Once the police arrived, they asked us to go outside. At this point, I would rather be outside than being inside and having to look at my dead parents' bodies. It's something that I'll never be able to get out of my head. Even though we were told to move outside, the feelings still felt the same as if I were inside my home. I continued to cry and grieve over the loss of my parents. Dylan didn't say much, but he stood by my side, putting his paw on my shoulder in a comforting manner.

"Dylan? Colton? What happened?"

Delilah and Doug arrived at the crime scene with worried looks on their faces. I still wasn't able to tell them what happened, so I gave Dylan a look signifying that I wanted him to tell them the news.

"Mom, dad, something happened to Colton's parents. We arrived at the house and we saw that the door was still open. When Colton went inside the house, he saw that his parents were, umm…."

At about the same time that they were hearing their son's explanation, Delilah and Doug looked over them to see two body bags being carried out of the house. They knew whose bodies were inside considering their son's explanation and Colton's emotions. They became filled with sadness as well.

"Oh no... Colton, we're so sorry," Delilah said sorrowfully.

"Come here bud," Doug extended his arms out to me, meaning that he wanted to give me a hug. I accepted his hug. From there. I cried even more because his hug reminded me of the hugs that my dad used to give me.

"It's okay Colton. Let out your emotions. We'll be here for you."

I could feel my crying slowly die down as I was in Doug's embrace. I can definitely tell they've had to have done this before with some of their kids. Not in this particular situation, but maybe a situation where they have needed comfort.

"Excuse me, are any of you witnesses to the murder? If so, we would like to ask you a few questions."

I heard a human police officer approach us. I knew that he felt bad for walking in on our little moment, but I don't blame him. It is his job to investigate what happened. It will be the only way to find out who did this to my parents.

"Officer, can you come back to us in a few more min-"

"No, Doug, it's okay. Officer, my friend and I weren't here for the murder, but we may be able to answer some of your questions," I quickly interrupted.

"Okay. Hopefully we'll be able to get more positive answers than more negative answers."

He was wrong. Most of the questions consisted of how the killer looked like, what type of gun could have been used, etc. We weren't able to answer any of those questions. The only bit of information we could give him is that we heard the loud bangs a few minutes before we arrived and that we came home to a broken window and an open door. The open door might have been from when I left though. We also gave him the identities and details of the victims, or my parents I should say. Well, I didn't tell him. Dylan did, and he made sure to add that they were my parents too.

"Okay," the officer said in a defeated tone, "thank you for your time boys. Any information is useful, so I'm glad that you were able to give us something. It looks like it may take us a while to solve this one, however."

I thought we were done with our conversation with the officer, so Dylan and I decided to head back to his parents. Then, the officer called us again.

"Wait, boys! Come 'ere please!"

We went back to the officer. This time, however, Doug and Delilah came with the both of us to see what he wanted with us.

"Young boy, first off, what's your name?" He asked me.

"Colton. Colton Mitchell."

"Thank you Colton. And what are all of your names?"

"I'm Delilah Dalmatian. This is my husband, Doug Dalmatian, and this my son, Dylan Dalmatian."

"Thank you everyone. I'm officer Liam Banford. One of the top officers of Camden Town's police force. Very nice to meet all of you."

"Nice to meet you too officer. Why did you call us back? Is there something else you would like to ask us?" Doug asked.

"Ah yes. Colton, if those were your parents that were murdered and you stayed with them, do you have any other family that can take care of you?"

Now that I remember, I don't have any other family to take care of me. My mom's parents passed away a few years ago, and my dad's parents are too old to take care of me. My mom grew up an only child, and my dad only has one sibling who he usually doesn't speak of. So, I really don't have any close family members that I can turn to.

"No. I don't, officer Banford."

"Well then. Colton, I'm afraid to tell you this, but I finished talking to someone from child services. If you don't have anyone that can take care of you, you must go into the foster care program."

What? No! I can't be a foster kid! I've heard horrific stories about kids being used for money, kids being abused, and even a kid who got murdered by his foster parents! I won't be able to take any of that.

"Wait, officer Banford? Are there any alternative options? I don't think Colton wants to be in foster care," Delilah opposed.

"The only option I can give you is he can stay with someone for a limited time. After that time, they have to decide if Colton goes up for adoption, or if the person themselves wants to adopt him."

Delilah and Doug looked at each other with worried looks on their face. I can tell that they want to help me, but they're unsure of what to do.

"Officer, we'll take Colton with us. How much time do we have to make a decision?"

