Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Glasshouse Primary School.

It was a day like any other at school. Bluey and her friends; Chloe, Indy, and Honey decided to practice cartwheels in the schoolyard since Bluey's buddie, Mia, whom she saw just a few days earlier at the park with her parents, had taught her more about it. When Mia left Glasshouse Primary School to attend her new High school, she still kept in touch with Bluey regularly since she thought of her as her younger sister. When Bluey saw her friends at school, she had the idea to show them, much to Chloe's excitement, the blue heeler first demonstrated her new double cartwheel. Indy and Honey saw them as well and decided to join the duo, who were equally delighted and interested in playing!

The girls were excited to give it a try but soon realized that it's harder than it looks (except for Bluey) since it was their first time, but the Blue heeler was determinated and did her best to help them. —I'm not sure if I can do this. —Chloe said, swaying on one foot. She went first and tumbled over, landing on her bottom with a thud.  The sweet Dalmatian loved to play Bluey's games thanks to her outgoing personality and imagination, but right now Chloe was getting difficult. 

—Don't worry, Chloe —Bluey said, as she rested her hand on her friend's shoulder. —Just keep your balance and spin! Here, let me show you —The blue heeler proceeded to demonstrate a perfect cartwheel. —It's all about finding your balance and keeping your arms and legs straight.

Suddenly the beagle and the Afghan hound were also starting to get upset, which was unusual to happen in Indy, who was known for having a positive attitude, as well as being excited to participate. —I keep falling over —Indy complained, rubbing her elbow. Bluey approached them too, whose faces were sad and frustrated. —That's okay— Bluey said with a grin. —Falling is part of learning how to do a cartwheel!

—I wish Mia was here to show us. —Honey said wistfully, she was someone sympathetic and problem-solving, however, at this point, the Beagle was running out of ideas on how to handle this.

—Mia taught me, and now I can teach you! —Bluey said confidently. 

—I don't think I'll ever be able to do it like Bluey, —Chloe said, looking down at her feet. —even Coco knows how to do it!

—It's thanks to her siblings, she told me one of her sisters practices rhythmic gymnastics —Bluey pointed out. 

—You'll get there, Chloe —Indy said, giving her friend a reassuring pat on the back. —Bluey does her best to help us, we just have to practice, right?

Then, Honey finally managed to stand on her head for at least five seconds (until she began to feel slight dizziness), much to the amazement of her friends. —I'm dizzy. —Honey said, as she fell to her feet and strumbled to a stop. 

—That means you're doing it right! —Bluey said, laughing as her tail wagged excitedly.

Slowly but surely, with Bluey's help, the girls gradually progress... or at least they try. They take turns cartwheeling, laughing, and cheering on one another as they go. 

Mackenzie, Jack, and Rusty were seated on the grass in the distance, wiping the residual camouflage paint from their faces. The Border Collie used to hang around with the girls and occasionally on his own. But recently, he was becoming closer to Jack and Rusty lately; they asked him to play with them whenever they could, and recently they were hanging out more outside of school to the point where Rusty had invited both Jack and Mackenzie to a sleepover at his place. —That was fun as usual, and for being my first time playing army.—Mackenzie said, smiling.

—I knew you'd like it. —Rusty replied, nudging Mackenzie's shoulder. —We never suggest you play army with us since we didn't know if you'd like it, but we're glad you did.

Meanwhile, Jack was rubbing his arm where Rusty had playfully shot him with a pretend gun. —Yup, but it was fun and you did it great Mack!—The Russell terrier said with a grin.

Then Jack looked up and saw the girls playing (Or what it seemed to be) cartwheels in the distance. —Hey, I've never seen them do that before —he said intrigued, jumping up.

—Uh? Hey, look at the girls —Rusty said, pointing towards them.—Wanna join them? —Jack and Mackenzie turned to see the girls in the distance. Mackenzie shrugged —I don't know how to do cartwheels very well, I did it just a few times. —the border collie pointed out a bit ashamed.

—I don't either.— Jack admitted. —I've only seen how it's done, Lulu likes to play cartwheels.

—Me neither,— the Red Kelpie said. —but that doesn't mean we can't try. Besides, it looks like they're having fun.

Mackenzie and Jack exchanged a glance before nodding. —Okay, let's see what they're up to. —the Russell Terrier said and the Border Collie nodded in agreement.

