Author's Note: Hey everybody! Here's the next chapter! Let's see what Thomas does with the new puppy and what everyone will think of it's newest member!Enjoy! :D

Later that night, Thomas arrived back to the park house. He parked Benson's car in the driveway, then gently lifted the dog out of the backseat. He tiptoed up the steps, stopping in front of the window to peek inside. The house was completely dark, except for a light shining from the kitchen.

'Crap. I gotta be extremely quiet.'

Thomas slid over to the door and slowly turned the handle. He shut it behind him then turned back around. Noises of someone rummaging through the fridge was heard. Thomas peered over into the kitchen and spotted someone he could trust. He walked into the kitchen with the puppy.

He tapped the person on the shoulder, "Hey, Mordecai?"

Mordecai jumped at the sudden contact and spun around, "What?!" He put his hand to his heart, "Oh, oh geez, Thomas! You scared the crap out of me!"

"Sorry, dude. What are you doing?"

"I'm getting a snack as I was-" he looked down to the sleeping puppy. "Wait a second...why do you have that dog?"

"Well, CJ and I rescued him outside the restaurant." he replied.

Mordecai smiled, "Really? That's awesome! I bet you seemed pretty heroic to CJ." he smirked. "So, how did the date go?"

"It went perfect! We ate a great dinner and your tips helped so much. We even ended it with this long, romantic kiss!" he grinned.

"That's amazing Thomas! Thanks! But you look pretty exhausted."

"Yeah, I'm tired. But before I go to bed, I need your help..."

"Sure dude, anything you need."

He put his voice to a whisper, "Where can I hide the dog? I don't want Benson finding out, especially right now."

Mordecai rubbed his chin in thought, "Hmm. Well, how about you sleep down here on the couch with him? Everything is down here that you would need."

Thomas hesitated, "Are you sure Benson won't find out?"

He put a hand on Thomas' shoulder reassuringly, "Dude, it's Benson. Just go to sleep and what happens, happens."

"Okay, thanks. I'll see you tomorrow, Mordecai. Night."

"Night, man. I'm gonna make a meatball sub."

Thomas walked out of the kitchen and sat down on the couch, petting the little dog in his lap. He chuckled, "CJ was right. You are pretty cute." He sprawled out onto the couch gently so as to not disturb the puppy. The canine yipped a little, then nestled into his tuxedo.

The next morning, Thomas was awoken by something wet on his face. He groggily opened his eyes and saw the puppy licking him to get him up.

He got up and sat the dog on the floor, wiping the slobber of himself, "Augh! Darn it..." The puppy cocked his head to the side, looking up at Thomas like he did something wrong. Thomas smiled back at him and rubbed his head, "Aw, I can't stay mad at that face."

The puppy suddenly whimpered. "What's wrong, boy? Are you hungry or something?" It responded by barking and wagging his tiny tongue.

"Hmm. I'll take that as a 'Yes!'. Just let me change out of my tux into some back-up clothes I keep in the closet upstairs, then I'll find you something to eat."

Thomas headed up the steps and walked past Benson's office. Luckily, he was on a phone call with Mr. Mallard, so he didn't see Thomas out in the hallway. Thomas was able to get some clothes and headed into the bathroom to change. He took a quick shower and put his everyday clothes on then put the tuxedo in the laundry basket. He was in the middle of combing his hair, when he heard a voice downstairs.

"WHY IS THERE A DOG IN THE HOUSE?!"

'Oh no...'

He bolted down the staircase, stopping when he saw Benson staring down the puppy.

"Benson, you're awake?!"

"Yes, I am! Thomas, do you know about this?"

He stuttered, "I-I uh-"

Benson narrowed his eyes, "I won't have animals inside the park house. It could carry a disease, or fleas, for all you know! Get it out of here, now!"

Mordecai and Rigby heard all the shouting and came downstairs, stopping halfway.

"Dude, Benson, what's going on?" Mordecai yawned.

"Thomas brought this 'thing' into the house. I'm ordering him to remove it! I won't have it spreading a sickness or something dangerous to our employees!"

Mordecai stomped down the steps and stormed up to Benson. He threw his wings up, "Benson, how can you say that?! It's a tiny puppy! The worst it could do is bark at you!" He looked over to Thomas, "Hey, get him something to eat, then give him a bath. I'll handle Benson."

"Oh, you'll 'handle' me?! Mordecai, I don't mind if animals come into the park grounds outside, but I refuse to bring them inside a place where people eat and sleep!"

Mordecai pointed his thumb to his short friend, "So? Rigby is here all the time..."

Rigby raised his arms in the air, "Hey!"

Just then, Skips entered the house. "Hey guys I- Whoa, what's going on in here?"

Mordecai spoke up, "Skips, Benson is being completely unreasonable! Thomas brought a puppy to the house and 'Loudmouth' over here is ordering him to remove it!"

