AN: Hey everyone! Would you believe me if I told you I took memorial day off and that's why I didn't post anything...? Probably not. Yeah, I forgot last week's post. But, I hope I make up for it by giving you an actually on time chapter! I know, Kokomo, it's a rare treat. Cherish it. Anyway, crazy things happening in this chapter. Enjoy!

The whole school was talking about it before the first bell even rang. Dewey heard the whispers as he walked through the hallways.

"Did you hear? Some kid punched Jenna Swan!"

"No way! She's like, the prettiest and most popular girl in school!"

"Not to mention the richest."

"Why would someone hit her?"

"I heard the kid's gonna get expelled from school."

"If Mr. Swan doesn't get to him first."

Dewey walked into his first class, the whispers continuing in the classroom. Dewey sat down at his desk, completely numb.

Huey, who was sitting next to him, leaned over, "Hey Dewey. Are you doing okay?"

Dewey couldn't meet his gaze, "No. I'm not."

Huey sighed, "Yeah, me neither."

The words started spilling out, "I just don't understand. Louie was… he wasn't… it doesn't make any sense!"

Huey nodded, "I know. I wish we knew why."

"Exactly. Why would he hit someone? And a girl for that matter," Dewey sat back in his chair and crossed his arms, "I would have never thought he'd do that to us."

"What do you mean, to us?" Huey questioned.

Dewey quickly adjusted his statement, "Uh, I meant to her, the girl he hit. I never thought he'd punch someone. He didn't even look like he cared," Dewey shivered, remembering the cold look Louie had given him when they locked eyes, just after he'd knocked the girl to the ground. Then he just walked out of the room, not at all responding to the director's calls. Webby, who had been nearby, chased after him, but she didn't come back either. The director eventually gave up on Louie, helping the girl who had been hit. It was bad. He had hit her right in the jaw, fracturing it. There was a cut that had opened on her chin that was bleeding really badly, making the damage look worse than it really was. The ambulance came soon after to take her to the hospital. Rehearsal was cancelled for the rest of the day.

Huey tried to logic his way through it, "Well, he probably had a good reason?"

"What good reason is there to punch a girl?!" Dewey exclaimed, "He probably just got angry and hit her, not even thinking about the consequences. I bet he has anger issues and can't control his temper."

Huey grew nervous after this statement, and a little defensive, "Louie doesn't have anger issues. Besides, it was a one time incident, we don't know it will happen again."

"It will most definitely happen again! It only gets worse, Huey, not better," Dewey said firmly. Huey drew back, upset at this fact, but Dewey paid it no mind, "Besides, isn't one incident enough to ruin a relationship?"

Huey gasped, "You… are you saying we shouldn't be friends with Louie anymore?"

Dewey squirmed, a little surprised he said that, "Well, maybe, maybe not. I don't know, this is all really complicated. In any case, this changes things."

"Yeah, it does," Huey agreed sadly.

Miss Alabio walked to the front of the class, clapping her hands to get the class's attention, "Alright everyone, settle down. I know everyone's talking about the 'incident' from yesterday, but there will be no discussion of it in my class. Understood?"

The class chorused 'yes', and Dewey moaned quietly. This was going to be a long day.

That lunch period...

Dewey arrived last into the cleaning closet. Huey and Webby were sitting across from each other, the spot where Louie usually sat empty, making it impossible to pretend everything was normal.

Dewey slid down next to Huey, pulled out his lunch quietly, not in much mood to talk.

Webby, however, felt different, "So… I guess we have a lot to talk about."

Dewey scoffed, earning a glare from both of them. He rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I guess. Webby, you wanna start?"

Webby noticed his sarcastic tone, but didn't address it, "Well, I'm not sure if we should talk about this now, since Louie isn't here, but Huey might appreciate being caught up."

Dewey realized what she was referring to, "Ooh, you want to talk about that, and not...? Oh."

"Well, we did agree we would do it now," Webby shrugged, "since yesterday Huey had to work with a teacher during lunch."

"I am so confused," Huey interjected.

