The aroma of bacon sizzling in the frying pan coaxed Yakko out of a dreamless sleep. Squinting in the darkness, a single crack of light shone inwards into his cramped bedroom. "What time isit anyways?" He thought while groggily scratching the back of his head. Not that it mattered anyways, since thankfully, Yakko had the next two days off. Being off in the middle of the week was the norm for him since the weekends were his biggest days for tips. Well, not last weekend anyways. Sighing heavily, he brushed the thought to the back of his mind. At the moment, it wasn't worth mulling over, since there was nothing he could do to change it. Always next time, right? Besides, as far as he knew, Dot and Wakko were going to be home today. Stretching out his lanky arms, a small smile slowly crept across his face. It was a rarity that he and his siblings ever shared a day off, so he was going to enjoy it. Swinging his legs over the cramped bed, he slipped into his dinosaur feet slippers, curling his toes into the soft fabric. Though old and worn, they had been a gift from his brother and sister a few Christmases ago and he was just too lazy to buy anything new.

Still clad in his blue flannel pants and a white t-shirt, he dragged his feet across the floor, and plunked himself down besides Wakko at the tiny kitchen table. His younger brother failed to notice his arrival though, since he was frantically pounding away at his Nintendo 3DS in intense concentration. Grinning, Yakko leaned over, patting the red beanie atop his brother's head so it half covered his eyes. "Looks like someone deserves a gold star for getting up."

Instantly, Wakko batted his hand away in annoyance, fixing his hat. "Cut it out, bro.. I'm just about to kick this gym leader's ass! Besides, Dot was making breakfast anyways, which is enough motivation for me to crawl outta bed."

Dot turned around upon hearing her name. "Morning, Yakko! About time you got up, eh? She busied herself with cracking eggs into a large bowl. "Hope you guys are ok with scrambled eggs."

A sly smirk spread across Yakko's face. "Sounds eggcellent! I'll fry anything, I'm starving!"

"My brother, the comedian." Dot sighed, wiping her hands on the blue frilly apron she wore over her yellow dress.

"You mean Comedi-hen?" He added.

"Careful, Yakko, I got a frying pan here." She playfully threatened, waving it around. "I'm not afraid to use it, either."

Yakko erupted into laughter while Dot only stuck out her tongue in defiance. The morning would just not be complete unless he got his little sister at least a little wound up. What kind of big brother would he be if he didn't'? Feeling satisfied with his efforts, he rested his head on his hands, and watched Wakko turn the gym leader's remaining pokemon into dust.

Soon enough, the Warners were eating their fill of breakfast. At least once a week, they'd try to sit down to do so, given their busy schedules. Just as Yakko was about to stuff a heap of hash browns into his mouth, his phone buzzed wildly, the vibrations inching it across the table. Reaching over, Yakko caught the cell before it went flying over the edge.

"Oi, nice save bro!" Wakko praised with a thumbs up.

Temptation got the best of him, and Yakko checked to see who it was. He already had his mind made up that if it was work, he'd ignore it. Even though he could use the money, today he was going to focus on his family. But it wasn't Abbey, or one of his co-workers. It was Kori, much to his delight.

Kori: Mornin! ^_^ How are ya?

Yakko: Better now and yourself?

Kori: working *shakes fist*

Yakko: Take the day off?

Kori: You say that like, it's easy to do! But my bank account says otherwise XD

Yakko: I'll raise a glass to that.

"Hey Yakko? Earth to Yakko!"

"Huh?" Yakko snapped out of his texting daze, and glanced at his sister who was giving him a peculiar look from where she sat. "Who are you talking to? You've been glued to your phone for the past few days!"

Smirking, Yakko dropped his phone back upon the wooden surface of the table. "No adhesive has been used here, as you can see."

"D-dot's fwight," Wakko blurted, while trying to discreetly cover his mouth while eating. Not that it made much of a difference though since a sliver of bacon hung from the corner of his lip.

Suddenly, before Yakko could even register what happened, Dot had swiped his phone from where it sat. Without hesitating, he lunged forwards to retrieve it, but she halted him with her free hand, his forehead resting against her palm.

"Uh, c'mon sis." He mumbled. "Give it back. Please?"

Dot grinned, totally ignoring her brother's request. "Not until I find out who's got your attention, Yak! And I know for a fact it's not your boss." Leaning away from her brother, she swiped at the screen to unravel it's mysteries.

"Damn" He sighed inwardly. He knew his sister too well, and she wouldn't give up that simply.

Dot's eyes scanned the phone as a huge smile spread across her cheeks. Yakko gulped, and prepared himself for the onslaught of questions that was about to start.

