The Golden Heart

Chapter 5

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Author's Note: I'm back! Wow, I am so sorry it's been this long! Two years-just about! That's real life for you, I guess! Thank you everyone for waiting patiently and thank you so much to those of you who have messaged me or left reviews. Seriously, its you guys that made this happen! I'm getting things in gear and working hard to finish my stories you guys! Obviously, with everything that's happening in the world today and COVID-19, I'm currently furloughed from my job. So, I have more spare time than I know what to do with. I've been getting a lot of house projects done and now I'm hoping to get a lot more writing done. I will be focusing all my attention on this particular fic, because in order to continue 'Thicker Than Water', I have to complete this story first, because, as I started writing up the newest chapter for TtW, I realized it will be heavily riddled with spoilers for this story, so I need to finish this one first. Sorry those who don't like that and want TtW updated! Anyways, enough talk! Please enjoy this chapter of Golden Heart.

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The wind blew gently around them as the sun shone down from the sky, yet it was clear that sunset was not far off and despite how badly he wanted like to get started on finding the treasure, he knew their next best move would be to find a place to stay for the night. Scrooge wanted to study those maps that Glomgold had supplied a bit longer before he jumped into things.

Fenton shivered a bit next to Scrooge. Now he was seeing where he had made his mistake in what he had packed. He had brought simply summer clothes when in fact, he should have brought some sweatshirts and long sleeves shirts. If nothing else, a warm jacket! He dared not show his discomfort in front of Scrooge though, since he had already been berated on the subject.

"Told yeh t'pack 'lightly' not stupidly" he heard the old miser mutter.

Too late.

Fenton winced. "I know, Scroogey, my love, my paramour! I guess I took your advice a bit too literally. I have a bad habit of doing that..." The accountant sighed and hugged himself tighter as a stronger gust of cool air blew past them.

Scrooge showed the tiniest hint of sympathy, though it was gone so fast Fenton was not sure if he had imagined it or not. "If yeh lucky, there is a gift shop inside the airport. Yeh can buy yerself a sweatshirt, at the very least."

Fenton smiled at the suggestion. "Oh, boy! I could even see it as my first souvenir from Sitka!"

Scrooge rolled his eyes. He was busy watching Launchpad pull down all of their luggage from the back of the plane. He would have gotten his own himself had the trunk section of the plane not been so bent upwards due to the crash. Launchpad was the tallest and therefore the only one who could reach.

Launchpad set the last of the suitcases down on the cement and beamed proudly as he wiped his brow. "There ya go, Mr. McDee! I do believe that is everyone's luggage!"

Glomgold silently walked up to the luggage, surveying it with suspicion. When he saw that all of his belongings were present, he gave a satisfied smirk before claiming his own with a vice grip. "I'm impressed! I would have thought for sure yeh'd have lost all our stuff along with crashing the plane, McQuack."

Launchpad didn't seem to catch the insult as he guffawed and scratched the back of his neck. "Heh. Nahh, I only crash planes. Any lost belongings...well, they're just collateral damage I guess."

Glomgold shook his head and stalked away, heading towards the small terminal of the airport. "Whatever. I'm gettin' inside. The sun is settin' and it's only gonnae get colder."

At the comment, Scrooge glanced at the quickly at the sun. It was still a ways off from setting but it wouldn't be much longer. "Ack, pluck me tail feathers! In all the fuss of getting here, the time difference slipped me mind! We're a good eight hours ahead of our regular time!"

"Like time travel?" chirped Fenton in question.

This only earned him a scowl. "No, yeh dingus! We're on the other side of the world now! Of course the time of day is gonnae be different here!" Scrooge quickly grabbed his own suitcase and quickly made haste in following Glomgold.

Fenton jumped when Launchpad placed a hand on his shoulder. "Eh, don't let him get to ya, Fenton. If it makes ya feel any better, I was thinking time travel too!" chuckled the taller duck.

Fenton looked up and smiled at his friend. Though he wasn't entirely sure he felt better or not. He was really going to have to watch himself when it came to comments like that. He had already embarrassed Scrooge several times while in the presence of Glomgold and it was clear that bothered his paramour a great deal. He had to prove to Scroogey that he wasn't a waste of time. The last thing he wanted was for Scrooge to start regretting dating him.