The boys made their way over to the girls, who greeted them with smiles. —Hey guys, what are you up to? —Honey asked.

—We just finished playing army —Jack replied. —What about you girls?

—We're doing cartwheels! —Bluey exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. —I'd rather say we're "attempting". —Chloe answered, emphasizing the word "attempting"

—Oh! That's cool, can you show us? —Rusty asked. —We saw you girls from afar, so we wanted to join you.

The girls hesitated for a moment before Bluey spoke up. —Sure, we can show you. It's not that hard. —She added, her tail wagged.

—Um, but Bluey, we're not very good at it yet—Indy admitted. —We're still practising, although we've improved a bit, I guess.

—That's okay, us neither, but we can help —Mackenzie offered. —It's not the first time we try to figure out how to play or learn something anyway.

—So, wanna join us? —Bluey asked with a smile looking at him.

—Sure, why not?— Mackenzie said, shrugging. 

—But how are we supposed to help? —Jack said, looking sceptical. —We don't know how to do cartwheels either.

—That's okay, we can help you too in exchange —Indy said, grinning. 

And so both parties reached a mutual agreement. The girls took turns attempting cartwheels while the boys helped them, the first one was Chloe, who would be assisted by Jack. The Russell terrier had a vague concept of how he could help the Dalmatian based on how he supported his younger sister, Lulu; it wasn't the same, but he had a slight idea.

—Guys, I'm not sure about this, I might fall again —the Dalmatian sounded nervous. —Jack, promise to catch me if I fall, please!

—Don't worry, Chloe. I'll be right here to catch you if you do. —He smiled and stated it with assurance, as well the rest encouraged her too.

Chloe took a deep breath and nodded, taking a few steps back before running towards the grassy patch. As she went for the somersault, Jack kept a watchful eye on her, ready to help her if she stumbled. —Okay, let's do it!

After a few attempts, the Dalmatian finally managed to do a few successful cartwheels. —See, I knew you could do it! —he exclaimed, giving her a high five, they sensed a fraternal tie between them for some reason and it didn't bother them at all, so she decided to give the Russell Terrier, who was shorter than her, a friendly hug, making them appear even more like two siblings. Chloe giggled, feeling proud of herself. She couldn't wait to show off her new skill to her family.

—Wow, Chloe, you did great! I want to try now. —The Afghan Hound dog exclaimed happily, as she walked forward and grabbed Rusty's arm to his surprise.

—S-sure thing, Indy. I'll help you out. —he added, still reeling from Indy's enthusiasm.

Then it's Indy's turn, and Rusty helps her. —Okay, let's see if I can do it... —She struggled at first, but she managed to improve thanks to Rusty assistance. The red kelpie crouched down beside her to show her the proper hand and foot placement.

—Okay, put your hands here and your feet there. Now, kick your legs up and over, —Rusty instructed, gently guiding her through the motion until she managed to complete a full cartwheel. —You made it! —he cheered.

Indy's arms shook a bit, but she manages to land on her feet, both share a smile —Thanks for helping me, Rusty. —Her tail wagged in happiness.

—Don't mention it, I always tend to assist my younger sister too when she wants help with something new.

Meanwhile, Honey and Mackenzie were looking on and applauding. —Well done, Indy! — the Beagle and the Border Collie cheered her on. Bluey was overjoyed that all her friends were improving owing to the boy's encouragement. —That was awesome! — The blue heeler added.

Honey goes next, and Mackenzie and Bluey assisted her by standing on each side of her. She also had problems with balance, gripping her hands to aid her. —I'm not very good at gymnastics; I barely managed to stand on my head a moment ago. —her voice trembled slightly.

—You got this, Honey. Just kick your legs up and let us guide you. —Mackenzie encouraged her.

—It's okay. Just give it a try. You might surprise yourself. — Bluey added with a trusting smile. —We'll be here to catch you if you fall.

Honey nodded and took another deep breath before attempting the cartwheel. She starts to spin and loses her balance, but Mackenzie and Bluey reached out to steady her. —Wow, easy. It's okay, Honey. Try again. —the border Collie suggested. Again she took a step back, getting ready to try her cartwheel. Mackenzie and Bluey stood on either side of her, ready to assist.

