happilyeverbeginning | were you just being kind / or am i losing my mind (scrooge x magica)

Entry tags:

were you just being kind / or am i losing my mind (scrooge x magica)

Lord Scrooge had been gone for five years, and at last had returned to the fair country even richer than before. Many rumors were buzzing about what transpired overseas, and what prompted his return. No doubt it was because his nephew was at the right time to marry, and he definitely wanted his assets in good hands. A welcome part of sorts was thrown together, despite Scrooge detesting such affairs.

The ball was in full swing by the time Magica and her brother arrived, him jabbering away about nonsense she couldn't care about. Her mind was elsewhere - it felt like an eternity since she'd last seen Lord Scrooge, and she had hoped her burning feelings for him were gone. Yet here she was, dressed to the nines, her heart racing. Would she see him as the adult woman she was now - or still as a child? She could never hope to win his heart. The sooner she moved on, the better.

She told herself she could change her heart, and for a good moment, honestly believed it. There were many eligible bachelors here tonight, many good in coin as they were in manners. But her eyes scoured the room, and the moment she spotted Scrooge from a distance, her chest seized, and all those awful feelings rushed back more intense than ever.

All the confidence she had died instantly - she didn't feel like a woman anymore, but like the little girl she used to be when she first met him...

... Back when she was first learning to play the piano, and detested it. Her patience was growing thin, and she held back a grumble, glaring at the keys, as if it was their fault she played so badly.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Scrooge didn't blame her but just saw it as she still cared for him despite her pain. Amused he looked at her with a mischievous smile.

"You underestimate me Magica..." He lifted her onto his arms as if she were light as a feather. Playfully he let her go up and down in his arms to show her that it really didn't cause him any problems.

"I've never shied away from being hard on in my life. I have also copied some of the Shaolin monks in China as far as training is concerned."

Ok, now he was showing off a little. But that should also be allowed. "So don't worry. I won't let you fall, trust me."

He lifted her onto his horse and sat up behind her. His arms tightened around her as he pressed her to his chest so she wouldn't fall off the horse. He whistled briefly, and Magicas horse willingly trotted after them.

He would probably have to cancel his inspection. More importantly it was that Magicas foot was examined by a doctor.

During the ride he asked again and again about her well-being and stroked her back from time to time soothingly.

"I know you're very brave, but you don't have to play the strong one in front of me either.
I know that you are, even if you have to cry. Tears are a normal reaction of the body to pain and have nothing to do with weakness..."

He assured her when she was strangely quiet.

"Please never feel compelled to hide your feelings and fears from me. I am your friend and anything you want will stay among us."

Magica gasped as not only was she lifted with ease, apparently to him she weighed less than a ragdoll! Her mouth hung open in shock - just how strong was he, and at his age! Her cheeks began to redden - not out of embarrassment, but something else stirring in her heart. She'd never shown too great an interest in boys before - but he wasn't a boy, was he? No, this was a real... man.

Suddenly the pain in her ankle was forgotten as she was overwhelmed with new feelings and sensations in her body. It was a strange warmness in her chest that spread throughout her body. She kept trying to listen to what he was saying, but her mind was constantly distracted by his touch and feel. Maybe the swollen ankle was giving her a fever, because she felt verrrrrrry hot now - did he have to hold her so close?!

"I-I, um, I-I'm fine really..." She stammered, grateful that they weren't facing each other. She nervously began to play with her hair, twirling it around her finger. "I trust you... Of c-course I trust you, I trust you more than anyone! I-I'm glad if I had to get injured that you were there..." Ugh, she sounded so dumb, like a little girl! ... Okay, so she was a little girl, but not that little!

Scrooge smiled to himself. Maybe it was good Magica didn't look at him, that peaceful smile on his face could ruin his whole reputation.

On the other hand, before Magica he never had to mimic the cold, grumpy businessman either. With her he could be the lively adventurer and charmer he was.

"Thank you, I am very happy to hear that. I hope it's not a burden on you, but I trust you too. More than anyone else. I am honestly happy to have met someone like you and I will always be there for you when you need help. I promise you that. As long as you don't get tired of my company."

