``Where's the green? Gotta add the green now.''

The red kelpie closed one eye and slowly colored in the largest shape on the page. Being sure to take his time shading in the color. Even though it was cutting close to recess coming to an end. Any other day, he wouldn't worry so much about something like that. He'd normally be engrossed in a game with his best mate Jack but today wasn't just any day. Next to him on the arts and crafts table were a couple of other pups. Bluey eagerly filled in what she could on every card her mom let her bring. With Chloe and Indy doing much the same next to her. Every one of those cards signed and adorned with a treat inside. The girls were intending on distributing them to others around the class.

Today was Valentine's Day. Rusty took his recess time to fill out what he could on the cards his mom bought. Between those though, he was creating something original. A personal valentine just for one pup.

``There we are. All done!''  Rusty said out loud. He looked at his creation. A massive green hill filled the page, helicopter parts thrown in different places. Like there had been some sort of crash. Tanks were going up and down the hill though some of them looked like chubby bin chickens. Drawing wasn't really Rusty's strongest suite, but he thought it was good enough. What he did put the most detail in though was the two figures sitting on top of the hill. Jack and Rusty with their arms in the air. Their army hats and packs on as they celebrated their victory. Rusty tried his best to capture Jack's likeness. He nailed the colors down just right. Satisfied, Rusty grabbed a pair of safety scissors and a pencil, intending to cut the image out. He thought he'd tried to make it in the shape of a heart, it was Valentine's Day after all. As he was about to draw around it, He hesitated for a sec.

``Would that be too mushy?''

The pup turned his head towards an open window. From a distance he could see Jack and his two astronauts. The often-quiet boy gave commands in which direction they should steer the ship. The pups yelped loudly as they dodged what he could only assume were asteroids. Rusty was proud of how quickly Jack was to lead as captain this time around.  Once they've cleared the danger, Jack gave a tight hug around his crew mates. Thankful that they were safe.

``Meh... Jack loves mushy stuff. Lil bugger.''

His friend was far more affectionate with him and other pups. Often giving hugs on a whim. Rusty of course was used to receiving them every time they'd see each other at school. It always made him feel warm inside. He had decided on the shape of the heart and turned his head back to draw it. Only to be jump scared by a certain blue heeler.

``Ahh!''

Rusty fell backwards in fright. The heeler giggling at the sight.

``Hi! Heheheh''

``Bout gave me a fright. Whoa.''

``Can I just borrow your yellow crayon. Indy is using mine right now and I must...Oooo what's that?''

Her eyes met his drawing of Jack and him. Rusty quickly hid the picture under his pile of other Valentine's cards.

``Oh nothin, here ya go!'' Picking up his crayon box to hand to her.

``It looks like You and Jack! Let me see!''

``Nooo way!'' he said, but Bluey was already around the table and digging under the premade cards. The kelpie yanked the pic to the other side of the table.  Shielding it between the length of his left arm, he quickly drew the best heart he could. Bluey rocketed back to his side.

``Rusty!!!''

``It's not done yet!''

He winced, his haste making the heart that surrounded the image looked more like a kidney bean.

``Come on Rusty! I'll let you see one I'm working on!'' She sang to him.

``Wait...You're working on your own one?'' Rusty asked curiously. Not noticing the two other girls hovering over his shoulder.

``What are those supposed to be?''

``I think their bin chickens?''

Rusty jumped again, Seeing Indy and Chloe eyeing the picture. The kelpie yelped and quickly brought the pic to his chest.

``Rusty!!! Please can we see?''

``Please please please?!''

The three ran back to the other side of the table. Giving the biggest puppy eyes towards him. Rusty couldn't resist and relented. He placed the pic down on the table and rolled his eyes.

``It's me and Jack playing army ok?''

``Oh..'' Bluey sounded disappointed.

``What's that big bean surrounding you two?''

``It's supposed to be a heart!'' He barked.

``OOHHHH! Is this a Valentine for Jack?'' Bluey asked.

Rusty squirmed in his seat. Still not looking at the girls.

``Yeah, What of it? We're all giving out Valentine's cards later. So, I thought I'd make one for my mate.''

