DNA doesn't make Family, Love does. Thomas had once said he wished Stripe was his father and not Bandit. In this What if? We see those outcomes of what if Stripe had taken the role of being Thomas's father. Will Stripe succeed in that role or fail with the pressure of hiding a heartbreaking secret?
The Father
"Stripe! Stripe! Wake up mate please!" Bandit shouted while banging on his brothers apartment door. Stripe woke up in a daze and went to his front door to see what was going on. "Bandit?" Stripe said with a yawn. Bandit was in tears with his eyes red from crying. "What's wrong mate?" Stripe asked, now fully alert. Bandit was holding his new horn son in his arms. "Listen Stripe, Emily she… she died during childbirth," Bandit said with fresh tears coming down his face. "W-what?" Stripe said, confused.
"I need you to watch Thomas for the night, while I deal with some things," Bandit said, handing Thomas to Stripe. "Bandit, I don't know anything about baby's," Stripe holding his newly born nephew. "I bought some formula for you, I just need him here for the night," Bandit said, putting down the bags. "B-but…" Stripe said, still confused. "Please mate, it's important," Bandit said getting ready to leave. "O-okay," Stripe still holding Thomas I'm his arms. Bandit kissed then top of his son's head and whispered to him. "Daddy will be back," Bandit said and then left with out saying anything. Stripe was left heartbroken for his sister in law's passing he looked down at Thomas who was cuddling him. "It'll be okay mate, I promise," Stripe said with a tear running down his muzzle.
(Nine years later…)
"Dad!" Thomas said, coming into Stripe's room. Stripe yawned and looked at his son. "There's the birthday boy," Stripe said tiredly. Thomas giggled and got on Stripe's bed. "How old are you again mate? Sixteen or twenty?" Stripe jokes with a smile. "Daddy I'm nine today," Thomas said, getting on top of his dad. "Oh yeah! That's right, my little boy is nine today!" Stripe said before ticking his son. Thomas squealed with laughter while trying to protect himself from being ticked. "Happy birthday mate," Stripe said with a smile while cuddling his son. "Thanks dad," Thomas said, cuddling his dad back. "Let's get you Brekkie mate,"Stripe said sitting up. "Alright!" Thomas said getting off from his dad's bed.
Now in the kitchen Stripe was making French toast and bacon, Thomas's favorite breakfast his dad always made him ever since he could remember with a glass of chocolate milk. "Here we go, birthday boy!" Stripe said, sitting down his son's breakfast. "Thanks dad!" Thomas said wagging tail while started to eat. "After we're done eating, I will call your Nana and Grandad, they will want to tell you happy birthday mate," Stripe said while he also started eating. "Okay daddy," Thomas said while happily eating.
Stripe smiled and continued eating his breakfast. After Breakfast Thomas put his dishes in the sink and went to wash up in the bathroom. Stripe then went and video called his parents, "hi Stripy," Chris said to her son. "Hi mum," Stripe said with a smile. "Where's the birthday boy?" Chris asked with a smile. "Getting cleaned up," Stripe said while laying on the couch. "Hey mate," Bob said with a smile.
"Hey dad," Stripe said. "We'll be a little bit late but don't worry son we'll be there," Bob said to his youngest. "Sounds good dad, I'm not worried," Stripe said with a chuckle. "Stripe, have you told him yet?" Bob asked his son in a serious tone. "Bob," Chris said looking at her husband. "N-no and I'm not going to," Stripe said nervously. "Mate," Bob said. "No dad, Bandit made his choice for not coming back, and Thomas is my son now and he doesn't need that deadbeat in his life," Stripe said defensively. "Okay, okay, let's not fight, this is Thomas's day," Chris said calmly. "You're right I'm sorry dear," Bob said to his wife. "I'm sorry too mate," Bob said looking at son.
