``Twelve little monkeys sitting on the bed! One fell off and bumped his head! Mommy went to the doctor and the doctor said...uh..uh..''

The small Jack Russel paused, He looked around his surroundings and started to fidget in his car seat.

``The doctor said...Uh...he said...''

The pup put his hands on his head. That usually helped him remember things, but he struggled with the last part of the rhyme.

``No more monkeys jumping on the bed!''

His little sister Lulu spouted next to him. Jack yipped in delight.

``Hooray!''

``Now how many monkeys are left guys?''

``Oh! Uh uh! I know! Uh!''

The pup kicked his legs, thinking as hard as he could.

``Eleven!''

``Good job Lulu!''

Jacks father complemented his daughter, Jack was happy for her too but couldn't help but grumble a little. He knew it was eleven, He had sung that rhyme so many times with his mom and dad. Yet his mind did what it usually did and forgot what he was going to say. Jack shrugged it off and his attention was quickly drawn out the window of the moving car. Watching the scenery fly by in a blur.

``Jack! Hey Mate.''

The pup's father looked at his son in the rear-view mirror. Jack turned his attention briefly to his dad.

``Yeah dad?''

``You excited for your sleepover at Rusty's?''

Jack practically leaped out of his seat.

``Yeah! I'm super excited!''

``Did you bring everything you need bud?''

``Oh...uhh...''

``Remember Bud, Head, Shoulder, knees and toes, knees and toes.'' Jacks father said, pointing to his accompanying body parts.

The pups' parents had started to use the familiar melody to have Jack remember certain things. Jack wagged his tail to the song. He remembered the altered lyrics he was taught and sung them out loud.

``My pack! My hat! My snacks and nose!''

Pointing to his snout before singing along with his dad.

``Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and toes!''

``Atta boy Jack!''

``What about your toothbwush?'' Lulu asked curiously.

``Oh uh...Yeah!''

``And your sunscween?''

``Uh huh! I got it!'' Jack turned his head back out the window. A herd of cows catching his eye.

``What about Wambo?''

``Lulu, sweetie. Don't keep prying at him. I'm sure Jack has got all that he needs. Right buddy?''

His father looked back at his son; A little nervous at the mention of Jacks favorite plush toy.

Jack didn't take his eyes off the passing cows but answered.

``Yeah yeah! I got it! Look! They're black and white. Like Mackenzie!''

Jack giggled at the sight while his father eyed him curiously. He would have to remind himself to double check Jacks room once he dropped him off.



``Bed is set, Soldiers in place! Attention!''

The red kelpie looked at the state of his room, both bunk beds were neat and tidy. Along the perimeter of the bed were a few green army men. Each one lined up in a row in front of one another. They almost took up the whole bottom bunk and the floor below it. The pup gave a quick salute to his men.

``At ease! Beds set; Soldiers placed. Toys in a pile, books stacked. Now I just got to...wait a minute.''

He noticed something was missing from his set up.

``Cricket bat! Cricket Bat? Where's my cricket bat?''

The kelpie climbed up his top bunk and pulled the sheets off, undoing the tidy look. He hopped down and dug himself under the bed. His soldiers fell out of line and scrambled all over the floor. He dug himself deep under the bottom bunk, moving past all the junk he'd usually stuff down there.

``Eh bro! Looking for something?''

The pup pulled his head from under the bed, looking up at his older brother. Digger looked down at him, his favorite gray cap atop his head as he held out their cricket bat in one arm.

``Oh hey! You found it!''

Rusty rushed up and out from under the bottom bunk, intending to take it before Digger pulled it above his head, just out of his little brother's reach.

``Hey!''

``Rusty...Ya know mom don't like ya having this in the house!''

``I know! But I just want to have it close by! Just in case me and Jack are attacked by the enemy!''

``The enemy?''

``I mean...You never know! Some dog could sneak up on us! We always must be prepared!''

``Uh huh, I think you got enough planned out and set up for ya'lls little sleep over. Plus, you just made a mess!''

``Whoops!''

Rusty was quick to run back to his top bunk, making his bed again. Digger eyed the clumps of army men on the floor before taking notice of his brother's other toys laid out in one corner of the room. What really caught his attention though was the pile of books stacked on their shared dresser.

