#shenanigans (and kissing] ensue XD

[lesbian-rook]

my favorite new pair of tumblr sillywomen <3

[valar-did-me-wrong]

Adar Fic Recs (1)

all ships

all genres

all Adars

🖤

Sharing all Adar fics I've liked reading till now, hoping they might catch some new eyes & love!! (ilu authors 🫶🏽)

(C - story is complete)

Forgive my children, Forgive me

by Karibookworm & HotTopicWithCrispyFinger

Adar reborn in 3rd age, helps in destruction of the one ring.. Angst, forgiveness, search for purpose!!

(I think Valar didn't do much wrong in this one :3 )

New Life in Defiance of Death C

by @eowyn7023

Adar's Funeral 💔

(👆🏽 I love these with all that is left of my heart 👇🏽)

Sinya Cuivë Anatfírië C

by 9_of_Clubs

Adar's Funeral 💔

Strange Things C

by 9_of_Clubs

Adar lives.. Moriondo returns to the elves, if TROP was ATLA.. Queer elves, fluff & angst

(story by The Hero The Icon of Adarlings worldwide Rotem🖤

The Enemy of my Enemy is my Dad??

by ShortForPhill

Gil galad son of plothole gets a dad, THE dad.. crack taken semi-seriously, everyone lives, Elf-Uruk peace

(Love the Adar & elves banter in this one)

Lord of the Groupchat

by Des_Evans

CRACK

The Stranger falls from the sky and makes a telepathic group chat to try and change the course of history. Shenanigans ensue.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Mordor: Uruk Blooper Reel C

by dairyair

CRACK

Godspeed to those 2 Uruk deserters! Glûg hates it when Adar uses Ohana against him. Don’t make me turn this Nampat around! Who sends messages via dead bodies?! Elrondriel, right in front of my salad!? Durin about to fucking throw down in the market over taxes.

Adariel ❤️‍🔥

An Uneasy Alliance C

by magenpie

Adariel, Slowburn, Adar lives, Comrades in Arms.. Angst then fluffy fluff fluff

(I read this & re-read this teary eyed 🥹)

Redemption

by DragonTrek

Adariel, Adar lives, Bronwyn lives, Commrades to Lovers ... Angst, slow burn

(I'm a sucker for Adariel, as you can see xD )

Hold ontothat feeling C

by Daffodil76

Adar lives fix it, Galadriel vs. Sauron vs. Adar fight, Elf-Uruk peace treaty... Enemies to friends to lovers, Slowburn, ANGST, PINING

(The moment Galadriel actually looks at the Uruk & realises the utter lack of resources in which they are forced to live as outcasts.. loved it!!)

Sage Blossoms C

by Moriondor

Adar lives fix it, Resolved sexual tension, healing, forgiveness... Angst, fluff, Porn with deep Plot

(Absolutely loves the beautiful beautiful writing style of this!)

By The Lakeside C

by 9_of_Clubs

Adar lives i guess?!? Enemies to friends to something else... Skinny dipping, Banter, Unresolved Sexual Tension

(the strange elven-ness of them in this story is very interesting)

Adariel 2.0 ❤️‍🩹

(Adar = Celeborn)

Arien in splendour and Tilion in reflection

by @marybeatriceofmodena

SILMARILLION, Trauma, Abuse, love, 2 POVs (Gal & Cel).. angst with a happy ending

(Love the author's writing style SO much in this one!)

Stars Meet While Shadows Lie

by @twisted-mirror

Adar lives, Deus ex Cirdan, the scandal of The Kiss™... ANGST IN ALL CAPS

(Obsessed with heartbroken Adar jealous of Elrond!!)

Under The Bittersweet Stars

by Draconienne

Adar lives, Galadriel falls for Adar separatly from Adarborn... ANGST

(Love a Porn with lots of Plot!)

Other pairings 💞

Our Lady of Perpetual Strength

by @celebrimborsapron

Adar x Estrid, romance, pregnancy, running away from Hagan, finding a place in the world.. "life of a woman"-core

(Love how Estrid is written in this story!)

So long, we'd become the Flowers C

by lachimera

Adar x OFC, disabled character, blind character, follows S2.. slow burn, ANGST ANGST ANGST

(Beautifully written and the story is so poignant, and touching!)

Sister Golden Hair

by our @baddybaddyadardaddy 🖤

Adar x Mirdania, zombie Adar post seige, Deus Ex Mirdania... slow burn, body horror, Angsttttt

(Love love love how Mirdania is explored here!)

Green Shoots and Ashen Earth

by @withallthatisleftofmyheart

Adar x Elrond (Adarond?) healing, forgiveness, yearning, miscommunication... PTSD, chronic pain, enemies to lovers

A Light in Dark Places

by @thephoenixandthecrocodile

Adar x Celebrimbor, past Saudar & Silvergifting, trauma bonding, PTSD, Sauron's exs unionize

(I love my two stubborn idiots in love your honour!)

Uruk Cultural Studies C

by dairyair

Future morden day Middle Earth College!AU, Adar x OFC human, Professor Adar... Slow burn, Angst, fluff & smut

(Great writing, Adar is still SO Adar in this modern setting!)

Shadows around Eregion

by @saffronstories

Adar x OFC (Celebrimbor's daughter), slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced marriage, forced pregnancy... Fix it, Angst with a happy ending

(Unresolved sexual tension; an integral part of Adar's interrogations :3 )

Awake, Arise or Be For Ever Fall’n C

by @baddybaddyadardaddy

Adar x OFC (elf), Cuvienen Adar, origin story, wife guy Adar, corruption of elves, Moriondor, good dad Adar.. ANGST, trauma, Uruk culture

(GOD. IT. HURTS!)

Saudade C

by 9_of_Clubs

Adar x Arondir, Fix it.. LONGING, Angst, Fluff, Bittersweet

Smut ✨

Seeing Double

by @niennawept

Adar Hazeldine × OFC × Adar Mawle

Curse of the Moriondor

by @whenimaunicorn

Adar x OFC elf, dubious consent

Dream a little dream of me (your worst nightmare)

series by @gingeragenda

Adar x Galadriel x Sauron in all its forms

(the infamous Adam, Marion & Falafel trio)

Like Ice Gives Way to Fire

by Mith_ril

Adar x Elrond

Bound

by elvendreamsfics

Adar x Galadriel X Elrond

Veins Dark as a Starless Night

by mildthemes

Adar x Galadriel

More than an alliance

by 100PercentRebelTimeLady

Adar x Galadriel

Astray, far away

by @lazyneonrabbitt

Adar x OFC (Porn with plot)

Endure for him

by @whenimaunicorn

Adar x OFC

Balance of Three

by sleepstxtic

Adar x Galadriel x Elrond

Seedling

by Athelise

Adar x OFC (pregnant human) Noncon

Calendar Girl

by @niennawept

Modern!AU Adar x OFC

Cream

by @lazyneonrabbitt

Adar x OFC pregnant

His to treasure

by @saffronstories

Adar x OMC

She Threw the Raspberries

by @eowyn7023

Adar x Galadriel dinner table smut

Smuts submitted on @baddybaddyadardaddy 's blog via Anon Asks are also perfection! 10/10 recommend!

Part 1.5

[seagull-energy]

for the WIP game... fellas is it gay to practice kissing with your roommate? sounds INTRIGUING :D :D :D tell me moooore!

Answering both of these at once for convenience :D @mischieffoal

ahahaha I had a feeling this one would spark questions XD

This is one of my Wicked fanfics and I started writing it the day after I saw the musical for the first time back in 2022 (despite it being mostly bookverse with just a dash of musicalverse flavor). Recent movie discussion (mostly complaining on my part) inspired me to pick up the document again and add a few lines. The concept is basically what it says on the tin XD Glinda really wants to kiss Elphie, but plays it off as "practice", shenanigans ensue (or will ensue, I haven't gotten that far yet) Thank you both for asking! Have a snippet!

"Have you ever wondered if you might need… practice?" "Practice? Galinda, I've never even thought about kissing anyone before today." She eyed the other girl with suspicion. "Why? Are you going to give poor Boq a chance? Or is Fiyero more your type?"  "Don't be silly. Boq is very sweet and it's wonderful to have him as a friend, but I'm afraid he'll have to look elsewhere for romance. And of course Fiyero is engaged, I could never pursue him with that in mind." "Avaric then? Though I can't imagine what there is to like about him." She wrinkled her nose. Galinda looked offended. “Really, Elphie, your estimation of my taste in men is truly unflattering. Avaric is such a rake! Can you imagine what going out with him would do to my reputation?” Elphaba threw up her hands. “Well I can't think of anyone else! It can't be Crope or Tibbet, not even you could separate them from each other.” She flopped back onto her bed and lay staring at the ceiling. “I give up.”

[macawritesupdates]

Writing Update 9/19/2024

Been a while since I did an update! Last week I was on jury duty and it MURDERED my writing time as I had to change up my day and it took longer to get home (mentally draining....)

Been back at work this week, but still has been draining, so less time to get things done, but trying to get back into the flow of things! Hopefully more updates to show soon!

REQUESTS

I will get back to those as soon as I clear up some other fics. Just got a lot of long fics (12 in total) and one-shots (like ...5 in total?) that I'm writing and want to finish!

READER INTERACTION FICS

Can't Help a Cuddle: It has 5k words in and that is just the spicy scene it is going to open up with lol It is going to end up being a long chapter as it introduces more plot and the like going forward! Hopefully will be updating soon!

Jealousy is Not a Good Friend: Also have it outlined and making good progress on writing it out so it should come out the same time or before Cuddle. Got some spice as always!

LONG FANFICS JJK

Broken in the Ways No One Sees: Going to speed run write out the last three chapters to the story as it one the poll for which one to finish first! I'll post chapters as I finish <3

When you Get Two Grandsons: Next chapter is coming and I'll be overhauling the tags to reflect the new developments! This story is remaining sweet and family feel wholesome!

Spouse Wanted: Experience not Necessary: the new chapter is NEARLY done and may be out tonight depending on how I finish up this last scene hehe! If not tonight, then going to be up tomorrow!

Lessons in Accidental Seduction: Eagerly writing out the next chapter! I'm excited for this one as it has nice character development and Sukuna really starting to work things out and he and Yuuji getting closer again <3

Malevolence of Love: Wanted to finish his fix before the 30th, but don't see that happening due to writing delays ; w ; BUT the next chapter is coming out and I know it is an anticipated one! Hoping it won't take long...

Who's a Good Boy: New chapter is in the works but not the priority fic at the moment!

The Yuuji Files: I am hoping a new update will happen SOON as I work through the scenes in this one. It is going to be a meaty chapter though as it has a lot of little plots going on in the B-plot area.

Careful What you Joke About: Also working on the next chapter now that the rewrites have been completed for the outline <3 I hope I haven't kept anyone waiting too long!

Mirrored Lives: Still need to rework and rewrite the outline and plot and get it to a point I'm more satisfied with.

LONG FICS MHA

What Sacrifices Heroes make that go Unsung: I WANT TO WRITE THE NEXT THREE CHAPTERS SO BAD AHHHH! I am going to push to make time to work on this one as ugh! I love it in my HEART so much and want to share ; w ;

A Rut Time of It: It is on the backburner as I get other fix worked out and finished up!

ONE-SHOTS IN PROGRESS

Pull Me Along if I Can’t Move Forward: Izuku/Bakugo sweet fic that is still in slow slow progress. Going to see if I can't finish it up soon!

Heatwaves and Curses Don't Mix: A pwp fic of Nobara/Yuuji/Sukuna with true-form Sukuna and his double dongs. Just pure smut for the heck of it that is slowly coming together

Playing House: Sukuita fic where Sukuna makes Yuuji play house like they did when kids but takes it too far. A pwp fic idea suggested when I was in the mood and is close to being done c:

Take Me to Prom?: Sukita one shot where Yuuji blackmails his cousin Sukuna to cross dress and take him to prom as his date. Shenanigans ensue

Once Upon a Blob: Sukuna, now Blobkuna, has a plan to get his body back and it involves the old fairy tale cliche of love's true kiss. Chaos ensures.

And That's When I knew It: A silly Uraraka/Kirishima one-shot where something horribly embarrassing happens and feelings are had (and spice XD)

FUTURE FANFICS IN PROGRESS

Culturally Inappropriate: Starting to outline the fic and name the characters who are going to be with Yuuji through the Possessed Anonymous group. Letting it build its own themes and feeling good about it so far!

This is the sequel to Historically Inaccurate and keeps moving with the themes and Sukuna and Yuuji building their relationship as vessel and and cursed spirit while also their personal healing. Gonna be good hopefully!

Law Meets Disorder: (Maybe changing to Law and Disorder for the title) Still mapping out my ideas but might get to finally finishing up the outline soon!

