Hey, guys. It's been a little while since I've uploaded a chapter to When Roger Met Jessica. Things are going to tense up in the story as Roger and Jessicca's trials are put to the test. Anyway, Who Framed Roger Rabbit belongs to Disney. Sally's Tomato from the film Breakfast At Tiffany's belong to Paramount and Henry Mancini. The First Time It Happens from The Great Muppet Caper belongs to Disney and Something For Audrey belongs to Henry Mancini not me. Let's get it.
====Chapter 7: Falling Apart=====
"So that's why Marvin Acme filed that will for the toons. It finally makes sense. I wouldn't want a bigwig corporation takin' over and run my life if I were a toon.", Eddie's mind was opened a whole lot more as he adjusted himself on his seat. The two detectives still hadn't received an intense case yet but they enjoyed reminiscing of the past. The Valiant so far learned a lot getting to know more than meets the eye as far as Roger and Jessica's origins. Roger nodded his head remembering that important detail relating to the place he, Jessica and the other toons call place home.
"Yeppers. That prized jewel Acme had called the Blue Pearl was something for us to remember him by. However, the next week was that time we almost didn't have the Toontown to our names. And more importantly—", Roger stopped as his ears nearly drooped with a sad smile. Eddie caught wind of this with a raised eyebrow and concern.
"Rog, what exactly what's wrong? You're clammin' up about somethin'. You can tell me. I'm willin' to listen.", the detective encouraged as Roger faced Eddie with a sad smile on his face. The silence lasted for a few intense seconds as a reminder of a past event Roger went through that was a blessing and a curse. The rabbit swallowed a lump in his stomach.
"I nearly lost Love Cups and that Blue Pearl's disappearance was the cause Of the trouble.. Being framed for murder wasn't the first I took the fall. I'll explain everything that happened that fateful week.", Roger told Eddie resuming the tale.
=======Flashback======
At a jailhouse in Toontown, there sat a toon rabbit that resembled Roger to the 9s but the only difference was that his eyebrows were a Little thicker and had a scowl on his face. He wore the stereotypical black and white striped prisoner suit awaiting who knows what. He stared at the walls with a small opening sporting three bars as a window only shining natural light through. He paced back and forth grousing sick of the prison life as if he left something important on the other side of the bars. The rabbit sat in thought until a gruff voice from a toon cat warden that sounded like Popeye's but a Little deeper to give hope to the long-eared inmate.
"Hey, long ears! You made bail! Someone open his cell!", the cat warden barked as a toon dog guard did as he was told. Once the cell doors opened up, the guards took Dodger to get him ready to make his bail and release from jail.
Soon, the guards opened up the door revealing bright skies and a fancy car belonging to the Buchanans. The warden told the rabbit who is now wearing a greaser outfit with a stern expression.
"You're free to go, rabbit! A free hare! Now am-scray before I change my mind.", the warden said. The former Inmate heard the car horn inviting the rabbit to come in. Tanner opened his backseat window calling over persuading him to enter the vehicle. The grousing rabbit enters the car before it drove away.
Tanner and Beasley turned to the rabbit with a Lot to talk about. The Older Buchanan had to confirm his assumptions asking the rabbit.
"Dodger, I presume?", Tanner asked.
"You are told correct. Not to be an Ingrate, but what's the reason you two goombas bailed me Out the can?", Dodger asked with a frown glaring raising one eyebrow. Tanner smiled offering an explanation of why he and Beasley bailed him out.
"I heard of your criminal history and I have to say that I'm impressed. But you have quite the Potential.", Tanner told Dodger but the rabbit rolled his eyes waving a finger at him. Beasley snickered only for Tanner to bop him upside the head.
"All right, pal. Where are you gettin' at? I have no time for ass-kissin'. So get to the point already.", Dodger scoffed impatiently. Tanner glared wanting to put him in his place.
"Remember not to bite the hand that feeds you. I bailed you out so listen up. You remember the will of Toontown being issued to the toons, right?"