Dewey sighed, "Okay, so you know how my side of the family is related to Scrooge McDuck in an unknown way?"

"Yes," Huey answered, following so far.

"So, Mrs. Beakley decided to visit Scrooge, and they talked about a lot of stuff that we didn't really understand," Dewey recounted, telling Huey everything they heard, Webby interjecting when necessary.

Once they were done, Huey looked completely shocked, "Wow. That's… weird."

"Keep in mind, we were just eavesdropping," Webby added, "We missed a lot of the conversation, thanks to someone."

Dewey ignored the jibe, "That's kind of why we wanted to talk to Louie, because most of the conversation was focused around him, but I guess we can't do that now."

Webby didn't understand the meaning behind his words, saying, "Don't worry Dewey, he'll be back. He only got suspended for two weeks."

Dewey folded his arms, looking away, "So we're just gonna welcome him back with open arms?"

Webby looked genuinely surprised, "Well, I… kind of… yeah, I thought so."

"Why?" Dewey questioned harshly, "This changes everything we thought we knew about him, Webby! Unless you're used to this kind of thing happening."

"No, of course not," Webby defended him passionately, "Louie has never gotten into a fight before."

"Then why'd he do it?" Dewey asked the question on everyone's mind, "Why did Louie punch her?"

Webby looked very uncomfortable, rubbing her elbow, "Well, it's… it's kind of complicated."

"Maybe that girl insulted him, and he got mad," Huey speculated.

"Pft, it'd have to be a really bad insult to get him that mad," Dewey shook his head.

"Guys, we shouldn't gossip about Louie," Webby interjected.

"If I were to guess, I'd probably say he was mad about having to go off stage and practice," Dewey continued, ignoring Webby, "then he just took it out on that poor girl."

"That girl has a name, Dewey," Webby said through gritted teeth, "Jenna Swan. And she's definitely not poor."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Dewey waved her off, "Look it doesn't really matter why."

"It doesn't?" Webby asked quietly.

Dewey huffed, "No. Whatever the reason, he still hurt her. We're not friends with bullies."

Webby's eyes widened, "you're going to kick Louie out of our group because of this?"

Huey also looked shocked, "Dewey, we all know Louie isn't a bully. You're just upset that-"

"Yeah, I'm upset! How can you not be?" Dewey stood, completely outraged, "You know what, if you want to stand up for him, go right ahead. I don't want any part of it!"

Dewey started to walk away, but Webby caught his hand, stopping him, "Dewey, please, don't leave. Doesn't everyone deserve a second chance? Isn't your friendship with Louie worth fighting for?"

Dewey hesitated, trapped between his anger and the truth. He really wanted to just walk out of there. But, Webby was right. Their friendship did mean something to him, which is probably why this hurt him so much.

Dewey exhaled, sitting back down, "Fine. But we need to talk to Louie about this. And we can't wait until he gets back. Webby, tell Louie we'll be meeting at Rubbaduck Park after school tomorrow. We'll settle everything there."

Webby beamed in relief, pulling out her phone to text Louie, "Oh, thank you Dewey!"

Dewey shot her a cold look, "I'm not doing this because I forgive him. I'm just… giving him a chance to share his side of the story, that's all."

Webby swallowed, nodding, "Right."

The rest of the period was quiet. Once the bell rang, the three of them went their separate ways. Dewey walked slowly to his classroom, sitting down, surrounded by the same whispers he'd heard all day. He buried his face in hands, wishing the day was over.

"Okay, so what do we do now?"

Huey and Violet had just finished school and had made it to her house so they could try to come up with a new plan to find Hubert.

"I don't know. Obviously, searching every house in the city is not a good idea," Violet said with a little bite in her words.

"Look, I'm sorry, it was a bad idea," Huey apologized, "I've just been so busy I couldn't think of anything better. I wish I had been there."

Violet crossed her arms, "Yeah, I wish you were too. You've been so busy we couldn't even talk about our next plan for a whole week!"