``But you drew one just for him though! That's so romance!'' Bluey cooed.

Rusty was taken aback by what she said. Practically falling out of his chair again.

``Romance?!''

``I think she means romantic.'' Chloe added.

``Yeah yeah! If you drew this just for him, that's means you must really like Jack!''

``Is that why you drew something for Mac...''

Chloe couldn't finish her sentence as Bluey was quick to grab a random lollipop from one of her cards and shove it in her mouth. The dalmatian didn't complain. Sucking on the surprise treat.

Rusty was glad the girls couldn't make out the blush on his face. Jack was his best mate. He was just giving this to him cause its Valentines Day. Though he didn't feel a lot of conviction in the thought. That was why he was giving him one...right?

Indy on the other hand stared back at the drawing then to Rusty then back again. Seeming lost in thought at the implications at what she was looking at.

``Bluey, Rusty can't do romance with Jack.''

``Why not?''

``Cause he's a boy!''

She said it audibly and much more spiteful than anticipated.

Rusty was already sick of them prying into his drawing but what Indy had said took him off guard. He couldn't give something he made especially for Jack? Was that not something you could do? Why did he suddenly care so much if he could or couldn't?

``Is...Is that true Indy?'' He asked.

``Well...Yeah. I think?'' Indy didn't seem too sure of herself. Rubbing one of her arms nervously.

A dull silence surrounded the group.

``Um, maybe we should ask Calypso if...''

The class bell had rung, and older Australian Shepherd had called out to the rest of the class outside. The swarm of pups came running back inside, no doubt they were excited to exchange valentines. Bluey, Indy, and Chloe ran back to gather their cards. Finally, Rusty could finish where he left off. Even if there wasn't a whole lot of time left. As he snipped the paper away from the crudely drawn heart, he continued to feel sort of weird. Unsure of the reason he was giving Jack something so personable.

``He's just my mate. Nothing to it.''

He didn't feel very secure saying that to himself.


Jack had promised to take Snickers up to space at some point. So, when play time came around, the jack russell and Mackenzie took the dachshund towards their spacecraft. What caught Jack by surprise though was when he asked Rusty to join them, He declined. Saying he needed to ``Fix something'' and he'd play later. Appointing his nervous friend as the captain for the time being. Jack wasn't always so confident in leading but if he could handle being lost at sea then surely he could handle being lost in space. At least he knew his crewmates weren't going to disappear one by one this time. As the trio dodged asteroids and space walked out across Venus, Jack would turn back towards the schoolhouse. His mind pulled out of his play and wondering what Rusty had been up too. He was tempted to run out and check on him, but he didn't want to leave Snickers and Mackenzie on their own. He continued to act as captain even as the bell rang, and Calypso called them in. The jack russell ran back inside, excitedly getting his valentine's cards ready to be passed out. Looking through the stacks he had, He knew he had left something behind at home. Not because he didn't want to give it out but because it wasn't done yet. He just needed one more day.

``I can do it! Just need a little more time!''

He hoped Rusty would understand.


Recess had run a little late and by the time the kids were all round up; Calypso expected their parents to come by and pick them up at any minute.

``Alright everyone, I hope you had a terrific Valentine's Day! We can now exchange our valentines' cards to one another!''

``Hooray!''

The class barked and in a flash the pups began to run around and give their cards out to each other. Using their backpacks to keep the treats they received in. Calypso watched over the kids as they greeted each other lovingly. She giggled at Bluey practically lifting Mackenzie over her head. The collie was surprised at her strength. Winton and Jack were running back and forth between who they could. Giving hugs in between each card he gave. Through the sea of pups, she noticed Rusty on one side of the class. Something seemed off with him and she approached the normally excited kelpie.

``Rusty? Are you alright?''

``Oh, hi miss Calypso. Just a lot of kids running all over. I don't know who to hand out to first.''

She sensed that Rusty wasn't being entirely honest but didn't pry further. Opting to give him a gentle push.

``Oh yeah, better get your cards out before their moms and dads come by for pick up.''