"Yeah. Of course I have. Many of those jailbirds were talkin' all about it. You'd be surprised how the word travels down the vine. Keep talkin', buddy.", the rabbit smirked.
"If you Insist. I'm an heir to Cloverleaf and the toons Of Toontown are in the way of what I want to do with it. And that's making money off the poor saps thanks to that old coot Acme. And not only that, that thorn in my side is with the object of my affections.", Tanner growled at the Last part. Dodger raised his eyebrow in confusion and shrugged.
"Relax, man. I'm sure you can wrap your finger around that old geezer. Besides, you can teach him a thing or two for messin' with your girl.", Dodger scoffed. Beasley added in to help his brother clear up some things.
"Hate to break It to ya, bud. But the object of my brother's affections is Jessica Crupnik. And the person dating her Is none other than Roger Rabbit.", he explained. Dodger's face went from smart aleck to that of shock and anger.
"Roger Rabbit?! That dope?! I can't stand him!", Dodger growled. Tanner nodded with an evil smile.
"You and us both. That Roger's with the woman I use to love. And I want him out of the way so Jessica has no Other choice but to be with me. Which is why you're perfect for the job.", Tanner remarked. Dodger rolled his eyes not Pleased with the reasons.
"You're quite a sap, bub. As much as I don't like Roger, that's no reason to get him out the way. Sure he ruins everything from getting as much attention positively in the neighborhood. Hell, we use to be tight until his folks thought I was a bad influence. I turned to a Life Of crime and his was life of stardom. And what do you mean fit for the job. It doesn't come cheap.", the rabbit huffed pointing the finger at the Buchanans. Tanner smirked as he grinned with evil intent.
"I can make it worth your while."
"Okay? I'm listenin'.", Dodger was Interested of what Tanner had to say. The heir cleared his throat and talked about the devious Plot.
"The Toontown Gala is a week away and the Blue Pearl will be delivered to the Toontown Ballroom. What better way than to frame one of cartoon's rising stars for theft. Not just any theft, the Kind he does stealing from the once kind Old man that offered toons like him a home.", Tanner said. Dodger's interest Peaked further with a devious smile.
"Oh I get it. If that Blue Pearl's stolen, everyone would think that dope did it. Hmmm. Not so bad.", Dodger smirked.
"Precisely. Now you're catching on. Since you're almost identical to him, you can use your criminal know-how to sneak into the gallery and steal the pearl leaving behind clues that would have everyone believe Roger did It. And Once that happens, people would lose trust in him and other toons as well. Therefore, Acme would have no other way but to give it all to me with Jessica ruling by my side. Oh and you'll get your lion's share by having all the money, dames and luxuries a rabbit could ever ask for."
"So what do you say? Are you in?", Tanner and Beasley offered respectively. Dodger rubbed his chin in deep thought until he gave a devilish smile showing his buckteeth.
"Ya got yourself a deal, pal. Just say the word and we'll make things happen.", Dodger smirked. The three villains chuckled to themselves getting ready to make Roger's life a living hell.
=====Roger and Jessica were in Toontown going to a spot Donald recommended called the Caballeros Supper Club. The jovial rabbit wore a tux while Jessica wore a strapless evening dress walking hand in hand towards the club. None Of them haven't been to this club with Roger voicing his opinions.
"Jumpin' jeepers, Love Cups. I should thank Donald for recommending this P-p-place. In fact, I haven't been here before.", the rabbit noted.
"Neither do I. But this seems Like a breath of fresh air.", the ginger agreed. They heard Latin American music playing signifying they were close. The lovely couple entered the establishment greeted by Donald Duck.
"Roger. Jessica. Glad you two made it. Follow me.", Donald told them with a smile as the lovebirds went inside. The supper club looked festive reminding the guests of Latin American influence such as the decorations, flags and other stuff. The toons and humans were at their seats such as Porky and Petunia Pig, Chip, Clarice, Dale and another female toon chipmunk at one table and few others. Donald went to two of his other fellow friends and co-owners of the club being a parrot Jose Karaoka and a taller bird being Panchito.
