happilyeverbeginning | DrakePad/Dimeshipping - The story of bullheads and idiots

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DrakePad/Dimeshipping - The story of bullheads and idiots

Scrooge rubbed his temples. As the first citizen of Duckburg he was obliged to represent their town at the great world exhibition which would be held in St Canard.

What that would cost again. And just when Donald and the children were on holiday. He needed help and one that cost as little as possible.

Lost in thought, he paced up and down the money bin. In his hand he played with his dime, thata helped him to think.

Outside, an aeroplane was flying along in the sky, and suddenly Scrooge had an intuition. It was time to pay his respects to an old friend. Especially as the latter was now residing in St. Canard under dubious circumstances.

He resolutely picked up the phone. Good thing Launchpad had given him the number of this Drake Mallard guy, where he now lived.

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It was a bright, sunshiny afternoon in the suburbs of St. Canard, and the pleasantness of the day even managed to affect Drake Mallard, who usually wasn't so much of a sap that the clear sunshine would lighten his mood. But it did, and he was humming to himself as he cooked dinner. A big tuna casserole! Gos would complain, but a certain goofy pilot would eat the whole pan if he let him.

He could hear said pilot snoring away on the couch in the living room, not doing a damn thing to help Drake in the kitchen. Well, if LP helped, the whole kitchen would burn down, Drake thought, smiling a bit as he placed the pan in the oven to bake. Distantly, he heard the phone ring.

"LP, can you get that please?" Drake called, but the pilot kept on snoring, which just irritated him. "I guess I have to do EVERYTHING around here myself!"

And snatching the phone off the hook, he said curtly, "Yeah?! Hello?"

At the other end of the line, Scrooge pulled a face. These young people simply had no more manners. Accordingly, his voice was sharp and cool as he spoke.

"Scrooge McDuck speaking..." Often the mention of his name was enough to command respect from his counterpart.

"May I assume that I am speaking to Mr Drake Mallard? Then I'd ask you to pass the phone to Launchpad, I have a few words to discuss with him."

Drake felt a cold drop of sweat roll down his back when he heard the voice. S-scrooge McDuck?! As in, the richest duck in the world? He involuntarily stood up straighter, even though McDuck couldn't see him. He looked around him warily. At least he didn't THINK the old rich codger could see him, but what with drones and other things like that, he couldn't be sure...

He was about to state his name, but McDuck said it for him, and immediately asked for Launchpad. Drake narrowed his eyes. Why in the hell would he want to talk to that big lug?

"S-sure..." he said simply, and called over his shoulder at Launchpad. LP was awake by now, rubbing his eyes. Drake frowned as he handed him the phone, and stood there expectantly, tapping his foot. He didn't need to give LP any privacy on the phone, since this was HIS house, after all.

Scrooge could not see Drake, but his experience made him feel that his name had not failed to make its mark. He grinned grimly. But his voice immediately became more friendly as he finally had Launchpad on the line.

"Hello, Laddie. I hope you are heart and healthy in St Canard. Your roommate seems to be a little... a little lacking in manners..."

Scrooge cleared his throat. He knew Launchpad could take care of himself, yet he worried about his friends.

"Actually, I'm calling to ask you a favour. I'm sure you've heard about the World's Fair that's about to take place in your town. Would you be willing to help me set it up. For an, um, "adequate" salary, of course..."

"Oh boy, it's so nice to hear from ya, Mr. McDee!" Launchpad said happily, but sheepishly glanced over at Drake, who was grimacing up at him. Oof, he knew that look. DW was getting kinda antsy. Launchpad really hoped DW hadn't heard what Mr. McDee had said about Drake's "manners," or his temper would surely get a whole heck of a lot worse.

"Oh, so ya need some help, ya say? Well sure, I'd do just about anythin' to help my old boss!" The money Mr. McDee offered wasn't a whole lot, but Launchpad wasn't interested in dollar signs. He was glad to have the opportunity for a nice reunion, and smiled as he thought about this. He said his goodbyes, all nice and proper, and hung up the phone, whistling a bit to himself as he did so. This sounded like it would be fun!

But then immediately he noticed Drake still glaring up at him. Uh oh.

"Well?!"

