Work Text:
Animaniacs
Yakko was ready to be done with today. He had started to feel bad a couple of days ago but was so busy with filming and taking care of his siblings that he pushed the feeling away. He had woken up this morning aching, his throat raw and his head pounding. They had at least three more days of filming before this episode would be done and he didn’t want to be the reason they fell behind schedule.
With a sigh, he pushed himself out of his ball pit, wincing at the pain in his joints and head. He made his way to the kitchen and started the coffee machine for himself and Dot. Wakko would want milk with breakfast. He didn’t have the energy to make breakfast, so he pulled the cereal boxes out of the cupboard and got bowls from the dishwasher. He didn’t get himself a bowl, he really wasn’t sure that his coffee would stay down as it was.
He could hear Dot wake up and head to take a shower. He gave it another five minutes before Wakko would come for breakfast. He sipped his hot coffee, it hurt and soothed at the same time. He was so grateful that he didn't have to sing anything today. Wakko stumbled into the kitchen, his fur an absolute mess, it makes Yakko smile, he wasn’t sure that Wakko could even see.
“Have a seat baby bro. I’ll get you some cereal.” Yakko’s voice was barely a croak, thankfully Wakko was still mostly asleep and didn’t notice. His head swam when he stood but he managed to stagger to the counter and pour Wakko a bowl of cereal. He set it in front of his groggy brother and ruffled the fir at the top of his head, under his red hat.
Wakko purred and pushed into his brother's hand, happily. Yakko sat back down and watched his brother eat his cereal. Dot flounced into the room just as Wakko finished his first bowl.
“Good morning!” She sang as she grabbed a mug of coffee and a bowl of cereal.
“Morning.” Wakko sang back, Yakko just smiled at her. She shot him a sharp look, but he was already looking away. They had a rather slow morning before they had to leave for the studio. Yakko left the table first to go get dressed and brush his teeth. He still hadn’t said much and once he left Wakko, and Dot shared a concerned look.
“He’s sick.” Dot said. Wakko nodded.
“Yeah. His voice is going out.” Dot sighed. Hopefully, they would be able to get through filming quickly today.
“Maybe we should call Bugs?” Wakko shook his head.
“Yakko won’t like that. Better wait and talk to him when we get back.” Dot wasn’t sure but agreed with her older brother. The two younger Warner’s put their dishes in the sink and went to finish getting ready.
Ten hours of filming later, they were getting ready to wrap up a final scene. Wakko and Dot had to hand it to their brother, they hadn’t thought he would last this long. They could see that he was reaching the end of his rope, they didn’t know what was wrong with him, but he wasn’t alright. Yakko was finishing his line about Wakko eating their homework because the teacher had been dumb enough to say that it was a piece of cake. His voice cracked on ‘cake’ and he winced, with a hand on his throat. He swallowed harshly and coughed into his elbow.
“Yakko?” He jerked his head up, still coughing, his vision swam, and his vision began to darken around the edges.
“Yakko you okay?” Dot stepped closer when she saw confusion cover her oldest brothers face. Suddenly like a puppet with his string cut Yakko collapsed, a heap on the studio floor.
Dot shouted and Wakko lunged forward trying, and failing, to catch the eldest Warner before he hit. Dot dove to cradle Yakko, trying to rouse him by tapping his face gently. Wakko put himself between the other workers, who were frantic at one of their stars collapsing and his downed brother. He growled, baring fangs when anyone got too close. A stage hand by the name of Doug saw and the problem and tore out of the studio and raced towards the office building for help.
Bugs was reading through the script of the next episode with Daffy when Doug raced into his office
“Mr. bunny you gotta come quick”
“Whoa, what’s up doc?” The rabbit asked as he came around his desk.
“It’s Yakko Mr. bunny. He and his siblings were working on their next sketch, and he passed out.” That’s all it took for bugs to start running towards the sound stage he knew his kids were on. “Wakko won’t let anyone close, and Dot isn’t responding at all” the stagehand continued as he jogged to keep up with the toon.
Bugs crashed into the doors, throwing them open with a clang. He could see the kids -his kids- cowering in the corner. Wakko had both his siblings behind him as he made himself as big as he could to block them from sight. He was still growling and baring his fangs at anyone who got too close. Dot was hiding behind him, Yakko’s head in her lap. She pets the tuft of fur on top of his head gently and didn’t move her focus away from him. And Yakko the poor kid he was still out cold, completely limp and as washed out as he had ever seen a toon.