"Jose and Panchitto, I like to introduce you both to Roger and Jessica. They're good friends of mine.", the duck said. Jose approached and shook Roger's hand and bowed to Jessica.
"It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintances, Senor Roger and Senorita Jessica. Welcome to our humble supper club.", the parrot said politely.
"The p-p-p-pleasure's all ours. I gotta say that Donald sure referred us to this swell club.", the jovial rabbit complimented causing Donald to chuckle. Panchito smiled as he guided Roger and Jessica to their table.
"Allow me to guide you both to your tables. Tonight's gonna be muy fantastico with our performances."
"Jeepers, I wonder what it could be?", Roger wondered.
"You'll find out soon enough. It's something to dance to where you feel the passion flow through your body.", the taler bird beamed as Roger and Jessica sat at their table with a scented candle sitting in the center. Panchito called Over a smaller bird with an orange-reddish feathers causing him to pop up behind Roger singing something.
"AAAAAAH!", Roger jumped in the air falling to the ground as Jessica gasped helping Roger up to his feet and Onto her lap. Panchito turned to the bird with a chuckle.
"Aracuan, you scared the poor rabbit silly. Excuse him for scaring you two like that. He's quite expressive.", he told Jessica as Roger sheepishly rubbed a lump on his head.
"It's Okay. He's quite the character.", Jessica giggled.
"You can say that again, Love Cups.", Roger sheepishly grinned.
"So what would you Like for me to get you both? We have an exquisite margarita that would blow you away.", he grinned. Jessica eyed Roger with concern before asking.
"In toon or human form?", she asked.
"Hmmm. Both.", he answered relieving the ginger. She happily gave It some thought.
"We'll have the toon version. With some hors'deuvers."
"Very well, senorita. We'll be right back with your orders.", the taller bird said taking Aracuan Bird with him. Roger gazed into Jessica's eyes as the rabbit got entranced by the redhead's beauty.
"Jeepers, did I happen to mention how stunning you are tonight?", Roger complimented causing Jessica to giggle. She kissed him gently on the nose with a foxy grin.
"Honey Bunny, you're such a charmer. You're quite handsome.", she winked. Roger blushed enjoying the embrace his girlfriend gave him. It lasted a couple minutes as they Listen to the salsa music. Panchito and Aracuan delivered their orders and left them to their privacy. Roger saw a sugar shaker and dropped a pinch in his margarita tasting it.
"Ya know, Love Cups. If you put sugar in this, it almost tastes like ginger ale.", Roger suggested. Jessica had a curious look on her face wondering if that was the case.
"Really? I don't recall margaritas tasting like that.", Jessica amused decided to put the sugar in her drink tasting it. She got deep in thought before issuing her verdict.
"Hmmm. Maybe it does for this kind Of margarita. Not sure what they put in this to taste this good.", the ginger remarked. Roger chuckled to himself agreeing to his girlfriend's opinion.
"Thankfully, the margaritas and the whole caboodle doesn't cost as much as an Oldsmobile.", the rabbit shuddered at the thought. Jessica smirked at the rabbit after a small laugh.
"I was going for a Packard but Oldsmobliles can be a good analogy.", Jessica commented. They spotted Clarice, Chip, Dale and the other girl chipmunk from earlier. Jessica waved at the group of munks along with Roger. Clarice gushed and sighs looking at Roger and Jessica's tender moments.
"Awww. How sweet. They look so good together.", the curvy chipmunk cooed. Chip smirked at Roger along with Dale as they both spoke in unison.
"Roger, you playboy you.", they both said happy for the couple. The other girl chipmunk and Clarice gossiped about who knows what as Chip and Dale shrugged.
Soon, Jose came onstage to announce what would happen next in the nightclub. He surveyed the area with patrons awaiting what happens next.