"It's okay dad, I'm just very protective of him," Stripe said. "As you should son, he's your son and always will be," Bob said with a soft smile. "I'm done dad!" Thomas said coming into the living room. "There's my sweetie pie!" Chris said happily. "Hi Nana! Hi Granddad!" Thomas said, coming up to his dad's tablet. "Hey mate! Happy birthday!" Bob said happily. Stripe then puts Thomas on his lap. "Are you coming to my party this afternoon?" Thomas asked, looking at his grandparents. "Of course sweetheart!" Chris said, adjusting her glasses. "We will mate but we will be running late," Bob added. "As long as you're there I'll be happy," Thomas said "and Uncle Rad and aunt Frisky will be there," Stripe spoke up while bouncing his son on his lap. Thomas giggled before Stripe hugged him. "Oh Stripy, please give my grandson a big birthday kiss for me," Chris said with a smile. "Sure thing mum," Stripe said about to grab Thomas. "No!" Thomas said, trying to get away from his dad.
"Gotcha!" Stripe said before kissing his son on the head. "Daddy!" Thomas said, petting his head. Chris and Bob both laughed. "Alright mum, dad I have to get him to his morning swim class and then we'll see you later at the park," Stripe said with a smile. "Okay sweetie, Thomas happy birthday sweetheart and have fun with your dad," Chris said with a warm smile. "I will Nana! I love you," Thomas said, wagging his tail. "I love you too sweetheart," Chris said. "Happy birthday again mate! I love you," Bob said with a smile. "Thanks Granddad! I love you too!" Thomas said, still wagging his tail. Stripe and Thomas waved goodbye and then they hung up. "Alright mate go get ready and I'll meet you by the door," Stripe said as Thomas got off of Stripe. "Okay dad," Thomas said while going to get his stuff.
Thomas then met his dad by the door. "You ready mate?" Stripe asked with a smile. "Yeah! I am dad!" Thomas said with a smile. "Great!" Stripe said as he opened the door. Thomas and Stripe then walked out of their house and went to their car. Thomas got in the back seat and buckled himself in while Stripe got into the driver's side. After a few hours of swim lessons and free swim.
Thomas and Stripe walked back to the car. "Dad?" Thomas asked while walking along. "Yes son?" Stripe asked while they both walked along. "Is Trixie coming?" Thomas asked with a sly look. Stripe blushed a bit. "Yeah mate I-I invited her," Stripe said nervously. "Dad! You obviously like her!" Thomas said with a smile. "Son, we're just friends," Stripe said as they made it to the car. "Yeah! Friends who are in love with each other," Thomas said with a chuckle. Stripe rolled his eyes. "Get in the car mate," Stripe said, opening the car door for his son. Thomas got in and buckled in while Stripe got in the drivers side. "Face it dad you like her!" Thomas said giggling. "How do you know?" Stripe asked while bucking up and looking in the rear view mirror at his son.
"Because! You get a little weird when you talk to her," Thomas said with a chuckle. "What?! No I don't!" Stripe said while starting the car. "And you get defensive about it," Thomas said with a smirk. "I-I let's just get to the store," Stripe said while driving to the store. Now at the store Stripe picked up some things for the barbecue at the park and then picked up Thomas's cake. Stripe and Thomas left the store and got into the car getting ready to head to the park. "Alright mate we're meeting uncle Rad and Aunt Frisky at the park and then Nana and Grandad will be there soon later," Stripe said while buckling in. "And Trixie?" Thomas asked with a sly look. "Yes and Trixie," Stripe said in defeat.
"Do you want to know what I wish for every year dad?" Thomas asked as they drove. "What do you wish for mate?" Stripe asked while driving. "A mum," Thomas said while looking out the window. "O-oh yeah?" Stripe asked nervously. "Yeah! I hope you and Trixie get married! And then she'll be my mom," Thomas said happily. Stripe couldn't help but to smile thinking that his son would want him and Trixie to be together. They soon arrive at the park with Rad and Frisky getting out of the car. "There my nephew!" Rad said with a smile. "Hi uncle Rad!" Thomas said getting out of the car and jumping into his uncle's arms. The uncle and nephew hugged while Stripe was getting things out of the car. "Alright mate, let me help your dad and I'll be ready to play with you," Rad said, putting his nephew down. "Okay," Thomas said, wagging his tail. "But I'll play with you," Friksy said while hugging her nephew from behind. "Okay!" Thomas said as he and his aunt went to the playground.
