SEVENTEEN YEARS

CHAPTER 1

He was currently sitting, eating a carrot, giving it strong bites in which he released all his internal frustration. And what was the cause of his current anger…? The answer was a couple of feet from where he sat.

Well, we only repeat the last part and we practice the next chapter…- said Daffy, not looking away from the script.

It had been two weeks since that letter came to Bugs and Daffy's apartment door, in which Warner Brothers informed the so famous black-feathered duck, that new episodes will be added and he had to work with none more and none less than Marvin, the little and gentle martian who hates with all his being the supposed hero of the earth, Duck Dodgers.

Daffy had no complaint about that because after all, he already had the opportunity of working with Marvin and things between them had been great, but for some strange reason he didn't know, Bugs was not in accordance with the fact that his old friend worked with anyone else but him and the worst part was that the small Martian would have to move and live with them for a while, so that he and Daffy had more time to practice. And so at odds was the rabbit that just the day after receiving the letter he had a heated argument with the director in charge of the recording.

That was the first time Bugs had a discussion with one of the managers, it was usually Daffy who complained of the scripts.

Bugs, could you please lower the volume on the TV? I cannot concentrate- Marvin asked with a friendly tone.

Or better get out of here, whatever…- the duck muttered angrily.

Of course, Doc- Bugs replied, faking a smile.

The rabbit turned his gaze from the screen and looked at Daffy, as difficult as it was to accept, Daffy and Marvin made a great team together, even if their roles were enemies, the great talent of Daffy highlighted even more with Marvin. That was something he could never give him, in all the episodes they worked together, the duck was always in second plane, and no matter how talented he was, Bugs ended overshadowing him unconsciously. Daffy's work turned out more complicated when they worked together, he has to endure all the hard part of the episode, but things were different when he worked alongside Marvin, his talent was exploited to the max.

He watched the duck's movements with discretion, looking at his big eyes and his brilliant plumage, listening with attention to every word he said and he had to shut his mouth many times to not let out a burst of laughter at the duck's actions.

I hope this ends soon…- he thought, lowering his gaze for a moment.

This last two week had been the worst, he had tried everything to get Daffy's attention, but nothing tear him away from Marvin, the had breakfast, lunch and dinner together, they stayed up late together, they watched tv together, and even at the moment to sit down to rest, he preferred to sit next to the martian instead of him. He never had felt so ignored by him before, no sir, Daffy was always with him in all the moments, making him company, the duck gave him all the attention possible; that was the reason why that drastic change was hurting him so much… but that was truly the reason? Wasn't there any other…?

A kiss set upon Marvin's forehead made him look back towards them again and he quickly felt a tightness in his chest.

And with that, we're done…- he let out a sigh, dropping himself into the sofa they had set aside. - I guess we're ready for recording tomorrow ...-

No doubts about it- said the martian, laying back with his partner. –What is the movie about Bugs?-

The rabbit immediately looked away from them and looked at the screen, he actually had no idea what movie was, much less what it was about, and all that time he had been focused on Daffy.

Eeeh… nothing interesting Doc…- he laughed nervously, taking out a carrot and throwing the control to Daffy, which fell on his head.- watch whatever you want, I suppose you are exhausted…-

Be careful, you stupid rabbit…- replied the duck.

I pass this time… I better go rest in my room for a while- said Marvin, standing up.

He was in no way stupid, since the first moment he and Bugs met, which was in recording he was doing with Daffy (barely the third episode they acted together), he knew the famous bunny wasn't very happy with the fact he worked alongside the duck. The way he treated him said everything, he supposed it was because the rabbit felt something for Daffy. At first, when he met Daffy, he couldn't understand why the duck was so loved, after all he was arrogant, dumb, greedy, selfish, individualistic, etc… But after working with him for a while, he realized what Bugs and many other saw... he was a person with an amazing talent, plus he could be kind, sweet, gentle and many times he seemed adorable to him.

He locked himself in his temporal bedroom, he wanted to leave Daffy with Bugs for a while, considering that for many days they hadn't had the chance to live with each other properly because of him.

Just as he heard the door close, he stood up and walked to Bugs, sitting beside him. Even though he acted so arrogant most of the time, there was a sweet part in inside him, and in times like these, what he wanted the most was to spend time with his rabbit.

He could feel his nerves quickly surfacing within him, for some strange reason his heart always raced when they were alone. He didn't know exactly when that strange feeling directed toward the rabbit had appeared. But one thing was sure, what he felt when Bugs was next to him was something he had never experienced with anyone else, that rabbit had become, in a way, the center of his attention. But he would never tell him, he could never be able to accept that the supposed fondness for him was much more and that their relationship as "friends" had become insufficient for him.

