Taking Care
Donald cradled the egg in a manner that was firm but tender, that showed comfort and protection, which he would give nothing but to towards the unhatched ducklings. He held one with a blue tinted blanket around the bottom of their eggshell, and wrapped around it.
The other two were held by his college mates Panchito and José, who had helped him on occasion with caring for the eggs ever since the disappearance of his twin sister Della.
The rooster held one of the eggs with a serape he brought all the way from Mexico, and he was singing a tune that mixed together English and Spanish in a way that flowed beautifully calm-like, and he rocked it in his arms.
The Brazilian parrot had his egg cocooned in a green blanket that was rather oversized, and he stroked the side of the egg tenderly like the duckling had already hatched and he was holding them in his arms.
"You think they'll remember us?" José asked suddenly, the question directed towards the rooster. his voice so quiet that the others had to strain to hear him, as he adjusted the egg carefully on his lap. "When they hatch, that is."
"Of course they will!" Panchito exclaimed, interrupting himself mid lullaby, as he sheepishly lowered his voice down after getting a cold glance from Donald. "We're Panchito and José! Basically, unforgettable."
José smiled at his confidence, but it didn't last long as he removed the hat atop his head and held it close to his heart, his fingers curling tightly around it.
"Yes, but we do travel a lot. We might be total strangers to them, even after all the time we've spent together.."
Donald's heart ached for him, he sounded so sure that the kids wouldn't remember them, and so sad about it as well.
"Aw, don't worry," The duck reached a comforting hand and planted it gingerly on the parrots shoulder, which José took as a sign to scoot closer as Donald rested his head there. "I'll be sure to tell them all about our adventures. They wouldn't even dream of forgetting about you guys after the things I'll tell them."
"You really mean that?" Panchito spoke up this time, eyes beaming with hope, securing the egg with one arm that held it close to his chest while his other hand intertwined with Donald's.
"Of course." The duck sighed, relieved that the tension had quickly diminished. "Though, you can't blame me if they think I'M the best Caballero,"
He was joking, of course, but he did seriously consider himself the best back then in college, and that often got in the way of their "gigs."
The three of them laughed fondly now at the memories, remembering the bunch of knuckleheads they were then, and even now.
"Can't argue with that," Jose nodded, his beak twisting up in a smile, his heart swelling as Donald had managed to bring his spirits up just by being himself, and as thanks he pecked his cheek.
Donald turned almost as red as the rooster next to him, who was still holding his hand as he snickered lightly at his reaction.
"Ah, Donal'.." Pancnito said his name barely above a whisper, but it was enough to get the message across as the duck leaned over and brought their beaks together in a kiss that was quick but just as meaningful.
"Don't drop your eggs now, boys." José teased, bringing his egg closer.
Donald leaned his head back, feeling blissful as his head looked towards the ceiling.
Thoughts and memories of Panchito and José suddenly flooded his memories, from all their antics in college to the many times they helped him watch over his unhatched nephews, and was quickly overwhelmed with feelings that spilled out of his eyes and down his cheeks, staining his feathers.
"Donal'!" Panchito gasped as José instinctively reached over and rubbed his tears off with his thumb, keeping his hand there. "What's the matter?? Was it something we said??"
Donald sniffled, a soft chuckle escaping him as he waved his hand to dismiss the others worrisome expressions.
"It's.. nothing, just.. grateful that you've guys stuck by me no matter what. I don't know where I'd be without you guys."
The two of them sighed in relief, leaning themselves against Donald, as the parrot spoke up again.
"Of course, after all, they say we are birds of a feather." It was half spoken, half sung as the three of them had begun to grow drowsy, and as they fell asleep they held themselves and the eggs close to each other.