Levon opened his eyes as he awoke in his bed, he threw his covers off of his body and made his way to use the bathroom. Once he was done and washed his hands, the Grey Wolf made his way downstairs to the Kitchen to find his mother washing dishes from Breakfast. He was hesitant to go near after what he did yesterday at school, it hurt him alot that he might have disappointed his parents.
Levon took a deep breath before walking over to her and gently hugged her, his head resting against her back. "Hi Levon." She whispered. "Did you get any sleep last night?" She asked, her tone being of motherly concern, as always. "Yes..." Levon said softly before he hugged her slightly tighter and buried his head into back, Chilli could feel the warm tears of her oldest child as her fur began to dampen. "I'm aware of what happened yesterday at school, and I made an appointment with your principal this morning." Chilli said.
"Okay..." Levon replied as he sniffled, "I'm really sorry, Mum..." he said as he sobbed, "I didn't mean to disappoint you or Dad…" he said as he rested his forehead on her back. "It's alright. I know you did it for a reason. And even if that reason was protecting someone else, you do need to be careful not to lash out like that." She sighed. "Your father and I aren't disappointed. But we do want to make sure you face some consequences." She explained rubbing her hand on top of Levon's to try and comfort him.
Levon let go of his mother as she turned around to face him, "What kind of consequences?" He asked nervously as he swallowed a lump on his throat. "Well, that will be up to your principal to decide." She said. "We aren't punishing you at home, but we do feel that you deserve whatever he deals you at school. After all, the fight was at school." she explained what was going to happen.
"I know... but I didn't fight him during class. It was when Uncle Rad was coming to pick me up after school, and I was waiting with my friends." Levon explained with his ears folded back. "I know, but it was at school, even if it wasn't in school hours. So you'll face the school consequences." She said firmly. "Now let's get you fed, we have a meeting at 7. And Billy's father will be there as well, so we don't want to keep anyone waiting." She explained going over what Levon's principal told her over the phone.
"Yes, Ma'am..." Levon replied, looking down at the floor as he walked over and sat down at the kitchen table. "I hope Chelsea's okay, Mum." he said as thought back to yesterday. "Well, you can always check in with her at school. But first things first you own up to your actions." She nodded. "I love you, but violence is not the solution, even when others are being hurt." she explained to him in a motherly tone. "But, what was I supposed to do? Billy hurt my friends, and Chelsea was trying to help get him off of me. She got hurt because of me..." Levon explained before heavily sighing as he looked down at the kitchen table.
"Did you get an adult? Or try to reason with Billy?" Chilli asked. "No... but Billy wasn't gonna listen. He tried to punch me and Peter when we were waiting, then he shoved Chelsea to ground, and she already hurt her ankle during gym class." Levon said, recounting the events that lead up to his fight with Billy. Chilli nodded. "Okay. I understand. But did you try to get an adult involved?" Levon sighed before replying, "No... but I felt that if I did go to someone to help, Billy would've hurt Chelsea, Peter, or any of my friends." He said, explaining. "I know I didn't make a good choice or set a good example for Bluey or Bingo, but I couldn't just stand there and watch Billy hurt my friends."
Chilli looked at him and smiled softly, "You didn't make the best choice, but I understand why you did it. But next time, get an adult. Or try to talk to the person causing trouble. You and Billy will have plenty of time to talk this morning, I know your principal will make sure of that." She explained gently patting his hand. Levon nodded before his mother got up to get his breakfast, "Where are Dad and the girls?" He asked, turning to look at his mother. "Your father is dropping your sisters off at their friends house, but they headed out early so we could have our chat on our own." Chilli explained.
"Oh, okay..." Levon replied as he ran his finger along the table, "Is Dad disappointed in me?" He asked with his ears folded back. "No, neither of us are disappointed in you." Chilli said calmly. "If anything your dad wanted to talk to Billy's father and 'settle things', but I convinced him against it." Levon looked at his mother with a surprised expression on his face, "Wait, you mean Dad was gonna fight Billy's Dad?" He asked. "He wanted to." She admitted. "Woah... I didn't think Dad was the kind of guy to fight... wait, that came out wrong..." Levon replied before correcting himself. "Your father got in quite a few scrapes when he was younger. Most with his brothers, but also with kids at school." Chilli admitted. "Out of all of us he knows the most about how you felt." She explained knowing the history of her husband.
She looked over and saw a small smile on her son's face and his tail wagging, "Wow... my dad is awesome!" He said with a chuckle. "Ahem!" Chilli said with a stern look. "W-Wait, I-I didn't mean it like that!" Levon said quickly, correcting himself. "I just meant that I think he's awesome for wanting to fight Billy Kangal's dad! Oh wait, that sounds worse... you know what I'm trying to say, right Mum?" He said with a worried look. "I know you're happy that he's willing to stand up for you. But remember, fighting isn't okay, for kids or grownups." She explained as she placed the leftover food from the breakfast onto her son's plate.
"Y-Yes Ma'am, I know that... I still think Dad is awesome, though... it sort of reminds me of when you deal with people at your job when you're working security." Levon explained with a small smile. She smiled with pride at her job, "Well, yes, I suppose so." She nodded. "Now eat your breakfast, we have to leave in twenty minutes." She gestured to the plate on the table. "Yes, Mum!" Levon replied, nodding his head before he began shoveling his food into his mouth.
It was 7:00 o'clock exactly and Levon, Chilli, Billy, his father, and Principal Newfoundland were all sitting in his office. "Okay, so given what happened it's clear that there needs to be some actions taken. But first, I'd like to hear both boys' sides of the story. Levon, please go first." He said looking and nodding his head towards the Grey Wolf. "Yes sir, Principal Newfoundland..." Levon replied before he began to tell his side of the story. "...and then Billy punched Chelsea in the stomach, and that's when I started hurting him. I know what I did was wrong, but I hated seeing my friends get hurt, sir." Levon said as he finished telling his side of what happened yesterday.