Bugs looked at him sideways and smiled slightly, he could easily notice how tense Daffy was and that was something he loved, he loved the idea of the duck getting nervous because of him.

It has been a hard day, isn't it Duck?- he approached him.

I guess so…- he answered with his funny tone of voice while his nervousness increased.- Marvin is really good-

Really? -said Bugs with a sarcastic tone, closing the distance between them. –is he better than me?

He asked putting his hand on Daffy's, that was resting on the sofa. He let his finger touch the duck's for a moment, only to catch his hand later, intertwining his fingers with his, making a blush appear on his face.

Of course not- replied Daffy with nuisance, looking away from Bugs.

He squeezed the rabbit's hand. Why did he do things like that? Why that stupid rabbit give himself the task of torturing him that way? It made the hope that something existed between them appear, that silly rabbit with its strange attitudes that went no further than holding hands when they were alone or in a very dark place, and those small justified strokes like lunch time when Bugs removed something from his cheek and let his fingers caress his face very gently, or after filming an episode the curtain closed and Bugs gave him a "Good job Doc ..." giving him a pat on the back and lowering his hand slowly, caressing all his back, making him tremble. But they never talked about it, maybe it was his fault to not have enough courage to ask him the reason why he did so, to ask him if it was true he felt something for him or there were just simple jokes for his amusement.

Daffy~- he hummed with a soft voice.

He wanted Daffy to see him; he wanted to feel those big eyes on him, again. He needed to know that his attention was completely concentrated on him and not in anyone or anything else.

What do you want stupid rabbit? - he asked him without looking.

Daffy I…-

He got his face even closer to Daffy's, his heart started to beat stronger and his coherence began to cloud over. Being so close to Daffy, being them alone was something dangerous, his awareness of things started to fade and he let his feelings take control.

Turn around…- he muttered.

Daffy could feel Bugs' breath against his face; he turned his face slowly with insecurity. The few centimeters of distance that was between them made their lips brush against each other the moment Daffy turned around.

Bugs was determined to get a bit closer to get his lips completely united with Daffy's, but before he could do it… the sound of the doorbell ring that broke the atmosphere, making them both come to their senses.

I open! -announced Daffy excitedly, getting up with a jump from the sofa.

Damn it…- he muttered, surprised at was he was about to do. –Cold… but really soft- he thought smiling slightly

Daffy's lips, as any other duck, were cold, but their texture was very soft to the touch.

Damn soft and warm lips- he cursed inside his mind, opening the door abruptly.

Good afternoon, here's your food- said the deliveryman, giving him bags of food.

Marvin quickly got out of his room and approached the door as soon as possible; he had made the food order after all.

Daffy paid the bill and closed the door.

What the…?-

I'm sorry- said Marvin taking a bag in his hand. –I didn't want to bother you, it's just that I was dying of hunger and…-

Don't worry Doc, you didn't bother us at all- Bugs said with a notable sarcasm in his words.

Actually, I'm hungry too…- opined Daffy

He looked back at Bugs and smiled with superiority, as he didn't know how to cook, Bugs was responsible for preparing food for both, and even now he must also cook Marvin's. Bugs sighed and started to prepare something to eat, with the help of the martian, while Daffy waited in the hall.

I don't need you help- he said with a serious tone.

He brought all the ingredients to prepare the food as well as the materials, he will make Daffy's favorite food and didn't want Marvin to interfere.

Why do you always keep that serious tone with me? - He asked a little angry. – does it bother you that I spend so much time with Duck Dodgers?

Duck Dodgers? Don't call him like that and yes, it has to do something with him. I accept you have to work much time together, but nothing justifies the way you look at him… you feel something for him-

Marvin felt his legs tremble and his face flushed quickly. Guilty, that was how he felt, he certainly didn't think someone could noticed that, that something was starting to born. The sympathy he felt for Daffy has changed in the last two weeks he spent with him, the most part of the days.

Bugs smiled at the martian's reaction, his suspicions weren't that far from the truth as he thought, it was clear Marvin felt something for Daffy, something very similar to what he felt.

Well, I accept that is true, certainly I feel something for him, but you don't feel anything for Daffy, or am I wrong?

The rabbit stayed silent for a few seconds.

No, it would be very stupid and weird if I felt something for that crazy duck- he smiled, completely changing his semblance, making it one that showed how calm he was, as if that question had not been important.

Marvin was surprised at the rabbit's response.