"I know, I know," Huey held up his hands, "It's just, with my new friends hanging out a lot, and the play, and Boyd, and school, and my internship with Gyro… it's been hard. But I want to find Hubert, of course. It's just a lot slower than we expected."

"Who's Boyd?" Violet questioned, genuinely curious now.

Huey blinked, "Oh, uh, a school friend. He's… going through some family issues right now. He's Gyro's son, if you know who that is."

Violet shook her head, "You've mentioned the internship, but never really explained who he is."

Huey brightened, "Oh man, Gyro is amazing! Sure, he's grumpy and can be a little harsh sometimes, but he's a genius! And he really opened up to me, like, we have a really strong connection. We might even…" Huey grew quiet, shyly saying, "I might be a little crazy saying this, but he kind of feels like a father figure to me."

Violet eyes suddenly changed, "Father?"

"Well, okay, maybe more like an uncle, or whatever," Huey adjusted his statement, regretting giving Gyro the surrogate father label, "But the point is I really feel like I belong in the lab, with him and Boyd. I mean, could you imagine me becoming a part of their family?" Huey leaned back, letting himself dream a little, "Gyro could teach me everything he knows, me becoming his apprentice. And Boyd and I would become best friends, no, brothers! We would be a perfect family, just the three of us."

Violet's eyes shone for a moment, before she quickly looked away, keeping her face hidden from Huey, "So that's it, then. You've found your family."

Huey, confused, sat up, "What? Well, that was all just hypothetical, I doubt anything like that would happen."

"There's this feeling…" Violet trailed off, still not facing him.

Huey knew something was wrong, but he wasn't sure what, "Violet, what are you talking about?"

"It's the feeling… when you know you've found your family. I felt it when I met the Saberwings for the first time. And when I met you…" She said the last part so faintly Huey couldn't hear it. She turned to face him, "It was there when all you wanted was to find Hubert again. But now, I can hear it when you talk about Gyro."

Huey, completely dumbstruck, was at a loss for words, "I... Violet-"

Violet looked away, "Congratulations. You did it," Violet stood up slowly, "You found the family you were looking for. You don't need your old one anymore."

"W-what?!" Huey exclaimed, standing up, "Violet, when did you think that? I still want, no, need to find Hubert."

"Do you?" Violet spun around, tears in her eyes, "It sounds to me like this is the end. You found your family, what do you need me for?"

Huey took a step back, "Is that what this is about? Do you feel like I'm… abandoning you? Because I would never-"

"Really?" Violet snapped back, then she grew quiet again, "You've been growing so distant. We used to be so close… and now I hardly see you anymore. Huey, do I even know you anymore?"

Huey felt the impact of her words cut into him like a knife. He grew defensive, "Of course you know me! I haven't changed at all! If anyone abandoned someone it was you when you made the Saberwings your new family."

Violet gasped, a fire burning in her eyes, "Leaving the orphanage was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Don't make it sound like I was trying to escape."

Huey glared, "Yeah, sure. You just couldn't stop talking about your new perfect life. Tell me this. Would you give it up to come back to the orphanage? Would you really?"

Violet had no pity in her eyes. She just stared at him for a moment, then said, "Huey… maybe it's best if we put this on hold for a little while."

Even through his anger, that statement took him by surprise, "Put what on hold?"

"Searching for Hubert. Trying to rearrange our lives to see each other. Maybe even our friendship."

Huey tried to read his friend, but Violet was already putting her mask back on, hiding the fact that she was ever angry, "Vi-"

"This is just the most logical solution," Violet said coolly, her emotionless tone hurting more than her anger.

Huey grabbed his elbow, "Yeah. Maybe."

Huey left Violet's house only a few moments later, his stuff for the sleepover they were supposed to have in tow. Huey glanced back as he walked down her driveway to see if she was still by the door, but it was already shut, and his best friend was gone.

He didn't regret it. Hitting Jenna, that is. He could feel everyone's eyes on him in the auditorium, but the one he felt the most was Dewey's. He could see the shock, the hurt, the betrayal in his eyes.

