Chapter 10: Saturday
Alfie looked at his sat-nav as he pulled to a stop sign. Thomas had invited him over to hang out sometime, and they'd decided that Saturday would be a good time because they were both off. He made a right onto a cul-de-sac and pulled up to a yellow clapboard house with a tidy front lawn. He shut off the engine and stepped out of his car, walking up the front steps to the porch before ringing the doorbell. He heard a scuffling inside before a voice called out.
"I'll get it!" A girl yelled.
"No! I want to get it!" Another child responded.
"Bluey, Bingo! Let Jason get it, it's his friend." A woman stated.
"Thanks mom." Thomas said, opening the door.
"Hey Jason." Alfie smiled with a small wave.
"Hey Alfie, come on in." Thomas stepped aside and led his friend into the house. Alfie nodded and walked into the entryway before following his friend to the living room where there was a television set up with a game console and a handful of games.
"Nice set up." Alfie said, looking over everything.
"Thanks. My Uncle Stripe got it for me as an early birthday present." Thomas replied, thinking back to how he'd had to nearly restrain Stripe from getting the entire store's worth of video games when he mentioned he missed playing them. "What do you want to play?"
Alfie looked over the titles a moment before picking up a box. "How about this one?"
"Valor's Call? Sure." Thomas flipped on the console and slotted in the disc. After a moment it loaded the title screen. While Thomas hadn't played much Call of Duty in his world, this world's version seemed a bit more interesting-for one thing the online play was much less aggravating than the few times he'd been coaxed into trying it with Jonas. He handed Alfie a controller and they sat on the couch. After a few minutes of waiting they'd joined a game and were starting.
Bluey glanced at her brother and his friend sitting on the sofa. She'd never really talked to many teenagers aside from her brother and a few of Coco's older brothers and sisters, but she thought they were interesting. They were so grown up, but they weren't boring like some adults were-mum and dad aren't boring-but there are plenty of grownups who are. She lurked in the doorway to the living room listening to the two chat about the game and what else was going on with them.
"…really? Then what?" Thomas asked, glancing at Alfie a moment while trying to avoid getting shot by someone on the other team.
"Then I said, 'As if.'" He smirked, "But I was totally going to anyway."
Thomas chuckled as Alfie continued his story. Bluey wasn't sure what exactly they were talking about-she'd missed the first part of it-but Thomas seemed to be having a good time. She frowned, a small bit of jealousy bubbling up in her stomach. Thomas seemed happier with Alfie than when he hung out with her and Bingo. But Alfie's his friend, it's different… Right?
"Where are your sisters?" Alfie asked as Thomas pumped his fist at a successful headshot.
"Probably playing with my dad." Thomas shrugged.
"They seem great, but doesn't it get exhausting playing all those games? Seems like every time you talk about them it's always some game they dragged you into…"
Thomas frowned slightly, "Yeah, it does get a little old after a while, but they're just little kids, you have to humor 'em, y'know? Just play along."
Bluey bit her lip as she held back tears. She could feel her blood boiling as she stormed up to the boys.
"Bluey, what's wrong?" Thomas asked, noticing his little sister on the verge of tears as she stood beside the television.
"I thought you liked playing games, but you only do it because you think I'm a little kid! I'm not a little kid!" She sniffled as she looked at Thomas, "You… You're a jerk !" She ran off to her room, tears now freely flowing.
"Bluey! Wait!" Thomas called after her.
"Um… I'll go get a snack." Alfie motioned to the kitchen as Thomas went upstairs to try and comfort his sister.
Thomas found Bluey in her bedroom, buried under her blankets. "Bluey, come on. Please come out so we can talk." He sat on the foot of her bed.
"No! Go away! I don't want to talk to you!"
Thomas sighed, "Okay, if you don't want to talk, is it okay if I talk?"
He was met with silence.
"Bluey I love you, and I love the fact that the two of us and Bingo and mum and dad can play games together. I love that you and Bingo are so creative. I never would've been able to make up as many games as you two have when I was a kid. I definitely can't do it now as a grown-up." He paused. "I do like playing games with you two, but to be honest sometimes it can be a lot. Sometimes I do it just because you're little and I want you to have good memories. But you know what? Whenever I start a game it turns into something I love, even if at first I didn't feel like doing it. Sometimes being a grownup, it means that I'm tired or stressed, or that I have a lot to worry about. It's just part of being a grownup."
Bluey poked her head from the blanket, "Wait, are all grownups like that?"
"Yup." Thomas nodded.
"Even mum and dad?"
"Mum and dad and every grownup out there. But we want you kids to enjoy your lives and we want to make sure you have good memories. That's why I play along sometimes, because I want you to have good memories for when you get older."
Bluey thought a moment before she responded. "So you are doing it because I'm little, but that's a good thing?"