``What's all this then? When do you read about space?'' Pointing to the first book on the stack. An encyclopedia of planets in the solar system.

``It's not for me, It's for Jack! He knows the most about space. I thought he'd want to read it together.''

``Not exactly a bedtime story.''

Rusty leaped down to the floor, suddenly feeling embarrassed at what he's been doing.

``Not really, But I think he'd like it.''

The kelpie rubbed his arm and kept his gaze down to his feet nervously. Digger couldn't help but smile at the amount of work Rusty was putting into all of this. Normally the pup would have to be told once or twice to clean up after himself or clean his teeth, but he clearly wanted Jack to be as comfortable as possible while he was here, and Rusty was doing his due diligence to ensure everything was set and proper for him.

``He must be a really good friend for you to clean up like you did.''

``Yeah! The best!'' He remarked.

Digger pressed his hand into Rusty's head, ruffling his hair. The smaller dog giggled loudly.

``Ohhhh! You boys can't have that in the house!''

Both turned to the doorway of their room, seeing their youngest sister Dusty point at them in surprise.

``I'm telling mama!''

She ran as fast as her little feet could. Both brothers scrambled after her, fearing the wrath of their mom.

``No no no wait! Dusty!''

Their mother was preoccupied with vacuuming the living room. Only to hear a loud commotion from across the hall. Dusty screamed as she ran towards her, hopping over the vacuum cord and digging her face into his waist. Her older brothers ran on over, the boys not noticing the cord and tripping over themselves. Landing on the vacuum and pulling it to the floor. The cricket bat and Diggers hat going flying in air.

``Oww...'' Digger exclaimed.

``Boys!''

The kelpies jumped, their gazes meeting their mothers.

``Mom! Uh...''

``Is that the cricket bat?!''

The bat had dropped right towards her feet in the fall.

``No no! Ya see it's...''

Ding dong!

``Saved by the bell'' Digger thought.

``He's here!'' Rusty stood up quickly and ran towards the door. Their mother soon followed but not before giving a serious glare at Digger. Motioning her hand to him, beckoning a warning. Digger caught his breath. His nervousness dulled as Dusty walked up to him, Handing him his favorite hat. He smiled at her.

``Thanks sis''



Jack, Lulu and their dad stood by the front door, Jack couldn't help but bounce in excitement.

``Now remember Jack, I'll be over later tomorrow to pick you up. Be sure to double check your backpack. I wrote our phone number on your pack if you need to call us for anything. Ok?''

``Yes dad!''

``Be on your best behavior with Rusty's family, ok?''

``Yes dad!''

Jack's father figured Jack was just agreeing but not really listening to what he was saying, He shook his head in amusement as the front door opened. In a flash, A red blur leaped forward and stood in front of Jack. He gave a quick salute.

``Private Russell''

To his dad's surprise, Jack had stopped moving and stood at attention.

``Sergeant!'' Giving a salute back.

This formal greeting was quickly broken by a fit of giggles from both pups as Rusty ran over and squeezed Jack in a tight hug.

``Well well, Aren't we excited?'' Rusty's mom called out from the doorway. Greeting Jack and his family.

``Heyo! Thanks for watching the lad for the weekend.''

``Aww no worries, Rusty has been waiting for this for a little while. Was all the lil tucker talked about.''

``Not all the time...'' Rusty said shyly. Jack felt his face go slightly red hearing that.

``Really now? Jack hasn't stopped mentioning it since Tuesday.''

``Yeah!''

``He wouldn't sit still because of it!'' Lulu added.

``Well don't you worry; we can watch over the lil man.''

``Perfect. Jack! See ya tomorrow ok bud? Remember, you can call me for anything right?''

``Ok!'' The pup turned and leapt into his dad's chest, giving him a quick hug before jumping down to give a kiss on his little sister's head.

``Come on Jack! Let me show you my room!'' Rusty grabbed Jack by his hand. Leading him away.

``Yeah! Bye Dad! Bye Lulu!''

With that, Jack was pulled from the others. Leaving the adults to chat a little.

Jack was led to Rusty's room. The pup marveled at the two twin bunks, adored with several green army men scattered near it.

``Whoa! You got two beds?!''

``It's mine and my brother's room. I get top bunk and he gets the bottom!''

``Cool...uh...But where am I going to sleep?''