—Okay, on the count of three, —Mackenzie said. —One...two...three!

Then she sprang into the air, threw her legs up and over, and wobble slightly at first before completing a cartwheel. —I did it!— she exclaimed beaming with pride before stumbled and falling eventually. Mackenzie and Bluey high-fived each other, triumphantly smiling at each other. —You were amazing, Honey!— Bluey exclaimed.

Chloe, still giggling, approached the Blue Heeler for help. —I wasn't expecting you to fall.

—That was hilarious! You two looked like you were dancing! —Indy added, grinning.

—I guess I'm fine without trying a cartwheel after that fall...  —Jack pointed out, who came over to help the Border Collie.

—Neither do I. I'll stick to playing army, but Bluey did better, so I guess she won? —Rusty hesitated, not wanting to upset anyone.

—Of course, I won! —the Blue Heeler said,  the Blue Heeler said with a grin as she turned to face Mackenzie. —You simply aren't as quick as I am.

Mackenzie scowled. —You only won because you tripped me up, I was doing better than you, —he retorted. —And it's not funny.

—Aww, c'mon don't be such a grumpy loser. —Bluey teased, nudging him playfully. But when she saw the upset look on his face, she sobered up.  —Oh, sorry, Mackenzie. I didn't mean to upset you.

Mackenzie sighed, feeling a little better. —It's okay, —he said. —It's not that important.

—I'd call that a draw, —Honey, who had been watching the entire affair, eventually replied. —You both fell out at the same time anyway.

While Mackenzie and Bluey continued to argue good-naturedly, Jack and Rusty watched on with amusement. They had seen this before and knew that it was just part of their playful rivalry.

—Hey, Rusty, do you think they'll be all right after what happened?— Jack inquired, still giggling at Mackenzie and Bluey's mishap.

The Red Kelpie agreed with a nod. —Oh yeah, they'll be fine. They're always like this, —he said, recalling the many times he'd seen them compete with each other. —It's just how they show their friendship, I guess.

—They're always trying to outdo each other. It's kind of entertaining. —The Russell Terrier smiled in agreement.

Rusty chuckled, but then his face became more empathetic. —But I get what you mean. When we were five, practically everyone would think they didn't like each other.

Jack nodded. —Oh, but we know they're really good friends. And that's what matters.

He agreed but then grinned mischievously. —Just don't say this stuff around Coco, —the red Kelpie warned. —She gets weird every time someone mentions that topic.

—And if Mackenzie hears that, he would be annoyed. —Jack burst out laughing.


The girls were back chatting with Bluey and Mackenzie, their minor dispute was forgotten as they changed the subject.

—Hey Bluey, can you ask Mia if she knows how to do a backflip?— Indy asked.

—That would be amazing, but I think we still need to learn a cartwheel before doing something new and more difficult —Honey said, offering her opinion.

—I agree. Besides, I think I need a break —Chloe said, wiping the sweat off her forehead.

Mackenzie sat down on the grass. —Me too. I'm kind of dizzy. 

—That's okay, guys. We can take a break and then do something else. Maybe we can play a game or something later. —Bluey suggested, feeling a bit restless, but she understood that her friends needed a break.

—Eh, I don't know. I think we all are a bit tired— Rusty said, as everyone was already lying down on the grass.

—Hey, you already saw the clouds! That looks like a pig! —Honey said, pointing to the sky.

The minutes pass and the group took their well-deserved rest and decided to watch the clouds at Honey's indirect suggestion, to which no one refuted or complained.

—What do you see, Chloe? —Bluey inquired, narrowing her eyes to see what her friend was pointing to.

—I see... a dragon! —Chloe exclaimed, pointing to a dragon-shaped cloud. —So, how about you guys?

—Well, I see... a huge marshmallow! —Mackenzie exclaimed as he pointed to a fluffy white cloud.

—That's a rocket ship! —Jack said as he pointed to a long, thin cloud.

—That's awesome! — I see a unicorn! Indy indicated a cloud with a horn-like appearance.

—What about you, Rusty? —Bluey asked, curious.

—I see a race car! —Rusty said, pointing to a cloud with a sleek, curved shape.

Bluey excitedly pointed to one that resembled a large ice cream cone. —Look, guys! That one looks like a triple scoop with sprinkles!

