Chapter Text
The rest of the day for Donald is spent silent. Even at the dinner table when Duckworth tried coaxing some friendly small talk out of him; He just stayed silent. His silence made up for the million thoughts that were screaming in his head. Never have he felt so hollow, Gutted out.
Lying in bed that night; Donald gazed up at the ceiling. Scrooge’s comment of him not deserving anything still there. Like an annoying gnat—buzzing all around him. A real nuisance.
I don’t deserve anything. Donald repeated silently to himself.
If I want anything fun; I can’t just come crawling on my knees to my uncle begging for a handout. I need to do it myself. Seeming satisfied with his newfound decision, Donald finally turned over in his bed before slowly dozing off.
The next few days consisted of Donald trying some jobs a kid his age could do. With Yard work, there wasn’t much houses around the manor to begin with, and the ones that were there already had someone professionally do their yard. Even make art out of their bushes!
Deciding to walk dogs went well for Donald at first. He even gained some money walking people’s small dogs. However, it all went wary when he was given his first pack of large dogs. A doberman, A rottweiler, and Two German Shepherds.
The walk went surprisingly smooth at first; Until one of the dogs saw some innocent squirrels chittering away. When he saw the dog began to bark at it, Donald tried all in his strength to keep it from lunging towards them. It going horribly wrong when all the other dogs caught on too, and soon bolted for the squirrels, taking Donald screaming down the block with them.
Taking the money he’s earned so far with the dog walking; Donald decided to buy a pack of chocolate bars from the store. The good kind.
The next day, Donald sat on the bus; A chilled box of chocolates in his lap. Legs pressed tightly together as usual, he sat up straight; Waiting for the bus to stop at school.
When the bus made it’s stop, Donald wasted no time to run out, rushing to a spot to stand front of the school. Right by the entrance. Perfect.
He held the box of chocolates in his hands; A scrap piece of paper was taped on the top and in black sharpie it said; “1 dollar/chocolate”
Watching the kids walk past him, entering the school; Donald hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up. His voice not carrying quite enough to make anyone notice him, or pique interest in what he was selling.
This was humiliating. He began to give up, about to walk into the school like everyone else was; Until one thing burns itself in his mind, making him stop dead in his tracks.
You don’t deserve anything.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he gave out a shaky deep breath. “Hey! D-Do you have a sweet tooth? Why not buy some chocolate?! It’s only a dollar!” Donald pitched to the next kid, managing to actually get him to stop and peer in curiosity.
Donald watched nervously as his inspecting look dissolved into a smile. “Dude! You’re really selling this for a dollar?! That’s awesome! I’ll take three!” The bear kid exclaimed before giving Donald three dollars; Plucking three of the chocolate bars.
“R-Really?” Donald asked, a bit perplexed he was so happy to give him money.
“Heck yeah! Do you know they usually sell these babies for five dollars each? You’re practically giving a steal.” The kid chirped, looking at his newly acquired bars with bright eyes. “Hey guys come over here! This dude’s selling good chocolate really cheap ” He yells out into the open sea of kids. A few soon coming over to investigate themselves.
Seeing their eyes all widen in astonishment before they bought multiple bars made Donald’s heart flutter. They really liked it that much?
From the small group of kids the bear brought to him, more people by the second began to go over to Donald, buying chocolate from him as well.
Son enough, Donald looked down to see his box was completely wiped. A small smile stretched across Donald’s beak at the sight. For the first time in the past few days, Donald felt happy. Accomplished. Even if he didn’t exactly make his goal yet.
Looking up at the school clock, he realized he much time he had left. wasting no time to chuck the empty box in a nearby trashcan; Webbed feet slapped as he ran inside the school. He didn’t want to be late!
After school instead of coming straight home like he usually did; Donald took a quick detour to the store. Buying a huge bulk of that expensive chocolate he got yesterday. Even if it took a large chunk out of what was meant for the game, he didn’t care. He had a plan.
The next day, Donald managed to sell just as much chocolate in the morning. The only difference being now he still had much chocolate left over to sell discreetly during the day, and after school. Selling it through recess, Selling it at Lunch; Donald managed to even sell chocolate to some of the teachers.
Still having a good chunk of chocolate left; Donald wasted no time to stand outside after school to sell the remainder. Even if it was more convenient to go home by bus, Donald rode his bike to school today just for this reason.
And the decision paid off in the end when somehow, even more people came swarming to him in the afternoon than morning! Parents even got out their car to get in line and buy some chocolate! By the end of it, Donald actually managed to earn 500 bucks! 300 more than what he needed!
A rush went through him with this money. Taking his bike now, he pedaled as hard as he could to the nearest video game store.
