#darkwing duck fic

[giddlygoat]

always get back up - chapter one | 1,823 words

in which drake comes to realize just how vital launchpad is to gosalyn’s life - and his own.

“well- UHK! maybe you could- EEK! hurry up a bit!” drake croaked, squirming away from flying droplets of searing acid flung from the bulbous, splattering bubbles below him. 

launchpad embodied the spirit of a flying bullet as he scurried towards the control panel suspended in the catwalks of the decrepit warehouse, scanning the vast array of colorful buttons and levers at his disposal - and in a very grim literal sense; darkwing’s disposal. 

“u-uh, i dunno which one to push, deedubyah!” launchpad called over his shoulder, relentless flashes of hot and cold panic accompanying a steadily speeding heartbeat. 

“just push the-“

“LEAVE HER!” megavolt’s shrill yell crackled not unlike the electricity popping at the tip of his menacing new toy. launchpad jumped, preparing himself for anything. “get away from her, you- you-“ megavolt snarled in frustration, unable to think of a word to describe the giant in his rage. launchpad wasn’t exactly sure who ‘she’ was, but he had bigger fish to fry. by the looks of it, he would be walking out of this fight smelling like a barbecue. 

“where did you even come from?” the villain huffed, clearly exasperated. launchpad furrowed his brow. “i’ve been here the whole time, just like always.” he shrugged. megavolt groaned. “wh- whatever, just MOVE! all i care about now is- is- is pulling your plug!” 

even from his deadly duck shish-kebob decent into certain doom, darkwing cringed at the delivery of that awful pun. 

launchpad flexed and curled his fists nervously, mentally planning how best to take down megavolt. his panic was starting to get the best of him. come on, LP, think- what would darkwing do? 

he cracked his neck. “so, are you one o’ those misunderstood genius types,” launchpad spread his stance, preparing himself to spring when the time was right. “or is this some kinda power trip?” 

megavolt raised his oversized taser at the slightest movement, clutching it tightly. if launchpad didn’t know better, he’d say the poor zap was shaking. 

“either way, looks like you need to find a better outlet, pal.” the almost taunting smile on launchpad’s face drove a furious shriek out of megavolt, who fired a careless jolt of surging light at launchpad’s feet. unfortunately for him, launchpad leapt out of the way last second. even more unfortunately for him, his precious control panel absorbed the shock, and it wasn’t long before smoke began streaming from between the rattling plates. 

“wh- no! NOOO!” megavolt dropped his taser gun, rushing over to the fried machine. launchpad looked between the sputtering rat and the gun slowly. 

“LAUNCHPAD!” darkwing screamed, blasting the giant back into the moment. he was scooping up the discarded weapon before he knew what he was doing, and in his haste he accidentally pulled the trigger. a stray crackle of lightning splashed the ceiling, shattering several light tubes. 

“YOU! you did this!” megavolt heaved, clawing at the air in his general direction with very clear murderous intent. 

“heh, i gotta run.” launchpad excused himself from megavolt’s immediate vicinity with an urgency. he diverted all of his focus to drake, who was now only mere feet above the surface of the roiling vat of battery acid nipping at him eagerly. even with the machine fried, the masked mallard’s decent never once flinched. launchpad ground his teeth as he raced around a maze of catwalks, parking himself directly above drake’s precarious position. 

“hang on, deedubyah!” 

drake could hear the fear in launchpad’s voice. he had been threatened by a dozen vats of deadly substances before, but never this close to his life. he curled his knees up as high as he could and bit down the searing speckles of pain slowly swallowing him. this was going to leave freckles in his feathers for sure. 

a panic like a crashing tide washed over launchpad as he realized it was now or never. no time left to weigh the risks or formulate a plan. he fired a bolt of electricity at the mechanism powering the chain hoist. 

what he failed to consider was- 

“EUCK-!” darkwing croaked and sputtered as crackling electricity singed his feathers, his skeleton flashing for a split second before his twitching limbs fall slack. 

his feet just inches above the acid but- but staying put. launchpad was already descending the stairs and rushing to the chain hoist, which he considered briefly before deciding to simply turn in its entirety 90° to the left. darkwing blinked slowly as he drudged back into consciousness, groaning in honor of the impressive variety of pains nagging him. 

suddenly he wasn’t constricted by bruising chains, and he fell into something big and soft. 

launchpad scanned his crumpled napkin of a partner from head to toe, grimacing. “don’t worry, deedubyah, i’ll get ya back home before ya know it.” as far as darkwing was concerned, he was exhausted, safe in launchpad’s arms, and there was nothing left to do. he gave back in to unconsciousness with stupid ease. 

“what? no! how did you-?” 

launchpad looked up in the catwalks, making eye contact with an incredulous megavolt. “uh-oh.” the pilot decided to bolt, for lack of a better word. 

“wait! come back here!” megavolt’s boots clattered noisily on the catwalk floor. “do you have any idea how expensive it is to procure this much battery acid?!” launchpad was already out of the warehouse, eyes zipping around until they landed on the thunderquack. bingo! 

“launchpad, did you leave something on the stove?” darkwing mumbled. launchpad chuckled nervously as he chucked his fried friend into the passenger seat. “i think you’re right, aheh, i’ll take care of that right away.” he decided not to suggest that darkwing himself was the source of the burning smell. 

and just like that, they were in the air. 

the blood rushing in launchpad’s ears eventually gave way to the hum of the jet, which helped to calm his wracking nerves. they made it out safe. drake is going to be okay. launchpad let himself breathe again. 

…

by the time they reached the house, drake was ebbing back into consciousness - not without a constant hand on his head and an ‘ouch’ on his tongue, though. 