Daffy on the other side, continued changing the channels rapidly, until he saw something that caught his eye, it was one of the episodes that was recorded with Marvin, it was already on TV. He jumped out of his sofa and ran to the kitchen.

Marvin, one of the episodes is being aired right now! - he announced after letting out a whoo-hoo in the air.

The little Martian could feel the heat on his cheeks and swallowed hard.

What happened? Cat got your tongue? ...you do have a tongue right? - he joked, putting his arm around Marvin's neck.

Yeah ... What happened? Your face is very red Doc, are you all right? - Bugs said with a smirk on his face.

Taking a deep breath, he managed to normalize his heart rate enough as to allow himself to speak clearly. What he was about to do was something similar to jump off a cliff... had two choices: to leave alive or be killed instantly. He clenched his hands tightly and turned his gaze to Daffy looking straight into his eyes. The duck continued having that huge grin on his face.

Do you want to have a date with me one of these days? - he blurted out the question as quickly as he could.

Daffy's smile slowly faded away, he couldn't believe what he just heard, it had to be a joke.

What? - Muttered opening his eyes as large as possible

I know it sounds weird and it's very sudden ... but ... I really would love if you said yes- he said taking his hand.

Bugs was in shock, he couldn't believe what has just happened, his big mouth has brought on another problem, the fact that Daffy was involved made it even worse

I... Marvin I think I...- before he could finish, Bugs' words interrupted him.

I think it would be nice Daff, it wouldn't be bad if you two had a date, maybe something could develop between you two- he gave him a couple of pats on the back.

Daffy was stunned by what he had heard, after what had just happened between them, that brush of lips apparently didn't meant nothing to him. He felt a pressure in his chest and something breaking inside him.

You're right Bugs- he smiled. - How about tomorrow Marvin? After filming I have the rest of the afternoon free. I don't know if you see fit ... -

Daffy are you serious? - His voice was full of joy. - You will not regret it Daff, tomorrow afternoon seems excellent-

The little Martian jumped in the air and taking Daffy's hand, he led him to the room so they could watch the episode the duck had mentioned.

What have I done?-thought Bugs, hitting his head against the kitchen bar.- I don't like this.. he wasn't supposed to accept the invitation...-

Dinner was almost completely silent except for an occasional exchange of words between Daff and Marvin, the Martian was more than glad, he had never imagined that Daffy would accept going out with him, it was as if one of his wildest dreams had become a reality. But on the other hand, both the duck and the rabbit were not at all happy with the situation.

Maybe I should give him a try-Daffy muttered approaching his bed after brushing his teeth. -Bugs, that fool does nothing more than to play with me- he said angrily.

He was determined, he would venture to try out with Marvin, after all, he was a very gentle person and has always treated him well. This time he would forget Bugs completely, he would leave his stupid feelings buried deep within him.

He got into his bed covering himself with blankets, he closed his eyes tightly trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall, he would not cry for that stupid rabbit, he would not...

Step quietly, step quietly- repeated Bugs as he approached Daffy's room.

He had to clear things up as soon as possible and in the best way. He couldn't let his duck have a date with anyone but him and what made it even worse and more dangerous was the fact that it was Marvin, there were times when the guy treated Daffy better than he did, plus he was certainly an interesting and very intelligent person.

He walked into the room, opening the door very carefully trying not to make any noise, with light steps as feathers came to the bed where the duck was sleeping peacefully.

He stopped to look at him for a moment, those were the times when that arrogant duck seemed so tender and lovely, the only moment in which he didn't see a frown on his face. The need to touch him began to rise inside him and without much thought he put his hand on the duck's head, touching his plumage, stroking it gently. A slight moan by Daffy made him stop, thinking he had awakened him, but he hadn't. The duck only ended shifting his position, his gaze towards Bugs and his body slightly discovered.

That slender body of glossy black color looked even better over the moonlight through the curtains. Unable to take it anymore, he did something he could regret, but was willing to take the risk. He got into Daffy's bed, lying beside him so that their faces were a few inches apart, he took the blanket and covered his body and duck's with it.

Daffy, I know if you wake up you might kill me for this, but... I think I have to enjoy it...- he smiled calmly.

Naughty hands were placed on the body of the aforementioned and began to caress him, he was so soft that even with gloves he could feel him perfectly, soft and warm, two words were enough to describe it briefly. He continued meeting the duck's body, surrounding it completely, his hands began to go down Daffy's back down to his tail, that plumed tail of his who had been burned countless times. He laughed remembering one of the episodes in which one of Daff's supposed wives had pulled all the feathers of his bottom, leaving him with nothing but a few ones in the shoulders and face.