Rad and Stripe took everything to a shady cover spot and started setting up. "Nine already mate," Rad said, looking at his nephew and wife playing on the swings. "Yeah, pretty soon he'll be off to college," Stripe said with a chuckle. "But when are you going to settle down?" Rad asked his little brother. "I um… that's up in the air at the moment," Stripe said while putting stuff down on the table. "What about Trixie mate?" Rad asked. "What about her?" Stripe asked nervously.
"I think she's pretty great for you," Rad said while taking a drink of his soda. "You think so?" Stripe asked, looking at his brother. "Yep! Take a shot mate! You're not getting any younger," Rad said with a chuckle. "Says the dog who's a few years older than me," Stripe said with a smirk. "But I'm already married mate unlike-" Rad was about to say something about Bandit until Stripe stopped him. "Don't! Don't talk about him here, not when it's my son's birthday," Stripe said with his mood changing.
"Stripe, have you even talked to Thomas about him or even his mother?" Rad asked while sitting down. "I.. no I haven't and I don't want to, he's my son and he always will be," Stripe said now setting up the barbecue. "Stripe…" Rad started until Stripe cut him off. "No Rad! He's not going to know about that deadbeat of a dad who abandoned him," Stripe said with an angry look on his face. Rad then backed off and nodded. Stripe nodded and continued fixing things up.
Frisky then came up to cover and sat down next to Rad while Trixie had arrived. "Hi Stripe," Trixie said with a smile. "Hi Trixie," Stripe said with a smile. "Where's the birthday boy?" Trixie asked while looking for him on the playground. "Oh he's over there," Stripe said with a smile. Trixie then smiled seeing Thomas playing on the slides. "I'll be right back," Trixie said as she then went over to Thomas. Stripe watched her walk over to his son with a smile on his face. "Stripe, you really should ask her out," Frisky said, looking at her brother-in-law. "I… I don't Frisk maybe she just wants to be friends," Stripe said while flipping the burgers. "I don't think so Stripe she's very into you," Frisky said with a smile. "You think so?" Stripe asked, looking at Frisky. "A girl knows these things, Stripe, she likes you," Frisky said again with a smile. Stripe blushed while continuing to cook.
"Hi sweetie happy birthday," Trixie said with a smile. Trixie said, walking up to Thomas. "Trixie!" Thomas said, running up to her and hugging her and wagging his tail. "You're getting so big!" Trixie said while hugging him. "Can I ask you something?" Thomas asked while both went over to swing. "Of course you can, you can ask me anything," Trixie said while Thomas got on the swing. "Do you like my dad?" Thomas asked while he started swinging.
"I do, he's a good dog," Trixie said with a smile. "I mean do you like him," Thomas asked with a chuckle. "Oh! I mean.. well…" Trixie said not knowing what to say. "Because he likes you," Thomas said while swinging higher. "H-he does?" Trixie asked, blushing. "Yeah he does," Thomas said with a smile. "Will you go on a date with him?" Thomas asked, still swinging. "Are you trying to set me up with your dad?" Trixie said with a chuckle. "Will you? Ask him on a date?" Thomas asked while slowing down on the swing. "I-um yes!" Trixie said while wagging her tail. "Alright!" Thomas said happily while wagging.
"Looks like your son set you up mate," Rad said with a chuckle. "What?" Stripe said, looking at his brother. "I believe it," Frisky said while looking at Trixie and Thomas at the swings. "Oh no," Stripe said nervously. "Face it mate Trixie is going to ask you out," Rad said poking fun. Stripe blushed while working on the sausages. "Hello! Hello!" Chris said walking up to her family. "Hey mum!" Stripe and Rad both said. "Hey boys hey Frisky," Bob said while bringing some stuff with him. Rad stood up and helped his dad with the stuff he was carrying. Trixie had come back to the group and stood beside Stripe. "Your son asked me an interesting question," Trixie asked. "H-he did?" Stripe asked nervously looking at her. "He asked me if I would as you on a date," Trixie said with a smile. "Trix I'm sorry he can very-" Stripe started to say until he was interrupted. "I'd love to," Trixie spoke up. Stripe was caught by surprise, "y-you would?"' Stripe asked again nervously. "Yeah, I would,"Trixie said, placing her hand on Stripe's shoulder. Stripe blushed and nodded.