The principal frowned and looked at Levon. "So it was partly self defense and partly protecting your friends, though you decided to use force instead of getting an adult?" He asked. "I know I shouldn't have done what I did. But my friends would've gotten really hurt." Levon replied with his ears folded back as he rubbed his arm. "I understand that." Principal Newfoundland replied, nodding his head before turning to Billy. "What I don't understand is why you attacked Peter, or Levon. Mind explaining that?" he asked the Dun-colored Kangal.
Billy sat there with arms crossed as he said nothing before being nudged in the arm by his father's elbow. "Billy, Principal Newfoundland asked you a question." Billy's father said in a stern tone. "Yeah. I heard him." Billy grumbled. He looked at the floor. "I don't know, okay?" Principal Newfoundland raised an eyebrow at Billy as he lowered his glasses, "So, you don't know why you attacked Levon and his friends?" He asked.
"No." Billy replied as he looked at the ground, a clear frown on his face.
The principal raised a brow. "Alright, in that case I think perhaps some manual labor could assist in helping you remember why." He looked at Levon. "And also teach you the importance of making sure you find an adult when there is a problem instead of resorting to violence." "What do you mean by manual labor, Principal Newfoundland?" Levon asked, tilting his head in confusion. "Well Levon, normally fighting would result in both of you being expelled. BUT! After talking to Billy's father and your mother, they managed to convince me that you two will clean a part of the school." Principal Newfoundland explained. "Oh... what part of the school do me and Billy have to clean?" Levon asked nervously. "You will be cleaning the boys restrooms connected to the gym." He said. "With toothbrushes."
"Toothbrushes?!" Levon and Billy exclaimed at the same time. "I'm kidding, but you both will be cleaning the restrooms." Principal Newfoundland explained. "Aww..." the two boys both groaned before Coach Boxer entered the office. "You done talking to them, Jameson?" Coach Boxer asked him. "Jameson?" Levon asked, looking at Principal Newfoundland. "Yes. It's his name. And right now you two are going to listen up. I don't deal with fighting. Your butts are in the locker room by the time I get to fifteen or I'm making you clean the main bathrooms too." He growled. "Yes sir!" Levon said as he immediately hurried out of the principal's office while Billy begrudgingly followed shortly after.
It was a quiet thirty minutes as Levon scrubbed the restroom floor while Billy scrubbed the toilets. "How are the toilets coming along?" Levon asked the Dun-colored Kangal. "Fine." He said. He didn't look over at the boy. "Okay...that looks great actually, you did a good job on that." Levon said, noticing how deeply clean the toilet looked. Billy looked over, "Thanks. I guess yours looks okay." He mumbled. The two continued cleaning for another few minutes by then they were almost done, "Hey Levon?" Billy asked as Levon stopped and looked up at him, "Yeah Billy?" The Grey Wolf asked, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"I don't hate you, you know." Billy replied, clenching the scrub brush in his hands.
"You don't?" Levon asked, surprised by this revelation. "No." Billy confessed, blushing in embarrassment because of his pride. "Then why did you try to hit Peter?" Levon asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "I was trying to hit you and I was mad because you kept shoving me." Billy replied, "That was because you were picking on Peter and Reggie." Levon retorted, "And you shoved Chelsea and I beat you because you punched Chelsea in the stomach." He added as he glared at the Kangal, the bully's face still battered from yesterday. "I don't want to hurt you again like that. But I don't want you to hurt my friends." He said.
"Fair enough... I'm... I'm sorry, okay?" Billy said before continuing to scrub the last toilet in the restroom. Levon stood there, surprised at Billy apologizing. "Hey Billy?" He asked him. "Yeah, what is it?" Billy asked, still scrubbing. "I accept your apology on one condition." Levon replied, holding up a finger. "Yeah, and what's that?" Billy asked, raising an eyebrow. "You need to apologize to Chelsea, Peter, and Reggie. Then I'll accept your apology." Levon explained. "Okay. I'll talk to them later." Billy said with a sigh. "Okay...I'm sorry for beating you up yesterday." Levon said before continuing to scrub the last part of the restroom floor.
"I'm sorry I was kind of a jerk." Billy admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "Why did you become a Bully in the first place?" Levon asked, curious as he looked up at the Kangal. "I'm not a bully." He replied, frowning at the accusation. "Dude, you shoved Peter's face into a locker, you shoved Reggie, then you shoved Chelsea and then punched her in the stomach." Levon retorted, "Oh yeah... I guess you're right..." Billy replied with his ears folded back. "Well... I didn't want to be like this, it's just... my mum left me and my dad when I was young, and some kids made fun of me for crying about it..." he explained as he sat on the restroom floor. "Oh... I'm sorry that happened." Levon replied, feeling sympathetic for the Dun colored Kangal.
"I don't want your sympathy, okay?" Billy looked away as he wiped his eyes. "My biological mum died when I was born and my biological father left me at a foster home. I was there until I was three years old, and that's when my mum and dad adopted me. Then I had my baby sisters, and they've been my real family ever since then." Levon explained as he finished scrubbing the restroom floor. Billy looked at Levon. "I… didn't know that. I'm sorry. I guess it was kind of bad that I was mean to you." Billy said feeling sorry for the Grey Wolf. "It's alright, it's okay if you want to cry about your mum. Do you try to talk to your dad about it?" Levon asked. "I don't wanna cry!" Billy yelled as his eyes began watering.
"Billy, it's okay to cry. Do you miss your mum?" Levon asked, walking over to him and putting a hand on his shoulder. "Shut up!" Billy broke down into tears and sat on the floor. "Billy, it's okay... just let it out." Levon said, rubbing the Kangal's back. "Don't… just leave me alone!" Billy said before pushing Levon away as he began sobbing onto the bathroom floor. "Billy, it's okay. Don't push me away, I'm here to help you." Levon said, continuing to rub Billy's back. "I promise I don't think any less of you, and I promise not to tell anyone about this."