"I will give you one month to let you take care of him. After that, you must make the decision on whether to put him in the foster care system or become his parents."

I felt relieved knowing that hope was not lost. However, I still fear that Doug and Delilah are going to want to put me up for adoption. Couldn't it have been more than a month? Maybe 6 months or a year? Oh well, I should be grateful for whatever time I have.

"Alrighty, I must go now. I promise you Colton, we'll figure out who did this to your parents. I wish you the best of luck moving forward," the officer told me.

"Thank you."

"Take care everyone. Remain vigilant but also careful. Good night."

"Good night officer Banford. Thank you," Doug added.

We were left alone, standing in front of the house that used to be my home. Now, it will no longer be my home.

"Well, Colton, would you like to grab any of your things before we head off?"

"No, um… can we just go?"

"Yes, we can. No worries."

We walked to 101 Dalmatian Street with pure silence. Dylan, Delilah, and Doug all felt bad for me. I just didn't want to talk right now. I wanted this all to be a nightmare. When we finally arrived, we were surprised to see all of the pups standing in the hallway. They were in their pajamas either half-asleep or completely awake.

"Mom and dad? Where did you guys go? And why is Colton here?" Dolly asked at the same time.

"Look, it's a long story, but it's something that can wait until later. All of you need to go to bed because it's getting late." Delilah went on further asking, "Colton? Where would you like to sleep? We'll set up a makeshift bed for you."

"I'll sleep with Dylan in his treehouse."

"Wonderful. Pups, go to sleep. Colton, we'll get your bed ready in Dylan's treehouse."

All of the pups went to their respective rooms while Delilah and Doug brought out some blankets so that they could make a bed for me. I followed them to the treehouse. Dylan tried to do the same, but he was pulled back by Dolly. I knew that she wanted to know what I was doing here, so I wasn't going to stop her. She was going to find out anyways.

3rd Person POV:

Dolly yanked Dylan's arm so that he could come back to her. She was curious to know why Colton is at their house so late at night.

"Ow! Dolly, what is wrong with you?"

"Suck it up, buttercup. I need to know why Colton is here and why he looks so sad."

Dylan let out a deep sigh before answering her question.

"The Camden Town Killer got to his parents. When we arrived at his home, we found them dead on the ground with bullet holes in their bodies. Now, he's staying with us for a month until mom and dad either decide to adopt him into our family or put him up for adoption."

All of the information being given to Dolly hit her like a train. She felt so bad for Colton. She wanted to go over to him and give him a big hug, but right now it seems as if he just wanted to get some rest. Or at least, try to get some rest.

"Oh no… Dylan, what do we do?"

"For now, make sure that he's loved. This is going to leave him emotionally destroyed. The last thing he needs is for him to be rejected."

"Okay…" Dolly sadly said.

"Sis, go to sleep. We'll talk more about this tomorrow. I need to go accompany Colton."

The two separated so that they could each go to their rooms to sleep. Dolly felt bad for her friend. She couldn't believe the news that she heard. She's going to do what Dylan told her to do, make Colton feel wanted. Because that's the thing he needs the most right now.

Back to 1st Person POV:

I watched as Delilah and Doug made my makeshift bed for me. Bless their hearts. I don't know how I could repay them.

"Alright Colton, your bed is ready for you to sleep on."

They placed my bed vertically to the right side of Dylan's treehouse walls, different from Dylan's bed which is placed horizontally to the upper wall of his treehouse.

"Thank you so much. I-I don't know how to make up for your help."

"Sweetheart, you don't have to do anything at all. We know you're going through a tough time right now. We just want to help you in any way possible. That being said, if something happens in the night and you need help, don't be afraid to wake up Dylan, Doug, or myself. We'll find a solution."

"Thank you Delilah. I appreciate your help so much."

"No problem sweetheart."

Delilah left, leaving Dylan and I by ourselves in the treehouse.

"What she said is right, Colton. If you need something, let me know so that I can help you."

"Thanks Dylan. I will let you know."

Dylan changed into his pajamas and went to bed shortly after. I just slept in my jeans since they were the only clothing item that I had with me that didn't have much blood on them.

"Good night Colton. Sweet dreams."

"Thanks Dylan. Same goes for you."

Dylan fell asleep shortly after. I didn't. I stayed up the whole night. I don't know why, but I didn't feel like getting any sleep. I heard Dylan's quiet breathing instead. I don't think things will ever go back to normal. I want things to get better, but I don't think I'll ever be the same again.


1 week later...