"So who's Kori?" His sister, questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"You got a girlfriend, Yak?" Wakko added as he helped himself to seconds. "Way to go!"

The eldest warner shuffled his slippered feet underneath him. "Just a girl I met a few days back. She works nearby, and we've talked a few times, that's all." He awkwardly stabbed at his unfinished eggs still on the plate. Being interrogated on the matter was not something he enjoyed in the least.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you guys do lot's of talking." Wakko said elbowing his brother's side.

"It's not like that." Yakko gestured with his hands. "I mean she's cute and all, but I barely know her?" Not that it stopped him from flirting with her. But it never went further than that.

"I'm sorry, Yak." Dot apologized, handing the cell back to her brother. "I didn't mean to make a big deal out of it or anything, it's just, I think it's good that your talking to people outside your job that's all."

"Well I talk to you guys, don't I?" Yakko shrugged.

"That, you have no choice in, bro."

As they finished up their meal, Yakko attempted to switch the subject. "Sooo, Uhhh, what do you guys feel like doing today?"

"Drop some anvils on the hipster douche with the guitar down by the beach?" Wakko said with a grin.

"Tempting, but you remember how city council feels about cartoon physics." Yakko added.

"Ah phooey." Wakko frowned. "Humans just aren't any fun sometimes are they? It's not like they'd actually be hurt anyways. " S'only an illusion."

"No explaining that to the board." Yakko added.

Instantly, a lightbulb appeared out of nowhere above Dot's head as she nearly sprang out of her chair. Eyeing it hungrily, Wakko reached up for it, stuffing it into his mouth. They winced, hearing the glass crackle between his teeth.

He only shrugged. "Was still hungry." He patted his belly to get the point across even more.

The youngest warner crossed her arms. "Pssh, when are you not? Anyways," she added, pausing for a moment, "Remember that commercial I was telling you guys about? That I landed? Well I got the pay cut this morning. And I'm taking you guys out for dinner at that new Italian place by Chez Le Pu. My treat. No questions, or refusals, or telling me to keep my money. Got that Yakko?

Yakko froze, as he realized just where his sister wanted to go. It was the joint behind his work. What irony was that? "I'm not really in the mood for Italian." He mumbled, averting his eyes.

"Your lame excuses aren't going to work this time. Dot explained. "Just for once, let me do something for you Yakko! You do so much for us so.." She trailed off, her eyes growing large and watery.

"Alright, alright Dot." Yakko said waving his hands in defeat. "You win." He sighed lightly, since he could never say no to his baby sister's puppy dog eyes. He closed his eyes, drowning in the sudden realization it was going to be a long night.

Hours later, the Warners found themselves outside the Slippery Noodle, as the restaurant was called. The neon lights of the sign burned into his eyes. He rubbed them momentarily, unable to shake his discomfort knowing his sister was paying for dinner. He wasn't comfortable with it in the least, but he knew better than to argue the fact. Doubtfully, he did the best to accept the situation since it made his sister happy. And that was all that mattered.

"The Slippery Noodle?" Wakko said with a brow raised. "All the better to slip into my mouth!"

"It's a good thing this place has an all you can eat buffet, eh Yakko?" Dot said, elbowing her brother playfully.

Shaking his head, Yakko put a hand on his sister's shoulder. "If they can keep up with him that is."

Dot lead them into the tiny restaurant, which was less than half the size of Chez Le Pu. It also boasted a much more casual atmosphere. It had been painted to resemble a large outdoor market, the chairs were hollowed out barrels and the tables adorned with flannel checkered tablecloths. Fake vegetables hung from baskets on the ceiling, and a delicious aroma filled the air. Most certainly coming from the large fireplace the chef was currently setting a pizza into.

But then the sight of a certain waitress caught his attention. She was busily stacking menus into a neat pile, when she glanced over to see the trio.

Yakko could hear his heart thumping when she smiled in his direction. "Oh my gosh! Yakko? I didn't know you were coming here! And with Wakko and Dot!" She stammered, while walking up to them. "Um, I mean, it's so nice to meet you guys! - Big fan." She grinned, reaching out to shake their hands. "Welcome to The Slippery Noodle!"

Before she could formally introduce herself, Dot butted in and took her hand. "Kori right? Yakko told me all about you!"

Kori's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Wait, uh, he has? I mean, we don't even really-"

"No need to be shy darling" Wakko interrupted. "It's nice to meet you too, miss waitress nurse!"

