()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

5 Months Earlier

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"Can you believe it!? This place is officially our new home!" Fenton's voice echoed into the currently empty living room of their new apartment. He stood in the middle of the room, visions of where he wanted to place furniture already running through his mind. At his feet were boxes of their belongings that they were slowly starting to bring in. "Once the movers get here, we can have them set the couch right here since that wall there would be perfect for a television!"

Gyro walked into the apartment, closing the door behind him. He shook his head, though there was a small smile on his beak. "Yes, dummy, it's ours now." The nickname was said fondly; without a hint of insult. "And yes, we can put the television there."

"A dummy I may be, but no bigger of a dummy than you are!" Fenton teased back. He glanced back at Gyro over his shoulder. "At least I'm not the one who tried watering our succulents with coffee."

Gyro closed his eyes as he recalled the memory. "Ahh, yes. I believe I was on my 30th cup of coffee and on my 60th hour of no sleep. Not the longest I've gone without sleep, though you'll have to forgive me for thinking the cup was water and not coffee."

Fenton leaned down and opened one of the few boxes they'd brought in. He lifted a pillow out and hummed when he saw that the box was filled with bed sheets and comforters. He set the pillow back inside and shut the box, moving onto the next one. "You really need to stop working such long hours!" he chastised. "It's not healthy! I hate leaving you alone in the lab at night!"

Deciding to change the subject, Gyro asked, "Your mother is stopping by sometime this afternoon, right?"

Peering inside another box they had brought up themselves, Fenton replied, "Yeah, once her shift is over." Fenton paused, his face looking crestfallen.

"What's wrong?"

"She may not be in a very good mood when she gets here" came the quiet admittance.

Gyro shrugged, still lingering near the front door. He knew the movers were due to be there any minute. Fenton had been the one present to help the movers load everything into the truck. Gyro had insisted on working at the lab for a few hours to get some of their smaller projects finished and cleaned up before they worked on moving in. They had agreed that Fenton would oversee the packing and then Gyro would be there to help with the unpacking and helping decide where everything should be set once it all arrived.

"I have that affect on her." He snorted at his own words. "Hell, I have that affect on most people."

Fenton sighed. "It's not just you. She'll have just gotten off a long morning shift. Not to mention, Ma'ma is...not happy about me moving out."

Gyro observed his beloved quietly for a moment. "Not happy you're moving out? Or...not happy you're moving out to live with me?" asked Gyro quietly for clarification; though he was sure he already knew the answer.

Fenton turned to him, a sad smile on his face. "Ma'ma likes you." Gyro rolled his eyes. "She does! She's just...very protective!"

Gyro leaned against the wall next to the front door and crossed his arms. "So, I shouldn't take her death threats seriously? I, for one, don't like the idea of being literally stabbed in the back, thank you."

Fenton laughed nervously and shook his head. "Ma'ma wouldn't do that!"

Gyro raised his eyebrows as he stared at him skeptically.

Fenton frowned. "Did she seriously threaten to do that to you!?"

Gyro nodded.

"When!?"

"The first night you brought me home for dinner. You went to the bathroom. As I was trying to finish eating her homemade enchiladas, she grabbed me by the collar and threatened that if I broke your heart or hurt you in any way, shape, or form, she would be sure that a knife ended up in my back." He leaned heavier on the wall, his long legs stretched out at an angle that seemed to barely be holding him up.

Fenton sighed and muttered something in Spanish. "Listen. I know you won't hurt me, okay? I think she knows it too, she just...doesn't want to admit it. I'm sorry she threatened you. That's just her way." He smiled, hating the idea of being sad when they had so much to be excited about and look forward to. "Let's talk about something happy, okay?" He spun around so he could look around at the apartment. He spread his arms out in emphasis. "Like how great it's going to be to live here!"

As Fenton was busy admiring the living room, Gyro walked up from behind him, his arms wrapping around the shorter scientist's waist. Fenton squeaked quietly as Gyro's chest came to rest against his back and Gyro's chin rested on Fenton's head feathers.