Benson grew red with anger, "'Loudmouth'?! Why I'd ought to-"

Skips pushed the two workers away from each other. "Cool it! Benson, go back to your work, I'll talk to Mordecai and Thomas."

Benson sighed, "Ugh! Fine..." He stormed past Rigby who just sat on the steps and watched everything unfold like TV.

"Well, looks like the show's over. I'm going back to bed." Rigby said, scurrying up to the bedroom.

Mordecai sat down with Skips on the couch. "So Skips, why is Benson acting like that?"

"Hold up. Thomas, can you come in here?" he asked, shouting into the kitchen.

Thomas walked in holding the puppy in his grasp. "What's up Skips?"

Skips patted the couch, "Come sit down, I need to explain to you both something about Benson he's kept hidden for a long time."

Thomas did as he was asked. "Is it about the dog?"

Skips nodded, "Yes. When Benson was a kid, his parents didn't allow pets in the house. He wanted a dog so badly, but his parents were allergic to the fur."

Mordecai frowned, "So he takes it out on this little guy? That's messed up man!"

Skips continued, "Not only that, but his dad would yell if he ever tried to bring one indoors. They only allowed him to play outside with animals."

Thomas was wide-eyed. "Wow, I feel bad for Benson dude."

"Look, Thomas, you should go upstairs and stand up for the dog. Bring the dog up and show Benson he's not a threat to anyone."

Thomas smiled, "Thanks Skips."

Skips waved his hand, "No problem boys! Well, I gotta go do my chores for today. See ya!" he grinned, skipping out the door.

"Yeah, and I gotta wake up. I'm gonna make some coffee. You want any Thomas?" Mordecai offered.

"Nah. I gotta bathe him remember?" he declined, heading upstairs with the dog to the bathtub.

Twenty minutes passed, with Benson calming down a bit. Thomas came up and knocked on the closed office door.

"Who is it?" Benson asked.

"Um, it's me...Thomas."

Benson sighed, "What do you want now?"

"Can I come in please? I need to talk to you."

Benson got up and unlocked his door. "I suppose you- Wait, why do you have that with you?! I told you-"

Thomas pushed past Benson in the room. "Benson, please hear me out! Skips talked to us and-"

"HE WHAT?! What did he say?!" he yelled.

"Quiet! You'll scare the dog! He told us about how you didn't have any pets when you were a kid..."

Benson groaned and fell back into his chair. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, "And how I wanted one a ton, right? How my parents never let me get one?"

"Yes. I'm giving you a chance to have that happiness Benson. Please, at least pet the puppy." he pleaded, putting the dog gently on Benson's lap.

"No! I-I-" Benson stared down at the dog.

"Just pet him, that's all I'm asking."

Benson was hesitant. He slowly reached down and nervously petted the dog across his back, his hand shaking. The dog barked and grinned at Benson, as if he was happy for the gumball machine. He stared back into the puppy's eyes, starting to get a little emotional.

"See? He's harmless dude!" Thomas smiled.

Benson chuckled, "Yeah...I guess he is. Thank you for bringing him in Thomas."

"So?"

Benson looked at him with a confused expression, "So what?"

"Can we keep him here? CJ's hotel doesn't allow pets, and neither does my dorm. This was the only place I could bring him."

Benson looked back down at the puppy. "Well, considering the circumstances...yes, he can stay. I wouldn't want to have to send this guy to the pound or something!"

Thomas shook Benson's hand, "YES! Thanks so much dude!"

"You're welcome, Thomas. Now, I need you to do your chores today outside. Why don't you take the dog with you? He looks like he could use some exercise."

Thomas rushed out the door, actually happy to work for once.

A few hours later, after everyone in the park had been introduced to it's latest addition, Thomas was sitting on the couch watching TV with Mordecai and Rigby.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. "Hey Rigby, get that will ya?" Mordecai asked.

"Why me?!" he whined.

"Because we're taking care of the puppy right now dude!" he retorted.

Rigby mumbled to himself and slunk over to the door. He opened it to reveal CJ.

"Oh, hey little dude. Do I know you?"

"I'm Rigby, remember? Mordecai's friend?"

She gave him a funny look then replied, "Oh yeah! You like that coffee chick, right?"

Rigby just slapped his forehead, ignoring her question. "Oh please CJ, won't you come in?" he said, with a hint of sarcasm.

She stepped past him and saw Thomas with the dog. "AW! Thomas, you cleaned him up!" she squealed in joy.

Thomas blushed, "Yeah he needed a bath, badly. We had a good day though. Benson allowed us to keep him here for the time being."

"That's great!" she sat down next to Thomas and picked the puppy up, making little baby sounds and scratching his small ears.

Rigby just sighed, "If this gets any more 'cute', I'm gonna barf..."

Mordecai punched Rigby in the arm then hissed at him, "Dude! Be nice! We don't want CJ getting mad, do we?"

Rigby moaned, "Whatever. I'm bored here anyhow."

They looked over at him. "So, what are you gonna do?"