“Hey kiddos, can I help?” Bugs hunkered down to their level and kept his voice quiet. Wakko looked at him sharply, assessing the rabbit. He nodded stiffly and moved just enough for Bugs to squeeze by.
“Hey princess. I’m gonna lift your brother okay. We’re gonna get him home and get him feeling better alright?” This close Bugs could feel the heat rolling off the eldest Warner, see the minute trembling of his slim frame.
Bugs placed a hand on the boy's forehead and frowned. Toon's bodies were odd, to say the least. It was unpredictable what would cause damage, what could lay a toon out for days and what would roll right off them. He knew that Yakko had been working hard but he hadn’t known the kid was getting this worn down.
He sighed softly through his nose and levered an arm under the boy. Yakko whined and huddled close to Bug's chest, nuzzling into his shoulder pitifully.
“I gotcha kiddo. Let’s go home.” Bugs thought about getting the kids to his car which was parked on the other side of the lot, he could have someone run and get it but honestly, there were easier ways to get home. With a bit of toon power, he reached to the side and pulled the scene away from him and the kids like the turning of a page. It took less than ten seconds, and they were all kneeling on his living room floor.
He could see both Dot and Wakko relax when they recognize they were in a safe place. He looked around briefly hoping Daffy would be home to corral the two younger Warner’s while he tended to Yakko. As if hearing his thoughts, the Duck waddled into the room. He jumped slightly at seeing the semi-feral children but jumped into action quickly when he spotted Bugs holding the still unconscious Warner.
“What happened” he knelt and put his hand on the kid's head, wincing when he felt the heat.
“Passed out on set. Can you take the other two to the kitchen? Get some lunch? I’m gonna take him upstairs.” Dot and Wakko immediately voiced their complaint, they didn’t want to separate from their brother.
“It’s alright. Go wit’ daffy and I will get your brother settled and you can come to sit wit’ him after you eat.” Both muttered but allowed themselves to be herd into the kitchen.
Bugs scooped Yakko up and began his trek upstairs to his bedroom. He didn’t know what Yakko had but he preferred not to have the siblings sleep together, even though they were going to fight it. He pulled back the comforter with one hand and laid the boy on the soft sheets. Yakko began to whine and twist around.
“Hey Kiddo, you’re alright. You’re safe. Can you open your eyes for me?” Bugs cooed. Slowly Yakko tilted his head to face the voice and his eyes fluttered open.
“Bugs?” Yakko's voice was barely a whisper. It sounded like he had been swallowing gravel and glass and washing it all down with a couple of packs of cigarettes.
“Welcome back kid.”
“What happened?”
Bugs ran a calming hand through the fur on top of the kid's head.
“You passed out on set. I brought you and your sibs home. Daffy is making them lunch right now.”
Yakko nodded and winced. Content now that his siblings were taken care of. He was ready to doze off again.
“Hey” Bugs tapped his cheek gently. “I need you to tell me how you’re feelin’ so I can get the right medicine in you and then you can go back to sleep.”
“I hurt all over and I’m cold.” The young toon whispered. “My throat hurts really bad and my head.” Yakko closed and his and swallowed painfully.
“You’re doing really good kiddo. Can you tell me how long you’ve been feeling like this?” He knew this kid, and he knew that this didn’t just start.
“Couple of days.” Bugs nodded even though the kid couldn’t see him. He touched the toons neck gently and could feel the swelling.
“Okay kiddo. I’m going to get you some ibuprofen and water and then you can go back to sleep alright?” Yakko hummed and let his head go lack on the pillow.
Bugs closed the door softly behind him and saw two small faces peeking out from the hallway. Upon closer examination, he could actually see two small faces and one larger face with a bright orange bill.
“Is Yakko going to be alright Bugs?” Dot. Straight forward, blunt Dot asked.
“He’s got a fever and he is feeling really rough. I am going to get the thermometer and some medicine for him and let him sleep but yes, he will be okay.” The grey bunny soothed. Both kids seemed to deflate in relief.
“Hey kids, I just ordered some more of that weird purple tea Yakko likes, why don't you go make him a cup and you can bring it to him when Bugs gives him his medicine in a bit?” Daffy suggested, both Warner’s perked up and raced to the kitchen to make tea for their ill brother.
