Forward. Upward. Onward: A Bluey Story.

Out Of Bounds - Part 2

There was a bit of silence in the room.

Bluey was sitting down on the wide couch. Cross-legged. Overthinking. 'I messed it up! Why couldn't you just shut the biscuits up?!'

On the other side we have Mackenzie, standing in front of the short couch. Arms crossed. Going through an episode of doublethink as if he was Eric Blair writing Animal Farm.

Outside of the living room was Rusty and Dusty. The older one was trying to hear the conversation that was about to ensue, while the younger one tried not to get her brother's ass beaten before the party even began.

The silence continued.

"Mac-"

"Don't."

"I'm sorry I jus-"

"Please don't Bluey. It's not worth it."

"Why are you so bothered about this all of a sudden? It's not wrong-"

"It is wrong! I won't- I- Didn't we agree not to think about each other that way?!"

"I don't remember that."

"Well, I do."

"Mackenzie Avaltea Murray-Ball. You know cheese-well that you have not followed the 'promise' you brag about."

"First of all, it's 'Awatea'. And second, we agreed not to break any of our promises even if we got separated!"

"Mackenzie! It's been five years since I last saw you! I was trying to adjust to the idea that I'd never see you again! But then-"

"You thought keeping the promise wasn't worth it anymore?"

"Mackenzie Aguatibia-"

"Awatea."

"Mackenzie Awatea Murray-Ball, don't lie to me. Is this really about that 'promise' I don't entirely recall?"

The tables had turned.

"I- I- I-"

"Cream Biscuit you ca-"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT! EVER AGAIN! NOT AGAIN!"

Mackenzie's self-control system had collapsed. The dam doors had fallen and the water was quick to pour out. He fell to the floor and started to cry, putting himself in a baby-like position.

"Mackenzie, don't worry. I'm here for you!" Bluey tried to console him.

"No you're not! You shouldn't! We shouldn't! It's wrong!"

– – –

"What's this guy's denomination? Latter Day Hypocrite?"

"Rusty! Don't say that!"

– – –

"It's not wrong! It's jus-"

"It is! We shouldn't have done anything of what we did! If I hadn't gone to the boat that morning I wouldn't have had to-"

"To what?"

"To- to-" He cried even harder. "Do-don't let th-them t-take me ag-again, b-bluey..."

"Who is 'them'?" Bluey realised this was much deeper than just guilt.

"Th-the-the-"

There was a knock on the door.

"Mackenzie, get up and wipe away those tears, we'll talk about it when you feel comfortable." Bluey then kissed his nose, making him back off.

"Oh, s-sorry. I thought you'd like it." Bluey got up. Mackenzie followed soon after.

"Rusty! Stop snooping! Your guests are here!" Bluey yelled, then went to the door to open, making sure Mackenzie was comfortable beforehand.