"Trixie! How are you sweetheart?" Chris asked while sitting down. "I'm great!" Trixie said while going to sit with Chris to talk to her. "See that wasn't so hard mate, you can thank your son for that," Rad said, rubbing his brother's shoulders tightly. "Yeah, yeah whatever," Stripe said with a smile while continuing to cook. Thomas was minding his own business while playing until he bumped into a blue Heeler.
"Oh! I'm sorry sir," Thomas said looking up at the dog. "H-happy birthday mate," the blue Heeler said with a nervous smile. "Thanks!" Thomas said, smiling and wagging his tail. "B-but how do you know that it's my birthday?" Thomas asked. Stripe makes the last of the food and then places it down on the table. "Alright, Thom-" Stripe was about to call his son to eat until he saw who he was talking to. Stripe froze for a split second and then he came to his senses. "THOMAS!" Stripe shouted and then ran over to his son.
Thomas looked at his dad running to him. Stripe then grabbed his son and hid him behind him. "You shouldn't be here! How dare you be here!" Stripe shouted, still having Thomas hide behind. "Stripe…" The blue Heeler said taking a step forward. "No! Bandit! Stay the hell away from my son!" Stripe said backing away with Thomas. Thomas was a little scared of what was going on. "Your son? He's my son!" Bandit shouted. "W-what?" Thomas asked, looking up at Stripe. Stripe's heart was beating fast trying to think of what to do. "You never told him? Does he even know about his mum?" Bandit asked forcefully. "My mum?" Thomas asked, confused. "Thomas mate he's not your dad, I-I am," Bandit said looking at Thomas. "Don't! Don't you dare do this to him! Or us!" Stripe said angrily.
"Stripe tell him!" Bandit ordered. "Don't you dare bark orders at me!" Stripe shouted. "Are you my dad?" Thomas asked, tearing up. Stripe then looked at his son, also tearing up. "Of course I am, mate," Stripe said, trying to keep it together. "No! I am and your mum was named Emily," Bandit spoke up. "B-bandit!" Stripe said with weakness in his voice. "Haven't you ever wondered why you don't look like him mate? Or why do you have two different colored eyes?" Bandit said, looking at Thomas. Thomas nodded looking at Bandit. "Don't talk to him!" Stripe said while grabbing his son's hand and started walking away. "Hey! I'm not talking to you!" Bandit shouted, stepping forward and grabbing his brother's shoulder. Something snapped in Stripe as he turned and punched Bandit in the muzzle. "Dad!" Thomas said scared. "Stripe!" Rad shouted while running over to his brothers.
"You're the one who left him with me and never came back! I stepped and raised him as my own; he's my son! Not yours!" Stripe shouted at Bandit who was on the ground. "N-no!" Thomas shouted looking at Stripe. "T-Thomas?" Stripe said, looking at the young Heeler. "You lied to me! My whole life!" Thomas said in tears. This broke Stripe's heart. Rad came from behind and got between his brothers. "Stripe take Thomas home," Rad ordered his youngest brother. "Take him home?! That's my son!" Bandit shouted still on the ground rubbing his muzzle. "Not now Bandit! Stripe go!" Rad ordered again. Stripe nodded and took Thomas to the car. Stripe drives away while looking out the window seeing Bandit talking with everyone at his supposed birthday party.
Once they got home, Thomas got out of the car and ran to his room. "Thomas, wait," Stripe said, getting out of the car. Now in the house Thomas was crying while running to his room. "Thomas please talk to me mate," Stripe said, trying to stop him. "Why?! So you can lie to me more!" Thomas shouted looking at Stripe. "No! Let me explain," Stripe said with tears in his eyes. "You're not even my real dad! That other dog is! And he knew my mum!" Thomas said, sitting on the stairs crying. "I am your dad! A father is someone who steps up! And loves their child unconditionally! He didn't do that!" Stripe said with tears running freely. "But you're, my uncle! You're my uncle," Thomas said crying just as Stripe hugged. Thomas hugged him back even though he was heartbroken, Stripe was everything to him. "I'm sorry dad," Thomas said while crying. "I'm sorry too son," Stripe said while hugging him.
