So stay away from me / the beast is ugly (scrooge x magica)

[lifesa_witch]

 The carriage ride was so long that by the time the horses stopped, night had already settled in. It was a full moon, allowing the stone pathway to be illuminated. The rider said nothing, simply taking Scrooge's bags and walking on ahead. With any luck, this wouldn't be a return trip - but luck had died long ago in this place.

In the distance, one could hear the caws of several ravens, far away in the dark forests. It was difficult to see the house in the darkness, but it was certainly large and grand. Definitely belonging to someone of high class and lots of money. After all, it was part of the reason Scrooge was here.

Another servant was at the door, waiting for them.

"Either look her in the eyes," he warned, "or have them stay on the floor. Never anywhere else. Just keep your introduction and qualifications short. it is..." He hesitated, glancing backwards. "Often too easy to stoke her anger. And lastly... never ask questions."

Some of these things had probably been told to Scrooge before - he'd been recommended the job, after all. Granted, the recommendation came with the mysterious woman buying up his shop like it was nothing. Still, it seemed at least the servants wanted this to go well.

Whatever "this" was... it was about to begin, if he was ready to enter.

Comments

[lifesa_witch]

In the morning, Magica woke up first. She knew breakfast would be soon, then their separate duties... but she didn't want to separate so soon. She laid her head on his chest, quietly listening to his heart beat.

[richestduck]

Just like before, he held her tightly in his sleep. Even if she wanted out, she'd have to convince his sleepy mind to set her free. She was his and he would keep her close.

[lifesa_witch]

A knock on the door, that would be Clara. Magica looked at the door... but didn't get up.

Clara appeared to get the message, as the sounds that followed signaled her putting the tray on the floor and walking away.

With a sigh, Magica idly stroked Scrooge's face.

[richestduck]

"Do I have to get up?" he sleepily mumbled, eyes still closed.

[lifesa_witch]

"Eventually, darling." She said, still petting him.

His family wouldn't accept a sorceress in their blood - not to mention her own raining down hell. She wasn't worth the trouble. He probably had his whole life planned ahead - the castle, his little bookshop, his brood. Whereas she had to get Ratface back and then... what? Planned loneliness?

[richestduck]

Plans could change. To be honest, all he had to look forward to was his little bookshop. Children of his own? Out of the question. No woman would have him because he'd likely sire crippled children.

He groggily opened his eyes to look at her. "How soon is eventually?" he asked, voice husky from slumber.

[lifesa_witch]

There came that warm stirring again - that husky hue was nice. She bit on her tongue, repressing the urge to climb on top of him. Any morning pleasure would be another sign of attachment.

"Breakfast is getting cold." She finally forced out.

[richestduck]

If she had straddled him, he would've woken up almost immediately and gone straight to work on making her glad she'd done so. A pity, really.

He sighed and sat up. "Suppose there's only one thing to be done about that."

[lifesa_witch]

"I'll go fetch it." She slid off the bed reluctantly to grab the tray from outside.

[richestduck]

He sat up, reaching for his glasses. Should he...should he suggest it? No, he shouldn't be silly. She'd say no, of course.

[lifesa_witch]

She sat back on the bed, setting the tray between them. She sipped her tea, settling her nerves - just like last week, there was enough there for two of them.

"Still warm."

[richestduck]

He moved in closer to her. "So are you."

[lifesa_witch]

A little harmless flirting wouldn't be so bad. She played with his whiskers. "So, what's better in bed, the coals or me?"

[richestduck]

"You. Always you," he told her.

[lifesa_witch]

"Good answer." She encouraged him to rest his head on her shoulder, continuing to pet him.

[richestduck]

He leaned against her, closing his eyes. It was tempting to fish for compliments from her in response, but what would he ask?

[lifesa_witch]

She was practically purring, having him so close. "Make sure to eat your fill. You used up plenty of stamina... at this rate, I'll be having my own limp."

[richestduck]

Scrooge flushed with pride. He couldn't help straightening up a little. He'd managed to please her at least.

[lifesa_witch]

"You've got a whole week to wait for it," As if he needed the reminder! "So if there's anything you'd like when the day comes, all you have to do is ask."

[richestduck]

"What if I already know what I want?" he asked tentatively.

It was stupid, but...he felt a bit bold this morning.

[lifesa_witch]

She raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Oh? Now I have to know. What is it?"

[richestduck]

"I'd like to do this more often. Not just the sex. Just...being together."

[lifesa_witch]

"I..." Oh. She hadn't expected that. They ate together, but he wanted more? What more could she give him, when she devoted her hours to finding Ratface?

But he would be found eventually. Then what? Her life goal had been to be rich enough to live alone, but now that she had the goal accomplished... she wasn't sure what she'd do with her life. Didn't Scrooge want to go back to his bookshop?

She was clearly hesitating.

"I... I need to think it over." Which wasn't a lie, but wasn't the whole truth either.

[richestduck]

And there it was: proof that she wasn't interested.

He gave an awkward smile. "Let's have breakfast. I'm sure I'll think of something else by next week."

[lifesa_witch]

"Right, next week." She quickly got to eating, desperate to have a reason not to speak.