Disclaimer: I could pwn the Loonatics, but I can't own them.
Respect
Rev pressed the buttons furiously on the remote furiously. "Darn-it-why-won't-it-work?"
"See what happens when you rely on technology?" quipped Duck.
"Wanna bet on that?" asked Ace, as Tech took the remote away from Rev, and Slam lumbered in with an enormous sandwich.
"No way," Duck replied, shaking his head vigorously. "I've had enough of betting, thanks."
"What's the matter, Duck? Scared you'll lose again?" teased Lexi as the other boys laughed.
That's when he snapped.
"THAT'S IT! I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS! YOU JUST HAVE TO TAUNT ME ENDLESSLY ABOUT THIS, DON'T YOU!"
There was a shocked silence. No one expected Duck to shout like this, just pout like he did in the past.
"Why is it always me?" he went on. "Why is it that I'm the one you always pick on? Why am I the one always getting the short end of the stick? Because of me, we still have Tech here to help us! If I didn't use that cell phone, Black Velvet would have covered the world in darkness! You should be thanking me! Instead you mock me because I lost the stupid bet!"
He stopped, breathing heavily. The silence was deafening.
"Duck-" Lexi began, but she was interrupted by Duck. This time, his voice was quieter, but it was choked.
"All I want is a little respect. Is that too much to ask?"
The silence was broken by a splat as a pickle from Slam's sandwich fell onto the floor. Everyone looked at it gratefully, and a ripple of nervous laughter fell across the Loonatics. But when Lexi looked up again, Duck had already quacked out of the room.
Duck sat down on his bed, still breathing a bit hard. It was hard to relax, even if he was surrounded by posters of Misty Breeze.
Why is it always me? His words rolled in his head, bothering him. Doesn't anyone care?
It was then that Duck noticed the package on the floor.
He lifted the brown box onto his bed, and slit the tape. He lifted the flaps, revealing a light blue cape, and matching boots.
Just like the ones he bought Tech.
Duck simply stood there, dumbfounded.
Who?...
He carefully lifted the set out of the box, and underneath them was an envelope. He opened it, and a letter written in a neat cursive hand fell out. He picked it up and started reading.
---
Dear Danger Duck,
I heard about your bet with Tech E. Coyote, and I know you lost. However, I would like to say that I agree with you, that you should not have lost. I have no doubt that you have endured endless jeers from your teammates. Although I do not know them personally, I would like to apologize on their behalf. I hope my gift makes up for it.
Sincerely,
Your fangirl
---
Lexi knocked on the door.
"Duck? Are you in there?"
The door opened with a pneumatic hiss.
"Sorry about that." Duck stepped out the door. "I just…"
Lexi smiled and patted his shoulder. "It's okay, Duck."
---
Outside, and girl with long black hair tied into a ponytail hovered outside the window. She had angelic wings on her back. She smiled as she watched Duck open her present, and go back out with Lexi.
Hope he likes it.
---
Dedicated to Martiangirl, whose words inspired me.
Also, I am terribly sorry if the characters seem OOC.