"You're pouting" accused Fenton playfully.

Gyro was in fact pouting, though he wasn't about to admit that out loud. "Am not."

"You are" argued Fenton. He rested his hands over Gyro's, both of which were resting on his stomach. "I don't even have to see your face, I just know you're pouting."

"I don't pout" insisted Gyro. "I'm not some unhappy toddler." There was a pause before he quietly added, "I sulk and glare at the world."

Fenton closed his eyes and raised his chin up, leaning his weight into his taller boyfriend. He knew Gyro would be able to hold his weight. He looked like a strong wind could blow him over, but Gyro was stronger than he looked. "It's the same thing. So, tell me. What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong."

"Then why are you pouting?"

"I'm not-" He began to argue back but stopped himself. He sighed.

Fenton frowned and turned in Gyro's arms so that they were facing one another. Fenton raised his hands to cup his older boyfriend's face. "What's wrong, mi gallo?"

Gyro had turned his head away, refusing to look at the other duck. "Are you sure you want to move in with me? I know your stuff is already here, but you could still back out if you want to."

Fenton gave him a sad loving smile as he stroked his cheek. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life." He turned Gyro's head back to him and kissed him firmly, trying to leave no room for questions on his feelings for the taller man.

They broke apart to take a few breaths before they met each other halfway, both standing there, both swaying slowly and lazily back and forth with their hips; their chests pressed against one another. Their kisses were slow and soft.

Gyro opened his beak to say something when a knock came at the door. He reluctantly pulled himself away from Fenton and opened their front door. He was greeted with a burly owl in a worker's uniform. "The name's Owler. You're not the same guy as before. This the address for Gearloose and Cabrera?" asked the man gruffly. He must have meant Fenton, since Fenton had already met the movers, unlike Gyro.

Frowning at the man as though he was a bug on his shoe, Gyro nodded. "It is. You're with the moving company." It wasn't a question. "Just tell me where to sign and I'll have you lot start carting things in. Just begin moving the furniture into the living room. I'm hoping you're capable of that much with minimal supervision."

Owler glared at Gyro as he handed him a clipboard, which Gyro snatched from him and signed the bottom; finalizing the moving fees. Wordlessly, the clipboard was handed back and the owl turned and left.

Fenton, who had taken the box of blankets and sheets into the bedroom, shook his head with a fond smile. "Why must you be so cold, mi gallo? You don't even know the guy."

Gyro, who was still glaring at the open doorway where the man had just been, replied sharply, "Exactly. I don't know him. Meaning I don't trust him." His expression only darkened when another shorter owl appeared at the doorway carrying Fenton's bedside table. He stepped out of the man's way but looked extremely put off by having to put in just that much effort, as though it was the stranger's fault he was in the way.

"Where do you want this?" asked the shorter owl.

Seeing that it was something of his, Fenton answered. "Oh! Hey guys! Um, that can go...in the bedroom. For now. Right, Gyro?" His eyes sought out his grumpy lover for confirmation.

Gyro didn't reply right away, too busy crossing his arms and skeptically watching Owler come back in with a larger dresser with the aid of a third mover. "That's fine. Your bedside table is far sturdier than mine."

Fenton smiled and mumbled directions to the bedroom for the movers.

"Knock knock" came a familiar accented voice from the doorway at the same time they heard a cane knocking on the wooden doorway.

Gyro turned to the door once more and his eyes widened at the sight of Scrooge McDuck standing there. "Mr. McDuck! What are you doing here!?"

Scrooge smirked up at his head scientist and nodded. "Hello to you too, Gyro!"

"Oh, greetings Mr. McDuck!" Fenton voice called over from where he had just stepped out of the bedroom along with one of the movers.

Scrooge took a moment to reply, as he had to get out of the way as the first mover and another guy carried in their couch. Scrooge looked over to Fenton. "Hello, Dr. Cabrera! Huey informed me that today was yer movin' day! Seems like they just got started, eh?