Fenton winced. Ugh, just the very thought of it nearly broke his head. He clutched a hand over his heart and with determination, he grabbed his suitcase and started walking towards the airport. Launchpad quickly followed suit after saying thank you once more to the retreating firemen for hosing down the plane. Repairs on the plane would have to start first thing in the morning.

By the time Launchpad and Fenton met up with Scrooge and Glomgold inside the terminal gates, the two richest ducks had already gotten to the front doors. "Fenton! Launchpad! Get over here now!" the old miser called over to him impatiently. "We'd like t'get to the hotel BEFORE sunset!"

Launchpad and Fenton ran through the tiny terminal. The airport was small to begin with, with only three terminals. There was limited staff who were milling about. There was a voice announcing when the next flight was taking off. It was all ignored however since the two stragglers had little time to glance around.

Once they had met up with Scrooge and Glomgold, the four of them stepped back outside. Once the cold air hit Fenton's feathers, he shivered. "Oh! Scroogey-"

Scrooge glared at him.

Cottoning on, Fenton quickly corrected himself. "I-I mean Scrooge! I was gonna grab a sweatshirt real fast in the gift shop!"

Scrooge's shoulders sagged in annoyance. "Ugh, make it fast, Fenton!"

Nearly colliding with Launchpad in his haste, Fenton left his suitcase next to Launchpad and quickly turned tail. He had seen a gift shop right near the door, right!?

Spotting a small little shop, Fenton ran inside.

Just like the airport itself, the gift shop was tiny. Yet thankfully they had everything he needed. It didn't take him long at all to find a couple sweatshirts and a jacket to purchase. They all displayed the Sitka Airport logo on it, but it was better than nothing! One of the sweatshirts was a soft blue while the other one had a baseball feel to it with stripes on the top and lower yellow sleeves. The jacket was longer than he would have liked but it was warm and he liked the olive green color.

Once he was out of the store, he stuffed the receipt in the bag and pulled out the jacket. It fit great. He glanced up and saw Launchpad, Scrooge, and Glomgold still standing out there waiting. They seemed to be discussing something. Or rather, Scrooge and Glomgold were. Launchpad was looking around several feet away, seemingly lost in thought.

Fenton was stepping out the glass doors when Glomgold's voice reached his ears.

"Why are yeh botherin' with that pipsqueak, McDuck?"

Fenton froze, the glass door shutting behind him. All three of them had their backs to Fenton and therefore hadn't seen him walk out.

"I don't know what yeh mean" muttered Scrooge with disinterest. He was looking away from Glomgold; not wanting to meet his gaze. Instead Scrooge was watching a car drive by.

"Don't play daft! What's yer end game with this? Is this just some passin' fancy yer toying with?" Glomgold leaned on his cane and narrowed his eyes. He then leaned in towards Scrooge with a smirk. "Per'aps sowin' some wild oats?"

Scrooge made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat, tapping his own cane in indignation. "Grow up, Glomgold! As if I would tell YOU!"

Glomgold, dissatisfied with his answer, leaned back. "Then I'm gonnae have t'assume that's what this is!" He jabbed a thumb in Fenton's direction, making the account gulp and wonder if the other duck knew he was listening after all. But Glomgold never looked back and Fenton had to assume he didn't.

Scrooge didn't respond, too determined not to listen.

"He's a laughin' stock, McDuck! Less than half yer age and a complete goofball! What could yeh possibly see in him?!" continued Glomgold.

Scrooge then snapped. He quickly turned on Glomgold, getting up into his face and sneering, "I see a whole lot more in him than I see in YOU! Make fun of him all yeh want, Flinty, but he'll always be twice the man you are! Yes, he's a klutz and makes a lot of mistakes, but I'd prefer his company t'yours!"

This declaration didn't feel nearly as gratifying as Fenton would have liked. Scrooge hadn't said he kept Fenton around because he loved him. Or even because he LIKED him. He'd only told Glomgold he preferred his company over Glomgold's...while pointing out that he was klutz and made a lot of mistakes. No, it certainly hadn't made him feel better to hear that.

With glassy eyes, Fenton watched as Scrooge stepped away from Glomgold so that he could stand closer to Launchpad. With a resigned sigh, Fenton grabbed the handle of his suitcase and stepped further away from the door; making an intentional attempt to stay as far away from Glomgold as possible.

Thankfully Launchpad was the first one to notice him. The pilot beamed at him happily. "Gee, that didn't take long at all!"