“dad?” gosalyn scurried out the front door only moments after they landed, spotting launchpad climbing out of the cockpit. “dad!” she zoomed up to join them the moment she saw a flash of purple. “careful, gos. he’s pretty banged up.” launchpad set him gently on the driveway, supporting his arms so his knees wouldn’t give out. gosalyn gasped. “what happened?” 

“no, no, just a minor - wheeze - shock, is all. don’t you worry.” drake’s words slurred a bit as he was ushered through the door. he squinted when the bright overhead light stung him. “i just need to lie down,” he assured, which launchpad couldn’t disagree with in the slightest. 

the couch welcomed him with open arms, and launchpad made sure he was as comfortable as possible with pillows tucked under his head. 

“megavolt tried to drown him in battery acid,” launchpad began to explain. gosalyn gasped in horror. “oh, dad! i’m so sorry, i’ll never give you trouble again! just come back to me!” she knelt at his side, sobbing hysterically. 

“woah, g-gos! he ain’t dyin’!” launchpad insisted, kneeling down next to gosalyn and patting her head. “but… i thought you said megavolt dipped him in acid? he looks pretty burnt to me,” 

speaking of, launchpad’s face kind of burned. “aheh, that was, uh, me. i sorta accidentally electrocuted him when i was savin’ him.” 

“what?” gosalyn’s tone suddenly went disbelieving, her whole attitude turning on its head in an instant. “get over it, dad! a little electrocution is nothing.” she waved him off as some sort of drama queen and lost all interest immediately. “i’m gonna go get a snack.” 

both launchpad and drake watched her leave in total astonishment. “h-hey! is that any way to speak to your- ouch-“ he shrunk back into the pillows, finding that jabbing a pointed finger at her was too much too soon. 

“i’ll uh, go talk to her. you just stay here. and don’t move,” launchpad raised a finger and gave drake a stern look before he could argue. 

watching his sidekick lumber into the hall and out of sight, drake felt a strange soberness wash over him. it always took a while for his body to emerge from danger mode, but here in the safety of his own home, he allowed himself to loosen up just a little - and reflect on what exactly had just happened. 

holy shit, drake really would have died without launchpad. 

“hey, watch the language!” launchpad scolded, wagging a finger. 

“sorry,” gosalyn muttered. “but when you put it like that, it’s kind of terrifying! i just-“ she wrung her hands, looking at any of the four walls not made of feathers. “he’s always getting into bad situations, sure, but from the sounds of it, he would’ve-“ 

“hey,” launchpad’s tone was miles softer than before as he knelt down to her level. “your dad is real tough, alright? and for all the times he lets his ego drive, he never once takes his eyes off the road. he’s gonna be okay.” 

the wet look in gosalyn’s eyes made launchpad’s monster of a heart break. she wiped her face on her sleeve, sniffling. “i can’t be the only one who worries about…” when her pouting lip began to quiver again, launchpad pulled her into a hug. there was no hesitation in her tiny arms clinging to his sides, however majorly incomplete her embrace ended up being. the feeling of her small body against his made his heart swell with a swirl of bittersweet emotions; concern being nearly as prominent as pride. 

he hugged her tight, careful not to squeeze her lights out. soft, muffled sobs etched a terrible memory into launchpad’s skull, and with it came an unshakable resolution. he would do any and everything in his power to make sure gosalyn never has to cry like that again. 

“launchpad, i know you said not to-“ drake stopped with his hand on the doorframe, mouth open. 

suddenly gos was emerging from launchpad’s embrace, hastily wiping away the wetness in her eyes. “hey dad, glad to see you’re feeling better! i’ve got a high score to beat, see ya!” she practically zoomed past drake, who spun to watch her stamp up the stairs. “oh- okay, have-“ her door slammed. “…fun.” 

launchpad was standing again when drake looked back. the pitch black window behind him and dim yellow ceiling light casting a halo on his back reminded drake of just how imposing he was. instinctively, he swallowed. 

“i told you to stay put.” launchpad sighed. “what is it with you and running off?” 

something nervous and monumental took up residence in drake’s curling stomach as a hundred repressed anxieties nagged at his heart. “well, you know me - ” a false lightness in his tone, “i always get back up.” 

[nowhere-lady]

Drawing inspired on this lovely fic I've read some time ago. This is basically an Au fic where Ducktales '17 and DWD91 mix happens

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64787782

[un-pearable]

one of the parts of the fanon “PK/DA was an active superhero sometime before DT2017 and donald retired either before or because of the boys” fic premise/microgenre that i think about a lot but have never seen explored is that. chronologically paperinik could very well have been what in the in-universe Darkwing Duck television series was parodying. in a world without actual batman or dc comics to parody the DWD tv show is Paperinik fanfic that later becomes real life again. sorry to break it to you drake but you’re PK through the fandom telephone. i love it.

[sarroora]

You Win, a Darkwing Duck fanfic

Time to give my ole DW fic some love!

Summary:

A vicious death match between Gizmoduck on one side, and Megavolt and Quackerjack on the other comes to an end. Darkwing, for once, is a gobsmacked spectator.

[haveyoureadthisfanfic]

Summary: He wasn’t a superhero. He didn’t even have a costume, and he wouldn’t be able to think one up if he tried. As a kid, he tied a towel around his neck for a cape (after getting in trouble for tearing up his bed sheets) and pretended his Nana’s old church hat was a cowl. But Launchpad wasn’t a kid anymore, and he knew better than to think he would ever be good enough for Darkwing.