"Is everyone having a good time tonight?", the parrot asked as the patrons clapped in approval confirming the head Caballero's question. He smiled before he introduces the next musical act.
"In that case, allow me and mis amigos to play a song that would get you into an intimate rhythm. Listos?", Jose asked as the patrons nodded. The parrot turned to Donald, Panchito and Aracuan with their instruments starting a song that got mostly everyone on the dance floor.
======Sally's Tomato by Henry Mancini from Breakfast At Tiffany's=======
The Caballeros began the enticing song as Roger and Jessica gazed at each other with equal passion for the other. The ginger took the rabbit's gloved hand as Roger got out of his seat.
"Shall we?", Jessica purred in Roger's ears taking him to the dance floor. Once there, the two manage to dance to the rhythm of the song. Roger in clumsy fashion nearly trips over but Jessica prevented a potential fall. The ginger caught him before he hits his face seeing birds.
"Whew. That was a close one.", Roger chuckled. Jessica and Roger felt the rhythm flowing deep down from the resonating Latin beats of the song. Time seemed like it stood still around them as they glanced in each other's eyes between Roger's blue and Jessica's green ones. The rabbit surprised Jessica by doing a tango dip.
Jessica had a sultry smile feeling connected with Roger but was soon spun around until the rabbit catches her before dancing until the song ends.
The crowd clapped for the band followed by Jose coming to the stage to introduce yet another song. Panchitto and Donald came across the stage to join the parrot. Roger and Jessica were enjoying themselves as the rabbit held her hand awaiting what song they were going to play next.
"Senores y senora. I see everyone's having a great night. Well, we have something magical for those of you with a special someone.", the parrot said with a smile as everyone held their significant other's hands. The parrot nodded in assurance before he had the toon musicians prepare their instruments.
=====The First Time It Happens from the movie "The Great Muppet Caper"========
Roger and Jessica heard a whimsical orchestra play a heavenly tune. Roger knew how familiar that song was as he led Jessica to a much more open space. In fact, Jessica had a mutual familiarity with that song as well.
"Honey Bunny, I used to listen to this beautiful song. How romantic.", she sighed lovingly at Roger. The rabbit genuinely smiled as both took the stage. But Roger surprisingly serenaded his girlfriend.
-
Roger: The first time you see her, no bolt from the blue.
Jessica: Just something so quiet, just waiting for you.
Roger: With no one to tell you where you've got to go.
Jessica: The first time it happens, you know.
In a dream sequence, the couple seemed like they were dancing in the air without anything holding them down. The place seemed magical beyond anyone's imagination but it looked peaceful nonetheless. Roger smiled at his Love Cups as she looked angelic.
Roger: The first time you see her, no magical change. No angels appearing, no dreams to arrange.
Chorus: Just warmer and colder than springtime or snow.
Roger gazes into Jessica's eyes and leans into her ear holding the beauty close to him.
-
Roger: The first time It happens, you know.
Jessica and Roger laughed and giggled having the time of their lives as the random toons sing along watching the lovely pair.
Chorus: And so how you fall and how complete it is. And for each moment that it lasts. How sweet it is.
Roger and Jessica: The first time together. How simple, how rare.
Jessica: And just when you thought you'd forgot how to care.
Roger: And though you feel much more than you dare to show.
All: The first time it happens you know.
Jose looked on at Roger and Jessica dancing passionately as they stood out. The parrot had tears in his eyes of joy.
"Muy fantastico! Magnifico!", he shouted with glee. The musicians builds up to the next part of the song with Jose leading the group.
Jose: The first time you see her, no magical change. No angels appearing, no dreams to arrange. Just warmer and colder than springtime or snow. The first time it happens, you know. Ole!
One of the toon musicians spiced it up with the castanets as many patrons felt the rhythm. Chip and Clarice, Porky and Petunia, Dale and a random chipmunk, Clara Cluck and Foghorn Leghorn, Mickey and Minnie and many others were seen enjoying it but Roger and Jessica did the best meringue out of all.