``You'll be taking the bottom bunk! Digger is going to sleep on the couch for the night AhHH!''

The younger kelpie was caught by surprise at the sudden tickle to his ribs, The older brother really dug his hands into sides.

``Yeah, but only for the night ya hear? Don't you get into any trouble!''

``Heheheh I won't! Heheh!'' Rusty laughed.

``You'll make sure to keep my little brother in check wont ya Jack?''

``Umm...Yeah sure thing Digger''

``Hey! I'm the sergeant here!'' Rusty argued.

``Oh, really now?''

``Mmmm hmm! I'm the Private!'' Jack exclaimed.

``Gotcha, well why don't you get settled and we can go play a quick game of cricket huh?''

``Yeah!''

``But I don't know how to play cricket'' Jack admitted.

``I can show you! It will be lots of fun!'' Rusty exclaimed. He practically bounced in excitement at being able to share his favorite game with his best friend.

``Ok!''

Jack was quick to throw his hat and backpack on the bottom bunk. He raced off with the boys, Not taking a minute to double check his pack.

 

The day was a pleasant one for the kelpie family and their new guest. The boys played some cricket with Digger and Dusty in the yard. It took a bit for Jack to understand what he was doing. He wasn't quite sure what all the rules were, but Rusty was there to teach him the basics and show him how to swing the cricket bat properly. He had managed to hit the ball once, Impressing the siblings. Jack's favorite part was running back and forth at the opposite end of the pitch. He was able to score a few points that way.  Soon the sun had started to set, and it was dinner time. Jack did his best to keep still at the table and mind his manners. Listening closely as Rusty went on about their father in the army. Saying how often he writes to them in his spare time. Jack knew how much Rusty admired his father and he always liked to hear about what he'd do on patrol. It meant that the boys could add new games and tactics when they played army. After dinner, the family went on to play a board game with each other before it was time for a quick bath. Jack had usually shared a tub with his sister, but he did feel a little embarrassed to share one with his best friend. Rusty paid no mind to it, Giving Jack plenty of his floating bath toys to play a game of battleship. Which consisted of splashing and crashing their boats together wildly. Making explosion sounds with their mouths. Rusty's mom wasn't super happy about the large amount of water outside the tub but was glad that the boys were having fun. She'd worry about mopping up later. The pups soon left the tub and ran into Rusty's room. The kelpie threw off his towel, shaking excess water off his fur.

``Whoa! You can shake water off your fur?''

``Yeah! Can't you?'' he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Jack then took off his towel, flaying his arms in the air and wiggling his body wildly. Water still clung to his fur. Rusty laughed at the silly display.

``Not like that, Jack!''

``Heheh yeah...I guess I don't know how to do it properly yet.''

``You will one day private.''

Jack smiled at that but was bothered that he couldn't just do it immediately like Rusty seemed to.

Jack grabbed the towel back off the bed to dry himself properly. While drying off, he figured it was time to brush his teeth. He reached into his backpack. Digging through his pack, he felt his hairbrush, his jacket, some random snacks...

``Wait...'' The pup investigated his pack and rummaged through his stuff.

``Where is he?''

Jack kept on looking. He dug through with both hands, letting his towel drop on the floor. He flipped his pack upside down and spilled its contents out. He looked and looked but couldn't find what he was searching for. That's when he remembered what his dad had asked him in the car.

``Did you bring everything you need bud?''

The question echoed in his head.

``Wambo...I forgot Wambo.''

When Jack was just a baby, His parents had gifted him a plush frog. The green felted companion was named Wambo by the young pup and stuck by his side every night as he slept. Jack had never been without him since then. The idea of sleeping without him was foreign to Jack. It would be a little weird if he wasn't in his home or bedroom tonight, but he thought at least having Wambo with him would make things easier but Jack's plush was not in his pack. He must have left him at home. Now that he wasn't here, Jack would be all on his own. All by himself. The pup put his hand to his head, he felt dizzy. His breathing got heavy, and a small wine left his mouth.

``I did it again'' He thought. ``I forgot again...why do I always forget?''

Another whimper escaped, this one louder than before.

``Everything alright private?''

Jack snapped back to reality and turned his attention to Rusty. The kelpie looked at him curiously. Jack didn't want to look upset. He felt embarrassed to talk about Wambo in front of him. Rusty didn't seem like the type to cuddle plushies. He briefly thought about calling his dad, but Jack felt that would ruin their sleepover. He put on a brave face.