Author: @mighty-ant

[genderless-npc]

I've read a few fics about dt17 darkwing ( specially ones where he's dating launchpad) and i find it surprising smh in every single fic where they bring jim/negaduck in they gloss over the fact that all his anger was directed specifically at drake and not at launchpad; still thinking of launchpad as a fan of his and assuming drake used launchpad to bring him down... why is no one exploring the idea of jim trying to get launchpad back on his side and trying to make it seem as if his relationship with drake was solely built on the admiration launchpad had for the "real" darkwing or anything of the like..

[quiverwingquack]

don't leave me on my own(i can't do this all alone)

When Launchpad starts to feel sick on patrol, Drake cuts the night short to take him home. As his fever rises, Launchpad begins to worry—every relationship before this has ended with him feeling forgotten, no matter how much he loved them. Does Drake feel the same, or will he be too much to love again, and end up all alone?

Launchpad stifles a sniffle as he looks out over the city with Darkwing. He pulls up the fluffy collar on his jacket, and beside him, his partner is bundled up in his thick, warm winter costume. They’ve already stopped a would-be supervillain from attacking Mayor Owlson’s offices, and two potential burglars, even with Gosalyn off at the manor for a sleepover. A productive patrol, and plans later to head home and watch Darkwing together until dawn. Everything’s going great.

Well, mostly great, anyway.

There’s a chill in the wind this week, light snowflakes swirling under the streetlights. The snow isn’t sticking quite yet, but the cold is clinging to the streets, and Launchpad keeps finding himself wishing he’d brought tissues. He was feeling fine back in Duckburg, but the wind is biting at his cheeks and he’s starting to feel shaky.

At his side, Drake is looking down at the city, brow furrowed with focus. Launchpad hesitates—his partner wouldn’t mind, but he wants to savor this moment. Spending time together and fighting crime are two of his favorite things, and he gets to do them with his favorite person. Besides, what kind of sidekick would he be if he gave up over some sniffles and sneezes? He’ll be fine for a little while longer.

“What are ya thinkin’, Deedubya?” He turns his attention to his partner instead.

“Hm? Oh,” DW looks up, shaking his head. “Nothing really. Just that it’s been quiet since we stopped that last guy.”

LP grins. “Maybe they heard Darkwing’s out tonight and got scared.”

“Maybe, huh?” His mask wrinkles as he smiles back, those beautiful dark eyes sparkling. “They know they’re no match for us!”

The smile clings to LP’s beak even as they descend from the rooftops back to the Ratcatcher. Us… he doesn’t know if he’ll ever get used to that. To the unconditional love Drake keeps showing him, or to being partners both on patrol and off. It makes his heart feel warm inside his chest, chasing off the chill for a while.

They drive around the block, then towards downtown. St Canard is quiet, still as the snow that’s starting to stick. The few people who are out are hurrying home, and the city’s criminals are nowhere to be found. Whether it’s the weather or the late hour, it seems nobody wants to be out right now.

They pull up to a red light, and LP glances around at the empty streets. All the cars he can see are parked and silent as a wintery wonderland begins to grow around them. The snow is clinging to the sidewalks, piling up around the parking spaces as a white blanket begins to form. Darkwing pauses, watching as a city truck passes, slinging salt across the pavement.

“What a dull night,” he remarks, turning to LP. “Maybe we should—”

“Huh?” Launchpad looks back at his partner as he pauses. “What’s the matter, Deedubya?”

“You don’t look so good,” Drake replies, reaching out to brush LP’s bangs aside and rest his hand on his partner’s forehead. “Your cheeks are all pink. I think you’ve got a fever.”

Drake’s hand moves from his forehead to caress his cheek, and for a moment, LP’s heart races. But then, simultaneously realizing they’re still sitting in the road, they pull apart, and Drake begins to drive again. “Let’s head home, and I’ll make us something warm to eat.”

“That sounds good,” LP’s head is spinning, and he’s not sure if it’s the cold or his lovestruck heart that’s causing it. “Thanks, Deedubya.”

“Of course, LP,” he replies softly, and though he’s focused on the road, Launchpad can see a soft pink blush peeking out from under his mask. “Then maybe we’ll watch some Darkwing and sit together on the couch for a while?”

“Yeah, that—” LP sneezes, head still swirling. “That would be nice.”

The drive home is quiet, the streets still except for the softly falling snow. Launchpad finds himself fighting off sleep before they reach the bridge, the dizziness turning to drowsiness. Yeah, maybe he is sick. Maybe… maybe he’ll lean against Drake’s shoulder for a second, and he’ll… feel a little better….

When he wakes, it’s to a soft kiss on the forehead. His eyes slowly focus on the monitor glowing across the room and Drake’s merch collection spread out around them. It’s much warmer now, and LP’s suddenly aware that his partner was right—his feathers feel like fire, a fever burning him up inside—and all he can think for a moment is that he wants to go to bed.

“C’mon, bud,” Drake encourages, offering a hand to help him out of the sidecar. “You just lay down on the couch, okay? I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Are—are you sure?” Launchpad covers his mouth as he coughs. “I don’t wanna make you—”

“I’ve got you,” he promises, letting LP lean on him as they cross the room. “Just let me take care of you for a while, okay?”

“Thanks,” his steps are shaky, but Drake helps him balance until he can collapse on the couch. “My hero.”

Drake laughs, and even through the rising fever and hazy head, LP feels warm inside again. Drake is so kind, so caring, so selfless… he’s everything Launchpad’s always wanted to be. Everything Launchpad’s always wanted in a partner but never quite found.

He finds love wherever he goes, whether that’s flying halfway across the globe, or just driving to downtown Duckburg. But none of his exes have ever made him feel like they understand him—not like Drake does. Drake will listen to his Darkwing theories, and share his own. He never expects Launchpad to be any sharper than he is, never asks him to try being tougher or smarter. He loves Launchpad unconditionally, just as he is.