He hugged her a little tighter to underline his words.

Yes, somehow this young girl in his arms had become the most important person for him. His closest confidante.

Even though he really wished her all the happiness in the world, he already deplored the day she would marry and forget him...

Finally the Bingpaps' estate came into sight again. He also immediately discovered Magica's mother who was talking to Fehtry and his nephew. When they arrived, Donald pointed at them.
Uh-oh, they had probably been missed and then he brought their daughter back hurt as well...

In front of the woman he came to stand and sprang to the ground. Before he spoke to the mother he carefully lifted Magica from the saddle and carried her again in his arms.

He bowed slightly to Madame Bingpap. "Unfortunately there was an accident during our ride, Magica injured her ankle. Please send for a doctor immediately."

His gaze did not allow any rewords. "Forgive me, it is my fault. I should have taken better care of her."

Magica bit down hard on her lower lip when he held her tighter so she didn't let out a squeak - what a fine time for puberty to kick in! Why couldn't she get injured at his home so he could wait on her hand and foot - she had mentally slap herself for that one! Couldn't they stay like this for a little longer...?

Her newfound joy vanished when she saw her family, reluctant to part from Scrooge. Magica's mother fussed as she held her daughter. "Oh, I knew letting you ride was a bad idea... it's far too dangerous for a lady." She tsked, addressing Scrooge for the moment. "She really is far too clumsy! I'm so sorry she bothered you with this nonsense. Fethry, go put the horses inside, we'll deal with this later."

With that, she began to carry her daughter inside. "No more lessons for you, girl."

Magica sulked, looking at Scrooge over her shoulder as she was led away. "G-goodbye, Lord Sc-, ah, Lord de Bourgh..." Her mother would never approve of addressing Scrooge as anything less than formal.

For a moment he stood a little speechless. How did this mother manage to blame Magica even now? Then his gaze became serious as always.

"I don't want to interfere Madam, but I think the exact opposite would be advantageous. Magica needs more riding lessons. It was by no means due to her clumsiness what happened. In addition a lady should have the possibility to move independently over longer distances."

His gaze was so intense that nobody would have dared to contradict him. "I ride anyway often on horseback instead of the carriage. Gladly Lady Magica may accompany me if she is recovered and would like so, so that she attains security in it."

After these words he turned back to his horse and sat up. "I recommend myself for today. Goodbye Madam..." A last look in Magicas direction, a slight nod to assure her that he would not allow her never to ride again.

"Lady Magica... see you soon."

Then he rode off before the mother could find her language again.

Magica watched him go, amazed at how easily he stood up to her mother, so strong in his convictions. She ached to see him go...

... and ached to see him now. Maybe nothing had really changed between them - she was still the little girl who needed to be babied, and Scrooge would never see her as anything else. The party-goers soon resumed their dancing and merriment, although the gossip was now stirring about her. The doctor would be along any minute now, and Magica could hardly stand the embarrassment.

"It's just an ankle," she said bitterly, clutching her dress. "I'll have Fethry take me home. He's probably wasted on food and liquor anyway... I don't need to be here to cause you any scandal or humiliation."

Scrooge looked her in the eye. "What are you talking about?" He held her by the arms so that she would not avoid him. "Look at me, do you really think the talk of people can touch me?"

His gaze became more mischievous. Never, no matter how old he was, this character trait would disappear from him.

"I am Lord de Bourgh, obstinate by profession. The opinion of others is indifferent to me. But not your well-being. Under no circumstances will I let you travel today. My nephew can take your brother home, but you will stay in one of my guest rooms when the doctor has taken care of you."

His gaze lost some of its waggishness and became softer. "Well, that's not an order, but I wish you'd accept my offer for your own good. Unless of course..."

He hesitated briefly. "...it is unpleasant for a lady like you to sleep with me under one roof..." he could feel his cheeks turning red.

Everything had become so complicated now that she had grown up. In former times she had slept more frequently in his house, when they had forgotten the time over stories and lessons.

Magica glared - gods, he could he stubborn! As awful as it was, society's standards were important, and one couldn't just ignore them for -

... Stay at his place?

... OKAY.