``Oh...uh...Just looking for my brush!'' He quickly grabbed it off the bed and started to comb his fur.

``Oh? Alright then.'' Rusty said, though he felt his friend was hiding something. He wanted to ask more questions till his mom walked in.

``Alright boys, lights out in fifteen mins, ok?''

``Awwwww mom, can we stay up just a little longer?''

``Ya'll been going back and forth all day today, I'm sure Jack would like to get some sleep. Ain't that right Jack?''

The pup paused and stared his gaze at the floor. He truly wondered if he would be able to sleep.

``Uhhh...I'm not super tired.''

``See! Just a little longer? Please mom?!''

Rusty gave the biggest puppy eyes he could, His mom rolled hers in response and grinned.

``Alright, 30 mins. But after that, It's bedtime.''

``Yes!'' Rusty exclaimed.

As she left, the kelpie ran over to grab the first book off the dresser. Holding up to Jack.

``Look jack! It's a whole book about space! You wanna look at the pictures?''

The timid pup looked back at his friend and smiled at the large book. Rusty always had a way of making him feel better. His anxiety about his missing plush had dulled. Jack wouldn't worry about Wambo right now. He just wanted to spend time with his friend. Maybe he'd be ok without him, If Rusty could sleep without a plush, then so could he. Right?

Rusty and Jack set up on the floor, maneuvering their green plastic subordinates near them as they perused the book. As they flipped through the pages, Jack wanted a closer look at the pictures. Leaning his head to one side and into Rusty's shoulder. The kelpie took notice but didn't mind his friend being a bit of a space invader. Jack was far too invested in the pages in front of him to notice how close he was to his friend. Not that either pup seemed to mind, being so close to Rusty kept Jack surprisingly calm. Rusty gently placed his snout against Jacks head, enjoying gentle touch of his fur. It made the kelpie feel all fluttery inside, He didn't really understand why. Jack took his time to explain what they were looking at on each page. Going into detail about the planets and the moons that surrounded them. He was glad out of most things he had trouble remembering, he could always at least remember facts about space. Rusty smiled and nodded as the Jack Russell went on and on.

Good things could only last so long, as Rusty's mom informed the boys it was time for bed. Jacks heart sank, and he timidly started to get ready. Running to the bathroom to brush his teeth before slowly making his way back to the bedroom. He looked up to see the kelpie already tucked in his top bunk. His mom gave him a gentle pet and a kiss on his head. Jack wormed his way under the bottom bunk. He kneaded the blanket nervously between his paws as Rusty's mother leaned down to tuck him in.

``Have a goodnight Jack. If you need anything, Digger is just right out in the living room, ok?''

``Ok...Th...Thank you Rusty's mom. Goodnight!''

He said it with enthusiasm, but he secretly held back his apprehension. As she left the room and shut off the lights, she left the bedroom door slightly ajar. Rusty's room seemed a lot bigger in the dark, but he noticed a slight glow coming from the far wall of the room, making its way up to the roof and above the bunk bed. Jack could make out a few glow-in-the dark star stickers which lit up in contrast with the dark. Jack went wide eyed at the sight.

``Whoa!''

``It's like were in space huh?'' Rusty called out from the top bunk.

``Yeah!'' Jack recoiled; He said that a little too loudly.

``I mean...Yeah...''

Rusty held back a giggle.

``We can pretend that we're on a long journey heading back to Earth.''

``Mmmm, You're the captain?''

``Always'' Rusty said confidently ``But a captain is nothing without his trusty navigator.''

Jack covered his mouth with his one hand, putting on his best robot voice.

``Boop boop! This is dude-a-tron! What are your orders captain?''

``Set a course for Earth! Me and Jack got's to head home!''

``Setting course for Earth, any other orders captain?''

Rusty bit his lip to keep from squealing out. No need to have his mom bust in on their fun.

``Dude-a-Tron, get ready to initiate hyper sleep.''

Jacks excited demeanor fell.

``Understood, preparing for hyper sleep...Is there...anything else you'd like to do?''

Jack half pretended and half pleaded, though Rusty did not catch on.

``Nah, I've got a busy day on earth tomorrow with my buddy Jack. Got lots to show him before his dad picks him up!''