She noticed a drawing tucked under his arm. Seeing what looked like Jack on the front of it.

``Oh? Did you draw that for Jack?''

Rusty blushed and tucked it out sight.

``Calypso...Can boys be...ro...man..tic?'' he said slowly.

Calypso had heard many curious questions from her class before, but this was a new one.

``Do you mean...the way mommies and daddies are?''

``Yeah like getting married and all that...stuff.''

Rusty avoided eye contact with her. Seeming embarrassed.

``I certainly think they could if they really wanted to. If they find the right fella.''

Rusty gripped the drawing tightly. Thinking of what he wanted to ask next.

``When do you know if you find the right...''

``Rusty!''

The kelpie was caught off guard by Indy. Who shoved a card directly in his face.

``Happy Valentine's Day!''

``Ohhh, Thanks Indy! Happy...''

Before he could say a word, she grabbed his arm and dragged him along towards the rest of the pups. The kelpie had managed to give out the entirety of his cards to every pup present.

 Soon enough, the loud schoolhouse slowly quieted down as students were each picked up by the parents. Rusty was one of the stragglers, but he was happy that Jack was still around. He spotted the jack russell talking with the terriers. The three storming off with their load of candy towards their mom's van. Rusty looked down at his drawing, clutched tightly under his arm. He had passed out everything he had and there was only one more valentine to give. He walked over to his friend. Jack turned to see Rusty heading his way. His tail wagging with slow excitement.

``Rusty!''

``Hey Jack, Sorry I never made it outside to play Space.''

``That's ok! Snickers still had fun. We went to Venus!''

``Oh right on mate. Ya'll run into any trouble out there?

``Just some asteroids on the way.''

``Mackenzie didn't venture off again did he?''

``Nah, he stayed put.''

``Good lad...well any how...uh...''

Rusty slowly pulled the drawing from under his arm. He realized that he was shaking and was feeling so anxious. He didn't know why. He was giving a card to his friend. Like he did with everyone else earlier. This was just more personal. That's all. He tried to tell himself that, hoping he'd come to believe it.

``I...Uh...I...''

He opened the drawing. The jack russell eyes going wide at the sight. His tail wagging furiously.

``Happy Valentines Day Jack.''

Rusty's tail began to match his friend's enthusiasm but died down when Jacks facial expression soured. He twiddled his fingers together and stared at the ground.

``Rusty...I...I don't...''

The kelpie felt his heart sink.

``I don't?''  he thought. ``What does he mean?''

His mind began to race.

``Does he not like it? Does he think I want us to be...Romantic? We're just friends. Best mates! Right?! I mean...We are...aren't we?''

Rusty hated what he was feeling right now, he'd give anything to make it end.

``Oi! Rusty!''

To his luck, the kelpie turned to see his dad standing by the doorway. He had arrived to pick him up. Rusty turned back to his friend. The pup awkwardly standing there, his arms half raised. Hesitating weather or not to take the picture.

``I've...I gotta go!''

In a rush, Rusty quickly folded the picture up and ran towards his dad. The dark furred dog gave his son a curious look as he ran past him and towards their car. Calypso watched the whole thing unfold and eyed a disappointed looking Jack. Who dropped his arms to his side and began to walk away. The pup unsure about what had just happened. She eyed the front door only to see Rusty and his father begin to drive away.

``Oh Rusty...'' She mouthed. She hoped he was going to be ok and turned her attention back to his best mate. Making sure he knew he did nothing wrong.



Rusty's dad was on sabbatical right now. Happy to spend time with his family. However, as he looked at his son though the rearview mirror, his ears perked in concern. The pup seemed to gaze out the window at nothing. His backpack of received valentine's cards and treats sat untouched next to him.

``Eh mate, how'd it go today?''

``It went fine.''

``Ya got yourself a lot of goodies there! Quite a ladies' man aren't ya?''

Rusty just let out a quiet ``Mmm hmm'' in agreement. His father could pick up that something was off. He knew his son wasn't really the type to cry when he was upset. He'd just keep to himself, all quiet like. The exact opposite of his usual confidant and loud boy.

``Rusty, You alright son?''