They two were on the couch while Thomas was sleeping on his dad's lap. Stripe softly pets Thomas's head while he sleeps. All of the thoughts raced in his mind. Stripe thought about what he could have done differently or how he could have explained Bandit not being in his life. Stripe looked at his phone and saw he missed calls from his parents and Rad. Suddenly someone knocked on the door. Stripe sighed and lightly moved Thomas to the side and went to answer the door. Trixie was at the door holding a cake box. "Trixie?" Stripe asked, looking at her. "Hey Stripe, I saved Thomas's cake for him," Trixie said, handing Stripe the cake box.
"Oh Trixie you didn't have to," Stripe said, taking the box from her. "A small pup like him should still have his cake even though things didn't turn out," Trixie said with a light smile. "Why would he show up? After all this time just drop into his life like that," Stripe said looking down. "You won't know unless you ask him," Trixie said looking at Stripe. "Trix I can't do that, he made me hit him and made me look like a bad father in front of Thomas," Stripe said in defeat. "Hey, you're a great father and you're the best for him, it's.. one of the reasons why I love you," Trixie said with a smile. Stripe perked up wagging his tail knowing she was right. Trixie stepped forward and kissed him. Stripe kissed her back and then they broke the kiss. "You're a good dog Stripe Heeler," Trixie said before leaving for her car. Stripe then took the cake and put it in the refrigerator. Stripe then picks up Thomas and puts him in his bed. Stripe kisses the top of his son's head as Thomas turns over on his side. Stripe smiled, tucking him in.
Stripe then left the room and then got a call from Rad. Stripe sighed and then answered the phone. "Hello?" Stripe said. "Hey mate, we should talk," Rad said on the phone. "Listen mate about today, I'm sorry," Stripe said sitting down at the table. "It's alright mate it's understandable but you need to talk to Bandit," Rad said while sitting on the couch at home. "Why should I talk to him? What has he done for me or for Thomas?" Stripe asked, rubbing the side of his head. "I know this is hard mate, but Bandit is in fact Thomas's biological father," Rad explained. "Those rules don't apply here, DNA doesn't make family, love does and you should know that Rad, after Emily's first miscarriage," Stripe said but after realizing after what he said he immediately regretted it. "Rad, I'm sorry mate I didn't mean-" Stripe started to say. "Thanks for the reminder mate but talk to him! Don't you think Thomas has tons of questions now?" Rad said, looking down. Stripe thought for a moment and then sighed. "Yeah… he probably does," Stripe admits. "Talk to Thomas first and ask him what he wants to do about Bandit," Rad said while taking a drink of his water. "Alright I will ask him tomorrow," Stripe said, sitting back in his chair. "Alright good night little brother I love you," Rad said, "I love you too good night," Stripe said before hanging up the phone. Stripe sighed and went to bed.
The next morning Stripe got up early and made breakfast for him and Thomas. Thomas comes out of his room and sits at the table. "Hey mate, I'm making breakfast," Stripe said looking at Thomas. Thomas nodded and sat there looking out the window. Stripe serves them their breakfast and they sit together. "Thomas?" Stripe asked, looking at him. "Yeah dad?" Thomas asked softly. "Do you have any questions?" Stripe asked. Thomas took a deep breath and looked at his dad. "Was my mum pretty?" Thomas asked, looking at Stripe. "She was such a beautiful dog, mate you're da- I mean Bandit was so lucky to have her," Stripe explained. Thomas nodded. "Is it true that I have her eyes?" Thomas asked while eating his food. "Yeah mate you do," Stripe said while eating a piece of his toast. "Do you wish things were different?" Thomas asked while taking a drink of juice. "Different?" Stripe asked, confused. "Do you wish that Bandit would have kept me?" Thomas asked, looking at Stripe. "What? No I don't wish that, him dropping you off at my apartment was the best thing that could happen to me," Stripe said placing his hand on Thomas's arm.
