Chapter Text
He didn’t notice the traffic on the way home, or the teasing remarks and taunting looks of his friends and nephews all piled in the car together. The rising flush Dewey and Louie were waiting for in their uncle’s cheeks never came. Heck, he’d even offered José and Panchito a ride to their motel, something Donald Duck wouldn’t have done if he weren’t in such a good mood.
As soon as the two Caballeros left Donald’s Audubon, he was humming to some 80s love song Louie only recognized because it had been featured in the latest Ganders of the Galaxy soundtrack. It almost distracted from his begrudging mood that “Louie’s Eleven” hadn’t gone according to plan.
Almost.
“Hey Uncle D, I’m sorry you didn’t end up on the IT list. Think there’s any other rich guy’s bathrooms you can sneak into?” What could he do to throw off his uncle’s good mood? At least he could drag someone down to commiserate with him.
Donald’s eyes flickered to make eye contact with Louie’s in the rearview mirror. “You know, I think I’m okay with that. The people that needed to hear the Caballeros did, and I think we could have some, um, good gigs come from it,” Donald blushed.
Dewey snickered. “Does one of those gigs involve a certain lady named Daisy?” Dewey wriggled in his seat, reaching out to high-five Louie, trying to get him to join in on some teasing. Teasing Donald only worked if there were brothers to make it worse, so he was surprised to see that Louie didn’t even lift his head off the car window, where he sat slumped in his suit. Dewey’s hand awkwardly lowered to the Daft Duck helmet in the middle seat.
Donald sighed, stars reflecting in his eyes as they drove away from the city lights, to the quiet, tranquil road where Scrooge’s mansion was. “I sure hope so.”
Donald punched in the gate code, and the Audubon hummed as it switched gears to climb the hill.
They were almost to the top when the Audubon gave out, engine killed stuck in the wrong gear. “Ah phooey.” Donald twisted around in his seat. “I’m going to need to push it onto the driveway, it won’t take long. You boys can go on ahead and get inside.”
“Actually, can I hang back and help you out?” Dewey looked at his brother as if he’d grown an extra head. Louie NEVER volunteered to do work, especially when there was nothing in it for him.
Donald noticed too, raising his eyebrows as he unbuckled the seatbelt. “Well it won’t take long, but sure, I’d love the help. Dewey, why don’t you start getting ready for bed?”
Dewey left with arched eyebrows as Louie hopped out of the car and made his way to the back. Donald was leaning against the car, looking down expectantly at Louie. Donald knew his nephews better than they did sometimes; after all, he’d raised them and he loved them with all his heart. If something was bothering one of his boys, it didn’t slip past their uncle.
Louie silently started pushing the Audubon as Donald followed suit, waiting for Louie to talk first. “Uh, Uncle D? Daisy seemed really cool.”
“She does, doesn’t she? I wouldn’t have met her without your help. I don’t know where things will go with her, but I’m excited to find out.” Donald kept pushing, but stole a glance over his arm to read Louie’s face. He stared forward, emotionless, thinking hard. “...you didn’t want to talk to me about Daisy though, did you?”
Donald heard a quick sigh next to him. “Yeesh, if I was that obvious about talking to you no wonder Louie’s Eleven didn’t work out.”
“Nah, you were just dealing with a bunch of screw-ups like me to make things work. And it did work out in the end.”
“It definitely seemed to work out well for you. I guess that’s why I’m kinda scared? Uncle Donald, things with our family just got normal. It feels like things are going to change again and I don’t know how to feel about that.
“It took a lot of getting used to to have Mom back. I still don’t know how to feel about her. I don’t know how things will go if you...leave the picture. You might not be there all the time, and that’s kinda scary.”
Louie took a few deep breaths. “I know you love us, but I’m scared of the changes that might happen with you finding someone new to love.”
“It’s scary, isn’t it? My whole life turned upside down the first time I let someone to love into my life. But I don’t regret it for one second. Louie, you and your brothers mean everything to me.” Donald stopped pushing the car, and squatted down to be level with Louie. Reluctantly, Louie turned to face his Uncle. “You boys always, ALWAYS come first. And whatever happens with my life in the future, you’re going to be a priority. We’re family.”
“Its kinda silly to be scared of you not being there for us, isn’t it?” Donald was caught off guard as Louie hugged him tightly around the middle. “You’re pretty great, Uncle D. I hope things work out for you and Daisy. You deserve it.”
“Hey, we haven’t even gone on a date yet!” Donald’s chuckle was raspy as he ruffled the feathers on Louie’s head. “Besides, with my luck who knows if she’ll even say yes.”
“I have a feeling things are gonna work out. You can text her in the morning or something. You got her number, right?”
“...ah, phooey.”