``I...don't know.'' He admitted.

``Did something happen at school today?''

``I...don't know. Maybe?''

``Maybe?''

He could vaguely see something scrunched up under his arm. He remembered seeing Rusty holding up something to his buddy Jack earlier.

``Whatcha got there?''

``A drawing.''

``Did Jack draw that for ya?''

``No, I drew it for him...It was his valentine.''

``Oh. Why didn't ya give it to him?''

``I don't know.''

Rusty tucked his legs against his chest. Seeming to be in distress.

``Dad, I'm...confused.''

The older dog could feel how tense his son was from the backseat. This wasn't going to settle with some typical chit chat. He flicked his turn signal and began to pull off the road.

``Where are we going?'' Rusty asked.

``Gotta grab some petrol.''

He was intending on settling this man to man.


He had just topped off his gas tank and brought his son inside the station to grab some sorbet. Nothing helped his kids out more than getting some of the sweet stuff. Even if it was basically having dessert before dinner.

``Just don't tell ya mum mate.''

``Yup yup!''

The kelpie eagerly licked the red ice from the slick package, his dad directing them to take a seat by a nearby bench. He let his son enjoy himself a bit more before pressing on.

``Rusty, you said you were confused?''

The kelpie stopped licking. His tongue brushes some sorbet out of the pack and onto his arm. He quickly licked it off himself. Seeming to be lost in thought.

``Do you want to talk about it son?''

Rusty put down his treat before speaking up.

``I...I made a valentine for Jack and I was going to give it to him but...I didn't.''

 ``How come?''

``Cause I was afraid how he would react.''

``You think he wouldn't like it?''

Rusty remembered the concerned look Jack gave him.

``I think I just made him as confused as me.''

The older kelpie sighed low.

``I'll be honest Rusty. I'm a little confused too. Probably not for the same reason you are though.''

His father gave a lighthearted chuckle and gently pressed on.

``Can you explain a little more Rusty?''

His son kicked his legs nervously.

``Some of the girls today said if I gave a handmade valentine to him, that means I like him.''

``But...you do like him. Right?''

``No, I mean they meant like ``like'' him.''

His dad raised an eyebrow. Not really following. Rusty knew he had to be much more specific. Even if he didn't want to spit it out in front of his dad.

``Romance...stuff.''

He quickly looked away and his father raised both his eyebrows and ears. Finally understanding.

``Oh...I gotcha mate.  So, you don't want Jack to get the wrong idea then? That you don't like him like that?''

Rusty stared down as his sorbet as it melted out of the pack and into his hands.

``Dad, how...do you know that you like someone like that?''

The older dog chuckled; He didn't think he'd have a talk like this soon.

``Well...''

``Indy said that boys can't romantic together. I don't know why it bothered me so much.''

Rusty just let it all flow out of him.

``Maybe it's because I still want to be his friend and...maybe be romantic?''

He seemed to shrink into himself. Turning back towards his father.

``Dad, Is there something wrong with me?''

The tongue-tied dog finally found the words, quickly leaning in to wrap his arms around him.

``Hey sport, listen close.''

He pulled back and looked him straight in his eyes.

``There is nothing wrong with you. You got that? You can like or love whoever you want. Don't let anyone tell ya any different.''

Rusty perked up at hearing that, His tail wagging a little.

``I think...''

``Yeah mate?''

``Even if...If... I might like him more than a friend, would he be ok with that? He seemed so ...worried when I tried to give the drawing to him. Would he still be my friend? I'm...afraid he won't be.''

His father pulled back and grinned at his son. He craned his head up and looked up at the sky. Watching a plane pass slowly across the clouds above as he began to recount something important. He just hoped he could hold Rusty's attention.

``Did I ever tell ya about Peatie? My bud in the army?'

``No?'' Rusty asked.

``Well, every so often, me and my squad would be sent to neighboring bases around the country to help. Old Peatie is stationed at a base in Carins. We don't see each other much but when we do it's always a riot. He's all about cricket and the footy.''

``Sounds like a good lad!''

``You bet. So, one day he tells me he's going to visit Brisbane on leave. He wanted to see me and take me out on the town. He...uh..''