In that instant Magica suddenly sat up straighter, her dark mood vanishing. "Oh, well, if you insist." Yes! Jackpot! She didn't think this night would go right, and here was the best possible outcome! She had to clench her fingers to keep her inner glee from spilling out. Time alone with Scrooge, all alone in his mansion once the party was dead and done with.

He'd have time solely for her now, talking about his travels, eating together, new lessons... and perhaps working on a few flirtations, once he finally realized she was an adult... Yes, this was going to work out very well.

She leaned back n her seat, smirking, trying to play off her happiness. "Only if it's no trouble for you, Lord Scrooge. You know some of my happiest times were in this mansion."

Scrooge smiled contentedly. "As my happiest memories are with you..." He really had to be careful not to say too much. But she already knew that she was always his closest confidante.

Even though he never had a chance to win her heart and his feelings were presumptuous. Now he could at least look forward to a nice time alone with her. Like back then.

If only this miserable ball was finally over. Even he could not allow himself to disappear completely from the scene.

Soon the doctor came and confirmed that Magica had sprained her ankle only slightly. A little rest and the problem solved itself. Magica put the injured foot on the bench and was content for the rest of the evening to watch the colourful hustle and bustle from there. Since she never participated actively in the balls, it wasn't too difficult.

Scrooge unfortunately had to talk to other people from time to time. But as soon as his time allowed, he joined her and talked to her.

The whole evening he didn't set foot on the dance floor again. Although numerous beautiful women approached him. With cool politeness he rejected everyone.

And finally the evening was over. His servants immediately started to clean up. He instructed Donald to escort Fethry home.

The two young men looked at each other as they heard that Magica was spending the night on Scrooge's estate.

Fehtry, who was more naive than Donald, even offered to look after his sister himself. But was mercilessly rejected by her.

When the last guest had said goodbye, Scrooge sighed from the bottom of his heart.

"Finally it's over..." He leaned against the wall next to Magica and closed his eyes for a moment.

The party had been a bore, but it was worth it for this end result. Now she had Scrooge all to herself, at least for a day or so.

She watched him as he sighed, and flippantly waved a hand. "I told them you weren't a party man, but they insisted. They wanted to give you a big welcome back, but really, they just wanted an excuse to throw a party. Hopefully after this night they'll have learned their lesson, especially that idiot whose dress I tripped over."

Without the people to impress all around her, Magica was free to her real self - which could be callous and catty. "Fools, thinking they can forgo function for looks... they pretty themselves up like peacocks, and then never think about how they have to move in those stuffy, bloated dresses. At least my injury got me away from those insipid conversations. Maybe next time, you should injure yourself so you can get away." A dark chuckle.

It felt much more relaxing to be like this, with fewer acts and false politeness. She and Scrooge knew the real versions of each other all too well.

A broad grin spread across his face as he listened to her. "Maybe we should have pretended that worse had happened to you and escaped with the excuse to bring you to a hospital..."

He turned his face towards her. "It's good to be able to talk to someone normally.

All this behavior and worst of all are these dressed up women. With decorations hanging like a Christmas tree and suffocating you in a cloud of expensive perfume. As if something like that would impress me..."

He stood in front of her. "But now we have made it. Are you very exhausted? Shall I take you to your chamber?"

He knelt down to be at eye level with her. "Or do we want to sit by the fireplace in the library? I brought a book with me from my journey that you will surely like. An illustrated book with drawings from all over the world. We can also just talk.

If I'm honest, we can stare at each other for the next few hours in silence. Really everything is more fun with you than with this whole bunch of bunglers..."

Magica let out a little laugh - they really did think alike. He didn't know that just gazing at him would have been fine with her...

"As tempting as that is, you can't just dangle a book in front of me and expect any other answer. Of course I want to see it! And I want to hear all about your latest travels and exploits, don't leave out a single detail." Including if he picked up a lover, which was the most important detail of all.

Since the fireplace wasn't too far away, she could manage the walk... Or... she could take advantage of this situation.

"... Although with my condition, you would have to carry me there. I trust that won't be a problem... I may have gotten a little bigger since last we met, but I doubt you've grown any weaker." She leaned in a little, eyebrows raised. "If you would be so kind...?"

