Merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank you for the support and remember, reviews are very much appreciated!
"Do you think he's dead?" Wakko said from outside of Dot's bedroom door. She fluttered her eyelids against the pillow and perked up her ears.
"No, his chest is moving," Yakko said over a thump and a small groan. "See?"
Dot rolled over and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. The clock next to her bed it was 6:15 AM. She would have liked to have slept longer, but her brothers' voices drifting in from the hallway had pulled her out of her sleep.
It was unfortunate that she had become such a light sleeper over the past few weeks. Small noises had woken her throughout the night, like a bird chirping outside or the house's wood settling, and her brothers' inability to whisper wasn't helping end her worry that this insomnia would extend past their first night here.
After a long moment of debating between staying under the warm covers and seeing what her brothers were doing at this ungodly hour, she reluctantly got up and opened the door. All she could do was blink at the sight in front of her.
"What the- why is Daffy passed out on the floor?"
"Shh! We think he's asleep, er, hope he's asleep." Yakko said.
"What? If you aren't whispering why should I?" she said, earning an eye roll from Yakko. "Ugh, fine. Why would he fall asleep out here?" she dropped her voice.
"We don't know. I tripped over him on the way to the bathroom," said Wakko. "It scared me so badly I almost went potty on the spot."
"Thanks for the picture, Wakko," Yakko said. "Help me get him into his room. I think it's that one." he nodded to the door next to the bathroom.
"Can't we just leave him here?" Dot said. He really wasn't hurting anyone by being out here. Sure, Wakko had tripped, but he was fine. In fact, Daffy looked more tranquil now than he had the entire time they've been together. He wasn't complaining for once, so why ruin such a rare occurrence when she could be snuggled up under her covers?
"No, someone else will probably trip on him and break their neck with the luck we've been having. It'll only take a sec," he picked up Daffy by his shoulders and twitched his head towards the duck's legs. "Well?"
"Why do I always have to get the legs..." Wakko muttered as he grabbed Daffy by the ankles.
"Lift him up on three. One... two... three- Umph! How many peanut butter sandwiches did he eat?" Yakko grunted.
"Enough for you to ask that question." Dot chuckled as her brothers struggled to carry Daffy down the hall.
"Can you get the door Do- Wakko, watch out!" Yakko called out.
"Wha-" Wakko backed into a small table behind him and sent a large lamp crashing to the ground. The lamp shattered and sent shards of glass skidding across the floor. Dot cringed when Yakko stepped backward onto several large pieces of glass. He grabbed his foot with a loud yelp, letting the duck fall onto the pile of shards. Daffy's eyes shot open and he let out a scream.
"OUCH! ASSAULT! ASSAULT!"
Quicker than Dot could have imagined, Bugs and Foghorn burst into the hallway and started to run toward Daffy.
"Don't move! There's glass all over the floor!" Dot warned. They both stopped short of the sea of shards and looked up at the Warners.
"What happened? Did someone break in?" Bugs sputtered as he pulled his mallet out of his hammerspace.
"I WAS ASSAULTED!" Daffy yelled.
"By who? Whaddya mean?" Foghorn boomed. He grabbed a broom the closet next to them and swept a path to Daffy before gently pulling him up.
"I don't know! I just woke up in a pile of glass!"
"Who did it though, doc?"
"Intruders, I bet!" Daffy squealed.
"No one's here- it was us. It was an accident." Dot said quickly. Bugs let out a sigh and put his mallet back into his hammerspace.
"Yeah, I tripped over him on the way to the bathroom and we were trying to put him back into his room." Wakko said.
"Tripped over him?" Bugs said, raising his eyebrow.
"He was asleep on the floor," Dot told the still slightly distraught rabbit. "Wakko knocked into that table and the lamp broke. It just went downhill from there..."
"I see," Bugs turned his attention to Daffy. "I thought I told you to lock your door when you go to bed!"
"I forgot!" Daffy said.
"Never listens, I tell you," Foghorn shook his head. "Next time you 'forget' I'll glue you down to the bed, you hear? Your sleepwalkin' has always been trouble, but this is the worst- I say- worst thing that's happened because of it yet."
"I promise I won't forget! Just get the glass out of my back." Daffy whimpered. Foghorn shook his head and helped Daffy back to his room, muttering to himself that the upcoming duck season will hopefully help him sleep through the night better.
"Are you alright Yakko? You're holding your foot kind of funny." Bugs pointed at him after Daffy's whining was muffled by his bedroom door.