"Let us feel blessed for small miracles" mumbled Scrooge.

Fenton felt the blow of the comment and tried to push it away. He gave a small smile towards his paramour; though it felt more strained than usual. "Uhh, yeah. I was able to buy two sweatshirts and this jacket."

Scrooge eyed the jacket critically. "Hmm" he said after a beat. "It's actually not half bad. It's got pockets, I assume?"

Fenton nodded. He pushed his fists into the two large front pockets. "Yep! It's why I liked it!"

Scrooge nodded. "Alright then! Let's get a move on!"

Glomgold glanced over at this comment, his eyes widening slightly to Fenton's sudden appearance. He too glanced critically at Fenton's new attire, yet said nothing.

Fenton was grateful. He wasn't entirely sure his heart could handle any more criticism at the moment. He needed some time to recover from the conversation he had eavesdropped on.

The airport's parking lot curved around so that there was a drop off area. They walked past it to where there was a sign specifically for cabbies. Glomgold immediately set out to reach it; walking in an entirely different direction. Seeing this, Scrooge frowned. "Where are yeh goin' Flinty?"

Stopping, Glomgold turned and looked at them as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "We're gonnae wait for a cab, aren't we?"

"And waste perfectly good money on cab fare? I think not. And yeh seriously wonder why yer the SECOND richest duck in the world" chided Scrooge. He guided Fenton and Launchpad further along the sidewalk, completely ignoring Glomgold's squawk of outrage.

"Are you joshin' me!? Just how far is the hotel we're stayin' at!?" he demanded. The very idea of walking seemed to appall him.

Scrooge stopped and made a show of thinking about the distance. His devious smirk showed all too clearly just how much he was enjoying this. "Eh, I'd say about four or so miles down the road." He took his time in getting out the map. He clicked his tongue and turned the map the correct way before declaring, "Ahh, yes. Here it is! Mhm! Four miles! Why'd yeh think I wanted to leave the airport so quickly! Won't take long fer the sun to set and it's best we get there before it gets too dark!"

Launchpad and Fenton stepped back, knowing this was a battle between the two men. They glanced nervously at each other before watching the scene unfold.

Glomgold simply stood there, leaned against his cane and suitcases. His jaw then dropped. "I did not sign up to walking four miles, McDuck!"

Completely at ease, Scrooge shrugged and said, "And I didn't sign up to havin' yeh along with us. Yer the one who insisted on taggin' along. If yeh don't like things the way they are, feel free to catch a flight back home."

"Curse you, McDuck! Yer doin' this t'me on purpose!" snarled the other duck. He stomped his way over to where they were all standing.

Then he stopped and remember his two large suitcases.

Grumbling, Glomgold turned and walked back, grabbed the handles, and wheeled them along with him. Until one of the tiny tires gave out and the one suitcase fell to its side; dragging and causing Glomgold to nearly trip.

Scrooge simply watched in fascination at Glomgold's humiliation. He was soaking this all in gleefully. Fenton and Launchpad watched in shock.

Glomgold nearly picked up and threw his suitcase in frustration, but just barely managed to control his temper. Instead he set it right and began pulling both suitcases behind him until he was up with the others. "Don't you dare laugh at me, McDuck" he warned.

Scrooge placed an amused hand over his beak in a failed attempt to hide his smirk. "I now understand why yeh've been single all these years, Flinty" he jeered. "You embarrass yerself all on yer own!"

Seething, Glomgold's eyes moved over to Fenton. "Yeah? Well at least I'm not rockin' the cradle! If I did want to get some, I certainly wouldn't have to sink so low t'get it!"

"Hey!" squawked Fenton before he could help himself. He'd been hoping to keep a lower profile until they had at least arrived at the hotel. Launchpad placed his hand on his shoulder again.

"Aww, lay off, Mr. Glomgold" he spoke up. "Four miles never killed anyone. Heh, that I know of..."

Scrooge, meanwhile, had lost his gleeful mood and was sneering at Glomgold. He crossed his arms. "Quit yer belly achin' Flinty and try to keep up!" With that, he spun on his heel and grabbed the handle of his own smaller suitcase and began walking down the sidewalk.