And LP has no idea what he’s supposed to do with that.

He loves Drake the same, of course. Loves to listen while Drake goes on and on with dramatic speeches, and loves to work on elaborate projects that’ll help on patrol. No one else would work with him on a working replica of the Thunderquack. It’s just… strange. How’s he supposed to get used to someone who loves him just for being himself when he’s spent his life hiding who he is, all in the name of love?

How can Drake possibly love all of him? All his loud, excited outbursts, forgetting most people know cues and unwritten rules? How can Drake love him despite all the crashes, real and figurative? What does Drake see in him that nobody else has?

Everybody else… left him and moved on. It was always an… “it’s not me, it’s you” or “you’ll find somebody else” or… or “we can still be friends” even though things would never be the same…. And Launchpad worries sometimes that Drake will… drift away, just like they did… worries that he’ll be left behind, and Drake will just… stop caring about him….

“Launchpad, baby,” Drake’s soft voice pulls him from sleep. “Wake up for a minute.”

“Huh?” LP startles. When did he fall asleep?

“I brought you some cold medicine and Gatorade,” Drake explains, helping him sit up. “I thought a drink would help.”

“Yeah,” Launchpad takes the medicine without thinking, then chugs half the blue bottle. His throat was so dry, and he didn’t even realize it. “Thanks. That feels better.”

“You’re welcome,” Drake kisses his forehead. “You still have a fever. Do you wanna keep resting for a while, and we’ll have dinner when it’s ready?”

LP takes a deep breath. The tower smells like fresh vegetables and savory broth, reminding him of wintery days as a kid. He used to spend whole afternoons playing in the snow with Loopey, and he’d come inside to those same smells of warm soup on the stove. Soup made with love by someone who’s happy to make it for him.

Made by someone who loves him.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, head suddenly spinning again. “That… that sounds good.”

He lays down, resting his head on the arm of the couch. Maybe… maybe it doesn’t matter why Drake loves him. He does, plain and simple, and Launchpad feels loved… Warm and cozy, wrapped up in a blanket they bought together… he’s safe and sound, and… he’s home. Whatever happens, he’ll always be loved when he’s with Drake, and that’s more than enough.

[roamingtigress]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Darkwing Duck (Cartoon 1991) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Reginald Bushroot/Steelbeak Characters: Reginald Bushroot, Steelbeak (Disney), Original Characters Additional Tags: Inspired by Roleplay/Roleplay Adaptation, Fix-It, New Year's Eve, New Year's Kiss, New Year's Fluff, Crack Treated Seriously, Crack Relationships, Rare Pairings, Rare Relationships, Reunions, Winter, Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Fluff and Crack, 2010s, Disney Afternoon, What Could Have Been, Author Is Sleep Deprived, Mystery, Costume Parties & Masquerades, New Years, One Shot, POV Third Person Summary:

After some mysterious reset forced them apart, could Steelbeak and Bushroot rekindle their old love on New Yer

[ratdaisies]

If I were to make a Darkwing Duck (1991) + Warrior Cats AU, how would the Negaverse work? Would it be Dark Forest cats who are able to impersonate others, would those Dark Forest cats be some sort of error from Starclan and existence itself and look almost exactly the same as their 'alive' counterparts? Or would a WC AU be easier to approach in the Ducktales 2017 universe? I think the Negaverse could hypothetically stay the same, the portal would just be, like, crossing some sort of pool or perhaps dream portal that Negaduck takes advantage of, or something.....

[disaster-on-the-horizon]

Feedback Fest let's gooo!

Here's 10 recommendations from me, in no particular order

1] More Than A Sidekick, by Jason_Todds_Thigh_Holster (Henry Danger)

Oh, the classic "I have to pretend I don't care about you at all to save you, meanwhile I would give the whole word to you"-trope (totally official name). Mixed with the character in danger having relatively low self-worth and a usual "rough around the edges"-caretaker/mentor, it's just HMMMM (/pos)! I'm already a sucker for characters in hostage situations, so pairing these together is Such Good Soup. I personally didn't even keep up much with Henry Danger after my childhood, but the characters are already so nicely characterized within the fic itself, that you truly don't feel like you miss anything.

2] [injury] of a salesman, by becki (Deltarune)

It's only a one shot, but everything that happens is so well organized and shown that I keep forgetting. "basically just lots of spamton getting the love and care he needs" (author's tag) describes it well, and I am HERE for it. Especially the part where the two eat together tugs at my heartstrings, I love characters with some form of food-insecurity being allowed to eat freely. Swatch as a character is also such a delight.

3] URL not found, by Aster269 (@aster269) (Deltarune)

Quite a long one, this time; I read it while it was still going, and it was worth waiting for every update! The Addisons have very clearly established personalities and beliefs that are explained through their backstory. It's also very interesting to see every facet of their life, from childhood, to Big Shot Era to reunion. And personally, I can't get enough of the Addison Family unconditionally loving and supporting each other <3

4] The Wake-Up Call, by cookiescrumbles (Wander Over Yonder)

Wander. Has. Issues. And they are very well acknowledged here.

His personality really shines through here, both in the way he acts and talks. The entire concept is also very sweet; and I love Sylvia's and Wander's relationship. Shout out to the Hat, for getting Wander what he needs!