He was in high spirits when he hung up. Firstly, he now had cheap help and secondly, he was honestly happy to see his old companion again.

Lost in thought he looked out of the window into the distance. A world exhibition... his thoughts were inspired by the idea. He thought of his old homeland but suddenly another, far away country came into his mind.

Would Italy also be represented? He hadn't heard anything from Magica for two days, he began to worry a little. But with the exhibition in front of his bow he would not have time to look after things. Sighing, he put the dime in his jacket pocket and set off for St Canard. At least he was given a ride. Not to be imagined if he had to pay Duckworth as well.

In her hut on Mt. Vesuvius, a certain vivacious witch, one Magica de Spell, was spending her day as she often did, with her cauldron boiling over an unnatural fire, her ingredients for new potions heaped in piles, ready to be stirred up (and hopefully, they wouldn't BLOW up), and her smoky gaze fixated on her crystal ball. Shining in its depths was the visage of the richest duck in the world, whose Number One Dime was the secret to finding true happiness, which was WEALTH, of course.

She had been thwarted many times by this cunning old duck--through no lack of trying on her part!--but she was ready to try to steal his precious coin once again. And based on what he was saying about this fair, it sounded like she'd have the perfect opportunity to try it. She'd join innocently as a merchant, he couldn't fault her for wanting to earn some cash! But then she'd be able to get close to him--err, the dime. She snapped her fingers, and a travel bag with her essentials was immediately ready, and hopping aboard her broom, she soared through the sky, heading straight for that old miser and what she wanted most.

Uncertain, Launchpad scratched his neck as he looked at Drake. His eyes said he was in trouble, but had no idea what he had done wrong? Should he not have given out the phone number? But Scrooge was an old friend. Someone with whom he had been through endless adventures.

"Um, that was my old boss, Mr. McDee... he asked me to help him out with stuff."

He couldn't imagine that his choice of words left much room for interpreation.

Stamping his foot as if the big idiot had been tying up their phone line for hours, Drake glared up at his big dummy of a sidekick. The big handso---errr...dopey pilot was talking about doing "stuff" for his old boss?! Drake's mind went immediately to flashes of Launchpad and the older duck meeting in a darkened room, maybe over a candlelight dinner...there'd be no illicit 'STUFF' like this happening on HIS watch!

"STUFF?! STUFF?! How DARE you think about leaving me---err, HERE, to go do 'STUFF' with that old man! I don't care if he WAS your old boss! I'm YER BOSS!!" Somehow, that felt wrong to say, though. 'Boss'...? Drake didn't really like the sound of that. Drake felt his face getting hot. But it was from RAGE!

Edited 2020-11-11 17:25 (UTC)

For a short moment something stirred in him. A feeling of dismay and hurt that he did not like at all. It hurt when Drake spoke to him as if he were an idiot. And he didn't understand what was bothering him.

But suddenly a light came on. Of course, Drake was afraid he would leave without him. He must have been a fan of the famous Scrooge McDuck and jealous that only he was invited. He laughed in a good-natured way and gave Drake a friendly tap on the shoulder that the latter seemed to be sinking a little into the ground.

"Oh, come on, DW. Of course you are allowed to help. You know, Mr McDee is quite famous. Like, really famous. That's why he's gonna represent Duckburg at the World's Fair, and we're honoured to be helping out." He threw a smile to Drake that came from deep inside of him. "Come on, we'll meet on location!"

With this he grabbed Drake by the wrist and pulled him along merrily. Glad he could get to the bottom of the problem. After all, nothing hurt him more than when Drake suffered.

Seemingly not fazed by his outburst, Launchpad clapped Drake on the shoulder, and Drake groaned, almost falling over. He wanted to cry out, Hey watch it! but thought better of it. He rubbed where the big idiot's hand had been on him. He really could be a little more tender, dammit.

Then he grimaced when the pilot started just GUSHING about how great "Mr. McDee" was, and how they'd both be helping him. Oh, brother. Like Drake wanted to do ANYTHING to help that annoying old miser. But then he thought, BOTH of us would help? As in, him and LP, t-together. Drake's heart gave a little flutter. Well, at least he'd be able to keep an eye on Launchpad then. Make sure that pernicious pennypincher didn't try to make off--or OUT--with HIS sidekick!