It's the day that I've been dreading for a week now. My parents' funeral. We used some of the money that they had left over to pay for it. After all, I wouldn't need any of it and they had no one else to give it to. It would only be right to use the money on them one final time. Many of mom and dad's coworkers came to the funeral, along with Snowball, Roxy, Hansel, Fergus, and all of the Dalmatian family. My dad's parents weren't able to make it. In fact, no one from my mom's family or my dad's family was at the funeral. The only people who gave an eulogy was the pastor who was officiating it, Delilah, Doug, and two of mom and dad's close coworkers. I was offered a chance to give an eulogy, but I passed on it. I wouldn't be able to complete it without breaking down halfway.

This past week has been hard for me. I slept very little throughout the night, nothing would make me happy, and I didn't attend school at all during the past week. I would stay at the house taking care of the baby pups. I lacked any and all motivation to do anything. I still do, but I know I can't be like that forever. If I do, I'll never be able to recover. I'm forcing myself to be happy, but I still feel that sadness deep down.

Now, it's time. Time to bury my parents under the ground. I never thought it would be this soon. I should have at least been 60 when they would die. But I'm only 12, and I have to say goodbye to them.

As they were being lowered to the ground, memories started to flow in my head. At the same time, a song started to play in my head. A song that I heard a long time ago, that I thought was sad, yet beautiful, because it talks about remembering someone. A feeling that I'm dealing with right now. It felt as if I formed my own personal montage about them as I played the song in my head, while also remembering the moments I had with them.


Thinking Bout You - Ariana Grande (Some lyrics have been changed by me)

I've been thinking 'bout you

Yeah, I been missing you

Where the heck are you, oh, when I need you?

I could still hear your voice

I ain't got no choice, cause I'm here all alone

I know I can't wait 'til I get home

Oh, I don't have you here with me

But at least I have the memory

I tried to make it through the night

But I can't control my mind

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

A little 5-year-old Colton Mitchell woke up feeling energetic. He was ready for another day of fun with his parents. He got up from his bed, ran to his parents' room where they were still sleeping, and started to jump on their bed.

"Mommy! Daddy! Wake up! It's time for us to play!"

His parents woke up with a surprised look on their faces, they instantly turned happier once they saw that it was only their son.

"Sport, you woke us up, you know what that means! The tickle monster is going to attack you!"

His dad grabbed him and started to tickle him. Little Colton couldn't help but laugh very hard at his father's tickles.

"No! Not the tickles!"

His dad continued to ignore his playful plea. He continued to tickle him, and tickle him more, until he finally decided to bring him in for a bear hug.

"I love you so much sport."

"I love you too daddy!"

Got these thoughts in my head

Ain't no way to forget

Got me losing my breath

Nobody cared for me like you did

Have me losing my tears

Have me facing my fears

Now you left me so fast

The grief I feel is so hard to combat

Oh, I don't have you here with me

But at least I have the memory

I tried to make it through the night

But I can't control my mind

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

9-year-old Colton was out with his mother, doing some shopping out in the markets of London. The weatherman had forecasted a chance of rain in London, but Colton didn't want to believe it, so he went out in more casual clothes and didn't take an umbrella. Unlike her son, Colton's mother went better prepared and took a coat with her along with an umbrella. When the rain started to hit, it surprised Colton. He should've listened to the weatherman. He didn't think his mom would help him out with staying dry. Until…

"Here sweetie. Take the umbrella. I don't want you catching a cold."

"But, what about you mom? You only have a coat. You'll get sick if the water hits you."

"That's a sacrifice I'm willing to take for my own son."

Colton smiled at the thoughtful gesture. His mom helped him even though he didn't listen. She was his hero, and she would be there for him even when he did something wrong. Did she end up getting ill? Yes. But like she said, she would sacrifice her health for her only son.

"I love you sweetheart."

"I love you too mom."

Maybe I don't want no one, no one else

So hurry, cause I need some, need some, need some help

And I'll be waiting patient, patiently

Cause I don't have you here with, here with, here with me

But at least I have the memory

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

I'm just thinkin' bout you

I'm thinkin' bout you, I'm thinkin' bout you

"We love you Colton, and we always will."


The funeral finally ended. Everyone either stuck around or left because they had to go somewhere. I stood with Dylan and Dolly as we talked with our friends about certain things. Then, Fergus brought something up that made us all feel shocked.

"Hey, did any of you guys see Trent? He told me that he would come to the funeral."

"What?!" We all exclaimed.

"Why did he tell you that?"

"He never told me. He said in his own words, 'Maybe I'll go to Colton's parents' funeral.' That's it. Nothing else."