Chloe squinted up at the cloud. —I don't see it.— she said, frowning.

Indy giggled. —It looks more like a snowman. — she replied, pointing to a large circular cloud.

—You're both wrong. It's a huge elephant. — Rusty stated, his finger tracing the contour of a big cloud that resembled a pachyderm, Mackenzie sighed and rolled his eyes at this.

The entire group laughed and disagreed about the formations in the clouds, with some seeing animals, some seeing automobiles, and still, others seeing abstract patterns. Honey observed with curiosity but made no ideas of her own. Suddenly, Bluey sat up and pointed at a particularly fluffy cloud. —I bet I could jump on that one like a trampoline!— she exclaimed.

Jack shook his head. —Nah, that's not how clouds work,—he said, sitting up next to Rusty. —They're made of water vapour, so if you tried to jump on one, you'd just fall right through.

Bluey looked disappointed at this —Aww, that's no fun. —she said, lying back down.

Honey spoke up then. —But did you know that clouds can be different colours?— she said, sitting up and looking around at the others. The group was intrigued, and Honey went on to explain how clouds can appear red or orange during sunrise or sunset due to the way the light interacts with the atmosphere.

After a while, their playtime ended, and the youngsters slowly rose from the grass and returned to their school, enthusiastically discussing the cartwheels and what they had learnt and seen in the clouds. They couldn't jump on them, but they had learnt a lot and had fun attempting to find different shapes and colours in the sky. Just before entering their classroom, Rusty and Jack nudged Mackenzie. —Hey, did you notice how Bluey was staring at you during the game?— Jack teased him with a giggle.

In response, Mackenzie rolled his eyes. —No you too with that. She was just figuring out how to play... and getting on my nerves as usual. —he replied, trying to change the subject, much to his dismay. The duo just laughed at Mackenzie's response. The Border Collie knew perfectly well that Jack and Rusty weren't bothering him with malicious intentions, but it was still odd some of his friends matched him with Bluey, he didn't understand why and preferred not to find out.

Chloe and Indy overheard their conversation and giggled amongst themselves, Bluey and Honey were a little behind, unable to hear what they heard. Then Chloe elbowed Indy. —See, I told you he liked her.— she whispered, earning a playful nudge from Indy. The boys pretended not to hear, and all Mackenzie did at this point was slap himself in the face, he had enough of this. Jack and Rusty quietly rejoiced that they weren't the only ones making fun of their Border Collie friend.

—All right class, it's time to go back inside. Let's get ready for our next activity. —The Australian Shepherd called hee students once more. 

After a minutes, all the kids were in the classroom, excited to see what new lesson they would have with Calypso.

When they settle back into their chairs, Calypso announced they'll be making paper planes today! Bluey and her friends are overjoyed to learn how to create them as they sat at their desks with their pieces of paper, following the steps and directions that Calypso provided them, ready and eager to learn. Chloe, Rusty, Jack and the rest listen closely, and Honey carefully folds her paper to resemble Calypso's. Rusty, on the other hand, crumpled his paper and tosses it at Jack, who laughs and ducks out of the way. —Rusty, you're doing it wrong! —Jack teased, but Rusty just grinned mischievously and started over. 

Meanwhile, Winton struggled to fold his paper into the right shape. —I don't get it!— he muttered to himself, looking at the crumpled mess in his hands. Indy noticed his frustration and offered to help. —Here, let me show you.— she said, taking his paper and demonstrating the correct technique. 

While the kids were busy, Bluey chattered excitedly about how she was going to decorate her paper plane with stickers and drawings of unicorns. Mackenzie just watched her, not quite sure about the Blue Heeler idea, Coco just smiled at them and fold her paper quietly.  Calypso moved from desk to desk, offering tips and guidance to her class. She helped Snickers with his wing shape, showed Coco how to add weight to the front of her plane, and taught Chloe how to make a basic paper plane. They chatter and giggle, showing off their designs to each other. Eventually, they all finished their paper planes, and The Australian Shepherd gave them the go-ahead to try them out in the schoolyard. —Okay, everyone, —she said, clapping her hands together. —let's go outside and see if we can make them fly!