With one hand he began playing a bit with it, but what Bugs didn't know was that Daffy was very sensitive of his little duck tail being touched.

His dream was interrupted immediately when he felt a shiver over his body, he quickly opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was the rabbit's face a few inches from his, he was looking at his body with a smile between loving and mischievous.

Not again!- he yelled, not moving away from the rabbit. -Another stupid dream again, I have to stop thinking in him, dammit!- he yelled for himself.

He closed his eyes tightly, thinking it was nothing more than another dream of his, in which Bugs had him hugged, only that it was strangely more real than the others.

Disappear, disappear- he repeated with his eyes still closes.

Eeeh... Daffy..- said Bugs with a soft tone. -I'm really here Doc; it's not a dream-

I don't believe anything you say, this has already happened to me before and when I start believing it's true, I end up falling down the bed- he replied closing his eyes even tighter.

Bugs smiled and taking out a jar of water out of nowhere, he let the water pour over the duck's face, making him open his eyes.

What is your problem you stupid despicable rabbit! –he yelled.

He looked at the rabbit with impression after a few seconds, Bugs was still in his bed... with his usual smile... with his silly ears... hugging his body... wait a second... he WAS hugging his BODY...

He jumped out of the bed, terrified of what was happening, this wasn't right, it simply wasn't. He was crazy, which was exactly the reason of his powerful hallucination.

The madness has completely taken over me, I've lost my mind- he said walking to a corner in his room. -this is not possible-

He let out a sigh out of lips and got off the bed with patience and approached Daffy, who closed his eyes again, waiting for the rabbit's figure to disappear, but that wasn't the case, Bugs was still there and now he was cornered between his arms that left him with no escape, leant against the wall.

Daff, for the second time, this is not a dream- he breathed deeply and his smile disappeared completely. -I've come to clear up the things I said before. I actually don't want Marvin and you to...

Before he could continue Daffy's hand hit his face, incredibly, the Duck had beaten him for the first time since he could remember, in all his seventeen years of knowing eachother, he has never beaten him before, even if the rabbit did so occasionally, it was because he really deserved it. Bugs moved his hand over his face slightly, resisting the pain of the impact, now that he had hit with his fist and it had made him fall a couple of feet away from him.

This was serious, he would not get carried away by his stupid feelings and hopes of that some day the rabbit would love him. No, he wouldn't.

Get away from me- he said with a serious tone and glaring at him.

Bugs raised his head while above it a couple of birds were flying together with a few stars. He couldn't believe what had happened, this was serious.

Daff...- one more time, he was interrupted.

I don't want to hear any word from you, I've had enough, and from now on we will only be work partners, our friendships ends here. I'm not going to let you continue playing with my feelings; this has been the straw that broke the camel's back. I'm tired of being nothing more than a toy to you, one that you can have fun whenever you want and then leave it behind, and even using as a step to always get victorious and always be the star in all the goddamn episodes.-

He took out a rifle from a hidden place and pointed it to the rabbit, who remained motionless with his eyes wide open. This was not the Daffy he knew, he knew he had done wrong to say it was a good idea that he went out with Marvin, even though he knew the duck's feelings towards him and what he himself felt for Daffy. But what the duck didn't know was that he did it for a powerful reason.

Let me explain...- he stood up.

He tried to keep talking but before he could do it, a couple of shots aimed at him came out of the rifle and luckily he had managed to dodge them.

Get off here, despicable rabbit! -He yelled charging the rifle, indicating him that he was about to fire again, if it did not move. -You have five seconds to cut and run-

Bugs quickly left the room, he couldn't speak with Daffy in that state, it was the first time he saw the duck so upset with him. He never wanted to hurt him and thought he didn't do so, but maybe at the moment he said nothing to him, when he didn't clarify him his feelings, all he did was hurting him.

Now he knew what was what Daffy really thought, he had often heard others say that he was nothing more than a step for Bugs to shine. They mocked him, saying that his heyday was stolen by his supposed best friend, but Daffy always replied Bugs talent was recognized even if he wasn't there for him to shine, that he really didn't care that he was nothing more than the guy everyone hates and whom they shoot million times. And he always foolishly thought so, until that time when Daffy had mentioned him, without knowing how much the rabbit lamented that things were like this, he had tried to change it many times but hadn't succeeded and when he saw him work well with others, seeing that with others characters he could indeed shine like the talented star he was, it was something that hurt him.