"Yes. And even when you get older we'll still always be there for you, we're family Bluey. And that's what families do." Thomas opened his arms, welcoming a hug. "I'm sorry, do you accept my apology?"
Bluey shuffled over and hugged Thomas. "I do."
"Good. Because I need some help for a game I have an idea for…"
It was half-an-hour later when the Heelers and Alfie were standing in the backyard, Thomas having set up a large amount of sports equipment and lawn games. The teen was standing in front of the group, clearly excited.
"So, what's the game?" Bandit asked, looking at the large assortment of items strewn across the backyard.
"Calvinball." Thomas smiled.
"Calvinball?" Bluey asked.
"It's from a comic strip from America. Basically the way it works is that there are no rules, but every time someone does something they get to make up new rules. Your goal is to score as many points as you can." Thomas explained. Alfie raised his hand.
"Yes Alfie."
"Are there teams?" Alfie asked.
"There can be, but sometimes they change." Thomas replied.
Bingo raised her hand, Thomas pointed at her.
"Which ball do we use?"
"Any ball you want, unless someone makes a rule against it."
"So, it's a free for all, but with rules we make ourselves as we play?" Bandit recapped.
"Yup."
"Oh, this is going to be fun." Chilli smiled, looked at Bandit with a fierce grin on her face.
Bandit's eyes shrunk slightly as he looked at his wife's competitive stare.
"Go!" Thomas shouted and soon the six were running around the yard.
After an hour they were exhausted, but happy.
"Alright, I think I've got to call it there." Bandit panted, holding his sides slightly.
"Dad! Come on, you're in the sing zone, you know you have to sing everything." Bingo corrected.
"~Alright, I think I've got to call it there….~" Bandit sung, holding his arm out like an opera singer.
"Everyone okay with ending?" Thomas asked.
"Yeah, that was fun!" Bluey said. "But I'm definitely okay with stopping." She wiped her forehead with the back of her arm.
"That was pretty good." Alfie said, clapping Thomas on the back. "I see why you play along so much, it's pretty fun."
"Why don't we get some lunch, then clean up this mess?" Chilli suggested.
"Okay mum."
After lunch they cleaned up the mess, then Thomas and Alfie hung out a bit more on their own. Alfie headed out around five, which meant Thomas had about an hour to get ready for his date with Jade. He took a quick shower, then put on deodorant and brushed his teeth.
Looking sharp!" Bandit said, leaning on the doorframe.
"Thanks dad."
"Let me know when you're ready to go."
"Okay." Thomas paused, "And remember, we're seeing a movie and getting dinner, so I'll call when we get done."
"Don't worry, I won't 'cramp your style'." Bandit said, using air quotes.
Thomas rolled his eyes, "Thanks."
Bandit had taken Thomas to the movie theater where he was to meet Jade. "Remember mate just be yourself," Bandit said with a smile. "Dad, I got this," Thomas said while unbuckling himself. "My little boy on his first date," Bandit said, being a little dramatic. "Dad this isn't my first time around… I have dated before, just not that serious.. I don't even if this will be serious since i'm not exactly a full dog," Thomas said looking down. "Listen mate if or when the time comes to tell her who you really are, she'll accept you," Bandit said with a wink. "How do you know?" Thomas asked, looking at his father. "Dad's just know these things," Bandit said with a chuckle. Thomas rolled his eyes and got out of his dad's car. "I'll call you when I'm ready," Thomas said while looking at his dad. "Sounds good mate!" Bandit said before taking off out of the parking lot. Thomas then took a deep breath and then went inside the theater here Jade was waiting for him. "Hey Jade," Thomas said with a smile.
Jade turned and looked at the Blue Heeler. "Hey!" Jade said with a welcoming smile. "So, what are we seeing?" Thomas asked, looking at Jade. "Oh! I picked a double feature! Hope you like horror movies," Jade said with a chuckle. "Love them! I'll go get our snacks, any special requests?" Thomas asked, curious to know his date's favorite snacks. "Probably some popcorn and a rootbeer," Jade requested. Thomas smiled and nodded, "You got it!" Thomas said as he went to get the snacks. After Thomas came with the snacks they then went into their showing. Jade had picked a creature double feature of the classic "The Creature Of The Black Lagoon," and its sequel. Thomas has seen this movie with his human parents but it was interesting seeing it from a talking dog's stand point.