Jose: And so how you fall and how complete it is. And for each moment that it lasts. How sweet it is. Sweet it is. Love lasts forever, never say never.
(Chorus harmonizing)
Chorus: And just when you thought you'd forgot how to care. For the first time. For the first time
Before everyone knew, they all tap danced to the song in a jazz and swing melody. Roger and Jessica enjoyed the rhythm while toon shoes joined in on the action. One pair danced in front of the rabbit and the ginger causing them to chuckle at them. The song was near it's end as Jose and the chorus closes it out.
Jose and Chorus: The first time it happens, the moment it happens. And suddenly there's a whole new world.
All: The first time it happens, the first time happens, the first time It happens, you know!
The song ended as everyone gave out an applause for Jose and company's performance. Roger and Jessica silently smiled into each other's eyes. Jessica picked Roger into her arms and whispered into his ears.
"Honey Bunny, the night's still young. I know a place where we can have a moment in private."
"What is it, Love Cups? Is it the water hole?", Roger wondered as Jessica giggled.
"Hmm, sort Of.", she mused. The rabbit had a question mark over his head looking at his girlfriend like she's from Mars.
"The water hole? What's so great about the water hole?", he wondered causing Jessica to peck him on the cheek with a wink.
"I'll show you when we get there.", she whispered. Soon the couple happily left the club and bid Three Caballeros and their friends a good night before heading Inside the Packard.
=====Something For Audrey by Henry Mancini=====
Still in Toontown, the couple stood in an unknown location to the rabbit as Jessica guided him still in her arms. The rabbit heard some waterfalls and asked the redhead about his blindfold.
"Okay, Love Cups. Can I take off my blindfold now?"
"Mm-hmm. Right about now.", Jessica gently removed the blindfold off of Roger as the rabbit was in awe of where they were. They were on a bridge looking over a scenic landscape with waterfalls and a giant bright moon looming over the horizon. Roger gushed at the view as they sat on a bench to enjoy the view.
"Wowsers. This is spectacular!", Roger beamed.
"I'm glad you like it, Honey Bunny. I usually go here to clear my head before my long nights at the Ink and Paint. I normally do not tell anyone about this place but I figured that two people sharing this experience is better than one.", Jessica cooed stroking Roger's fur making the rabbit sigh in bliss. They were content of where they are enjoying each other's comfort. Roger spotted two bright stars in the distance that stood out from the rest.
"Hey, Love Cups. Look at that.", the rabbit said pointing to the sky. Jessica raised an eyebrow in wonder of the brightest pair of stars.
"Wow. They're so beautiful and brighter than the rest of the typical stars.", Jessica said still in awe.
"Yeppers. My uncle Thumper showed them to me when I was small. In fact, there was a legend behind them.", Roger noted.
"Really? May I hear about it? It seems interesting.", the redhead asked in curiosity.
"It all started with two fireflies falling in love with each other throughout their lifetime. They had everlasting love until the day they've died together. They came back as those bright stars you see right now. Some say that every star was once a firefly but that bond those two had were so special that they glow standing out from the rest.", Roger explained as Jessica was speechless.
"Wow. That's a touching story. I always see those two unique stars each time I come here. Honestly, you gave me a different perspective on how some stars came to be.", Jessica said with Honesty. Roger grinned giving the redhead the thumbs up.
"I'm glad I can share it with you. I told it to Herman and all he told me was that it's just balls of gas burning billions and billions of miles away. But between you and me, with Herman, everything's gas", the rabbit teased causing Jessica to laugh causing a tear to come out. She wiped it off her face and the two sat quietly enjoying the night sky. Jessica looked at Roger with a blush before asking him a question.
"Roger?"
"Yes, my Love Dove?", Roger wondered. Jessica bit her lip in nervousness before swallowing her pride.