5] Tiny Reverberations, by Sylphidine_Gallimaufry (@sylphidine) (Deltarune)

SO! CUTE! Very short, but that just contributes to how fun of a read it is. It's pure fluff, and that mixed with Spam's reaction due to his low self-worth is balm for the soul <3 It's just so adorable; love the kitty <3

6] Mourning Dove, by LynnCanigula15 (@moonbeam-dragon) (Darkwing Duck)

I must say, I'm always a fan of people talking about the kinda messed-up stuff that happens in DW sometimes. And I think how the other three members of the F4 react to this - relatively complicated - situation is very much in character for who they are. Big fan of angst, and Bushroot's state of mind is especially interestingly described and established in chapter 2.

7] Back Alley Beatdown, by SwoodMaxProductions (@swoodthis) (Deltarune)

I love seeing Spamton fighting tooth and nail, knowing his own advantages. Sweet Cap'n Cakes are also very sweet and considered to the Spam Man here; making sure to reassure him when necessary. The description of the parts carefully placed beside him is a personal favourite of mine here! It also has a very nice conclusion.

8] Last of your Kind, by Vanyel (@boonbeenblade) (Cult of the Lamb)

It manages to say what it wants so clearly and concisely, seeing the length that it is. The use of language is truly phenomenal, and it shows a very cool outlook on the relationship between the Lamb and TOWW. Even though the fic depicts events that you literally play yourself, it manages to give an interesting outlook on them, making one able to experience them again as if from fresh eyes, from the perspective of the character. The second-person writing comes off as very natural.

9] Ever so slightly, by Pancakes_for_Dragons (Deltarune)

Sometimes I need a story that is just unapologetic angst. The fic gives Rouxls a very clear persona that reflects on his literal state as the "Rules Card" very well. How his relationship with Lancer grows is really sweet; and especially "I’m thoust Lesser father, surely that musteth count for something." and the whole event around it, still has a space in my mind, since the first time I read it!

10] breathe, breathe, by SteveSmackdown2014 (School for Vampires)

Again, just a very sweet story. It's very easy to see it both from Oskar's (with all the knowledge we have as viewers) and from Sunshine's (with a more 'normal', human outlook) perspective; and why they both react the way they do. Oskar's fear is shown as so very real, but the actual moment is just as sweet.

(Deviders by yizaicons)

[speedygal]

A Changed Negatron

Companion piece to; the one that lived, the one that got to grow old, final boss, Publicist.

Alternate Universe - Jim Starling’s Darkwing Duck Television Show

Characters: Darkwing Duck, Negaduck.

(this is a story that wants to come out, very short)

------

The duck in his early fifties was in the middle of dressing up in his suit when he heard the sound of footsteps. He turned and faced the direction of his negaverse counterpart.

"Negaduck! You're supposed to be held captive!"

He stopped what he was doing staring in shock toward his counterpart.

"I .." his voice was shaky. "am...being... held." then he sighed. "Darkwing."

Edward stared in confusion.

"You... are... ?..." Edward asked, folding his arms.

James sighed, then coughed into his fist, then lowered it with it coated in blood.

"I am from ... a future." He staggered forward then paused, leaning against the wall.

Edward approached him with small steps.

"Don't help me, softie!" James snapped, lifting his gaze up with a snarl.

Edward's gaze was on a wound on James's side.

"You are hurt." Edward pointed out, softly, concerned.

James shook his head as he eased and some of the tension fell off him.

"That's ..." James had a short contemptible laugh. "not what I'm referring to."

Edward's gaze went from James toward the exit for the ratcatcher.

"What's tomorrow's lotto number?"

James looked up toward him sporting a glare.

"I mean it!"

James grabbed Edward by the shoulders then squeezed them.

"Don't!" James shook him, repeatedly. "Don't go out and rescue me!" he was frantic. "Let me die! Let me NOT exist!"

Edward gasped in alarm.

"You've got a whole life ahead! Chances of becoming a grandfather! A father-in-law! A great grandfather!"

James stopped shaking him then let go and watched him spin around until landing his seat.

Edward shook his head, slumped, staring at James for a long moment. His publicist who actually was his negaverse counterpart. A surprising turn of events seeing the impossible being possible.

"Y... y...y..." Edward started, shocked, surprised, but all in awe. "You... you have changed."

"Have not!" James snapped back.

Edward stepped forward as he got up from the nearest chair.

"You are right here trying to convince me not to go out tonight!"

Edward halted as he pointed down.

"I like a reliable nemesis!" James turned away then began to head toward the stairs.

Edward's head bobbed up in disbelief then followed after him

"You've spent a significant amount of time trying to wear me down to retire and let the Quivering Quack take over, but you know I won't quit," That got James to stop in front of the stairs with one hand on the railing. "you know the only thing that can stop me is death itself!"

James clenched his free hand.

"You know I can do a lot good out there!" Edward stretched his hand out toward the window.

There was no rebuttal from James as he solemnly nodded.

"If I let you die, that would be blood on my hands," Edward put his hand on his chest. "Negaduck."

James turned toward him.

"Then live with it!" James roared.

Did Edward shrink back? No, he stood his ground against a desperate duck.

"How are you living with it?" Edward asked, lifting a brow.

James cleared his throat briefly lowering his head then raising it up.

"Not well." Was the admission. "Darkwing, pleeeeease." was the sincere plea as he clasped his hands. "Think of your daughter."

James looked tired as he clenched his side and winced.

"She is a grown up." Edward said.

"Think of her getting married and wanting her father there!" James insisted.

"She has got a back up dad." Edward said, casually.

"Your partner would want you there!"

Edward didn't have a retort to that.

"Go home, get some rest," his voice sounded quite tired. "let the riots pass..."

James looked toward the window displaying the burning city then back and smiled as he shrugged.

"And I'll just be the possibility that wasn't taken."

Edward's beak lowered at the idea then grimaced then looked back.

"How about you do that, James?" Edward asked.

