusiasm.

You and Bingo rush back inside, while you silently wave the girls and Stripe over to the kitchen sink. Each of your filling plastic cups of water, except for Socks who watched happily, and you all waited silently for Bandit to open his eyes.

"Oh thank goodness. The hose is off.....but why is it so quiet? Where did they—AH!" The last thing he saw before closing his eyes as water splashed his face was everyone's eager faces. He spits the remaining water out and huffs. "Wow. I should've expected all of you to get in on it." Bandit meets your eye and immediately pulls you into a hug. "Now for the apology!"

You scream with laughter and try to shove him away. "EW! Wet dog! I'm most definitely not apologizing for this! Just shake it off!" You snort.

"Not gonna happen. You're stuck next to me."

"Don't forget the sausages, Dad. They're definitely done." Bluey is back with her pretend grill and puts a few sticks into a plate, indicating that those were sausages.

"Cheese and crackers!" Bandit lets you go and checks up on the sausages, luckily they weren't too over cooked. "Sausages are ready! It's a miracle that they didn't catch fire." He placed them on a tray and moved them to the table, shoving the salads a bit. "Out of the way salads."

You help Stripe place the other benches back at the table. Finally taking a seat on the unoccupied bench until Bingo crawls up to sit beside you with a huff. "What's wrong, Bingo?"

"It was hard making a salad and Dad just moved them like they weren't important." Her eyebrows were furrowed.

You realized Bandit was getting thanks for cooking the sausages. "Well, your mom did work hard on making the salads. Come on." You pat your lap, "Stand up and let them know what you're thinking."

Bingo stands up on your lap, "Isn't anyone going to mention the salads?!"

At that, everyone began thanking Chilli as well and her tail wagging a little at the praises. "Thank you, thank you." She looked over at you and Bingo, "Thanks, Bingo. Now we can all relax and eat. I also want to thank (Y/n) for helping us get this all ready."

When she announced your very small help from earlier, you blushed and ducked your head down a bit. You honestly didn't do much and they didn't pry too much on the subject. Nothing big to make an impact on anything. Oh no, you overthinking again. Thoughts like that are awful when they show up randomly. So you just ate and tried to ignore it by being quiet.

~*•o•*~

It seemed like the real exhaustion was now catching up on everyone. A long, fun water fight and running around, plus the heat of the day made it worse. Stripe and Trixie talked about how they were doing and something about upcoming vacation plans. Bandit and Chilli talked about school, the girls, and the moments they had with you. The conversation moved into the living room after cleaning up the patio.

The kids were on the floor, playing a toy game called Pop-Up Crocs. Socks and Muffin were getting more sleepy and ended up curling up against their mom on the couch, so Stripe and Bandit played with Bingo and Bluey.

"We'll have to get going soon. I don't want the girls waking up grumpy in the car." Trixie said.

Outside, the sky was getting dark which meant it was close to bedtime for the kids. You were sitting beside Chilli on the floor and were glad you weren't restricted to a bedtime. Chilli or Bandit didn't mention one anyway.

"Oh, and before we forgot. Sweetheart, can you get the gifts from the kitchen?" Trixie asked her husband.

"On it." Stripe goes into the kitchen and comes back with the tote bag. "Luckily, the girls are asleep, so they won't fuss about the gifts." He sits next to you now and carefully slides the bag in front of you.

You blink at the bag and raise a brow at everyone. "Wait. These gifts are for me?"

"Of course. It's more of a welcome home gift—gifts. The top one is from us and the heavy one at the bottom is from Nana. Her and grandad went to visit our older brother, Rad, but they still wanted you to use it." Stripe took out the top gift and held it out to you.

A perfectly wrapped gift with a bow on top looked so unreal to you. Just holding the rectangular box, you guessed, really made you nervous, especially the weight of it.

Something expensive.

Slowly, you make a rip of the thin paper until you hear the crinkle and end up ripping more. You froze at the image on the box. "Really?" You weren't sure if they made a mistake. "For—for real? I can keep this?" Your tail was wagging a bit, still uncertain with your feelings.

"Like Bluey says, it's for real life. It's yours and you do what you want with it, Kiddo. For school, games and what not." Stripe held up a fist for a fist bump, but he nearly fell over when you tackled him into a hug. "Whoa."

"Thank you, Stripe, Trixie." You couldn't really give her a hug since Muffin and Socks were asleep in her now.

"Wow! A tablet! Now, you can Faceytalk with me, Bingo, and Muffin." Bluey says excitedly.

You smile and immediately go for the next gift, the wrapping paper already giving away. A heavy homemade looking quilt stared back at you as you lifted it up. Each square has different patterns, colors, and designs on it. "These are the best blankets." You wrap it around you and cover it over your head, feeling the quilt snuggle you comfortably.

Through the small opening, Bandit tries to lift the blanket away, but ends up yanking his hand back when you nip at him. "Hey! Are you trying to bite me again?"

"Your mom gave it to me, so it's not yours. It's mine." You stick your tongue out at him and hide again.

Bingo and Bluey giggle and try to see your face only for you to open up the blanket and yank them inside with you. They squeal loudly.

"I'm going to eat you!" You roared playfully and began tickling them.

"Ah! (Y/n), no!!!" Your little sisters are laughing uncontrollably.

Chilli and Bandit laugh at the lump of blanket. Suddenly, it goes quiet, more like quiet snickers and the blanket turns to the red and blue heelers.

"RAWR!!!" You, Bingo, and Bluey jump at Chilli and Bandit.

"Gaaah!" They pretend to be scared and scream, only to end up laughing when you three tickle them. "The Quilt Monster got us! It's got too many hands!" Chilli couldn't help, but shriek with laughter. "Run, Stripe! Trixie! While you still—hah! Can—CAN—Haah!" Bandit tries to crawl away and gets caught by his ankles.

"Guess that's our que." Stripe and Trixie were really amused and carried the sleeping girls in their arms. "Goodnight, guys! We'll see ya around again. Love you all."

"Kids, you've—you've got to say goodnight and goodbye to—to your aunt and uncle!" Chilli tried catching her breath.

"Bye!!!" The three of you say quickly before jumping Bandit and Chilli again.

"ROAR!!!"

"AHAHAHA