The Dragon Story: Still more an idea with more worldbuilding done than plot. Need to find a solid plot for it....

We Wretched Few: Heian Era court drama fanfic with an ABO flair to it that I've been poking around at :b

[quinn-of-aebradore]

“Dispense with the honorifics, Mollymauk, we share partners. Yussa will suffice.” “Oh, I’m not using it as an honorific, dear,” they say, voice dropping down to a purr. “Have you ever wondered why you and I just share and it’s not the four of us? Because that sounds just lovely to me.” Yussa’s brain screeches to a halt while his heart races ahead. Caleb and Essek leave their partners alone together for an afternoon. Chaos and kissing ensues.

It was only a matter of time before I smushed Yussa and Molly together too, really XD dedicated to @glossolali , my dear friend in Molly Shenanigans :3

[bibliophilea]

I got tagged here by @ectoentity! Thanks for the tag!

RULES: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

So, here goes!

5 times Amy gets kissed by her boyfriends + 1 time her boyfriend kisses her

50 Ways to Not Learn Ghost Speak

A Helping Hand

A Wes and Paulina Scene

Broken

Captured by the GIW

Dannymay 2020 Shorts - Science

[[REDACTED FOR ECTO-IMPLOSION]]

Glow in the Dark

Icarus

In Case I’m Not Awake

In Which Danny Is Late and Shenanigans Do Not Ensue

Just a Flesh Wound (ao3 | tumbl | ffn)

Live Wire

Medusa Rising

Nii-San’s Aura

No Psychic Aura

our days are numbered (but we don’t have to be)

Sarracenia

Shatter

She Burns with the Light of a Thousand Worlds

Spiderverse but with Danny Phantom

The End (ao3 | tumbl | ffn)

Therapy Who?

They say the old Fenton place is haunted

Tucker Hates Hospitals

Wes Side Stories Script

You’re Not Dead Yet

And now to tag… 28 people!

@kawaiijohn @princessfanonanona @echoghost1 @redajcted @bubblegumbeech @ectoblastfromthepast @catmiint @redead-red @grub-xd @strawberrycamel @underforeversgrace @currentlylurking @five-rivers @lexosaurus @ecto-american @alzheimersparrotroute @glorious-typo @sarasanddollar @maebird-melody @ln-ofx @kinglazrus @theaxolotlkween @skellagirl @dp-marvel94 @armed-with-knitting-needles @pennerjones @sailor-toni @lexiepiper

Feel free to do this, or not do this, at your leisure! Have phun!!

[mutant-okuri-inu]

🫣: Who stumbled the most with their feelings around the other? How much did the other person notice?

💕: Who confessed first and how? Did it go as planned or did shenanigans ensue?

��: Do they have any previous relationship experience from past partners? How does it reflect on how they handle their current one?

For Halia and Soap!

Hello! ＼(＾▽＾*)

🫣: Who stumbled the most with their feelings around the other? How much did the other person notice?

Oof, this question is really hard. (I apologize for the bad English.) I don't think I can answer this. XD

💕: Who confessed first and how? Did it go as planned or did shenanigans ensue?

Soap, of course, confessed first after the Countdown mission in MWIII, Soap stayed alive, but they didn't stopped Makarov, Sigma's arm was twisted by him. How he confessed? Well, he carried her a bridal style out of the tunnel and confessed his feelings. (Gaz made him do it--)

💔: Do they have any previous relationship experience from past partners? How does it reflect on how they handle their current one?

As you may read the fic, Sigma's ex, Noah, cheated with another girl when he was about to kiss her in an empty English classroom. Her relationship with Noah from the start was great, then he acted weird for some reason. Sigma made herself a promise: she'll never be in the relationship again. When Soap came along, her life changed. He is one of the kind (and a mean, killing machine). Soap understood her situation, that's why they are kind to each other.

Thank you for asking!

[agni-ashes]

🌲 favourite member/character?

🌓 opinions on the watcher lore?

❤️ best double life pairing?

🌹if you could add one more player, who would it be?

🎥 who’s your most watched pov?

🌲 ooh this is a tricky one. can't answer this at all, how very dare you hdhdhd. i genuinely can't choose! i love all the characters, my answer to this is ALL OF THEM. i am shoving them into my dice bag and shaking them. menaces, all of them

🌓 LOVE IT LOVE IT ALL. brainrotting so hard about them, i used to watch evo way back when, and when i got into the life series fandom i dove right back into that rabbit hole!! i adore the established lore (thank you martyn inthelittlewood. fuck you martyn inthelittlewood) and love coming up with my own headcanons and filling in little gaps!

❤️ once again, a tricky question! can't choose LOL. but some of my favourites are team rancher, boat boys, and the bleeding hearts! (not actually sure if there's a name for cleo and martyn but that's what i call them) yeah so in general i really love all the pairings, they all make me sick (affectionate)

🌹 ZEDAPH ZEDAPH ZEDAPH PLEASE. let that sheep boy get in and girlscience his way through oh my god. team zits please i beg. i need him to be in there i think he would be soooo unhinged. red life zed... kisses him. i shudder to think of the shenanigans that would ensue.

🎥 answered this before, it's grian! because subtitles XD he's also the one through whom i started watching the series, my bro convinced me to watch double life and it all went downhill from there :D yeah so i watched double life -> last life -> third life and then the more recent ones as they came out :)

[bibliophilea]

Alrighty, let’s do this! Thankee for the tag, @lexiepiper! My list of WIPs is 32 long, so I shall place them under a cut! I am tagging @kawaiijohn, @bubblegumbeech, @princessfanonanona, @clueless-one, @camels-pen, @redead-red, @grub-xd, @themockingcrows, @kinglazrus, @underforeversgrace, @echoghost1, @five-rivers, @jackdaw-sprite, and @ anyone who wants to do the thing!

List of WIPS

5 times Amy gets kissed by her boyfriends + 1 time her boyfriend kisses her

50 Ways to Not Learn Ghost Speak

A Helping Hand

A Wes and Paulina Scene

Broken

Captured by the GIW

Dannymay 2020 Shorts

Dannymay 2023 4-5 - Fractals 10 minutes 1 hour

DP Full Tilt AU

DP TAZ:B Crossover

Forgetting Colors - EctoImplosion 2023 (yes, I am very behind, and I am so sorry!!)

Glow in the Dark

Icarus

In Case I’m Not Awake

In Which Danny Is Late and Shenanigans Do Not Ensue

Just a Flesh Wound

Like the Back of His Hand

Live Wire

Medusa Rising

Nii-san’s Aura

No Psychic Aura

our days are numbered (but we don't have to be)

Sarracenia

Shatter

She Burns with the Light of a Thousand Worlds

Spiderverse but with Danny Phantom

The End

Therapy Who?

They say the old Fenton place is haunted

Tucker Hates Hospitals

Wes Side Stories Script

You’re Not Dead Yet

Prompt: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

Thank you for the tag @yojfull!!

Only going to include WIPs I might actually finish, there are many more that are currently deemed abandoned.

You Were A Demon (original, demon romance)

Knotty Magic (original, yarn adventure)

Siblings Amirite (original, siblings)

Show Yourself (original, ghosts)

UE AU (fic, Danny Phantom)

Show Me a Great Plan (fic, Good Omens)

Tagging some people I suspect have fun WIPs in the works, but only if they want to play: @lou-wilham @jaegereska @ashspecter @lucymason217 @bludazey @lettersandinkstains

[thegloriousninjaturtle]

🧡🐰💙Bunny Fics💙🐰🧡

Hey y'all! I'm still alive and I'm still writing, but I wanted to share some bunny fics I've been enjoying! Please go show them some love and I hope one of them fills all your Bunny needs ❣

I Can't Believe It's Not Butters! - LozisLaw (Because of course Lozzie is going to create a fantastic Marjie fic. This fic is one of the inspirations that made me what to write my fic. It takes you right into Butters' psyche as he figures out who Marjie is to him and of course there is tons of angst between Kenny and Marjie. What's a Marjie fic if there is no angst? Please go read!)

don't know where i'm going (i promise it won't be boring) - Aquaphobe (I love the plot and the concept! I'm assuming it's a bittersweet ending since it takes place three days before the world ends, but it's a slow burn and a hurt/comfort with Kenny and Butters at the forefront)

you’re just seventeen and all you wanna do is disappear - deakcore (I don't like chat fics, but this one is an exception XD It mainly focuses on style, but I love how everyone vibes in this one. Just friends being friends XD)

Bad Times at the La Casa Bonita - Icandigelvis (The first chapter out of the second is up, and although no bunny has happened, I'm honestly invested because of the plot. It's based on "Bad Times at the El Royale", so if you've seen that, you'll know what might happen. I have not and I'm on the edge of my seat XD)

Take Us Alive - nekodairy (The fic is based on "It" and I really like how the author adapted it to fit the South Park atmosphere. I love the interaction between the characters and I also love how they take the concept of "It" and made it their own story.)

Bite Me - AHeckenGoodDeviant (Again, fantastic concept, and I love the depth and story behind each character. I'm highly invested in the plot and our bunny boys are met with immense hurt (idk if there is comfort) but there is a hell of a lot of angst. Takes place during a zombie apocalypse and the creativity with how the characters interact with their environment really helps paint a great picture of what conditions people live in now)

(NFSW) Saturday Waffles - LozisLaw (Another LozisLaw recommendation? Color everyone surprised XD She wrote this as a gift for me and it's beautiful. Angst, tension, fluff, hope, the whole nine yards. This one gets pretty dirty so...😏)

May Nothing But Happiness Come Through Your Door - boy-thighs (sop) (This is the epitome of Bunny comfort fics. It's written so well that I honestly think this could be its own canon episode in the SP universe. Kenny tries to make amends with Butters for ruining his birthday and shenanigans ensue from there. Beautiful and absolutely hilarious story!)

(NFSW) Barbie - skr3ex (Butters goes to a male strip club and ends up getting more than he bargained for. It's filthy and smutty so if you need something steamy, here it is. Oh, and bonus: There is some plot to it and that's always a plus in my book XD)

(NFSW) Posessive, Passive & Pensive. - fanbandoms (Again, it's smutty, smutty, smutty, but the plot and the character interactions are really something to read. This is a porn with plot, with emphasis on the first P, and the drama that happens, especially in the first chapter was *chef's kiss*. I hope this one gets finished soon!)

Very Good Bad Thing - UniqueMemoria (A classic mysy/chaos fic and just makes me smile and feel good when I read it. The plot is quite intriguing and I love the addition of the OC the author adds! The author also draws super cute and amazing art so please check them out on insta and tumblr <3)

(NFSW) Twenty Dollars and a Stain on the Couch - Cheylouwho, valzilla (Before diving into this one, please read the tags and archive warnings as this does delve into sensitive topics. That said, I'm in love with this one and jump out of my seat when I see it updated. Every pairing and character has a plot of its own and is connected in an intricate web of crime drama that I look forward to when the characters' storylines intersect with one another. This fills my Law and Order heart with the plot of this fic and god damn do I freaking love all the drama that happens in it! Highly recommend this one!)

[sanrielle]

Okay AtLA/Tokka fans, help me decide which WIP/idea to focus on because I have way too many. If any of these tickle your fancy, let me know!

WIP #1: Cactus Juice! Young adult Toph and Sokka (who is newly single) go on vacation with the rest of the gang. Shenanigans ensue [tone: fun, lighthearted, buckets of innuendo]

WIP #2: Canon divergent AU sequel to my fic 'As Long As You Need Me', in which Toph chooses Sokka and happiness. This fic would be set years in the future and be told from the perspective of Suyin, the second youngest of five [tone: probably mostly lighthearted but with some bittersweet moments]

WIP #3: When Toph finds herself pregnant [with Lin], she worries about what might happen if her child is blind and not an earthbender. Sokka makes it his mission to help her with this and they fall madly in love [tone: romaaaantic]

Idea #1: 'Kiss me like it's the first time' -- A series of moments over the years, starting with older versions of Toph and Sokka with each scene going deeper into the past [tone: probably lighthearted but could contain some angst]

Idea #2: Strictly canon-compliant story where Toph and Sokka get together in their late 30s but can't figure their shit out. Just another Suyin origin story [tone: extreeeeme angst]

Idea #3: I saw a list of prompts a while back and I had an idea to smoosh them all into a single fic. Something something injury/coma; I haven't really fleshed this one out XD [tone: probably mixed]

Idea #4: Before Toph decides to join the gaang during the war, a mysterious blue box appears in her garden... [tone: action and adventure!] [obv not Tokka XD]

Other misc ideas: 'Ruins of the Empire' fix-it fic, full novelization of AtLA (yeah, I know that one's batshit insane), AtLA except different regions speak unique languages (I saw this on a tumble post actually; would love to do something with it)

[creativenicocorner]

Brimstone and Treacle sounds like a dessert gone horribly wrong I have to ask.