"Aha," Kori chuckled. "That's a new one." She clasped her hands together. "Okay, so I'm totally stoked you guys showed up tonight. It's been a dead evening so far, and it's good to see a familiar face." When she said this, her eyes met with Yakko. Almost immediately he glanced away, a small smile etched upon his face. "What do you guys prefer? A booth or a table?"

"Booth." Wakko requested. "Comfier for my bottom."

"Sounds good!" Kori said enthusiastically. "So umm, follow me ok?"

Kori walked just ahead of them and Yakko tried to keep his eyes on the ceiling, not on how her skirt hugged her hips ever so sweetly. He cursed at himself for being so shallow. But he couldn't help himself from glancing down at least once. The struggle was all too real for the toon.

Wakko wiggled into the corner of the booth and stretching himself out upon the plush red material that adorned the inside. Yakko and Dot crawled in beside him as Kori handed them each a menu.

"Ok, so what can I get you guys to drink?"

Yakko mulled over whether to order a beer or not. He decided not to since his siblings would not be able to partake. "Coke or Pepsi I guess?" Yakko shrugged, leaning back into the booth. "Though if I had to be honest, you? You're just the tall glass of water I've been waiting for."

" Haha, I hate to disappoint you but I'm not er, on the menu, sorry." Kori laughed awkwardly.

Rolling her eyes, Dot put her menu down momentarily. "Casanova will take whatever caffeinated beverage you have on tap. And I'll take a water with a few lemon slices?"

Kori glanced at Wakko. "And you?"

"hmmm…what to drink." He said thoughtfully. "Sprite?"

"ok, so a Pepsi, a Sprite, and a water with lemon slices." She listed while clasping her hands together. "I'll be right back, ok? Then you can let me know what you'd like.

As she walked away, Wakko raised a brow at his older brother. "Always the charmer aren't you, bro?"

"You should tone down on the flirting just a notch, Yak." Dot stated. "I mean, if you're really wanting to pursue her that is."

Yakko casually shrugged. "Who said anything about that? It's just nice to chat with someone who doesn't freak out or fangirl when I talk to them." It was true though. If Yakko had to be honest, he enjoyed watching the waitress turn into a flustered pile of mush. It was really adorable. Chuckling nervously, and desperately wanting to switch the subject, the eldest brother returned to the safety of his menu. " Uhh, what are you guys going to order?"

"Well, we are at an all you can eat pasta place right?" Dot said, closing her menu.

"Imagine the pastabilities." Yakko said with a wave of his hand.

"All the pasta." Wakko said with his eyes turning to the size of dinner plates.

The siblings ended up trying nearly everything on the menu, spare for Dot who indulged in some salad and soup. Soon enough, the quiet atmosphere took a louder turn, and the restaurant began to fill up with hungry customers. Kori scurried around the tables, doing her best to keep up with the demands from the crowd.

Breathless, she past them with a jug of water, and she shakily refilled their glasses. "What can I get you guys now? I'm sorry about the wait...it's gotten a little crazy." She said, giving them a reassuring smile.

"I'm surprised there's no one else on the floor with you." Yakko said, handing her the now empty plates.

"Someone called in, so I'll just have to make do. Poop happens, right?" Kori shrugged, stacking the dishes. "So, next round?"

"Surprise us." Yakko said with a wink. He felt bad for her, understanding the pain of working when it was short staffed. He silently wished he could do something to help her, though he knew there was little he could do except make their orders as simple as possible.

A few moments later, she returned with 3 plates of lasagna, piping hot with the cheese melting down the sides. "Fresh from the oven guys." She blurted with a smile, while quickly walking over to the next table.

Wakko picked up his helping with no hesitation, stuffing it plate and all into his mouth. He licked his gloved fingers in satisfaction. "Delicious! Well, I'm ready for more."

Dot slid her plate towards her brother, "Here, Wakko, I was full anyways. Besides you might be waiting awhile from the looks of it." Her brother eagerly accepted.

Yakko's ears twitched as he shoved a forkful of lasagna into his mouth. Looking up from his meal, he spied a rather large woman, looming over Kori, yelling in a shrill voice. Leaning over to the side, he eavesdropped on the conversation as best as he could without being too obvious about it.

"This pasta is overdone!" The woman spat. "I demand to speak to the manager! Every time I come here, it's been mistake after mistake! And I'm frankly sick of your incompetence."

"I do apologize, miss." Kori replied in a soft toned voice. "The manager is out for the night. But I'm happy to bring you something else free of charge? I can also take down your name, and the manager can contact you as soon as he's able to. We here at The Slippery Noodle striv-"

Yakko froze, feeling his blood boil over what happened next. Before Kori could finish her sentence, the woman had shoved the plate into Kori's hands with such force that it poured out onto her uniform. Pasta sauce dribbled down the front of her apron, down her legs and onto the floor. Kori stood their trembling, her bottom lip quivering.