If he didn't know any better, he'd say she was just flirting with him...

But he wasn't an expert in the field either. He was not allowed to fool himself. Only the old familiarity spoke of her.

But at least she still didn't mind being carried by him. Laughing, he lifted her onto his arms and turned once with her in a circle.

"You suppose correctly, my dearest, on the contrary, I would even claim to be more well-trained in the meantime than before. You should never stop improving!"

He looked at her, now on his arms her face was suddenly so close to his...

He would have given all his belongings on the spot, if he could kiss her now...

His face turned red, but if necessary he could blame it on the turn from earlier. She was the most valuable thing he had in his life. He could not lose her, had to bring his instincts under control.

Touching her in an inappropriate way would make everything too null and void in one fell swoop. Her whole trust in him, her friendship, everything.

As hard as it was for him, it could not be. He wished he hadn't discovered that he loved her this way.

Embarrassed he turned his head a little to the side so that their lips weren't so close anymore and carried her carefully towards the library.

He wasn't the only one fighting impulses. She too had to restrain herself from taking his lips or touching his chest. It wasn't easy, and required a heavy gulp of air. It was more than just the age gap at this point - high-society men didn't like their women so forward, that had been drilled into her by her mother. She had to take her time and let him take the lead... if he ever would.

Until then, she snuggled in close - for balance! - and leaned on him. She could feel how strong he was, and long to stroke those tight muscles of his. She felt like the little girl fallen off her horse all over again - only with much more desire.

"You know I always take your lessons to heart, Scrooge... I've never stopped improving. It wasn't easy to continue my lessons with you gone, but I never slacked off." Now she felt like bragging, hoping to win even more of her favor.

"I now speak four languages, including French and Latin, memorized all of Beethoven's works, improved my embroidery, and even developed a few strategies in card games." A playful wink. "Although the family doesn't need to know about that one."

Her words brought him halfway to his senses. A feeling of infinite pride spread through his chest.

"I am delighted that you have continued to follow my path, a shame that I couldn't witness it..." He turned his head towards her again.

"I have honestly missed you Magica..."

For a short moment he allowed himself to put his forehead to hers. He swallowed heavily. This longing that tightened his heart was unbearable.

"I also want to know everything that you have experienced until today, if you want to share it with me. Tell me everything.

And I would be happy if you would play the piano for me once more".

In the meantime they had arrived at the library and he carefully placed her on the soft fur in front of the fireplace. He fetched the promised book and sat next to her.

The whole situation was far too romantic and didn't make the fight against his desires any easier. In the light of the fire her face also seemed to be red.

The sight reminded him of the time when she was shaken by fever and tied to bed. At that time he had really been afraid for her and had spent half nights at her bed.

It was just before he set off on his five-year business trip...

Magica sighed as their foreheads touched - this was bliss. All his attention to her, practically praising her. She wanted to keep him all to herself, and this night she could. The setting was all but perfect - almost like something out of those romance novels she occasionally peeked through.

As he sat down to show her the details of the book, she leaned against him, head on his shoulder, not wanting to part for even a second. She'd missed him for so long, and wanted to make up for lost time...

... Back then, she had been split in two. One part of her understood that as a business man, trips like these were essential. He couldn't afford to miss it. But the other part of her was in despair, unsure how she'd manage to be away from him so long. In the days leading up to his trip, Magica made several poor decisions, becoming scatterbrained at the thought of losing him. As a result, she ate poorly, and spent far too long in the rain one disastrous evening - it was no surprise when she became ill.

The doctors insisted all she needed was a few days rest. When Lord Scrooge came with Donald to visit the household, Magica's mother informed them what was happening.

"Ever so sorry, Lord Bourgh, but poor Magica's not feeling very well. Silly girl went and got herself a rather nasty fever, and I'd hate for you to catch it."

It felt like Madam Bingpap had punched him in the stomach. Magica was sick?
Donald pulled his face in view of the risk of infection and quickly fled to his best friend's room, not without wishing a good recovery, of course. But Scrooge stood there as if stunned by thunder.