That's the weirdest thing I've heard in my entire life. Why would someone like Trent want to come to the funeral? He doesn't seem like he would even go to his own parents' funerals. Nonetheless my parents' funeral.

Our conversation was about Trent had been cut short as someone approached us. Someone that seemed very familiar. Then, it hit me who this person was.

"Hello kids."

"Officer Banford? What are you doing here?"

"Well, I have a heart and I know when people are in need of help. No matter who it is to me, whether I know them or not, I'll be there to help. Also, Colton, may I talk to you privately?"

"Oh. Sure…"

Why did he want to talk to only me? He can't tell everyone else what he wants to say?

"Colton, I know it might seem shocking to you how you just met me and I'm still here at your parents' funeral. But the thing is, there's an even bigger reason why I'm here."

"What is that reason?"

"I lost my dad when I was around your age. He got into a car crash with a drunk driver and he died at the scene. He was a big part of my life and he left my mum and I very depressed."

Oh... that's why he came.

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

"It's alright bud. My point is, I'm using my past experience to help people and make them not feel alone. Especially with the kids, because losing a loved one when your mind is still developing really takes a toll on you. I've been in your shoes before, kid. I want you to know that you'll get through this. You're not alone. And if you ever need my help for anything, here's my number. Give me a call and I'll help you."

Wow… he's so kind. He deserves all the happiness in the world.

"Thank you so much Officer Banford."

"Just call me Liam, kid. You're absolutely welcome."

He ruffled my hair before leaving the funeral site. I walked back to where my friends were standing. Where they greeted me with one question.

"Colton, what was that about?"

"I'll explain later."

Everyone had left by the time that the sun was about to set. The only people remaining were the Dalmatians and I. We were about to leave, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye.

Now seems like the perfect time to do that since I'll be alone.

"Delilah? Can I stay behind for a little bit?"

"Of course sweetie. Take your time."

"Thank you."

I walked back to the graves of my mom and dad. Their names were right next to each other, which meant that they were next to each other beneath the ground too. Derek and Rebecca Mitchell. Even death won't separate their love for each other.

"Hey, mom and dad. I know I never got to say goodbye to you, and it'll probably be a long time until I say hello again, but this will have to do. I hope that wherever you are, you both are having fun. Whether you guys are ghosts or angels or spirits, all I hope is that both of you are happy in the afterlife. As for me, well I'm trying to be happy with my new life now. I'm surrounded constantly by black and white fur. For now, at least. But I'm used to so many other things now. Like DJ playing music, Da Vinci doing art, and Dante's scares. Which I will admit can be funny at times…"

I had to laugh at that thought. His scares were funny at times...

But then the sadness came back.

"I wish you both were still here to see that. Why did it have to end so wrong? I'm sorry that I wasn't the perfect son I was supposed to be. I didn't even get a chance to say 'I love you' to either of you before you both died. I yelled at you for something so stupid. Now, I have to live with that. And I'm sorry…"

The tears came out pouring out again from my face.

"I-I promise that I'll remember the both of you. I won't ever forget about either of you until the day that I die. I'll remember every single positive moment I had with you guys. But for now, I have to go. I hope I'll feel better the next time I come visit. I love you both. Rest in peace, mom and dad."

After my little speech, I took a single flower that was left on the ground and I placed on their tombstone. A symbol that I will forever use every time I visit. I left their gravesite, remembering that the Dalmatians were still waiting for me so that we could go home.


Night had fallen that same day, which meant that it was time for us to go to sleep. Dylan and I were in his treehouse, which was renovated to make way for some of my stuff that I brought from home. Due to the lack of space though, I only brought the most important things to the treehouse like some of my clothes and my own blankets and bedding. My other stuff I either left in various parts of the Dalmatian home or I donated because I didn't need them anymore.

We both brushed our teeth inside the house, helped some pups go to sleep, walked to the treehouse, and changed into our pajamas. Sleeping in our own area felt very comfortable. We both agreed though that when there's bad weather like a thunderstorm, we would be sleeping inside the house. Since tonight is a perfect night though, there would be no problems whatsoever. Dylan closed the door to the treehouse and closed the window too, light still entering the treehouse from the moon. We both went to our beds, getting ready to go to sleep.

"Good night Dylan."

"Good night Colton."

We both slowly drifted away to sleep. Darkness taking over for the night, like usual...


"Huh? Where am I? What's going on?"

I found myself on top of a surface that seemed to have a rocky texture. I don't know where I am, but I couldn't see anything besides rock.

"Colton!"