Without even thinking, Yakko sprang from his chair before his sister could stop him. Who the fuck did this chick think she was?

Yakko tapped the tall woman on the shoulder. She swung her head around with a sneer. "What do you want, toon? I'm kind of busy at the moment."

"Just a penne for your thoughts." Yakko said, trying to look casual. "If you don't like the food, why waste your time coming here? Trust me, you're not doing anyone, any favors."

"I know you!" She snapped. "Y-you're Yakko, from Animaniacs! You and your siblings are nobodies now!"

"The only nobody here is you, lady!"

Yakko glanced to see that his siblings had now bounded over to the scene. All eyes were now on the warner siblings. Yakko felt exposed, knowing that the slightest wrong move could have drastic repercussions.

Kori took a deep breath, and wiped the remaining spaghetti off her shirt and apron. "Alright." She paused. "You know what? You can leave. Now. Call the manager and complain for all I care."

The woman gasped, obviously surprised at the assertive tone she had taken. Her demeanor crumbled, as her eyes nervously darted around at the crowd who had witnessed her immature outburst.

"I'll never eat here again." She grumbled, reaching for her purse.

"Good!" Kori spat.

With one last scowl, she stormed out of the restaurant. A hush fell over the crowd, and light chatter began to fill the restaurant once more. Realizing the moment was now over, Kori fell back into the booth behind her, shaking.

"Oh, my god." She gasped in surprise. "That was…"

"Something." Dot said rummaging in her bag. "I know it's in here somewhere, aha!" She held up a bottle of acme stain be gone. "This is only temporary, but it should last until you're done your shift."

Kori gratefully accepted, while eyeing her stained clothing. "Guess I made a real mess of myself."

"The mess has now left the building, thankfully." Yakko said, looking towards the door. "Are you alright though? You handled that better than I would have, that's for sure."

"I-I'm ok." Kori stammered. "Just amazed I did that. There's a first time for everything, right? But in all honesty, if you guys hadn't of come over, I seriously doubt I would have said that at all."

"Sweetheart." Dot said, scooting in to sit beside her. "That was all you, so don't doubt yourself ever. I have a lot of respect for anyone who works in the hospitality industry. I don't know how you, or Yakko do it that's for sure."

"Well, sis, I've had lot's of practice over the years dealing with you." Yakko teased.

"Seriously though, thank you, guys! She said, rubbing the stain remover onto her clothing. Kori watched in astonishment as it disappeared almost instantly. "Dude, that's so cool."

"There!" Dot smiled, kissing her fingers in accomplishment. "Voila! You look fabulous once more!"

"Aw, you guys are too much." Kori beamed. "As much as I want to chat though, I should get back to my tables."

"While your at it, can you bring more of that lasagna out?" Wakko interjected hungrily. "It's Faboo!"

"Of course!" She nodded, with a smile. "Anything!"

When it came time to cover the bill, Yakko pulled a few extra crumpled dollars from his wallet, adding already to the large tip that Dot had left under one of the plates Just because he made crappy tips sometimes didn't mean she had to have the same luck right? He admired her, for somehow managing to keep herself together in the face of jerks. He could learn something from her.

Just as they were about to leave, she approached them by the entrance, her green eyes beaming. "Can I ask you guys a quick favor? I mean, if it's ok, that is." She nervously fumbled her fingers, seeming almost hesitant to ask.

"Anything for you, Miss Waitress Nurse." Wakko beamed.

"I'm sure you guys get this all the time but, would you mind posing for a photo? We have a gallery in the back when famous people come in to visit. I thought maybe I could add you guys in it, too! God, I feel weird for asking.." Kori trailed off.

"Why of course!" Dot grinned. "Anything for a fan, right? And it's not weird at all so no worries."

"Under one condition." Yakko said with an eyebrow raised. "You have to be in the picture too."

"Sure!" Kori said, pulling her cell from her apron pocket. "Ok, so...well have to scooch in so we all fit."

The Warners shuffled around Kori, as she fiddled with the front facing camera for a moment. Somehow in the scuffle of things, Yakko ended up cheek to cheek with her. "Is she looking at me?" He thought for a moment. He dared not look at her, instead focusing on the image on the screen. And not of how warm her cheek felt brushed up against his.

"On the count of 3, everyone say Rigatoni!" Yakko burst out.

"1...

2...

3..."

"RIGATONI!"