The entire class rushed outside, their planes soaring through the air. Some fly straight and true, while others dip and wobble, but all the kids cheer and laugh at the sight. Chloe's plane did a loop-de-loop, Rusty's plane flew the farthest, and Coco's plane does a graceful spin before landing. Jack laughed and high-fived the red Kelpie, and the other kids cheer and congratulate each other on their successful flights. 

On the other hand, the Border Collie and the Blue Heeler were equally proud of their planes. They weren't necessarily together, but they were close as both launched their planes into the air. Bluey's paper plane went fast and far, but it suddenly lost height and plummeted into the ground. Mackenzie's paper plane, however, floated elegantly through the air before landing softly on the grass.

—Why can't I make a good paper plane like you? —Bluey shook her head, feeling defeated.

—It's not about making a good one, perhaps it would fly much better if you hadn't loaded it with so much stuff. —Mackenzie added, giving her his usual "I told you" look, he knew this would happen, but he also knew Bluey wouldn't listen to him due to her stubbornness.

They launched them at the same time and in the same location shortly after, but their planes met in mid-air and fell to the ground. They recast them approximately two more times, but the same thing happened: both paper planes collided and began to get ruined, causing them to argue about whose fault it was.

—You crashed into mine! —Bluey exclaimed starting to feel annoyed.

—I did not! You crashed into mine! —Mackenzie replied, his annoyance was more noticeable.

Calypso noticed the tension and decided to intervene. —Hey, hey, what's going on here? —she inquired.

—Bluey's paper plane crashed into mine, ruining it! —Mackenzie grumbled.

—I didn't mean to! Besides, your paper plane crashed into mine first and ruined it too! — Bluey shot back.

Calypso took a deep breath and gently explained. —It's no one's fault. It's just the wind and the shape of your paper planes that made them crash. Why don't you both try to make other paper planes?

Mackenzie crossed his arms and pouted. —No, if Bluey's plane keeps crashing into my plane! —. Bluey responded by throwing her hands up in exasperation.

Calypso made a nod. —That can happen. — But you guess what? Maybe you'd like to try other sorts of paper planes. Ones that complement your styles and strengths.

—What do you mean? —Bluey raised her eyebrow in curiosity.

Calypso gave them a kind smile. —So, Bluey, you like to play rough and tumble, don't you? Perhaps a more sturdy design would be preferable for you. And Mackenzie, you're a stickler for details. Perhaps a lighter, more delicate design might suit you better.

Bluey and Mackenzie exchanged glances before returning to Calypso. —Okay, we'll give it a go! —they said in unison.

The duo nodded and decided to take Calypso's advice, they went back to their classroom to try again. After some experimentation, Bluey wanted a solid and resilient design, while Mackenzie went for an attractive and graceful one, and they eventually discovered the appropriate planes for them. Back in the schoolyard, they launched their paper planes once again. Bluey's plane flew high and strong, while Mackenzie's plane glided gracefully through the air. They both did a pirouette in the wind, and all the other kids looked on in amazement. 

—We just needed to find the right plane for each of us! that was cool!— Bluey said, giving Mackenzie a kind smile; He smiled back and nodded in agreement. Calypso approached them with her paper plane in hand while the Blue Heeler and Border Collie were sitting on the grass watching their paper planes flying in the air until they landed on the ground again.

—Hey kids, check this out. —Calypso remarked as she showed them her paper plane. —Do you know what makes paper planes special?— Bluey looked perplexed as Mackenzie shook his head.

—Paper planes can be like friendships, —Calypso continues. —people sometimes can take different paths as a result of circumstances, much as a paper plane might fly in a different course thanks to the wind. But they may also come back together and soar. —Mackenzie and Bluey exchanged glances, not fully understanding Calypso's metaphor.

She laughed softly yet sweetly. —You have distinct personalities and interests, yet you still share a bond,— Calypso observed the duo while they were paying attention. —Don't allow your disagreements to hinder you from enjoying your friendship. And who knows, maybe one day you'll look back on your friendship and realize it was like a paper plane that went through ups and downs. You both have distinct strengths that may be used to complement one another. Everyone has unique skills and talents that make them unique and valuable, just as each paper plane has a unique design.

Bluey and Mackenzie nodded, appreciative of Calypso's advice, even if they didn't fully get it. —Thank you, Calypso!— Bluey exclaimed, delighted. —I appreciate it.

