by Roaming Tigress
Chapter Six:
What One Fears, One Destroys
"Do you think people will someday come to understand us?" Bushroot asked, leaning his head against a shady maple tree in the St. Canard Park. The only noise that was heard was the quiet chirping of songbirds and buzzing of cicadas.
Sitting next to Bushroot was a contemplative Steelbeak enjoying the peace and companionship. "Someday, Reggie. Someday. De problem dese days are dat people tend ta 'ate t'ings dat dey don't understand," he furrowed his eyebrows and clenched his fists, unintentionally startling Bushroot by the sudden display of anger.
"Dat's why some people 'ate me. Dey either can't or don't wanna understand me. People tend ta see me as some arrogant bastard and dat's de only side dey see. Dere's more to me den dat!"
"Of course there's more to you than that. A lot more. What one fears, one destroys," Bushroot added, patting his boyfriend on the shoulder as he calmed down from ranting. "I'm a twentieth century-first Quasimodo. No one, apart from you, and my plants, sees past my appearance and cowardly nature."
"What a match we are!" Steelbeak remarked, almost laughing. He gave Bushroot a comforting cuddle just to make him feel a little better. "I kin sorta relate to de Phantom of De Opera. We both conceal ourselves from de rest of de woild from behind a mask."
"Maybe . . . But unlike him, you're cuddly!" Bushroot smiled, affectionately nuzzling and kissing Steelbeak's neck. It was a half-hearted attempt at being seduceful, but not at all bad for someone who cowers at mere stern glares.
Ooooh . . . Necking! Bushie's gettin' bolder. I 'ate ta admit it, but he's kinda inexperienced about neckin'. I don't it mind of course, and actually, I really like it. The poor guy's only been out wit' one goil. He'll get better at it over time.
"Cuddly? Pfff!" Steelbeak chuckled, amused by his shy sweetheart's sudden boldness. "Ya know somet'ing, Reggie? Yer an okay guy!"
"And you're pretty okay, too!" Bushroot answered meekly, swooning into Steelbeak's arms. I could stay here all day long. Just Steelbeak and I . . .
"De real name's Valentino Volatili," Steelbeak purred, nudging Bushroot tenderly with his beak. This time he didn't flinch from the feel of cold metal on his plant-like skin. "I jus' t'ought I'd let ya know another one of my secrets."
"Nice name . . . " Bushroot said in almost a whisper, delicately curling in his lap. "It suits you very well."
"T'anks. . . "
Hidden behind a bush just a few yards away was a disguised Eggmen, wearing a black body suit in place of the usual yellow outfit. He was a spy sent out by High Command who were becoming suspicious of Steelbeak's behavior lately. They had seen his interactions with Bushroot from the apartment's security camera, and were interested in what he was up to.
"It seems to me that our top agent is flirting with that lowly Reginald Bushroot!" The spy hissed into the communicator, watching Bushroot and Steelbeak's actions in the corner of his eye. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not against F.O.W.L regulations to work alongside rival villains? Especially if it's . . . In that way?"
"Indeed it is!" Snapped the right shadow of High Command. "Assisting rival villains and certainly having homosexual relations are things we definitely frown upon. Keep watch of them. Take down notes if you have to, but I want you back at our Headquarters at five o'clock sharp!"
"Yes, sir!" The spy yelped, nearly dropping the communicator as he saluted.
"Very good!" The shadow snarled back, switching off the connection.
No more hiding secrets from us, Steelbeak. Your days of cavorting about with your half-breed botanical lover will soon be over.
Disclaimer:
Darkwing Duck, Bushroot, Steelbeak and other characters mentioned is © Disney.