"You better not!" Billy sniffed. "Thanks. I guess." He said wiping his muzzle, Levon smiled softly as he patted Billy's back, "Hey... I know you don't want to, but we can be friends if you want." Levon suggested. "Why would you want to be friends with me?" He sniffed. "I don't know... because I guess maybe we have a lot more in common than we realized." Levon replied, shrugging his shoulders. "But… even after I hit your friend and was mean?" He asked. "Well, you're sorry for what you did, right?" Levon asked, raising an eyebrow at the Dun-colored Kangal. "Well I don't want to do it again." Billy admitted. "I guess I'm sorry." He confessed. "Then, as long as you apologize to Peter, Reggie, and Chelsea... then I can put this behind us." Levon said, standing up before offering a hand to the Dun-colored Kangal.
Billy accepted it and stood up. "But, they all hate me." He looked down at the floor. "Well... maybe right now they do, but maybe over time, and if you promise not to bully anyone again, then they'll learn to let go too." Levon said, patting Billy on his shoulder. "I guess I can try it." He said. "And you promise you'll be my friend?" "Yeah mate, I promise." Levon replied, nodding his head before looking over the entire boys' restroom. "Looks like we're done here." He said, grabbing the cleaning supplies. "So, I guess I should find the others and tell them I'm sorry." Billy said. "Um, would you come with me? I don't think they'll listen to me on my own." "How about we wait until Monday?" Levon suggested, "I think they might still be mad. Let's give them the weekend to cool down a bit before you go asking for forgiveness, okay?" He explained as he thought of a plan.
"That makes sense." Billy nodded. "Maybe I should make some cards or something to say I'm sorry?" "Cards sound like a great start." Levon replied, "And if they don't accept your apology, then that's okay because forgiveness takes time." Billy nodded. "Thanks.I mean, like, you're a good guy. I'm sorry." "It's okay, Billy. I accepted your apology and I'm not perfect, but I appreciate you saying that." Levon said, patting the Kangal on the back before the two walked out or the restroom. The two left the restroom, and Billy looked at Levon. "So… what do we do now?" "I don't know, maybe ask our parents and... listen, I know it's none of my business, but maybe you could talk to your dad about your mum. My parents and me talk all the time." Levon suggested to Billy as Coach Boxer came walking up.
"You boys all done?" He asked the two of them. "Yes sir, the restroom is scrubbed and mopped." Levon replied before pointing his thumb over at Billy. "Billy did a great job cleaning the toilets while I scrubbed the floor." "I'll be the judge of that." He said and headed in to check the bathroom. Upon entering the restroom, Coach Boxer's eyes widened as he looked as how deeply scrubbed the bathroom was, how the tiles on the floor glistened in the florescent lights on the ceiling. "You boys actually did a good job." He nodded. "Alright. You're free to go." "Okay, thank you Coach Boxer." Levon said before they started walking to Principal Newfoundland's office.
The two returned to the office and waited outside the door for the principal to meet with them again. "Hi Principal Newfoundland, me and Billy finished cleaning the restroom like you told us to." Levon said, walking into the Black Newfoundland's office. "Good. Did you two have a chance to settle some of your differences?" He asked. Levon and Billy looked at each other before looking back at Principal Newfoundland and nodding their heads. "Yes sir." Billy replied. "Good. I'd hoped so." He nodded. "So, before you two leave, I'd like one final thing…" "Yes, Principal Newfoundland?" Levon asked, swallowing a lump in his throat.
"You two promise to not do this again. Any fighting from you and I won't be as lenient. Understood?" He asked, looking sternly at the two. Both of them shuttered before they quickly nodded their heads in understanding. "We promise, sir." Billy and Levon said at the same time. "Good. Go ahead and get to class." He said, gesturing to his door. The Grey Wolf and Kangal made their way out of the office and stopped at a split on the hallway, this is where they would go their separate ways to go to their classrooms. "I guess I'll talk to you later?" Levon asked, looking at the former school bully. "Yeah. I'll talk to you later." He nodded. "See ya Levon."
As the two began to go their separate ways, Billy stopped before looking down the hallway where Levon was walking. "Hey Levon?" Billy called out to the Grey Wolf, only for him to stop and look back at Billy, "Thanks for talking with me..." Billy said with a small smile, "No problem Billy, what happened in that restroom stays in there." Levon replied with a smile before the two continued to their classes.
The rest of the school day went normal aside from a couple of kids talking about what happened yesterday. Levon had realized that he had forgotten his backpack during the chaos. Thankfully, he didn't have any homework, he didn't have to come to school on a weekend, and he managed to patch things up with Billy. He sat outside the school waiting for his mother to pick him up. After a few minutes Chilli arrived and opened the door to welcome Levon in, "Levon, come on!" She smiled.
Levon got in and buckled his seatbelt before Chilli began driving out of the pick-up area. It was a quiet car ride for the pair as Chilli drove. She looked over at her son and saw he had a look of shame on his face, and his ears were folded back. She could tell that the guilt was still eating away at the Grey Wolf preteen. "Levon, do you want to talk?" She asked him with concern in her voice.
"I'm really sorry Mum..." Levon replied as he looked down at his hands in his lap. "I don't want an apology. I want to talk." Chilli said. "How did it go?" "Well... me and Billy managed to clean the boys' restroom, and we managed to talk things out. We're actually friends now." Levon explained as he went over everything that happened after him, and Billy went to clean. "He said he's gonna apologize to Chelsea, Peter, and Reggie when we go back to school on Monday."
"Well, I'm glad that you two are on better terms now." Chilli said with a smile. "And I hope things go well with Monday." She said as she continued driving back home. "I hope so too... I'm still sorry I caused problems." Levon said as he looked out the window at the things they passed by. "I understand why you did it, and I'm not mad. But you will be talking with your father when we get home." Chilli said. "Yes Ma'am..." Levon replied as they continued onto their way home. "So, before that, do you have anything else you wanted to talk about?" Chilli asked.