James was filled with righteous fury as he was shaking staring at him. Offended.

"I can't do that with your death hanging over MY HEAD and being not intentionally responsible for it, dipwing!"

The hurt, the grief, the anger, all on display.

"What does that say about me letting everyone think I am dead?" Edward asked.

James put a hand on Edward's shoulder.

"It says you're just like anyone else who realized too late... that the city can turn against you... and your foil pays dearly for it."

Unexpectedly, James punched Edward in the gut causing him to hurl over. The supervillian withdrew a crowbar from behind him and swung it repeatedly in the air watching his counterpart getting back up to his feet after puking. James looked toward him.

"Et tu, Negaduck?" was the bitter comment.

James took a few steps forward with a glare.

"This is so you wake up tomorrow!" James insisted.

James swung but missed his target that moved quickly.

"With a unnecessary headache!" Edward argued.

"It's for your own good!" James insisted.

"Tying up this case is for YOUR own good!" Edward shot back, as he withdrew his own crowbar.

Edward charged then their crowbar's clattered together. James poked at his foe's eye causing him to stagger back rubbing his eye and shook his head. James's fanged teeth returned as he dropped the crowbar then threw himself at Edward.

Edward was knocked back landing on the floor with a thud. James took out chains that he swung in the air like it were a lasso with eyes of intent watching his positive-self get back up. Edward wore that daring look in his eyes, mask or no mask, a painful reminder that he was a determinator.

Edward stepped aside then took out the gas blaster, pressed the trigger, then there was the explosion of purple smoke filling the general room. The vigilante moved through the shadows.

"I am the terror that flaps in the night!"

James scanned through the smoke searching for his general shape.

"I am the rodent of justice that eats the tomatoes of crime's bounty!"

James swung the lasso forward.

"I am.. DAAARRKWIIIIIIIIING DUCK!"

Edward landed a blow at the face beside his counterpart who dropped the chains.

"Cheater!" James snapped.

Edward smirked then dodged the next strike and caught the next one.

James punched him at the face causing Edward to step back then throw another punch that he caught.

"Too slow." James chastised then knocked him back.

Edward stumbled back then regained his ground and charged at him with his fist extended. Their fists met, colliding, repeatedly, evenly matched with skill. James knocked his counterpart down to the floor with a series of punches coated in bruises and his suit torn.

"And I win!" James laughed, contemptibly.

Edward withdrew a book then slid it open as his counterpart turned away.

"Can't fight if you are all beat up and nursing your wounds!" He stretched his arms out then chuckled.

Edward took out a syringe then injected it in the side of James's neck and withdrew it after it was emptied.

"Why ... you ... little ..." James shouted, grasping his neck as he stumbled from side to side. "ungrateful... weasel!"

Edward watched him fall to the ground.

"Good night, Negaduck." Edward said, kneeling down by his side.

Edward peeled the suit off, applied gauze, then applied rolled gauze to make sure it stuck. He laid the suit underneath his counterpart's head and smiled. Edward looked on toward the ratcatcher for a moment then looked down toward James and back toward the vehicle, where he smiled.

"Let's get dangerous, one last time... old friend."

Edward got up then ran on and hopped into the ratcatcher as James slept.

[starathsbunker]

The trouble with loving a show from 30+ years ago is there's no one to talk to about fandom/story stuff because no one remembers the show anymore. ._.;

[dumbass-with-internet]

Quackerjack and Megavolt would organized bank robbery for pure purpose get their's boyfriend attention (he is not going call them good boys)

Just gonna-

It's 1 AM and It's a school night.

[mighty-ant]

OG Darkwing Duck for the ask meme: 1, 2, 12, 21!

1. Why do you like or dislike this character?

Darkwing has maybe been my favorite Disney character for the last 15 years because he's a loser narcissist who's also a bit of a bastard, and for some reason decided becoming a superhero was the best way to get all the love and attention he's ever wanted (and never received) despite all of the previously mentioned character flaws

But more seriously, it only took the pilot ep ("Darkly Dawns the Duck") to cement Drake as my favorite because of how lonely and pathetic he knows his life is! He made that choice, to become a hero, to forsake Drake Mallard, all to attain some impossible goal of having people love him when no one can even know who he is, the real him, because he's already pushed everyone away.

He goes from a sham of a superhero to a real hero when he finds someone to actually fight for, someone who sees him and knows him as Drake and cares about him instead of the phony Darkwing.

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

That he's an adoptive father!!

the disney afternoon had a surplus of implied adoptive dads, like donald duck and baloo from talespin, but there's nothing being implied here - drake adopts gosalyn, and their bond as father and daughter is the driving force of the show, it's the reason the show exists, and it's so genuinely loving and purposely written that so many of their episodes still make me tear up

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

he's a member of the Bad Childhood Havers Club! No one with loving parents and a stable home life grows up to be someone like Drake, who throws his real life away to become a nutcase in a mask and cape nobody takes seriously

21. If you're a fic writer and have written for this character, what's your favorite thing to do when you're writing for this character? What's something you don't like?

hoo boy, have I written for this character!?

But seriously, I adore writing Drake! When I write for him, I always know that his priority in any situation is always going to be his family, Gosalyn first, and Launchpad too. And while he can be a dick, he usually lashes out because of his own insecurities or because he has little to no patience for those he considers dummies beneath him (i.e., Gizmoduck)

Something I don't like is when he's written to be just too much of an asshole, or too stupid. I usually avoid fic that sets off red flags, but it's important to me that Drake not be portrayed as a solely bad person, because he isn't, and that people remember he is competent! At fighting and crime-solving! It's just that sometimes his own ego betrays him by getting in the way of an easy resolution

[quiverwingquack]

our lives are made in these small hours(these little wonders)

Drake is a hero. St Canard's brave protector, the strongest superhero this side of Audubon Bay, the scourge of the city's criminal scum. He should be totally fine until Launchpad gets back from his latest adventure, and yet... he finds himself too anxious to sleep. Too worried about not being enough to protect his family.