He could have stayed. He could have tried to explain his actions, try to make sure the people he cared about most knew the truth.

But, like always, he didn't do that. He ran away. Didn't stop for the director, or Webby, or anyone. He just ran. Before he knew it he was outside the school, not feeling much of anything. He was just numb. He didn't want to think about what had happened, or what would happen. And he did not want to go back inside.

He heard the doors behind him open. Without even turning around, he knew who it was. There was only one person who would follow him this far.

"Louie?" A small voice unsteadily asked.

Louie turned to face Webby. She had tears running down her cheeks, but he could tell she was trying to hold it together.

"W- what did… why…" she took in a shaky breath, gathering herself, "Why did you do that? Don't you know what will happen to you now? All for what? Me?"

Louie just looked at her for a moment, before smiling slightly, "I promised I'd look out for you, didn't I? I guess I figured it was time I made good on that promise."

More tears fell down her face, and before Louie knew what was happening, Webby lept forward and grabbed him in a tight hug. She held on like she was never going to let go. He was shocked for only a moment before he returned the embrace, letting himself stay in the moment with her, where there were no problems. It was peaceful there.

The school's speakers came on, and the principal's voice came on, "Llewellyn McDuck, come to the principal's office now."

Louie sighed. He knew it couldn't last forever. He gently pushed Webby out of the hug, "I've gotta go."

Webby bit her lip, wiping her tears away, "I… I'll come with you. I can defend your side when you talk to him."

"No, I'm the one who hit her, you shouldn't have to be involved in this," Louie took some steps toward the door, looking back over his shoulder to say, "In fact, don't tell Dewey or Huey why I did it, okay? I probably won't be in school for awhile, but… when I come back, I want to be the one to tell them. To take responsibility."

Webby sighed, "Stubborn as always. I'll be with you when you do tell them. I promise."

"Thank you," Louie gave her one last look before grabbing the door handle, opening the door, "I'll be back. Wait for me, okay?"

Webby nodded, "I'll be here."

Louie closed his eyes, trying to prepare himself for the scolding of his life. He stepped in, thinking of how he was going to explain this to his friends.

In fact, he was still thinking about it the next day. Like he had suspected, he had been suspended. For two weeks. Uncle Scrooge had not been happy. It was a very long scolding, but after he realized Louie wasn't going to talk, Uncle Scrooge grounded him for the time being.

And now, Webby had told him about how Dewey and Huey had wanted to meet. And how they weren't happy about what he had done.

It was late, much later than he was supposed to be up, but he couldn't sleep. His mind was too busy trying to figure out what he was going to tell Dewey and Huey. He didn't even know where to start. Hey guys, what's up? So, you know how I punched a girl the other day? Yeah, maybe we could just pretend that never happened, yeah? Sounds good? Well, yes, I did it on purpose. No, I'm not sorry, she deserved it. She did, I swear!

Louie groaned, leaning back in his chair, his head in his hands. He knew they were going to be mad. Really mad. But surely, if he explained himself, they would forgive him, right? Or would they? Louie knew if he was in the same situation, he would have a very hard time forgiving his friend immediately.

Louie got up from his desk, flopping down on the bed. He winced, pulling out his phone from his back. He had forgotten he had smuggled it up with him after Uncle Scrooge had 'locked it away'.

The phone lit up to show his lock screen. Louie gazed at it longingly. It was a picture from their first sleepover. Louie, Huey and Webby were squished together on the couch in front of a table littered with pizza boxes. Dewey was holding the camera with the goofiest look on his face. Everyone was smiling and laughing, and they all looked so… happy.

Louie wasn't sure when he had gotten so close to them. He thought he was trying to keep himself closed off, but he had found friends, best friends, and even family. And now, he wanted to fight for them. He couldn't let them go. He had to get them back, somehow.

Louie set his phone down on the nightstand, folding his hands behind his head as he began again to think of how to start the conversation. A new idea started to form in his mind. Maybe something more along the lines of, I'm sorry I hurt you, would go better. Yeah. That's a start at least.