"Oh I'm fine," said Yakko. "Just got a little taste of what Daffy's feeling, is all. Why don't you go help him? He's worse off, anyway."
"He's got Foghorn. Let me get the tweezers in the bathroom and I can-"
"No, it's okay. I'm fine. Really," Yakko put his foot down on the ground and, through gritted teeth, let out a small "See?"
"For a professional actor that was very unconvincing." Bugs said. "I'll take the glass out, OK?"
"I can do it, Bugs- really." he protested.
"Yakko, just let him do it. It'll be easier." Wakko said.
"Yeah. Please, Yakko?" Dot pleaded and pulled out the "cute" card. It wasn't as flawless as it usually was, seeing she wasn't totally convinced she was fully awake yet, but it still had the desired effect. Both she and Yakko knew he couldn't resist giving in to her when she made that face.
"Alright, fine. But don't expect me to clean this up after, too." Yakko muttered as he hopped on one foot into the bathroom.
"I'll be there in a minute," Bugs called to him. "Need help getting out of there, Wakko?" Wakko scratched the back of his head and searched for a way out of the labyrinth of glass. He had been lucky enough (or smart enough) to not become the third victim of the morning's events, yet was still trapped. Seeing no escape route, Wakko nodded and Bugs lifted him out as a loud clang came from the bathroom.
"AHH! Damn sink!"
"I'd better go check on your brother. Don't walk in that glass."
"Don't worry, we will!" Dot smiled.
"Very funny, doc."
Dot and Wakko followed Bugs into the bathroom to find their brother trying to stop a stream of brown water from gurgling out of the facet. Yakko was trying to sop up pools of water with a hand towel as the sink continued to sputter; all the while hopping in place and trying to stay balanced on one foot.
"What are you doing? I told you kids yesterday the water was all messed up." Bugs jumped in and struggled to yank the faucet off.
"I just thought I'd get a drink but I forgot!" Yakko said with a grunt before he and Bugs managed to turn off the water.
"There," Bugs breathed and stepped back. He closed the toilet seat cover and patted it with his hand. "Sit down and I'll get that glass out."
"I'm sure I can get it out mys-"
"Sit."
Yakko muttered something inaudible and started to hobble over to Bugs. As he made his second bounce towards the toilet, his foot landed in a puddle of murky water that had trickled off of the marble counter top. He grabbed for the vanity but missed and continued to plunge towards the floor. Wakko went to catch him, but was beaten by Bugs when he leaped forward and grabbed Yakko by the arms.
"Uh, thanks..." Yakko said in between several unconvincing coughs.
"No problem. Now that everyone's done contributing to the aneurysm that will no doubt kill me before the day is over, can one of you two hand me the tweezers in the top draw under the sink?" Bugs said as he set Yakko down on the closed toilet seat and pulled up a stool next to him. Dot nodded and got the pair of metal tweezers for him.
"Thank you. Alright doc, this will only hurt if you make it hurt."
"What the heck does that mean?" Yakko raised an eyebrow.
"If you focus on pain, it feels worse. Just think of something else," Bugs shrugged and pulled out one of the bigger shards with a small yelp from Yakko. "See? I don't think you were thinking of something else."
"What's there to think of?" Yakko asked.
"Sunshine, lollipops, rainbows- I don't know. I can't jump inside of your head."
"But there's nothing- AHH! What was that you just yanked out, the Sword in the Stone or something?" Yakko said through gritted teeth. Bugs held up a piece of glass that was at least half the size of Dot's hand. Dot shuddered at the sight of it. Droplets of Yakko's blood ran down it and sent a chill down her spine and she suddenly didn't feel too good. Looking at Wakko, she noticed he was under a similar effect. He hated stuff like this almost as much as she did.
"Not quite." Bugs turned to grab the waste basket but stopped when his eyes fell on Wakko and Dot. "You two alright over there?"
"Yeah... fine. Just not the biggest fan of sharp things in skin and stuff." Wakko cleared his throat.
"And blood." Dot added, meekly.
"Why don't you go watch TV downstairs," Bugs said. "It's Saturday morning so there should be some good shows on."
"But Yakko-" Dot started before Bugs waved her off.
"Oh, he's alright. Besides, I think his pride is hurting more than his foot." Bugs let out a light chuckle when Yakko pursed his lips and crossed his arms.
"We can stay. It's not that bad." Wakko added.