"I just wanted to tell him that I know sorry doesn't fix what I did, and I know that I didn't set a good example for Bluey and Bingo... but I don't regret defending my friends..." Levon explained with tears in the corner of his eyes. "And I'd do the same for my sisters if anyone hurt them." Chilli broke into tears, "I know he'll be happy to hear that. And I know he still loves you the same as always." Levon looked at his mother in shock as he saw her crying, "Mum, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!" Levon said as tears began to run down his cheeks. "Please don't cry! If you start crying, then I'll start crying!" He said as he tried to wipe his eyes, only for hot, fresh ones to replace them.
Chilli sniffed as she put on her blinker and pulled to the side of the road. She looked over at her son, tears flowing freely down her face. "Levon, I love you. And nothing will ever change that!" She hugged him tightly. "And your father and sisters, we all feel the same way." Levon then took off his seatbelt and hugged his mother tightly as he cried into her chest, "I know you didn't give birth to me, but I don't care about that! You and Dad will always be my real parents!" He said before he began sobbing. "I love you sweetheart. And YOU ARE my baby. I have loved you from that first day I met you. And I love you more than all the stars in the sky and all the fish in the sea and every grain of sand on the planet. You are my Levon, and I will always love you." She held him tightly.
"I love you so much, I love our whole family so much! I can't imagine what my life would be like without any of you in my life!" Levon said as he returned the embrace. The mother son duo sat there holding each other for what seemed like ten minutes. Finally, Chilli and Levon calmed down and got their seat belts back on before they continued on their way home. "Mum... I'm sorry for making you cry." Levon said, wiping his muzzle.
"It's okay love, it wasn't a bad cry." She smiled. "I know... but I don't want to hurt you or our family..." Levon explained as he looked out the window. "You didn't hurt any of us. And I'm sure your father will make that clear when he talks with you." Chilli noted. Levon looked at his mother and nodded his head before the two continued on their way home. A few minutes later the 4x4 had arrived and parked out front. Levon and Chilli walked up the front walk and she unlocked the door. Bingo and Bluey were playing in the living room. Bandit was in the kitchen making dinner. Chilli walked into the kitchen and kissed her husband on his cheek, "Hi babe, sorry we're late. The girls weren't too much trouble for you?" She asked him with a smile.
"Not at all. Right now I think they're playing deep sea diver. I hid a few of our coins from when we visited Europe all those years ago in the living room and they're looking to find them." He explained with a smile. Chilli chuckled as she shook her head at the Light Blue Heeler, "Well, I hope you didn't make it too hard." She said as Bandit turned to look at his wife and saw her eyes were red. "Hey, everything alright babe? You look like you were just crying..." Bandit held her hand. "Something happened?"
Chilli smiled before grabbing his other hand, "No Bandit, I'm okay, me and Levon just had a nice moment together on the way home." She explained before kissing Bandit on his cheek. "He said that he wanted to tell you something before you talked with him." "Oh, okay." Bandit nodded. "He knows I'm not mad or anything, right?" Chilli nodded her head before Bandit looked behind her and saw Levon standing in the doorway nervously. "Hi Dad..." he greeted his father with a small wave.
"Hey mate, your mum said you wanted to talk with me before we discuss what happened at school." Bandit crouched down. "You know I'm not mad right? I do want to talk, not to get you in trouble, but so we can figure out what to do next time." Levon nodded his head before taking a deep breath, "I know what I did was wrong, and I know that I didn't set the best example for Bluey and Bingo... but I don't regret defending my friends and I'd do the same thing if someone was hurting Bluey or Bingo." Levon explained as he walked over to his father and hugged him. "I promise I'll be better next time…"
Bandit smiled slightly and hugged his son. "Levon I know, and you don't need to regret defending your friends. But what happened, well, I'm glad you're okay. Next time you need to get a teacher. You're a big kid, but what if it was a teenager? Or more than one kid? I don't want you getting the stuffing beat out of you because you were trying to keep someone else safe." Levon looked up at his father confused, "But... I'd rather get hurt than let my baby sisters get hurt. I'd fight a whole army before I let anyone harm them..." he replied, hugging his father tightly. "Isn't that what big brothers are supposed to do? Protect their little siblings and make sure they are happy and safe?"
"Yes, but I don't want you getting hurt either. If there's a serious problem, get a grown up. You got lucky this time." Bandit pushed up some fur on his arm to reveal an old scar. "I dealt with one of Stripe's bullies when we were in high school. He had a knife. I had to get stitches because I stepped in. If I would've called for help it wouldn't've happened." Levon stared at the scar for a moment, "But you didn't... if you ran to get help, then Stripe would've gotten hurt or worse." He retorted, looking up into his father's eyes. "So... if someone tries to hurt my sisters and I get hurt... as long as they're safe, then it would be worth it."
"Levon, I don't want any of you getting hurt. The point is, if something happens, something really dangerous, take your friends, or sisters, and get help. You don't have to be a hero." Bandit hugged his son. "I don't want you getting hurt either, mate." He said, rubbing his back, "What if... someone goes to get help while I try to distract the person trying to hurt them?" Levon suggested with a raised eyebrow. "Then, in a way I can keep the people I'm protecting safe while they run off to get help?"
"Look, I don't want anyone putting themselves in harm's way. If it's not a big threat, fine. But if it's someone with a weapon, you are not to distract them. You get yourself and your friends out of there and get an adult, okay?" Bandit explained. Levon sat there for a moment, processing his father's advice before looking back up at him, "Okay Dad, I promise, and I promise to continue protecting my sisters." He replied, grabbing his fathers hand. "Good." Bandit nodded. "And I am proud you defended your friends. But remember, what are you doing next time?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at his oldest son.
"Getting an adult or let one of them get an adult?" Levon asked, raising an eyebrow, wanting to make sure his answer was correct. "Yes." Bandit nodded. "How did things go with the boy, Billy? Your mother said you two had to do some cleaning today?" He asked. "Yeah... we actually did a great job, we managed to talk things out, and we're kind of friends now." Levon replied with a small smile. Bandit smiled. "I'm glad to hear that." He stood up, "Maybe we could have him over and talk sometime."