"I don't want to scare you or anything. But do you see a future in getting married down the line? I mean, I'm content of where we stand right now but I always wonder what it would be like to get married starting a family.", Jessica asked as Roger nodded.
"Oh. Honestly, it's kind of tough to say but between us, it seems like a grand adventure for the long haul. Think Of it this way, the open world of laughter, life and everything else is ours. Right for the taking. As long as we have each other building memories, it'll be okay. But when it's time to take the next step, I'm willing to take It with you.", Roger noted as Jessica kissed him on the cheek causing him to sigh in content.
"That's good to know. We can continue to go at a steady pace. Oh and thanks for listening to me. You're such a great guy.", she said genuinely as Roger chuckled blushing.
"Oh, I'm just glad to be there for you, Love Dove. Besides, you're not only a beautiful woman but also down to earth and kind. Also, the way you laugh is music to my ears.", Roger admitted. Jessica felt warm around the rabbit for his words were true. She cupped his face and kisses him on the lips showing how much she loves him. For a little while Longer, they sat on the bench enjoying the beautiful serene night.
The next night, someone peered into the galleria as it to not be seen. The silhouette creeped into the room where the Blue Pearl was sitting. How the figure came into the room to begin with was that he stole the keys from a security guard after whacking him with a bat. He skulked around the place making sure he finds some nearby exits and less lighting.
He chuckled to himself reaching out with his gloved hand snatching the Blue Pearl off it's pedestal. He then ran off but before he did so, he threw the glove onto the floor.
"Heh-heh-heh. Bingo.", the thief said but a new voice bellowed.
Stop right there! Don't move!", the security guard bellowed pointing a gun at the thief. He spotted the thief with pure shock. This gave the thief an advantage running off with the guard giving chase. The mysterious thief ran off but little did the thief know that the guard took a picture hence the shocked expression.
Once the thief went outside, he went to the back where a black car was waiting for him. He went into the back and shut the door causing the car to drive away.
The next day, the guards and the police were searching the perimeter later for clues. One police officer being Santino asked the guard that took the picture.
"And you say you ran into the thief that stole Marvin Acme's prized Blue Pearl?", he asked as the toon guard being a cat nodded.
"Yeah. I saw him myself. I looked into his eyes and recognized him immediately who it was.", he said shakily. Santino frowned wondering who it was as the cat guard handed him the pic causing Santino to narrow his eyes.
"Roger Rabbit. Well I've seen it all.", the cop muttered. The crime scene was taped off to the public as news spreads like wildfire. Marvin Acme sighed to himself but decided not to press charges against the bunny much to the cops' confusion but respected his wishes. When Jessica caught wind of what went down, her face turned into deep anger reading and hearing about it. She needed to get to the bottom of this.
At Jessica's, Roger bounced in joy slipping on his overalls after getting ready for a day off as what Raul sarcastically told him. He grinned in the mirror making sure he was ready. However, he saw Jessica coming up the stairs with a silent and stern glare. Roger heard a throat clear up as the rabbit turned around with a smile.
"Oh, Love Cups. It's you. For a second there, I thought it was a ghost or somethin'. You heard the news? Someone stole the Blue Pearl from the Toontown Gallery.", the rabbit asked but Jessica nodded still angry. Roger noticed this and felt concerned.
"Love Cups, is something wrong? You look upset about something.", Roger wondered.
"Yes. We need to talk, Roger. You stole the Blue Pearl at the Gallery. Why did you do it?!", Jessica asked in anger as Roger felt scared. The rabbit shook his head trying to reason with her.
"P-P-Please! I didn't do it! I hadn't stolen anything that night! You gotta believe me!", Roger begged but Jessica's eyes turned into slits.
"You're lying to me! They found your glove in the crime scene! Furthermore, you were in the picture where that security guard took of you! Now tell me why did you do it?! Why would you steal from someone that gave us a place to call home when no one else thought to?!", Jessica bellowed as Roger felt petrified of his girlfriend's fury. However, he had to make an effort to calm her dwn.
