I'm Not Yours to Have
Chapter 7
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Rain splattered noisily against the window and the cold wind blew against it as the sun began to rise. It was unnaturally cold for this time of year and the two occupants of the two bedroom apartment could feel it even inside their warm home.
The master bedroom had a large and plush king sized mattress covered in lavender and gray bedding. The wardrobe and dresser matched along with the bed frame itself; all of it having been part of a set. The room was both clean and disorganized at the same time. The floor was kept clear, but the tops of the dresser and bedside table was covered in everything from shirts to old cans of Pep.
Fenton and Gyro were still learning how to live with each other. They were still figuring out the logistics of living in the same space as someone else. Gyro was having a trickier time at it than Fenton, since the younger scientist had at least lived with his mother all his life. It had been over a decade since Gyro lived with anyone other than himself.
Gyro was tidier when it came to his clothes; sometimes, taking the time to mind them more than Fenton. Whereas Fenton was more prone to tossing his shirts on the floor near the hamper after missing entirely. Yet Gyro was horrible at leaving food around. He rarely ever ate in the kitchen and ate wherever he happened to be when he was hungry. His main problem was that eating was typically a secondary or often distant thought and he tended to forget he'd even brought the snack with him. Hence the reason Fenton found plates of half-eaten granola bars and bananas all throughout the apartment. Fenton just feared that this bad habit of leaving food everywhere would invite rats or cockroaches into the apartment.
Fenton liked to hang posters on the walls; like his favorite; the periodic table. Gyro did not like to place anything on the walls. His argument was that it cluttered the walls and that Fenton should already have the periodic table memorized and therefore shouldn't need it hanging up. When Fenton broached the subject of hanging framed photographs on the wall instead, Gyro simply stared at him as though he'd grown a second head and asked why he would want to see photos of himself everywhere he went.
As with any couple taking their first steps in living together, Gyro and Fenton were figuring things out day by day. They had both secretly feared that they wouldn't be able to handle the differences in their lifestyles, yet somehow everything seemed to slowly fit together.
This allowed them to enjoy the simple moments such as the one they were sharing now.
As the rain continued to pour down outside, they were safe and warm under the soft sheets of the bed, curled up together. Gyro was lying on top of Fenton, caging the smaller duck in with his arms on either side of his head. The taller of the two was lightly grazing the tip of his beak along the underside of Fenton's chin; the exact spot that feathers met the hardened yellow flesh of his beak.
Fenton gasped, his head raised up against the pillow beneath him. "Oh, yes, right there!" he mumbled. His arms were wrapped around Gyro's shoulders as he encouraged him to get closer.
Gyro did as he was told and was sure to nibble and preen the feathers in that specific spot.
They had already spent the better part of the early morning in each other's arms, exploring each other's bodies, making love several times. Neither of them wanted to get up and neither of them could get enough of each other.
Ever since they had moved into their new apartment, their bond had grown stronger and they have found it more and more difficult to pull themselves out of bed each morning.
Fenton hummed in contentment as he ran a hand down Gyro's bare spine. His fingers then traced down lower. He mumbled something in Spanish.
Gyro hummed in question against Fenton's beak. "Hmmm? What did you say?"
"Why do you hide them?" repeated Fenton in English, his voice a soft whisper.
Gyro huffed a sigh, turning his neck down to kiss the flat bottom of Fenton's beak. "You keep asking me as though I'll give you a different answer. You know why." His words were spoken just as softly as his paramour's.
"But they're so pretty" groaned Fenton, his eyes closing. His hands trailed along the thick, long, and vibrant tail feathers at the base of Gyro's spine.
"You're not a rooster. You wouldn't understand. They're actually not attractive at all by rooster standards" dismissed Gyro. He brought both of his hands up to cup Fenton's face. "Now, if you're done asking questions..." Gyro proceeded to snake his hands underneath Fenton's back so that he could pull him closer as he pushed himself up by his knees.
Knowing where this was going, Fenton cried out, "Oh, yes! Yes, please! I'm ready!" He wrapped his arms around Gyro's shoulders; loving the feeling of his bare feathers fully flush against Gyro's own bare feathers.
The sound of keys jingling and the front door knob turning and opening with a squeak made the both of them freeze in panic.
The front door closed.
"Pollito! Are you and Gearloose here!? I brought over your mail!" came the voice of Gloria from the front room.
"You've got to be shitting me!" swore Gyro as he immediately pulled himself away from his naked boyfriend, practically shoving Fenton off him. Not that the younger scientist noticed nor cared, for he too was busy panicking. "Why is your mother here!?"
"Oh, this is dreadful! I told her we'd be home this morning but I didn't think she'd come THIS early!" wailed Fenton as he shoved the last of the blankets off and scooted off the bed. He yelped in alarm when he tripped over his shirt that had been on the floor; just barely catching himself on the dresser.
"That's why I don't like tossing my clothes on the floor!" hissed Gyro, though there was no anger to it. Just frantic worry as he pulled on a pair of loose pajama pants and began stuffing his tail feathers in them.
"You want to argue with me about it NOW!?" Fenton stage whispered back as he found his lavender bathrobe to wrap around himself.
"Pollito?" called Gloria again.
"W-we're in the b-bedroom, M'ma! Be right out!" Fenton called back as he tied the front of his thin cotton bathrobe with shaking hands.
Gyro was still busy getting dressed. Usually if it had just been the two of them, he would have also put on a light silken bathrobe of his own to lounge about in for a while. But he would never wear something like that if he knew there was even a chance at company. Gyro did not like to be seen under dressed in anyone's company other than Fenton's. He preferred to only be seen dressed prim and proper.
Knowing Gyro wasn't about to walk out to the main living area of the apartment with him, Fenton stepped out their bedroom door and closed it most of the way behind him, leaving it cracked in case Gyro wished to either come out or listen to them speak.