"Unfortunately" grumbled Gyro, receiving a glare from Owler as he walked back out into the hallway.

"Oh, just call me Fenton, please, sir!" chuckled Fenton. "Still getting used to being called by my new title!"

Placing his cane in front of him and leaning in front of it, Scrooge cleared his throat and said, "Well, you lads are certainly busy, so I'll get straight t'the point. The date fer the Science Gala has been announced. It shall be May 16th. I hope that gives yeh plenty of time t'get yer projects together!"

Gyro hummed in thought as he placed a hand under his chin. "Hmmm...I suppose that's a reasonable deadline..." he muttered. Louder he said more confidently, "Of course, give us any deadline! With MY superior intellect I would still manage to come up with something ingenious in that span of time!"

Owler walked by as he said these words and scoffed loudly.

Gyro's eyes widened as he gasped loudly and dramatically in indignation. "Are you mocking me!?" When Owler simply kept walking by and doing his job without a reply, Gyro's eyes sought out his beloved in his moment of shock. Fenton's eyes met his. "He's mocking me!"

Fenton gave him a sympathetic smile."I'm sure he isn't. He probably just remembered a silly joke in his head. Bad timing, is all." He stepped over to stand next to Gyro, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend's waist in comfort. Gyro rested his chin on Fenton's head and scowled, pulling Fenton closer to him.

"Ahh, t'have such a fragile ego" mused Scrooge teasingly.

Gyro simply grumbled under his breath.

The other two movers were now heading out the door and they both looked Gyro up and down shaking their heads before leaving. This only angered Gyro further. He raised his head to watch them walk out the door and stomped his foot down in fury. He could feel Fenton's arms hold him tighter. "I will not stand for this! I am Gyro Gearloose! I am this world's greatest mind! I deserve RESPECT!" He stomped his foot down once more, causing his glasses to become askew on his beak.

Fenton let him go so that he could reach up and fix his glasses. The shorter duck was whispering soothing words in both English and Spanish in hopes to calm him down. Gyro understood some of the Spanish, though only in broken pieces as he was still learning the language. He knew enough to get the general idea.

Scrooge, meanwhile, was still standing across from them, taking it all in with a bemused smile on his beak.

"If this is the way you're going to treat me, I'll dock your pay!" threatened Gyro. "I won't pay the full amount you've asked for! That'll show you!"

Fenton cleared his throat. "We already paid them in advance."

Gyro blinked at this revelation. He had literally just finished paying them by signing the final paperwork when they arrived. After a moment he turned and yelled down the hallway, "Fine, then! We may have already paid you-But I work for Scrooge McDuck! The richest duck in the world! He'll make your lives MISERABLE!"

Scrooge rolled his eyes. "I donnae know how many times I've had t'tell yeh not t'use me t'threaten people." He still didn't seem at all affected by Gyro's behavior.

Fenton sighed. "You realize they're literally carrying our belongings. Don't piss them off, otherwise we'll find our stuff either missing or broken."

"Why did we even pay them in advance!?" demanded Gyro.

"That was your idea, actually. You said you just wanted it to be done and over with as soon as possible" replied Fenton.

Gyro groaned as his shoulders sagged as he recalled the memory of that conversation.

Scrooge cleared his throat. "Ahem, if I may take a moment of yer time, lads. I did come hear fer more than t'listen to Gyro's threats." This earned him a scowl from Gyro and a chuckle from Fenton. "As yeh are aware, the Science Gala will be simply that: a Gala. Yer jobs will obviously be for the science presentations that will be shown, yet I'm afraid ye'll also have t'be a part of the Gala itself. Meaning-"

"Suit and ties" groaned Gyro.

Scrooge nodded. "Precisely. I trust yeh lads will be able t'get proper attire."

Instead of answering, Fenton asked a question. "So, exactly who all will be presenting in the Gala, ? You have Gyro and me both showing off some of our latest projects and greater achievements, but who all else is going to be there? Surely not just us."