“How is he really?” Daffy asked softly after the kids are out of earshot.
“Bad. I can tell he's got a high fever and it's been a couple of days since he started feeling bad. I can feel how swollen his throat is and I have never seen the kid this low. I am going to call the doctor to come for a visit and let him sleep it off in my room.”
“They aren’t going to like that,” Daffy said, they were both thinking it. They knew better than anybody how close those three were.
“I know. But I don’t want them to sleep together, just in case he is still contagious, and they miraculously haven’t caught it. Plus, he won’t rest if he is trying to stay strong for his siblings, you know that. He will push himself just as hard to pretend he’s fine and make himself worse.” Daffy nodded sadly.
“Porky just text me about the game room he’s been putting together. He finally finished it. Why don’t I take the other two over there to play, you bring the doctor in and get Yakko settled, and I can bring the kids back later tonight.” Bugs smiled at the duck.
“Thanks, Daf, that would be perfect.”
Dot and Wakko came back in each holding a side of a prettily made-up tea tray. The tray was a soft lilac color, sitting proudly in the center was a clear glass mug of purple tea. Dot had placed a flower in a vase and Wakko had added a jello cup. Everything on the tray was different shades of purple.
“That looks very nice kids. Why don’t you take that up to your brother and sit with him for a minute? Daffy just told me that Porky finished up his game room. He’s going to take you over there to play so Yakko can rest.” It took some cajoling, but the duo finally agreed that they could trust Bugs to look after their brother and that they would go play at Porky’s after they saw their brother.
Yakko was dozing fitfully when his siblings snuck in on tiptoes. They placed the tray on the side table and oozed onto the bed. Bugs wasn’t quick enough to keep them away and figured if they were going to get sick, they were already infected. They wrapped themselves around their brother, nuzzling and purring. Yakko jolted awake and winced when he moved and opened his eyes.
“Yakko, you scared us!” Dot cried out softly.
“Sorry, sibs.” He whispered.
“We brought you tea and jello. Do you want to sit up?” Wakko asked, rubbing himself against Yakko’s shoulder. Yakko nodded weakly and moved to push himself up. Wakko slid behind him and Dot held the teacup.
“That looks really nice sibs, thank you.” Yakko winced when he swallowed the tea. It felt nice on his throat, but it hurt to swallow. It hurt to talk, it hurt to breathe. He kind of wanted to cry. Bugs could see that Yakko was at the end of his rope.
“Alright, kiddos. Say goodbye to Yakko and Daffy will take you to Porky’s to play.” Bugs sad soothingly. He could see the worry in Yakko’s eyes at the thought of his siblings not being in the house with him. He tried to give him a calming look and pet him on the head.
“We’ll be back soon Yakko, feel better,” Dot said sadly, Wakko cuddled close and hugged Yakko tightly. Yakko hugged them back weakly. Daffy ushered the two younger toons out of the room. Yakko melted back into the bed with a whimper. Bugs cooed at him and cradled his cheek.
“I’ve got some meds for you, doc. Why don’t you take them, and I will go see your siblings out?” Yakko nodded taking the pills from the bunny.
Bugs got the kids bundled into his car, there was no way he was going to let Daffy drive that awful parade float with the kids riding. He kissed both on the head.
“I’ll see you in a few hours. I’ll take care of Yakko so don’t worry. Please have fun at Porky’s and don’t destroy his house.”
“We make no promises.” The duo said together but they smiled like they wouldn’t be completely awful, so Bugs let it go.
He walked back into the house to the sound of vomiting. He raced upstairs and panicked slightly upon not finding Yakko in the bed. A choked off whimper could be heard from the opposite side of the bed. When he peaked around, he could see Yakko’s crumpled form on the floor, a small puddle of purple vomit next to his head. Bugs crouched down and scooped him up, carrying him to the bathroom.
“Hey kiddo. You, okay?”
“I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry” Yakko cried over and over, tears leaking down his face. He wasn’t truly awake, far more delusional than not with fever.
“You don’t need to be sorry kid. You’re sick. Can’t help that.”
He propped the kid next to the toilet just in case he wasn’t done. Just in time, it turned out as Yakko pulled himself up and heaved into the toilet. Bugs rubbed his back slowly, shushing him gently as he continued to cry.