Gloria was glancing about in the brightly lit, dark gray and white colored kitchen. The mail had been set on the marble countertop while she opened and closed all the cupboards for inspection. She was wearing her usual red dress shirt and pant suit; her badge gleaming proudly on her jacket.
"Morning, M'ma" greeted Fenton as he stepped into the kitchen. He rubbed the palms of his hands together, wishing he didn't look and feel so nervous. It was only his mother. Who invited herself into their apartment while they were being intimate. Fenton inwardly cringed. "I didn't know you had a key to get in."
Gloria rolled her eyes. "Of course I do" she brushed off the comment easily.
Feeling like a young child being criticized by their parent, he asked, "May I inquire as to how you obtained it?"
Gloria, who had yet to meet her son's eyes for she was still busy inspecting the kitchen, scoffed as though he had asked what number came after five. "I made myself a copy."
Fenton frowned. "When!?"
"Last time you stayed over at the house. You left your keys on the table. I grabbed your apartment key and went and made a copy for myself. It was obvious you weren't about to give me a copy so I made one for myself." She looked in the fridge and immediately scowled."Pollito, I am not convinced you are eating properly. There is barely any food here."
Fenton sighed. "M'ma, I didn't think I HAD to make you a copy. This is OUR apartment! I live here with Gyro! Who gives their mother a key to their own apartment, especially when they already have a roommate!"
"I just worry is all. I am your mother. It is my job to worry."
Fenton nodded, having heard this many times. He walked up to the kitchen counter and began sifting through his mail. He still needed to change the addresses to all his bills. "I know. But you don't have to worry about me! All my bills are paid and caught up! We had several inspections done on the apartment before we moved in to check for mold and pests. You ran several background checks on our landlord and the surrounding tenants. This is a safe part of town. Everything is fine! Don't you trust me?" He looked up from the mail, trying to meet her eyes.
Gloria's eyes met his. Solemnly she replied, "I do trust you, Pollito. It's Gearloose I don't trust."
Fenton could feel his heart drop to his stomach, his face showing exactly how much that hurt to hear. He looked away, his shoulders lowering in defeat. "M'ma..."
"I will not list the reasons I don't like him again. I've told you my opinion of him, carino. I know it upsets you but I cannot change how I feel" she spoke in a softer tone. "He's just-"
There was movement at the bedroom door and Gloria instantly stopped talking as her eyes darted over towards it. The door opened and Gyro appeared, wearing his silk pajama bottoms and matching long sleeved collared button down top. Fenton turned to his paramour, already taking in the combed hair and impeccable appearance; his usual hat obviously missing. There didn't seem to be a single wrinkle in his pajamas. Fenton would never be able to figure out how Gyro managed to look so clean and polished and put together while wearing pajamas.
Gyro stepped out of the room just enough to be out in the living room before leaning his lanky form up against the door frame and crossing his arms after adjusting his glasses. His signature deadpan expression was firmly on his face. "Don't go silent on my account, Mrs. Cabrera. Do go on. I do so love hearing someone list all of my flaws."
Gloria scowled at him.
Fenton glanced nervously back and forth at his loved ones. "Please! Don't argue!" he begged them quietly though his words fell on deaf ears.
"I've asked you to call me 'Officer' Cabrera!" she grumbled. She turned to Fenton and gestured to him. "You see!? No manners!"
Fenton wrung his hands together nervously. He opened and closed his mouth several times but no words came out.
"I could just call you 'Gloria'. I do believe that's even worse manners" suggested Gyro candidly.
Gloria's scowl grew even deeper as she glared intently at the tall scientist.
Fenton clapped his hands together in an attempt to gain their attention and break up their feud. Gloria and Gyro were now in the middle of a staring contest; determining who could glare the hardest. "Gyro, dearest! M'ma brought over my mail! You'll have to help remind me to switch my mail over to our new address! You should do the same if you haven't already!" He was rambling, he knew he was rambling. This is what he did when he was overly nervous. He could hear how much higher his voice was. "Again, thank you so much for bringing me my mail, M'ma! I appreciate it."
"What's this I hear about you making your own key to our apartment?" asked Gyro in a clipped, falsely polite voice. He shrugged his shoulders and glanced away. It was as though Fenton hadn't spoken at all. "Bit creepy, if you ask me. Certainly not the behavior one would expect from a cop."
Gloria raised an eyebrow, unimpressed that he had been eavesdropping. "I simply worry about my pollito. Besides, I saved him the trouble of making a key for me anyways. He planned to, after all, didn't you, carino?"
Fenton, who had been wringing his hands nervously on the ties to his bathrobe, looked up at his mother like a deer in headlights. His eyes were comically wide as he processed her question. "Ummm..."
"I already heard his answer from earlier. Don't make him repeat himself" snapped Gyro. He turned to walk back into the bedroom but Gloria's next words stopped him.
"Perhaps if he wasn't dating and living with a man who acted more like a machine than a loving and doting boyfriend, I wouldn't have to worry as much!" she snarled, knowing her words would cut right through the lanky chicken.
"M'ma!" admonished Fenton, both appalled and angry. He stomped his foot down. He stole a glance to his beloved, his heart breaking once more when he saw how stiff Gyro's shoulders had gone as he stood there in the doorway.
Gloria's scowl vanished and was replaced with a guilty frown. She turned to her son, knowing she had crossed the line. She swallowed and looked down at her feet. "I'll be sure to give you more of a heads up before I stop and visit. How does that sound, Pollito?" She stepped forward and cupped Fenton's cheek. She fixed some of the feathers just below his beak. "That way I don't interrupt anymore of your preening time." They both knew she knew they hadn't just been preening, yet she wasn't about to say anything more.
Fenton didn't even have it in him to be embarrassed that her mother had just insinuated his sex life; instead he was too busy being annoyed at her and pouted angrily at her.