And he's not the only one.

“Just try and get some rest, okay?” Launchpad’s voice crackles through the phone, weak with static and poor signal. “We’re flying out in a few minutes, and I’ll be home before you know it!”

“I know,” Drake replies. He’s clutching the landline to his ear, the white cord spiraling off into the darkness of the empty tower. His cell phone never seems to connect right when he calls LP long-distance, and he finds himself sitting on the kitchen floor far too often. “I’ll see you soon, just like always. It’s gonna be fine.”

Far, far too often.

Launchpad loves adventures just as much as he loves hero work, and Drake would never stop him from going. He loves the light in LP’s eyes when he talks about the latest treasure they’ve found, or the newest friends he’s made, and they spend plenty of time doing things together when he is in St. Canard. But that doesn’t stop Drake’s heart from aching when they’re apart, from feeling lonely even though he’s not alone.

“I love you,” Launchpad’s voice softens, and Drake knows his dark, beautiful eyes are getting that anxious look that he knows too well. “I just worry about you. You can take care of yourself, I know, it’s just… I wanna make sure you’re okay.”

“I know, LP. I love you too,” Drake sighs, leaning back against the cabinets. He doesn’t mean to sound upset or to worry his partner. Logically, he knows they’ll be fine, and they’ve always been fine before, but the anxiety doesn’t seem to know that. Or care, really. His hands are still shaking a little and he has to call upon his acting skills to still them. “We’ll be fine, and I’ll see you tomorrow when you get here. I’m just… it—I always sleep better when you’re next to me. That’s all.”

“Aww, Drake.” LP says, his voice melting into a softer, gentler tone. “I promise I’ll be there soon. And I’ll stay with you as long as you want.”

Drake can’t stop himself from smiling, despite the heartache. “Yeah? I—I’d really like that. I’ll do my best to get some sleep, I promise. G’night, LP.”

“G’night, Deedubya. I love ya!”

The line cuts out, static giving way to silence, and Drake is left alone in the moonlit kitchen. For a moment, he just clings to the receiver, eyes following the pale, spiraling cord until it disappears into the shadows. Launchpad always makes him feel better, whether they’re holding hands or a million miles apart. Everything will be better in the morning.

He looks around the room for a moment, taking a deep breath to ground himself. WANDA’s monitor has been quiet for hours, and they’ve barely had any alerts this week. And though it feels as though something is lurking in every shadowy corner, the tower is quiet tonight. Drake can rest for a few hours, and get some proper sleep when Launchpad is beside him again.

It’s not that he can’t sleep without Launchpad, because there are plenty of nights where LP finds himself crashing in Duckburg, whether for family game night or Woodchuck troop events or just plain post-adventure exhaustion. And on those nights, Drake can at least sleep well enough, because he knows LP’s safe. On nights when LP is an ocean away, it’s harder to reassure himself, and he ends up tossing and turning thinking about what if something’s gone wrong or he’s going to get hurt or—

He should probably get to bed now, or he’ll overthink himself into a spiral again.

Drake hauls himself to his feet, stifling a yawn, and reluctantly returns the phone to its cradle. If he’s lucky, he’ll fall asleep soon, and his anxiety will finally give it a rest. And if nothing else, he can distract himself better in the morning. Maybe he’ll bake a welcome-home cake or something, if Gosalyn will help him remember to add the milk.

He heads down the hall quietly, stepping around the creaky spots on the floor, and quietly makes his way to Gosalyn’s door. It’s half-open, pouring the soft gold light from one of Drake’s vintage Darkwing night lights onto the hallway floor, and as he peers inside, he realizes she’s not asleep either.

She’s all but buried herself in her blankets, sitting up in bed and staring blankly at the bare sheets in front of her. Even in the soft light, he can see that she’s shaking, and he forgets instantly he was doing something. Instead, he raises his hand and taps his knuckles against the door, catching her attention with a soft knock.

“Dad?” She murmurs, sitting up a little straighter. One of her blankets slips from her shoulders, falling to the floor as she pretends she’s perfectly fine. “Hey. Sup.”

“I just wanted to check on you,” he explains, then gestures to her hair, tangled from tossing and turning. “Nightmare?”

“Yeah….” She admits, rubbing her eyes as if to shake off the memories. “M’fine though. Jus’ the Ramrod thing again.”

“You know, it’s okay if you’re still worried about it,” he steps into the room, and she wiggles free from her blanket cocoon, making room for him to sit beside her. “I still have nightmares about that fight sometimes, and I’m not the one that had to blow it all up.”

“It feels dumb,” she mutters, looking away. “Like… I know I’m safe. Bulba’s in prison and you’re here and the tower’s really secure, so nobody can hurt me, but—I don’t know! It’s just—it’s like all the shadows are gonna want to fight me and take everything away again. And I just—I just don’t wanna….”

“Aw, Gos.”

As she trails off, he sets a comforting hand on her shoulder. He never knows what to do when his daughter mourns the family she couldn’t save—sometimes, there’s nothing he can do—but then she says things like you’re here and it feels like maybe, it’s enough to just be here with her.

“You’re okay, I promise. Nobody’s going to hurt you or take anything away.”

Her usually-bright green eyes turn to look at him, wide with worry. “Even—even you? I… I don’t wanna lose you too.”