The older dog had to remember he was talking to his seven-year-old son. Being vulnerable didn't come to him often but he wanted to be honest with his boy.

``Well, he basically asked me out on date.''

``What?! Hahahahehehe!''

Rusty couldn't help but laugh loudly at his blushing dad.

``Yeah! Peatie is a great soldier! But man, it somehow went over his head that I had a miss and three little ankle biters at home!''

He ran his hand against Rustys head. Tussling his fur.

``Soooo what happened with him?''

``Nothing mate. Sure, he was a little disappointed and a bit embarrassed that I didn't swing his way but that didn't keep us from being great friends.''

He turned back to his boy.

``The point being, I think regardless how you feel about Jack. You should still give him the valentine. It will show just how much you mean to him. If Jack is half of the best friend his is, he will still be your mate no matter what.''

Rusty smiled brightly before leaning back up to hug his dad tight. The older dog returned it with an embrace twice as strong.

``Thanks dad.''

``Anytime Mate.''

``Can I still give it to him tomorrow?''

``Oh yeah, but we best head home for now. I need a bath cause...''

His dad started to shake suddenly. His teeth chattering.

``Ya sorbet is running down my back! Ack! Cold!''

Rusty laughed as his dad leapt up and shook the treat off his fur.



The following day, Rusty rushed out of his Dad's car. He could have sworn he saw Calypso coming up to speak to him, but he zipped past her. Sure enough, he spotted the familiar jack russell. The boy sat by one of the craft tables, drawing something. The kelpie felt butterflies in his tummy and was apprehensive at talking to him. Nevertheless, he pressed on.

``Uh...Hi Jack.''

The pup turned to his friend. Surprisingly sporting a smile on his face.

``Rusty!''

``Jack, I'm...I'm sorry I left so fast yesterday.''

``Oh...It's ok. Calypso said that you were just feeling shy. Is that true?''

``Kind of. It's sort of hard to explain.''

``Did I do something wrong?''

``What? No mate! It's just..um...''

Rusty felt his apprehension growing but didn't want to keep his friend in the dark. Holding out his drawing back towards Jack. Handing it over properly to his friend.

``I...I made you this cause you're my best friend and...I really like you. I got upset cause when you saw it, you didn't seem very happy.''

Jack leaned in to take the drawing, taking another look at the top of the green hill. He smiled at how cool Rusty looked next to him. Seeing them together like that just felt so right. Distracted, he quickly replied.

``Oh, that's because I didn't have one for you. I mean!  I do have a valentine for you but I...''

Jack looked away from his friend.

``Did you forget t it at home?'' Rusty asked.

``No, it wasn't done.''

Rusty felt relieved at hearing that.

``So that's what you were trying to say to me yesterday!''

``Yeah! Exactly! Just couldn't get the words out.''

Jack began to blush, still not meeting his friend's gaze.

``I... I have a hard time finishing things up sometimes. Drawings or homework. Most stuff honestly but I really wanted to finish something this time.''

Jack fiddled with a crayon in between his fingers. It helped ease his thoughts.

``Cause...I really wanted it to be special. Cause you're my best mate and I like you a lot Rusty.  So, I held off giving it to you yesterday. Even if it's a day late...I'm sorry...''

Jack put down his crayon before pulling the sheet up to the kelpie. On the drawing was he and Jack riding on a massive rocket traveling through space. There were plenty of planets in different colors and sizes. He could see what looked like an alien spaceship just behind them. Glitter adorned the entire page in various rainbows. It gave the rocket and planets surrounding the astronauts an amazing shine.

``Happy Late Valentines Day Rusty.''

Rusty felt his face go flush and began to wag his tail.

``Do you like it?''

The jack russell was cut off as Rusty leaned in close and wrapped his arms around his friend. Pulling him off the chair and giving him a tight hug. Jack felt light as a feather. Rusty had picked him up once or twice before, but this time felt special.

``This is amazing mate! Thank ya!!''

The smaller pup giggled loudly at his friend's tight affection.

``Rusty heheheh! I can't breathe!''

