Author Note: Started writing this long before Chapter 3 was released cause these characters just kinda spoke to me. And yes, there might be some shipping here, but don't get upset with me for it. The fandom already did it for me. Beware, this is a sad story. But aside from that warning, I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1: Orange Tape

"S-M-I-L-E,

EVERY DAY!

When you are down and out,

No need to frown and pout!

The Smiling Critters' sure to show a S-M-I-L-E,

Every day!"

The intro fades out, and then the title card fades in, showing what appears to be Dogday's amulet sitting in the grass, with text spelling the episode name; "Sunset." A soft music score plays over this before fading to black, and the episode begins.

.

.

It was another beautiful day, and the Smiling Critters were making the most of it. It was Hoppy's turn to pick the activity, and as expected, the energetic bunny had chosen to have a race. A simple one down the hill, down the road, across the river ending at Dogday's house where a glass of cool lemonade awaited them. The winner won the very first glass from the pitcher. It's a close race, with Hoppy in the lead and Dogday trailing a bit behind. The rest of the group is trailing behind.

"I'm going to win!" the green rabbit shouted happily as she ran in front.

"Not if I can help it!" Dogday laughed.

The race headed down the hill towards an old wooden bridge. Hoppy and Dogday began to cross, the green rabbit was in the lead, then she stepped on a weak floorboard, and it sank under her weight. The board, acting like a seesaw, raised upwards and right in line with Dogday. The orange canine gave a look of shock before running into the board at full force which caught him in the chest!

"OOF!" he woofed as the air was knocked completely out of him before falling on his back.

The other critters, seeing what happened, ran to help the two downed racers.

"Dogday, are you okay?" Craftycorn asked.

"Come on, sit up, catch your breath," Picky said, pulling the dog to sit up.

"Thanks… guys… ow…." Dogday huffed, trying to fill his lungs with air.

"Don't move your leg, it might be broken," Bubba said as he helped Hoppy out the hole the falling board had left.

"Ouch! I don't think it's broken, Bubba. Ah! But it does hurt," Hoppy said, wincing at the pain.

"Ah, just walk it off Hopscotch," Kickin said coolly. "That's what I do."

"I doubt that is an effective method of healing an injury," Bubba said, shooting a look at the chicken.

"I never said it was a solution, but I'd say our zippy bunny's tougher than she looks."

"Ow… I think I just need to rest it a little," Hoppy sighed.

"Rest? Need a lullaby?" asked Catnap excitedly.

"Not that kind of rest, Catnap," Hoppy said with a giggle, "I just need to take it slow for a while."

Catnap grumbled unhappily and pouted a moment before hearing Dogday moaning a bit with each breath, and he went to join him by his side.

"Oww… ow…. ah…. this really hurts," Dogday moaned, rubbing his scuffed-up chest fur where he'd run into the plank.

"Do you need a doctor?" Bubba asked, concerned.

"Maybe some time to rest?" Craftycorn suggested.

"How about a big hug? Those always help my owies feel better!" Bobby suggested excitedly.

"Uh… I don't think a tight hug will help this, Bobby," Dogday said, a pained smile on his face.

"Aww…," Bobby said with a frown, before brightening up. "How about a little hug then?"

Before he could answer, Bobby had kneeled down next to him and gently wrapped her arms around him, above his sore spot and hugged him gently. This made the dog chuckle and wince a little as even chuckling made him ache.

"Hehe Well I think it's helping a little," he said. "Thanks Bobby."

"Wonderful! I'll save my super-duper extra special bearhug just for you when you're feeling all better!" Bobby said sweetly.

"Since we can't race anymore," Kickin asked, "what do you all wanna do now?"

"How about we do some inside activities?" Crafty suggested.

"Ah… sure," Dogday said. "I got some puzzles at my place we could put together."

"And maybe some lemonade after all this exercise?" Hoppy asked sheepishly, while being helped to her feet by Bubba and Kickin.

"Hehehe, sure," Dogday chuckled, wincing as he stood up, aided by Bobby and Catnap.

And with that, the group of friends headed off toward Dogday's home.

.

.

The day had passed quickly enough, ending with the pitcher of lemonade empty, three puzzles put together and half of a coloring book colored in. While Hoppy's bruised leg had gotten better and was wrapped in a bandage, Dogday was still wincing and groaning with each move he made.

"Ow… Ouch…"

"Should we go to a hospital?" Bubba asked.

"I… don't… ow… I don't think it's… getting worse," Dogday winced.

"Well, it's certainly not getting better," Bubba stated.

"I think some extra rest is all he needs," Catnap said, standing up and placing his hands on Dogday's shoulders. "If it's not getting worse, there is no need for a doctor yet."

"Mmmph… it… is getting late," Dogday said as he shuffled the puzzle back into its box.

The others didn't look too sure as Bubba was usually the smartest of the group, they figured he'd know best. But if Dogday wasn't in a hurry to go to the hospital either, maybe he would be okay.

"Well, if you think so," Bubba said.

"He knows so," Kickin said, "After all, who knows more about rest than Catnap?"

"Exactly," said the purple feline, swelling with pride, "And speaking of rest, it's getting late so you all should head home for a good night's sleep. You especially, Hoppy."

Hoppy huffed, but didn't argue as she figured he was correct in his affirmations of rest being a good cure for certain injuries. It worked with colds and sprains, maybe this was all that was needed. The other critters stood up and left, wishing each other a good night, especially Dogday, who got another gentle hug from Bobby before she bounded out the door following the others. Catnap then turned and gave the canine a happy smile before walking over to him, his tail wrapping around his arm.

"Now, let's get you off to bed," he said in a soft voice.

They stood and walked to the bedroom.

In the bedroom, Catnap had positioned himself around behind Dogday; who was resting his head on the purple feline's lap. Catnap brought the blanket up around Dogday, carefully tucking him in under a bright yellow blanket.

"There we go, some rest is all you really need," Catnap said confidently, snuggling up behind the sore canine.

"I hope so… ouch… It hurts to just move," Dogday huffs.

"Well, if it still hurts tomorrow, we'll go to the doctor first thing in the morning. I promise," Catnap said softly, his paw rubbing his friends' shoulders.

"Ouch…" Dogday grunted softly as he shifted a bit to get comfortable before looking up at Catnap. "Can you… sing me my favorite lullaby, Catnap?"

Catnap chuckled and began to sing, his dark purple paws ran through Dogday's fur, stroking it gently. As he did, the orange dog slowly closed his weary eyes and drifted to sleep.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You'll never know, dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away."

.

.

The screen pans from the duo on the bed, and fades to black, Catnap's soft voice echoing for a moment.