Scrooge shrugged. "Mainly some other smaller subsidiaries of me Industries. Yet there will also be some foreign faces from some of my affliates outside of Duckburg and the outside the States. Of course, Glomgold has weaseled himself on the list."

Gyro rolled his eyes. "He doesn't even HAVE a science department."

Scrooge clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Aye. I know. That's the board of directors for yeh. Eh, well. What harm could he do expect further makin' himself out t'be an idiot."

As they were speaking, the movers had continued to bring more and more of their stuff into the apartment. Fenton was quietly guiding them on where to put things, trying his best to also listen. Gyro could hear his beloved quietly speak apologies to the movers in an obvious attempt to appease them and to prevent any damage to their belongings.

Gyro was resolute on ignoring the movers altogether now.

Scrooge was still speaking when he was suddenly interrupted. "Oh! We will also be seein' Mar-"

"MARK BEAKS, BABY!"

All three of them jumped at the sudden shout. The movers jumped as well, giving wary glances their way before continuing with their work.

Mark stood there in the doorway in his usual dress pants and blue hoodie, his talon feet resting on one of his hands-free scooters. "Ha ha! I heard you talkin' about me, ol' McDollars! Talkin' about the ol' Science Gala, huh?" His eyes scanned the room, searching for one person and one person only, until his eyes landed on Fenton. His smile and expression softened as his eyes lit with excitement. "Hey boo!"

Fenton's eyes had widened the moment he saw Mark at the door. He quickly darted over so that he was hiding behind Gyro, who was none too happy to see his rival. If Gyro had been in a bad mood before; he was in a positively rotten one now.

"Excuse me, but just what do you think you're doing here, Beaks?" he asked briskly and coldly. "I can assure you: you are far from welcome here!"

"Pfft! Of COURSE I'm welcome here!" scoffed Mark as he tried peering around Gyro's tall slim form to better see Fenton. "My boo lives here! Why wouldn't I be welcome!?" He scowled up at Gyro when the chicken continued to block his view of Fenton, who continued to hide behind his boyfriend.

Fenton's face was hiding in the back of Gyro's vest."Leave me alone, Beaks!" snapped Fenton from his hiding spot. "I didn't invite you here and you know it!"

Mark tried side stepping Gyro to get to Fenton, but Gyro wasn't having it. "You heard him. Scram!"

"Why don't you let FENTON speak for himself!" snarled Mark.

Both Fenton and Gyro argued back at the same time.

"He IS speaking for himself!"

"I AM speaking for myself!"

Shoulders slumping in disappointment, Mark's gaze turned down to try to peer around Gyro's left shoulder where he knew Fenton's head was. "Oh, come on, Gizzy! Don't be like this! I thought for sure you'd be happy to see me!"

With a frustrated grumble, Fenton stepped back from Gyro and allowed himself to be seen by the parrot, his face set in a deep uncharacteristic scowl. He ignored the sickening feeling he felt in his stomach as he watched Mark's face light up just from being able to see him. "Well, I'm NOT happy to see you! You have no business being here! Stop assuming I want you around! I DON'T!"

Scrooge, who had been watching this encounter silently up until this point, cleared his throat and gained everyone's attention. While the millionaire certainly didn't despise Mark nearly as much as his friends did, that didn't mean he was a fan of him either. "Mr. Beaks, I find it odd that yeh just happen t'show up at the new apartment of my two head scientists. Care t'explain how yeh came t'know they were movin' in?"

Mark's eyes widened, reminding them all of a child with his hand caught in the cookie jar.

"Move aside" came the gruff voice of Owler.

Mark looked over just in time for the burly man to shove him out of the way, causing the CEO to hop off his scooter to keep from falling. "Hey, now! RUDE! I was standing there!"

"Then don't stand in my way. Also, take a hint already- The guy doesn't want you" grumbled Owler.