"That would be nice..." Levon replied with his ears folded back, "Do you need to talk to me about anything else, Dad?" He asked, looking up at his father. "Not that I can think of. You aren't being punished. The school already handled that." Bandit remarked. "Okay... I'm gonna go up to my room now..." Levon said before walking out of the kitchen and through the living room and up the stairs to his room. Bandit turned to Chilli. "He's a good kid. I just hope this heroism thing never gets him hurt."
"I know, but he's only doing it to protect the ones he cares about." She replied with a small smile before looking down at her husband's arm. "I never knew you had a scar." She said, rubbing his arm. "I don't really bring it up that much." He replied. "I was kind of a lousy older brother a lot, but I guess I was okay once in a while." Bandit shrugged. Chilli said nothing before kissing her husband on his cheek, "Well, I think that was brave of you to protect Stripe." She said, resting her head on his chest. "I think you're a wonderful brother…"
"Now maybe. But I was awful as a kid. I'm proud Levon is such a good one." Bandit smiled. "Well, you and him had different upbringings. But, there's still time for you and Stripe to make up for all those times." Chilli replied, rubbing her husband's back. "I should reach out more." Bandit sighed. "But it's hard to undo thirty plus years of problems." He said crossing his arms as he thought about all the times he had picked on Stripe when they were kids. "I know... but I don't want you and Stripe to end up like me and Brandy..." Chilli replied, sighing with her ears folded back. "True." Bandit nodded. "I'll call him after dinner, maybe we can at least start hashing out a few things?"
"I think that would be a great start..." Chilli replied before looking down at the floor, she then felt her husband's hand grab onto her. "Hey... what happened between you two wasn't your fault." He said, pecking her on the lips. Chilli smiled. "I know. It's just… not easy." She sighed. "I understand, but I'm here if you ever need to talk to me or we don't even have to talk. Whatever you need, I'll be there for you." Bandit replied, kissing his wife on her forehead. "Thanks Big Blue." She kissed him back. "Right now I think I could use a lovely dinner with my family. Do you think you can help with that?"
Bandit smiled before he showed her what he was making, "Would malady be in the mood for some Chicken Alfredo this evening?" He asked, gesturing to the pot of boiling noodles and chicken that was already fried. "That sounds delicious." She smiled. "Do you want me to get the girls and Levon washed up before dinner?" She asked, running her hand up her chest. "Why don't give Bluey and Bingo some more time to find those coins and Levon some time by himself?" Bandit suggested. "Fair enough." She replied with a smile. "Would you like any help in the kitchen in the meantime?" She asked. "I wouldn't mind the company." Bandit replied with a wink as he wrapped his arm around his wife's waist and pulled her in close.
"You're cheeky, you know that?" She chuckled. She pinched his rear, causing him to straighten slightly. "Now, now, let's save that for when the kids are out of the house." Bandit whispered into her ear. "Or maybe later tonight?" She winked before stepping away to get a cutting board and start on the vegetables for the salad. "Eh... I don't know about that, Levon's got really good hearing. Do you really want to see those eyes glowing in the dark as we're you know..." Bandit explained with a sheepish smile. "Fair enough…" she sighed. "But you owe me. It's been nearly a month." She pointed at him. "And I need my big blue boy…" Bandit nodded as he stirred the pot of boiling noodles, "And I need my curvaceous girl..." he replied with a wink.
"What's curvaceous mean?" Bluey asked.
Bandit and Chilli nearly jumped a foot in the air. "Does it mean pretty?" Bingo added. "Girls… we thought you were still playing." Bandit said. "We found all the coins!" Bingo held up a handful. "Yeah, thanks for hiding them." Bluey smiled. "But is curvaceous pretty?" Bingo asked. "Well no... it means when something has curves." Bandit explained, not having the heart to lie to his daughters. He always firmly believed in honesty with his children. "So, it's a compliment?" Bingo said. "But dad, you're more curvaceous than mum." Bluey said. "Your belly is all curvaceous."
Bandit was shocked upon hearing his daughters refer to his weight, he had been trying for a while to get in shape. But, life always had a way of getting in the way of his progress. "Look, it's a word dads call mums when they've been married like me and your mum have." He explained as he gestured to Chilli, "But I don't want you girls to repeat that word around anyone, because they could take it in a different way." He explained. "Okay. But I love your tummy daddy." Bingo jiggled his stomach. "Yeah! If mum can be curvaceous, so can you!" Bluey noted.
"Gee, thanks." Bandit replied, rolling his eyes with a chuckle before hugging both of his daughters close to his chest. "Just promise me and your mum that you won't use that word, okay?" He asked, looking at Bluey and Bingo. "I won't use it." Bingo nodded. "So I can't use it with Calypso?" Bluey asked. "No!" Bandit and Chilli replied in unison. "It's a word that most people might think you're calling them fat." Bandit explained. "Oh. So I shouldn't say it." Bluey noted. "Exactly, It's a word that grown-ups use when they're married." Bandit replied.
"Like penis?" Bingo asked. "Bingo Melanie Heeler! Where did you hear that word?!" Bandit said, shocked at hearing what just left his youngest daughter's mouth. "Mum and you were talking about your penis in the bathroom. She said something about it being big." Bingo said. Bandit smacked his hand on the forehead as he and Chilli blushed in pure embarrassment. "Yes, that's also a word you can't use either..." Bandit replied, pinching the gap between his eyes. "Please tell me you didn't use that word around anyone?" He asked, looking at his youngest daughter.
"No…" Bingo said hesitantly. "Bingo…" Bluey said, warning her sister. "Okay. I asked Lila what it was. That's all!" Bingo said. "Oh God, no!" Bandit and Chilli groaned, knowing the problems that awaited them in the future with Mrs. Maltese. "Okay... from now on, if you girls hear a word that you don't understand, tell me or your mum." Bandit said in a stern tone. "Okay dad." Bluey nodded. "I'm sorry dad." Bingo said. "Me and your father aren't mad at you, we just want the both of you to be more careful so you don't get in trouble." Chilli explained, placing a hand on both of her daughters shoulders. "We love you both very much." She said, kissing both of them on their foreheads. "Okay." Bingo nodded. "I won't tell anyone else. Lila didn't know what it was. What is a penis?" She asked, looking at both of her parents.