Jack smiled before confirming. ``Understood! Preparing hyper sleep pods!''

Both boys pulled their covers tight over themselves, imitating a slight hissing noise. Indicating they were sealed in their pods.

``Initiate hyper sleep Dude-a-Tron!''

``Beep! Initiating hyper Sleep! Goodnight Captain!''

``Goodnight Dude-a-Tron!''

Jack heard the top bunk stir before seeing a set of red ears and snout poke from above the side of the bed. Looking down and over at Jack.

``Goodnight, Jack!'' He said, before disappearing again back over the edge.

``Goodnight Rusty.'' Jack mouthed quietly.

With that, the bedroom fell silent.

Jack just stared up at the top bunk above him. Every so often he would hear Rusty move in the bed, breathing softly. He clutched the blankets and curiously looked around the room. The glow from the stars keeping things illuminated, He eyed a few toys on one side of the room. Most were hard and plastic. None of which would provide the soft warmth that Wambo gave him.

``Wambo...'' Jack thought sadly.

He turned his head and stared at the wall, closing his eyes. Periodically he would open them up. Wondering if he had gotten any sleep at all. It felt like hours had passed by. He turned the other way, back towards the toys. Still looking as stiff as ever. He turned his attention back to the top bunk. The pup felt so lonely without the plush.

``I can sleep without him...If only I was in my own bed.''

Jack's legs started to kick involuntarily. A habit he had when he felt restless.

``If I was in my own bed, in my own room...maybe I could sleep.''

His mind had begun to race.

``Maybe I shouldn't have come...Maybe I can still go home? I'm itchy, is this blanket itchy? I feel itchy. None of Rusty's toys look soft enough to cuddle. Maybe I can call Dad! Maybe he can take me home! But Rusty...I don't want to leave Rusty. If only I was in my own room...''

Jack had tossed and turned, He clutched his knees and squirmed himself into a ball. His tail tucking under his legs, He couldn't keep himself still.

``I sang the song, I got my pack, my hat, my snacks and nose ...''

A quiet whimper left his mouth.

``Head...shoulders...knees...and...

Tears started to well in his eyes. He banged his hands against his head. Frustrated at himself.

``Why didn't I remember to bring Wambo? Why did I leave him?''

He bit his lip to keep his sniffling quiet.

``Why can't I remember anything?''


``Jack?''

The pup jumped and turned to see a familiar head poking down again.

``Jack? What's wrong?''

``Oh...uh...I don't know.''

Rusty could tell he wasn't being honest.

``You're moving a lot down here, and...are you crying?''

Rusty's curious demeanor dropped to one of concern. Jack wiped his face the best he could, but he figured he couldn't keep pretending that everything was ok.

``I...I...I left Wambo at home...''

``Whose Wambo?''

``Wambo is my...cuddle buddy.'' Jack admitted. ``He's my plush frog that I usually sleep with...but I forgot to bring him over.''

``Ohhh...and you can't sleep without him?''

Jack shook his head sadly.

``It's my brain Rusty, my brain always forgets to bring something... Even with the songs mom and dad have been teaching me, I still have issues remembering to bring things or remember words...anything really.''

Jack huddled his legs into his chest. Pressing his knees in and wrapping his arms around them. Rusty listened closely, Not taking his gaze off Jack.

``Rusty, sometimes I wish...I was just like everyone else. That I can just remember things or do as I am told. I wish there wasn't anything wrong with me. I just want to be...normal.''

The pup sniffled and struggled to keep himself composed, failing to do so. Rusty's heart ached at the sight of his best friend. He thought hard, He wondered if he should get his mom or Digger but something else came to mind.

``Maybe I should call my dad...Tell him to pick me up and...''

``BOOM!''

Jack jumped in surprise, watching Rusty fall face first onto the floor. He looked over to see if he was hurt but the kelpie jumped to his feet, no damage done.

``Dude-A-Tron! What was that?!''

Rusty motioned over to Jack who stared at him in confusion. Jack weakly answered.

``It was an...Asteroid?''

``Oh no! Damage report!''

``Uhhh...The ship is...fine?''

He was getting more confused by the second.

``Woo, that was a close one. Looks like everything is...oh no!''