—Me too; I had no idea we could be a great team. —Mackenzie added, sharing a friendly look with Bluey.

—What if you try to picture your friendship flying over the air every time you both fly your paper planes from now on? — Calypso's words and warm smile boosted their spirits. —Imagine the wind taking your friendship higher and higher, raising it towards the sky and soaring towards new horizons; and remember that when your planes eventually return to the ground, your friendship will remain, just as strong and steadfast as ever. —She remarked, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Motivated by their teacher's advice, Mackenzie and Bluey take turns launching their paper planes, which they watched fly through the air before landing on the grass. Even though they don't express it, both glanced at one other and smiled, glad for their friendship. They understood they didn't always have to compete with one other, but instead could work together. Calypso finally let the duo play in peace, smiling affectionately at them.

A bit later, Bluey and Mackenzie are both resting on the grass in the schoolyard, enjoying the comfortable silence. It was time to go back to their respective homes, and most of their friends had already gone. Both were waiting for their parents to pick them up - Bluey's dad, Bandit, and Mackenzie's mum, Eleanor.

Bluey turned to face Mackenzie as she inquired. —Did you get what Calypso was saying earlier?

—Not much, —The Border Collie replied, shaking his head. Then he smiled —but I'm glad we're friends. 

—Me too. —She nodded in agreement, returning the smile.

Just then, Mackenzie turned to stare up at the sky and sighed. —I wish I could fly like a paper plane, —he said wistfully. —Feel the wind and breeze on my face. Have you ever wanted to feel that?

Bluey nodded after listening to him. —Of course! It would be great to feel the breeze on my face and see everything from up high. 

—It would be amazing. —Mackenzie smiled after hearing this. 

—Hey, Kenzie... If you're a plane, then I could be your sky. You know, since I'm blue. —she said, pointing up at the blue sky.

Eleanor's pickup comes to take up Mackenzie before he can answer. Mackenzie leapt to his feet. —That's my mum! Gotta go. See ya tomorrow, Bluey! —He gets up and waves farewell to Bluey, who also stands up. —Bye, Kenzie. Thanks for today!

Bluey yelled out to Mackenzie as he gets inside the car. —Let me know if you ever wish to fly! — Bluey said with a genuine smile.

Eleanor's eyebrows shoot up in surprise as she hears Bluey's words, but she shook her head and smiled. She's known Bluey since she was four years old and has even taken care of her and Bingo, along with her husband Richard, at their home. She considered the Heeler sisters as her daughters. During those occasions when the Border Collies babysat the Heeler sisters, she started to notice the odd friendship Bluey shared with her son.

Eleanor teasingly lifted her brows at his son. —Sounds like you had a great time with Bluey today, eh? —Eleanor taunted as she looked at Mackenzie through the rearview mirror. —Looks like someone's got a bit of a crush on ya. —she added, grinning. Mackenzie's face turned red with embarrassment in response.

—Mum, don't start that again! —he groaned, looking out the window.

Eleanor laughed. —What? I think it's cute that you're sweet on Bluey, —she said, giving Mackenzie a playful look. —I remember when I used to have a thing for boys at your age. —she chuckled.

—I don't have a crush on her!— Mackenzie protested defensively. —We're just friends. —he insisted, although he couldn't deny that MAYBE he was starting to have a soft spot for Bluey, but no one was supposed to know.

—Sure thing, —Eleanor said, still chuckling. —I won't give you a hard time about it. But it's alright to like someone, you know. And let's face it, Bluey's a stunner. —she said with a playful smile. Mackenzie mumbled something unintelligible, still blushing.

Eleanor stopped the car for a moment. —No worries, mate. Your secret's safe with me. —she grinned and reached over to ruffle his hair affectionately. 

Mackenzie shook his head. —Mum, come on, —he said, trying to change the subject. —Can we just head home?

Eleanor smiled and kept driving, looking at Mackenzie through the rearview. —I get it, Mack. I'm just having a bit of fun with ya. —she said, sympathetically.

Mackenzie smiled and relaxed a bit. —Thanks, Mum. —he said, grateful.

Eleanor smiled back at him. —Anytime, Mackenzie, —she said, affectionately. —So, how was your day? In the end, they drove the rest of the way home, talking about Mackenzie's day.