"Please, may I see her? My constitution has always been very good and I hardly ever get sick. There is no danger for me".

Magicas mother had never understood what this powerful and rich man found in her simple-minded daughter. She was embarrassed, fearing that Magica could damage the family's reputation by annoying the Lord. But he always seemed to be on her side. So she had come to terms with it at some point. After all, an influential friend like him was worth his weight in gold.

When she wanted to enter the room with him, he held her back. "No thanks, just go about your duties in peace. I will take care of Magica..."

Her sight almost tore his heart apart, she looked so dainty and pale as she lay there in bed. Only the red shimmer of fever gave her some colour.
She had become 15 years old by now. Almost a woman, most of her contemporaries were looking for a husband or had already found one. But his Magica had always been different. All knowledge, all abilities she acquired, she learned only for herself. To develop, to become stronger.

But in this moment she seemed so fragile, so tender...
Carefully he sat down by her bed, she seemed to be asleep. Tenderly he stroked her hair from her sweaty forehead.

"What are you doing to yourself my girl...?" He whispered worried.

Though Magica was strong, she wasn't invincible, and the fever was taking its course. She was covered in sweat, breathing slowly, finding it difficult to sleep. There was evidence she had at least tried to pass the time before it got a serious hold on her - open books here and there, abandoned embroidery projects, letters that were started but never finished.

She could feel someone touching her gently, and slowly opened her eyes. The room felt so hot, she thought Scrooge was a hallucination brought on by the fever. Clumsily, he tried to grab his hand, her eyes blurry.

"I wish you wouldn't go..." She mumbled to the "dream" Scrooge. If she thought this was real, she never would have said it, wouldn't have dared to have him think she was being a selfish child. "I wish you wouldn't leave me all by myself..."

Quickly he grasped the trembling, pale hand that stretched out towards him and stroked it incessantly. His heart contracted painfully at her words. He himself regretted not being able to see her for so long. And now she had also become ill. It was his fault. Honest tears stood in his eyes.
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, it didn't bother him in the least that she was sweaty and tousled.
Much too hot was her body temperature, the fever had taken possession of her with all its might.

"Magica..., dear... I am so sorry. Please forgive me..."
With one hand he stroked her cheek. He wasn't even sure if she noticed that he was really here.

"I will come back, I promise. I won't leave you alone. I will always be with you if you wish..."

He took her face in both hands. "Do you hear me? And I won't leave until you're well again. I am with you..."

This dream felt really real - but then, didn't all dreams feel that way? So she remained convinced it was just mind playing tricks. She wanted Scrooge to stay with her, to touch her, and so she dreamed it. She smiled, lazily leaning on his hands, closing her eyes as she murmured.

"I love you..." She mumbled, wishing someday she could say it in the waking world. "I want you to stay forever and ever... and ever..." The fever began to wear her out again, making her drift in and out of sleep. Still she smiled, happy that in this illusion, Scrooge belonged to her alone.

Yes, things could never be this way in reality. But there was nothing wrong with dreaming.

Five years later, sitting in front of the fireplace with Magica, he remembered that he had felt something for Magica for the first time back then, which indicated that one day he would completely lose his heart to her.

Suddenly his heart was beating unreasonably fast. She loved him? Didn't people who slept or deliriously talked always speak the truth?

Be it a purely platonic love or more. It filled him with pride and joy that she felt that way for him.

Sighing quietly, he sat next to her in bed and gently pulled her into his lap. Tenderly closed his arms around her and lulled her to sleep. In fact, her heavy breathing calmed down a bit as he held her like that.

"I am with you, I protect you, I will not leave you alone..." he mumbled into her ear all the time assuring her.

He didn't care what other people thought about their connection, their friendship. Without Magica his life had been empty. He was a cheerful person, but lonely. Only she understood him.
He kissed her scalp, even there she was unnaturally warm.

"I love you too..."

He finally meant. Because no other word was strong enough to describe what she meant to him.
"I will come back to you and stay with you if you wish..."

Magica settled into a soothing sleep for many hours. Her mother kept coming by, offering meals to Scrooge - terrified if he caught whatever Magica had - but no matter what she said, he wouldn't budge.