It's the moment to put an end to this...- he sighed. -Getting in my bed and touching me after what he told me. Certainly I'm not more than a toy to him- he dropped himself fully into the bed. -I knew from the start I should have listened to them, I shouldn't have come back nor have accepted to live with him, nor act more with him. How stupidly despicable you are Daffy... -

The night passed faster than expected for both, the duck had fallen asleep while sobbing, while Bugs hadn't stopped thinking for single moment that he was the impediment for Daffy to prove his talent.

Waking up with nuisance, he realized that he had fallen asleep on the couch. He left the room, it was only six in the morning and he was now about to make breakfast, he was hoping that the duck had been calm and that his anger had somewhat diminished. He went into the kitchen, but the first thing he saw was Porky cooking something on the stove with an apron on.

Porky? What are you doing here- he asked, bewildered.

G-Goo-Good morning Bugs- he said with a smile on his face. –Daffy had in-in-invited me to b-br-breakfast. Even t-th-though he wanted me to m-make it for him-

So he's still mad- he sighed, taking a carrot out of the fridge and sitting on the chair of the kitchen bar.

Porky was surprised at Bugs' words, so he did have to do something with him, as he had suspected. Porky knew that Daffy didn't cook and therefore Bugs had to make his breakfast, so it seemed strange to him that the duck had called him to invite him for breakfast and the fact he hadn't seen the rabbit in the kitchen when he arrived was even stranger.

Y-y-you have f-fa-fallen out right?- he stuttered without looking at the rabbit.

That's right Doc. Eeeh… I'm sorry you have to come here to make him breakfast…-

It d-doesn't m-ma-matter, Daffy is a g-good f-friend of mine and it's always a p-p-pleasure to help him.

It was all Marvin's fault, if he hadn't interrupted, if he hadn't asked Daffy out on a date he wouldn't have said that, nor he would feel like that at this moment. - He hit the kitchen table with his fists.

Ma-Marvin a-asked Daffy out on a d-date?-

The little pig looked back at Bugs, impressed at what he has just said. The martian asking Daffy out on a date, that was indeed something incredible.

D-did… he a-a-accep-accepted?-

Yes, they're going out together this afternoon - he mumbled.

As a good old friend of the duck, he knew his feelings towards Bugs and as an old friend of Bugs, he knew his feeling towards Daffy, but he never tell him anything because it wasn't right to interfere in something so private as that. Besides, it was something that no one knew but Lola and him, the rest ignored completely the fact that there could be some kind of attraction between them, and that must be kept in secret because if the Warner executives found out, they would immediately take Daffy as a distraction to Bugs and they would kick him out without hesitation.

But there was something the duck didn't know, yet Bugs was aware of it, and that's why he couldn't tell Marvin about the feelings he had for the duck and therefore acted as if he didn't feel anything for him.

D-Da-Dammit Bugs, Wh-what are you g-going to do?-

Well Doc, I was waiting…

Good morning my magnificent chef! Is everything ready? –Daffy said with a joyful tone, entering all clean and ready for another day at work. –My good cadet, is everything prepared?

He opened his eyes and that's when he noticed Bugs' presence, he jumped and stood still, as if he had seen a ghost or something. In those moments the least he wanted was to meet with the rabbit and that's why he had called Porky so early, to avoid having to face a moment as awkward as that.

Everything is re-ready, my ca-cap-captain- joked Porky, trying to cool off the place.

Morning Doc- said Bugs with a smile.

Daffy swallowed with difficulty, he felt his mouth dry and his legs freeze. Taking a deep breath he approached to his old friend and put a hand on his shoulder.

I still have to practice a little, I'm gonna be in the living room…-

He ran as fast as he could, letting out a Whoo-hoo from side to side, pretending that everything was ok. He jumped over and ended up running into Marvin, who had just come down to breakfast.

Good morning, Daffy –he blushed a little watching the duck

Good morning Marvin –he froze, faking a friendly smile. He forgot he had a date with the martian –I've forgotten something, I'll be back in a second-

He ran back to his bedroom.

Hello Bugs, Hello Porky. Isn't it a wonderful day? –he said in a joyful tone.

I guess so –replied Bugs, holding the newspaper and reading it, trying to ignore Marvin.

As soon as they ended breakfast, they disposed to go to work. The performance was excellent as always, Daffy, Porky and Marvin acted while Bugs was in other studio acting next to Lola, which gave him a great idea to watch his duck while he went out with Marvin.

Of course Bugsy –she giggled.

The rabbit asked her to pretend they both were also on a date, so this way he could watch Daffy going to the same place as them and make him jealous at the same time, which would confirm him that the feelings he felt (how redundant) for Bugs hadn't yet disappeared.