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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Scrooge gave LP a grateful look. Then he turned briefly to Magica again. "Yes, I think we should start too. We must pull up the stage. I'm supposed to give a speech about Duckburg before the mayor takes over."

He hated himself for stumbling around so clumsily. Now that the other two were there, he lacked the courage to invite Magica. It would be weird, wouldn't it? Besides, she would never agree. Shyly, he smiled at her.

"Maybe you can save me a piece... I'll pay!" He felt his cheeks turning red again. Quickly he turned around. "Well... until then..." One last longing gaze and he followed the other two.

He was an old fool. Every time Magica didn't attack him immediately, he felt this connection to her. He shook his head. It's just a trick of hers, always just a trick...

There was a quick exchange of looks between Launchpad and Scrooge. Wh-what the hell? What did all that mean? But before he could react, Drake felt a big muscular arm around him, and a slice of pie in front of his beak, the big pilot telling him to try it.

Eat? Eat now? How could he eat at a time like this? His head felt like it was spinning.

Relax, Drake, he tried to tell himself. Why are you getting all flustered over every little thing like this? It's not like Launchpad hasn't t-t-touched you before...hell, he was dragging you around earlier too! It's not like you were blushing when you were h-holding h-hands...Shit. Well, that was a lie, because Drake knew he had been then, too. Well, it was hot today, so, chalk it up to that. Sunstroke.

He barely noticed as he was gently pushed away from Scrooge and Magica. He couldn't even feel the ground beneath his feet, he could only focus on his big, doofy pilot's firm but gentle touch, a marked improvement from when the big dummy was holding his hand, dragging him everywhere, never letting him go...

Wait, that came out wrong, he thought. My brain's so addled right now, it really MUST really be sunstroke!

After shaking hands with the clumsy dolt in the silly sweater vest, Scrooge had stepped in front of her, as if he was guarding her from his idiocy, and she felt her heart swell. He shared a glance with his former pilot, and Launchpad managed to drag his silly cohort away.

She sighed happily in relief. Maybe now she could focus on her mission: get Scroogey alone...so she could get his dime, of course. She was a witch on a mission, after all.

But then she was lost in his eyes as he smiled at her, telling her to save him a piece of pie, and she was startled when he said he'd even PAY for it. This was something truly amazing! Her heart was thudding. Could he be serious? M-maybe she could leave the dime snatching for another day, maybe? If we could just stay like this, for a little longer...

As soon as this wistful thought entered her mind, he was heading off after the other two. Why is there always this coming and going? She felt a flash of indignation. You know what? I'm going to follow them too! No reason why this witch shouldn't tag along.

With a snap of her fingers, her shop folded in on itself, and with a shimmering flash of sparkles, fit neatly inside her purse. A slice of pie remained. "FREE PIE!" She exclaimed, paying attention to only a certain rich Scottish duck's tail feathers disappearing into the crowd, and without looking, quickly thrust it into a passerby's chest, getting them splattered with apple and cinnamon. Darting here and there, hiding behind strangers, banners and other obstacles, she tracked him (and the dime) like a hound.

He looked back over his shoulder as he continued to lead Drake away. He could almost feel the longing in Scrooge's eyes. Probably because it seemed so familiar to him. To desire someone who was so close to you, but who probably felt nothing for you...

But feelings could not be determined. Drake could not help it that he wanted to be more than just his sidekick. Without noticing it his grip on Drake's shoulders became a little tighter. One of the few innocent touches he was allowed to make without being noticed. He was glad when the old drake had caught up with them. When he started having these thoughts it was not good to be alone with Drake.

He smiled cheerfully at Scrooge. "For a witch, she's very good at baking, and she seems nice when she's not trying to steal your dime!" Right, for himself there might be no hope. But Scrooge should not give it up yet. Launchpad had not escaped the way Magica had looked at his old boss. Not just today, but from day one. Scrooge was only too blind to realise it.

Again he envied him for the luck of the opportunity. When they arrived at the place where the stage for Duckburg was being built, he finally left Drake and rushed into work to take his mind off things.

But meanwhile his eyes always found their way back to him. He liked his concentrated look at work, almost as if they were on patrol at night.

He sighed longingly.

Scrooge knew it was important to concentrate now. After all, he was representing Duckburg. But he couldn't help thinking about Magica. How she leaned over to him, her smile, how the sun caught in her hair, her black eyes in which he wanted to sink endlessly.

Distracted as he was, he was much more clumsy than usual. He dropped things and hurt his arm out of carelessness. Grumpy he retreated for a moment to bandage it. He had to pull himself together. He usually managed so well to immerse himself in his work and forget her. But not today. Anyway, every day made it harder for him.

Nevertheless he appeared on stage as always. With a firm voice and enthusiasm he praised the advantages of his city. Its arts and artists, inventors and other people and values that made Duckburg something special.

His eyes, however, glided incessantly over the crowd. Maybe, just maybe she had come after all...

He could not understand his own words because his heart was beating so loud with longing.