A few minutes after Mackenzie left, Bandit arrived to pick up Bluey. She dashes over to him, grinning with delight. —Dad! —she yelled, wrapping her arms around his.

—Hey mate! How was your day? —Bandit hugged her back.

—It was great! —Bluey exclaimed. —We learned how to make paper planes and I did cartwheels with my friends.

As they get in the car, Bandit listened to Bluey chat about her day as they drove to The Kindy to pick up Bingo. —Today was a lot of fun, —she remarked. —first, the girls and I did cartwheels. But we struggled at first until Mackenzie, Jack, and Rusty came to our aid, they were quite helpful.

Bandit nodded and smiled as he listened closely to his daughter's day. —That's fantastic, Bluey. I'm delighted you have such amazing pals. — He remembered Mia, Bluey's 13-year-old pal who had shown her and Bingo how to cartwheel in the park a few days before. —I remember learning to perform cartwheels with your uncles when we were your age. It's always good to have pals who can help you learn new things like your buddie Mia.

Bluey then told her dad about the remainder of her day, including how Calypso had shown them how to make paper planes after their playtime, and she showed him the one she had made. —Look, Dad, it can fly a long distance!

—Hey, mate, that's a pretty nice paper plane you made! —Her dad praised.

Bluey's face brightened. —Thanks, Dad! At first, mine kept crashing with Mackenzie's and we argued a bit about it, —Bandit made an expression that showed he wasn't surprised by this. —but then Calypso helped us figure out how to make planes that suit our styles and strengths, later she advised us, but I didn't get that; I just know that we were able to reach an agreement.

—Really? —Bandit inquired, intrigued. —What exactly did she say?

Bluey thought for a bit before answering. —She said something about paper planes being like friends who go separate courses but can get back together again. I wasn't sure what she meant. —Bluey confessed with a faint grimace.

Bandit nodded thoughtfully. —I think what Calypso was trying to say is you and your mate Mackenzie are like paper planes. Sometimes, you two can have disagreements but still appreciate your bond, just as paper planes can fly in opposite directions yet occasionally end up in the same location.

—But what exactly does that mean? — Bluey raised her eyebrow at her dad. —Are we going to stop being friends or something? —She expressed her concern and sadness.

—C'mon mate! —he laughed at his daughter's obliviousness. —It means that even if you disagree, you can still be good friends and enjoy each other's company. There is a moment when friendships can change due to a variety of things, such as differences or choosing different paths at some moment, to name a few. But, they can sometimes re-unite and be just as strong as before. It's like when two paper planes fly together but occasionally separate; nonetheless, there may come a moment when both fly at the same time without separating, and friendships are similar. —He explained it in simpler terms for Bluey.

Bluey eventually nodded, understandingly. —Oh, I think I understand now. Thanks, Dad. That's a great way of looking at things.

—No worries, Bluey. You're always learning new things, and that's what's important. —Bandit said, looking at her from the rearview mirror

Bluey nodded, happy that her dad could explain Calypso's metaphor. They arrived at Bingo's kindergarten shortly after, Bluey couldn't wait to tell her younger sister about her day too; they both got out of their car and headed to the door of Bingo's classroom, where they found her playing with her best friend, Lila. Bingo said goodbye to the Maltese and ran up to her dad and sister.

Heeler Family's House.

—It's so great to see them having fun together. —Chilli said, leaning into Bandit's embrace.

Bandit nodded in agreement. —Yeah, they love each other. 

—So, how was Bingo's day at kindergarten? —She looked up at him.

Bandit talked to Chilli about how Bingo did in kindergarten, the new instruments she is discovering, and how much more she now enjoys learning to play the xylophone than she had previously.

—Aww, our little musician, I'm glad she's enjoying it. It's so important for her to learn new things. —Chilli's eyes glowed. —What about Bluey? How is she doing in school? —. Bandit's face brightened up as he began to tell the Red Heeler about her eldest daughter's day.

—That's amazing! Bluey always surprises us with her creativity. It's great that she's learning new things too. —She smiled warmly at this, glad for her daughters. —They're growing up so fast.

The Blue Heeler agreed, pleased with the achievements of his daughters. —Yes, both are quite innovative and creative. I got a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more paper planes around the house now!