Thank you for asking! From the WIP ask !

It makes me giggle how from all the titles you, who from the last time we spoke was adamant against musicals, picked the title that is directly from a musical XD

Brimstone and Treacle, the title, is from the Marry Poppins musical, in which, as an added plot to the story, while Marry is away a new governess shows up to take her place - serving as the opposite to Marry Poppins's "spoon full of sugar" approach. When Marry returns, they duke it out and, I shit you not, from the sole production I watched this year in London 2022 at the Prince Edward Theatre, a trap door opens and causes this antagonistic governess (Miss Andrew) to descend into what I can only define as a hellish abyss [chef kiss] incredible

Why am I bringing this up? Because this whole side plot, hellish stage direction and governess pvp included, UTTERLY INSPIRED me COMPLETELY to make this fic a reality (hopefully some day soon).

Fic Synopsis -ish:

Set after Hogfather and before Thief of Time, one Susan Sto Helit (who will certainly NOT dance on rooftops with chimney sweeps) thinks about what it means to be a governess, and her Grandfather's question on whether she wouldn't enjoy branching out to more kids.

Time passes, and something happens that causes Susan to leave her governing post abruptly

Shenanigans ensue, something something similarity of Marry Poppins going and coming back = The Duty™

Susan embracing a little more of her Grandfather and certain sides of herself

And basically we watch as Susan goes from goth Marry Poppins to goth Miss Frizzle

Governess pvp included.

This is the gist at least - excited to share a more polished version in the future!!

Thank you so much again for asking!!!

[sariahsue]

My projects!  

Updated on 6/19/22

Current projects:

-Let Me Count the Ways

Nearly done this one! 16/19 chapters are up! Chat Noir thought it might be a good idea to start keeping a list of all the strange things Ladybug had been doing lately. It might help him to figure out what it all meant. There was the stumbling, the stuttering, the blushing. It had appeared out of nowhere.No, that wasn’t quite right. It had all started when they were dancing at the gala, when she’d been so nervous that she tripped over the perfectly flat marble floor and smashed her face into his chest.

-Redacted because it’s my Big Bang contribution this year.

-Square Dance!

Very near future:

-This thing! (It’s not abandoned. I SWEAR.) Post-reveal newlywed love square, except an akuma makes them forget their feelings for each other, and they have to figure out how to deal with the fallout and Marinette’s trying to figure out how to make her feelings for her husband come back as fast as possible.

-Marinette’s Updated Rules for Preventing the Apocalypse A sequel to this, and is 85% just them finding excuses to kiss each other even though they know they’re not supposed to. XD

-Finishing up my Post-Reveal Revelry prompts months-late (as usual).

Kinda nearish future:

-Chapter two of “The Look-alike Contest.” It was highly requested when I first wrote it years ago, and I had ideas for what happened next, even back then. But now, the plot bunnies are back and they won’t leave me alone!

-Parents Day part two (second part of a two-shot), after a three-way identity reveal, Marinette and Adrien try to figure out what to do next.

-Jealousy but from Adrien’s POV

Distant future:

--Thank My Lucky Stars. You know those little origami lucky stars? If you give them away, the receiver gets to make a wish. And you can write little messages before you fold them up. So Marinette writes all the reasons she loves him and gives it to him. But she forgets to sign her name and Adrien reads all the reasons and starts going crazy trying to figure out who it’s from.

-Trope Akuma, who has the ability to teleport the heroes into different tropes. Confusion and hilarity ensue. Half reveal (she knows), pre-relationship.

-Redacted because it’s probably Big Bang 2024. 

Very distant future:

-Medieval/fantasy AU. I asked if people would be interested in seeing this, and it was a resounding “YES!” so I’m adding it to my list of things to write.  Won’t be for a while, though.  Princesses, love square shenanigans, Team Miraculous, magical jewelry, and, of course, Hawk Moth being evil.

Eh, maybe won’t happen (some of them probably won’t), but maybe I’ll post all my notes if anyone is interested:

-For the Good of Paris. After a reveal, Alya tries to get Marinette and Adrien together. You know, so they’ll be good partners while protecting the city. And stuff. (One-shot)

-THIS THING. An akuma makes everyone fall in love with Cat Noir, including Ladybug. 

-It’s the brunch scene before Weredad, just slightly different.  Marinette was yelling about her identity to Tikki as Cat Noir was walking to her door.  There’s no way he didn’t hear her.  There’s also no way he’s not going to play along.

-Adrien and Alya hanging out. Some interesting information is acquired. (one-shot)

-Something I’ve just been calling “Not Copycat” where there’s a new kid at school who’s a big jerk and claims to be Cat Noir. Marinette doesn’t believe him, but everyone else does.  I’m writing this as an excuse to have Marinette publicly get mad in Cat Noir’s honor.  That’s basically it.  Just Mari sticking up for him in front of Adrien.  (Multi-chapter)

-What would have happened if Marinette hadn’t forgiven Adrien about the gum thing? (One-shot, probably - my ideas for this one are still nebulous)

-A post-reveal, pre-relationship choose-your-own-adventure story.  Ladybug and Cat Noir choose to reveal their identities and because they’re both awkward teenagers who can’t communicate effectively, they get stuck in a mutual pining trap.  I’ve got like no ideas for this one beyond what I’ve written here.  I just know I want this story in my life.

-One that was ruined by season three: Master Fu continues to be the guardian, and after Hawk Moth his defeated, he takes the miraculous back before Ladybug and Cat Noir can reveal their identities to each other.  I had a bunch of ideas based off that one premise, so it was kind of like this AU I’d created that I wanted to write a bunch of stories for, about how many different ways they would be able to find each other without their masks, but it doesn’t really make sense with the show going the way it has and the other things on this list are more compelling to me, so I don’t know that I’ll ever write them.

- This thing. It’s just so... terrible. And I love it. Canon Adrinette. Hawk Moth figures out Ladybug’s identity and steals the miracle box, and she forgets a bunch of stuff. Ladybug just doesn’t show up for patrol one day and Cat Noir has to fight akumas on his own. (Recently moved down here because I still really like the idea but I haven’t seen the season 4 finale, but I’ve heard rumors that make me feel like this wouldn’t work as a story anymore, and I know I need to prioritize anyway. 😕 )

...

Knowing how slowly I write, this is probably enough to keep me busy for years, assuming I don’t have any other ideas, which I’m sure I will. So if anyone wants to, you know, pay me a full-time wage so I can dedicate my life to fanfiction and get these out faster, feel free! 😄

I’m mostly writing this for myself, so I can keep my projects straight, but I’m open to questions about any of these.

[nighttimepixels]

Okay but I'm just imagining the Lilytale girls realizing that for humans there's heteronormativity whereas they're used to monsters general "whatever floats your boat" approach and just being so confused but also delighted at the related gay culture memes on the surface and now I can't stop laughing?? ("Harold," + "#not to be a lesbian but oh my fucking god" + "let's go lesbians, let's go" + "girls she said she wants to marry me do u think she might have a crush on me??")

This is extremely accurate and you’d better bet they’d get up to speed on those memes. At first though just… for example, you’re out with Scarlet and Vellum maybe, and you just laugh at something you overhear and look at them, saying, “Harold,,, they’re lesbians”. Cue “MY NAME’S NOT HAROLD, AND ALSO, OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE???”

… there’s just countless shenanigans that would ensue. XD

Also, on this topic, to call myself out as the clueless sapphic I’ve been my entire life: I absolutely was one of those “didn’t realize how gay she was” youths (raised Catholic no less, Big Yikes & pour one out for how long it took me to realize it was an ‘option’ to like girls) -

… to the point that I literally said “Yeah, that’s totally cool, I’m down - I’m comfortable with my sexuality!” whennn my best friend in high school asked if I wanted to try a threesome makeout with her and her boyfriend.

The same friend, for the record, who a year previous was my first kiss/makeout.

At 2am, at a sleepover with just her and me.

Hidden in her dad’s office. With the lights out. And the literal, actual moonlight streaming through a window, and one candle lit bc we were Those Girls.

“Comfortable” indeed (⊙ヮ⊙|||)  

Me, 16, making out with my best friend and thinking about how Soft and Nice girls were: Gee, I sure hope this doesn’t awaken anything in me

[bakudekuficlibrary]

Hello!! I would like to ask if you have any Pro Hero!Bakudeku fics with established relationship? I'm not sure if you already posted them, but if you did you can just ignore this ask XD

Hiya! We haven’t gotten an ask for this before, but we have gotten an ask for Pro Hero Bakugou/Quirkless Izuku and Pro Hero Bakugou/Fanboy Izuku! Enjoy!!

-Ellie

2 Series. 35 Works.

bakugou katsuki becomes a power bottom by writedeku ( E | 3,496 | 1/1 )

It is hard to describe what Izuku is doing to him, the extent of which he’s being — it suddenly occurs to Katsuki when he belatedly realises his nose is buried into his crotch — he’s being used. Him! Bakugou Katsuki, on the track to becoming the best hero in Japan, is being used. He pulls off to catch his breath, tears brimming in his eyes, his throat hoarse —

[Mildly Dubious Consent]

how much do i love you? by writedeku ( G | 1,994 | 1/1 )

“Get up, sleepyhead,” Izuku tries to roll out of bed to brush his teeth, but is suddenly stopped by the tightening of Katsuki’s arms. “Hey, you. We gotta go.”

Katsuki’s reply is a press of his face into his back and a kiss on the bare skin. It makes Izuku shiver. “No,” he pulls him back into the bed and wraps even his legs around him. “Stay.”

Utopia by Kanae_vR ( T | 2,079 | 1/1 )

In which Izuku worries that his and Katsuki’s relationship has become too domestic, and Katsuki proves him right. Not that either of them are complaining.

flipping the switch by bishounen_curious ( E | 2,510 | 1/1 )

Bakugou likes it when Deku gets angry.

[Series] Where did you go to end up right back here? by sensiblysilly ( G&M | 15,481 | 2 Works | Complete )

Main story with an optional alternative ending.

Passively Aggressive (or Aggressively Passive) by kagome_angel ( E | 4,991 | 1/1 )

None of it matters, none of it, except for the softly-murmured “Kacchan,” against Bakugou’s jaw and the way that that stupid nickname, spoken like that, Izuku’s voice rough with sleep, raises goosebumps all along Bakugou’s skin.

you’re prettier with your mouth shut by capncapnk ( E | 3,614 | 1/1 )

He hates how sensitive he is, how he arches up into the touch, how nice it is for Deku to keep running his mouth with whatever sappy, syrupy bullshit comes to his mind, even if he’d rather die than admit he likes this vanilla shit Deku has to offer.

—

In which Deku has a thing for Bakugou’s hands and Bakugou has a thing for nice words

let me see your red face by phix27 ( E | 3,451 | 1/1 )

It was a well-known fact to almost everyone who met him that Izuku was easily embarrassed. Whether it was from something he said that might be taken the wrong way, an action that he didn’t mean to make, or even something embarrassing that he saw on TV, everyone knew what would happen next. A red face and some stuttering were practically Izuku’s constant state of being, so everyone recognized it.

And Bakugo loved it.

Eyes, Blindfold by errant_rivalry ( E | 5,028 | 1/1 )

Pro Hero Deku is struck by a quirk while on duty and is without his sight for the following 24 hours. His fiancé takes care of him and then takes advantage of the situation.

Never Skip Leg Day by SecretKiwi ( E | 4,286 | 1/1 )

Deku loves leg day, and so does Katsuki- just in a different way.

Or, two gross boys bond over Deku’s ass.

[Series] All They Are by KingHugin, LacyLove ( T&M&E | 20,651+ | 3 Works | WIP )

De-Aged?! by anontigg ( T | 4,938 | 1/1 )

Izuku was enjoying his day off when a de-aging quirk hits his boyfriend, now his boyfriend is a 5 years old and somehow many secrets are revealed as he waits for his Kacchan to turn back into normal…

Let Me Know I’m Yours by osakakitty ( E | 1,335 | 1/1 )

They haven’t had sex in three weeks, and Midoriya is tired of waiting.

[Commissioned work for kap91]

For Izuku it was a Tuesday by Fluffy (JediMasterFluff) ( T | 2,731 | 1/1 )

They have become a perfect team. No words are needed to convey thoughts between the two. It’s like they both acquired a second telepathic quirk once they started dating.

Izuku didn’t actually know how they pulled it off but he didn’t care. They worked well together, on and off the battlefield.

SeriesPart 1 of KatsuDeku Week 2017

No More Lonely Nights by SecretKiwi ( E | 2,803 | 1/1 )

Izuku longs for when he can see his boyfriend on a much more regular basis, and Katsuki finds the solution to their problem.