Wait, where are those two voices coming from? They sound so familiar…

"Colton! Over here!"

I looked around to see where those two voices are coming from. I finally found where they are coming from. No way…

"Mom! Dad!"

I ran over to them, where I embraced them with a big hug.

"Mom, dad, I missed you guys so much."

"What do you mean? You never missed us…" My mom said in a dark and menacing tone.

"What?"

"She's right. You would only miss us if you loved us, which you don't," my dad added.

"But I do love you guys! Why don't either of you believe that?"

"Really son? If you did love us, you wouldn't have left us heartbroken when you ran out that door! We died because we were still standing there, waiting for you to come back! Now we're dead. And it's all your fault."

"No..."

Before I could say anything else, I felt the ground beneath me crumble. All of a sudden, I'm standing on the edge of a cliff. Below me, a fiery pit of lava.

"Wait! Please stop."

"It's all your fault and now there's nothing you can do to repair it."

They're pushing me closer and closer to the edge. I can't do anything to save myself. Oh no…

My foot had nowhere to step on. I fell from the edge into the pit of lava.

"Mom! Dad! Help me, please! I'm sorry!"

Then, out of nowhere, two strong arms made out of lava came out and wrapped themselves around my body. They made me sink deeper and deeper into the lava. I couldn't restrain myself from it's strength.

"No! Please help!"

The lava is completely enveloping me. The only thing left not covered in lava is my face.

"Goodbye, son."

"NO!"


"Colton! Wake up!"

"SAVE ME!"

I screamed at the top of my lungs for someone to save me, thinking that I was still sinking in lava. I saw Dylan in front of me, looking worried. I was overwhelmed with emotion. I did the first thing I could do. I wrapped my arms around Dylan and started to sob on his chest. I felt him wrap his arms around me. We wrapped around each other in a tight hug.

"Dylan! I-It was terrible! My p-parents blamed me for their deaths! They pushed me into lava and I drowned and I-"

"Colton! It's okay! It's completely okay. It was just a really bad nightmare. Nothing like that actually happened."

I continued to cry on his chest, remembering the horrible dream I had. I felt so guilty for waking up Dylan in the middle of the night. All for that stupid dream.

"Dylan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up. I just had a really bad dream."

"It's okay Colton. We all have nightmares. I'm your best friend too. I'll comfort you all night if I have to."

"Thanks Dylan."

After a few minutes, the tears stopped falling from my eyes, and I felt good enough to try and go back to sleep.

"Okay, I'm ready to go back to sleep. Thanks Dyl-"

"Wait. Stop right there Colton. I'm not going to let you sleep by yourself. From now on, you're sleeping with me in my bed."

"Oh no no no! You don't have to do that."

"I don't have to, but I want to. That way, you won't feel scared about going to sleep. Come here Colton. You're my bedmate now."

There was no fighting against Dylan's commands. I walked over to his bed and got in first, closer to the wall. Dylan followed suit, then he covered himself and I with his blankets so that we could go to sleep again. This time, together.

"Dylan, thank you. You didn't have to do any of this."

"You're welcome, Colton. I'm doing this because I love you. Almost as if you're my actual little brother. I'll be here for you. Whether you like it or not."

Immediately after he said that, he gave me a big, tender, and loving lick with his tongue right below my eye where tear marks still remained.

"Heh, thanks for that Dylan. Well, I guess we should sleep now."

"Yeah, I agree."

"Good night Dylan. I-I love you big brother."

"I love you too little brother. Good night Colton."

Aww... how sweet. Anyways, thanks for reading this chapter! Um… teehee... I know that I haven't uploaded in a while and I apologize for that. I'm not doing it on purpose, I've just been busy with so many other things. So, I appreciate all of you guys who have been patient with me. There's two special shoutouts I want to give out.

Thank you to Sora Pendragon, also known as Colton (believe it or not), my online friend and reader. He drew the picture of Dylan hugging my oc Colton. You can see it next to the title of my story.

Recently, I told some friends of mine from school about my secret habit of writing fanfiction. They reacted positively and are reading my story now. Thank you to my friends: Aaron, Alina, Ryan, and everyone else from school who is reading my fanfic.

I also want to mention that no matter how much you guys believe it is a romantic relationship between Colton and Dylan, it is NOT. Just strong, youthful friendship at it's best. Anyways, that's all I have for now. I'll try to update soon, but don't be surprised if I don't. I do not own 101 Dalmatian Street, only my OCs AND I do not own Ariana Grande's song, "Thinking Bout You". As always: peace, love, and stay amazing!