After the two movies were done it was now time for dinner. Thomas had picked a place out on the waterfront to try to be romantic even though he didn't know how this human/dog form relationship would work to the full extent. "This place is nice," Jade said as they sat at a table that was near the water. "Yeah, I honestly didn't really know where to take you since I've only lived here for a few months," Thomas said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Let me guess, your parents suggested this place?" Jade asked while taking a drink of her water. "Well… yeah they did," Thomas said with a chuckle, Jade nodded. "So Jason, what are you hiding?" Jade said very straight forward. "W-What?" Thomas asked nervously, surprised by that sudden question. "I'm just playing, My uncle Pat thinks you're a little strange since showing up at the Heeler household all of sudden and him and Bandit are close friends and he's a little upset he didn't tell him they were adopting? But don't worry my uncle is harmless as you can tell by all the games he plays with your family," Jade said with a chuckle.
Thomas chuckled nervously at that. "But for real Jason, tell more about you mate," Jade said with a smile. "My birth parents were Scientists for the US. government," Thomas said, sitting back in his seat. "And they uh.. died when I was fifteen in a fire," Thomas said looking down from Jade. Jade then placed her paw on Thomas's paw. "I'm so sorry about that Jason," Jade said as Thomas looked back at her. "Thank you, it was a while ago but Bandit and Chili are really loving parents to me, it's almost like I didn't lose mine," Thomas said with a soft smile. "That's good, my uncle tells me all the time about how they are loving and fun parents to have," Jade said with a chuckle. "Yeah, I don't know where I would be at if it wasn't for them," Thomas said just as the waiter came by to them. "Are we ready to order?" The waiter asked, looking at the couple.
"I think we are, Jade?" Thomas said, looking at Jade. "Yes! Can I have then-" Jade started to explain her order while Thomas just stared at her and realized how beautiful she was. "And for you mate?" The waiter asked, looking at Thomas. "Oh, um can I get the bacon cheese burger with pepper jack cheese please," Thomas asked as he closed his menu and looked at the waiter. "Sure thing mate! I'll get those started for you," The waiter said as he took the menus. Off in the distance near the restaurant, Agent Fenrir was doing his runs on searching for Thomas. Fenrir then scanned the area and found some cosmic radiation coming from a restaurant. "Found you," Fenrir thought in his head as he jumped towards the building of the restaurant. Thomas and Jade were having a good time talking and laughing until Jade suddenly stopped laughing and looked past Thomas. "You have the be kidding me," Jade said, standing up and walking away.
Thomas was confused at first and saw where she was going. "Uncle Pat?!" Jade said, looking at her uncle. "J-Jade! Funny running into you here mate!" Pat said nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "What are you doing here?" Jade said, crossing her arms. "I-uh.. look I promised your dad that I would look after you," Pat said softly. "I-he I was five when you promised that!" Jade said, now upset. "I-I know but he was my brother and I always keep my promises," Pat said looking at his niece. "Uncle Pat… he's here anymore," Jade said softly, almost in tears. This was something Thomas didn't know about Jade. "You lost your dad?" Thomas asked while looking at Jade.
Jade looked at Thomas and then rubbed her arm while nodding. Thomas was about to say something just when Fenrir crashed into the restaurant. "Come on, not now," Thomas said in a low tone. "Jade Run! It's one of the aliens!" Pat said as he grabbed Jade. "but what about Jason!" Jade said, fighting back her uncle to try and get to Thomas. "Jade run! I'll be okay!" Thomas said taking off running with Fenrir following him. Jade was worried for Thomas but went with her uncle as everyone started to flee for the exit. "You have great timing dude!" Thomas said as he blasted Fenrir with his cosmic blast which like normal did nothing to the tall superhuman. "Fuck!" Thomas said as he ran. Thomas quickly takes off his nice clothes which had his suit underneath it. "Alright! Let's dance!" Thomas shouted to Fenrir. Fenrir cocked his head to the left before then walking towards Thomas.
"Stop Uncle Pat! We need to go back for Jason!" Jade said, taking her arm back from her uncle. "What?! I'm not letting you go back in there! I made a promise to your dad I would take care of you!" Pat shouted. "I'm not a little kid anymore! I can take care of myself!" Jade shouted at her uncle. Just as she said that Thomas was thrown out from the large window of the restaurant and hitting Pat's car denting it. "My car!" Pat shouted. Thomas groaned as he sat up, holding his head. "Are you okay?" Jade asked, concerned for the hero. "Ja-yeah I'm fine ma'am!" Thomas said, trying to hide his voice. Jade looked at Thomas and studied him. "You better have Insurance mate!" Pat said angrily.
Thomas then grabbed both him and Jade and teleported them further away from the action. Once Thomas got them to safely he then started to walk back to Fenrir. "Hey! Don't I know you?" Jade asked, looking at Thomas. "Uh no ma'am, just your friendly neighborhood Austra-Violet!" Thomas said, trying to quickly walk away. "Your a Bogan is what you are! What about my car!" Pat shouted to Thomas. "Uncle Pat! He just saved our lives!" Jade said. "Yeah! What he said I uh have to go," Thomas said as he teleported back to where Fenrir was. "Alright asshole! I had enough of you!" Thomas shouted as he started to walk towards Fenrir. Fenrir then popped his neck and then started walking towards Thomas. Thomas made a sword out of his cosmic energy and then started to charge at Fenrir.