Act Your Age by Pop_Rocks (v_love) ( E | 4,024 | 1/1 )

“I can’t believe you would ask to come with me and then throw a fit the entire time, how old are you? Five? You’re lucky you didn’t break anything or I would’ve had to pay for it. You’re so irresponsible.”

“Stop lecturing me!”

“Then stop giving me a reason to! Kacchan, I don’t understand this. I don’t understand why you feel the need to act this way.”

“You took forever!”

“And this is why I do things like this alone because you’re unhelpful and a brat.”

————

In which Bakugou throws a fit in the grocery store.

SeriesPart 5 of Kacchan and Deku’s Shenanigans

Chapter 1 & Chapter 7 of I Get to Love You by Funky Hanji (Temari) ( T | 1,712 | 2 out of 8 )

A number of short fills written for the different bkdk weeks/events/requests. :D

- He just wants to slide in beside Izuku, throw his protesting arms around the other’s waist to pull him closer, and bury his nose into wild green curls. -

- Izuku is used to hospitals […] Usually he’s the one sitting in a bed and receiving visits, though. -

i carry you in my heart by dumbdaisies ( T | 1,102 | 1/1 )

In the aftermath of a battle, Katsuki and Izuku tend to one another through the grief and guilt that come with the job.

Green-Eyed Beast by SecretKiwi ( E | 4,721 | 1/1 )

Everyone wants a piece of Katsuki Bakugou, but they should beware of the Green-eyed beast always lurking close behind him.

Grounded by tiprine ( T | 2,036 | 1/1 )

Ground Zero had garnered something of a reputation throwing himself headfirst into fights, though this time, he did so knowing all that he was doing was biding time until the other heroes arrived. Had Deku not gotten there when he did, it very well may have been his last battle.

Spring Has Come by crescendoh ( G | 3,010 | 1/1 )

Izuku felt serene. He had been sitting outside in the local park with a half-asleep Kazumi leaning against him. His relationship with her felt like a dream. After all, despite a tricky beginning, everything he had wished for came delivered to him on a silver plate. There would be nothing taking that happiness away from him anymore. Izuku had challenged fate more than once already and he was determined to keep fighting for the sake of his relationship.

“I love you Kacchan,” he whispered.

“Love you too,” she said, slowly opening her eyes. “By the way, I’m pregnant.”

Rumours said Pro Hero Deku was spotted vanishing into thin air in the park.

Alternatively known as “Very supportive husband”

SeriesPart 6 of Female Bakugou AU

Can’t Imagine Me Without You by ARC_Fangirl_0w0v ( T | 1,807 | 1/1 )

After witnesses a colleague laying in a critical state, Midoriya can’t help but worry about what would happen if it were Bakugou. If Bakugou left him far too early in their lives. The answer would be to move on, right? But to go on without the one you love…

During Midoriya’s endless worries, Bakugou shares his feelings about if that actually were to happen: “If I die and you’re already in some other person’s pants by the end of that same fucking day, I would come back to life just to beat your shitty ass.”

The Domestic Life Of Married Heroes by The_Crafty_Cracker ( M | 2,642+ | 2/? )

Izuku smiles at the messages, he adores and loves his friends so very much, of course, he’ll go and help them out-wait!

This was the week that he and Kacchan had specifically placed a holiday in for at their agencies so that they could go out on a few dates and spend some time together without interruption.

But right now his friends need him…

Kacchan would understand, right?

Right?

I Will Love You Forever More by Fluffy (JediMasterFluff) ( T | 2,422 | 1/1 )

“It doesn’t seem physically possible that it’s only been five years since I pulled my own head out of my ass to see such a ravishing creature was standing in front of me.”–A lot has changed for Katsuki but the biggest is the addition of a green haired nerd and Katsuki couldn’t be more grateful for it.

KatsuDeku Week 2017 - [Affection/Dates]

SeriesPart 3 of KatsuDeku Week 2017

More Important by paigetaylor ( G | 2,568 | 1/1 )

This was it;on the other side of that door is the most important person in my life. Katsuki thought to himself as he ran his hands along the sides of his slacks.

This moment was more important to him than when he got into UA, more important than when he graduated, and even more important than the day he was announced the #2 Hero.

One way or another to spend Valentine’s Day by SoraeMina ( E | 5,080 | 1/1 )

It’s Valentine’s Day and Izuku can’t wait to spend it with his boyfriend Katsuki. Unfortunately work calls and as a hero, he’s not in the position to object. Furthermore, Katsuki doesn’t seem to be as interested in spending Valentine’s Day together as Izuku hoped he would be. At least that’s what he thinks, until Katsuki proves him wrong.

Don’t Keep Your Hands to Yourself by Takkaori ( M | 5,060 | 1/1 )

When Katsuki expresses his desire to be spanked, Izuku just can’t believe it. Because it’s not like Kacchan… Is it? Of course, awkward conversation ensues.

It’s Like Copper by Pop_Rocks (v_love) ( T | 2,040 | 1/1 )

Blood has a funny taste, very few people put their tongue to the red with the thought or desire of tasting it. Maybe it occurs through sucking gently on a paper cut on their finger, or the gentle sting of a cut inside their mouth. Yet there is that familiar taste all know, like you just picked up a coin and tossed it in your mouth. Everyone describes it the same: it tastes like copper. Metallic.

—-

In which Bakugou has a nightmare.

SeriesPart 9 of Kacchan and Deku’s Hooplas

Do you Regret it? by MadamBlue ( M | 1,331 | 1/1 )

A rescue mission goes horribly wrong

[Graphic Depictions of Violence]

here comes the night (this is the way i’ll remember you) by WatanabeMaya ( G | 1,538 | 1/1 )

“Welcome back, Kacchan,” Midoriya greets, trusting. He doesn’t need to open his eyes to know it’s Bakugou. He recognizes the sound of those footsteps more than anything else.

(Midoriya knows Bakugou well, or at least well enough considering the years they have had between them. Still, however, he is learning.)

\

BakuDeku. Oneshot.

Silence by Fluffy (JediMasterFluff) ( T | 2,156 | 1/1 )

When the world comes crumbling down, all that is left is silence.

[Major Character Death]

Time Limit by maiume ( G | 232 | 1/1 )

With the so busy schedule, they do their best to has time together.

How are we doing? We have a Submitter Feedback Form for anyone who wants to give us a piece of their mind! Thank you in advance if you complete it. If you have never sent an ask, but want to give us feedback, we have a Follower Feedback Form, too!

[shewhowantsmouseears]

fake wedding dimeshipping nonsense!

So I don't remember if I've ever shared this here (possibly not, it was years ago) but since I've gotten more Dimeshipping fans on here, why not upload it? Years ago I had this idea of Scrooge and Magica (1987 DT + comics, which explains why I mashed Ratface and Poe into one being) pretending to get married to get Magica's family off her back, with all the shenanigans that would naturally ensue. I've tweaked it a bit since then, but here are some scenes I wrote all those years ago! And for the unfamiliar, yes, these are all canon characters -

Granny de Spell - Magica's well-meaning but overbearing blonde Granny. Rosolio - Dim-witted warlock who's in love with Magica. (I did make him an oocly jerk, and sometimes to insane degrees, but, well, again, this was written years ago XD) Witch Child - Magica's niece, because everybody's got nieces in disney. Samson Hex - Magica's so-called apprentice, who's not that talented. (admittedly i've never read any of his stories, just gleamed it off INDUCKS)

Anyway, here we go! warning, LONG AS HELL.

The only sounds filling the gigantic dining room were that of clinking silverware, and mouths chewing food. To the left side of the table was Magica's family - Granny sipping her wine contemplatively while eyeing Scrooge, with Poe on her shoulder offering sympathetic looks to his sister. Witch Child occasionally hummed, enjoying mushing the fancy food together to create new concoctions. Samson Hex's fork rhythmically tapped against the plate, too nervous from the tension to even think of eating. Rosolio was also looking at Scrooge, but his look contained more anger than curiosity, glaring daggers at the man who "stole" his woman.

To the right side of the table was Scrooge's family. The triplets were hiding their vegetables under their napkins, exchanging glances with themselves, and Webbigail, who easily enough entered into a staring contest with Witch Child (and lost.) Daisy was the only one smiling, doing her best to try and lift everyone's spirits, often complimenting on how delicious the food was. Donald was clearly struggling to keep his beak closed, chest shaking with suppressed laughter.

At the front end of the table stood Duckworth and Ms. Beakly, ready to serve more food at a moment's notice, but also looking for ways to escape this clearly awkward situation. At the other end of the table sat the "happy' couple", matched in their miserable expressions. Scrooge was doing his best to ignore the looks on him, cutting so hard into his beef that his plate began to suffer damage. Magica was swirling yet another sugar cube into her tea, no doubt by now more sugar than actual tea.

Suddenly Granny lifted her head, arms crossed. "I've just noticed something, dearie."

Magica raised the cup to her beak. "Enlighten me."

"We've been here for an entire week... and I have yet to see you kiss your future husband."

Magica spat out what little tea was in her mouth, Scrooge's knife split his plate, Rosolio dropped his utensils, Donald burst out into hysterical laughter, Daisy elbowed Donald in the ribs, and now all eyes were locked on the "couple". When the noise had settled, Magica and Scrooge looked at each other for the briefest of moments before returning Granny's attention.

"That's... that's..." Magica hesitated for the right words. "That's personal!"

Granny merely smirked. "Is it? I've seen Donald and Daisy do it six times these past few days, and they're only dating."

Donald promptly shut up, and Daisy rubbed her temples. Scrooge attempted to retaliate. "We're not very 'in' to public displays of affection."

"Is that so." Rosolio cut in, hands gripping the table. "If I were in your shoes, I'd never stop kissing her! If I wasn't some fiance-stealing crook, I'd kiss her right now!" He hissed. "But I'm a gentleman."

Scrooge grumbled deep in his throat, and looked to Daisy, clearly demanding some aide. She seemed to shrink in her seat a little from his intensity. "W-Well, uh... you just haven't been here long enough! Give them the right time and place, and they smooch up a storm, let me tell you." This was met with gags from the triplets, and Donald shoving bread into his mouth to keep from laughing all over again.

"I don't see anything wrong with this time and place." Granny replied, eyes never leaving her granddaughter. "Is asking for a kiss really such a difficult demand?"

"You're ruining a perfectly nice dinner." Magica glowered, standing up, chair pushed back. "All you ever do is demand things! You can't ever believe, you always need proof!" Scrooge had fallen silent at this point, lost in thought.

"You don't find it strange that a couple never kisses? I've barely seen you hold hands."  Granny reached behind her to pat Poe's head. "Isn't that right, Poe?"

Poe was ready to molt from the glare Magica was giving him. "Uh... w-well... that is... oh, wow, that ham looks delicious, is anyone else going to have a slice?"

"What do I have to do to convince you, and get you out of my life, you horrid woman!" Magica screeched, slamming her palms down on the table. "Do I have to throw a parade about how much I love him? Write a novel about all of our affairs? I told you I'd get married, so I'm getting married, you're never satis-"

The next instant was a blur in Magica's mind when she would recall it later on. The "blur" was Scrooge ever so calmly getting out of his seat, and then, with all the speed of a cheetah, placing one hand on her cheek, his other fingers in her hair,  and pressing his beak to hers as deeply as possible.

Simultaneously, everyone's jaws dropped - save for Donald, who had fallen backwards onto the floor, nearly in pain due to how much he was laughing. Magica's entire face had gone redder than the wine in Granny's cup, her body unable to move, frozen in place. She didn't even appear to be breathing. Was she even aware that they had become the center of attention? Her wide eyes didn't seem to be looking at Scrooge, but off, in the distance, trying to pinpoint some place of coherent thought, like she couldn't decide what to do or think. Time had gone still for her.

Then, slowly, to the note of everyone, her eyes lost that distance, and her muscles relaxed. Her eyelashes fluttered, before settling on closing completely, accepting, or pleased, or both. The color faded from her cheeks, though it was eternal in doing so. Just as quickly as it had started, it was ending, as Scrooge's hands left her face, and he pulled away from her. Their eyes opened, and it was impossible to tell what they were "telling" each other in those looks. Scrooge then promptly sat back down, adjusted his spectacles, and dabbed his beak with a napkin, as if nothing had happened at all. "Duckworth, I think we're all ready for some dessert."

"... Yes, sir." He was just grateful to leave the room for a few precious seconds.

Scrooge looked to Granny. "Satisfied?"

Granny didn't reply, but managed to close her mouth. She did, however, clear her throat, trying to get Magica's attention. As for Magica, she was still standing, eyes still transfixed, giving the impression she was half asleep. When she sat down, it was with certainly less finesse than Scrooge, loudly plopping down, nearly falling over, as if she'd been struck by lightning. Scrooge caught the entire spectacle, and couldn't help but wear a prideful little smile. He still had it.