It was Mark's turn to gawk at Owler in silent outrage.

Gyro, on the other hand, was now staring at Owler with new found appreciation. "You're not so bad after all! You just earned yourself a tip!" he told Owler, who smirked at him before heading back out into the hallway.

Fenton laughed at Gyro's sudden attitude change towards Owler.

"Ugh, I love your laugh, Gizzy!" sighed Mark happily. He was very aware that he had yet to answer Scrooge's question.

This, of course, immediately ended Fenton's humor as he frowned in alarm at the CEO.

"That's a tad inappropriate, don't yeh think, Beaks?" commented Scrooge in a condescending tone. "Fenton's partner is standin' right beside yeh."

Turning to Scrooge, Mark snapped back in reply, "I'm very aware Screwloose is standing there, McDollars! But thanks for pointing out the obvious! Now, if everyone would stop interrupting me!" He hopped back onto his scooter and cleared his throat. He moved so that he was standing in front of Fenton; who was still half hidden behind Gyro. "Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera" he began. It was odd hearing Mark say his real full name like that, given that he almost always called him by a nickname of some sort. " Would you do me the honors of being my escort to the Science Gala?" He gave a little bow, one hand behind his back and the other at his front.

Owler and his team came back with several more boxes, watching the scene in confusion.

Gyro was seething as Scrooge just raised a skeptical eyebrow.

Fenton simply stared at Mark as though he were looking at a disgusting fungus. "No."

Mark jumped at the harsh refusal, nearly losing his balance from the bow he was still holding. Once he gained his balance, he collected himself and fixed his unzipped hoodie. He glanced around the room uncertainly, as though Fenton saying no had never even occurred to him. He laughed nervously. "Don't decide too quickly now! Heh, think it over! You'd get to be on the arm of one of the world's richest and most handsome billionaires!"

His eyes never leaving Mark, Fenton stepped forward, looping his own arm around Gyro's and pulling the taller scientist closer. "The answer is no, Beaks. Instead, I'll be beyond thrilled to be on the arm of the world's brightest, most attractive scientist: Gyro Gearloose!"

Stunned by his beloved's words, Gyro blinked for a moment, letting the words soak in, before a proud and smug smirk formed on his beak. He narrowed his eyes and stared down at Beaks, who looked as though he had just swallowed a whole lemon.

"You heard him, insect!" sneered Gyro. "He said no! Now go away!"

Mark stood up straighter, his face resembling that of a petulant child. He narrowed his eyes at Fenton, who could only stare back in suspicion. "We'll see about that, Gizzy! If you go with me, I would cover you in the finest tuxedo and grace you with the finest wines."

"Actually, I'm helpin' fund this event. Local media is forcin' me hand t'do so. Apparently it'll help me image. So, fine wines is a wee bit of a stretch. More like highly diluted wines from cheaper brands. I'll help host a party or two, but if it's on MY dime, there'll be as many cost cuts as possible." corrected Scrooge.

Mark let out an annoyed breath. "My point is, Gizzy, if you come with me, you'll have the time of your life!"

Fenton, who had been watching Owler walk towards the door with a dolly lift to help move heavier boxes, slipped a twenty dollar bill from his pocket and handed it to him. "Here! You guys have been great! Here's a bonus tip on top of what you'll get later! Now please, take the trash out with you as you go get the next load!"

Mark squawked in surprise when Fenton reached forward and pushed Mark in front of Owler, who, taking the money and the hint, pushed the wheeled dolly underneath Mark's scooter and began carrying him out of the door.

"Gizzy! You're so mean to meeee!" the parrot whined as he tried to stay standing.

Gyro and Fenton silently watched this all happen. Gyro moved behind Fenton and pulled him close so that the younger duck's back was up against his chest. Fenton couldn't lie to himself and inwardly admitted how calming it was to have Gyro's hands on his shoulders.

The second mover who had come in to help Owler stopped before them, setting a box of belongings down where they had been piling them. "Owler will make sure he doesn't come back up or mess with the truck downstairs for you guys."