"P-P-Please. You're being unreasonable! Let's just calm down and get to the bottom of It! Maybe it was someone pretending to be me!", Roger tried to say but Jessica's fists banged on the table denting It.
"Are you listening to yourself right now?! Everything led to you! And you better be lucky Acme didn't press any charges! Do you realize what you've done?!", Jessica yelled still in rage as Roger felt confused.
"No. I told you that I wouldn't do such a thing! I didn't steal anything!", the rabbit begged though the distraught redhead didn't want to listen to reason.
"Because of you, humans are going to look at us more in a negative light! That gala Acme wanted to throw was to bring us together! And now thanks to you, the gala's canceled!", the redhead sobbed as Roger tried to put a hand on her shoulder. But it was a bad move when Jessica slaps Roger in the face. This stunned Roger to a T as intensive silence welcomed itself into the room. After several seconds did Jessica glared with anger saying the chilling words that would cut Roger like a knife.
"Get out! I don't want to see your face again!", Jessica growled as Roger's face turned to horror.
"But, Love Cups! You don't mean that!", he said with fear.
"I mean it, Roger! Just get out!"
"But-"
"GET OOOOUT!", she roared in deep rage causing Roger to droop his ears in sadness and heartbreak. He walked out the door and took a quick glance at his now ex before heading out the door. He can hear Jessica sob louder than before as he heads out into the streets.
Right Jessica was for some of the toons sneered at the rabbit for the incident he was framed of committing. They scoffed and pulled their kids away from him not wanting anything to do with him. To make things worse, RK Maroon fired the rabbit shocking Herman and his friends. To put it short, Roger lost everything as he sat near a bench in the rain sobbing looking at the pictures of the memories he and Jessica created. He browsed through the album and cried some more.
"Say it ain't so, Jessica? P-P-P-Please! Why did you have to leave me?!", he sobbed. Little did he know that he unknowingly stuck out his thumb as Benny with Herman riding spotting him in the rain.
"Hey, Rog! Come on down, man! It's rainin' out here!", the cab yelled out as Roger slowly went to the back as Herman picked up on his mood and behavior. Benny did as well for he was expecting Roger to get behind the wheel.
"Roger, what's the matter? You feelin' down in the dumps?.", Herman asked in concern as Benny chimes in.
"Yeah. You normally crawl to the driver's seat begging to drive. What's eatin' ya? If it's about goin' to the can, you're spared.", Benny said as Herman nodded.
"Yeah. We don't believe for one second you stole the damn pearl. Those idiots RK Maroon and Raul refused to believe me! The hell's wrong with people these days?!", the baby gruffly groused. Roger had a sad smile before speaking up.
"Thanks, guys. At Least you believe me. Can't say the same for Jessica. She believed into the lie and didn't bother to help me out for some reason. And now, we've broken up.", he said as Herman and Benny's faces were in shock.
"What? Broke up?! But that's crazy!", Benny yelled in disbelief. Roger nodded before speaking up.
"Wish it was a dream, guys. But she did and now I'm heartbroken. I tried to reason with her that I would never steal from anyone and especially from someone who gave us a home. Now every toon out here hates me! Jessica hates me ! And even humans hate me!", Roger sobbed as Herman shook his head.
"Rog, not everyone hates ya. As for Jessica, she's in the wrong for kickin' ya out like that. It's a hard pill to swallow, pal. But you'll get through it. Tell ya what, you can stay at my place. Mickey, Bugs and the other boys are comin' over for a poker game. That should cheer ya up. It's a bad idea to be alone fresh from a breakup when you're upset like this.", Herman offered. Roger thought for a moment and decided to stay with Herman.
"Rog, I'm sorry about what ya goin' through. Bein' a cab for decades exposed me to various folks including some that share ya pain. The best thing to do is give Jessica some space. I'm not sure if both of you will be friends or back to bein' lovebirds but you gotta take some time for yourself. Stayin' with Herman here would do you some good.", Benny advised as they pull in front of the high-rise.