Flitting in and out between the thick throng of the crowd, Magica stopped at a moderate distance from the stage. Surely here she wouldn't be spotted too easily, but it would still give her a chance to see what her...err, the rich old duck was up to. It seemed he was finishing setting up something or other, speaking to others, but his demeanor seemed out of sorts. Like he was distracted. But by what...? Surely not...because of me...?

She shook her head. She was the trickster, not the one to be tricked! But it didn't feel like one of those types of days. It was further evident when she saw how Scrooge injured himself readying the event. He WAS out of sorts! She winced when she saw his bandaged arm, and instinctively reached into her purse for a healing tonic. W-wait, what am I doing? She put it back, but her fingers remained on the potion, still ready to administer it at a moment's notice.

Then, as she heard him in his strong voice address the crowd, she could hear that perfect rumble of his voice, but the words praising this city meant nothing to her. If only he would say her name instead, that would be much different...

His eyes swept over the crowd, and soon it was like she was the only one there. He saw her, and she saw him. She shivered, despite the heat of the day.

"Scrooge..." she whispered.

Wow, Launchpad's hands were massive. Normally Drake might have been irritated that the big idiot was pushing and pulling him all over the place--and so EASILY, too!--, but right now all he could focus on was the grip of those giant hands squeezing his shoulders as they walked towards where it seemed they'd be helping Mr. McDuck today. It was almost like a...massage? W-was he allowed to think that? His face went as red as a tomato.

His face felt even hotter, with something akin to fury, when Scrooge appeared in front of them again and Drake saw how Launchpad was so friendly towards him, chatting him up about that witch woman. Not only was he being too chummy with Scrooge, LP seemed too knowledgeable about the witch, too! What was with that comment? 'She seems nice?' Drake clenched his jaw. How great, he thought angrily. LP was WAAAAY too friendly with these people! He only needs to be friendly with ME, his HERO and his...b-boss!

But before he could give the big lug a piece of his mind, LP left and started working on this and that, away from Drake. But at least he was also AWAY from that Mr. McDuck and that witch too! But that didn't mean this mallard was any less peeved at this whole situation. Grr....

Miffed, he went about his work helping set up the event, pouring his restless energy into making things look good. He stepped on a few tacks and hammered his fingers more than once, but he got the job done, even as a few angry tears welled up in his eyes. Occasionally, he'd give a sidelong glance at Launchpad, who was as resolute in his work as ever, his true blue sidekick. Way over there working up a sweat, strong, capable...sexy...

W-WHAT?? The last word rung in his mind, and in his shock at his own subconscious, he banged the hammer down on his fingers again. "OWWWWWW!" He yelped.

He turned around when he heard the loud cry of Drake. He let him out of his eyes for a second and he promptly hurt himself.

Immediately he was at his side. "What happened?" But the question was unnecessary when he saw the hammer and how Drake held his finger. Good-naturedly, he shook his head. "Let me see."

"Oh, i-it's nothing," Drake muttered, flushing and feeling lightheaded from the attention, but despite his words he held his finger out for the pilot to inspect anyway. "Y-you didn't have to come all the way over here."

He laughed heartily. "No problem, DWD." Here, where nobody could hear them, he could use the nickname. "I know my way around, after all, I've crash-landed a few times." He laughed again and took Drake's hand in his. "Doesn't look so bad. We'll cool it off and the pain should go away soon."

He hardly noticed it himself, but he gently stroked Drake's hand with his thumb before releasing it to get some ice.

Drake stared down at where Launchpad was holding his hand. LP hadn't even gotten the ice yet and it was feeling better already. D-did he imagine it, or did LP just give him a small caress on the hand?! His heart was going a mile a minute. Launchpad had already gone to get the ice when he whispered, "T-thanks, LP..."

Scrooge was glad when his speech was finally finished and he was allowed to leave the stage. A little way off, he leaned against a post and breathed deeply. He held his arm, which still hurt. But greater than the physical pain was the longing.

He would go back to the pie stand right now.

Seeing Scrooge hold his arm like that, clearly in pain, she decided to drop out of hiding. She shoved some random strangers out of the way, and stepped quickly in front of Scrooge.

She felt a flash of anger at her handsome rival. "How is it that the strong, always victorious Scrooge McDuck is letting himself get hurt like this?" She stuck her hand into her bag, and pulled out a mysterious bottle.

He flinched when she suddenly stood before him. On one hand his heart skipped with joy but on the other he realised that his feelings were one-sided and Magica saw her chance to attack him. Suspiciously, he gazed at the bottle in her hand.

But the worst thing was the disappointment, how he would have liked them to spend the day peacefully.

"Magica...please..."

He could not prevent his words from sounding imploring. How low had he sunk? How stupid was he?

He sounded so downtrodden. Did he think she was going to attack? She gripped the bottle, disturbed at how distressed he seemed.