Rusty pointed to Jacks bunk. He excitedly threw the sheets off his bed, Getting a laugh out of him.

``Ahh! Captain Rusty?''

``Navigator! Your hyper pod has been damaged! You can't go to hyper sleep in a damaged pod! What to do?''

Rusty pondered curiously, a sly grin on his face. Jack just continued to stare at his friend. Still wondering where he was going with this. Rusty tilted his head up, His eyes darted up towards the top bunk. Giving Jack more of a hint. It took the pup a moment, but it finally came to him.

``Oh!''

Jack felt a blush appear on his face at what Rusty was implying. The pup shook his head up and down before replying in his robot voice.

``Captain, the navigator might be able to squeeze into the captains pod.''

``Good idea! That way we can both sleep safe and sound together!''

The confident kelpie suddenly felt embarrassed at what he asked. Breaking out of his play state for a moment

``I mean...only if you are ok with it.''

Jack smiled and nodded his head.

``Alright, Come along solider!''

He reached his hand out, which Jack took immediately.

``Don't you mean navigator?''

``Oh uh...Right! Hehe!''

With that, Rusty pulled the Jack Russel out of bed. He guided Jack to the makeshift ladder just next to the bunk. He slowly climbed on up, feeling nervous at sleeping on the top bunk. It wasn't just because he would be a few feet off the ground but that he was sleeping so close to Rusty. He scooted himself over to the left side of the bed as Rusty settled on the right. Pulling the blanket over them and sharing the pillow between their heads. Jack felt their shoulders touch and their legs brush against one another. He had been close to Rusty before, but this was something new and he found himself as stiff as a board. Rusty noticed how still Jack was and took the lead. Slipping one arm over the back of Jacks head. Pulling himself close to the blushing pup

``I may not be as soft as Wambo, but do you think this will be ok?'' Rusty asked curiously.

Jack loosened up, letting his body relax. He turned his head and pressed his snout into the side of Rusty's shoulder. Placing one of his arms onto his chest. Jack could feel Rusty's heartbeat against his paw. The scent of his fur caught his attention. He smelled citrus which he found very pleasant.  Jack felt calm, and slowly sank himself into Rusty's embrace.

``Yeah...This is...nice.''

``Good to hear navigator.''

``You're soft too. Like a big red pillow''

``Glad I'm so comfy'' He giggled.

``Thanks Rusty.''

``No problem Jack.''

``I'm sorry I cried...''

``That's ok!''

His arm tightened slightly against his friend.

``Ya know, it's ok to cry when you're upset or scared... I'm not exactly super tough all the time either.''

``Hmm? but you are like...the bravest dog I know!''

Rusty took some pride at hearing Jack say that.

``Thanks, but sometimes I have trouble sleeping too.''

``You do?''

``Oh yeah, usually if I have a scary dream ...Sometimes it's because I miss my dad.''

Rusty turned his gaze up to the ceiling. His mind drifted at the mention of his dad. Jack nodded and rubbed his paw into Rustys fur. Bringing the kelpie back and finding his words.

``When I feel that way, Digger will let me sleep next to him to feel better.''

``Aww, that's nice of him.''

``Yeah.''

``Lulu never asks me to sleep in my bed.''

``Your little sister is pretty brave then.''

``Yeah, she is. She's smart too.''

Jack often wished he could pick up on things like Lulu could.

``Everyone gets a little scared sometimes, you don't have to pretend that you're ok if you're feeling bad. It doesn't mean you have to be afraid by yourself...I'm not going to let deal with that on your own.''

Jacks tail wagged slow; he loved hearing Rusty say that. He settled further into the kelpie, Digging his face close into him. Enjoying the warmth that came off his red fur. Rusty felt that fluttery feeling again. The pups went quiet, not exactly sure if they should just fall asleep or keep on chatting.  Rusty wondered If he really needed to say anything else to keep Jack company, but the pup couldn't help himself.  His eyes wandered around the room. Like he was trying to figure out his next words, then he spoke up.

``Jack''

``Rusty?''

``I know you're different from most of our friends. I don't completely understand what it is but...I like you anyway. Even if it means you don't always remember stuff or do what you're told, I like you the way you are. I like you for who you are. It's why we get along so well. It's why you're my best friend... you're ... you're a good lad.''