"You're looking a little green, Wak. It's really okay if you two want to go downstairs," seeing his siblings' uncertain looks, Yakko continued. "Trust me, I've been in worst scrapes than this."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Dot said slowly.
"Yes, and if you don't go now I'll hobble over there and make you walk down those stairs myself," Yakko said. "I can assure you that won't be a pretty sight."
"Alright, we're going. Good luck!" Wakko led Dot out of the room.
"You can cut the tough act now, doc." Bugs said when the light thumps of Wakko and Dot's feet treading down the stairs faded away.
"What tough act? If you haven't noticed, I'm kinda a squealer." Yakko squeaked when Bugs pulled another shard out of his foot.
"I've noticed. But you know, the whole I-don't-need-help-because-I'm-made-of-steel charade is rather unnecessary."
"What? I'm not putting on a charade. I would just rather do it myself, that's all." Yakko huffed.
"But it's a lot quicker and easier if I do it, isn't it?" Bugs said. "This way you don't have to turn into an acrobat just to see the bottom of your foot."
"I guess, but this isn't the first time I've had to help myself," Yakko muttered. "I could've handled it."
"I know you could've, but it's nice to let other people do things for you every now and then. Makes us feel good." Bugs placed the tweezers down on the counter and grabbed a roll of gauze from his hammerspace. Yakko sat in silence and watched the rabbit as he cleaned several of the cuts.
Yakko could've done it himself, sure. He had done everything for himself and his sibs since he was eight. He had kept them all together at the orphanage, despite the state wanting to separate them (Yakko was able to pull a "cute" face that could rival even Dot's when he was younger, and having two weeping sibs clinging to him sure helped his case with the social workers).
Despite their abysmal situation, he had kept Dot and Wakko as happy and healthy as he could. All of this he had done without the help of adults. But even he had to admit it was kind of nice to sit back and let someone else deal with his misfortunes for once.
"There. Let me patch this up and you'll be good to go," Bugs wrapped the gauze around Yakko's foot and stood up. "Is it too tight?"
"No, no. It's fine. Thanks." Bugs clapped Yakko on the shoulder and turned to the door, stopping to motion for him to follow. A loud shout and a "hang still, boy" came from the the other side of the wall.
"Why don't we go check on what those little hooligans are doing." Bugs waved off the noises.
"Mine or yours?" Yakko chuckled.
"I would say both but my hooligan number one is currently hooligan number two's problem, and It's nice to have him off my hands for once," Bugs headed towards the stairs. "So I think we'll check on your pair." Another shout rang out from Daffy's room.
"Yeah, my pair sounds better." Yakko stepped onto the first step of the staircase. He paused when he felt a gloved hand clasp his shoulder.
"I don't mean to sound like Mr. Rogers here, but remember you don't have to be the tough guy all of the time. It's good to take a break when you can."
Yakko gave a small smile and went down the stairs. They found Wakko slumped over an armrest in a zombie-like trance with his unwavering gaze focused on the TV, while Dot sat on the couch with last month's "Toontown Telescope," or as the magazine bragged, "A toon's best source for seeing Hollywood's stars."
"I thought you outgrew that paparazzi garbage." Yakko pointed to the glossy magazine.
"I had until Wakko took the remote. You feeling better?" she said, looking up from the page she was scanning.
"Yeah, loads." Yakko said as he glanced at the "Telescope's" cover.
A picture of Goofy and his son Max was plastered across the cover. According to several glaringly neon headlines, a new movie with them starring in it was coming out soon. He sighed. It would be yet another Disney hit that Plotz would inevitably make them watch so they "could study Disney's latest move and top what they tried to call 'comedy'."
Of course, Animaniacs has a completely different approach to comedy than most of Disney's material, but Plotz's determination to come out on top of their biggest competitor at the end of each fiscal year forced them think differently for the CEO's sake. At the end of the day, Plotz couldn't tell a stick of dynamite from a banana peel when it came to comedy. But if watching a few crumby Disney toons was all it took for him lighten up on them a little, Yakko would do it with minimal complaining. Though that reminded him...
"Didn't Plotz say he was coming over tonight for dinner?" he said to Bugs.
"Shoot, I'd forgotten about that," Bugs sighed. "There's nothing here for us to even make."
"And you promised Daffy that you'd go to the store today." Dot added.
"Yeah, I did... I'll go after another round of peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast. It's still early." he yawned.
"Sounds good to me." Wakko said without turning away from the glaring TV screen.