"Well, fellas. This is your stop. See ya guys later. And Rog, stay strong. Okay? This one's on me.", the cab generously said as Roger thanks the cab. Soon, Roger and Herman head over to the latter's place to get ready for the boys coming over.
In Tanner's office, the man smirked evilly reading the newspaper of the stolen Blue Pearl as he relished in the small victory. He sipped On a glass Of scotch silently talking in thought. The fact that Acme canceled the gala was music to his ears for there was at least one step in his diabolical plan completed. He sighed to himself relaxing at his handiwork.
"Oh yes. How could Roger do such a thing to the one person who brought him a place to call home? How the mighty has fallen. Though I would like for that rabbit to sit in jail, at least he's blackballed from RK Maroon and any other place in LA. Oh, how blissful it is.", he said sighing in content. However, a voice brought him out of his trance.
"Tan! Tan! We got it! We got it!", Beasley yelled out as Dodger followed behind him. Tanner scowled with a dry expression.
"This better be good, Beasley. Can't you see that I'm basking in the victory before us?", Tanner dryly said.
"I know that, Tan. But our victory's getting' sweeter. You won't believe it.", the bumbling oaf eager to talk to his brother.
"Okay. This better be worth my time. Out with it.", Tanner said as Dodger stood in.
"Ya remember when ya babbled about Jessica Crupnik? Well, I was in da neighborhood and havin' rabbit ears is a sweet advantage. Anyway, I was In the bushes listenin' to those two arguin' and low and behold, she left him high and dry thinkin' it was his fault for easin' da tension between toons and humans. And I have a Polaroid to prove it. What a sap!", the rabbit handed the man the picture of Roger with a slap print on his face walking out the door of Jessica's sobbing. Tanner grinned evilly at the boys with satisfaction.
"You done well, gentlemen. Now that Jessica sees right through that bucktoothed fool, she will lose trust in toons and will fall in love with a human. She believes that falling in love with humans would surely bring understanding between us. I'll help her fill that void.", Tanner said as Beasley raise an eyebrow.
"But that doesn't guarantee that— OWWW!", Beasley yelped after Dodger whacks him upside the head. Tanner sighs in relief.
"Thank you, Dodger. Anyway, now for step 2.", he grinned evilly.
"What's step 2?", Beasley asked only for Tanner to throw a book in his face.
"Imbecille. Step 2 is to convince that old coot Acme that Cloverleaf's the right choice to be the beneficiaries. Hell, Jessica won't have to sing a day of her life in that dreadful Ink and Paint place.", Tanner smiled in victory.
"You mean that place Jessica sings at and humiliated you? That Beasley's a riot!", Dodger said laughing as Beasley chuckled nervously seeing Tanner's angry expression. He grabbed Dodger by the ears and Beasley by the collar.
"Hey, wiseass! Not da ears!", Dodger yelled in pain. Beasley grunted struggling as Tanner growled.
"Drop that subject, you idiots! We got serious business to take care of! Now you best leave my office and prepare for tomorrow! We need to pay an old man a visit! He's the key to undoing that stupid will and after what Roger had done, he'll more than likely turn it over to us!", he laughed maniacally as Beasley and Ddodger dropped to the floor rubbing the places the pain resided in. The three villains relished in Roger's suffering awaiting their next move.
A/N: And that's Chapter 7, folks. A shocker of Jessica's bad side? I know. But don't worry for in the next chapters, she'll regret her decision. What will come of Roger now that he lost his job and the love of his life? Find out in the next chapter.
Anyway, the Disney cameos are Panchito and Jose Karaoka from the Three Caballeros. Non-Disney are Porky and Petunia Pig but Porky will appear again in the next chapter. Also, the two bright stars bit in the fic is a reference to Ray and Evangeline from The Princess and the Frog.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to review, follow and favorite. LilMancub out and I'll see y'all in the next One.