Fenton began to follow, his eyes never leaving the back of Scrooge's head. He watched the older mallard's top hat move back and forth as he walked, losing himself to his thoughts. Once again, Scrooge had a chance to defend him and their relationship and he didn't. It was really beginning to leave a sour taste in his mouth and cause a painful pull on his heart. Any other insult, Scrooge would be arguing back with a retaliation; ready to defend himself to the end. He was stubborn that way. But anytime it came to Fenton or the relationship between them: nothing.

Fenton blew out a disheartened sigh, watching a fuming Glomgold follow after a determined Scrooge.

Launchpad looked back from where he was walking ahead and titled his head to the side in concern. "You comin' Fenton?"

Fenton nodded. He wasn't about to give up. He would fight for his love for Scrooge! If it was the last thing he did!

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"You said four miles!" shouted a peeved Glomgold.

They were still walking along the road, which had turned into a main road. Cars zipped by them but thankfully there was plenty of space to walk safe enough without having to get too close. Scrooge's beak was buried in the map in front of him every so often; double checking the directions. He quickly folded the map down tightly so if fit inside his breast pocket.

"Did I?" Scrooge called back from where he was in the lead. "Sorry. I meant eight!"

Glomgold wasn't the only one who groaned at that. Fenton and Launchpad were also feeling the effects of all the walking. Their luggage trailed behind them on their little wheels. Glomgold was lagging the most, but only because he has brought the most luggage with him. Every few yards the one wheel to his suitcase would cave and cause the whole thing to tip. Every time, the Scottish duck stopped and cursed louder and louder.

They all pretended not to hear Scrooge's own chuckle every time.

"Scroogey, my love" Fenton called. "Is the hotel we're staying at close to the new land you purchased?" His words were separated with heavy breath. He wasn't panting just yet, but, then again, he had another four miles to walk, according to Scrooge. "Or do we have to walk even further to get there!?"

Scrooge glanced back and saw how much they were all lagging behind him. He stopped. Judging by the look on the old miser's face, he seemed interested enough by the accountant's question. "Good question, there, laddie." He waited until Launchpad and Fenton had caught up with him before continuing; his own suitcase meeting the pace of theirs. Glomgold went ignored. "As a matter of fact, that's exactly why I chose this particular Bed & Breakfast. It's right next t'the grounds I just purchased."

"Excuse me!?" came Glomgold's incredulous howl from several yards behind them. "We're not even stayin' at a hotel!?"

Launchpad chuckled. "Gee, that sounds awful cozy! My sister had wanted to open up a bed and breakfast when we were kids. But then she remembered that if she wanted to a pilot- and boy, did she ever! - She wouldn't have time to run one!"

Scrooge nodded though appeared not to have really been listening. "Aye, well, the nearest hotel was roughly ten miles from my new property and t'me it simply didn't make sense to stay there. It was either walkin' back and forth-which, going by your reaction to eight miles-I take it ten wouldn't have gone over any better. So a Bed & Breakfast next door seemed most fortuitous. Not t'mention the cab fare I'd have wracked in or the money spent on staying in a hotel. Nae, this was a much better investment all and all."

Fenton puckered his beak, Scrooge's words sinking in. "Love, everything is about an investment with you, huh?"

"Naturally" scoffed Scrooge. "Life is one big opportunity. One must seize the best moments in order t'get ahead in life! Don't yeh agree, laddie?"

Fenton looked down at the ground they were walking on. "Hmm...I'm more of a 'live in the moment' kinda person..."

"Eck" grunted Scrooge as his beak down turned to a dissatisfied frown. "That's all fine and dandy, lad, but like I told yeh out in the Klondike...Life is more than just moments. It's about the future too. Planning. Strategizing." He turned his head to glance back at a glowering Glomgold. The other duck behind them was glaring daggers into their backs as he trudged along. "It's also about gettin' the upper hand on yer enemies." He cackled before looking back to the front.

"Heh heh, gee-My life is even less complicated than both of yours! I just make sure to make it past my next crash!" laughed Launchpad. When no one else joined in on his amusement, he paused and glanced at them. After a pause, he said, "Huh, maybe I oughta change that..."

"Not a bad idea, Launchpad. For once yeh need t'start thinkin' more about yer own future. Have yeh ever thought about settlin' down?" asked Scrooge. He then gestured to a fork in the road. "Oh, we're turnin' up here, by the way."

As they reached the fork in the road, they veered to the left. The road was a dirt road and there was a sign that was advertising the Bed & Breakfast Scrooge had mentioned earlier.