Bandit froze, not knowing what to do. He knew he couldn't lie to his daughters, but were they ready to learn what the word meant. He sat there quietly for a moment before looking up at his wife for help. "Um…" Chilli said with a pause. "It's the opposite of what you have." "What?" Bluey asked. "You know that special area you have that we talked about? The no touch area?" Chilli asked. "Well, boys have that too and ours is called a penis." Bandit explained. "Oh! Why didn't you say so?" Bingo said. "Well..." Bandit replied, swallowing a lump in his throat. "You kids are young and innocent, me and your mum just want you both to stay that way for a long time. Because when you two get to be older than Levon in the future, you'll learn some things that aren't so innocent." Bandit said, trying to explain as carefully as possible.
"So it's just to make sure we're okay, and so we don't get things we shouldn't know about?" Bluey asked. "Exactly!" Bandit replied, relieved, "So now I hope you both know that next time you hear a word or see something that doesn't feel right, just know that we aren't being mean. We just want you two to be safe." He explained with a smile. "Okay dad. We understand." Bluey nodded. "Good girls... Now, go wash up for dinner." Chilli said, rubbing both of their heads. "Okay Mum!" Bingo said. "We'll be back in a few minutes." Bluey said, the two running off to wash up.
Chilli and Bandit stood there in the kitchen for a moment, trying to process what happened. "Now, do you understand why I want to wait until the kids are out of the house?" Bandit asked, looking at his wife. "Yeah. I can see the merit in it." Chilli said, a slight blush still in her face. "It's okay. We just need to be more careful when the kids are around." Bandit replied before walking over and kissing his wife on her cheek. "Ooh! Smoochy kiss!" Levon chuckled as he entered the kitchen. "Hey mate, how are you holding up?" Bandit asked his son with a raised eyebrow. "I'm doing better now." Levon replied as he grabbed a Ginger Beer from the fridge, when suddenly the doorbell rang. "Would you mind checking the door? We're finishing up dinner." Bandit asked. "Sure Dad." Levon replied as he sat his unopened can of soda on the kitchen table before leaving to go answer the front door.
When he arrived he opened it and saw a familiar face. "Oh, hey Chelsea." Levon smiled. "Um, what's up?" Despite his calm demeanor, panic, and anxiety were flooding the Grey Wolf's brain. "What... bring you to my house? Wait, how did you know where I live?" He asked the Brown and Grey Coyote. "Your backpack had it on the inside." Chelsea held up his bag. "I wanted to return this." "Oh, thank you..." Levon said as he handed him his backpack as he looked at it. He began to remember the events of what happened yesterday. "H-How's your stomach and your ankle doing?" He asked, looking into Chelsea's eyes.
"My ankle is a little sore, but my stomach is mostly okay." Chelsea said. "Thanks again for defending me. It was really nice." She said with a small smile and a huge blush across her face. "Well, I hated seeing you get hurt because of me and... is... is everyone talking about the fight?" Levon asked worriedly. "A few people. Mostly how Billy got his butt kicked." Chelsea noted. "Ah..." Levon replied, nodding his head, "Chelsea?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, what is it?" She asked. Levon swallowed a lump in his throat before replied, "I... I'm really sorry you got hurt because of me..." he said with his ears folded back, a look of guilt adorned his face as he looked away, unable to look his friend in her eyes. "It's my fault you and Peter got hurt... and maybe... it's for the best that all of you don't hang around me..." he said as he turned to head back into his house before he felt Chelsea's hand grab his arm.
"Levon, it is NOT your fault. First you protected Peter. Then you came to my defense after Billy shoved me." She raised a brow. "You're my friend, and I'm not going to stop hanging out with you because you helped me. That's nuts!" Levon stood there quiet for a moment before taking a deep breath, "Chelsea... I think it's for the best that I stop hanging around you and your friends..." he said with his back facing Chelsea, there was silence for what felt like an eternity before the Brown and Grey Coyote spoke up again.
"If you really mean that... then turn around and look me in the eye and tell me you don't want to be friends anymore." He heard Chelsea say in a pained but stern tone. Levon knew he had to, it was the only way to protect Chelsea and her friends. He slowly turned around to see tears in Chelsea's eyes, the sight tore at his heart strings. Levon then took a moment before saying something, "I'm sorry, Chelsea..." he said as tears welled in the corner of his eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt you…" He couldn't get the last words out as if they were caught in his throat. His eyes watered as he coughed, trying to hide the incoming tears. Suddenly, he felt Chelsea's hands in his face before her thumbs wiped away his tears. Levon looked into her eyes, not knowing what he should say or do in this situation.
"Levon. You're a good friend. And I don't want to ever have you feel like you have to leave us. Please, look at me." She asked as the Grey Wolf had closed his eyes shut. Levon swallowed another lump in his throat before looking directly into her eyes. "Levon I like you, we all like you. Please don't hate yourself." Chelsea pleaded with tears in the corner of her eyes. "I-I... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to be such a Drongo..." Levon replied as he wiped his eyes. "I don't mean to be such a squib…" he said before clearing his throat. "You're not a squib or a drongo. Well, maybe a bit of a drongo…" she chuckled.
Levon gave a light-hearted laugh before he heavily sighed, "I'm sorry for not wanting to be friends anymore... I still want to be friends, I like hanging out with you guys. I just have so many thoughts going through my head, I just don't want you Peter or anyone to get hurt again…" he explained running a hand through his hair. "It's okay. I'm just glad that we're still able to stay friends." She smiled. "Me too..." Levon replied with a small smile. The two stared into each other's eyes for a moment, smiling and their tails wagged. "Well I have to go…"Chelsea said with her ears folded back. "Oh yeah, I gotta go too. It's dinner and... thanks again for returning by backpack." Levon said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you live far from here, Chelsea?" He asked. "Actually, I live in a neighborhood just like this one a block away from here." Chelsea replied. "Wait, really?!" Levon asked, surprised.
