I've always loved the noise and energy of airports. The adrenaline of rushing to make a flight, the clammer of passengers shopping, talking, attempting to sleep in uncomfortable chairs or on benches while also keeping watch of their stuff. But today I'm gripped with a different kind of adrenaline. I pace by gate B1.

"Della!"

I swerve around a family rushing towards me moments before I would've collided with them. I slink over to Uncle Scrooge, who had shouted.

"I understand you're anxious, lass, but you need to watch where you're going." he sends me a scolding glare.

"I'm trying." I complain, "It's not my fault that Donald's taking forever to get home."

"That doesn't give you a license to crash into everyone here." Scrooge glances over at the gate, fidgeting with the top of his cane.

I smirk. He's having trouble staying still, too.

"I think you're happy it's taking a while." I tease, "You haven't had to deal with his accordion."

"Don't remind me." Scrooge grimaces.

I laugh. It's only a few seconds before I'm pacing again. Scrooge sighs behind me. My response is forgotten in my beak when Flight 1987 taxis up to the gate.

I run to the window, Uncle Scrooge right next to me. It's a small eternity until the passengers start leaving the plane, and longer until my brother comes into view. He scans the building windows, and I wave like a crazy person. He returns the wave (though less crazy) and points me out to a tall, sturdily built duck behind him. I'd seen pictures of Eddy and heard of him from Donald, but it was still strange to see him in real life.

Eddy had been an aircraft mechanic on Donald's aircraft carrier. After Donald's luck caused him to fall through the ceiling into the flight hangar, Eddy volunteered to help him find his way back to his station. And while the rest of the crew picked on Donald for his temper and bad luck, Eddy defended him and helped clean up after every outburst.

Now they were discharging at the same time, and Eddy- who had been kicked out of home before joining the navy- needed a place to stay until he got his feet under him. Donald had begged Uncle Scrooge to let Eddy stay with them- for a price, of course. Scrooge had agreed, and even offered to hire Eddy to take care of the Cloudslayer. Of course, he'd also made it clear that he wanted Eddy to learn limos, but still. I almost think that Scrooge has a soft spot for him because he stood up for Donald. I know I do.

As soon as Donald's out of the gate, I rush him with a hug.

"Took you long enough to get home." I tease.

He hugs me back just as tight.

"That's cause the pilot was flying at sane speeds." he teases back.

After a few more seconds, I let go and back off so Uncle Scrooge can greet Donald. Never one to show much affection in public, Scrooge offers his hand to Donald.

"Welcome back, lad." he says with a smile, "I'm proud of you."

Donald shakes his hand, then lets go quickly.

"Uncle Scrooge, Della, meet Edward Duck." he motions to the duck behind him.

"Eddy's fine." Eddy extends his hand to Uncle Scrooge, who takes it.

While I shake Eddy's hand, I analyze him. He's clearly nervous- I can see it in his eyes and feel it in how tight he's squeezing my hand. But that's to be expected. We are the Duck family, after all: great treasure hunters, adventurers, and heroes known around the world. I can't blame anybody for being nervous around us.

Besides, Eddy's nerves have made him put a guard up. It'll be fun to break that down and get to know the man who defended my brother.

"It's awesome to meet you." I make sure that I have Eddy's eye contact, "Thanks for helping my brother when I couldn't. He's a bit of a wimp."

"Hey!" Donald glares at me.

Eddy chuckles, relaxing a bit.

"Not at all." he glances at Donald, "But he's not a wimp. Actually, most of the 'helping' I did was restraining and cleanup."

I laugh, let go of Eddy's hand, and put my arm around Donald's shoulders.

"Sounds about right."

Uncle Scrooge pulls out his pocket watch and flicks it open.

"It's time to be going. Duckworth has been waiting for us for a couple minutes already." he looks up at Donald and Eddy, "Do you two have your luggage?"

"It's at the pick up area." Eddy points.

Scrooge snaps the watch shut.

"Then let's get going. A pleasure to meet you, Eddy." he smiles, and Eddy flushes red.