“That’s alright doc. Get it out. You’ll feel better after.” With one hand still rubbing Yakko's back, the other sent a quick text off to Dr. Weisberg with a quick synopsis of his symptoms and a plea for a home visit as he didn’t think the kid could handle being in a car right then.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, please don’t lock me up again.” Bugs sighed sadly, with Yakko being this far into a fever dream he couldn’t really do anything but hold him.
The anger he felt at the studio for locking these kids up for nothing more than following their nature had never truly cooled. He had days where it was easier to hide it. With all the people who had made that decision now dead it was easier to go days without thinking about it. Days not thinking about the kids locked up in the dark, nothing but each other for decades. Bugs didn’t know if he would have had the ability to stay more or less sane in the same circumstances.
With infinite care Bugs pulled the weeping kid into his lap, tucking his head against the grey shoulder and encasing him in warm arms.
Yakko shuddered weakly and continued to cry.
“It’s okay kid. It’s alight. I’ve got you.” Bugs cooed.
“Daddy, I don’t feel good.” Bugs was struck mute for a solid minute. He loved this kid, but he had never had that title. It felt…overwhelming. It felt… wonderful.
“I know you don’t kiddo. The doctor will be here soon with something to make you feel better.”
Yakko's tears dried, mostly due to exhaustion and nothing to do with feeling better. Bugs felt him go completely limp in his lap. With grace only a toon could possess he stood without jostling the eldest Warner and walked back towards the bed. With a bit of Toon Power, he kicked the vomit puddle out of his carpet and into the ethos.
Bugs sat on the side of the bed, watching Yakko sleep. It wasn’t a restful sleep, but it didn’t seem to be filled with nightmares either, thank the Animators. With a stretch, he pulled the trash bin close to the side of the bed, in case Yakko needed it again. No reason the kid should try to run to the bathroom if he didn’t need to.
Yakko rolled over, grasping one of Bugs’ hands, and held it close to his chest, cuddling it with as much strength as he had. Bugs felt himself melt, more emotionally than physically but he could tell his eyes went round and soft without his prompting. They sat that way for nearly a half-hour when Bugs heard the doorbell ring downstairs.
He felt caught. He needed to go get the door, but he didn't want to take the chance of Yakko waking up to Bugs trying to free himself. With a shrug and a bit of toon physics, he allowed his arm to stretch all the way down the stair and to the door. He unlocked the bolt and crooked a finger at the perplexed doctor. Bugs hoped it was the doctor, how embarrassing would it be if it had been some stranger!
Thankfully it was Doctor Weisberg who followed the long arm back up the stairs. He peeked his head around the door frame and smiled slightly at the sweet sight the two toons made.
“Thanks for coming doc,” Bugs whispered.
“Of course. From what you said he’s in sorry shape. Just looking at him I can tell that.”
“Yeah. He just passed back out. I don’t know if this is just an ‘end of his rope’ sickness or what.” Dr. Weisberg pat Bugs on the shoulder.
“That’s what I am here to figure out. From what you told me it sounds like that and possibly strep throat. I’ve brought a rapid test to check, if it is I’ll order antibiotics for him before I leave.” He propped his black bag on the side table and popped the clasps on top. He pulled out a thermometer and coaxed it under Yakko’s tongue. While that did its thing, he pulled out his stethoscope and listened to Yakko's breathing and heart. A few more standard tests, which didn’t manage to rouse the boy and the doctor took a step back.
“Alright. He’s got a fever that could boil water, I don’t hear and congestion in his chest which is good. His pulse is high which is understandable. Without the test I can tell his lymph nodes are enlarged and his throat is swollen. I can tell he’s dehydrated which was expected with the fever and vomiting. If you could wake him up and get him sitting, I will do the throat swab and then he is okay to sleep for a while. I would like for you to get some water in him before he falls back asleep in you can.”
Bugs nodded, oddly serious, this whole day had been oddly serious for the toon, for both of them really. With gentle hands, he cupped Yakko’s cheek and ran a thumb along his temple.
“Yakko, I need you to wake up for a minute, then you can go back to sleep. Come on kid open your eyes for a minute.” Yakko groaned pathetically.
“I don’t want to daddy, I hurt.” The doctor grew still and shot a look at Bugs, who wasn’t paying him a bit of attention, all his focus on his sick kid. Weisberg couldn’t keep a small smile off his face.