Gyro, meanwhile, unfroze himself and turned on his heel. His expression was blank and entirely unreadable; void of the emotion Gloria seemed to believe he lacked so much in. "Lucky for me then that your son has a thing for machines. Now if you'll excuse me..." He tapped his forehead. "My processors can only compute so much bitterness from one person, Officer. You might want to get that under control. Bitterness can drive people away." With that, he turned on his heel, stepped further into the bedroom and slammed the door behind him.
That only left mother and son to deal with the aftermath.
"Pollito, I'm sorr-"
Fenton cut off her apology. "I'm not the one you need to apologize to, M'ma." He turned away, walking into the kitchen and opening the fridge. "Also, we don't have many groceries in our kitchen because today happens to be grocery day. Not because my boyfriend doesn't feed me."
"Fenton-" she tried again.
Fenton shut the fridge door after grabbing a bottle of fresh water and poured it into a pan to heat up on the stove. "I know you don't like him, M'ma, but I DO!" He turned on the stove and waited for his heated water. He didn't drink coffee or tea. Just heated water. It helped wake him up in the mornings, along with a slice of toast. "You don't know him the way I do! You don't see the sides of him that I do on a daily basis! He's not a social person, you KNOW this! His cold exterior-his sarcasm-that's the wall he's built around himself! He doesn't let people in easily! He's not at ALL like this around me! He's a completely different person with me! He's been hurt a LOT in his lifetime and he's built these walls to protect himself, okay!?"
Gloria nodded.
"So, could you PLEASE just put aside your distrust and dislike and TRY to be civil with him!?"
Properly chastised, Gloria nodded once more. "Si, pollito. I can do that for you."
Satisfied with her answer, Fenton nodded. He next pulled out some bread and offered her a slice. "Want a piece of toast?"
Gloria shook her head. "No. I delivered your mail, that's the reason I came here." She looked down at her wrist where her watch was resting. "I have a few more errands to run before my shift starts this afternoon, so I should be going." She glanced warily at the bedroom door where she knew an infuriated Gyro was brooding. "I'm surprised you are not both at the lab. I was surprised when you told me you would be home this morning."
Fenton placed the bread into the toaster and put it on the right settings. "We'll be stopping in there later. We decided to take it easy today since the Gala is tomorrow. We just want to check over our presentations a few more times before tomorrow night."
Gloria nodded, recalling all the times Fenton had rambled on and on about the Science Gala Mr. McDuck was hosting. She smiled, though it was strained; given the conversation's sour tones from earlier. She stepped forward and placed a kiss on Fenton's cheek. "You will do amazing, pollito! I have no doubt you will stun them all with your brilliance!"
Fenton couldn't help but smile and blush at her words. "Aww, thank you, M'ma." Despite everything, he always found it impossible to stay too angry at his mother. He knew she was the way she was because she loved him so much. She was only looking our for his best interests.
He walked her to the door and said a few more goodbyes before shutting and locking the front door behind her. He sighed. He checked the stove and saw that his water was no where near boiling yet. He turned the stove off anyways. The toast popped up just as he walked back into the kitchen. He snatched the toast and quickly ate it, though his appetite was gone.
He ate it without tasting it before walking up to the bedroom door. He knocked softly, a quiet way of telling Gyro he didn't have to go in if he wanted his space.
One thing that was learned very early on in their relationship and further proved once they started living together; there were times when Gyro needed space. Fenton was loud and cheerful and talkative and energetic. Sometimes Gyro needed time away from that. So, after they moved in together, they came up with this quiet routine where Fenton would knock. Whether it was the table at the lab, or their bedroom door, or the elevator wall as they rode inside it; wherever they were, if Fenton sensed Gyro may need space, he knocked on something. Gyro would hear it and know he was being asked if he wanted to be alone.
The knocking was enough for Gyro to hear and respond to yet not loud or jarring enough to disrupt Gyro's line of thinking, since usually he required the silence because he was busy focusing on an experiment.
If Gyro responded then Fenton was free to continue talking and being around Gyro. If Gyro didn't respond, it was because Gyro was too deep in his thoughts or because he simply wanted to be alone.
Fenton stood there after knocking and waited. He was always patient. He adored Gyro and he knew he could be a lot to handle for someone like Gyro, so he waited patiently.
"Get in here, dummy" came Gyro's invitation.
Fenton smiled, knowing Gyro well enough to hear the affectionate undertones at the invite. He turned the knob and opened the door. The lights in the bedroom were still shut off and it took a moment for Fenton's eyes to adjust to the lower lighting. The rain outside didn't provide much light either.
Gyro was laying in the middle of the bed, his upper body titled up from the large plush pillows. He still wore his pajamas, though he was slowly unbuttoning the silken top and leaving it open for his boyfriend to see his chest feathers.
Fenton muttered something lovingly in Spanish before adding, "Are you okay, mi gallo?"
Gyro shrugged; his previous anger gone. "I've been far worse, let me assure you." He raised his arms and motioned for Fenton to join him on the bed with his hands.
Fenton didn't waste a moment. He eagerly climbed up on the bed and crawled up to his waiting paramour. "I'm sorry about what M'ma said. She had no right-"
Gyro gently placed his hand on Fenton's beak; preventing him from speaking. "Ah ba ba ba bah! You are not the one who should apologize!" He released the other's beak.
Fenton sighed and settled himself next to Gyro, curling himself so close he was practically on top of him; the top of his head resting in the nook under Gyro's chin. "I know, but I still feel awful..."
They laid their in blissful silence. Gyro ran a hand through Fenton's head feathers. Fenton nuzzled his face in Gyro's chest feathers. Gyro's hand then moved down until it reached the tie of Fenton's bathrobe. He pulled on end of it, loosening the knot.
Just as Gyro was about to tug the robe off his boyfriend's shoulder, Fenton spoke up, "You're not a machine."
Gyro's hand stilled.
"She had no right to say that. She's just protective of me. She only wants what she thinks is best" Fenton continued.