"Oh, this. No, Scrooge, y-you misunderstand me. This can help. Let me put a bit on your injured arm." She gently moved closer, showing him the bottle. "I promise, no tricks. Not today. I want our fights to be on even footing. I cannot relish a battle won when my rival is injured before our fight even begins!" Her look softened, and she smiled at him.

"You promise?" He looked deep into her eyes. Never before had she broken her word. He felt he could trust her and her words made sense. She was no one who enjoyed a given victory any more than he did.

Without taking his eyes off her, he took off his jacket and presented his arm. The wound looked worse than he had thought. In his sense of duty he had not paid much attention to the injury. That explained the pain.

Magica blushed under his gaze. He understood that she would not attack him in a state like this. She wanted to win fair and square, after all.

She turned to his injured arm and gasped at the sight of it. "No wonder you are in such pain!" She exclaimed, and quickly uncorked the bottle. She dabbed out several large drops over the wound, and conjuring a clean cloth, she massaged the ointment very gently. She could feel his strong muscle, taut and hot under the cloth. She kept rubbing.

He felt the tincture take effect immediately but he especially felt her touch. Never before had she been so gentle and tender to him.

When she had finished, he moved his arm back and forth to test it. It was like new.

He raised his head to look at her and suddenly their faces were so close that their beaks almost touched. Blood shot into his cheeks. For a moment he could not move. His gaze glided from her lips to her eyes. Then he cleared his throat and quickly took a step back. "Thank you..."

May the earth open up so that he could sink into it.

He had been able to find the ice he needed at a drinks stand. By the time he was on his way back, Scrooge's speech was already over, and he saw him standing a little aside. But Scrooge was not alone. For a moment, Launchpad watched as Magica tended to Scrooge's wound.

Then he sneaked past quickly and up to Drake. He felt a slight jealousy rise within him. The witch had courage, which he himself lacked. When Drake came back into his field of vision, he stopped for a moment. His heart was beating fast as he saw him look at his finger with a trodden face. So indescribably cute.

Launchpad knew himself that his injury was not serious. But he didn't miss the opportunity to touch him unobtrusively. Courageously he stepped towards the other. "So, in the twinkling of an eye your finger will be fine!" He purred and carefully pressed the ice cube on Drakes thumb. He had to keep his head down, otherwise Drake would have noticed his red cheeks.

His hand was so delicate and fragile in his, he wanted to protect this man even though he knew it was not necessary.

Scrooge's arm was all better now, as she knew it would be. That potion in particular was a good one, that she saved for such an occasion. Magica's heart caught in her throat when their beaks nearly brushed. She couldn't dare to hope for something like...a kiss...

Magica felt saddened when he took a step back, away from her. It was to be expected from her longtime enemy, she thought, a bit bitterly. But the way he said thank you made her hope that they could be something more.

"Y-you're welcome, Scroogey..." she said, and even she was startled at the gentleness in her voice.

Before long, LP had reappeared, and as always, he was helping him. A little shyly, Drake bit his lip as Launchpad tended to his not-so-serious wound. Why did his heart soar so much when the big pilot gave him attention? Launchpad wasn't looking directly at him, so Drake allowed himself to smile warmly at his sidekick. He didn't want to admit it, but he wished LP would hold his hand like this more often. He could get used to it.

Her voice suddenly sounded so gentle. Was he allowed to hope a little after all? Carefully he reached out his hand. To his annoyance he noticed that it trembled slightly but he had to be brave now. He took Magica's hand in his and led it timidly to his lips. Then he looked deep into her eyes again.

"May I invite you to the feast as a token of my gratitude and later to dinner?" His cheeks glowed red but he kept looking into her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll pay for it myself." He added with a mischievous smile and winked.

Scrooge was holding her hand up to his lips! Her heart fluttered at the sight, but she faltered. Somewhere in her mind an irritating voice reminded her, Well, he is a gentleman, so this is just typical behavior for how he treats a lady guest. You're not special to him.

But she wanted to ignore the voice, for tonight. What was the harm in having a little fun with her old rival, anyway? "Oh, I would be delighted to join you," she said, eyelashes fluttering at him. "I can't pass up the opportunity to see THE Scrooge McDuck pay for something, can I?"

Though her heart was racing, she winked right back.

"Don't get used to it..." He offered her his arm. "I only make exceptions like that in very special cases."

His smile spoke volumes about how she was such a special case. He was deeply satisfied when he set off with her, everything else around him was forgotten.

He couldn't let go of Drake's hand even though the ice had completely melted. Holding him just felt too right. He glanced around in a slight panic without accidentally looking Drake in the eyes.

Then he spotted his former boss as he walked across the square, arm in arm with the witch, seemingly oblivious to everything. He had a bit of a guilty conscience, because he could see how happy Scrooge looked. But he saw no other way out for himself. In a loud voice he called him.

"Hey, Mr McDee, wait for us!" He jumped up from where he had kneeled before Drake and waved enthusiastically. "Come on, Drake, let's go see the festival!" In the crowd and in company, his loud beating heart would not be so audible.

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DrakePad/Dimeshipping - The story of bullheads and idiots

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