Yakko shook his head and took a seat on the couch next to Dot. He leaned back and closed his eyes, hoping to catch up on the sleep he had missed due to Daffy's unfortunate nocturnal habits, and was on the verge of falling asleep when two sets of feet pounded down the staircase.
"I guess I can give you a formal 'good morning' now that everything has calmed down." Bugs said to Daffy and Foghorn when they reached the floor.
"Good morning." Daffy murmured while rubbing his lower back and walking towards kitchen.
"How's he doing?" Bugs asked Foghorn.
"He was squakin' over nothing. Wasn't nearly as bad as he made it out to be. Only a few big pieces here and there. How are you feelin' Yakko?"
"I'm fine. Just a few scratches." he yawned, ignoring the tingling in his foot.
"Good to hear," Foghorn said, but cringed when Daffy began slamming cabinets in the kitchen. "What- I say- what in Sam's heck is he doing out there?"
"Who knows," Bugs said as he opened an old newspaper. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll involve him complaining."
"Why, g-good morning everyone. What are y-you all doing up? I t-thought I w-was the only early bird around h-here." Porky chuckled as he made his way downstairs.
"What are we doing up? You mean you didn't hear anything?" Bugs asked, astonished.
"Hear what?" Porky said as he looked around at the other expressions of disbelief staring at him.
"Daffy screaming bloody murder, glass shattering, just about any other sound you wouldn't want to hear early in the morning." said Bugs.
"Oh! I didn't h-hear any of that. B-but I've b-been told I'm a heavy sleeper."
"That's an understatement." Foghorn muttered and turned to the TV. Another round of clangs erupted in the kitchen and a string colorful phrases floated in through the doorway.
"Excuse me for a moment." Bugs got up and half-jogged-half-walked into the kitchen. He came back a few moments later with a perturbed duck in tow.
"What did he get his beak into this time?" Foghorn asked.
"He knocked over every pan I own, but other than that it's fine." Bugs said over the grandfather clock in the hallway as it chimed seven times.
"Well, there's no point in going back to bed now. Anyone up for a round of poker?" Foghorn asked and pulled a deck of cards out of his hammerspace. Wakko nearly rolled off of the couch when he whipped his head around from facing the TV to look at the rooster.
"Poker? Aren't they a little young for that?" Daffy asked.
"Nah, a kid is never too young for a good game of poker. It's the greatest- I say- greatest game ever invented, it is. Builds character and such." Foghorn boomed.
"I'll play!" Wakko said.
"See, I already have a recruit lined up. Ever play before, boy?" Foghorn asked and Wakko nodded his head. He had played with the kids at the orphanage just about every day, and was undoubtedly the best player there.
Yakko, however, frowned upon gambling in any way even if it was just for old marbles back then. He had always refused to play. To him, it wasn't fair to take the few items the kids in the orphanage had, and he had made Wakko give back whatever he had won at the end of every game. But he was growing rather bored just sitting on the couch and figured that these toons wouldn't miss what Wakko might win.
"I guess you can sign me up, colonel." Yakko shrugged.
"See, two fine recruits already. How 'bout you, little lady?"
"Sure, why not?" Dot shrugged. She put the magazine down and hopped off of the couch.
"I'll pass," Bugs said. "I'm gonna go check the house out for any damage."
"I'll go with him. Maybe I can convince him to feed us at some point." Daffy muttered and pointed to Bugs, who rolled his eyes.
"I-I'll play." Porky stammered.
"Good! I'll go set it up in the dinning room then." Foghorn smiled and strutted out of the room. Yakko stood up and stretched his limbs. This had to be at least mildly entertaining, right?
"Turn that hand up a bit, Dot. I can see that last card. You too, Porky." Foghorn said. Wakko rolled his eyes. This was the second time Foghorn had to tell them to hide their cards so far this game alone. Though Wakko didn't have a problem with that. Part of the reason he had won the last round was because Porky kept letting his hands slide down too low.
They had been playing on and off for three hours now, and Wakko and Foghorn had won two games a piece. They were using a barrel of old quarters Bugs had given them, and so far Wakko had a total of $20.50, while Foghorn had $20 even. The rooster was shocked to find out how good Wakko was at poker after he had easily won the first game. He assumed Foghorn was initially going easy on them, but that quickly changed during the first round when Wakko won with a full house.