"Yeah, my house is right that direction, it's green and white you can't miss it." She said, pointing over on Levon's right. "Oh wow, that's great to hear. I'll have to come over and visit sometime." Levon said, smiling as his tail wagged happily. "Maybe we can have you over for dinner sometime?" She offered. "Yeah, I can check with my parents, and I'll let you know on Monday at school?" Levon suggested. "Awesome! Send me a text, or call or whatever." She blushed slightly. "I'll see you!" She ran off and waved as she left the yard. "See you around!" She called out to Levon as he watched her get on his bike and petal out of his neighborhood. "See you around..." he muttered to himself as he stood there for a moment before going back into the house. "Hey, you got your backpack." Bingo pointed to her brother's bag.
Levon jolted a bit before he turned around to his youngest sibling, "Yeah, I sure did." He replied, rubbing the top of her head before walking into the house as Bingo followed behind. The three siblings arrived in the dining room and sat down as Bandit and Chilli arrived with the food. "Wow, dinner smells great!" Levon said as he sniffed the air. "Thanks mate, me and your mum made Chicken Alfredo." Bandit replied with a smile. "Oh man, I can't wait to dig in, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!" He heard his oldest son reply. Levon happily took a bite and smiled. "This is really good!" Bluey and Bingo also looked from their plates. "Dad, you could totally be a chef!" Bluey smiled. "It's very tasty. You did a good job!" Bingo added. "Thanks kids, but your mum helped too." Bandit replied, turning to his wife, "Oh well, you both did awesome on this!" Levon replied as he continued to eat his Chicken Alfredo.
After dinner the family moved into the living room. Levon talked with his sisters and played another round of divers, and Bandit and Chilli watched the three play. "I think today turned out really well." Bandit said, turning to his wife. "Yeah." She smiled, leaning against him, she looked at their kids playing. "This. This is perfect." She hugged him. "But… what if it was more perfect?" Bandit looked at Chilli with a confused look on his face, "How could it possibly be anymore perfect?" He asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. "Well… what if there was more to love?" She asked. "Like… a fourth?" Bandit's eyes widened as he swallowed a lump in his throat, "Chilli... I... I don't... Can we discuss this later?" He asked, rubbing the back of his head. "Bandit. Our babies are growing up. I want another little one." She held his hand.
They both looked into each other's eyes for a moment before he sighed, "Chilli... you know I love you, and I would love to have as many children with you. But we're not getting any younger. We can barely keep up with the Bluey and Bingo's games, I just feel like... we need to have the energy for when the kids all become teenagers. You understand, right babe?" Bandit explained as he held both of his wife's hands. "Okay. But I still want more. The two of us. We have three amazing kids. But… we could do more. You're an incredible dad and I love you so much. I just want to be able to love more." She explained. "I know, but... you and I both know that there's... complications for having kids at this stage of our lives." Bandit replied with a look of concern on his face. "I know…" Chilli sighed. She looked at Levon, the young grey Wolf playing with his little sisters. "Maybe we could adopt again? Levon is an amazing older brother. Why not give another child a chance at love?"
"Chilli..." Bandit tried to say before heavily sighing, "I... I don't think I want to have any more kids, I'm happy with the kids we've raised together. How about a pet?" Bandit suggested. "Okay. I suppose that could be fine." Chilli replied with a sigh. "You know I love you, and if I was in my twenties again and had the energy I had back then, I'd probably give you as many kids and Bella and Donovan have." Bandit said, rubbing his wife's back. "But, life doesn't work that way, but if I could relive everything... to be honest, I wouldn't change a thing." He said, kissing his wife on her cheek. Chilli smiled and kissed him back. "Okay… but I seriously do want another. But I guess I can see what you're saying."
"I found another one!" Bluey called out victorious, "Nice job Bluey, but why don't we give Bingo a chance to find some, okay?" Levon asked his little sister. "Okay." She nodded. "Do you want help Bingo, or do you want to do it yourself?" Bluey asked turning to their youngest sibling, "Umm... I think I'd like to try to find some by myself." Bingo replied before Levon rubbed the top of her head, "Okay, but don't be afraid to ask for help if you need any." Levon explained to the little Red Heeler. The youngest Heeler looked around, checking under the sofa. After a few minutes she hadn't had any success. She sat on the floor, her ears drooping slightly. "Bingo, are you okay?" Levon asked, sitting down beside her. "Do you want some help?" He asked as he rubbed her back.
"Yeah…" she sniffed. "I'm not very good at this game I think. I only got the coins earlier cause Bluey helped. I can't do it on my own." Bingo suddenly felt herself being picked up, and her head rested against Levon's chest. "Shh, it's okay. Me and Bluey had to have help with a lot of things before we started doing them on our own." He said, rubbing her back before kissing the top of her head. She smiled a little. "Could you maybe help me a little?" Bingo asked. "Of course I will, but first. I'd like you to try and find some coins on your own one more time. Did you look everywhere?" Levon asked, raising an eyebrow at his youngest sister. "I think so. I checked the couch and the floor and the table…" she listed. "Oh, I didn't check the chair!" She said as she realized what she'd overlooked. "That a girl." Levon replied before putting his little sister down as she ran over to the chair to see if there were any coins.
Bingo flipped up the cushion to reveal a few Euros. "I found some!" She cheered. "Way to go, baby girl! I'm so proud of you!" Levon said proud of her, his chest swelling with brotherly pride. "I knew you could do it." He said ruffling the top of her head. "Thanks Levon!" Bingos tail wagged as she smiled. "Mum! Dad! I found treasure on my own!" she said as she ran over to show her parents. "Wow, you found more than me!" Bluey said, surprised but proud of her sister. "Nice going, squirt!" Bandit said, rubbing the top of her head. She giggled. "And I think it's about time we start getting you three ready for bed." Chilli said as she looked up at the wall clock. "Okay Mum." Levon replied before collecting the Euros that him and his sisters found during their game and handing them back to their father. "Is that all of them, Dad?" Levon asked, wanting to be sure.