"DNA doesn't make family mate, Love does and I love with my whole heart, you made me a better dog and a better dad," Stripe said with a smile. Thomas smiled looking at his dad. "How was that kiss with Trixie dad?" Thomas asked with a chuckle. "Oh so you were watching hun?" Stripe said before grabbing Thomas and tickling him. "Dad! I wasn't watching, I swear!" Thomas said while laughing. Stripe stopped tickling him and kissed him on the head. "But dad?" Thomas asked, looking at Stripe. "Yes mate?" Stripe asked. "Do you know why he never came back?" Thomas asked curiosity. "I don't have the answer to that mate I wish I did, I haven't seen my brother since that night he left you in my arms," Stripe answered. "Will you ask him? Can I ask him?" Thomas asked. "Y-you want to talk to him?" Stripe asked, surprised. "Y-yeah," Thomas said with a nod.
Stripe wasn't sure about this but he knew Thomas deserved those answers from Bandit. "Alright I'll set something up for you to talk to him," Stripe said with a light smile. "Thanks dad," Thomas said as he hugged Stripe. Stripe hugged back tightly. Stripe was scared of whatever Bandit might tell him and how damaging it might be for the young pup. A few hours later, Bandit showed up. Stripe opened the door and looked at his older brother. "Hey Stripe," Bandit said nervously.
"Hey Bandit," Stripe said, letting his older brother in the house. "You really made a home for yourself mate," Bandit said looking at Stripe's big house. "Yeah, we love it too," Stripe said, crossing his arms. "Stripe I'm not here to fight or take Thomas away from you, I just would like to explain myself to him and to you, maybe sometime I can take him to ice cream or the movies," Bandit explained. "You're pushing it Bandit, explain everything to him and we will see about you visiting my son," Stripe said, still having his arms crossed. Bandit nodded while looking down.
"He's in his room waiting for you," Stripe said, pointing to Thomas's room. Bandit nodded and went to Thomas's room. Bandit knocked on the door. "Come in," Thomas said as Bandit opened the door and walked inside. "H-hey mate," Bandit said softly. "H-hi Bandit," Thomas said looking at the blue Heeler. Bandit then came into the room and sat on Thomas's bed. "You have a nice room mate," Bandit said, looking around the room. "Thanks, my da- or uh Stripe or I mean…" Thomas said getting overwhelmed with how to talk about his dad in front of his biological dad. "Mate it's okay Stripe is your dad unlike me I… I gave that up the moment I put in his arms," Bandit explained, accepting everything that has happened the past nine years. "Oh… why didn't you come back?" Thomas asked, looking up at Bandit.
For years Bandit tried to prepare himself for this moment and now that he was finally in front of his son he drew a blank. "After your mum passed away I was a broken dog. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror and with you how could I take care of a great smart handsome pup like you," Bandit explained. "It's no excuse for me to leave you like that, you were my son and you were my responsibility and I threw it away and broke a promise I made to you mum," Bandit said looking down, Thomas put his hand on Bandit's hand. "I forgive you," Thomas said softly. "Y-you do?" Bandit asked, looking at Thomas. Thomas then hugs Bandit. "You were hurt and needed time to heal, I'm just glad I got to meet you," Thomas said, hugging him. Bandit then teared up as he hugged Thomas back.
"What does my mum look like?" Thomas asked, breaking the hug and looking up at Bandit. "I actually have a picture of both of us," Bandit said, getting out his phone and showing Thomas the picture. Thomas smiled while looking at it seeing how happy his mum was and how pretty she was. "I'm a husky mix?" Thomas asked while looking up at Bandit. "Yeah, you are mate," Bandit chuckled while wiping his tears away. "What's your least favorite fruit?" Thomas asked. "Rockmelon, I hate it," Bandit answered. "I hate it too!" Thomas said, wagging his tail. "No kidding mate?" Bandit asked with a smile while also wagging his tail. "Do you like touch football and cricket?" Thomas asked, still wagging his tail. "I love those sports!" Bandit said, still wagging his tail.