Chilli rested her head on Bandit's shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her. While Bluey and Bingo ran around the yard, their laughter filling the air. The Red Heeler mentioned that Mackenzie's parents, Eleanor and Rich, had invited them over for lunch that weekend

Bandit arched his brow in surprise. —Really? That's great. It'll be nice to catch up with them. So, are you ready to watch Bluey and Mackenzie fight? —he joked, earning a playful nudge from Chilli.

—What can I say? I don't want my little princesses getting hurt.— Bandit reacted with a chuckle in response.

—Stop it, —Chilli nudged him again, teasingly —but actually, Eleanor and Rich deduced that Mackenzie likes Bluey.

—Oh, well... —Bandit let out a small laugh. —Can't blame the kid. Bluey's pretty great.

—Wait, Bandit Heeler! —Chilli gave him a sly smile. —Are you jealous?

—Me? Jealous? Of course not. —Bandit feigned offence, putting a hand on his chest. —I just don't want to see the girls growing up so fast.

—I know. But Mackenzie seems like a nice boy, and they're just kids. Let's not worry too much about it. —Chilli leaned in and kisses him on the cheek —. Bandit nodded, (a bit) relieved. their love for their daughters is evident in their eyes. 

As they continued to talk, Bluey and Bingo were holding the paper plane they just made. Bluey throws it first, but it doesn't fly very far. Bingo giggled and tried to throw it, but it only went a short distance. They both chuckled and take up their paper planes, trying different ways to fold them to see if they'll fly better.

—This one is going to fly super far! —With a great grin on her face, Bluey held up the paper plane.

—Yeah, let's try again! —joyfully nodded.

They folded the paper plane together, and Bluey showed Bingo how to throw it with a flick of the wrist. They dashed around the yard, attempting to catch the plane as it flew over the air.

—Look at it go! —Bingo yelled, bouncing up and down as they both chased the plane. The sisters chased after the paper plane as it sailed in the air, both laughed and yelled as they tried to capture it.

—Watch out, Bluey! —Bingo exclaimed as the paper plane drifted towards her sister.

Bluey leapt and pulled the plane out of the air. —Got it! —she grinned triumphantly. 

—You're the best, Bluey! —Bingo clapped her hands.

They both collapsed onto the grass, laughing and catching their breath. —Let's make another one! —Bluey suggested, picking up the crumpled paper from the ground. Bingo nodded eagerly, and they started folding and cutting again.

Bandit reflected on what Calypso had said to Bluey about paper planes. He knew that no matter where their paths may take their daughters, Bluey and Bingo would always come back to them, just like two paper planes flying together in synchronized rotation. And they would soar through life together with their love and support. For a time, they sat in silence, enjoying the warm afternoon sun and one other's presence. Bluey and Bingo soon approached them, holding their paper planes aloft.

Bluey joyfully flapped her paper plane darting around the yard to show off her creation. —Dad, Mom, look what we made! —. Bingo followed close behind, her own paper plane held high with a grin. —Mine is even bigger!

—I'm so proud of you both. You have such amazing imaginations. —Chilli knelt down and hugged both girls tightly.

Bandit smiled at his daughters' excitement. —Do you want to see how far it can fly? —he asked, taking Bluey's paper plane from her.

Bluey and Bingo's eyes widened with anticipation as Bandit took a step back and hurled the paper plane with all his might. It looped and twisted in the air before landing elegantly on the grass.

—Woah! —Bluey exclaimed, clapping her hands. —That was amazing!

—Can we do it again? —Bingo jumped up and down.

—Of course, let's see how far your big plane can go!— Bandit chuckled. 

The family spent the rest of the afternoon outside, tossing paper planes and playing around the yard. As the sun set, Chilli called the girls inside for dinner, but they begged for just one more flight.

—Just one more, please? —Bluey pleaded.

—Okay, but after that, it's dinner time. —Chilli said, smiling at her daughters.

Bandit threw the last paper plane, and the girls chased after it, laughing and shouting. After it, The family walked inside for dinner, which their parents had prepared. They ate, joked, and enjoyed one other's company before retiring for the evening, thankful for another day spent as a family.

Bluey's days were full of fun, learning, and love but couldn't help but be concerned about what was to come. She was thankful, though, to have her friends and family at her side. Who knows what surprises await the young Blue Heeler in life? Her journey is just beginning.