He’ll be proud of me. He’ll be proud of me. He’ll be SO proud of me! Donald giddily thought, the mere thought of getting that look of surprise and maybe even some kind words drives him.
Buying the game along with a couple of games, Donald was glad he bought it while it was still new and the developers still needed to make more games for it.
Going home, the sun was dipped low in the sky when he arrived. Running with his bike up the hill, he pressed on the buzzer to let him in. The gate soon slowly creaked open for him. Putting his bike back in the yard he ran in.
Opening the door, he held the box in one hand, some games stacked on top of it.
“Donald! Where’ve you be-” Della began, cutting herself off when eyes rested on the box in Donald’s arms.
“Donald Lad where were ye’?! Ah was about to call out a search!” Scrooge harumphed. Arms crossed. His stern glare softened however seeing the box in Donald’s hands.
“Donald! You actually got the game! Oh my gosh! I thought this was just gonna be another silly thing! I didn’t think you’d actually?! Oh my gosh! Yayyy!!!” Della cheered, doing a bit of a silly dance of victory now.
A small smile came, and Donald couldn’t help but make a beat box for Della’s silly dance. Giggles coming from both twins through it all.
Taking his attention away from his sister for a moment, Donald peered up at Scrooge. “Will you play with us Uncle Scrooge? It’d be really fun! I got a third controller just for you.” Donald said, trying to coax the idea to his uncle. He knew he wasn’t receptive at first...but maybe since he bought--
“No.” Scrooge began, Donald’s face instantly dropping at it. “I already told ye’ I think it’s nothing but complete rubbish. A waste of time if you ask me.” Scrooge stated firmly.
Donald’s shoulders sagged and eyes peered off, the sting of rejection already hitting him. “Okay.” Donald said, knowing arguing would just get him what he got last time.
“That’s not fair Uncle Scrooge.” Della piped up; Causing a look of surprise from both Donald and Scrooge.
“What are ye’ talking about Della? Ah just don’t want to play with you kids. I don’t see how that’s unfair.” Scrooge questioned, a frown settling on his face at her boldness.
But, in a surprise Donald watched Della not back down. She still stood strong, “When YOU decided not to get us a game, Donald went out of his way and actually got one. Donald has been working so hard for the past I don’t know how many days! And now, he’s actually got it... The only thing he wants is you to play with us! But you’re just running away to your study! Stop being so weird and just hang out with us Uncle Scrooge!” Della demanded, a hardened stare thrown at her Uncle.
Donald could only stare struck in awe at the silent showdown that took place. Scrooge stood over her with a silent frown, and Della returned it. It was like they were having their own non spoken conversation. Or argument.
Scrooge finally broke the silence with a loud sigh, a hand going to his face. “Okay fine. I’ll play with you two, if it’d get ye’ to stop the squawking.” Scrooge said dismissively turning his head off.
“You mean it?!” Donald said, his face slowly beginning to brighten up once again. That childlike gleam glinted in his eyes.
“Aye. Now hurry up and get it set before I decide to change my mind.” Scrooge grumbled, taking a seat on the couch.
“Woohoo!” Donald and Della cheered to themselves, giving one another a high five. Della actually did it! Donald was estatic.
The rest of the night was spent on playing. Thankfully it was a Friday so neither had to worry about getting up for the bus tomorrow.
Donald threw one of his classic anger tantrums after losing to both Scrooge and Della in a kart racing game, throwing his controller on the couch before stomping his feet and yelling, his fist up and clenched. This of course just earned laughs from the other two. This night was peaceful. Well as peaceful as McDuck standard was.
As the night progressed, Donald soon felt his eyes grow heavy. His eye lids more inclined to just close by the second. But he persisted purely on the fact of spending time with his family.
A yawn escaped him and he rubbed his eyes tirelessly. An unfortunate clear sign he was on his way to sleep.
“Are ye’ tired Donald? Maybe you should go to bed.” Scrooge suggested.
“What? Me? No way. I’m not--” Another yawn came and he soon found himself closing his eyes, unable to keep his eyes open any longer.
“Alright lad, time to take ye’ up to bed.” Scrooge said before Donald soon felt himself hoisted up in the miser’s arms.
Going up the stairs, Scrooge walked down the hall before reaching the twin’s room. Putting Donald in his bed, he tucked him under the covers.
Donald had little idea if the miser was still there or not. But if he was then,
“I really...wanted you to be proud of me.” Donald sleepily admitted, beginning to clutch his pillow gently, resting upon it.
A long silence went through the air in response. Basically a confirmation he was gone. Turning over, Donald finally went out like a light, gently snoring.
“I know.” Was all that was said before the door to the twin’s room was gently shut.