They Fight, and Bite and Bark Bark Bark, Part 1
Roger Meyers Jr groaned too himself as he looked at ratings once again for his main source of income.
Once again, Itchy and Scratchy was hitting the red from lack of interest.
"Confound it!" He cursed, tearing up the paper as he lit a cigar to calm his nerves, "Even without this damn dome we were hardly doing well." The interest in the show had once again faded as kids got bored with the same old format day in day out.
"And adding a new character sure as hell won't work." He mused, recalling the sheer disaster the last time they tried that, it nearly got the show canned.
Kids wouldn't fall for that crap a second time, and its not like they could change the format too much, or else the show would lose what made it unique in the first place.
"Maybe I should just accept Mr Simpsons offer." He mused, recalling how the new Power Plant Owner was willing to give a rather handsome payment for the rights to the company.
Given the ratings, it might be best to either abandon this sinking ship, or give it to someone who could salvage it...
So with a sigh, he called in his secretary "Roy, schedule a meeting with Mr Simpson, I think its time we talk business." He spoke, knowing this was the best decision he could make.
////
Abe grinned to himself as he made his way into Itchy and Scratchy Production Headquarters, the billionaire having a swing in his step as he was ready to make the deal of a lifetime.
Sure, it would take him a while to manage things, especially with all those 'toons' that were popping around, but that was overall a manageable issue he was certain could be worked out.
Stepping into the building, he was quickly guided to an office meeting with a lovely view as he took a seat.
"Apologies Mr Simpson, Mr Meyers will be withheld for a another few minutes, is there anything I can get you while you wait." A red anthro dog in aviator glasses spoke up, his voice soft yet firm, as he dressed in a fancy suit as his black hair was matted neatly.
"Say, aren't you that dog my son voiced?" Abe asked, recognizing the Toon before him "Poochie, right?" He asked, getting an awkward cough from the canine.
"Not quite, Roy Fonzie is the name, Poochie was just a stage name for the show" He admitted, looking a bit glum.
"Why are you dressed like this, shouldn't you be performing or something?" The old man asked, confused as too why the character his son was so proud to voice now working a normal job.
"Well, after the flop of my career, no studio was willing to hire me as entertainment." He admitted, sitting down besides the Simpsons. "Along with that contract the company brought in, this job was the closest thing I could get to my dreams." He spoke, sadness creeping in as the poor sod looked miserable.
"That was gonna be my big moment, starring with Itchy and Scratchy themselves, now I'm as well beloved as Scrappy Doo and Gabby Goat." He bemoaned, resting a hand on the side of his face, knowing it was improper for his job to speak so casual with a business client, but he just couldn't help himself.
"I know that feeling all too well." Abe admitted, his own share of misery in life from being screwed over by others. "It sucks and things seem like they won't get any better, but things aren't so bad. I bet this at least job pays well." He suggested, trying to cheer up the poor Pooch.
"Its not about the money, its about the job itself." He spoke, looking up "From the day we are born, all a toon ever wants is too make people laugh, to get a chuckle or brighten up someone's day, show we can be zaney and chaotic but make people love us all the same. Its in our blood, its what gives us the energy to go out into the world each morning and take whatever punch and kick we can as long as someone cracks a giggle at what we do. But one bad take and your ruined for life." He spoke, looking miserable as Homer was when Bongo left.
"... Tell you what, how about you grab a bottle of wine and we have a little fun to ourselves before your boss gets here." Abe suggested, Poochie looking excited as he immediately shoot back up.
"Right away sir!" He spoke, rushing off like speedy Gonzales as Abe chuckled to himself.
"Guess I'm still a dog person." The Billionaire mused.
///(45 minutes later)///
"Sorry about the wait Mr Simpson, I had some last minute issues to take care of, I hope I wasn't keep you waiting to lo-" Whatever excuse Mr Roger Meyers had was quickly cut off as he saw the sight before his human eyes.
"Put on your old grey Bonnet!" Both Abe and Roy sang together, a half full bottle of wine swinging in the toon's hands as he and the older man were having a merry gay old time. "With the bright blue ribbon on it!"
The two singing for several minutes, dancing around as life was in their mood, as the cartoon Ceo came back to it, "Roy, what on earth are you doing!" He yelled at the cartoon dog, the secretary turning around as all the alcohol in his system literally flushed out as he turned a pale white.
"Oh, Mr Meyers, I can explain... " He tried to appease his boss as he was pulled over by the blue haired man.
"I can't believe you, what kind of childish nonsense is this, you might have damn well blown this deal for me, I oughta fire you this instant!" The older man yelled at the cartoon dog.
"Oh no sir, please, this job is all I have." Roy begged, getting on hands and knee's as his fingers rolled together and smacked them man in the face. "Oh my god sir, I'm so sorry!" He panicked, some of his cartoon powers still at work as Roger turned a shade of red.
"You little mutt, this is the last straw!" He spoke, pointing at the dog "Your fir-Now hold it!" Abe interrupted the Ceo, getting between them as he shot a glare.
"This young man kept me entertained and pleased while you were off being late to a meeting you planned, in your own building no less!" He yelled at the man, Roger gulping as he backed away a little.
"Now Mr Simpson I- I don't care, if you so much as do anything to harm this lovely young gagster, this deal is over!" Abe threatened the man, fire in his eyes as Mr Meyers nodded.
"Yes of course, Roy can keep his job, hell, we'll throw in a pay rise." He promised, desperate to appease the Billionaire.
"And a Bone and Cheese sandwich." Roy added, trying to squeeze in some favours while he could, his toon blood almost demanding a little joke added in.
"Right, of course" The blunette promised, sitting down as the last thing he wanted to do was piss Mr Simpson off.
"Now lets get down to business, because I'm gonna make some changes around here." Abe promised, starting with one very funny dog getting his dream job back...