Fenton smiled at him appreciatively. "Thank you! That's very thoughtful of you!"

Without another word, the mover continued on to the hallway.

Not knowing how else to fill in the awkward silence that was left in Mark's absence, Scrooge suddenly decided to finish his previous conversation and declared, "So, Mark Beaks will be at the Gala also!"

Gyro and Fenton both rolled their eyes.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Two Days Later

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

"So, let me get this straight."

The sound of a heavy pile of clothing falling on top of the freshly made spare bed nearly muffled Louie's voice as youngest triplet took charge of the conversation. Well, the spare bed was actually just Fenton's old bed. Both of them had agreed that if they had a spare bedroom, they might as well put a bed in it in case any of their friends needed to stay the night. Any of Fenton's friends, as Gyro put it. Gyro didn't have friends, according to him. Just acquaintances.

Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby were currently hanging out with Fenton after dropping in on the scientist unannounced. While Fenton and Gyro's bedroom had a perfectly good sized closet, with plenty of room to spare, the two of them had decided to utilize the closet in their extra bedroom by storing seasonal clothing that they currently didn't need in this warmer time of the year.

"Beaks is like...in love with you?" Louie made a face just saying the words from where he was sitting on the phone. The lighting in the room wasn't all that great since the windows were facing the away from the sun at the moment, so Louie's face had a soft glow from his phone's screen.

Fenton, who was trying to sort the coats and sweaters that he'd dumped on the bed, shook his head. "He's not in love with me."

"Sure sounds like it" deadpanned Dewey as he looked out the bedroom window.

"He's not" Fenton insisted, buttoning up one of Gyro's long high collared coats. "He just...convinced that spending time with me is going to earn him more popularity. He's a very selfish person. He only ever thinks about himself. He's incapable of loving someone else. He's just hooked on this idea that dating me is what his followers want. He's all about staying trendy and popular in the eyes of social media."

"I thought he was obsessed with you because you're Gizmoduck" frowned Huey in confusion.

Placing a couple coats on hangers, Fenton lifted them and walked over to hang them in the closet. "Well, he is. I mean, Gizmoduck is what drew him in. I'm still not fully convinced this isn't another ploy to steal the suit, to be completely honest."

Jumping up on the bed, Webby didn't even notice the pile of clothes nearly fall to the ground had Fenton not been there to catch it. "Do you need me to interrogate him!? I can get ANYONE to talk!" she declared excitedly.

Louie's eyes widened as he shuddered. "Listen to her. She can."

As if sensing his insecurity, Webby jumped off the bed and was on Louie in a second. She got close to his ear and whispered, "I know what you did yesterday afternoon."

Louie gave a short scream of panic before pulling himself up from sitting and diving to hide behind Huey, who gave him a sympathetic, though slightly suspicious look. "I didn't do anything with the Pep cans!"

Chuckling, Fenton placed more clothes in the closet, being mindful to keep his stuff separate from Gyro's. "I appreciate that, Webby, but I'm going to have to say no. Your uncle Scrooge is now aware of Beaks and his recent behavior and is doing all he can to keep the Money Bin's labs secure."

"But you're not always at the labs" Huey pointed out.

Fenton nodded. "Right."

"Didn't you say something about your mom helping you get a restraining order on Beaks?" asked Dewey.

Fenton made a face at the old raincoat he was holding up. "Eww. I think I need a new raincoat" he muttered, taking in the faded coloring, broken zipper, and muddy stains. He took it off the hanger and tossed the old raincoat in the trash can by the door, which then fell over from the coat's weight. "And yes, Dewey, my mom helped me get a restraining order on him. Unfortunately, it would seem Beaks is not taking it very seriously-obviously, since he showed up here at our new apartment already- and every time my mom tries to charge him for not following the order, for whatever reason, the complaint seems to fall on deaf ears."