“I know kiddo. Just for a minute then you can go back to sleep.” He managed to get Yakko sitting upright, leaning with his back to Bugs’ chest.
With the care that spoke of his long years as a doctor, Weisberg had Yakko open his mouth and had the swab done in a matter of seconds. Yakko was already fading back to sleep in Bugs’ hold as the doctor turned to run his test. Bugs tapped his cheek lightly and held the glass of cool water to the boys lips. Yakko took a halfhearted drink and turned his head away from any more than a swallow. His eyes were already closed as he fell back to sleep. Bugs wiggled out from under the toon and laid him back on the bed, covering him with the sheet, pulling it up to his shoulders. With a nod of his head the doctor motioned Bugs to join him in the hallway, where they would disturb the sleeping toon.
“So?” Dr. Weisberg took a breath.
“He’s got strep. That’s not too much to be worried about, we can get him on antibiotics and get it cleared up. I am more concerned with why and how he worked himself to the point of passing out. Isn’t he monitored?” Bugs ran a gloved hand through his ears.
“He’s good at hiding what he’s feeling, especially if he has a part to throw himself into. I hadn’t seen them in over a week, our schedules didn’t line up.”
“You haven’t seen him? How is that even possible?” Bugs shot the doctor a confused look.
“What do you mean doc? We regularly go a week or so without seeing each other.”
“He doesn’t live here?” Now Bugs was even more confused and slightly defensive.
“No, he and his siblings live on the lot in the water tower.”
“THEY WHAT?” Weisberg whisper shouted. Bugs tugged him down the hall away from the cracked door.
“They live on the lot. They have for as long as I have known about them. They say they like it there.”
“I don’t care if they like it there! They are children, toon children sure, but they should still be under the supervision of adults.”
“They are wards of the company doc.”
“No.” Bugs scrunched his face up.
“What do you mean no? The company holds their contract, which means they can pick where they live, what they work on, and when they work.” This was common knowledge among the toon actors, maybe being a doctor outside of the company Weisberg didn’t know these things.
“No, they are kids, which means they need someone to watch them. This is why Yakko is so sick. He’s put it off by sheer force of will so he could keep taking care of his siblings when someone, an adult, should have been looking after all three of them.”
“I don't know what you want me to tell you doc. I have partial custody, which allows me to take them on day trips and if I submit the forms overnight trips. But other than that, I don’t have much say for them.” The doctor shook his head and turned away in frustration.
“No. That’s wrong. Not to mention cruel, especially to that boy in there. He deserves to have someone who will look after him. He called you daddy.” Weisberg was getting desperate for this rabbit to just get it.
“He’s never done that before. It must be because of the fever.” Bugs defended.
“He’s obviously been thinking about it if he said it! Bugs listen, that kid needs someone. Either you step up like I know you want to and like I know he wants you to, or I will find someone who will. I cannot let this company keep using him like this. We would just end up in the same position in a few months, possibly worse! I will be writing a formal complaint to the company and to TCPS (toon child protective services) about their abuse of him. I will add that I think you would make a much better guardian for him and his siblings and that I am willing to act as a character witness for you to adopt them.” Bugs was speechless. He never would have thought the doc would be this demanding, this much of a powerhouse in getting these kids help. He didn't know what to say so he did the only thing he could think of. He hugged the doctor close.
“Alright, alright, enough of the touching. Go back to your boy, I am going to get his antibiotics filled and I will be back. If he wakes up, try to get him to drink some more water.”
“Thanks, doc. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am.” The doc waved him off.
“Don’t worry about it, Bugs. Just take care of him.” With that, the doctor left. Bugs took a deep breath and leaned against the front door as he locked it.
He could do this. He loved these kids already. He had the space and time for them. He loved them. He should have done this years ago, but he was going to make up for the lost time. For now though, he had a sick boy to help.
Bugs found Yakko curled up in his bed, the sheet pulled tight in a cocoon around his trembling shoulders. Bugs slid into the bed on the other side. He pulled Yakko close, tucking his head against his shoulder. He tucked Yakko's head under his chin and just held him.
“Alright kiddo, I’ve got you. It’s gonna get better from now on.” Yakko cuddled close and his sleep finally seemed to calm down. Bugs felt his eyes grow heavy with the warm weight of the Warner eldest. Giving up to the lost cause Bugs allowed himself to doze off.