Porky and Dot had been able to keep up with them somewhat after that. Wakko had taught Dot to play back at the orphanage, where she had surprisingly caught onto the game quickly, much to the dismay of Yakko. His older sib reminded him every time he sat down to play in their dorm that he'd "tainted their baby sister with the wrath of sin." Wakko figured a little fun wouldn't kill her, and he couldn't disagree that it built character. But Yakko had been completely left in the dust after the beginning of their tournament. Wakko would be surprised if Yakko could even tell a poker chip from a Pringle at this point.
"I have a pair of kings. Does that mean I win?" Yakko had said at the start of the second game. He spent most of the first watching Foghorn to learn how to play.
"No- you weren't listening to what I said, were you? You can't win on the first hand and don't play the hand you just got dealt." Foghorn sighed.
"OK, OK. But I have a three I don't want, so can I draw from the pile?" Yakko said, scratching his head.
"Does this look like 'Go Fish' to you, boy?" Foghorn asked, dumbstruck.
"No."
"Good, at least you're paying that much attention. Now if you had been listening, you'd have heard me say you need to wait. And don't- I say- don't say what you have. You're askin' to lose if you do that."
Yet he seemed to get worse with each game. Wakko felt pretty bad for Yakko, who had become so frustrated with the rules and Foghorn's constant yelling that he quit an hour ago, but was also a bit pleased that he could do something his big brother couldn't. Now he was only a hand away from winning the championship of Foghorn's makeshift tournament, since Dot and Porky had already folded.
"Alright boy. Try- I say- try to beat this," Foghorn said with a smug grin as he placed his hand on the table. "Straight flush."
"That is impressive, but..." Wakko laid out his cards and Foghorn's triumphant beam faded instantly. "I do believe a royal flush beats that." he grinned. Dot, Yakko, and Porky began to cheer as Wakko raked in the remaining quarters with his arms.
"Why I'll be... That was one of the finest games of poker I've played yet, son!" Foghorn conceded. "You ever play blackjack?"
"No." Wakko said.
"Then I'll have to show you it sometime. There's a whole other mess of games out there that I'm sure you could beat me at some day, too. You know, after a lot of practice." Foghorn clapped Wakko on the back.
"What's all the fuss about?" Daffy said from the doorway. He and Bugs came into the room and sat down at the table.
"W-Wakko beat Foghorn at a poker tournament!" Porky squealed.
"What? That hasn't happened since Sam played you in '75," Bugs said. "Nice job, kid." Wakko's beam grew even bigger at this, and he and Dot started counting his total winnings.
"How did the house check out?" Foghorn asked Bugs.
"Overall, it's fine. There are a few hairline cracks in the foundation and some shingles are missing from the roof, and the pool needs to be cleaned and maybe re-tiled, but everything else seems okay. Though I did find a-" Bugs was interrupted by his phone ringing. He sighed when he looked down at the name and reluctantly answered the call.
"Hi Plotz. No, I didn't forget that you were coming over for dinner today... I- yes, we're doing fine... OK. See you then." Bugs hung up the phone and rubbed a hand over his ears.
"Did he say when he's coming?" Daffy asked.
"Five. He said he couldn't stay too long, which I guess works in our favor," Bugs said. "Though that probably means I should go to the store now."
"I-I'll go with you, B-Bugs. Maybe we can m-m-make a nice r-roast for tonight." Porky said.
"Like they're gonna have roasts in stock... and isn't it sacrilegious for a pig like yourself to suggest that?" Daffy muttered.
"I d-didn't mean a-a-a ham!" Porky quickly sputtered.
"Or a chicken, I hope." Foghorn added.
"Regardless of what it is, we'll be back in a bit." Bugs said before turning to leave with Porky. "Though you can probably count on duck!" he called out before the door shut with a loud slam. Daffy muttered something about what was in a meat lovers carrot cake and Foghorn laughed. Wakko hugged his winnings and looked at the others with a smug grin.
"Anyone up for another round of poker?"
"Eh, why not." Foghorn picked up the deck of cards and began shuffling them.
"Daffy, can you please set the table? I've been asking you for twenty minutes and Plotz will be here any second." Bugs said with crossed arms as he stood behind the love seat. Daffy, Foghorn, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot were sprawled out in various spots around the living room, and a comfortable silence with the exception of the clangs and bangs from Bugs and the occasional shriek from Porky in the kitchen filled the room.
"Fine. But remember that I am the guest. Think of this as a favor."
"Sure, sure. Just get the silverware." Bugs nudged Daffy off of the love seat and pushed past him to turn off a timer in the kitchen.