Bandit quickly counted, "Yeah, that's all of them." He smiled. "Okay, come on girls. Let's get washed up for bed!" Levon said, picking up his sisters before carrying them upstairs. "Levon!" Bluey and Bingo exclaimed as they chuckled. "Come on, time for bed!" He said, mimicking their father. Chilli and Bandit chuckled at their children before looking at each other, "I think we've done a good job raising them." He said with a smile. "I'd say so." Chilli said. "You're a good dad." She said as they gazed into each other's eyes. "And you're an amazing mum, a great wife, and an animal in the sack." Bandit said with a wink.
"Bandit Heeler!" Chilli bushed as she tapped his chest. "Just for that you're going to owe me next time." She said with a chuckle. "Well... how about when the kids are out one night and you do that thing you did on our honeymoon and I'll..." Bandit suggested before he whispered into his wife's ear. Chilli's brow raised before a huge blush crept across her face,"Oh, I'd like that!" She replied with a smile. "I knew you would." Bandit said with a chuckle. "Mum, Dad?" Levon said from the stairs. "Yes Levon?" Bandit replied. "Bluey can't find her toothbrush!" Levon called down. "Did you look in the shower or bathtub?" Bandit asked, "Bluey, did you look in the shower or the bathtub?" Levon called up the stairs to his sister. "No! Let me see…" Bluey said after a minute she called. "Found it!"
"Why would it be in the shower or bathtub?" Levon muttered, confused as he went back upstairs. Bandit chuckled. "I'll get them put down. I'll see you in a little." He headed up the stairs. Later that night, Levon sat in his bed, looking out his window at the stars. He wondered how school was gonna be, how the other kids would treat him now that he had beaten Billy Kangal? He began to ponder when there was a knock at his door. "Come in!" Levon said, turning to the door. The door opened to reveal his father, "Hey mate, just wanted to wish you goodnight, and I love you." Bandit said, standing in the doorway. "I love you too... Dad, can we talk?" Levon asked as he sat up in his bed. "Of course mate, What do you want to talk about?" Bandit asked.
"I guess... I'm worried about what the kids at school will say about me once I go back." Levon explained with his ears folded back. "Well, you can just be honest and tell them what happened and how it went. Being honest is the best in situations like these." Bandit explained as he sat down on his son's bed. Levon nodded his head, understanding what his father was telling him. "One of my friends came by earlier today before dinner..." he said, running a finger along his bedsheets. "Oh, is that how you got your backpack back?" He asked. "Yeah." Levon replied with his ears folded back, "She told me that her house isn't far from here and... she wanted to have me over for dinner someday. Is that okay with you and Mum?" He asked, looking up at his father. "Sure. I'll talk to your mum and we'll figure out what day works." Bandit replied with a nod. "Okay Dad, Chelsea wanted to ask her mum too, and we both agreed to let each other know on Monday." Levon explained as his ears perked up.
"Sounds like a plan." Bandit smiled. "Anything else you wanted to talk about?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at the Grey Wolf. "I... don't think so. Did you want to talk about something?" Levon asked. "I don't think so." Bandit smiled. "How about we get you to bed and if we think of anything we talk in the morning, okay?" He asked as he tucked Levon in and kissed his forehead. "Okay Dad, what are we doing this weekend?" Levon asked as he rested his head on his pillow. "Well, me and your mum are planning on visiting Nana and Grandad tomorrow." Bandit replied. "Oh that's nice, I can't remember the last time we visited them." Levon said with a smile as his tail wagged under his covers.
"Yeah. But you need a good night's sleep to enjoy tomorrow. You think you can do that for me mate?" Bandit smiled at his son. "Yes sir! Good night, I love you and Mum too. Can you tell her I said good night?" Levon asked with a yawn. "I will." Bandit stroked his son's forehead. "Goodnight Levon, I love you." Bandit shut off the light and walked into the hall. He made his way back into the master bedroom and lied down on his and Chilli's bed as his wife walked out of the bathroom. "Looking forward to seeing your parents tomorrow?" She asked as she got in bed. "Yeah, it'll be nice to see them again. Levon's excited, oh and he wanted me to tell you he said good night." Bandit replied as he turned to face his wife.
"He's a very sweet boy. Just like his father." Chilli said with a smile as she kissed him. "Thanks babe... do you... ever wonder what his parents were like?" Bandit asked as he gazed into her eyes. "I can't say I haven't. But I do wonder how anyone could give up such a perfect child." She said, "Or how could anyone adopt a child just to put them through hell?" Bandit said, heavily sighing. "But that's behind him. Thank God." Chilli smiled. "I know... all those times, he got scared wondering if we were gonna hit or yell at him..." Bandit said with tears in the corner of his eyes. "No kid should have to live like that…" he said, grabbing Chilli's hand. "He knows we love him. And we're helping him heal. His friends and us." Chilli said with a soft smile.
"I make sure that I love him every day... you know... my dad wasn't perfect, but at least he wasn't a drunk who beat me or my brothers." Bandit said, swallowing a lump in his throat. "I know. You're a good father." She smiled. "And tomorrow he'll get to have more good memories with our family." She said before kissing her husband on his cheek. Bandit nodded as he kissed his wife's lips, "You're not mad at me for not wanting any more kids?" He asked with his ears folded back. "No. But I am going to convince you somehow." She said with a coy smile. "Babe, I'm just thinking about our well-being. We can barely keep up with work, the kids, and their activities." Bandit said, looking into his wife's eyes. "I know you want another baby, but... won't it be nice to have some us time?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Chilli thought about it for a moment before she smiled and kissed her husband, "Maybe… but I still want another and I'll get it one way or another. Night!" She said before rolling over away from her husband. "Not if I wear franger..." Bandit muttered under his breath. Little did he know that Chilli had a plan and she knew she was going to succeed.
(A/N: Hey guys... I'm really sorry for this chapter taking so long. I promise I'll keep all of you up to date. Be sure to find me on Discord under Levon Heeler, be sure to ask me questions there. I want to thank The_Suburban_Guy for helping me once again with this chapter, he was a real help. Stay Tuned for the next chapter of Life of Levon.)