Rusty was glad his fur match face because Jack couldn't see how beat red he was after saying that. Jack's eyes went wide. His tail wagged out of control, and he snuggled into his friend.

``Thanks Rusty...I...I think you're a good lad too.''

Both pups turned their gaze's away from one another. Their faces flushed, both shared feelings of butterflies in their tummies. They didn't really know what they were experiencing, this feeling fluttered and danced between. It was a little too complex for either pup to figure out right now but whatever it was, it felt nice.

``You ready to head back to hyper sleep navigator?''

``Sure thing captain.''

``Dude-A-Tron, initiate hyper sleep!''

Jack giggled.

``Beep bop! Initiating hyper sleep!''

Both pups snuggled closer, getting cozy before closing their eyes.''

``Goodnight Jack''

``Goodnight Rusty''

As both boys settled into their embrace. Jack felt like saying one last thing to his friend.

``Rusty?''

``Yeah Jack?''

``One thing I forgot to tell you about when I sleep...''

``Hmm?'' Rusty asked, His eyes slowly closing.

``I get gassy...''

With that, Jack cupped his hands against his mouth.

``PFFFFFTTT!''

Blowing a loud raspberry between them. Rusty had to stuff the blanket into his mouth to suppress his laughter. He pretended to gag.

``Ack! Eh! Navigator Jack! What did you eat? Ugh!''

``Sorry! I don't know how to stop!'' Jack blew another one between his hands.

``Ahh! Hahaha! Dude-a-Tron! Let me out of here!''

``Negative! Can't interrupt hyper sleep!'' Jack retorted.

Jack proceeded to wrap his paws around Rusty stomach, Blowing raspberry into his belly. The kelpie giggled madly. Jack struggled to hold back his laughter.

``Ahhh! Hehehe...Ja...Ja...Jackkkk! hehehe!''

``Phew, Rusty! How could you?! Heheheh!"




``Thump-Thump''

Digger awoke from the couch, his hair a mess and lop sided. His eyes blinking slowly as he eyed the front door.

``Who the heck?''

He jumped up and cautiously approached the door, Keeping his cricket bat behind him in one hand. He looked out the peephole to see a frantic but familiar face. He quickly opened the door.

``Mr. Russell?''

Jacks father panted hard. Looking like he had sprinted from his car the minute he was able to park at their place. In one hand he held what looked like a stuffed frog.

``Hey mate! Sorry to disturb you. I wanted to make sure Jack had Wambo...he can't sleep without it.''

``Oh! Uh...yeah sure!''

The exhausted Russell quickly handed it over to the older sibling.

``Hope he hasn't had an issue...''

``Oh no no, He's just in Rusty's room. I'll be sure he gets it.''

``Perfect...I'll just..woo!'' The older dog panted loudly, trying to catch his breath.

``Uh, do you need some water Mr. Russell?''

``Oh uh! Nah I'll be fine...I'm just gonna... Sit here for a sec.''

He proceeded to plop himself down on the porch. Digger did his best to not laugh out loud. He turned to walk back into the house. He'd make sure Jack had his little frog before coming back to check on his dad. He made it to his shared room, slowly opening the door before slipping his head in.

``Oy Jack..Your Dad brought you something..''

Digger words caught in his throat. In their bunk bed, the older boy noticed both Jack and Rusty bundled together. The boys laying on their sides, Rusty being spooned by Jack. Their tails wagged slowly as they slept. Digger smiled, and very quietly left Wambo on the dresser before making his way out.

The plastic stars gave a dim glow against the green plush frog, not only illuminating him but also the two pups who slept next to one another. Usually, If Jack had Wambo in bed, it was always a gamble how long it would take him to sleep. The pup's mind liked to race while he settled into dreamland. Wambo usually got him to sleep in less than 10 minutes. However, After the boys had settled themselves and gotten comfortable, Jack was out like a light. Safe and sound against his best friend. His forgetfulness may hinder him from time to time but occasionally it could have its perks. Especially if it meant being this close to Rusty.  As he slept away, his dreams drifting him into the brightest corners of space, He had his captain alongside him. His co-pilot and guide. Rusty was more than happy to accommodate him. The sleeping pup letting his hand drift, touching Jacks and interlocking their fingers together. They'd be back home on earth soon, but he didn't mind if they drifted a little further. A little longer, together.