"Seriously!? The road isn't even paved!? What kinda hell hole are you leadin' me towards, McDuck!?" groused Glomgold from behind them.

His whining went ignored.

Returning to Scrooge's question, Launchpad said, "Wait, 'settle down'...as in...no longer fly!? Cause, you should already know this about me, Mr. McDee- This McQuack was born for the skies!"

Fenton chuckled at the misconception while Scrooge rolled his eyes.

"Nae, lad! Not that! Settle down as in finding yerself a girlfriend! Marrying someone and havin' kids!" corrected Scrooge. He pulled out the map once more for a moment to check something before stuffing it back inside his pocket.

The sun was now just peaking over the treeline and they were losing more and more light. Not to mention the dark ominous clouds that were fast approaching from the other direction. Thankfully they could see what might possibly be the B&B just up ahead.

"I swear on my life, McDuck, if we get stuck out here in the middle of a storm AND at night-I"m gonnae-" Glomgold's threat was drowned out by Launchpad's nervous chuckle.

"Well, gee, Mr. McDee. T'be honest, I've never given it a whole lot of thought. My life has always just been so busy! I used to cart you and the boys around back in Duckberg and then of course I started helping DW in St. Canard- It takes a lot outta ya, let me say! At the end of it all, all I wanna do is crash on DW's couch and watch some Pelican's Island!"

"Sounds lovely to me! Especially if his couch is as comfy as mine!" beamed Fenton. He the added sourly. "Not that Ma'ma lets me sleep in it. She claims I distract her from her shows with my snoring whenever I sleep there instead of my bed."

Scrooge tugged on his suitcase, making sure to avoid a large rock in the road. "And this 'DW'. Does he take care of yeh?" Of course, Scrooge was privy the fact that just who DW was. He knew Launchpad worked closely with Darkwing Duck back in St. Canard. Whether or not Fenton had made the connection he was uncertain, so he thought it best not to say anything that would give too much away. He remembered the time, nearly two years ago when Darkwing had come to his doorstep to seek help. Launchpad had been threatened by Negaduck and would have been killed had Darkwing not given in to his whims. The very fact that Darkwing hadn't been able to keep his dear friend Launchpad as safe as he would have liked still left a chip on his shoulder.

Launchpad seemed to get the hint as he looked to Scrooge over top Fenton's head since Fenton was walking between them. They made quick eye contact. "Yeah. He does. I know he doesn't always show it, but DW is the greatest friend I've ever had. And I guess that's why its hard for me to imagine anything in my future. I can't imagine leaving DW. Save for trips like this, of course. He and Gosalyn need me too much."

"Have yeh ever considered t'fact that maybe they're yer future? Maybe DW is who yer meant to be with?"

The question seemed to baffle Launchpad. "Be with DW? But I'm already with him. He's my best friend, Mr. McDee" came the pilot's uncertain response.

"Do ya see yerself ever becoming more than friends, laddie?" asked Scrooge in a gentler and softer tone.

Launchpad frowned in confusion, however before he could respond, Glomgold had trudged his way up to them, pushing Fenton out of the way entirely with a sharp fist to the arm so he could walk beside Scrooge. Fenton cried out in alarm, unable to stop himself from crashing into Launchpad from the momentum of Glomgold's push. "Cheese and crackers! Warn a guy, would ya!" snapped Fenton.

"Shut it, Crackshell!" He let go of his luggage and sprang up in front of Scrooge. He jutted a finger into the other duck's face. "Hold it, McDuck! I know where we are now!"

Scrooge's eyebrows raised. "Oh, really? Took ya this long then, eh? Finally recongizin' a bit of t'scenery?" He leaned in closer. "Did yeh finally catch on that we're in France?

Glomgold didn't take kindly to the insults. "Shut yer gob, McDuck! Yeh know damn well I haven't been t'this property in over fifteen years! I told yeh that not forty-eight hours ago! And just so yeh know, I've been t'this Bed & Breakfast and if memory serves me correctly, they adored me! I'm sure they'll have plenty t'say about how heartbroken they are when they learn I no longer own the property next door!"

"I would think they'd be relieved" mumbled Fenton, still rubbing the spot on his arm that Glomgold had rammed his fist into.

Scrooge cackled gleefully at the accountant's comment. "We'll just see, Flinty." He shoved Glomgold aside. "Now, as I said before, stop yer belly achin' and let's get a move on. The B&B and just up ahead!"