Dot looked back down at the crayons and coloring book on the glass coffee table and began filling in the petals of a rose with a light pink. She had volunteered to help out earlier but Bugs had guaranteed her that he and Porky could handle dinner.
But as the clock hands inched closer to five o'clock, she could tell Plotz's arrival was beginning to wear on the rabbit's usually easy-going mood. The carrots had boiled on the stove for too long and had turned to mush, and the fire alarms had beeped for twenty minutes straight before they managed to turn them off. Dot could only imagine what little thing what be the final blow in setting off the rabbit.
She had just moved onto the seventh page of the coloring book when the doorbell rang. Bugs practically sprinted down the front hall to answer it, and Daffy's table setting speed became five times faster than the pace he had initially been going at.
Dot looked through the living room's glass french doors to see Bugs take off the apron he had been wearing and toss it into his hammerspace before opening the door for a short, balding man in a jet black suit with a red tie pulled tightly around his pudgy neck.
"Hey, Plotz. C'mon in." Bugs said, shaking the CEO's hand and taking his coat. The strained tone that he'd had only minutes before was replaced by the smooth calmness that usually occupied his voice.
"Bugs. Hope you're well." the CEO nodded curtly as he looked around the foyer.
"I'm doing fine. Dinner's just about ready if you want to come in the dining room." Bugs said and motioned for Dot and the others to come to the table.
Closing her coloring book, Dot stood up and shared a look with her brothers. They had decided earlier that it would be best to not annoy Plotz tonight. Although they didn't antagonize the CEO nearly as much off-screen as they did on, it was a known fact on the lot that the Warners were the first to put Plotz back in his place with their antics whenever he crossed a line.
"Yakko, Wakko, Dot."
"Hi, Mr. Plotz." they said in unison. Plotz gave them a small snarl and turned to greet Porky, Daffy, and Foghorn. He hated it when they did that. Although they had promised not to mess with him, they couldn't resist getting one little jab in before the night was over. It simply wouldn't be a Plotz-Warner "get together" if he wasn't at least slightly annoyed at some point.
"I-I think the roast is ready. Bugs and I m-m-managed to track one d-down this afternoon. Strictly beef, o-o-of course." Porky said as he made his way to the kitchen. He was back with the meat in hand a few moments later and set the platter down around the side dishes and tableware. Dot sat down next to her brothers as Plotz claimed the seat at the head of the table. He cleared his throat and began to speak when the food was began to pass around.
"Now, I don't want to waste any of your time-"
"Too late for that." Yakko whispered so that only Dot and Wakko could hear.
"-so why don't we jump right into business," Plotz took a sip of water before continuing. "The studio has been trying to locate its stars and employees after the earthquake, and so far we haven't been as successful as we had hoped in contacting them all. The assistants are useless and most of the other executives are out of the country or not in the area at the moment. We've sent out multiple statements to the media, but only a handful of people have responded.
"At this point, we thought we might get more responses from the public, the stars, and studio workers themselves if a more recognizable, relatable face was asking for help. I know it's a long-shot, but they trust you and are more likely to listen to you asking for help than me. So, I came here to ask if one of you would one of you be willing to volunteer as a spokesperson of sorts until we can get in touch with more people."
"I'm flattered you'd ask us for help, but it's been a rather, er, hectic couple of weeks and I think I just need to slow down for a little bit." Bugs said.
"Me too, Mr. Plotz." Foghorn agreed.
"Same here." Daffy chimed in. After a few seconds of silence, Porky spoke up.
"I-I'd be happy to help, Mr. Plotz."
"Are you sure, Porky?" Daffy asked with a cocked eyebrow.
"Yeah. T-The studio's done a lot for me, so I don't mind h-helping out. B-Besides, I'm sure a lot of our f-f-friends are among the ones who h-haven't r-responded yet."
"Thank you, Porky. Would you mind leaving with me tonight?" Plotz said.
"N-Not at all."
"Good. I have a few more matters to attend to before we're done here," Plotz pulled a neatly folded piece of paper out of his pocket and set it on the table. "Bugs, I'm assuming you heard the news out of Clampett."
"Yeah, I did," Bugs said wearily. "What about it?"
"Well, I wanted to set up some safety precautions until the situation is under control. I made a list of guidelines to keep you safe until he gets caught, and Disney's done the same for Mickey."
"Until who gets caught?" Wakko asked. Bugs glanced at him before shooting a look at Plotz.