Stripe heard them laughing and having a good time. Stripe lightly smiled knowing Bandit and Thomas were both getting closure. For over an hour, Bandit and Thomas talked about their favorite things and enjoyed each other's company. Bandit then left Thomas's room and went to talk to his brother. Stripe was on the couch watching TV. "Stripe," Bandit said from behind. Stripe looked at his brother and didn't say anything. "Thank you, you have a wonderful little boy in that room upstairs and I couldn't ask for a better father to raise him like you," Bandit said with a smile. Stripe smiled at his brother. "I need to get home but thank you for letting me see him," Bandit said as he was about to walk out the door. Stripe got up from the couch and hugged his brother. Bandit was surprised by this but hugged back. "Don't be a stranger Bandit, please see him whenever you can," Stripe said, tearing up. "I will mate, I promise this time I will come back," Bandit said while hugging his brother.
The two then broke the hug and then Bandit left the house. Stripe watches him leave and then shuts the door. "Thomas?" Stripe called to his son. "Yeah dad?" Thomas asked from the top of the stairs. "How does pizza sound, mate?" Stripe asked with a smile. Thomas wagged his tail. "Yeah! Can Trixie come?" Thomas asked, coming down the stairs. "Sure! I'll give her a call," Stripe said as Thomas hugged his dad wagging his tail. Stripe chucked while wagging his tail hugging his son.
(One Year Later…)
Thomas and Bandit were walking on the sidewalk together from a cricket game they just watched. "Shall we get some Ice cream mate?" Bandit asked. "Yeah!" Thomas said with excitement. "Great! How's your dad and newly wedded mum?" Bandit asked. "They're great! They come home from their honeymoon tomorrow," Thomas said with a smile. "That's great!" Bandit said while they walked. "Bandit?" Thomas asked, looking up at Bandit. "Yes mate?" Bandit asked, looking at Thomas.
"Do you think my Mum and Dad will have a baby soon?" Thomas asked while they walked. "Only ten years old and already want to be a bother huh?" Bandit asked. "Yeah! I've always wanted to be a big brother," Thomas said with a smile. "I think you would be a great big brother mate," Bandit said with a smile. Suddenly Bandit accidentally bumped into a red Heeler making her drop her purse. "Oh I'm sorry miss let me help you," Bandit said while helping the red Heeler with her stuff. "I'm sorry I'm such a clumsy dog um… miss… Chilli?" Bandit said seeing her name tag from the airport.
"Oh it's okay I actually wasn't looking where I was going," Chilli said, chuckling nervously as she was about to pick up her name tag. Bandit and Chilli's hands touched as they both tried to pick up the name tag. They blushed while looking at each other. "I um.. s-sorry," Bandit said while letting Chilli pick up her name tag. Chilli chuckled and picked up her name tag and stood up. Bandit also stood up and they were face to face again. They again both blushed and chuckled. "Thank you um… I didn't get your name," Chilli said looking up at Bandit. Bandit was speechless and was trying to find the words to speak.
"His name's Bandit and we were just about to get some ice cream, would you care to join us?" Thomas asked with a sly look. "Oh mate I think she has some place to be," Bandit spoke up looking at Thomas. "Actually that sounds nice," Chilli said blushing. "If it's too much trouble," Chilli said with a soft smile. "No! Not at all," Bandit getting his eyes lost in Chilli's. "Great, Um led the way," Chilli said, letting Bandit lead the way. "Okay let's go," Bandit said leading the way. Bandit and Chilli walked side by side with Thomas walking behind them. Bandit looked back at Thomas who gave him a thumbs up letting him know this was okay for him to start dating. Bandit smiled at Thomas and then started up a conversation with Chilli while they headed to the ice cream shop.
The End.
As said before DNA doesn't make Family, Love does… and Stripe has proven himself to be the best dad he could be even in a moment of weakness when seeing his older brother in his son's life again. And by the looks of it Bandit seemed to have found closure and a new spark of love by the end of it. Our Next What If takes us to another timeline. What If? Bob Bandit's dad, a grumpy old blue Heeler takes in Thomas?