"And that's when they're in public!" Daisy chirped.

~*~

"What in all hells was that?!" Magica screeched at Scrooge, once they were alone in his bedroom and trying to settle for the night.

Scrooge was buttoning his nightshirt, rolling his eyes at the tantrum. "If I didn't do that, they'd never shut up."

"You couldn't have warned me?" She sat on the bed, kicking her feet to show off her displeasure.

"What couple do you know that warns the other before they kiss?" He placed his nightcap on his head, and turned to her. "If you want this charade to work, we're going to have to be a lot more..." He shuddered to say it. "...affectionate, when your family is around."

Magica groaned, clutching herself, feeling her skin crawl, and leaned on a bed post. "Disgusting... why can't they just get back on their brooms and go home!"

She began to ramble once more about how much she hated her family, and so Scrooge tuned out, used to the rant. Would it kill her to be quiet for more than two minutes? He shook his head, reminding himself that all these headaches would be worth it. Soon enough, he'd be rid of her, and would actually be able to relax for a while. He rubbed his spectacles with his fingers, in a cheap attempt to clean them. Yes, soon, he'd be able to relax, and he'd have this entire room sanitized to get rid of any sign that she was ever there, that she was ever on his bed, in his bed...

... Get rid of any sign that he ever kissed her, that he ever held her, that he ever ran his fingers through that black hair that seemed to pool over with such soft and silky tenderness that he could feel it it for ages, that he ever pressed her delicate frame to his own body to feel her heart beat rapidly against his chest, that he ever looked into those deep eyes that never really reflected him but instead had their own cosmos of stars glittering inside to pull him in and never let go...

She flopped on the bed, sighing heavily, perhaps unaware that her thin nightgown was riding up past her long shapely legs. "Well?" She turned her head to him, some of her hair falling down her face. "What are you waiting for?"

His heart leaped into his throat - she surely didn't mean that. "What?!"

She raised an eyebrow. "Turn off the lights, I want to sleep already."

Oh. Right. Yes. Lights. Surely. That and nothing else. Dammit, she was getting to him. "Don't go around demanding things, free-loader." But the spectacles came off, the lights came off, and the ducks were soon enough both in bed, as far apart from each other as possible, as per the norm.

Once again, they had something in common - both remained wide awake, thinking over the day.

~*~

Ever since Magica De Spell had been forced to live within his mansion, Scrooge McDuck made sure she was never alone, so she couldn’t pull any schemes involving his dime. So that evening, when he walked into his library and realized the woman was completely alone, there was a mild panic within him. Nearly slamming the door behind him, he nearly forgot why he had entered the room in the first place as he stormed up to her, temper flared. “And just what do you think you’re doing!”

The sorceress had been lounging on a long sofa, surrounded by photo albums, and casually glanced up at him. “What does it look like I’m doing?” His glare didn’t falter, so, with a roll of her eyes, she flipped a page as she answered. “Research.”

That drove him into an even further panic, fingers tightening on his cane. “I knew it! You can’t be trusted! I can’t believe I was foolish enough to ever let you in my house! If you’re not gone by the time I count to three, I’ll - ” But the threat was suddenly dismissed when Magica pulled out one photo and showed it right into his face, almost onto his beak. It was of a particularly plump bird, with blonde hair and a flower hat, standing proudly beside a decaying old riverboat. There was a squiggle of handwriting right on top of the woman’s dress, a signature, reading ‘Belle Quack.’ Scrooge was quiet.

“Ever since that Brigetta woman barged in here…” Magica slowly put the photo back in its place. “I got curious about what other women you’ve had.” There was an odd tone in her voice that the elder duck couldn’t quite place. It seemed like an imbalance between jealousy and disbelief.

He cleared his throat, trying to regain his dignity. “For the last time, Brigetta and I were never involved. It’s all imagined on her part. And…” With this explanation, he waved airily with his hand, trying to make the entire matter less important than it was. “And… well, Belle is just a business associate.”

Magica quickly whipped out another photo. “Was Tilly Billbrook another business associate?” Judging by the flirtatious look this next woman was giving the photographer, the answer was obvious.

Scrooge quickly got defensive, crossing his arms. “Oh, what’s it to you? This whole marriage is a sham, what do you care if I’ve been with a few women?” Though he knew that "few" was an understatement, and wished she would just close the darn book already.

“I don’t.” She put the photo back, and sat up straight, her tone never changing. “I just find it interesting, that’s all. And I don’t want any other crazy women coming after me and accusing me of stealing you.”

He held up a hand, trying to placate her and end the conversation. “I can swear to you, that won’t happen again. I’ve made it perfectly clear my life is dedicated to my money, and not to having someone on my arm.”

The sorceress clicked her tongue to her cheek as her finger traced down a page. “Klondike Kate here doesn’t seem to think so.”

His cheeks were beginning to redden but he refused to believe it. “All right, those women don’t count, I was young, and it was a very long time ago.” Immediately he regretted saying so, as Magica whipped out yet another photo, this one only dated a few years ago. Signed ‘Fiona Rapson’, this one didn’t even look to be half his age. “That… no, you don’t understand, she was just doing a news segment…” Whip, another photo, ‘Mrs. Williams’, only slightly older than Fiona. “I was just lending that woman some help, and - ” Whip, again, now ‘Rosy Curenbois’. “Now that one is completely out of context!”

Finally, she closed the book, loudly and forcefully.  The two glared at each other, though oddly unsure just why they were so mad. The staring context continued until Scrooge growled, deep in his throat, and turned away, ready to leave. “Put it back where you found it. Any mess you make, you have to clean up.”

A derisive snort came from her. “What I don’t get is how you kept getting tricked by so many gold diggers.” She stood, ready to put the photos and book right from where she got it.

However, Scrooge stopped where he was, having been ready to grab the door handle out. Slowly, he turned his head back, making sure he heard right. “Gold diggers?” There were a few in the batch, but to say "so many"? That wasn’t right at all.

“Of course.” Though she had returned the book to its original place, she was now scanning the others among them, wondering what else was good reading material. “Digger after digger, until they nearly dug your grave for you. I would've thought you'd have learned your lesson after a while.”

After a moment, Scrooge caught the underlying message of her spite. “You’re implying all of those women were only attracted to my money and not me?” His pride had taken a direct hit. Granted, many of those women and those incidents were ones he longed to forget, but he had earned those stalkers fair and square.

“I’m not implying it. I’m saying it. What woman in her right mind would only go after you?” Such a notion made her laugh, her devilish cackle that usually came with a magic spell. “Take it from me… wrinkled, whiskered stubborn men aren’t high on a woman’s list for men we want. Those women probably flocked to you the second you opened your wallet.”

His fingers began to tape on his cane, irritation building. Bad enough that this implication was being made, but being made by her of all people? This had to be fixed as soon as possible. “Did it ever occur to you that I could go after them?”

Now Magica laughed even harder, leaning on a book shelf for support. “Oh, please! Like you could get any woman on your own! Scrooge McDuck, the casanova!”  She began banging her fist against the bookshelf, shaking with laughter. The very idea! Of course all of those women had been only after his money; it was the only thing that made sense. He was old and ugly and miserable, and she couldn’t wait to be rid of him after this fake marriage ordeal was over. So she laughed and laughed, trying to calm herself and catch her breath, and even when her body had settled, snickers still escaped. Maybe she could think of another good insult to lobby at him, one he wholly deserved.

Magica would have come up with one; had not a single finger pressed behind and onto her, between her shoulder blades, and rode itself past her neck and into her hair. The startled screech that came out of her could have shattered glass, and in an instant her head was turned to look at her attacker. Naturally, there stood Scrooge, though now he stood so close to her that personal space no longer existed. She could also glance at his eyes, and knew the look he was wearing at once. It was that expression when he was angry, but didn’t look angry, and instead was bottling up the anger so he could do something calm and precise. A tranquil fury, one could argue, that allowed him to get revenge in a given situation.

She had seen that look many times during their heated battles when she had been trying to get his dime, and knew she was in big trouble. Though her eyes widened in fright, she would not admit her fear, and returned her face to the books, beak high in superiority. “Very funny.” Her eyes tried to look at the titles of the books again, but again she was startled by his touch, as now his hands were on his shoulders, giving her a comfortable squeeze. For a man his age, the touch was very firm. Now her laughed was forced, and obviously so. “Ha… ha ha. Did I hurt your ego, Scroogie Darling? Ha ha… haaa…” How was he working the knots out of her muscles? She didn’t want to know.

Instead, she rolled her shoulders hard, trying to shove him off with a grunt. His hands retreated, but then located elsewhere, one arm wrapping around her waist, pressing her back into his chest. His other hand listlessly weaved through her hair, making sure not to tangle as he played with it. His touch was very gentle, yet containing a trace of power in it, saying that she couldn’t stop him if she tried. Magica stared straight ahead at the books, her entire body freezing up defensively. “W-what… do you think… you’re doing?” Even though she was perfectly aware what he was doing, she just didn’t want to admit it was her fault things were leading this way.

“We’re engaged.” Scrooge replied, but even his voice had changed to fit his vengeance. “I believe this is what fiancés do with one another.” Now he stressed heavily on his accent, yet his voice was quiet, almost a whisper. He was breathing directly in the direction of her ear, and she could almost hear his smirk. “Is there a problem, Magica?”

To hell with him, she would not admit what he was making her feel! She’d rather die! With that resolve, she shut her eyes tightly, ignoring her beating heart and flared cheeks, trying to think of distractions. She tried to conjure up images that would anger her, upset her, make her laugh, do anything that would make her stop feeling the soft caresses he was administrating to her neck. Think of something, anything, she told herself! Being in jail, trying to stitch together old dresses, memorizing old spells from hundreds of years ago… Yes, she could focus on that… Focus on the crinkled old paper with that distinct smell…

… Or focus on his hot breath on her neck - damn him to the furthest pits of hell!

All of a sudden, his support was gone, and she found herself falling backwards with an outward cry. She was caught with one arm, as it turned out Scrooge was just dipping her low, and it was a wonder none of his bones were breaking at his age. Holding her close yet still dipping her low, he leaned in so that their beaks were just barely grazing one another. She could nearly see herself reflected in his eyes, and inwardly swore at how stupidly flustered she was looking. But the assault wasn’t over, if Scrooge’s continued speech was any indication. “Magica, darling.” A few of his fingers came under her bill, and tilted her head up even more. “What in the world makes you think I couldn’t have you if I wanted you?”

In all of her years, Magica had never been looked at or addressed to in such a way. She did have men sometimes after her, but they were nothing like this. None of them carried such intimate passion in their voices, nor carried a supreme sense of dominance in their eyes. They had wanted to woo her, whereas this man looked like he wanted to capture her. It was becoming very difficult to come up with any kind of rebuttal. Scrooge McDuck was not supposed to be like this, and she had never even dreamed he could be like this. It just wasn’t making sense, and her mind was fizzling out. It took all of her remaining strength just to speak, and even then, it was stammered and weak. “Y-Y-You… wouldn’t d-d-dare, McDuck.”

He dared. Magica, by this point in the sham, had thought she was used to kissing Scrooge, and being kissed by him, in order to fool her relatives and the press. Proving her wrong yet again, when his beak came on top of hers, she was lost. She wasn’t foolish enough to think it contained love, but she did know it contained hunger, possession, and that there was no use fighting it. If that wasn’t bad enough, a hand was cradling the back of her neck, delicately pressing all of the right spots in her spine. There was definitely experience in these movements, lessons had been learned, and he was implementing all he knew.

Perhaps she would have had a fighting chance if it was just a single, solitary kiss. However, the old man wanted her to remember this, and to make sure she never doubted his abilities again. So there wasn’t one kiss, but another, and another, and another, each one greater than the last, quick breathes of her name, not letting up even when Magica was nothing more than a sagging lump of a stunned sorceress. All other men were just cold fish compared to what he was doing to her. All of this power, combined with the fact it was Scrooge McDuck of all people doing this to her, it was more than her mind could handle. Frankly, she considered it a miracle she could hold onto her consciousness.