Gyro frowned, slowly placing the robe back up on Fenton's shoulder. At this Fenton pushed himself up so that he could look at Gyro properly.
Gyro couldn't look at Fenton. "Do you think I'm what's best for you?"
Fenton blinked at him with concern. "Of course I do!"
"Really? I'm not a nice person, Fenton. I'm condescending, rude, egotistical...I point out your flaws about as often as I compliment you. I sometimes ignore you outright, call you names, belittle you-"
It was Fenton's turn to gently stop one of them from speaking by placing his hand on the chicken's beak. "Not anymore! Sure, you did those things when I first became your intern but you haven't treated me like that in a LONG time! Because we got to know each other! We got used to each other! Trust me, mi gallo, I'm highly aware that I'm not the easiest guy to date either!" Fenton laughed because he had to laugh. He was tired of proving to everyone how much he loved Gyro and why Gyro was so great to be with. He hated being sad and angry. So laughter is what helped brighten the mood.
He let go of Gyro's beak and leaned in for a kiss. When they parted he added, "Just know that love you. I don't see you as the machine that everyone else sees. You're brilliant, clever, imaginative, and you have this dry sense of humor that never ceases to make me laugh!"
Gyro was finally smiling again as he listened.
"There is no other person I could ever imagine being with. You are the only person I will ever love this fully" gushed Fenton, his face going red.
Gyro wrapped an arm around Fenton's shoulders and pulled him close, placing a kiss to his forehead. "What did I ever do to deserve you?"
Fenton closed his eyes and soaked in the warmth from Gyro's body heat. "Something amazing, I'll bet." he murmured.
The rest of the morning was spent quietly enjoying each other's company before the responsibilities of the world called them back to reality.
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The following day was a blur of activity as Gyro and Fenton prepared for the evening's Science Gala. The afternoon before had found them back at the lab checking over all the last minute details to their presentations. While their speeches and lectures didn't have to be memorized, Fenton insisted on memorizing as much of his as he could.
Despite being an extrovert and chatty person as a whole, Fenton was terrified of giving his brief lecture on his personal experiments. His main project at the moment was a Muscle Strength Serum. In theory, it was meant to help in the development of muscle for those who had underlying health issues that prevented proper exercise. There was a lot of flaws with it and the formula itself still had yet to be thoroughly tested, but Gyro had approved it for Science Gala, claiming that what progress Fenton had made on it would be sufficient enough.
While having given numerous speeches throughout his college years, that didn't prevent Fenton from still being nervous. This was entirely his project. Not just some college based one. This was his first career based lecture. Other scientists and peers would be at the Gala to listen to him and him alone.
Gyro, while far from a social person, had no such problems giving presentation to his works. Unlike Fenton, he's done this enough times at the Gala and to Scrooge's Board of Director's that it hardly phased him. It was simply the small talk and idle chit-chat that came with it that terrified the lanky rooster.
Fenton skimmed through his note cards and the print out of his speech and took in a deep breath.
"You're going to do just fine." Gyro's voice from the other side of the lab echoed and broke through Fenton's flurry of panicking thoughts.
"Huh!? W-What!?" He turned to Gyro.
Manny walked over to the table and set down a box of miscellaneous tools. He clopped his feet to speak in Morse Code. "He says you'll do fine."
Fenton blinked at Manny as the translation of words sunk in. He then chuckled nervously and rubbed his neck. "Oh, heh, I know! I just...I want everything to go perfect!"
Gyro nodded from where he was at his desk on the higher platform. He finished collecting his papers and placed them in a manila folder.
"It will all be fine!"
Fenton opened his mouth to speak when his cell phone started going off. He pulled it out from his pocket and checked the caller I.D.. He frowned when he recognized the number. His shoulders sagged in annoyance before looking up to Gyro, who was now walking down from his platform with a box filled with items he would be needing at the Gala.
"It's Beaks" sighed Fenton in aggravation as he showed Gyro the screen of his phone.
The two of them had memorized Beaks' number long ago so that they would know what to expect when he called. Fenton changed his cell phone number and blocked Beaks' numbers what felt like hundreds of times, but sadly the Waddle CEO knew ways to get around those and always managed to figure out Fenton's cell number.
"That insignificant ingrate-" cursed Gyro under his breath. He set his box on Fenton's work bench. He grunted in annoyance. "Answer it. He'll just keep calling you otherwise and we don't have time for his games. Just talk to him and get it over with."
Fenton nodded before hitting the accept button and putting the call on speaker. "What do you want, Beaks?"
"Gizzy! Hello! You changed your number again but yet you STILL know it was me calling!" came Mark's excited voice over the phone. He sounded so gleeful. "That tells me you know my number by heart! So sweet of you!"
Placing his phone between his shoulder and cheek to keep it in place, Fenton collected his own box and followed Gyro, now carrying his things, to the elevator. "Now's not the best time, Beaks. I have to get ready for the Science Gala. What did you want?"
"Oh! You're getting ready for the Science Gala too! FANTASTIC! So, babe, I was just wanting to ask what time I should pick you up?" asked Beaks.
Gyro made a gagging sound as they stepped into the elevator. The phone was still on speaker even though Fenton's hands were full. "Can you reach the Up button or do you need me to?" he asked Fenton, not bothering to keep his voice down.
"I got it" mumbled the shorter scientist as he managed to hit the button so the elevator would take them up.
"Who's that with you!?" demanded Beaks. "Is that Screwloose again!?"
Fenton rolled his eyes. "Of course, it's Gyro! We are getting ready for the Gala! We're sharing a presentation together! But you would already know that since you've been stalking me the past few months!"
"Don't tell me you're getting a ride with HIM to the Gala!" Mark began to whine.
Fenton sighed. "I'm certainly not getting a ride from you!"
"Ugh, Gizzy! Why must you be so difficult!?" groaned Mark. "I can take you to the Gala! We'll arrive in STYLE!"
"Oh, my! In style! How fun!" mocked Gyro sarcastically.
"Shut up, Screwloose! No one asked you!" barked Mark.
The elevator reached the ground floor to the Money Bin's lower parking garage and the doors opened with a ding. They both stepped out and began walking to Gyro's car. "For your information, Beaks, even I wasn't already going with Gyro, I wouldn't be able to arrive at the Gala with you anyways."
"Why not!?"
Gyro set his box down once they reached his car and pulled out his keys. He silently instructed Fenton to place his box in the backseat after he unlocked the doors. Fenton answered as he set the box down, "Because I'm PRESENTING at the Gala, Beaks! Meaning I'll be there way before any of the guests begin to arrive!"
"Oh." With just that simple response, both scientists were able to imagine Mark's disappointed pout. "Huh, guess I didn't think about that."
"Just like you don't think about a LOT of things!" Gyro couldn't help but sneer.
"God, you're annoying, Screwloose! Do us a favor, and screw OFF!"
Fenton frowned at the insult but Gyro took it entirely in stride.
"Wow! What a clever play on my name, Beaks! Shame your smart phones aren't nearly as clever as your lame insults!" goaded Gyro as he placed his own box in the backseat.
Having had enough of their arguing, Fenton grabbed hold of the phone properly now that he was no longer carrying anything and said angrily, "Leave me alone, Beaks! I'm very busy! Find someone else to show off at the Gala!"
"Nooo! That's not possible! No one is as amazing and stunning as you, Gizzy! Just please please PLEASE let the world see you as mine!" begged Mark.
Fenton grunted in disgust before hanging up. He immediately turned his phone of, knowing Mark would only call back. In a fit of anger, he tossed his phone angrily to the car seat. The phone bounced once before landing unharmed. "Ugh! He makes me so mad! And disgusted!"
Gyro walked around the car and pulled Fenton in close, kissing him on the forehead. "Forget about him, my darling" he whispered into Fenton's ear. "Focus on how brilliant you'll be at the Gala!"
Fenton smiled and he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. "Yes! Tonight shall be a night of thrill and innovation!"
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The Science Gala was finally upon them and the night could not hvae been more perfect. The stars shone down on Duckburg's History Museum, which was being kind enough to host the event in their venue.
Guests had long since entered and were now mingling in the crowds on food and champagne. Men were dressed in their best tuxes while women were dressed in their best dresses. The high society class of Duckburg was nothing short of talk and gossip and with the upcoming lectures and presentations that had proceeded the evening, there was much to talk about.
Scrooge McDuck, wearing a black suit instead of his usual red coat, stepped up on the large stage to the right of the main ballroom and stepped up to the microphone. He tapped it twice to make sure it was on before he began to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen of Duckburg, I do hope yeh are all enjoyin' yerselves! I simply wished to take a moment and thank yeh once more fer attendin' tonight's event! I also wish t'take a moment and thank everyone on the Board of Directors fer helpin' make tonight possible!" He gestured to Bradford Buzzard and his two associates who were standing in a corner of the room.
Scrooge then turned his attention to two other men near the stage. "I would also like t'thank everyone who is participatin' in tonight's lectures! As some of yeh may know, me two lead scientists at McDuck Industries will be sharing their most recent projects with us tonight! Let us hear a round of applause fer Dr. Gyro Gearloose and Dr. Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera! They are quite easily the most brilliant men I have ever had the honor t'work with! And possibly the most dangerous and adventurous! Heh heh!" This earned him a round of chuckles from the crowd as they clapped for the men mentioned. His Board of Directors merely scowled.
Gyro and Fenton, who had been standing near the stage, turned at the announcement and found themselves suddenly the center of attention. Both scientists looked bashful at the sudden spotlight; though Gyro looked less so than Fenton. Gyro had more of a smug smirk on his face then Fenton did.
The two of them were wearing their matching dark gray and lavender accented suits as they stood next to each other and quietly drank their fill of wine after all the stress and work from their presentations.
Scrooge continued on from his spot on the stage, "The lectures and presentations of our esteemed science team colleagues will begin shortly! As we wait, let us start this evenin' off with chatter and merriment!" He raised his glass of wine in toast for all to see.
Everyone clapped as Scrooge finished his speech, raising their own glasses for a moment before taking a sip.
As Scrooge stepped down from the stage, Fenton couldn't help himself from stepping over and saying shyly, "T-Thank you for the kind words, Mr. McDuck!"
Scrooge smiled at the young scientist and patted him on the back. "Aye, yer welcome, laddie! Yeh've earned the title!" He turned to Gyro, looking up at him fondly. "Both of yeh have! I have no doubt yeh'll be great in tonight's lectures! Show them all what McDuck Industries is made of!"
Gyro nodded, a pleasant smile on his face for once. "Thank you, Mr. McDuck. We do try our hardest. We might perhaps do even better if you raised our salaries-"
A swish of movement and Gyro found the end of Scrooge's cane in his face. "Ah, ah, ah! Careful, Gyro! I may have just praised yeh in front of a whole ballroom full of people, but that won't stop me from kickin' yeh right out on the street! I won't be hearin' such words in my presence!"
Fenton chuckled while Gyro rolled his eyes dramatically and sighed. "Fine" he grumbled. "Can't blame a guy for trying..." He took a large sip of his wine before making a face. "Ugh. Let me guess, this is the cheapest wine you could convince them to provide tonight?"
Scrooge shrugged. "Of course!" He began to scan the room. "Eh, you two haven't happened to 'ave seen me nephews and wee Webby around here, have yeh?"
Fenton shook his head. "No. Not since we first arrived and they helped us set up in the lecture hall."
Almost as though he knew he was being discussed, Huey appeared out of nowhere between the two scientists, grinning up at them eagerly.
"Ahh, Huey!" exclaimed Scrooge as a way of greeting. He smiled down at his oldest grand-nephew. "There yeh are!"
Huey barely acknowledged his grand-uncle, his eyes never leaving Gyro and Fenton as he pulled out his Junior Woodchuck Guidebook and opened it with a pen in his other hand. He was wearing a black tux just like his brothers but that didn't mean he couldn't store his Junior Woodchuck Guidebook in his coat since his hat was currently missing. "Dr. Gearloose! I know the lectures haven't happened yet, but I have a few questions for you regarding your section of the lecture based on quantum theory!"
Gyro raised his eyebrows, unsure if he was in the mood to answer anymore questions while Scrooge left to go and work the crowd.
Fenton listened at first, but his attention was pulled away when Dewey, Louie, and Webby walked over to them. Dewey and Louie were in matching outfits with Huey, of course. Webby, on the other hand, was not wearing a dress, like everyone expected she would. Instead she was wearing a dark purple tuxedo with light pink dress shirt underneath similar to what the boys were wearing. Her hair was done up and she was wearing a matching elaborate headband.
"Hey guys!" Fenton greeted with a smile.
"'Sup, Fenton?" smirked Louie.
"Hi, Fenton!" smiled Webby excitedly.
Dewey waved.
"Well, you kids wanted to come here so badly; are you enjoying yourselves!?" Fenton found himself asking with a fond smile. He remembered how they had stopped by the apartment in hopes to convince Fenton to get them into the Gala somehow.
"YES!" squealed Webby.
Louie shrugged and gave a 'so-so' gesture with his hand. "Free food is free food though and chatting up these rich billionaires is always amusing."
"You haven't spoken to a single one of these people, Louie!" accused Dewey.
This earned him a frown from the youngest triplet. "Have so! Not my fault you didn't notice because you were too busy trying to climb the ice sculpture!"
Dewey scowled before frowning down at his hands. "Yeah, pretty sure I have frost bite on my fingers..."
Webby patted him sympathetically on the shoulder.
Fenton bit back a laugh for Dewey's sake. If he did in fact have frost bite then that was in now way comical. He did recall quite the commotion earlier on and now he knew what that was about.
"Looking forward to when all this boring and nerdy stuff is finally over! Then we can eat food and dance!" exclaimed Dewey. "Do you think I could get up on stage and show off some of my amazing moves!?" The middle triplet struck a dramatic pose.
Webby gave him a weak smile while Louie raised an unimpressed eyebrow at him. "My dear Dewford, as talented as you are, I would not advise it. This place is loaded with snobbish rich folk. This is not like Glamor's IT List event. They're not here to see talent, they're here to drive hard bargains and pull off business deals."
Dewey sighed, glancing around at the crowd. Most of them were older and did appear to be more on the posh side of society. "Yeah, I guess you're right." With an air of disappointment, Dewey turned to Fenton and asked, "Wasn't the whole point of us being here about helping keep Beaks away from you? He's not even here!" he gestured wildly to the crowd around them. "That's how you convinced Scrooge to even let us in! We could help provide you with company in case Gyro couldn't be with you when he starts bothering you!"
Fenton stiffened at the mention of Beaks' name. He warily looked to the front doors to the museum. He had been wondering the same thing. Sure, he had been preoccupied and fully focused on his presentations at the start of the night, but now that they were over, Fenton was able to remember the other worries he'd had as the night grew close.
He sipped nervously at his cheap wine before answering, "I don't know. Beaks had originally tried to bring me here himself, but I told him I couldn't because I had to be here way in advance to set everything up. Most everyone has already arrived, so I'm surprised he's not here yet." He looked to Louie. "Has he posted anything online about tonight? I do find it odd that he hasn't shown up."
"He could still be on his way. Some are still arriving. Maybe he's still going to show?" Webby pointed out pragmatically.
"I hope not" mumbled Fenton into his glass while Louie was scanning through the social media sites for any information on Beaks and his whereabouts. The Waddle CEO was notorious for announcing his location any chance he could, after all.
Louie made a face and grunted in annoyance, which caught everyone's attention.
Dewey, unable to wait for an explanation, quickly stepped over and leaned over Louie's shoulder so he could see his brother's screen. Louie shot him a quick glare at the sudden proximity, rolling his shoulders as though he was still wearing his hoodie to hide in. "What'd you find!?" demanded Dewey.
Louie didn't look to Dewey, he looked up at Fenton and turned his phone around so that the scientist could see for himself.
On the screen was Mark's Tweeter account and his latest post which was posted ten minutes ago. Fenton read the post.
'Hey Beak fans! On my way to the Science Gala happenin' tonight at the Duckburg History Museum! That's right, be jealous! Oh, can't forget to mention who will be on my arm tonight: the one, the only, the beautiful: Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera! Sorry peeps! He's taken by yours truly! Expect photos of my gorgeous boo later tonight! Later!'
Attached the to post was a selfie of Mark that he'd taken of himself outside his Waddle building. He was dressed in a navy dress suit instead of his usual slacks and hoodie. His beak was open wide in a smile as his tongue hung out slightly.
Fenton now understood why Louie had made the face he had and groaned in disgust. "Great, he's on his way. He'll be here any minute." He looked over his shoulder to see that Huey was still bombarding Gyro with questions. Surprisingly Gyro was taking it all in stride and didn't look nearly as irritated as he typically did when Huey demanded answers from him.
As though he was sensing Fenton's eyes on him, Gyro looked around until their eyes met. Gyro gave him a look of confusion as the wariness on Fenton's features, silently asking him what was wrong.
They were close enough to hear each other speak if they spoke up. Fenton took in a deep breath and said in warning, "Incoming!"
Gyro looked even more confused until the front glass doors to the museum suddenly burst open and caused everyone to jump and turn.
Mark Beaks walked through the doors, his navy dress suit slimming his already slim form further and his hair sleeked back dramatically. The parrot was wearing sunglasses that he whipped off his face as he threw his arms up and announced loudly, "Mark Beaks is HERE, everyone!"
Most everyone just stared in bewilderment at his self proclaimed importance; going back to their conversations after a moment of silence.
Seeing everyone's lackluster reaction to his arrival, Mark's shoulders slumped in dismay as he through his sunglasses over his shoulder. This caused the man opening the door for guests to cry out in annoyance as the accessory hit in the side of the face. Mark didn't even seem to notice the string of insults the man behind him was shouting at him.
No, Mark only had sights for one person.
Fenton, who had cringed the moment he'd seen Mark step into the building, slunk his way behind Gyro, hoping Mark wouldn't notice him.
"Ugh, he's here..." he groaned.
Gyro sneered at Mark despite how far away they were from him. "Look at that pompous git. Making a complete fool of himself."
Huey closed his Junior Woodchuck Guidebook and tucked it safely back in his tux coat. He glanced up at Fenton and asked, "Are you going to be okay?"
Fenton nodded. "I'll be fine. So long as I stay as far away from him." He watched as Mark stepped down the steps that led to the front doors and began making his way through the crowd. It was obvious he was searching for Fenton.
Gyro cleared his throat. "Alright! Color coded nephews! It's time to serve your purpose at this event!"
Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby gave the lanky rooster an unimpressed look. Fenton smiled in amusement, holding onto Gyro's arm and placing his forehead on his shoulder; half hiding his face. He knows Gyro didn't like public displays of affection, but he also knew Gyro wouldn't fuss as much tonight. Not with Mark nearby.
"As you know, Fenton and I will be presenting several projects together, however, we both have separate lectures to share. Sadly this means I won't be able to at Fenton's side the whole time. That is where you four come into play" explained Gyro.
Fenton spoke up from his spot next to Gyro. "During the lectures shouldn't be too big of a problem. It's all the Q&A's after they're all over. It's possible nothing will happen, but its also likely that Gyro and I will get separated while we talk and mingle-"
"I hate talking and mingling" growled Gyro.
Fenton patted his arm in support as he went on to say, "Basically, just help try to keep Mark as far away from me as possible. I know for a fact he'll want to dance with me and there is only ONE MAN in this ballroom I will be dancing with and I'm holding onto his arm as I speak!"
Gyro smiled down at him affectionately for a moment before his smile vanished and he deadpanned, "There is no way in hell I am dancing."
"Awwww!" whimpered Fenton as he pulled on Gyro's arm. "Come on, carino! Mi gallo! It would be so romantic to dance with you in this beautiful atmosphere during this night of Science!"
Gyro was unmoved, his gaze overlooking the crowd instead of down at Fenton, who continued to cling to him as though that would change his moody lover's decision.
Webby clasped her hands together and quietly squealed. "EEEE! You two are too adorable!"
All three triplets leaned away from their honorary sister with wide and fearful eyes.
"Ah! If she continues on at this rate she'll have a cuteness overload!" cried out Louie in worry.
Fenton and Gyro weren't fully paying attention to the kids at this point, both speaking quietly to each other. The younger duck was trying without sucess to convince older rooster to dance with him later after the lectures but Gyro's answer was still a firm no.
"What's this I hear? You need a dance partner for this evening?"
Both of them jumped at the sound of Mark's voice. They stared at Mark who had finally made his way to them. The spoiled parrot casually had his hands in his tuxedo's pockets and he smirked flirtatiously at Fenton.
"Screwloose won't dance with you, hmmm? His loss" he chuckled.
Gyro's arm was instantly wrapped around Fenton's waist to pull him closer. "Go away, Beaks. No one wants you here."
Mark scoffed. "Ha! I beg to differ!" He smiled at Fenton. "Gizzy sure wants me here, don't you!?" he whirled around and raised his phone up. "SELFIE!" He straightened back up to check out the photo. "Ugh! Ew, gross! Gonna have to crop you out, Screwloose! That way Gizzy and I can shine!"
The sound of someone someone tapping on the mic on the stage caught their attention and all of them looked up to see Scrooge preparing to make another announcement. "If I could have everyone's attention once more! Tonight's presentations will be starting within the next ten minutes. If you would all be so kind to make yer way into the lecture hall, we shall begin straight away!"
With the announcement given, everyone began slowly making their way towards the lecture hall as volunteer guides began politely showing them the way.
Fenton let out a breath before saying, "That's our cue. Gyro and I have to go now, Beaks."
Gyro stood straighter and fixed his tie. "Yes, some of us do more than just take ridiculous photos without permission."
Mark opened his mouth with an insult waiting on his tongue when his eye caught Gyro's tie. He quickly glanced at Fenton's own tie and that's when it dawned on him. He kept looking between the two. "You two are matching."
"Wow" drawled Gyro. "It took you THIS long to notice?"
Mark ignored him. "Babe, you're dressed just like Screwloose!"
Fenton nodded as though Mark was stating the most obvious thing in the world. "Yeah, I know. It was intentional." He looked down at his suit and admired it, still loving the fact that Gyro had bought it for him as a present. His rooster could be such a romantic when he wanted to be. "Gyro bought this for me so that we could match tonight. Now, we really need to go and get ready."
He grabbed Gyro by the arm and dragged him along, but not before Gyro could sneer at him one last time. Mark made a face back at him in retaliation.
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Roughly an hour later, all the guests were sitting in the plush theater-like seats in the lecture hall listening to the scientists explain their work. As Scrooge had mentioned weeks ago, Gyro and Fenton wouldn't be the only two scientists speaking. There were four other scholars who were sharing their current work.
Gyro and Fenton had prepared several projects together while the two of them also had presentations of their own to share.
Gyro and the other scientists were sitting next to Scrooge and the Board of Directors in the front row as Fenton gave his lecture.
"So, in theory, my serum will help strengthen tendons and fibrous tissue that otherwise can't get the proper exercise or nutrients" He nervously wrung his hands together. "W-Whichever the case may be. I'm still working on the equations that will determine exactly how much and which nutrients will be needed to convert the basic chemical energy that is required for muscles to work properly" Fenton was explaining during his lecture. He wasn't stuttering nearly as badly as he feared he would, but the occasional stutter did set his nerves on edge.
Thankfully Gyro was sitting in the front row and easily within sight of the younger duck and he was able to glance down and see his beloved's encouraging smile from time to time.
Behind Gyro and Scrooge's row sat the triplets and Webby. Huey was hanging onto Fenton's every word. Webby was at least attempting to pay attention. Dewey was fast asleep and Louie wasn't even paying attention as he played on his phone.
Mark was much further back in the audience, much to his chagrin.
If he wasn't complaining about how bored he was or how far he was away from Fenton and the stage, he was bragging about how Fenton was his boyfriend and that everyone should be jealous because he was dating him.
"See that stud up there?" Mark asked an older gentlemen and his wife next to him. "Yeah, that's my boyfriend!"
The woman frowned. "I thought that was Dr. Gearloose's partner. They're so cute too! Wearing matching tuxes!"
Mark sneered. "He is NOT!"
"SHHHHHH!" shushed about a dozen people around him.
Mark crossed his arms and sunk into his seat and sulked like a child.
"And that's all I have or you tonight" Fenton concluded after his finishing statement. He turned off the projection screen behind him that he had been using to show some slides. In front of the projection sat a table where he had several beakers containing his prototypes. "Ummm...I guess since everyone else did, I'll now take a few moments for a quick Q&A. Does...uh...Does anyone have any questions for me?"
Someone raised their hand and Fenton gestured to them. "Yes?"
It was a mousy woman with curly red hair in a black dress who spoke up. "I understand that all you have right now is a prototype, but if you were to try taking some of it now, would the effects be permanent? Or would this be more like a supplement a patient would have to continuously take for the rest of their lives?"
Fenton nodded as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Good questions. Well, as of now, my prototype is unfortunately temporary. It's technically not even safe for consumption just yet. As I said, I'm still working on the equations to find the balance of nutrients. My hope is to someday have it where its not a supplement required to be taken continuously for the rest of one's lifespan. I'm hoping for something with more lasting effects. I have a long way to go though, sadly."
The woman nodded and sat down before someone else raised their hand and stood up.
Fenton answered several questions before Scrooge stood and finally walked up on stage next to Fenton. The younger duck politely stepped back as Scrooge approached the mic.
Fenton stepped off the stage as Scrooge began instructing everyone to head back out in the main hall where the rest of the Gala would be taking place. His words sounded distant and far off for his mind was solely on the man now standing in front of him.
Gyro had stood and smiled proudly down at his paramour, though he stepped back when Fenton went to give him a large hug. He looked uncertainly around the large crowd around them that were standing up from their seats and slowly leaving.
Fenton blinked in confusion for a moment before he gave Gyro a soft smile. "Ahh, yes. No public displays of affection" he teased.
Gyro nodded curtly. "I'm sorry-I just-"
Fenton shook his head. "No need to explain, mi gallo. I understand. I still love you."
Gyro simply nodded, his eyes never leaving the crowd.
Gyro's walls were up. His mask was on. He'd let Fenton be a little clingy with him earlier, but apparently that had been all he could handle for the evening. Gyro most likely wouldn't get very affectionate in anything more than words for the rest of the evening; until they were safely in the warm comfort of their apartment and away from prying eyes.
"Fenton, baby!" came the loud and almost shrill voice of Mark.
Before Fenton was able to react an arm wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him close. He craned his neck around to find Mark had swooped in and pulled him away from Gyro.
"Ugh, you were amazing, Gizzy!" he cheered. He grabbed hold of Fenton's hand and began to pull him up onto the stage that Scrooge had just vacated. Gyro angrily followed, not liking this in the slightest. "Come along, Fenny! I wanna see your serum up close!"
Fenton allowed himself to be dragged along, only for the sake of not making a scene. While most everyone had left the lecture hall at this point, there were still too many around and he knew no one would appreciate an argument or even worse, a fight to start out. He was still technically on the clock since he was here to represent McDuck Industries.
Once they were at the table, Mark let go of Fenton's hand and grabbed one of the small vials of serum and brought it up for a closer inspection. "So, if I drank this stuff, it would make me stronger!? Kinda like Gandra's stuff did to me!? Mega Beaks!"
Fenton scowled at the reminder of the Mega Beaks incident. He didn't care for the comparison in the slightest. He swiped the vial out of Mark's hand as carefully as he could and placed it back in its holder on the table. "No! My serum doesn't quite work that way! Had you paid any attention to my presentation for the last forty-five minutes, you would already know that!"
"Besides, what Miss Dee used was nanotechnology on your cells. When you drank her formula, it placed the nano-bytes into your blood stream. And since you drank so much of it, it turned you into that great hulking idiotic beast" corrected Gyro coldly.
Mark pursed his lips. "You're just jealous because I had bulging pecs and biceps to show off."
Gyro and Fenton both rolled their eyes.
Seeing that Mark was once again trying to grab at one of the vials,Fenton slapped his hand away. "Seriously, Beaks! Stop touching them! You're not going to drink one and find out what it'll do to you! These are not fit for human consumption yet!"
Mark pouted. "I wanna grow big and strong so I can protect you though!"
Fenton shook his head. "It doesn't work like that! This small of a dosage would only last a short amount of time. Maybe 12 hours at most! And there wouldn't be any physical changes to your body!"
Mark sighed in defeat. "Fine. Can I at least take another selfie of us? This time without Screwloose photo bombing in the background?"
Fenton shook his head and began walking off the stage, leaving his set up there for later in the evening. Once the Gala was over he and Gyro would come back and gather their belongings. Scrooge was expecting them to mingle for the rest of the Gala.
Mark was close at their heels.
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Author's Note: The second half of the Gala will be in the next chapter. This ended up being a lot longer than I had anticipated. Hope you all enjoyed it! :)