"Look, this really isn't dinner conversation, doc. I'd rather we discuss it in my office after we're done eating."
"I can't stay much longer as it is. I have a meeting across town in an hour and the traffic is horrible. It has to be now." Plotz demanded.
"Not in front of the kids, OK? There's no need to worry them over nothing." Bugs said. Dot could see that Bugs was becoming increasingly agitated.
"But this isn't nothing, Bugs! Bosko almost killed you last time he was on the streets, and if Daffy and Foghorn hadn't pulled him off of you at the last second, you would have been dead. I'm sure he's going to want to finish what he started."
Dot gulped. She didn't know that this Bosko guy had tried to kill Bugs and, even worse, had almost succeeded. Trying to seem unaffected by this new bit of information, Dot watched Bugs take a deep breath before responding.
"There's no use in worrying them over it, though." Bugs nodded towards Yakko, Wakko, and Dot.
"Oh, but there is!" Plotz pulled one of the Toontown newspapers out of his pocket and waved it in the air. "Look at this on the front page, 'Eyewitnesses say Dot Warner is traveling with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes cast members in the wake of Bosko and Oswald's breaking out of Clampett. Sources say they were last seen on the border of Toontown and Burbank.'" he put the paper back in his pocket. "Bosko must know by now that she's with you, and he'll target her just as much as Foghorn and Daffy if it means it'll get him to you."
Dot felt Wakko grab her hand and squeeze it. She saw that the pale mask that had washed over his face in the bathroom that morning had come back with even more ferocity than it had earlier. Turning to her other brother, she noticed that a similar effect had come over him.
"He probably doesn't know that Yakko and Wakko are with you, but they'll end up in the same situation as Dot if they stay here much longer." Plotz continued.
"What are you trying to say?" Foghorn said with crossed arms. Plotz let out a huff before continuing.
"I'm trying to say that the Warners would be safer if they were under the watch of the studio, and that I plan on taking them with me tonight."
"You can't do that!" Bugs leaned forward.
"Oh yes I can. They're orphans under the studio's care, and since I'm a CEO, they're directly under my care," Plotz's voice rose at the fuming rabbit. "Therefore, I ultimately have the final say as to what happens to them in a situation like this. I intend on bringing them back with me and lodging them in a hotel- with ample security, mind you- until Bosko is caught. I need them where the studio can keep an eye on them and put all this publicity to rest. Besides, we need you three to start shooting the next season of Animaniacs soon. The scripts were ready long before the earthquake happened, and you need to learn them."
"What?" Yakko yelled out. "Our contract says that I have final say over what happens to Wakko, Dot, and I!"
"Oh it does say that, but it also says that the studio can override your decision involving any potentially dangerous or life-threatening situations if we disagree with you until you're 18, Yakko. And the last time I checked, you're still a minor." Plotz said. Yakko slumped back in his seat and took a hold of Dot's other hand. She sighed. Plotz was right. Yakko couldn't get them out of this.
"But you don't even like us!" Wakko called out with a hint of desperation scratching at his voice.
"No, and I know the feeling is mutual. But as CEO I have to protect the assets of the studio, and that includes you three." Plotz said, sounding more annoyed than agitated.
"It wouldn't make sense to separate them from us now. If anything, they're safer here with us." Bugs said. Plotz cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh really? How's that?"
"I have a security system that's more effective than any crumby hotel's, and I have proof that it's able to keep out any toon or human that I don't want coming in. Not to mention, Foghorn, Daffy, and I have more toon abilities in our pinkie fingers than you could dream of having in your whole body, and we've managed to hold Bosko off before. What makes you think we couldn't now?"
"Burbank's practically in ruins, which means the law has more to worry about than protecting some stubborn old rabbit. They can't come to your aid as quickly as you'd like if he did break in," Plotz took another sip of water. "For the last time, the Warners are coming with me!" Bugs stared at Plotz before finally sighing and sitting back in his chair.
"Alright, then. I quit."
Everyone, even Plotz, widened their eyes at Bugs's statement. Dot was shocked that Bugs, one of the biggest toons in history, was willing to give up his guaranteed-for-life job at Warner Brothers- a deal that is practically impossible to get in the cartoon industry- for the sake of her and her brothers. Was he serious?
"Wh-what? Bugs, let's be rational here! I know you're probably having fun playing daddy and all, but this is your life's work we're talking about! You can't just throw out your priorities over some kids!"