Finally, he granted her a small mercy, pulling his mouth back only to whisper to her ear again. “Do you still think all of those women were gold diggers? Or…” A small kiss to her cheek. “Do I have to keep convincing you?” He growled again – but unlike before, which had been a growl of petty annoyance, this one was pure predator, as if she didn’t have a choice in the matter. She felt she didn’t have it. She felt… she felt… oh, every god and goddess that blessed magic, she felt…

Then his supportive weight was gone again, and she landed splat on the floor in a heap. Scrooge stood up straight and tall, smoothing down his clothes, and adjusting his spectacles.  Whistling a merry tune, he picked up his cane that he had set aside before he attacked her, and casually strolled out of the room. When he opened the door, his nephew Donald nearly ran smack right into him. Fortunately the younger duck managed to stop in time, skidding to a halt, and bent over to catch his breath. “I-I’m sorry, Uncle Scrooge!” he spoke quickly, wanting to get Scrooge’s rant at him over as soon as possible. “I know we’re not supposed to let her out of our sight, but I was just getting a sandwich, a really small one, and the next thing I knew…”

Much to Donald’s surprise, Scrooge didn’t rant, and even shrugged. “Not to worry, Donald. She’s in there.” He jabbed a thumb back into the room behind him. “And she won’t be doing any damage for a while.” Off he walked, whistling the same jaunty tune, and to Donald, he seemed relatively proud of something. Just what, the boy couldn’t guess, and assumed it was monetary matters as always. Curious, Donald entered the library, and found the witch still lying on the floor, twitching here and there, unable to move naturally of her own accord.

Donald took one look at her demented smile, and quickly turned back around to leave. “Nope, I don’t wanna know.”

~*~

Granny De Spell flipped a page, and, ignoring her granddaughter's protests, continued to show off the old photos of their past and homeland, with the triplets pestering her with questions. Scrooge continued to check his watch, waiting for the moment he could be free and attend to his work, instead of listening to nonsense he couldn't care less about. It wasn't until Louie said the following that curiosity finally reached him.

"Say, is that Magica?" The duckling prodded one photo. "She looks so different!"

All eyes went to that photo, and it was a general agreement that there were differences between the Magica of the present, and her in the photo. Aside from years younger, the photo showed her in a brilliant red dress that appeared to be swaying off her, a fresh rose placed within her hair, her hands waving about in jubilation, and, perhaps strangest of all, looking happy not for reasons of malice or misfortune upon others. Just an actual, pure happiness for whatever she was doing. She didn't appear to be aware her photo was being taken, dancing in the crowded street, attracting the eyes of many young fellows in the background.

"Ah, yes, that's her during one of our Romanian festivals." Granny chuckled lightly, pulling the photo out of the book. "It happened to fall on her birthday that year, so we splurged and celebrated as best we could. She had quite a fetch of suitors back then!"

Present Magica had burning cheeks, arms crossed, refusing to look at the group. "Are we quite done here?"

"What are you being so bitter over?" Granny clicked her tongue. "It's a nice photo. And you should dress like this more often. All of that black is so depressing."

"No one would want to see me in that." A roll of her eyes from the sorceress.

As the argument rolled on, Scrooge kept his eyes on the photo, and found himself, as always, disagreeing with Magica.

~*~

The overture hadn't even begun yet, so the ducks knew a long night was ahead of them. Scrooge irritably tapped an arm rest, glancing over at his "future wife". "When, exactly, is your grandmother going to stop insisting on these bonding moments?"

Magica didn't even look at him, eyes ahead, upper and lower beak rubbing together in a frustrated grind. "I don't like this anymore than you do."

The third in the row, however, was not as agitated, as the goose rubbed his hands together in excitement. "Isn't this exciting, Magica? When was the last time we got to see a play together?"

"If I recall correctly, never." Magica leaned back into her seat, sighing. She would preferred sitting next to anyone - blabbermouth Daisy, annoying Donald, busybody Granny, ANYBODY, but, no, there was Rosolio, gazing at her in a sickening wave of love while making several attempts to touch her hand.

These attempts did not go unnoticed by Scrooge, raising an eyebrow at the other male. "Rather unlike a gentleman to try and hold a married woman's hand."

Rosalio now looked at the elder, love turning into hate. "Rather unlike a gentleman to try and steal a fiance. I still haven't forgiven you, and I never will."

"My heart breaks." Scrooge rolled his eyes. They both went on to ignore the woman's groans.

"I'd be surprised if you had a heart, underneath all that ice and money!" The goose hissed, crossing his arms in indignation. "What do you have that I can't give her?"

"Money."

"Besides that."

"Power."

"Besides that."

"Respect for her personal space."

"Besi - hey!"

Magica straightened up for a moment to see if the other families were nearby. Why was she suffering alone? Rosolio was relentless, continuing on despite the fact the orchestra had begun playing the overture. "I've known her forever! I understand her better than anyone! You just want her for her beauty!"

Scrooge, at least, had managed to lower his voice, so he wouldn't shout over the music. "And yet, despite all that, I'm the one she's marrying."

"Just admit." Rosalio narrowed his eyes, and pointed an accusatory finger at his enemy. "You've got a hold on her, don't you? Blackmail, threats, you're forcing her to do this! A man like you treats women like another dollar!"

Scrooge didn't reply so easily this time. Not out of lack of answers, but the sheer idea that he did not treat women well - he, who loved his mother, who adored his sisters, who had all but adopted Webbigail, who always lifted a finger to aide Daisy - was something he would not take lying down. The duck and goose almost appeared to enter a staring contest of anger, and then, the richer one cleared his throat. "Magica?"

"What now?" A bitter snap.

His arm extended out and around her shoulders, and suddenly, she was pushed in close, her head on his shoulder. Keeping her pinned there with his elbow, he began running his fingers through her hair, being careful not to create any knots. "Is that more comfortable for you, darling?"

Two birds went a bright red. Magica, her cheeks with embarrassment, mouth agape in sheer shock. Rosolio, his entire face, a fury that was struggling to be capped. Scrooge happily smirked at his opponent, before returning his false attentions to his bride, using his free hand to take one of hers, and running a thumb over the top of it. As for Magica herself, her voice was a desperate whisper. "Scrooge, what do you think you're doing!"

"Just enjoying myself." He held up her hand to kiss the knuckles, and then was back to addressing Rosolio. "She does like it when you touch her hair, right? You are the expert and all, having spent, what did you say, 'forever' with her?"

"Scrooge!" Magica squirmed, but he wasn't letting her go anytime soon.

"What? It's an innocent question." McDuck desired a camera, just to catch Rosolio's expression, perhaps make a game out of all the veins that were popping. "And maybe I could ask him for advice about you, since you two used to be fond of one another. Or was that just him?"

"Leave me out of your idiotic jealous fists, you miserable old miser!" Was she shaking? She was definitely shaking, fully aware that several of the playgoers were ignoring the stage, preferring the performance going on within those three seats instead.

"For example!" Scrooge let go of her hand, stopping the hair action to support her back, and tilted her beak up with his fingers. "Perhaps you can tell me, Rosolio, my good man, exactly what way our darling Magica prefers being kissed?"

The straw broke on the camel's back, and Rosolio stood up in his seat, roaring, throwing off his hat, and reaching for his magic wand - and, with a single THWACK from Granny's purse - what do you know, the rest of the families just so happened to be right behind the trio - he was down, a knocked out mess on the floor. Seconds of awkward silence followed, as others turned back or forward in their seats to watch the play that had begun minutes earlier. Scrooge released his hold on Magica, allowing his hands to relax in his lap, wearing a grin of victory. Magica sunk into her seat, upset that there was no rock to hider under. "You enjoyed that far too much." She murmured after a moment.

He put a finger to his beak. "Shhh. I can't hear."

~*~

Though night had fallen, neither of them were ready to sleep just yet. Scrooge was at his desk, going over a few more tax forms, while Magica was standing before the large vanity mirror, looking herself over in silence. Eventually she huffed, Daisy's words still ringing in her head. "Scrooge. I want your honest opinion on something."

"What is it?" He continued his work, hardly caring for the question.

Hesitation, and then a sigh, adjusting herself, hands on her hips, smoothing her nightgown down. "Do you think I'm beautiful?"

Whatever question Scrooge had been expecting, it wasn't that. He looked up, then at her, to make sure his hearing was in tact. "...What?"

"It's a simple question!" She pointed at herself, growling. "Do you think I'm beautiful?"

Warning sirens blared off in the miser's mind. He had to get out of this line of questioning as soon as possible. "... Is this because of what Daisy said, because Donald told me-"

"Just answer!" She stormed up to him, grabbing his chair and turning it around so he would fully face her. "It's not that difficult! You either think I'm beautiful, or you think I'm not!"

Not that difficult, his foot! His eyes darted around for any sign of an exit. "... That's... It, I, Uh... Oh, what do you care what I think!"

Although he prepared himself for further argument, it was not given. Instead her face fell, and she released his chair, retreating to the mirror. "I see." Her fingers pressed her face, now easily seeing all the wrinkles and lines of time. It seemed she believed his answer meant "no"'.

"Jiminy Cricket." Scrooge groaned, and stood up from his seat. "I didn't say you weren't!"

"You didn't have to." And now she could see all the split ends in her hair.

"It's not like that... it's..." He faltered, trying to think of an adequate explanation. "I don't... I never... You'd never see me as handsome, would you?"

A quick glance his way. "Of course I would."

Goodness, she was just throwing him all kinds of loops tonight. His spectacles almost fell off due to the surprise on his face. "...What?" he repeated.

"I hate you, but I'm not blind." Her eyes went back to the mirror. "Not to mention all those girlfriends I keep hearing about."

"I've... they weren't... I explained those!" Now it was his turn to storm up to her. "I've lived a long life, and... and... Brigetta has never been my girlfriend, I don't know where you're getting that idea, and... further... more... will you knock that off and look at me!"

So she did, upset, holding herself. Women, honestly! Scrooge ran a hand down his face, closing his eyes. "Fine, fine... I've never actually looked you as, as a woman... so... I'll do it now. Then I'll tell you what I think."

"Fine." Hmph.

A deep breath was taken, trying to expel the past from his mind. Ignore his own hate, everything she had done to him, who she was... and just look at the body. Judge that, and only that. He opened his eyes, and looked from bottom to top. Her legs were strong and shapely, with one foot nervously tapping the floor in impatience. Though her frame could be seen as delicate, there were hints of muscle here and there, showing the years she had worked alone to get what she wanted, the trials she had gone through to get certain spells. Her hands were small, but firm, gripping her arms intensely. Her hair was growing longer, he noticed, slowly starting to go beyond shoulders, giving off an appearance of black silk. She wasn't wearing any make-up, and that was for the better, as her cheeks would be rosy all on their own. Though her eyes were worried and saddened, they still shone clearly, attentive, colorful and alive as jewels she longed to have.

He exhaled. "Yes, you are beautiful. Now will you be quiet?"

A pause, and then she nodded, turning away to head to bed. "There now, was that so hard?"

Scrooge scratched the back of his head.... Was that so hard? She had no idea.

~*~

Magica hadn't been invited to many engagement parties in her left, but she had a distinct feeling they were supposed to be a lot louder and less awkward than this one. The rented ballroom was full of friends, family, and even some news groups, that were timidly picking at the buffet, making idle chatter, but mostly staring and gossiping at her and Scrooge. She couldn't really blame them – Scrooge McDuck, richest man in the world, settling down to marriage? And to his enemy, Magica DeSpell, no less! What had been a simple plan to get rid of her annoying family had managed to snowball into a national phenomenon. Magica hated Scrooge for not giving her the dime, hated her family for that stupid wedding contract, hated Daisy for thinking of this plan...

And, right now, most of all, hated the outfit she was being forced to wear. It was an exact replica of the red dress from the photo album, except it had been tailored in size to fit her age. It wasn't uncomfortable, in fact it was a perfect fit, and she didn't dare ask how the numbers of her body had gotten out. It looked good on her as well, giving her a slim appeal, and there was no question she looked beautiful in it. The hate was not entirely with the dress itself, but of its origins. How shocked she had looked the other day, receiving the boxed cloth, arriving straight from Romania, and signed as ordered by her "future husband".

There was an addition to the dress that was not in the photo, however. The red collar around her neck, holding a single silver bell, carried plenty of hate as well. She was sitting next to Scrooge at a long table covered in a white cloth, and cast a glare at him. She flicked the bell with her fingers, the noise getting his attention, stopping him in his drink of tea to look over calmly. "What is this?" she lightly hissed. "I feel like a pet cat."

"It warns to me when you're getting close." His tone was of a cruel joke, smirking, but then he shook his head, resuming his drink. "I thought it'd look nice. And you'll pay me back for all of it when this farce is over."

"I can't afford it, and you know it." Her hands settled in her lap. "Why would you even get me this ridiculous outfit in the first place? Do you need to humiliate me that badly?"

He placed his cup down. "Your grandmother was right."

Now that was rare to hear. "About what?"

"You shouldn't wear black all the time." He left it at that, his cup empty.

She went silent, and fingered the bell again. How she hated that bell, that collar, that dress. She hated that he bought it all for her. She hated that he had thought of her and that he remembered the photo. She especially, deep down, hated how happy it had made her. The bell jingled with the lump in her throat.