But it may have been the exact thing Magica needed to feel better. A long time later, she began to wake up, her fever down slightly. She grumbled, trying to turn and rub sleep out of her eyes. Why did her pillow feel so weird...?

She yawned, opened her eyes and... she was resting in Scrooge's lap.

Why was she resting in Scrooge's lap?!

Her jaw fell open, and her face flared up, definitely not due to illness this time. "Wh... wh... wh-wh-what are you doing here, Lord Scrooge?!" She stammered. She was happy, but also very confused! Oh, no, did she say anything silly in her sleep?!

"Y-Y-You shouldn't... I'll make you sick!" Scrooge was in her bed! SCROOGE WAS IN HER BED! She'd either die happy or die embarrassed!

Scrooge had fallen asleep himself with Magica in his arm. He had no nerve for food and drink and slowly Magica's mother, who seemed to care more about him than Magica, got on his nerves.
He was startled when the person in his arm moved and suddenly began to speak.

Patiently he listened to her stammering through. Glad that she seemed to be a little better when she had the strength to be embarrassed.

Relieved, he took her firmly in his arms. "Don't worry about me, I'll hardly ever get sick. And even if, to help you is worth it to me."

He detached himself a little from her, but still held her loosely in his arms when he looked at her.
"I was so worried about you... and... I am sorry..." His eyes were all dark with regret. "You have spoken in delirium... it's my fault that you got sick, isn't it? Because I announced that I had to travel for the next five years..."

Tenderly he stroked her cheek. At the moment he didn't care about anything else, the only important thing was that Magica had some color on her face again.

"I'd love to tell you that I'm staying here. But I can't do that. I have to go, unfortunately. But I promise you I'll come back." He looked deep into her eyes. He deliberately concealed what she had said. She was still young, her feelings would change over the years, especially where he wouldn't be here. He didn't want to bind her to thoughtless words she had muttered in a state of fever and loneliness.

Who knew, when one day he came back and her feelings had not changed... But it was useless to think about it now.
Five years was a long time, especially for a young person like Magica. It hurt him, but he would probably have to accept that she would forget him...

But now in that moment, she seemed to need him and the confirmation that he always wanted to be there for her.

She was covered in germs and sweat! She was a gross mess! Look at her hair! Magica flailed a bit, trying to crawl out of his arms to gussy herself-up, but his grip was too strong and she remained in his lap, embarrassed.

She did say things when she was delirious! But what?! Oh, if she revealed how she really felt, she would just die! She winced... but... thankfully, it appeared she hadn't said anything harmful? That was a relief, but it was short-lived. No matter what had been said, she made him feel guilty. Which, in turn, also made her feel terrible.

"No, I'm sorry," She murmured shamefully, lowering her head. "You should have been able to leave at once, but... I was being so selfish. I wasn't taking care of myself... it wasn't fair to you or me. You have a business empire to run... I shouldn't be holding you back."

She then clenched up, determined not to let this pitiful act be the last thing he saw of her. "But... it won't happen again! I give you my word! I won't be a child anymore. I will take better care of myself... I have the household to think of! I won't be weak anymore."

If she could fall apart so easily without Scrooge, what kind of woman was she? Scrooge would never see her as an equal if she was so pathetic. A strong man would only be with a strong woman. "When you come back, I will be stronger than ever! I'll make you proud."

He looked at her with a warm smile. "I have told you before that it is not a weakness to admit one's feelings. Nobody can only be strong all the time. Because only those who have been on the ground learn to stand up again. And I know that you can do that. I am very much looking forward to the woman you will be in five years!"

Since he noticed that she visibly felt uncomfortable in her skin he let her go. "So please do not be ashamed that you felt lonely when you heard about my journey. I'm really honored that you're so attached to me." He had got up in the meantime, but bent down to her once more. "Believe me, I will miss you at least as much."

With these words he breathed a tender kiss on her cheek.
It would never be more.

"We see each other again mylady, promised!"

He had tears in his eyes when he left the room. But Lord Scrooge de Bourgh was also allowed a moment of weakness. He left the most important person in this room with the thought that it would never be the same again...

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject