I'm Not Yours to Have

by EricaX

It started out as an obsession over Gizmoduck. Now Mark Beaks has set his sights of Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera. Fenton just wants to be left alone. He's already in an relationship with Gyro. Soon, however, Fenton learns just how far Mark is willing to go to make Fenton his.

8. Chapter 8

I'm Not Yours to Have

Chapter 8

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"I think we need something a bit more modern-I mean, who wants to live in an apartment with furniture that looks like it came straight out of the 90's!? Ick! So ancient history!"

Mark had been on the phone for roughly a half hour now rambling on and on about this and that and making outrageous demands of whoever was on the phone with him. The entitled parrot had gotten it inside his head that it was time to redecorate the apartment.

It had only been a couple hours since their fight and Fenton's meltdown over the revelation that it was his and Gyro's one year anniversary. The forlorn scientist had curled up on the couch, his knees up to his chest, and sat there, doing his best to ignore Mark. Sadly, Mark wanted Fenton's attention even more so than usual. Most likely because he knew Fenton was undoubtedly thinking about Gyro and how much he missed him while he sat there silently.

When it was clear Fenton wasn't going to be speaking to him, Mark began making phone calls and rambling about how it was time things changed for them.

"It's obvious you're lonely, Fenny!" Mark had said before he started making phone calls. "I made the mistake of giving you space when you first moved in! I've clearly given you too much space and now you're sitting here like a bump on a log; brooding!" Mark had shook his head and laughed at himself as he had paced in front of the couch. "I mean, no wonder you're unhappy here!"

Fenton hadn't reacted. He refused to. He had found the remote and flipped on the television mounted on the adjacent wall and turned the volume on medium; watching the news. The only sound Fenton made was the occasional sniffle and clearing of the throat as he wiped away at an occasional stray tear.

Knowing that today was their anniversary and knowing that Gyro believed him to be dead, simply broke Fenton's heart. It was hard to push the thoughts from his mind. Hard not to imagine what Gyro was going through. Hard not to imagine what his beloved rooster was doing at that very moment. Fenton was not taking it at all well, so he knew Gyro was even worse off.

Mark, meanwhile, was online ordering like crazy, occasionally showing Fenton some of the items he was planning on buying for the apartment.

Fenton just continued to watch the news as it changed to a weather report.

Just as the young mouse on the screen began describing the week's weather, Falcon Graves walked through the door, which silently slid open. Fenton tore his eyes away from the television to see the tall intimidating man walk in. Behind him were several large boxes. Fenton immediately tensed at the sight of Graves; remembering that he was one of the reasons he was still trapped here.

Mark smiled at the sight of Graves. "Gravesy! There you are! Did you bring all that I asked for?"

His expression never showing a hint of emotion, Falcon nodded. "Yes. I suppose you want me to drag it all inside?"

Mark shrugged without a care in the world, his eyes glued to his phone. "I mean, you dragged it all the way here...so...Might as well, right!?"

Falcon rolled his eyes and got started.

The curious side of Fenton wished to know what was in the boxes but another side of him refused to show Mark the attention. He knew that's what Beaks wanted. He wanted Fenton to ask questions; to start a conversation with him. Well, he wasn't going to! He turned his eyes back to the weather.

"If you were hoping for some sunshine this weekend, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you" the woman on the screen was saying. "The front that's moving in isn't in any hurry to leave! The rest of the weekend we'll be seeing some lower pressure which will be leaving us with more rain. As for the rest of the afternoon, we might see a few short breaks in the rain, but the cloud cover will definitely be sticking around..."

Fenton frowned. He glanced to his left where the one window in the apartment was showing bright blue sunny skies and the soft sounds of chirping birds in the distance outside.

Raining?

That's right. Mark had mentioned that it was a rainy day today earlier. So then why was he seeing sunshine outside the window?

"Ugh! Why are they boxes wet!?" groaned Mark. "Ew! Gravesy! You're getting the carpet dirty!"

Falcon scowled at his shorter employer. "Forgive me. I have no control of the weather. Not my fault it's pouring down rain outside."

Fenton blinked in confusion and turned to the window once more. Raining? Pouring down rain? What?

He couldn't keep silent anymore. Breaking his own silent treatment, Fenton uncurled himself and let his feet and legs dangle off the side of the couch. "What do you mean it's raining!?" he demanded.

Falcon's shoulders stiffened but he otherwise kept bringing the large boxes in, ignoring him.

Mark on the other hand, looked up from his phone; looking as guilty as a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "Uhhh..." He looked back and forth wildly, obviously panicking, before he smiled wide and tried changing the subject. "Heeeeey! You're talking to me again! YAY!"

Fenton pointed to the window. "It's sunny outside! So why is everything else, including these boxes, telling me it's not sunny outside and it's pouring down rain!?"

"Yeaaaaaaaahhhh" drawled Mark, clearly trying to avoid answering. "Because it is."

Fenton's brows furrowed further with confusion that was quickly morphing into anger as he stood up from his spot on the couch and facing Mark.

Mark gestured the window. "I'm sorry, Fenny, babe! D-Don't be mad! I-I wanted you to feel as much at home here as you could-But at the same time, I also couldn't risk having an actual window here at the apartment! So, I installed this fake window instead!"

Fenton just gawked at Mark; at a loss for words.

Graves suddenly cleared his throat. Both of the smaller birds turned to him. "I have completed my task of bringing in the boxes. I have no wish to witness yet another quarrel between the two of you, so I will take my leave now." With a curt bow, Graves turned on his heel and left the apartment; the door sealing shut behind him.

Mark pouted. "Loser" he mumbled the insult at the falcon.

"So all this time I haven't even been looking outside!?" demanded Fenton, turning and walking over to the window. He inspected it more closer than he had when he had initially arrived and first had attempted to escape the apartment all those days ago. "How did I not notice that!?" he ran his hand up and down along the frame of the window. "No wonder I couldn't break the glass!"

"It's because it's not glass. It's a very strong plexiglass" Mark confessed. "Behind that is a very convincing projection screen of high definition. It's on a constant video that I synced up with real time so that it would have a day and night cycle."

Fenton lowered his arms and shook his head in disbelief before glaring at Mark. "Is there anything about you that isn't a lie!?"

"What's that supposed to mean!?" grumbled Mark. "I'm not a liar! It's not MY fault you assumed that was a real window!"

Fenton scoffed and moved to stand in front of the couch, avoiding Mark as the parrot tried to step closer. The parrot was now standing between Fenton and the television, doing his best to get Fenton to meet his eyes. "Okay, okay-Listen, you just need to calm down! You're kinda ruining my mojo here, babe!" He pointed to the boxes Graves had brought in as Fenton crossed in arms in annoyance and shifted his weight from foot to foot. "Look! I bought us all new stuff and had them instantly delivered! That box should be a new coffee table! This one is just...bleh! And-" He picked up a smaller plastic bag sealed bag. "I bought you a bunch of your favorite snacks! Don't think I haven't noticed how little you've been eating, Gizzy! So, I made sure to bring all your favs!"

Fenton looked down to the floor. "Is this my life now?" he asked quietly, his voice on the verge of breaking from all the emotions he was currently feeling. "Trapped in here in a place where nothing is real? No real sunlight. No real fresh air. No outside world. I wouldn't even be surprised if you told me that wasn't even today's news that was on the television!"

Mark set down the bag of snacks, not knowing what to say.

"Living here in a place I don't even want to be with a man who claims to love me but shows me absolutely no respect!" continued Fenton. He finally met Mark's gaze. "I'm tired, Beaks! I can't sleep! I can barely keep down food! I don't feel good! My head hurts and my stomach hurts! I can't sleep so it's hard to keep my eyes open! I miss my M'ma! I miss my friends! I MISS GYRO!"

Mark looked guilty. For about a full minute. Then his eyes hardened and his expression turned nasty. "It's your fault!" he accused.

Fenton's eyes went wide as he gaped at him. "MINE!? How is this MY fault!? I'M the victim here, Beaks!"

Mark shook his head. "You didn't listen to me before! I confessed my love for you and you turned me away!" He began gesturing his arms wildly. "I never planned any of this! You forced my hand when you refused to love me back! You kept ignoring me! I told you from the start that you would be mine!" Mark wasn't overly tall as a whole, but he still had a little height on Fenton. He used that to his advantage and towered over Fenton, who stepped back in alarm. For the first time since he'd arrived, Mark suddenly looked truly threatening.

"You wouldn't listen to me! I am Mark Beaks, baby! I ALWAYS get what I WANT! I did what I had to do to finally have you!" He stepped closer, causing Fenton to run into the couch and fall down into it. The scientist pulled his legs up in an attempt to stay away from Mark.

Now being down on the couch, Fenton was reminded that Mark still had his serum in his system. It hadn't been any more than three hours since he'd drank it, which meant there was a very high chance the affects were still running their course and Mark was still at least twice as strong as him, if not more so.

"The world didn't want me to have you so I took you away from the world! I faked your death so that I could have you all to myself! Because whether you want to believe it or not, I AM IN LOVE YOU! I could have given you the WORLD, baby! We could be off on one of my private islands soaking up the sun right now, but nooooooo!" Mark grunted out in anger, his dramatic flair causing him to whirl around stomp his feet on the ground.

The steam finally left Mark and his shoulders sagged as he calmed down. He took in the sight of Fenton curled up on the couch watching him warily. His expression softened. "I did this all for you, Fenny. Why can't you see that? I did all this because I love you."

After a long silence, Fenton asked quietly, "You really are in love with me, aren't you?"

Mark shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Uh, YEAAAAH! DUH! Get with the program, babe! I've only been telling you this for like...ever! Ever since I met you!"

Somehow Fenton managed to curl even further into himself.

"I guess I just..." Fenton trailed off. He wasn't sure how to explain what he was thinking. "It's just the way you've been going about this. You've always treated me as though I'm just the newest fad. Like I'm the newest..." He really didn't want to use the word 'toy', that sent his mind in directions he didn't want to go down. He turned his brown eyes up to Mark, who seemed to be waiting as patiently as he was capable. "You've always made me feel more like a possession than a person. Like I was just something you were obsessed with and wanted to have just so you could brag you had it."

Mark blinked at him. "Isn't that what love is about?" He looked down at the phone in his hand. "I mean, all I see online is people taking selfies on their phones with their loved ones and bragging about how amazing they are."

Fenton nodded. "Sure, that can be part of it for some couples. But not all relationships are like that and that's certainly not the only thing relationships consist of! There's SO much MORE in a relationship than just posting about it on social media!"

"Like what?"

Fenton's eyes widened, wondering if he had heard correctly.

Mark just waited.

An unknown amount of time passed between them before Fenton swallowed thickly, ignoring the wave of dizziness he suddenly felt as he went to stand up. He really needed to start sleeping better; even if his nerves were on edge every time he was in the bedroom. Though, now the puzzle pieces were starting to come together. Mark had mentioned earlier that morning that he didn't like touching people. That implied...a lot of things, actually.

"You really don't know?"

Mark looked uncertain as he shrugged. "Uhh...no? What more could there be to a relationship? Hug, kiss, cuddle..." He sighed. "Look, I know what sex is, if that's what you're wondering. I know THAT'S a part of it. Trust me, for anyone who's been online as much as me, I've SEEN stuff!"

Fenton could feel his face burning as he looked away awkwardly. He didn't even want to imagine some of the things Mark might have seen online. He cleared his throat. "W-Well, there's more to relationships than just...consummation...too!"

Mark blinked. "Even more? Like what?"

Fenton opened his mouth to reply when something on the television screen over Mark's shoulder caught his eye. "Gyro" he breathed, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Of course, at the mention of his nemesis, Mark sneered. "What!? What does he have to do about relationships!?"

Yet Fenton was not longer listening as he stepped past Mark, his eyes never leaving the screen. He reached down for the remote that was on the table and turned up the volume so he could better hear what was being said on the news.

There on the screen, the news anchor Roxanne Featherly was standing before the camera, yet it was who was behind her that had caught Fenton's attention. Standing behind her was Scrooge McDuck and Gyro. They were standing up on a tented stage that had been set up in front of the Money Bin. It appeared as though, despite the horrid weather, Scrooge had declared he wished to make a statement to the press. Shielded from the rain in front of the doors to the bin, Scrooge and Gyro were waiting for Roxanne to speak to the camera before she turned to them.

The bottom of the screen read, "Scrooge McDuck Acknowledges the Fire at His Money Bin."

Yet none of that mattered to Fenton. All that mattered was the rooster standing next to Scrooge. It was the first time Fenton had seen him since he'd woken up in this apartment a little over a week ago.

"Gyro..." he whispered, his heart breaking as he took in the appearance of his paramour.

To everyone else, Gyro would look like his normal standoffish, angry-at-the-world, glaring out at the world; occasionally glaring at Roxanne as though it was her fault it was pouring down rain. But Fenton knew better. He could see what others couldn't.

Gyro looked a mess. While Fenton couldn't fully see his eyes due to the zoomed out shot the camera was in, he could see enough. Gyro was standing straighter than usual, looking stiff as a board. His hat was slightly askew on his head and most would assume that was due to the wind but Gyro always kept his hat perfectly on top of his head rain or shine. Gyro's shirt was slightly untucked and not nearly as immaculate as it was known to be and his vest also appeared to be slightly wrinkled, which was just unheard of for the lanky scientist.

"Mr. McDuck, you said you wished to finally comment on the fire that broke out inside your underwater lab here at the Money Bin. What would you like to share?" began Roxanne.

Scrooge nodded to her, tipping his top hat to her and at the camera which slowly zoomed in. Fenton was able to see Gyro better and his suspicions were further confirmed when he could finally get a better view of his lover's face. Just like Fenton, Gyro had bags under his eyes and a weariness in his eyes that could only come from lack of sleep and stress.

That was when Fenton saw it. He let out a quiet whimper when he saw Gyro's usual pink bow tie replaced with the soft lavender one he had bought him not a week before all this happened.

"Helloooooooo?" Mark was trying to grab Fenton's attention but to no avail. Fenton ignored the hand that was waving in front of his face, his eyes never leaving Gyro.

"The lab has some minor damage in the grand scheme of things! Thankfully the majority of the lab is made of a thick steel. Most of t'damage was contained to the main room and the most that was lost were documents and some lab equipment. O'course, the computers and software were heavily damaged and shall need t'be replaced. My lead scientist, Dr. Gearloose, however, has happily informed me that any data that was lost in the fire was properly backed up and safely stored in another location."

Roxanna nodded. "Yes, that IS good news!" Her tone implied she thought otherwise as she seemed highly unimpressed with Scrooge's statement on the fire itself and its damages. Her eyes sought out Gyro. "Dr. Gearloose, do you wish to comment on the one fatality that has been reported from the fire?"

Fenton watched as Gyro's tensed even more and glared at Roxanne.

"No, I do not" he sneered at her.

Scrooge thankfully stepped in and spoke up, "Yes, yes. Yeh've heard correctly, I'm sorry t'say. The true tragedy of this fire was the loss of Dr. Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera. Sadly he was present when the fire took place and...he was lost to us."

Gyro looked away completely from Roxanne and her camera crew; refusing to show emotion.

This caused tears to form in Fenton's eyes as he could only imagine what his paramour's thoughts were doing to him. He breath became uneven as he bit back a sob. "G-Gyro! Gyro, I'm alive! I'm alive, Gyro! I'm right here!" he cried at the screen. He stomped his foot down in frustration. "Beaks has me! It was all a trick! He planned that fire!"

Oh, how he wished Gyro could actually hear him!

Mark looked between Fenton and the screen, his eyes narrowing. "Why are they just NOW addressing the press about this!? It's been ages since it happened!"

Fenton didn't answer, he was too busy staring at Gyro on the screen, watching as the lanky rooster continued to be rude to the world by blocking everything away. His walls were up and appeared to be thicker and stronger than ever. It seemed as though Scrooge couldn't even get through to Gyro as he tried to encourage Gyro to say more than just a few words.

Their employer always had a way of getting past Gyro's aversion to social interactions. Most likely because he was Scrooge McDuck and their boss on top of that. Fenton didn't know for sure how long the two have known each other but he knew Scrooge knew more about Gyro's past than even Fenton did. Fenton didn't like pushing Gyro on the subject of his earlier years for he knew how much it stressed him out. Gyro would tell him someday if he wanted to. In the long run, it didn't actually matter; it was here and now that made a difference.

The two of them continued to listen to Roxanne as she carried on with the interview. "Do you plan to hire on anymore interns, Dr. Gearloose?"

That earned a reaction.

Gyro whipped his head to finally address Roxanne properly. Even through the television, the fire of anger in Gyro's eyes could be seen behind his glasses. "How DARE you ask such a question!" he snarled.

For Roxanne's part, she took his anger in stride; barely reacting more than looking a bit surprised.

Scrooge raised a hand to pacify Gyro. "Now, lad, she meant no harm! It's a very basic question." To Roxanne he said a bit less gently. "Yer question came off as quite personal. T'those who don't know, Dr. Gearloose and Dr. Cabrera were very close. They lived together and were quite the adorable power couple." He turned and winked at Gyro, who crossed his arms and seemed rather miffed to be called 'adorable' on live TV.

Finally Roxanne showed a bit of emotion of her own as her eyes widened. "Oh! Science lovers, then!" Gyro rolled his eyes at the offbeat pun. "So I take it you won't be hiring anyone then?"

Mark made a gagging noise. "Ugh! How did you ever put up with him!? The love of his life DIES and look at him! He's no different than how he usually is! If that were me I'd be bawling my eyes out and proving to the world how much you'll be missed! I'd be out there convincing them all that they should erect a statue after you or something!"

Fenton shook his head, his expression somewhere between sadness and annoyance. "You don't get it" he whispered. "You'll never understand it."

"Won't understand what!?"

Fenton watched as the interview ended and Gyro was no longer on the screen. He wiped away his tears and lamented on how brief the interview was. He turned to Mark; finally answering his question. "What real love is."

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The doors to the Money Bin slammed shut behind them as both employer and employee shook off the rain that was clinging to their clothes and feathers. The lobby janitor waved to them, his head banging slightly to the music coming from his large earphones. He wheeled the mop and soapy water over and began cleaning up the trail of water the two of them were leaving behind them as they walked to the elevator.

Once they were inside, Scrooge took off his top hat and shook off the excess rain water from it. "Of all days t'have an interview..." he mumbled.

"Remind me again why that was necessary" grumbled Gyro as he glared at the shiny metal interior of the elevator.

Placing his top hat back on his head, Scrooge replied, "If what yeh say is true and that photograph is proper evidence, that means that Beaks does in fact have Fenton hostage somewhere. If we are t'go and save him, we need t'make sure Beaks sees what he wants t'see."

"He wants to see us on television in the pouring rain talking to a woman wearing too much hairspray?"

Scrooge chuckled and shook his head. "Nae, lad. He wants t'see yeh mournin' the loss of Fenton." Gyro raised an eyebrow at him so he explained further. "He wants t'see that he's won, lad! We need t'make him THINK he's won! The last thing we want t'do is make him think we're onto him!"

The elevator doors opened to the top floor where Scrooge's office was. They walked in and Scrooge immediately walked behind his desk as Gyro hummed in thought.

"So, by doing that interview, he should now think I believe Fenton is dead?"

Scrooge nodded. "Yeh said yeh ran into him at the cemetary, correct?"

Gyro nodded. "He kept referring to Fenton in the present tense. That's what further caused me to be suspicious."

"Well, Mark Beaks is far from the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes t'strategizing people's motives. Let us not forget the Glomgold fiasco. But with this interview, hopefully now he will be less suspicious of YOU figurin' out the truth!" drawled Scrooge.

Gyro nodded.

"Also..."

Gyro raised an eyebrow at him; genuine curiosity on his face.

"There is always the small chance Fenton got t'watch the news and he got t'see yeh on television." Scrooge gave him a sad, sympathetic smile as he watched Gyro's face go slack at the revelation.

"He may have gotten to see me..." he repeated in a whisper.

Scrooge nodded. "Yer a mess, Gyro. Just imagine how big of a mess Fenton is. Knowing he's alive...and unable t'tell yeh."

Gyro simply stood there in front of Scrooge's desk, his mind lost in the thoughts of his beloved and how he was faring. It was Scrooge's voice that snapped him out of it. "Hmm? What?"

Patiently, Scrooge repeated himself. "Didn't yeh say yeh had an idea on how t'check and see where Fenton could be located?"

Snapping out of his melancholy, Gyro shook his head and said, "Oh! Yes!" He lifted the left side of his vest and Lil' Bulb appeared from the little spot he liked to hide in Gyro's inside vest pocket. Lil' Bulb flashed his light bulb head several times as though he was saying he was ready for whatever Gyro had planned for it. The little creation crawled up onto Gyro's shoulder, who then cupped his hand and raised it so Lil' Bulb could hop into it. Gyro held out his favorite invention out to Scrooge. "I plan to have Lil' Bulb infiltrate Beaks' Waddle building. It's not uncommon knowledge that Beaks has an entire floor suite where he likes to crash and sleep. I doubt he'd be THAT stupid as to keep Fenton up there, but that doesn't mean he's not being kept somewhere else in the building."

Scrooge nodded, pursing his lips and folding his hands together in front of him on the desk. "Aye. That would be the best case scenario. Worst case scenario is that he's not keepin' Fenton in Duckburg at all."

A chill ran up Gyro's spine at the idea. If he wasn't in Duckburg then...He could be anywhere in the world, basically.

"Right. Let's hope for the first scenario. Gloria, Fenton's mother, has already tried getting a warrant on the building to have it searched properly, but the judge won't allow it. There isn't enough evidence to prove a reason for a warrant. " He brought Lil' Bulb up to eye level and sighed. "My only problem is that I'm not entirely sure how to get Lil' Bulb in there undetected."

Scrooge gave him a smirk. "I do believe I can be of assistance there."

Gyro frowned. "How?"

"Yeh forget that Waddle is now a subsidiary company to McDuck Industries. I 'appen t'be the sole owner of McDuck Industries."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning I can stop by for an unannounced visit t'Waddle any time I'd like without needin' t'give Beaks any notice."

They both shared a devious smirk.

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"I made tacos!" Mark happily announced as he walked into the kitchen where Fenton was currently sitting at the little island in the middle of the room. In front of him he had a glass of water and a small bowl of fruit he'd been munching on. It was one of the first times he'd legit eaten since he'd arrived. Fenton was seriously suspecting he was coming down with something and was forcing himself to take better care.

Wasn't his fault all this stress and anxiety of being a prisoner was making him have no appetite.

Mark carried in paper bags filled with tacos, burritos, and quesadillas and set them down on the table in front of Fenton.

Fenton raised an eyebrow as he swallowed a grape. "You didn't make these. You had them delivered from the local restaurant on the corner. I recognize their logo on the bag."

Mark frowned. "Ugh, FINE! If you wanna get technical! But I mean-I had to call them and ORDER for this stuff to be made! Normally I have my secretary do that for me! So, YEAH! I made tacos!"

Fenton simply stared at him, not sure how to respond. "No, you didn't-" He stopped himself. "You know what? I'm not arguing with you. Fine, you made tacos even though someone else did."

Mark gave him a look, not sure if he should smile or not. He ended up smiling either way when he watched Fenton take ones of the tacos, unwrap it, and slowly start eating it. Once everything was set out, Mark sat down on the other side of the kitchen island from Fenton and dug in. He sat there eating, looking entirely too happy given the situation.

"This is nice, Gizzy!" he beamed. He pulled out his phone and took a picture of his food, being quick to post to the world what he was eating. "See!? Just a nice lunch for you and me! I mean, sure, I can't tell the world WHO I'm eating this great meal with, but I mean, it's better than nothing!"

Fenton just took another bite of his taco. Now that he was truly eating, he was realizing just how hungry he was.

"Our first meal together in our new apartment!" Mark continued to prattle on. "I had hoped to have had this a lot sooner, but...Sadly you've needed some time to adjust." He bit into his own burrito and chewed obnoxiously before swallowing. "You see!? I've been considerate throughout this whole process! It's been some pretty rough times-This morning especially-" Another bite and loud chewing. "But I knew the two of us could get past this!"

Fenton still said nothing. His thoughts were elsewhere; particularly on Gyro. It had both helped and made things worse to see Gyro on the screen earlier. His heart ached for him so much it physically hurt. He just wanted to go home. He supposed he should be grateful he got to see his boyfriend at all on their anniversary; even if it was on a TV screen where only one of them could see the other.

Mark's phone began to ring and Mark grumbled angrily at the interruption. He swallowed his food and grunted angrily, "Ugh, not cool!" He placed his phone to ear after seeing who it was. "What do you want, secretary lady!? I'm busy eating lunch with my boo and I gave you specific instructions NOT to bother us!"

Fenton could just barely hear the woman on the other end of the line. "Oh, well, sir, I thought you should know that Mr. McDuck just walked into the lobby. He is demanding an audience with you-"

"What!? Why is that old coot here!?" cried out Mark in surprise and annoyance. "Well- tell him I'm busy!"

"Right sir, I did. He said that was fine. He would just have to give himself a tour of the building. With or without you" she went on to say.

Mark's eyes widened. He glanced nervously at Fenton who was trying not to show he was paying attention.

Inwardly, Fenton's mind was reeling. Mr. McDuck was in the Waddle building!? He couldn't know for sure, but now that Fenton knew there was no real window in the apartment, he may just be somewhere in the Waddle building. He remembered the few moments he'd managed to get our of the apartment; the long white corridors that made zero sense. Suddenly the puzzle pieces were coming together. If his suspicions were correct, then he was at Waddle and so was Scrooge McDuck. He could feel his heart beat faster at the very idea of someone he considered a friend to be so close.

Mark ended the call and threw his phone, which flew into the kitchen wall and cracked. He blinked at the strength of the throw. "Huh, forgot I had taken that strength serum." He stood up, not bothering to clean up the mess he'd made with his food on the counter. "Well, babe, it would appear your precious Mark has to go. Scroogey Rich Bags is here."

Fenton saw his chance. "Here!?" he chirped innocently. "I thought you said he was at Waddle."

Mark froze, realizing his mistake. He looked to Fenton uncertainly. "Ehhh, yeah, I meant he's at Waddle."

Fenton decided to just call him out on it. "We're in your Waddle building, aren't we?"

Mark's eyes went comically wide. "WHAT!?" he laughed nervously. "Nooooooo! We're at a very exclusive apartment building!"

"With no windows?"

Mark nodded. "With no windows!"

Fenton nodded.

Ten seconds passed before Mark caught on to what just happened. He sighed. "Fine, we're at Waddle."

Fenton hid his smirk as he took another bite into his taco.

"Guess I should have known better than to think I could fool you, Gizzy! You're simply too smart!" sighed Mark. He pulled out another phone from his pocket. "Alright, lovely, I'll be back soon! McDuck calls!" He stepped around the other side of the island to stand next to Fenton. "Kiss goodbye?"

Fenton simply leaned away from him and was sure to take an extra large bite of his taco. He pointed at his full mouth.

"I can wait till you're done chewing."

Fenton stopped chewing.

Mark pouted, his shoulders drooping. "Ugh, you're so mean to me, Gizzy! Fine! I'll settle for a kiss on the hand!" Before Fenton could react, he grabbed the scientist's hand and kissed his knuckles. "I'll be thinking of you the whole time!"

Fenton made a face, which looked hilarious since his mouth was still full. Mark smirked and left without another word, allowing Fenton to finally finish chewing and swallowing and eat the rest of his lunch in relative peace.

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Scrooge McDuck stood there in the lobby of Waddle, waiting patiently for the CEO to appear. He had made it perfectly clear that he would be getting a tour of the company with or without Mark. This of course, sent the staff into a frantic tizzy of panic.

As he stood there, he titled his head down and discreetly opened his red jacket to make sure Lil' Bulb was still tucked in there safely. The little creation looked up at its father's employer and gave him its version of a thumbs up. Scrooge nodded and closed his jacket once more.

The easy part was over; which was getting inside Waddle to begin with. Now Scrooge just had to make sure he could get deep enough inside the building that would give Lil' Bulb access to more unauthorized areas. There was no point in setting Lil' Bulb off now; by the looks of it, most of the areas to the company were, for the most part, closed off. He frowned as he watched workers slide down the plastic slides and bounce on trampolines. Was this seriously a multi-billionaire company or was it a playground for overgrown children?

Scrooge got his answer as he watched Beaks appear from an elevator, riding his scooter over to him and wearing a little beanie cap hat with a tiny propeller on it.

Playground for an overgrown child it was then.

"Heeeeyyyy! Scroogey McDollars!" Mark called over as he made his way over. He clapped his hands together nervously, feeling the sudden need to hide in his hoodie. Why did McDuck have to show up now!? He wanted to be with Fenton! "I...wasn't expecting you here!"

Scrooge, ever the businessman, raised an eyebrow and leaned on his cane in front of him. "And why shouldn't I be here, Beaks? This is, after all, one of my subsidiary companies. I have every right t'come and see it fer meself. Unless o'course yeh have somethin' t'hide?"

Mark's eyes widened at those words. "Hiding!? I'm not hiding anything!" he squeaked, his voice going several octaves higher.

"That certainly doesn't convince me" drawled Scrooge with a frown. He waited a moment before saying, "Well?" He shrugged his shoulders, staring at Beaks expectantly.

Mark leaned over on his scooter a little bit, not catching onto what Scrooge was waiting for. Then it clicked. "OH! Heh, right!" He stood straighter and turned around on his scooter, raising his arms to gesture to the whole of the building. "Time for a tour of the great, the legendary: Waddle!"

"Legendary playground more like" scowled Scrooge.

Mark turned back to him and lowered his arms. "Huh?"

"Don't waste me time showin' me yer bouncy house-thingies, or whatever they are or yer playground slides. I couldn't care less about them! I want t'see the inner workings of yer company, Mr. Beaks. Think yeh can handle that?" Scrooge's tone held no room for argument.

"How about free snow cones?"

Scrooge paused, debating. "Entirely free?"

Mark nodded.

"Fine. Give me one of those. Cannae say I dislike that. But then onto business!"

Mark scratched the back of his neck, nervously signaling one of his workers to bring over a snow cone. The worker handed the blueberry flavored snow cone over to Scrooge with a smile before walking away.

Scrooge gave it a few licks before sneering up at Mark. "This is the part where yeh start t'show me yer business, Beaks."

"Haha! Right, Money Bags! You're absolutely right!" laughed Beaks nervously. With that, Mark began the tour. He started by showing off the front desk and showing Scrooge how everything was made out of candy. "Eh? Eh? Pretty nice right!?" He held up a red stapler and squeezed it. "Skittles come out instead of staples!"

Scrooge, licking his snow cone, simply gave him a deadpan stare; entirely unimpressed.

The old miser gave a great sigh, taking one last lick of his cone before tossing it over his shoulder without a care. He narrowed his eyes at Beaks. "Enough playing, Beaks. Show me yer blasted building. I'd like t'know where the money goes in this place! As a subsidiary company t'me industry, how this place is run reflects back onto ME! This may be YER business, Mr. Beaks, but it's technically MY company now! So no more snow cones, no more candy desks-I wish t'see the legal portion o'things!"

Mark nodded slowly. "Legal. Yeah, legal. I can do legal. Boring documents and such. Yeah" mumbled Beaks. He then cried out, "Oh! Heh, real quick! We HAVE to do this!" He spun around and pulled up his phone. "SELFIE!"

The flash was on, causing Scrooge to wince. "What the blazes-!? Curse yeh and that infernal phone, Beaks!" He rubbed at his eyes.

Mark wasn't listening though, too busy checking out how the photo came out. "Alright-y! That's done! Now follow me, McDollars! You shall get to see behind the scenes of Waddle!"

Scrooge only scowled as he followed Beaks through several doors and long corridors. Save for Beaks' occasional chatter, the silence and tension between them grew. Scrooge said very little as the proper tour commenced, the old miser's eyes too busy searching for anything that looked suspicious. He made sure to ask Beaks where every door led to, much to Beaks' chagrin.

"What about tha' door?" He went ahead and opened it.

Mark sighed, stopping in the middle of the hallway. "Janitor's closet! What's it to you!?"

This earned him a sneer. "Just lookin' t'make sure yeh don't have any hidden skeletons layin' about is all" he replied mysteriously. "If yer anythin' like Glomgold, yeh'll have tanks of sharks in every other room."

"Ugh! Do NOT mention that guy's name to me! I am FAR superior than that old has been ever was!" scoffed Mark.

Scrooge shut the closet door, biting his lower beak to prevent himself from commenting on that one. He needed to keep this tour going and angering Beaks would not help matters.

It was another half hour before the end seemed near for the tour. Mark was just about to turn and head back the way they came when Scrooge happened to notice a sign on a door that said, RESTRICTED.

If that wasn't suspicious, nothing was.

"Restricted?" It came out as a question as Scrooge stood before the door and pointed at it with his cane.

"Hmm?" Mark spun back around on his scooter. His eyes widened when he saw which door he was referring to. "OH! THAT!" He quickly moved to stand between Scrooge and the door. "That's just down where the boilers and such are. Boring stuff! I don't want just ANYONE going in there, ya know!?"

"Aye, I suppose we are back down on the lower levels" conceded Scrooge pragmatically. He had not enjoyed seeing all twenty floors of the building. They had eventually circled back around until they were in the back of the lower building. "Is that all that's down there?"

Mark opened and closed his beak several times. Anger then slowly settled in. "I just told you what's down there."

Scrooge nodded. "Aye, I'm aware. Then I asked if anythin' else was."

"What else COULD be down there!?" demanded Mark.

'Me missin' scientist and Gyro's beloved' thought Scrooge bitterly. Out loud he told Mark, "Lots o'things, Beaks. But listen, if what yeh say is true, then there's no harm in me checkin' on the boilers! I like t'make sure everything is workin' properly!" He reached around Beaks and began to twist the door knob and open the door. He didn't need to go inside, he simply needed to give Lil' Bulb a chance to get in.

Lil' Bulb saw its chance and carefully slid down the back of Scrooge's jacket. Scrooge wriggled slightly as the motion tickled the old miser. He quickly covered up the shiver as back pain as he grabbed his side. Once Lil' Bulb was on the ground, it carefully peered around Scrooge's leg, making sure Mark wasn't looking at the ground before running into the ajar door.

"Ow! Oh, me back!" cried out Scrooge in fake pain. Knowing Lil' Bulb had made it through the door, shut it. "Ehh...Uh, yeh know? I'll take yer word for it. I'm sure it is only boilers down there."

Mark's angered dissipated immediately. "Huh? Oh, yeah! That's what I said! So, let's move on!"

"Aye!" agreed Scrooge, continuing to ham it up by making it seem like he was in pain. "I think I've seen enough."

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An hour later an angry and complaining Mark walked through the apartment door with a swish and immediately began complaining. "UGH! That was the absolute WORST!"

Fenton, who was curled up on the couch idly skimming through the channels on TV, glanced up tiredly. He had been debating on taking a nap; though now that Mark had returned, he didn't know if he felt comfortable sleeping with Mark so close by. Not that he believed Mark would do anything to him while he was sleeping; he simply didn't want to take any chances.

Mark continued to rant. "That guy is WEIRD!" He pointed to Fenton. "Your employer: McDuck! WEIRD!"

Fenton swallowed and asked in a small voice, "I take it his visit didn't go well?"

Mark smiled and marveled at Fenton for a moment; as though he adored the way Fenton actually reacted and responded to something he said. His awe quickly vanished back to annoyance. "NO! It was so BORING! Ugh!" He shivered. "I need to go take a shower or something! I feel so gross and blah after putting up with him for so long!" He paused. "Wanna join me!?"

It took a minute for Fenton to figure out what he was asking, yet when he did, his whole face and chest went red with embarrassment from the implications. "N-NO!"

Mark seemed to deflate at the refusal. "Fiiine! But now you'll be thinking about it!" He winked at his love before walking into the bathroom and shutting the door firmly behind him.

Fenton turned back to the TV, holding his knees to his chest as he tried to get the images of Mark and him together in the shower out of his head. He tried to imagine him and Gyro in the shower together instead, since for whatever reason, he couldn't stop thinking about taking a shower. Probably because he hasn't been brave enough to take one here at the apartment since he arrived. He badly needed one. Thankfully his thick downy feathers helped hide his desperate need to wash. He had washed his face, hands, and arms well enough in the bathroom sink, he supposed.

Fenton was lost in thought when he suddenly saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He looked up at the end table next to the front door. His heart leapt in his throat when he realized it was Lil' Bulb.

"Lil' Bulb!" He tried so hard to stifle his excitement at the sight of Gyro's invention.

He stood and met the tiny creation halfway, scooping the little light bulb up and sitting back down on the couch; holding it close. "Salvation!" he half sobbed. "Oh! Lil' Bulb I've never been happier to see you!"

Lil' Bulb spared a moment to open its arms wide and latch onto Fenton's chest in the closest thing it could get to a hug. While Fenton was not its inventor, he still meant a great deal to Lil' Bulb since Fenton was so important to his father and creator: Gyro.

"Wait" spoke Fenton after a moment. He wiped at his eyes. "If you're here...If you're here then that means-"

Lil' Bulb began tapping its foot onto Fenton's hand, speaking in Morse Code. "Gyro knows you are alive and is trying to find you."

Fenton squealed happily in delight. He was still trying to be as quiet as possible; even if he did still hear the shower going in the bathroom.

Lil' Bulb than added, "Gyro also told me to tell you: Happy Anniversary!"

Fenton was no longer able to keep the happy tears at bay as he let out a wet laugh and spent the next several minutes holding Lil' Bulb close and thanking his lucky stars for this break in the hopeless darkness he's been living in for over a week. Gyro knew he was alive. His darling Gyro knew he was alive! He just kept repeating those words over and over in his mind.

Finally: he had hope.

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3 Months Earlier - The Science Gala

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It didn't take long for the three of them to make their way through the crowd and into the main museum lobby that had been transformed into a ballroom for the sake of the gala portion of the night's event.

Fenton and Gyro walked as quickly as they could, both ignoring the whining complaints of Mark as he tried to keep up with them.

"Gizzy!" called out Mark. "Come back to me, babe! You're leaving me behind and making me feel quite unloved! I don't appreciate it!"

If anything that only made them walk faster.

"Dr. Gearloose! Fenton!" came the excited cry of Huey as he spotted them walk into the ballroom. He made a beeline over to them, clearly ready to ask more questions now that the lectures were completely over.

"Red nephew" huffed Gyro.

Just behind Huey stood his brothers and Webby and not far behind them stood Scrooge himself. Both scientists made a point of standing in the middle of all their friends before they stopped walking.

"You both did a great job!" congratulated Webby.

Dewey yawned and spoke at the same time. "Yeah-I'd say the same thing but-" He finished yawning. "Not gonna lie. I slept through all of it."

Scrooge walked up behind Dewey and ruffled his hair feathers. "You kids wanted t'come here so badly and now listen t'yeh! Slept through it all!"

Huey looked up at his uncle. "I certainly didn't! I loved it!"

Louie rolled his eyes. "That's because you're a nerd, Hubert."

Huey stuck his tongue out at him.

Gyro glanced over his shoulder and saw that Mark was still trying to make his way over to them but kept getting stopped when people walked in his way. To everyone he said, "Yes, well, now you kids can make yourselves useful and keep an eye on Fenton! Make sure if he ends up alone with Beaks to come and find me immediately!"

Webby saluted while the boys nodded.

As Mark got closer everyone dispersed and went their own ways; Gyro's arm never leaving Fenton's waist.

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The majority of the evening went on without a hitch. Much to the surprise of everyone, Mark wasn't constantly pestering Fenton the entire time. Instead of the parrot was busy making his own fun by trying to stay center of attention to as many people for as long as possible.

Dewey made quick work of daring Mark to stick his tongue on the same ice sculpture of the giant swan he had climbed earlier. He claimed that it would make a great photo opportunity for his fans.

"Only if Gizzy watches!" he negotiated.

Making sure that Fenton was surrounded by the triplets, they all watched as Mark raised his phone and leaned in towards the sculpture; sticking his tongue out. His tongue met the ice and he snapped a picture. He went to pull away and to his horror, found that his tongue was now stuck to the ice.

Fenton couldn't help but laugh at how helpless Mark now looked. Gyro was surprisingly the first one to grab his phone and start recording Mark's struggles as he tried desperately to get his tongue off the ice.

Louie and Dewey were quick to also start taking photos and recording.

"'elp!" cried out Mark. "'elp! 'y tongue-! 'y tongue is 'uck to the ice!"

Eventually Mark was able to free himself and shrug away the humiliation that came from the whole spectacle. The CEO made himself a little more scarce for a while after that, allowing Gyro and Fenton to have some peaceful time to mingle without worry.

The two of them had just finished speaking to one of the head professors at a local college when Gyro turned away and scowled. "I've been social enough in the last hour to last the rest of the year."

Fenton chuckled, reaching a hand up and caressing his boyfriend's cheek lovingly. "Aww, my poor brooding hermit crab. Doesn't like the rest of the world to see how amazing he is outside of the science world."

"Hermit crabs have claws. Anyone else comes up to me and wants to talk, I'll chop them in half!" he quietly seethed. He raised his free hand and imitated having a crab claw.

Fenton burst out laughing. "I'm assuming I don't count!"

Gyro forced back a smile. "Of course. You're the only person I'll be speaking to for the rest of the year."

"What about Lil' Bulb?"

"And Lil' Bulb."

"Manny?"

"No. Just you and Lil' Bulb."

"Noted! I feel so honored to be on your exclusive list!" Fenton continued to laugh and discreetly held Gyro's hand. This earned him a small smirk that threatened to become a smile. "Oooh, careful now, Dr. Gearloose!" teased Fenton. "You almost showed a smile!"

Glancing around and seeing that no one was watching, Gyro reached around and gently pulled at the top of Fenton's downy soft tail feathers.

Fenton gasped in mock shock, a hand going to cover his beak. "Scandalous!" he stage whispered.

Gyro forced his beak back down into a frown and adjusted his tie. Very quietly he said, "You think that's scandalous?! Just wait until we get home!"

Fenton was practically bouncing on his feet, loving how playful Gyro was being. He knew Gyro didn't like to show emotion and public displays of affection in public, so to see him being in this good of a mood was exciting and slightly exhilarating.

"How many drinks have you had?" Fenton found himself asking.

Without looking at Fenton, he answered by raising three fingers. "At least twice this many."

Fenton's eyes went wide. "Six!? Mi gallo, is that wise!?"

Gyro shrugged and raised the empty wine glass in his hand. "With this stuff? It's fine. It may effect you if you have too many, but I could drink another six of these and still be fine. The amount of alcohol in this sorry excuse of diluted wine is not near enough to mess with me." He glanced down at Fenton's own half full glass. "Unlike me, you're a lightweight."

Fenton sighed, unable to argue with that. It really didn't take him all that much to get more than a buzz.

"Can I give you a quick kiss on the cheek?" Fenton asked abruptly.

Gyro raised an eyebrow at him. "No."

Fenton pouted. "I'll make sure no one is looking!"

"No."

"I'll do it anyways! With or without your permission!"

Gyro raised his hand and pretended to have a crab claw again. "Claws, remember. Don't think I won't use them on you."

Fenton laughed, the sound bringing the smallest of smiles to Gyro's face.

"Ahhh, if that isn't the most beautiful sound in the world!" came the voice of Mark. Before either of them could react, Fenton was pulled away from Gyro in one swift movement. In the next, a petite dark haired canary was shoved into Gyro. "Here, Screwloose! This lady here was telling me how cute she thought you were! Dance with her while I dance with my boo!"

Gyro nearly dropped his wine glass as he caught the young woman and prevented her from falling. By the time he managed to get them both stable and was able to look at his surroundings, both Mark and Fenton were no where in sight.

"I'm so sorry!" squeaked the woman. "I didn't say you were cute, I said you and your boyfriend were cute TOGETHER!"

Gyro pushed her away, forcing himself not to push her forcibly. His eyes were too busy scanning the ballroom filled with people. "Forget it. You're forgiven. Excuse me!" His eyes sought out anyone he knew for assistance.

He found Louie and Dewey first. "Blue! Green! Beaks took off with Fenton! Help me find him! Now!"

Both brothers stared in shock for a moment before nodding and taking off.

Fenton nearly tripped several times as Mark quickly walked them clear to the other end of the ballroom; as far away from Gyro as possible. Due to how Mark was dragging him along, Fenton was walking backwards through the crowd, which didn't help in the slightest.

"Beaks! Beaks, stop!" he grunted, his arms swaying on both sides of his to help keep his balance.

Finally Mark stopped and whirled Fenton around until they were chest to chest. Mark smiled down at him; their beaks nearly touching. Fenton tried to pull away but Mark had wrapped an arm around his waist, keeping him in place. "Dance with me." It sounded more like an order than a request.

"You could have just asked" hissed Fenton.