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The Bed & Breakfast was a quaint two story brick house with a cobble stone fence surrounding the property. Vines ascended the sides of the house; clearly groomed and clipped to avoid the windows. Some of the vines had small blossoms growing out. The wooden gate just in front was unlocked and held a welcoming sign that also announced their visiting hours. The front door was a weather worn auburn with a tarnished gold door knob and door knocker.

The sidewalk up to the house was also made of large cobble stones. A simple wreath hung from the door, along with a sign that said 'Welcome'.

"Aww, Scroogey! This place is so adorably quaint and romantic!" gushed Fenton upon their arrival.

"Yes" deadpanned Glomgold. "It's sickening."

Fenton inched his way closer to Scrooge, unable to resist the need to reach out and hold Scrooge's hand. The old miser didn't seem to notice as he reached his other free hand up and used the door knocker. Fenton rested his forehead on Scrooge's shoulder and hummed happily. His depressive thoughts from the airport were long gone. Now all he wanted to do was cuddle up close with his paramour.

There was a rustle of movement from the other side of the door before it was opened. A tall brown furred canine opened the door with a pleasant look of surprise on his face. He was wearing a white dress shirt, black slacks, and a black apron. He beamed at the new arrivals.

"Oh, ah, hello! Come on in! It's getting chilly out there! Are you here for your reservation?" he asked them politely. His voice clearly had a french accent to it, though not as thick as Fenton was expecting.

Scrooge smiled brightly at the greeting. He raised his top hat and bowed his head in return as he stepped through the threshold. "Ahh, yes. The name is McDuck."

The tall canine nodded enthusiastically. "Right, right. Oh, that sounds familiar! Anyways, make yourself cozy! Feel free to set your things aside and move about! Let me just get behind the counter here and take a look!" He then stopped himself and added, "Oh, how rude of me! My name is Toby, by the way! Pleasure to meet you!" He made quick haste in getting where he needed to be.

"The pleasure is ours!" hooted Fenton. "This place sure is lovely!"

Toby's face brightened at the compliment as he began typing at a computer that was behind the high counter. "Thank you, kind sir!" The counter itself was covered in nick-knacks and vases filled with flowers and the whole counter was lined with lavender and white lace underneath.

To their right stood a large and inviting fireplace with a roaring fire. A brown couch covered in crocheted quilts sat in front of it. To their left was a set of stairs that obviously led to the rooms they would be staying in. Picture frames of ancestral family members and photographs of the hills and grounds of the B&B littered every inch of the walls. Beyond the counter there appeared to be a bigger foyer.

"You said McDuck, yes?" Toby looked up for clarification.

Scrooge nodded. "Yes."

After another moment of typing, Toby beamed. "Alright then! Reservation for-uhh...three..." He looked uncertainly at the four of them. "Umm, I'm sorry, are all four of your together?"

"Yes" barked Glomgold at the same time Scrooge barked, "No!"

Toby blinked at them in confusion.

With a groan, Scrooge specified tartly, "Ignore the one in the kilt. He wasn't supposed t'be with us. The original reservation was indeed for three. You will have t'make other arrangements with him!"

Toby nodded slowly. "Oh, alright then. Sounds good to me! Thank you for clearing that up! If you would just step up here and sign."

Scrooge did just that, leaving the other three to take in their surroundings.

"Uh, I love this place!" marveled Fenton.

Launchpad nodded. "Not bad, not bad."

"It's awful" muttered Glomgold darkly.

It was only another moment or so before Toby was walking around the counter with a large key and a decorative metal key ring. He stepped up to Scrooge. "Here is your keys for your rooms. I'm afraid we only have one couple suite room available. But I guess that works out since there's just three of you. I'll hand you the key to the couple suite. It has a large bed and large bath." Toby offered Launchpad the key, his dark eyes shimmering between him and Fenton.

The assumption was beyond obvious as both pilot and accountant both went cherry head. "Oh, no no-We're not!" They both spoke at once.

Toby smiled and pressed a finger to his lips. "Shhh! No worries! No need to hide! My husband and I are the same way!" He gave them a wink and chuckled before turning his attention to Scrooge. "And here is your key. You will be in a room by yourself, good sir."

Scrooge nodded in appreciation, obviously unconcerned for the misunderstanding.