“Gos,” he says, trying to ignore how much that sounds like his own anxiety. Instead, he opens his arms to offer a hug, and she quickly takes it, wrapping her arms around Drake tightly. “I promise it’ll be okay, kiddo. I’ll be right here, and you’ll be okay. We’re safe.”

“Okay,” she murmurs, voice muffled as she clings to him. “I’m—I’m okay. Um, but can—can you stay? Just until I fall asleep?”

“Of course. I’ve got you.” he strokes her hair soothingly. “Just take a deep breath, okay?”

“Thanks, Dad,” her voice sounds so small, as if she’s three instead of thirteen. He loves his daughter, and he knows she’s strong and capable. But sometimes there are moments, little and quiet ones, where he remembers she’s still just a kid who’s lost so much. He gives her a moment to breathe, and then, in the softest voice he can, he begins to sing.

“Rest your head, little girl blue, come paint your dreams on your pillow….”

He sings her lullaby for a while, improvising gentle verses until she finally falls asleep and he can tuck her in. He makes sure she’s cozy in her blankets, safe and sound like he promised her, and for a moment, just watches over her. She’s more peaceful now, and he sends a silent plea to the nightmares. Please, just leave her alone and let her sleep well tonight.

Eventually, though, his own exhaustion catches up to him. He drags himself to his feet again, finally making his way to his own bedroom and empty bed. The lonely ache in his chest rushes back full-force when he steps inside, the familiar smell of motor oil and smoke clinging to their whole bedroom. He reaches for one of his partner’s forgotten T-shirts as pajamas for the night, and tries to ignore the vacant half of the mattress when he lies down.

Launchpad will be fine, he insists to himself. He’ll be home before dinner tomorrow, and they’ll go out to get takeout and hold hands while waiting in line. Drake will hug him so tight it feels like his missing piece pops back in place, and everything will be alright. It always is!

It always is.

But… what if it isn’t?

The nagging doubt has crept back in, and now there’s truly nothing left to distract him from the spiral. What if LP just never comes home? What if he’s left for good, and Drake has to go on alone? He couldn’t do it, he can’t be a hero or a dad or even an actor on his own! Every time something’s gone well for him, LP’s been there to share it, if he never comes home Drake’s life is going to fall apart!

Or what if something happens? What if he’s hurt or trapped right now and he needs Drake but Drake can’t get to him because he doesn’t know? What if they’ve crashed the plane and gotten lost on some uncharted island and Drake never gets to say goodbye? What if—what—

Hey, it’s okay, Launchpad’s voice rings out in Drake’s mind, a well-loved memory. I’ve got you. Just take a deep breath, okay?

In… hold… out…

You’re okay, I promise.

In… he’s okay. Out… in… he’s safe. He’s… he’s going to be okay.

He’s always going to be okay.

Launchpad will come home tomorrow. He always does. Nothing bad has happened, and nothing’s going to. LP is brave, braver than Drake’s ever been, he’s the strongest person Drake knows—except maybe Gizmoduck, but he doesn’t count—and he’s smart enough to rebuild airplanes in his sleep, probably.

Plus, Gos is clever and quick, she can find a way out of any situation. She’s twice as confident as Drake is, and could face any foe even if he wasn’t ready himself. She already has before! She can take care of herself—they can both take care of themselves—if they need to. And with their help Drake’s the hero of St Canard. He’s Darkwing Duck, and he always gets back up!

They’re going to be just fine. They’ll get each other through whatever they need to.

He starts thinking about what-ifs again, tossing and turning, but none of the new worries stick around long. What if someone attacks the tower? He and Gos can… outsmart them. Or—if LP gets hurt out there, he’ll just… get back up again. They all do, don't they? They… always get… get back up again….

Drake wakes with his face squished into one of LP’s pillows. He doesn’t remember falling asleep, but must have at some point, because dawn light is beginning to creep in between the curtains. The dull gray light tickles his feathers, poking at his eyes painfully, and he rubs them as he wakes. It’s barely past sunrise, what could have—

“Good morning,” a wonderfully familiar voice murmurs. He tilts his head, and sure enough, Launchpad is sitting beside him, kicking off his boots. “Sleepyhead.”

“G’morning,” he murmurs with a grin. He’s probably a mess right now, all ruffled feathers and morning breath, and he doesn’t care at all. “What’re… you’re back early, huh? What’s that about?”

“Oh, I, uh,” LP rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, pulling off his cap. “I got worried about you, and I wanted to hurry home. I know you guys can handle yourselves! I just… wanted to be here.”

“Aww, LP,” he yawns. “Me too. It’s like… you’re okay on your own, but I’d rather be together.”

“Exactly,” LP grins, and it feels like he lights up the room more than the early sunshine does. He leans in for a kiss, and it tastes sweeter than sugar. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” Drake blushes, almost overwhelmed with feeling loved, as if yesterday’s heartache never happened at all. “‘M glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad I’m here too,” LP replies, reaching for something comfier to change into. His now-discarded jacket reeks of gasoline, splotched and dirty on one side, and Drake already knows there was a plane crash involved. But he can only handle so many sleepy worries, and decides to hold off on asking about it until later.

Besides, his partner is getting into bed with him now, and he can finally rest. He lays his head over LP’s heart, and LP puts an arm around his waist, and everything feels… perfect. He still reeks of smoke and oil, of chaos and adventure and home. It feels so safe, so peaceful and loving, that Drake forgets he was ever worried about anything at all.

[rommaru]

A gift for @nightmare-knight ♥️

This is based on her fic El Procesador Definitivo, Capitulo 11. Check it out for Fenro and the born of the best super hero trio: Gizmoduck, Darkwing Duck and Morgana!