He let out a squeak when Launchpad grabbed his wrist, and they headed out the door. They got halfway to the fair when Drake remembered his tuna casserole, which was now probably burned to a crisp. Oh, shit. A destroyed oven cleanup later, and a quick favor asked of Binkie next door to look after Gosalyn in case they got home late tonight, a grumbling Drake and cheerful Launchpad left a second time to go see about "stuff" and helping "Mr. McDee."

Scrooge looked around the colourful hustle and bustle, and took a deep breath. He liked the vivacity of the place. A glance at the clock told him that he would have to wait a little longer for Launchpad, so he took the time to look around.

Scotland was indeed represented and he smiled in peaceful remembrance as he watched the Highland dancers. Then he walked on and soon found himself in a colourful bustle and good smells of pasta. He had found the Italian sector.

He could not stop his heart beating faster. In timid hope he looked around. Why, he could not explain himself.

Airy, crisp, and light, with a lovely hint of cinnamon. Magica smiled with satisfaction as she finished yet another batch of apple pies to sell by the slice at her fair booth. The fragrance alone had attracted quite a few customers, and she hadn't even needed to spike the pies with any sort of mind control potion. That's how good she was, she thought smugly to herself.

But despite her skill, the pies didn't matter. That wasn't the REAL reason she was here. Placing the pies on a side table to cool, she made to peek at her travel-size crystal ball, to check in on You-Know-Who...and his dime, of course. But no sooner than she peered into the marble-like depths, she saw Scrooge a bit too clearly. How was this possible?

But then she immediately realized: it was because he was standing right in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat.

Edited 2020-11-12 19:48 (UTC)

He had followed his nose and arrived at a stand selling Applepie. The pastry looked so good and smelled so delicious that he was actually considering spending money on it. He looked up from the display to see who the baker was.

The person at the stand had his back turned to him to place the pie pieces on a shelf. Nevertheless his heart made a leap. That raven black hair, the dress, though unfamiliar with an apron...

Suddenly the person turned to him and his suspicions were confirmed.

"Magica..."

The name came over his lips before he could prevent it. For a moment he stared at her as she, herself surprised, still stood in front of him with a plate in her hand.

But then his mind caught up with him and reminded him that she could only be here because she was after his dime. He took a step back, even though his innermost being pushed him closer to her.

He felt his cheeks turn red at the sight of her. Of course out of anger at her appearance!

Magica dropped the plate she was holding in her surprise. It was him, in the flesh! Her pulse picked up, racing in her ears. Her body tensed at the mere sight of him. It didn't matter if she had seen him once or a thousand times, each time her body had this intense reaction. Instinctively her feathers fluffed a bit, she was ready for a good...fight. She felt herself start to sweat.

But no! Even though she longed to dive over the table at him (to get his dime, of course), she smoothed her hair, as if she didn't have a care in the world.

"Oh, hello, Scroogey..." she murmured, half-mockingly through half-lidded eyes. She leaned over the table towards him, with confidence, but under the table, her legs were shaking with a strange nervousness. "Fancy some pie?" She said, twirling her hair, knowing this old miser wouldn't shell out a penny. But if she played her cards right, maybe he'd part with a DIME...

Involuntarily his eyes followed her fingers as they ran through her silky hair... of course he couldn't know if it was really silky, but it seemed so. He hated himself for thinking about it.

As she bent over, Scrooge had a good view of her cleavage. Ashamed, he lowered his eyes. He had to pull himself together. Somehow, the Witch managed to throw him off his game each time.

"What brings you to St Canard of all places?" He asked, though it was quite obvious.

Not uninterested he glanced at the offered pie. It smelled really delicious. "Why should I pay for something you made with your magic? Apart from the fact that you probably want to poison me to get my dime."

His eyes darkened, he wasn't jealous of a coin... "Forget it!" he growled.

The flick of his eyes over her body wasn't unnoticed, and Magica shivered with pleasure that even in a split moment, she'd caught his attention. She leaned further forward, pressing her arms in slightly to give her chest even more of a boost. The more distracting she could be, the better chance she had.