Fenton, on the other hand, was heartbroken. How dare anyone assume his paramour was anyone other than Scrooge! Then again, thought Fenton as he glanced at Scrooge. Perhaps it wasn't such an outrageous thought. He was once again reminded on the large age gap between the two of them.

Before Fenton could dwell on the matter any more, Toby had already gestured for Glomgold to walk up to the counter. "Alright, then, sir. Let's start your reservation. I'm happy to say we still have rooms open for you."

"There is a god" snarled Glomgold.

As Glomgold went about settling his own matters at hand, Launchpad chuckled and blushed heavily. "Well, that was embarrassing, huh, Fenton? Not that I mind the mix up. No insult there!"

Fenton didn't seem to hear the compliment. He was too bummed out by the idea of not rooming with Scrooge. How was he supposed to have a romantic trip with his paramour if they weren't even staying in the same room together?! Biting his bottom lip, Fenton stepped forward to Scrooge who was inspecting his room key. "Heh, umm...So I guess you and Launchpad can just switch keys, then, right? He can take the one bed room and we can have the suite."

"Why would we do that, lad?"

Fenton jumped at the question, at a loss for words. "Well-I mean-We're the couple, not Launchpad and me-I guess I just thought-"

"Fenton, this isn't a holiday getaway. We're here t'find the Golden Heart. These rooms are just a place for us to rest our heads at the end of the night. Don't go makin' a fuss!" lectured Scrooge. He kept a stoic expression on his face but it was clear as day that there was a light blush on his cheeks.

Launchpad saw this and smiled. "Aww, no need to be shy, Mr. McDee! Here, I'll take your room and you can be with Fenton. It's no fuss!" Without even waiting for Scrooge, he snatched Scrooge's key and swapped it with his own. As he leaned back he winked at Fenton, who gulped in his own shyness. Sharing a bed was not yet on their list of things they've done as a couple and seeing Scrooge's hesitation suddenly had butterflies flying around in Fenton's stomach.

"T-Thanks, Launchpad" whispered Fenton.

Scrooge seemed aback by the whole thing, not sure how to handle it. He nodded and cleared his throat. "Fine! Fine! I still don't see what the fuss is about!"

Boldly, Fenton stepped up to Scrooge and grabbed his hand again. "We're dating, Scroogey. That's what couples do."

Scrooge nodded faintly, his blush darkening ever so slightly.

Glomgold suddenly cleared his throat. "If yer done bein' all wishy washy, yeh can get out of my way so I get up to my room!" He pushed his way through with his suitcases. He stopped midway and turned to Scrooge. "Also, all that talk about savin' money on a hotel? This place isn't exactly cheap either, McDuck!"

Scrooge gave him a wide eyed, innocent look. "Oh! You mean they actually made you PAY!? Why, I get t'stay here for free!"

Glomgold looked gobsmacked. "H-How's that!?"

Scrooge glanced back at Toby and gave him a wave. Toby happily waved back. "Oh, I've been in contact with Toby for a while now, Flinty. He didn't know who I was at first but a gentle reminder was all it took. Did ya really think I'd purchase all this land and not get t'know me new neighbors first!? Nae, I contacted Toby and his husband several months ago and offered t'help them out with the farm they own out back. They supply me nearby factory a town away with reduced prices on meats and I help cover their expenses!"

"Oh, yes! Mr. McDuck has been so generous to us! He's been helping the land around ours and it's helped our business and neighborhood so much!" he gushed. His expression then turned dark with a deep frown. "The owner before him was awful! He stripped this land for coal and other resources and didn't bother cleaning it up! Business has been slow ever since and the wildlife has been near impossible to help recuperate!"

"'P-Previous owner!?" squeaked Glomgold. "I'M the previous owner yeh great buffoon!"

Toby jumped back at the revelation. "You!? You're the own who sucked the life out of this land!" he shouted in outrage. "Ugh, I should take away your key and leave you to the wild, Mr. Glomgold! You're lucky I have more pride than that though! But don't be expecting any extra discounts!" Without further ado, Toby turned on his heel and walked to a back room behind the counter.

"Woah, small world!" whistled Launchpad.

Scrooge cackled in victory. "Hah, hah! Oh, Flinty, yeh'll never learn." He jeered in Glomgold's furious face. "Come on lads, upstairs we go." He started up the stairs and the three of them left an infuriated and humiliated Glomgold in their wake.

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