"I'm not throwing out my priorities, doc! Right now, my priority is to make sure these kids don't get hurt by that twisted bastard. You don't know how he thinks- what he's capable of doing. But I do, and it only makes sense for me to watch out for them. In fact, I'm rather convinced that you just can't see past the money they make you at this point. You wouldn't give two pennies about them if it weren't for their fame, so stop thinking with your wallet and use your head for once." Bugs finished.
"Fine, have it your way Bugs. But don't come crying to me when Bosko gets to them," Plotz got up and shoved his chair into the table. "Meet me in the car, Porky!" With that, Plotz slammed the door behind him.
"Well, I guess I should get g-g-going." Porky stammered nervously as he got up to follow Plotz.
"Good luck sniffing for truffles with Plotz." Daffy halfheartedly joked and patted Porky on the back.
"Yeah, I hope he doesn't work you to hard," said Foghorn. "Let us know if you find anyone."
"I w-will. See you later, Bugs."
"Bye, Porky." Bugs said from the table. He hadn't moved an inch since Plotz had stormed out of the house.
Porky waved to Dot and her brothers before closing the door behind him. She suddenly felt very tired, and wanted nothing more than to get away from the dining room. Wringing her hands, she spoke up in the uncomfortable silence that was making the room suffocating to be in.
"I'm gonna go to bed."
"It's still pretty early though-" Yakko started.
"Yeah, I know. Just tired." she said and leaned away from him.
"I'll come tuck you in-" Yakko said.
"You don't have to- I'm fine. Really." she turned towards the stairs after seeing her brothers' concerned looks.
"Are you sure? You always get tucked in." Wakko asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. G'night." she said without turning around. She thought she heard Yakko start to follow her, but he wasn't behind her when she reached her room.
She closed door and got into bed without changing her clothes or pulling the covers up to her chin, which she did every night. She was just too shocked and upset to. Bugs had told her that Bosko was a bad guy and all, but an almost murderer? How could anyone want to kill Bugs- one of the sweetest and most talented toons out there? Maybe that's why, she thought. His talent. Maybe Bosko was jealous?
But the thought of one toon trying to kill another over fame was terrifying to her. What if someone tried to kill her for those reasons some day, or what if someone actually succeeded in killing her? Or maybe Bugs did something so horrible to Bosko that it drove him to do what he did. That thought was more unnerving to Dot.
Regardless of why Bosko tried to kill Bugs, Dot knew one thing for sure. She and her brothers were at a direct risk because of it. Overwhelmed and not knowing what else to do, Dot let out the quietest sobs she could manage. Yet they were still loud enough to mask the sound of someone opening and closing her door and coming up to her bed.
"You okay, doc?" Bugs said as he sat down on the edge of her bed and placed a hand on her back. She lifted her head up and tried to give a convincing nod. "Sure about that?" he asked quietly. Sensing there was no way to hide what she was feeling at this point, Dot shook her head and began crying even harder. Bugs pulled her up and wrapped her in a tight hug.
"I'm s-sorry." she hiccuped.
"Don't worry about it, Dot. Even I cry when I feel like I need to." he said softly. She rested her head against his chest and tried to slow her breathing and ignore the uncomfortable thoughts prodding at her mind. After calming down a bit, Dot spoke up in a scratchy voice.
"Did he r-really try t-to kill you?"
"Yes, but he didn't succeed, now did he?"
"N-No, but why d-did he try?" Bugs sighed and rubbed small circles on her back.
"Because he was jealous and bitter that he wasn't the hottest thing in the cartoon industry anymore. But don't let him scare you, hun. He can't touch you- or any of us for that matter- so long as I'm here, OK? And don't you ever think otherwise. He's just some wash-up who will end up back in jail soon enough. I promise everything will be alright," he shifted her back slightly and tipped her chin up. "Do you believe me?"
"Yeah."
And she did. She decided that she wasn't going to let some freak tear her apart like this, and she trusted Bugs to keep them safe. What else could she do? They stayed in the hug for a few more minutes without moving. Dot stopped crying and only sniffled every now and then, letting the soothing rhythm of her breaths edge out the tenseness in her chest.
"Bugs?" she said after a moment.
"Yeah?"
"Was Plotz right when he said you like 'playing daddy?'"
"You know, I guess he was. Though that was the only thing he got right, that's for sure," he lightly poked her in the side.
"I figured," she giggled. "But why?"
"It's nice having you tykes around here," he squeezed her against him. "Makes this big house feel not so big anymore."