~*~

Rosolio clutched his hand, having gotten used to the pain in his left arm – this new one to his right hand was out of nowhere, almost making him drop his wand. Ignoring his opponent for the moment, he looked to where the shot of magic had come from, up in the sky.

Hovering high above, Magica was firmly holding onto her broom, her own wand clutched firmly in her hand, aiming right at him. She appeared out of breath, using all of her energy to arrive there as fast as she could force herself. Upon her shoulder was Poe, and he was suddenly jerked off by his sister. "Go, get them out of here!" She snapped, never taking her eyes off of the enraged sorcerer.

"O-O-On it!" The raven stammered, stretching out his wings and flying down to the confused ducks below. The rental tuxedo store was halfway decimated, but Scrooge and Donald were still intact, though slightly bruised due to Rosolio's efforts. Poe grabbed Scrooge's cane, trying to urge him to move along. "Come on, we've gotta get outta here!"

"Wait a minute!" Scrooge yanked his cane back, using it to point at the goose. "What in blazes is going on with him?!"

Rosolio was distracted by Magica, sputtering and growling as he tried to get his wand to work again. "You should have stayed at the church! I'm going to end this!"

She began to hover in closer, taking her time, wanting to stall as long as she could make it. "If you continue using the Forbidden, you'll wind up killing yourself. Stop this madness, and put down your wand!"

"Never!" In defiance he raised his weapon again – a bright light emitted from the top, sucking in the air around it and making the sound of a hideous tornado.

"HIT THE DECK!" screamed the raven, and, joined with the male ducks, took cover behind one of the crippling concrete walls. Though they couldn't see the attack, they heard a tremendous blast hitting the wall, almost enough to deafen, and the wall suffered great damage, creating hot red cracks and dismantling the edges. It was obvious that it would not survive a second round of the same attack.

With her stalling tactic failed, Magica commanded her broom to head straight down, and once she was close enough, she jumped off, hitting the ground on her heels, and striking Rosolio in the side with her wand. Although he cried out, he parried with her, wands sparkling off fizzling lights as the two fought one another, using all of their strength to try and drive the other away.

Scrooge grabbed Poe roughly by the left wing, demanding answers. "Explain! Everything! Now!"

After some terrified crowing, the smaller bird managed to choke it out. "H-He's using the Forbidden! They're spells that cost you a year of your life every time you use them, because of their power! They do things that only the gods are supposed to have control over! He managed to learn two of them – the first one causes permanent love!"

Donald found his traditional hat among the debris, and plopped it back on. "Somehow I doubt that's the spell he's using on us now, so what's number two?"

The hideous whirling noise began to make itself known once more, as Poe's wing was released. "Death!"

Fortunately by the time the spell hit the wall again, this time shattering it apart, the boys had scrambled away, although they were scraped by falling pieces. However, with the store crumbling apart, and now other buildings beginning to take damage from the war of the wands, the hiding places were becoming few and far between. There was no way to get out, aside from the sky above, and Poe was very sure if he tried to get away that way, he'd earn yanked off feathers. As they tried to make due with what used to be front desk, they also got a good view of the fight, able to see that Magica was trying her best to disarm Rosolio, but he wasn't showing his love any mercy. Their wands were pressed heavily against each other, with colors and fires exploding off of the contact, flying off into the distances.

"The others will be here any minute." She hissed, both hands firmly on her long, thin wand, unable to tell in some places if she was sweating or bleeding. "Even you aren't strong enough to stand up against them!"

"Then I'll use the Forbidden on all of them!" He roared at her, madness gleaming in his eyes. "Even if I only wind up with one year to live, it will be more than McDuck will see again!"

"And you think that will make me love you?!" Her shoes were beginning to crack, she knew he was pushing her luck. Her fear was being realized – she wasn't strong enough to defeat him. Hoping that such terror was suppressed from being expressed, she continued pushing and fighting, hoping that if she could not defeat him, she could at least wear him out. "Be a man, Rosolio! Accept your losses!"

"I've – lost – nothing!" He wasn't even looking at her in the face anymore – no, he was staring hard at her neck, where that belled collar – that damned collar! - was STILL being worn, and it only added on to his rage, his wand changing colors – and then it was suddenly thrust to her stomach – it was not the Forbidden, for the wind was still in tact – but before anyone could blink, there was violet colored electricity at her gut, and she was sent flying, back – back- back - she was now laying several feet away, sprawled onto her stomach.

The scream of her name left Scrooge's mouth without him knowing it, and he abandoned the desk, much to the dismayed shouts of his nephew. He threw his cane aside, running without thinking to get to her side, becoming breathless in seconds. He knelt down on the streets now made of rubble, and took her into his arms – to his great relief, she was breathing, though a scarlet line was now trickling down her face. Her eyes opened halfway, and her voice was cracked. "What do you think you're doing...fool."

"Saving your hide." But as he pressed her close to his chest, he realized there was still no way to escape. Running down the now abandoned roads would just earn a chase from Rosolio, and with Magica's weight in his arms, his age, and the exhaustion he was feeling already, it wouldn't be much of a track record.

Speaking of the disgruntled goose, the sight of the lovers together caused him to hold onto his wand so tightly, his fingers dug into his hands, creating deep cuts into his palms. "Get away from her!" His voice no longer sounded of this world, so tangled up in jealousy and insanity. "She's mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!" With every chant of the word, the whirling noise and the light became whole once more, becoming terrible warning signal atop his weapon.

Magica gave Scrooge a light shove, trying to sit up, and aim her wand right back at Rosolio. "Get out of here. I can handle him."

"Are you daft?" Scrooge's arm came around her shoulders. "You can't even stand up." His free hand joined hers, holding the wand with her, and his voice became soft. "I'm not leaving you alone."

She said nothing, but the wand now pulsed under their hands, gaining power. No spell can defeat the Forbidden, she knew this, it was one of the earliest things all those of the magic world learned. Yet there were other lessons that rang in her head, as Rosolio's light grew brighter, as her own wand changed colors.

Magic is connected to your emotions, to your belief, to your body, to you. It cannot give without receiving something in return. The harder you try, the harder you believe and wish for it, the stronger your spells become. That is why it is discourage using it for money and for power. Those things can only last you so long, and your magic will suffer for it. Only when you have something true to fight for, will your magic be supreme.

Her wand lifted, Rosolio's wand lifted, they aimed, and, feeling the rush of confidence and sheer strength rushing from her arms and throughout her entire body right back to the wand in a circle of infinity, she shut her eyes tightly with a single tear escaping, and exhaled, felt she needed to tell him, must tell him, if anything else he had to be told, "Scrooge, I - "

THWACK!

Rosolio fell onto the ground, face flat down, his wand rolling out and away from him. A lump was on top of his head, and, standing behind him, holding Scrooge's cane, was Donald, now twirling the lump-maker in his hand. "So, I guess that means I finally give that ten cent raise?"

~*~

It was around noon, and thus Ducksworth was in the dining room, ready to help serve the residents of the mansion. As he entered, he noticed Scrooge had already sat down, and was jotting down notes on a small piece of paper. The butler cleared his throat to make his presence known. "Tax season again, sir?"

The duck shook his head, looking up for only the briefest of moments. "Just experimenting with something." Tapping the pencil to his beak, he decided it was safe enough to share his findings. "You know the belled collar I got Magica for the engagement party?"

"Of course." the butler walked over to be next to McDuck. "She wears it constantly now."

Scrooge's beak twitched, suppressing a smile that fact brought. "I know... but I've noticed something. This is just a guess, but I think any time she's pleased by something, she fiddles with that bell."

The dog raised his eyebrows, a bit intrigued. "What makes you say that?"

"Little things." The pencil now tapped the paper. "For example, let's see... ah, yes. When Rosolio got her that bracelet, the one with the emeralds, she played with the bell, and we all know how much that witch loves jewelry. Then she did it again when she got that letter fro Madam Mim, her best friend. Then, today, when Daisy was asking what color the wedding invitations should be, she touched the bell when Daisy suggested red. And I told the chefs to remake the lobster salad from the party, because I saw she had three servings of it, and will definitely ring when she has it for lunch today." Scrooge looked up, a little proud of his accomplishment. "So what does that tell you?"

Ducksworth bit his tongue, wondering if he dared really comment. "...To be frank, sir? That tells me you pay rather... close attention to the likes and dislikes of Miss De Spell."

The smile vanished from the duck's bill, eyes wide and a hint of red on his cheeks. He slammed the pencil onto the table, his cheery voice now a grating growl. "Don't you have lunch to serve!"

"Of course, sir." Off he went to the kitchen, hoping his pay wasn't cut for pointing out the obvious.

Scrooge began to cross out what he written, hoping to hide his embarrassment, and mentally remarked on the foolishness of his servant. It had been harmless observation, that was all! Moving to erase his frustration, he stopped when the woman herself strutted in, wearing the collar, and sat down a few seats away from him. True to form, she crossed her arms, already impatient. "Well, where is it?"

"Professional meals take longer than boiling noodles over a cauldron." He quipped, relaxing, and watching the doors to the kitchen carefully. Mere minutes later, Ducksworth had returned, and placed a bowl of lobster salad in front of each duck, and then went about fetching glasses of water for them.

Magica idly poked the leaves, huffing. "Can't your chefs make anything original? Didn't we already have this?"

"Either eat it, or your next meal will be ice cubes." But his tone wasn't bitter, stirring his fork in his bowl as he kept his eyes on the collar. If she rung it, his theory would be correct.

The sorceress made a "hmph" noise, before eating. A few bites into it, she paused to take a drink, and one hand pushed some hair back, stroked her neck... and then touched the bell, echoing a small "ding ding" noise.

Triumphant, Scrooge pointed a fork at her in his victory. "I knew it!"

Glass half empty, Magica placed it down, staring at the accuser. "What?"

"You ring that bell every time you're happy about something!" He gestured to her neck with her utensil, grinning and absolutely ignoring Ducksworth's knowing look from the corner.

The woman took a quick look at her hand, and then was quicker to remove it. "Don't be stupid, it was a nervous habit." She didn't even appear to notice she had been doing it in the first place.

"You're like a little girl." There was sneer with that, leaning back in his seat. "Just admit you do it."

"I will do no such thing." Her arms were crossed once more, the meal ignored. "Because I don't do any such thing!"

"He has a list." Ducksworth was at the table again, grabbing the slip of paper before Scrooge could make a jump for it, ignoring the yell of his name from the writer. He handed it over to the surprised sorceress, and much to Scrooge's chagrin, she could read it despite the crossed out lines. When she was finished, she crumpled it in her hands, throwing it behind her, which the butler went to go clean up, and use an excuse to exit the room.

She was instantly on her feet, agitated, tapping her foot on the floor. "Do you have nothing better to do than study my neck?"

"How am I supposed to ignore that constant ringing?" He jabbed a fork into his food, preparing himself for the fight that was about to ensue. "Why don't you ever take it off!"

"If you hate it so much, you shouldn't have bought it in the first place!"

"Maybe I shouldn't have!"

"Then don't buy me anything ever again!"

"As if I would ever waste my money on someone like you!"

They spat insults back and forth at each other, loathing increasing with each lobby, until Magica stabbed her salad with a fork, and menacingly jabbed the utensil at him, threatening to shove the implement and the leaf attached to it in a place where the sun didn't shine -

Until the door to the living room was knocked, followed by the cheery voice of Magica's grandmother - "Hello, sweetie!" - and without waiting for the all clear, opened the door anyway, gazing upon the frozen scene of her granddaughter holding a fork of food to the supposed fiance. Silence followed as Granny adjusted her glasses, making sure she was seeing correctly."'Husband" and "wife" took their time looking at each other, wondering how to fix the mistake, and keep playing the game. Granny spoke slowly, skepticism clear. "I'm sorry, was I interrupting something?"

Gears whirled in Magica's mind, and, shaking a bit, she placed her empty hand on Scrooge's shoulder. "Not at all, Granny! We were just enjoying lunch." Continuing to use a voice laced with a mix of sappy sweetness and acidic adjectives, she waved the fork to the man's mouth. "Say 'ah', Scroogie darling."

Wishing he could say a few words that weren't for ladies ears, he complied, allowing the fork to enter past his lips, and quietly chewed the greenery as Magica sat back down, wiping the utensil with a napkin. She spoke again once she deemed it clean enough. "What brings you by this hour, Granny, without a call or a single word of warning?"

Not believing the act for a second, the old woman strode up to her granddaughter, hands behind her back. "I just wanted to ask about the music that would be played at the wedding."

"A church organ is all we need." Scrooge replied, once he had swallowed the forced food.

The relative scooted next to Magica, blond hair falling past her glasses. "Haven't you thought about it? Music can set an entirely new theme for a wedding! How about a choir of-"

"No." Said the couple in unison, trying to get back to eating.

"Then how about the jazz styling of - "

"No."