"I've come here to sell my wares of course," she said, but she knew he knew that already. "And don't worry, not a drop of poison to be found in this pie!" She took a piece of the pie, and stuck it in her mouth, licking her fingers slowly. The burn of his eyes on her was making her cheeks feel hot. No, the plan wasn't for HER to get distracted! Focus, she told herself. Who's the powerful witch around here?! She certainly doesn't cave to anybody, no matter how amazingly handsome she finds him as he glares at her over a piece of pie...

"See? No tricks!" Magica then cut a morsel for her wealthy patron, and offered it to him gently on a fork. "You can have a free sample," she hummed, waving the fork towards him. "Can't say no to free, right Scroogey?" He (and his dime, always remember the dime, Magica! she thought) was so close...but so far. She leaned closer, dangling it near him, hoping he'd come over here and take a little bite...

Scrooge was a reasonable man. He had gone far because he was always smarter than others, but at that moment he himself doubted it. He forced himself to look first at the piece of pie offered, and then into her eyes. She was right, he had never refused when the word "free" came up.

And these seductively sweet lips...

Pies!

Besides, he had always been able to rely on her when she promised something. Hesitantly he approached her, keeping a close eye on her, which was not difficult for him as he could hardly turn his eyes away from her.

His cheeks turned red as he ate the offered piece from the fork she herself had just tasted. But as soon as he tasted the pastry, his embarrassment and his doubts disappeared.

"Hmmm..." he rejoiced as he licked his lips. Then he beamed straight at her. "That was really delicious! And without any magic? I am truly impressed!"

Now without constraint he came even closer to her and leaned on the table. Talking to Magica was always liberating. He didn't need to pretend in front of her.

Gently he smiled at her, glad that this time their encounter did not turn into a fight.

"HEY, Mr McDee!"

Launchpad, who had joyfully wandered through the colourful hustle and bustle like a child, had suddenly discovered his old boss at a stand. At first sight he didn't notice with whom he was speaking.

Joyfully he walked up to him and greeted him with a bear hug.

He made a dissipating gesture. "This is my partner Drake. I thought the more hands the better, right?"

He rejoiced that two of his most important people had finally met. Then he spotted the display. "Oh, Pie. Awesome!" Immediately he reached out and devoured a whole piece at once.

Drake was about to complain that Launchpad was pulling on his hand too hard, when suddenly he wasn't holding his hand anymore. Launchpad was embracing that infamous miser Scrooge McDuck so tight and close Drake felt his stomach clenching up. What the hell? Why didn't LP ever give HIM hugs like this? Not that he wanted that kind of mushy crap from his sidekick, but this old geezer wasn't even in Launchpad's life ANYMORE!

Then his heart about stopped when Launchpad described him as his "partner." "Wh-wh-what?" He croaked out, shocked so hard he felt his feathers tingling. Then a small voice in his head reminded him, surely Launchpad meant CRIMEFIGHTING partner, but the big lug left out that part, thankfully, since then he'd have to explain about Drake's superhero identity. He didn't, COULDN'T mean "partner" any other way. Whew, the sun was hot today! Drake felt nervous and his face felt too warm. He could only stare dazedly at Scrooge and the lady in black standing behind him, who looked strangely familiar.

The rumble of Scrooge's voice as he hummed appreciatively over her pie had Magica's head in the clouds. All she could see was his eyes, all she could hear was his voice. Often she heard it raised at her while they fought, but now it was in a soothing context, which she couldn't deny felt even better to hear.

What dime?

Then all of a sudden, the big, affable simpleton Launchpad McQuack who used to fly Scrooge around appeared, and hugged him close. Magica felt intense annoyance at this little impromptu reunion. She wanted to yell, back off!!

But she saw that she wasn't the only one who wasn't so pleased with it: behind the big pilot, there was a nerdy-looking dad-type duck who looked like he'd been shot. Launchpad had explained this guy, Drake, was his partner. Oh, no wonder he was annoyed and shocked, then. Jealous, much? Maybe he was one of those high-maintenance, overly clingy types. She didn't particularly like how he was creepily staring at her and Scrooge. Take a picture, it'll last longer, you idiot, she thought.

But her eyes quickly reverted back to what--no, WHO--really mattered, Scroogey...Wait, that's not right. It's the DIME that matters, Magica, she reminded herself, leaning over the table, gazing at the trio in front of her, but mostly at a certain handsome Scottish duck.