Dewey frowned from where he was still standing at the window. "So wait, he's not following the order and not getting in trouble for it? How does that work?"

Louie sighed. "Think it about, Dewford! Beaks is a billionaire! The law doesn't apply to him the same way it applies to the average joe on the street! Knowing Beaks, he's got some kind of intel! Probably has dirt on the judge himself or something!"

Making an irritated sound in the back of his throat, Huey argued, "You're wrong, Louie! The law does SO apply to people like Beaks!"

"Then how come rich people like him get away with everything!?" the youngest triplet snapped back.

Before the argument could get any worse, Fenton stepped in between the brothers and changed the subject. "Either way, when I'm not at the lab, I just try my hardest not to be wandering alone. Gyro has been going out to lunch with me when we do go out for a break from the lab and I've been packing my lunch and eating with him at the lab more often to compensate. I know Gyro is far from a social person and being out and about in public every day gets on his nerves."

"Aww, that's so sweet of you guys!" gushed Webby.

Fenton could feel a blush spreading over his face. "Heh, yeah. Gyro and I...We're doing great. We're making it work at least, despite everything that's going on. We're just hoping Beaks gets over this...obsession over me soon."

"Okay! Enough boring stuff!" whined Dewey, walking over to stand in the middle of the room.

Fenton raised an amused eyebrow at the middle child as he grabbed a handful of sweaters and light jackets to hang up in the closet.

"Uncle Scrooge has already told us about the upcoming Science Gala!" Dewey continued.

Fenton frowned as he stepped out of the closet. "He has?"

"To be more precise, she and Dewey eavesdropped Uncle Scrooge and Mrs. Beakley talking about it while they were climbing through the vents the other day" stated Huey as he opened his Junior Woodchuck Guidebook to a random page.

Fenton hummed in surprised. "I see."

Webby gave the scientist a sheepish look, her hands clasped behind her back. "Heh, old habits die hard, I guess. It used to be one of the only ways I'd be allowed outside of my room growing up. Heh."

"You HAVE to try and convince Uncle Scrooge to let us go!" shouted Dewey, his the blue triplet appearing in front of Fenton.

Fenton squeaked from the surprise of Dewey's sudden proximity. "Ah!" He took several steps backwards. After a moment, realization crossed his features. "Oh, I see! That's the REAL reason for your visit! You four didn't want to help me settle into the new apartment! You just want to bribe me to convince your uncle to let you go to the Science Gala!"

"Well, yeah. Duh" mumbled Louie. "One of the most basic and classic tactics in scheming! Bribery!"

"Bribery, hmm?" everyone jumped at the sound of the new voice.

Twirling around, all five of them stared in surprise to see Gyro standing in the doorway to the spare bedroom. He was leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed, and giving them a disapproving glare.

"Gyro!" Fenton didn't waste a moment making his way over to the lanky rooster, wrapping his arms around Gyro's waist. Gyro allowed him this tiny bit of affection, but his glare never left the McDuck nephews and their honorary sister. He watched them over top of Fenton's head as the younger scientist hugged him. "What are you doing here, mi amor?"

"I finished up the few tasks I had planned today. That and I knew were here trying to sort through all our things by yourself." He felt Fenton let go of him and pull away. Though he was tempted, he refused to kiss Fenton while he had an audience. He wasn't able to allow such emotion to be seen by children he knew would never let him live it down. "Should have known the McDuck children would be here. I trust you've kept an eye on them?"

Fenton nodded. "Yeah. They actually haven't been here long. They were just keeping me company while I sorted through the clothes we agreed to keeping the spare closet." He gestured to the now closed closet.

Gyro pushed his glasses further up on his beak. "And trying to coerce you into God only knows what." His dark eyes turned to Louie, who had the decency to look away with a guilty look.

Fenton chuckled. "It's nothing bad! They were just trying to convince me to buy an actual tux for the Science Gala instead of renting one!"

"That's really none of their business!" snapped Gyro, more harshly than was expected. This behavior earned a frown of worry from Fenton.