The kelpie put down his friend and smiled at him. Jack always loved seeing that toothy grin Rusty had. It matched his confidence which looked to have been renewed.

``You're a great lad Jack.''

``Aww I think you're the best Rusty.''

The pups noticed that they were both holding each other's hands. Jack felt his stomach flutter at the sight. His eyes meeting Rusty's before both boys let go of each other. Jack fiddled with his fingers again while Rusty nervously scathed the back of his head. Blushing and staying quiet for the time being. Jack broke the silence with a question.

``Do...do you wanna play space again? Catch me up on what you missed yesterday?''

Rusty snapped out of his shyness.

``Yeah! Let's do it!''

It wasn't long before both boys were back outside. Rusty asked Jack to grab Mackenzie and Snickers to finish where they left off yesterday. He took the opportunity to look at Jacks drawing one more time before gently putting it into his backpack.

``Hey Rusty?''

The boy looked to see Indy walking towards him. Their plush daughter in her arms.

``Oh, Hey Indy! Hello Polly! Being a good girl for mommy?''

``Always, I wanted to ask if you wanted to play moms and dads with me.''

``Aww Sorry Indy but I'm playing space with Jack in a sec.''

``Oh, No worries.''

She rocked her doll in her arms. Trying to soothe it.

``Aww It's ok Polly. Daddy is just going off to work today.''

``Being an astronaut is hard work! I'll be back soon Polly!''

The kelpie leaned in to give his plush daughter a hug. Indy began to turn away, looking down at Polly before turning back to the kelpie.

``Rusty.''

``Yeah Indy?''

``I'm sorry...about what I said yesterday.''

``Sorry? For what?''

``About boys not being able to be romantic.''

``Oh, That's alright.''

``I asked my mom about it yesterday and she said she knows plenty of boys who like each other like that.''

``Did she now?''

``Yeah.''

The Afghan Hound took a seat next to him on the grass.

``Soooo do you like Jack? I mean ``Like Like'' him? It's ok if you do.''

Rusty turned to look at Jack who quickly ran across the yard. Only to stop and notice a blue flower along the blades of green. The curious pup let down and leaned in to take whiff at it. Scrunching his nose at the fragrance. Rusty smiled. It was admittedly a cute sight to see. He gave a shrug towards Indy.

``Probably.''

She held back a giggle. Rocking Polly in her arms.

``Did you hear that sweetie? You might have two daddies soon!''

``Ahhh! don't tell the baby!''

Both laughed out loud at his response. Indy smiling at how happy the kelpie was. Seeming to accept the ambiguous answer.

``Captain!''

Rusty hopped to his feet at the call. Noticing Jack tailing behind Bluey who eagerly pulled Mackenzie along next to her.

``Nuh uh! Me and Mackenzie are going to play moms and dads!''

The border collie smiled.

``Oh, I don't mind playing with Bluey if...''

``Mackenzie will be the baby!''

``What?! Hey!''

``And Snickers can be the cat!''

The sausage dog saw the incoming blue blur and began to run his little legs away from the pack.  Jack continued his pursuit behind the trio.

``Captain! I need some help here!''

``Hold on there navigator! I'll help you cut them off!''

Rusty gave a nod to Indy and Polly before sprinting down the glassy hill to them. Indy watched as Rusty ran over to Jack and took a hand in his.

``Let me get in on that Jack Russell speed you got mate!''

``Going turbo!''

The pair held their hands clasp and chased the pups around the yard. Jack giggling the entire time.

Indy smiled at the pair. She hadn't even noticed her teacher standing by.

``How you going Indy?''

``Hello Calypso. Polly and I were just visiting her daddy.''

``Aww that's nice. He's heading to space isn't he?''

``Yup, but he's got good company with him.''

Calypso watched as both boys circled around the trio. Jumping in front of Snickers, Bluey and Mackenzie. Catching them by surprise. The five pups fell over and laughed at the whole commotion. Rusty and Jack were especially loud as they lay on the grass together. The two never letting go of each other's hands. Calypso couldn't be happier with them both.

``Atta boy Rusty.''