Edited 2020-11-17 21:40 (UTC)

He was just thinking about inviting Magica to accompany him for a while, to make peace for today. If it was possible for her to leave the stand. He gathered up all his courage, her sight made him nervous every time he could not lose himself in battle.

But the moment he opened his beak he was suddenly grabbed and sank into the broad arms of his former pilot. He did not even have the air to be startled. Wobbling, he leaned on his stick to regain his balance after LP released him with a big smile. But he couldn't help smiling back.

Of course he would have liked to be alone with Magica for a little longer... On closer inspection the two of them had shown up just in time...

"Hello, Launchpad, it's good to see you too." Scrooge patted his arm in a friendly manner for he could not reach higher. He flinched as he watched Magica's exquisite pies being devoured. To avoid having to watch this sacrilege, he turned to Launchpads "Partner".

Scrooge raised one eyebrow. So this was the young man with no manners on the phone. Yet he gave him a polite gesture of hand, he HAD manners after all. "We have had the pleasure of speaking on the telephone, Scrooge McDuck is my name."His handshake was firm as a vice, not out of malice, but as a result of many years' hard work.

He turned back to Magica, and without realising it, his eyes became warmer."This is Magica de Spell, the baker of these delicacies that Launchpad is devouring and also a long time, uhm... friend..."
There sounded regret in his voice.

Drake had just been staring, dumbstruck, as he watched Launchpad, HIS sidekick, embrace the rich old duck. Then, while LP was stuffing his face full of that lady's pies, he found himself shaking hands with THE Scrooge McDuck. His grip was strong, professional. Drake could sense that many lucrative deals had been made with such a charismatic handshake. Well, Drake wouldn't be outdone! He gripped his hand back, and shook it up and down, a bit wildly. Drake wasn't nervous! Not in front of the richest duck in the world. Oh, shit...who was he kidding?

"Err, I'm D-Drake Mallard. Nice to meet you, s-sir!" Oof. He sounded like an idiot, and the stupid way he did the handshake didn't help either. He blushed deeply as he looked at Scrooge, hoping to God that witchy-looking lady and more importantly, LAUNCHPAD, didn't notice him floundering like a big dummy.

Then he noticed he was STILL holding Scrooge's hand. He snatched his own away, quickly. Way to bungle your first face-to-face meeting with this guy, Mallard, he thought ruefully. He needed to show LP that HE was better than this damned geezer!!

His face still felt hot with embarrassment as Scrooge introduced the lady behind the counter as Magica de Spell. The rich, powerful duck sounded suddenly wistful as he introduced her as a "friend." Huh, the way his body language instantly changed when he mentioned her made it seem like "friend" was a massive understatement. Hmm, what was going on here...?

Edited 2020-11-17 22:43 (UTC)

He had to pull himself together not to roll his eyes when Drake refused to let go of his hand. At least he seemed to appreciate who he had before him.

But when he introduced Magica, he noticed how red the other's cheeks were, how nervous he seemed. Instinctively, he stood protectively in front of her. Not that this young man dared to touch her as well.

What had Launchpad got himself into, rude on the phone, clumsy and staring at his Magica. He gave Launchpad an imploring look.

Satisfied he ate another pie while his two friends introduced themselves. He had recognised the baker immediately, as she had been an almost daily visitor when he was still in MrMcDee's service. He noticed very well how Drake stammered around and turned red.

Launchpad smiled inside, the red cheeks and the trembling voice were so cute. Drake had no reason to be intimidated, but he was a little grateful for the sight. His heart tightened a little as he thought Drake would never look at him that way.

But he soon realised that his former boss was misinterpreting Drake's behaviour. Uh-oh, it was not healthy to make an enemy of Scrooge. He caught Scrooge's gaze, surprised to find that he seemed more seeking help than stern. He smiled gently and nodded.

Before Drake could say or do anything else stupid, he had put his arm around him and held a piece of pie in front of his nose. "Here, you must try this!"

Then he paid for the pie and rubbed his hands "Well, shall we get started?" Gently, he began to push Drake away from the stand. Away from the witch and into safety.

Not that in this particular case Magica was the danger... well, not only.

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DrakePad/Dimeshipping - The story of bullheads and idiots

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