Placing gentle hands on Gyro's chest, Fenton quietly shushed him. "Shh! It's okay! No harm done! What they REALLY want is for me to convince Mr. McDuck to allow them to go to the Gala."

Gyro rolled his eyes. "Why you would want to even go is beyond me" he grumbled. Unlike you spoiled little br-" There was a sharp jab in Gyro's ribs. Gyro indignantly and corrected what he was going to say. "Young children..."He shot Fenton an annoyed look. "Some of us actually HAVE to be there because we have CAREERS that are on the line otherwise!"

"We have our own reasons for wanting to be there!" declared Dewey smugly, obviously trying to sound mysterious and confident at the same time.

Gyro was far from impressed as he walked past Fenton and the kids and opened the closet door. "I'm sure you do" he mumbled condescendingly. "Did you end up finding my green coat then? The high collared one?"

Fenton nodded. "Yeah, it was at the bottom of the box, which is probably why you didn't see it. Must have been one of the first things you packed."

"Oh, good. I like that one." Turning back to their guests, Gyro closed the closet door. "Now, would you four please explain to me why you're still here."

"We were keeping Fenton company while he unpacked" replied Huey.

"And trying to bribe him while you were at it. Lovely. How thoughtful of you. Now go."

"Gyro" chastised Fenton.

"It's fine" consoled Huey, grabbing Louie by the back of his green hoodie and yanking him upwards. Louie whined of course, saying he could stand up by himself. "We probably should be heading back to the mansion anyways. Uncle Donald will start wondering where we're at. You know how he worries."

Dewey rolled his eyes as he started walking out of the room. "Boy, do we ever" he muttered in annoyance. Webby patted him on the shoulder in support; noticing his sudden moodiness at suddenly being kicked out.

Gyro and Fenton walked behind the kids as they walked to the front door. Gyro looked ready to literally shove them out while Fenton just smiled. "Well, thank you guys for keeping me company! I can't make any promises about getting your uncle to let you go! Have you simply asked him?"

"Duh! Of course we did!" scoffed Dewey.

"Well, maybe try again?" suggested Fenton. "Either way, thanks guys!"

Gyro grabbed the door, fully intent on closing the door, when Louie cried out, "Hey! Hold up!"

Gyro narrowed his eyes. "Make it fast, green nephew."

Ignoring Gyro, Louie looked up to Fenton. "Your last name is Cabrera, right?"

Fenton blinked at the random question. "Well, technically it's Crackshell-Cabrera, but yeah. Why?"

Louie turned his cell phone around and showed the screen to Fenton. "Because you're on the verge of trending! Mark Beaks just made a post on Tweeter saying that you're accompanying him to the Science Gala!"

"WHAT!?" cried out Gyro angrily, his voice going higher pitched than usual. "Let me see that!" He grabbed the phone out of Louie's hand and squinted angrily at it. "That IMBECILE!" he fumed.

Fenton's eyes had never left the phone, even when Gyro had snatched it from Louie. His mouth was partly open and his eyes wide as he tried to soak this new information in. "Why would he do that?"

"He's probably trying to force your hand." Louie's voice cut through their jumble of thoughts.

Gyro and Fenton turned to Louie, who had stuffed his hands in his front pocket. Huey, Dewey, and Webby were standing further into the hallway watching the exchange between the scientists and their brother.

Louie continued his explanation. "Like I said. Bribery is a classic tactic in scheming. He's tried to bribe you. That didn't work. So, what is the next step after bribery? Coercion."

Fenton let out a long breath he hadn't even known he was holding, his shoulders sagging and his expression falling as he looked to Gyro for support. Gyro met his gaze, his expression dark. The taller scientist reached and grabbed Fenton's hand, pulling him close. "He's trying to force you to go with him to that stupid Gala." He pulled Fenton closer, who wasn't able to complain. The only place he was starting to feel safe anymore was in Gyro's arms.