"And give you the chance to say 'no'? Pfft! Yeah, right!" guffawed Mark without a care in the world. He didn't seem to realize how angry his dance partner was becoming. He raised a hand and took a selfie of them together, pushing their faces closer together. Satisfied that he had gotten a good photo, Mark put his phone away and got them into a proper dance position. Mark's hands around on Fenton's waist once he made sure Fenton would keep his arms on Mark's shoulders.

Fenton scowled up at him.

"Come on now, Gizzy! You wouldn't want to make a scene, now would you!?" asked Mark with a false innocence.

Fenton closed his eyes and counted to ten in his head. He tried to ignore how close they were standing and how Mark was swaying them slowly back and forth as they slowly dancing in a lazy circle.

"Do you know how to tango?"

Fenton's mind went blank at the question. "T-tango? Um...no?"

"Shame. I don't know either."

A new song began to play. As though Mark somehow knew the song would be coming up next, a tango began to play. The dancers around them stepped away from each other, allowing more distance between couples.

Mark leaned in close, his beak gently brushing up against Fenton's ear. "I guess we'll just have to make it up as we go."

Before Fenton knew what was happening, the two of them were attempting to dance a tango. It was messy, to say the least. Mark lead them and Fenton could do nothing but follow. A tango was a quick, elaborate dance; nothing like the simple lazy intimate circle they'd been walking moments ago.

The dancers around them quickly realized the both of them required more space and backed off. Mark clearly didn't know what he was doing; making up the exaggerated steps as he went; glancing around at the others to imitate what everyone else was doing. It didn't take long for Fenton's head to start spinning from being whipped around the way he was.

In any other circumstance, Fenton would find this endearing. If Gyro ever tried to pull something like this off, Fenton would be having the time of his life. He would let Gyro lead him anywhere and in any crazy dance step he wanted. He would just laugh at it all. Because Gyro was the love of his life. Those were the sort of dances you wanted with someone you loved. Sudden. Exhilarating. Passionate. Loving.

This dance was none of those things. This dance was unwanted and forceful. It only got worse when Mark started talking.

"Things could be so much better for you, Gizzy" he began. "Let go of Screwloose. I'll show you what a real relationship is like! I'll shower you with love and gifts and kisses and money! Anything you could ever want!"

"It sounds like you're trying to buy me!" grunted Fenton between breaths as he tried to keep kup.

"No, no, no! You could never be bought, babe! I just want you to realize what you're missing out on!" he exclaimed, also panting from the exertion.

Distantly Fenton was sure he could Louie's voice cry out, "Gyro! Over here! I found them!"

He was pretty sure it was Louie's voice.

Not that he had long to ponder it as Mark whipped Fenton around one more time and Fenton found himself being dipped low. He could feel his back complain in protest to the sudden movement. He managed to look up and saw Mark towering over him with a wide victorious smirk on his face.

Just when Fenton thought he would be lifted up from the dip, he found a pressure on his lips. Mark leaned down and kissed Fenton fully on the lips; keeping them there for several long moments.

He was being kissed! Mark was kissing him!

No longer caring or even remembering where he was at, Fenton simply reacted and raised his knee upwards and straight into Mark's stomach. At the same time, he managed to pull his hand away from Mark's shoulder and shove his palm completely into Mark's face; successfully breaking their kiss and pushing Mark away.

Being kneed in the stomach caused Mark to drop Fenton, who fell to the floor in a painful heap. He groaned in pain, wiping a sleeved arm around his beak to wipe away the feeling of the unwanted kiss. He couldn't help but gag.

Vaguely he could hear the dancers around them making a fuss; he could feel everyone's eyes on them. Everyone backed up further from the two of them. As Fenton slowly got his bearings and began to stand back up, his beloved's voice rang throughout the room.

"Fenton!" Gyro called over, rushing over him. Not caring who all was watching, Gyro gathered Fenton into his arms and held him close.

Fenton looked over Gyro's shoulder and could see Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Webby standing in front of a very angry and scowling Scrooge.

"What did he do!?" Gyro had to know.

"He f-forced me to dance and then-Then he kissed me!" gasped Fenton.

Mark, who had collected himself enough to stand, limped over to them; chuckling and trying to brush the whole thing off. "Heh! He enjoyed it! He just doesn't want to admit it! The idea of the great Mark Beaks kissing him freaked him out! Too overwhelming!"

One moment Gyro was holding Fenton close. The next, Fenton was standing behind him, his arms still up and holding bothing but air. Fenton turned around just in time to see Gyro punch Mark in the face. Mark fell to the floor with a sickening thud.

Gyro was breathing heavily as he glared daggers down at Beaks; towering over him. He shook his fist, wincing from the pain of punching someone in the face. He didn't want to show how much it hurt though. Instead he focused on the satisfactory of hitting his rival.

Mark was out cold.

"DUUUDE! Mega cool, Dr. Gearloose!" crowed Dewey.

"Woah!" breathed Webby.

Louie was busy taking photos.

Huey just stared on with concern. "Fenton! Dr. Gearloose! Are you two alright!?"

His question went unanswered as Gyro guided Fenton away from Beaks' prone form on the dance floor. Instead he focused his attention on Scrooge. He lowered his head in shame. "I'm sorry, Mr. McDuck- I didn't mean to cause a scene!"

Scrooge's anger had melted away and he was now looking up at Gyro in fascination. "Do yeh know who yer speakin' to, laddie? I'm not at all angry at yeh fer puttin' that idiot parrot in this place! He certainly had it comin'!"

Fenton and Gyro just watched in silence as Scrooge then turned and began encouraging everyone to go back to the party and merriment. After several minutes everyone had forgotten about the spectacle and gone back to their socializing and drinking. Everyone simply avoided the area Mark was still lying on the floor. No one seemed too worried about him.

"Holy circuits!" breathed Fenton, his hand holding tightly to the front of Gyro's suit. "Did that actually happen!?"

Gyro shook his head uncertainly. "I'm not entirely sure myself." He looked at his sore hand. "Though the pain in my hand tells me it DID in fact happen!"

Fenton huffed a laugh. He sobered up and looked Gyro in the eye. "You punched him in the face for me."

Gyro gave a faint nod. "I'd do it again a thousand times for you if I had to."

Fenton blushed. "You say such sweet things when you want to..."

Gyro leaned his head down until their foreheads were touching. "I don't want to very often" he admitted. "But when I do, I prefer to save them for you."

Fenton's smiled grew wider before he leaned up and kissed Gyro.

Neither of them seemed to care that anyone was watching. For once, Gyro wasn't concerned about it. Let them look. He wasn't ashamed. Let the world know that Gyro Gearloose, the man who acted more like a cold machine, actually did have a heart. A heart that belonged to Fenton Crackshell-Cabrera.

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