Fenrir grabbed a Triangular object from his back and pressed a button to form it into an Ax. the two then clashed with their weapons causing a rift in the air. The ground shook as they clashed more and more. Then finally Fenrir broke Thomas's sword and kicked him back, hitting a bench. "This is getting old!" Thomas shouted as he rubbed the back of his neck. Fenrir then slowly walked over to Thomas. Fenrir then tried to slam down his ax just as Thomas made a force field to block it which caused a huge rift in the air making the ground to shake. "Dad!" a small terrier shouted as the ground shook. Terrier then fell into the water after losing his balance. Fenrir then left Thomas and quickly ran over to the Terrier and jumped into the water to save him. Thomas was confused by this since Fenrir really just wanted to kill him and then just left him to save a child which should have been his doing.
Thomas then took this Opportunity and teleported away. Fenrir then pulled the small dog out of the water and let him run to his father. "Daddy!" The Terrier said running to his father. The Terriers father grabbed his son and ran away from Fenrir. Fenrir then looked around for Thomas and couldn't find him. Fenrir gripped his hands and slammed his Ax down on the ground. The next morning after Thomas had explained everything to his parents and even tried to call and text Jade with no luck of any answers. Thomas was nervous since not heard anything from Jade and thought she wouldn't want to talk to him anymore. Suddenly the doorbell rang and Thomas changed into his heeler form. Thomas went to answer it. Jade was standing there with her arms crossed. "J-Jade," Thomas said, shocked to see her.
"Can we talk Jason?" Jade asked. Thomas swallowed hard and then nodded letting her inside. The two then went to Thomas's room and sat on his bed. "So I uh.." Thomas said not knowing where to start since how could he explain how he got away from Fenrir. "No need to explain… Austra-Violet!" Jade said laughing. "W-what?" Thomas asked nervously. "Your secret is safe with me Jason, I won't tell especially my uncle Pat," Jade said with a chuckle. "Yeah… sorry about the car… how did you know it was me?" Thomas asked, looking at Jade. "For one, I'm far from being a ma'am and you trying to hide your voice wasn't very good," Jade said with a chuckle. Thomas laughed nervously. "Why was that thing after you?" Jade asked while looking at Thomas.
"That I don't know," Thomas said looking down. "So between the aliens and you what other things are out there?" Jade asked, looking at Thomas. "Did you see the killer storm cloud?" Thomas asked, looking at Jade. "Oh yeah! How did you fight that thing anyways?" Jade asked. Thomas blushed as he looked away, "That one was a tight squeeze," Thomas said a chuckle. Jade chuckled at that as the two sat on the bed. "Is there anything else I should know about you Jason?" Jade asked, looking at the Heeler. "Um…" Thomas thought for a moment as he really did want to tell her he was one of the three aliens but really didn't want to scare her away. "No, that's all," Thomas said with a nod. "Are you sure?" Jade asked, wanting to be sure. "I'm sure," Thomas said with a smile. "Okay, then tell me what's it like to have powers!" Jade said, leaning in to listen.
Meanwhile
Andy with possession of Jinx was with his Uncle Busker out eating lunch. "You've been a lot mate, I think you're growing a lot more than expected," Busker said while eating his food. Andy nodded as he stuffed more food in his mouth. "Be sure to chew your food mate and slow down please," Busker said while taking a drink of his soda. Andy nodded and swallowed before taking in more food. Suddenly the news on the TV came on and talked about the fight between Austra-Violet and a new alien in a suit of armor. Andy looked at the TV and watched closely, "Glad we weren't near there," Busker said before taking another drink of his soda. "There's another one?" Andy asked while taking another bite of his food. "Looks like it mate, but if you ever see those aliens or even Austra-Violet for that matterI want you to run the opposite direction of them fighting okay?" Busker asked as he looked at Andy who was glued at the TV. "Andy? Mate?" Busker asked. "Uh huh," Andy said while putting food in his mouth and continuing watching the TV.
Kodiwolf321 A/N: Hey guys! Hope you enjoy this chapter as much as we did making it for you! So is it a good or bad Idea for Jade to know partly of Thomas's secret? And how will she react when she finds out about him being human? Only time will tell! Anyways next chapter is already in the works and I will see you soon!
The-Suburban-Guy A/N: Hello and thanks again for reading everyone! I wanted to give Thomas a chance to be a normal teen and spend some time with his friends, as well as explore how that might effect his family life. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, we really appreciate it!