Rigby got defensive and answered in a mocking tone, "I don't know! I guess I'll head over to the coffee shop, maybe!" He stormed off, slamming the door behind him.

"God, what's up with him?" CJ asked.

"Oh, Rigby's probably hungry or something, I wouldn't worry about it." Mordecai replied.

She looked back over to the canine. "Have you thought of any names Thomas?"

Thomas was taken by surprise. "Names? We just found him last night?!"

"Well, he needs a cute name. How about...'Puffball', since he's sooooo soft?!" she grinned.

Thomas looked over at Mordecai for his take on that: He made a gagging motion with his mouth and finger.

"Um, how about something less...uh, gender-based?" Thomas suggested.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, 'Puffball' is too, um, feminine for my tastes. I was thinking of something simple." he laughed nervously.

"Un-huh..." CJ said, a little annoyed. "Like what?"

"Well, we could use our initials. I thought 'TJ' would be nice."

CJ smiled, "That's a great idea Thomas! I like 'TJ'." She brought the puppy up to her nose and wiggled it at him. "Do you like that name? Huh? Do you like, 'TJ'?"

TJ licked her face in response and barked happily.

She grinned, "'That's definitely a 'Yes'!"

Meanwhile, Rigby trudged over to the coffee shop. He came in the door, making the bell ring which told Eileen that he'd arrived. She looked up from washing the glass display windows and had a cheesy smile plastered on her face, since she figured he came here just to see her.

"Hey Rigby!" she waved.

"Oh, hey Eileen. Can I get a coffee and a jelly donut please?"

"Sure! I'll have that out in a few." she replied, darting behind the counter.

A few minutes later, Eileen came out and set the order down where Mordecai and Rigby usually sit, but Rigby wasn't there.

"I'm over here, Eileen." he said, motioning her towards a booth in the back.

"Why are you sitting here, Rigby? You always sit at that table."

Rigby looked up to her, "I know..."

She frowned, "I can tell something is wrong. What's bothering you?" she asked, sitting across from him.

Rigby sighed and rested his chin on his hand, "Oh, Thomas and CJ got a puppy."

Eileen was confused, "So why is that bad? That's great news!"

"Well, you're gonna think I'm stupid for this, but-"

Eileen interrupted, "Rigby, I never think you're stupid, ever. You've got a lot of knowledge tucked away in there." she said, pointing to his head.

Rigby smiled back, "Really? Thanks, Eileen. That means a lot, coming from someone as hot-" he instantly blushed, "I-I mean, as smart as you!"

Eileen just giggled like a kid. "You're welcome."

"Anyways, I was kinda annoyed that they were paying more attention to the puppy than me today." he explained.

Eileen sighed, "Rigby, you know that's really mean and selfish of you to say that."

"Yeah, I guess. I'm not used to being ignored though..at least not since I was a kid. It feels like I'm gonna relive being with Don all over again."

"Hmm. Well, you can take comfort in the fact that I'm here. And I'd never ignore you."

"Yeah, I suppose you always seem to want to listen to me. I never really noticed that until now."

A few seconds of awkward silence went by, stopped by Rigby's stomach growling. "Boy, I'm hungry! Might as well take a big bite."

He bit hard into the edge of the donut, and inadvertently caused the slimy purple goop to splash onto Eileen, covering her face in it!

She shrieked in horror at the sticky substance.

"Holy crap! Eileen, I'm so sorry!" he panicked.

"It's fine Rigby, I'll just use the sink in the girl's room." she said, standing up.

Rigby stopped her, "No, it's my fault! Here, let me have your glasses."

She took them off and handed them to the bumbling raccoon. He ran into the boy's room and washed them off, trying his best to clean them. He then took some towels and wetted them, then ran back out to Eileen. He hastily smashed the wet towels onto her face.

She spat at him, "Rigby! What the-" he smashed more towels on her, "-heck are you doing?!"

"I'm trying to clean you off! It's my mistake and I need to make up for it!" he shouted.

He finished, handing her back her glasses. "Here! Again, I'm sorry!"

She prepared to yell at him, but saw Rigby was extremely embarrassed at his actions. She took the glasses and put them back on.

"Rigby, it's okay. It was just an accident..."

"NO! I'm so clumsy and such an idiot! Now I know you'll never wanna date me!" he yelled aloud, not realizing it.

Eileen's heart started racing, "What? What did you just say?"

Rigby blushed intensely this time, "Nothing! I didn't say anything!" he tried to lie, turning away from her.

She stood up and walked over to the cash register, then back to him.

"Well, here's your receipt. I'm heading out for the night as my shift is pretty much over. See ya later, Rigby." she said nonchalantly, walking out the door.

Rigby sighed and examined the scrap of paper. He saw that the total was zero dollars and there was something written on the bottom along with a phone number.

'The order is on the house. But next time we meet, you'll be paying... ;)'

Rigby grinned and pumped his fist, "Yeah!"