"We could always spring for country-"

"No."

"Not even a classical waltz theme?"

"No." But this time, after the duo had said it, there was a faint "ding ding" that followed. Magica went perfectly still upon realizing what she had done, and her face flushed deeper than the lobster's shell in the salad as she felt Scrooge's smirk boring into her from the back of her head. She was on her feet fast enough to knock her chair backwards, grabbing her bowl and storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Granny stared where the chair once was, puzzled at what had just taken place. "What on earth was that about?"

Scrooge held up his glass of water, taking a steady sip. "Why, I haven't the faintest idea." He waited until Granny had left to chase after her granddaughter to admire his smug appearance in the reflective glass. Of course he had been right, his theories always were. Why, he had even more examples of her doing that action that he hadn't written down.

When Daisy showed the witch family the McDuck photo album, and displayed the one of him in his younger Klondike days, ding ding.

When he had asked her to dance during the engagement party, ding ding.

When he and Rosolio were arguing who really did know Magica better, ding ding.

When they had to fake kiss again in front of the family along with some new reporters, ding ding.

His confident expression faded, as each new recollection began to create a startling theory in his mind that was wholly unwelcome.

~*~

"What is magic?"

Tea on the patio, with the fading sunset, that is where and when the strange question had been asked. Magica held the cup in her hand, having paused in her drink once the words had left the miser's mouth. She looked at him, making sure she had heard correctly. Since one of his eyebrows was raised and his gaze was curious, the question had been real. Quietly, she resumed her sip. "Why do you ask?"

"It bothers me..." He replied, voice already annoyed. "... when things happen with no explanation. I've seen you buy potions and wands, and buying a weapon is something anyone can do... but you also can conjure up spells all on your own. It should be one or the other. What's the difference?"

She traced the outline of the cup. "... Yes, almost anyone can buy weapons. But that doesn't mean everyone can use them. If a man who has never used a gun before picks one up, he will not fire straight, and he might even wind up injuring his hand in the process. One needs experience before mastering bought weapons."

"But even then... a gun is a machine. You speak of experience with the supernatural."

A shrug with one shoulder. "I could teach your nephews how to use bought spells and potions for the rest of my life, but even when they turn gray, they would never be as powerful as myself, or other sorcerers and sorceresses."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the insistence of that term. She always got angry if she was called anything but a sorceress. For the sake of learning, he'd put that aside for now. "And why is that? What makes you and your ilk different from me and my nephews?"

"Blood. Genetics." Catching the skepticism in his expression, she smirked. "Is it that much of a surprise? Like any genetic anomaly, magic is inherited. If a man with blue eyes and a woman with blue eyes have a child, there is a stronger likelihood that their child will also have blue eyes. My father had magic, my mother had magic, so Poe and I had magic."

"Poe doesn't use magic." He refilled his cup. Some stars were beginning to shine out. The moon was hidden behind faint clouds. "I've never even seen him try."

"It's a part of his transformation." Her eyes looked away, uncomfortable with the subject, yet still willing to relent. "When I turned him, I didn't just change his outer appearance... I changed his blood, his DNA. The only thing left that is truly him and our family is his memory. We are no longer blood related."

There was a tense silence. At first, the elder was ready to ask if Poe knew... but... it became clear in his own mind. If Poe hadn't been told of it, the raven would have figured it out on his own, when he couldn't perform even the most simple feat of magic. Perhaps that was why Granny treated him as more of a pet than a grandson, since he "wasn't" a grandson to her anymore. Yet as the older one kept thinking, he could recall moments where Magica treated Poe not quite as an equal but still as family. Even now Magica looked decidedly unpleasant, with an emotion he thought she wasn't capable of - guilt.

Scrooge cleared his throat. "That still doesn't explain some things... all right, so you got it from your parents, who got it from your grandmother, and back and back... where did it all start?"

She took another drink before getting back into the conversation. "With the gods, of course."

"Of course." A derisive snort.

"It's natural of you not to believe... but there were ancient times where it was commonplace for everyone to believe in gods. But as science and technology advanced, people disregarded their beliefs... but not everyone did. Those others, in fact, praised the gods for these advancements. But the people also became worried that, at this rate, belief would be stomped out everywhere, and future generations wouldn't believe in the gods. So they prayed and sacrificed, begging the gods for a way to keep belief alive. The gods decided to bless these people with magic."

"I've seen more believable nonsense in Donald's comic books." A wag of the finger. "Where is your proof?"

"Our own history books... which are up to interpretation. No one is alive from those days, so for all I know, it could be false. But it's just easier to believe that story." Her cup became empty.

"I still don't understand it all. How can your body, just because of a few select strands of DNA, be able to do things mortals can't?"

She looked down at her hands, placing the tea cup away. "... Desire."

"Desire?"

The only light between them was a single flame, flickering brightly over a red candle. Magica took the candle holder, a faded golden color, grasping it lightly in her fingers. With her other hand, she held up her wand in preparation. Then with a soft and quick breath, the fire was gone. "You can light this again easily enough with a match, you can do it all by yourself, with your own hands. With magic... it deeply depends on what you want. You must want it with all of your heart." She pointed the wand at the burnt tip, and they both glowed deeply - in the blink of an eye, the candle was lit again. "I desired warmth and light. Desire... and desperation. Us of the magic cannot blend so simply into mortal society. Sometimes our lives are not easy. We become desperate to continue living, as our kind die out."

The candle was the same as it had been minutes ago, as if it had never been blown out. Night was settling in. The fire was reflected in her eyes, and her face was illuminated. How much time had passed since he invited her to tea out on the patio? She placed the candle back down on the table. He watched it a little more before speaking. "If you don't have any children, the De Spell line dies with you."

"And another magical family is eliminated from the gene pool." A snap of her fingers, putting her wand down. "But I don't care. I've never cared too greatly for children... I can barely stand your brats. When I have the amulet granting me the power of the Midas Touch, I will be rich enough so that my line is eternally remembered. Our wondrous last stand. It's the same with you."

He did not respond, and felt no need to. Just a nod. He could see where she was going with that reasoning.

"Even when the worms are eating your bones, everyone will still remember the name Scrooge McDuck. No nephew of yours carries that same last name. You are the last of the clan McDuck, and with your wealth, you will be remembered forever. That is a magic no sorcerer could create... the power of immortality."

This time, he crossed one arm over, and pointed a finger at her. "About that, immortality... and I don't mean that whole 'remembrance' thing. Why can no sorcerer do that? I imagine wanting to live forever would generate tons of powerful desire."

One of her legs crossed over the other. "... That is even stronger proof that the gods gave us this power."

"Explain."

"There is a branch of spell work that is called The Forbidden, because it is exactly that - forbidden. Using those spells threatens to expose magic to the entire world, and would create havoc, making us the new gods of the world. As punishment, whenever someone uses such a spell, they lose a year of their life."

"That's hardly proof."

"Well, it's not like when they use it, a god suddenly appears and smacks them upside the head. They just die much sooner than expected. After it happened enough times, the mathematics were figured out."

"Have you ever used one?"

A soft chuckle. The sun was gone. "I'm not stupid, as much as you're inclined to think so. I want the rest of my life to enjoy my riches."

"So what are The Forbidden?" A few fireflies were making themselves known in the close gardens. Scrooge would silently shoo one away if one get too close, but Magica would allow one to crawl along her arm if it wanted to.

"Extending someone's life span. Shortening someone's life span. Death. Love-"

"Now hold on." he cut her off, leaning in. "I've seen you use plenty of love potions and spells."

"Mediocre things." A dismissive wave of her hand. "Those types had time limits, and only seized part of the heart. The Forbidden Spell Of Love captures the entire heart and mind, for all time. It's a love akin to madness. The victim cares for nothing but the caster... not even their own health. That spell has been the cause of much bloodshed. Helen of Troy was a victim, as was Romeo and Isolde..."

His brows furrowed. "... Wait... do you mean Romeo and Juliet? Tristan and Isolde? Those are made up stories."

"So is magic, to some." A smile, and then she stood. "It's getting cold. I'm going inside."

"One more question." He stood as well. "Do you actually know how to use The Forbidden?"

Her eyes met his. "Yes. For the sake of our dying history, sorcerers and sorceress are even taught those spells. Granny, Samson Hex, Rosolio, even Witch Child could use one, if their desire was strong enough."

He picked up his cane, that was previously laid against his chair. He appeared amused. "Should I take it as a compliment that you've never desired me dead that strongly?"

She approached the doors. "Fool. If you died, that dime of yours becomes worthless. Then I'd have to find the next richest man alive." Though her hand was on the door handle, she did not press on it. She could feel his eyes on her, still inquisitive. A sigh. "All right, what else?"

"Those gods... if they gave your people magic, that makes these supposed divine beings useless. They wouldn't need to help your people anymore, since they could help themselves. What became of them?"

She stayed where she was, even as he walked up to her. Slowly, she turned to look at him. "We believe they help the non-blessed. The mortals. They give you strength... you just aren't aware of it. When you desire something that desperately... they are there to lend that power. Fate changes. Miracles occur. They can't do this to everyone... without belief, their abilities grow weaker all the time. But they will live on so long as humanity does. Because desire... always exists."

They stared at each other. The candle was still lit. There was no wind.

"You're saying, if I desire something strongly enough, the gods will help me?" He had desired many things in his life, he knew that well.

Desire and need are two different things, they both thought. People need food and water, need comes with survival. Need is primal, and can over ride the mind in order to get it. Deaths can be as a result of an unfulfilled need. Desire is different. Desire is a pain that cannot be described, yet, with time, it can be pushed away. People can live without desires being fulfilled. Yet there is not a single person who has ever lived who has never felt desire at least once.

There are also people who let desire consume their lives. They feel without this wish being granted, they are better off dead. If they allow it, a desire can control a person. That's when the desire becomes a need. That's when the gods can no longer help.

The door handle was gripped. "It's possible. But they have better wishes to grant than the ones of a rich old miser. So, probably not." The door was opened, and she was soon gone.

When he could no longer hear her footsteps, he returned to the table, and picked up the candle holder. He blew it out. "Yes," he murmured, touching the remains of wax. "Probably not."

~*~

When, exactly, did he realize she was a woman? It felt like such a ridiculous thing to think about, but during the course of their lives, he supposed he never really acknowledged that about her. Of course he knew she was female, but due to all of her aggravating attacks on his dime, he had just molded her into 'that person'. He had always been satisfied with that state. She was his enemy, there was no need to change that. Things could have stayed like that, if it wasn't for this entire ruse.

Now here he was, hugging her, having her lean onto his body, fully aware of what she was and who she was. She felt so small against him, as powerless as a doll, her head resting on his chest. No objection had been made to the embrace, as it had started out as an accident. They were descending the stairs, ready to get some lunch before having another dreadful afternoon with her family, when suddenly, nearing the last steps, she had tripped and fallen forward. He not only caught her, but instinctively his arms had gone around her. Though now she was capable of standing up and walking on her own, neither made any attempt to leave.

The gigantic mansion of a home was silent. The only thing that could be heard were their light breaths, and his heartbeat so close to her ear. She wasn't even returning the gesture, her arms curled up on his chest. Of course he was in no rush to see Magica's family again, and there were other reasons not to leave this moment. He just couldn't think of them right now. Frankly a lot of his mind was refusing to work right now.

Wasn't she supposed to be pushing away to make some scathing comment? He was almost afraid to see what kind of expression she was wearing. The more time that passed, the more sense reached into his head. With great reluctance, he moved his hands, grabbing her by the elbows, and ever so lightly pushed her away by mere inches. Her wide eyes showed that she was initially surprised, but her look settled in understanding. Except he still hadn't really let go, and judging by his grip, still wasn't planning to.

He apparently wasn't planning on doing anything at all, yet she appeared to be expecting something. Maybe she understood this situation better than he did. His grip eased, not entirely holding her in place, but still enough to be felt. It became a staring contest, his confused and slightly bewilderment to her anticipation and patience.

Just then, the door to the dining room creaked open, and Ducksworth stepped in, mouth open to announce, again, that lunch was served. But when he caught sight of the ducks in such a position, who were now staring right back at him, he hesitated, then stepped back, closing the doors and leaving them. The spell broken, Magica abruptly shook her arms loose, and stuck her bill up high, indignant. Once again, they had become enemies. It was if nothing had happened in those past few minutes. That was completely fine with Scrooge.

Yet as she walked by him, her arm brushed against his, and for the faintest of moments, her cold fingers ran up his arm. Feeling his heart jump into his throat, he turned to look at her, but she was already at the door, opening it to leave. She glanced back at him, still wearing her usual expression of distaste, leaving him to wonder if he had just imagined that fleeting sensitive touch. She left the room, and he would only join her once he was positive his face was no longer red.