Chapter Text
Donald had had a lot of work since he left Duckburg. He never imagined that he would have so many jobs when he resumed acting, unless his voice contributed so much to it. That characteristic that had often made him feel ashamed became one of the reasons why he had landed various roles, not just in comedy movies and he was happy about it. He was also a stunt double and that, like many things in his life, happened by accident.
Keeping Donna was becoming more and more difficult and her popularity was also increasing, which is why he couldn't give up. He was afraid that if he did, investigations would begin and that they would reveal the truth. There were also the contracts, he had signed one for several years believing that his services would not be required only to realize that Harlequin was becoming more well known and that many wanted his in their stories.
May and June didn't demand to spend time with him, in fact they rarely asked for anything, but Donald loved them and they quickly became his priority. The two girls used to accompany him to his work and that made them interested in the world of acting. Donald smiled as he remembered the ease with which they had debuted.
Donald loved being Donna Moo Goo, loved wearing kimonos and dresses, and was even considering participating in a fashion show put on by Featherly Mallard, a designer who was gaining more prominence in the fashion world every day. Donald loved acting and had become fond of the Donna Moo Goo characters. His problem lay with what Donna Moo Goo meant to him and his friendship with Minnie.
Donald loved spending time with Minnie and Daisy, he liked them both, but sometimes he felt it was counterproductive. Spending time with his ex-girlfriend was a reminder that he hadn't quite gotten over her and that he needed something more to heal his heart.
The day he left Duckburg, he did so with the hope of starting a new life with his friends and resuming a dream he thought was lost. He had not lost contact with his family, on the contrary, he felt that they were closer than ever. He talked to them daily, excepting Scrooge, Donald made sure to avoid him in a way that wasn't too obvious. Donald wanted to get away from Scrooge, not permanently, but long enough to forget how he felt about him.
Donna Moo Goo was a reminder of everything she had done for him, of the escapades they had, the shared caresses, the furtive kisses, and that dance. Donna Moo Goo was proof that they had both dated and had a relationship like any other couple.
Seeing Scrooge McDuck was not something he had expected either. The last time he had seen him was during the F.O.W.L. He had come back to celebrate Webby's birthday and spend time with his family. Finding out that Scrooge considered him his most valuable ally had shaken him, but it changed nothing. Donald wasn't satisfied with being loved, he wanted them to show him.
He was worried about May and June. Those girls had suffered a lot and needed a new start. He did too and he was sure that the three of them could heal their hearts together and even become that family they loved so much.
"It's been a long time," Scrooge remarked, in an attempt to appear casual. Donald knew him well enough to know he was faking it.
"What brings you here?" Donald asked, trying to drive away his own thoughts. He didn't want to fall back into old habits.
"It is not obvious? Business."
That made a lot of sense, but Donald couldn't believe her. He had seen Scrooge lie on many occasions, and thought he could recognize when he did. He knew him well, perhaps too much, and ironically he kept surprising him, he still didn't know how much he loved him and how much he needed him.
"How is Goldie?"
Donald wasn't trying to find something to talk about, otherwise he would have asked about the family, but he knew how they were, he talked to them daily. Suspecting that he was lying made him think that Goldie was involved, Donald considered Goldie as a constant in Scrooge's life and the only one capable of altering him in that way.
"I do not know. Doing his thing, I guess. It's not like I care or have to know."
Donald didn't expect that answer.
"Don't worry, they'll come back, they always do."
Donald was sincere. He loved Scrooge and he didn't know if he could ever tear that feeling off his chest, but he had learned to live with that feeling and to be happy if his loved one was happy too.
"Is that a reproach? You are jealous?"
"I am not a child, I know that I will not lose an uncle, but that I will gain an aunt."
Scrooge laughed at these words. That made Donald feel offended. He had not been sincere, and he hated that Scrooge could read it so easily, but he hated more that he did not know how to forget. Working with Minnie had made him wonder what would have happened if they hadn't fallen into the trap that had separated them. Seeing Scrooge had made him remember that he hadn't forgotten him and that if he had separated from him it was because he wanted everything and not just the crumbs of a love that hurt him.
"What is so funny? You are my uncle, I will not prevent you from being happy."
Scrooge laughed harder and Donald knew why. They were alone and it was useless to pretend that nothing had happened between the two of them, even if he wanted to. Donald kept wanting Scrooge, kept thinking of him and wondering if he had done the right thing in walking away, if it was worth staying by his side and trusting that the feeling that united them was enough.
“I was in Duckburg last month and I call every day."
Donald had not seen Scrooge during his visit or spoken to him during his calls. Sometimes he wondered if his uncle was avoiding him or if there was another reason, but he never probed into his suspicions. That was a subject he didn't like to think about.
“I know, I saw your video on the Dewey show."
That surprised Donald. He quickly told himself that this was not strange and that Scrooge adored children. Donald did not want to get excited again, he was tired of loving disappointments. "But you know he likes you," he thought as he remembered what they had experienced and Scrooge's dreams, those in which Donald and Donna appeared.
"I just want you to be happy and Goldie is your special person."
Goldie had also been in Scrooge's dream and Donald knew it. She had seen how Scrooge searched for her in his dreams, and the way he ran after her whenever she appeared. Donald did care that Scrooge wanted him, he was glad to know that Scrooge wanted Donna and that he treasured the moments they both shared, but he felt that this was not enough.
Donald didn't want to be with someone who used it even though he wanted it, and he didn't want to kid himself. He loved two people and doubted that he could be happy if he didn't clarify his feelings. Thinking of Drake made everything more confusing.
"I admit that I also thought that Goldie was my special person, but it is not like that. She loves gold more than anything and I have other priorities. You may not believe me when I tell you that family is the most important thing."
"There are loves that are never forgotten. You're lucky Goldie feels the same way, I'm close to Minnie, but I have to accept that she wants someone else and be glad that she loves it back."
That was enough to dampen Scrooge's laughter. The duck looked suddenly serious, and Donald knew that he had caught the meaning of its words. Donald didn't want to be like Scrooge and Goldie, he didn't want to spend his whole life chasing a love that hurt him and would get him nowhere.
"You seem to have done well."
"Sometimes I feel that I live many lives and at the same time that everything is a big lie."
Scrooge was silent. It was strange to see him act like that. He was usually so confident, so sure of himself and always seemed to know what to do. Donald remembered when he was immersed in his dreams and the presence he had in them, as Donald and as Donna.
"You are becoming ambitious, exploiting Harlequin with so many movies and series."
"I am generous, I give the fans what they want."
"While you line your pocket with his money."
"We all win, that's what matters."
Donald sighed.
"I don't want to kick you out, but I have to go. I have to pick up the girls from school and I have a scene."
"The kids miss them, Della misses you..."
"You can come first, just call first. It would be horrible if we weren't home."
Donald took his things and left immediately. He wasn't running away, he had told the truth when he said he had to stop by May and June, but he didn't want to stay either. Scrooge affected him, more than he could admit and he had a commitment. Donald had never been late for them and was not about to have a first time.
"Hello Dad!" May and June said in unison.
Donald returned their greeting with a hug. It had taken time for them to stop being afraid of displays of affection and they were still displaying certain of the attitudes learned in F.O.W.L, but Donald didn't regret having them in his life. They had been alone for so long and he felt like he was falling behind.
"Can we walk you to work today?" May asked eagerly.
Donald nodded. He knew that he often got distracted when his girls were around, but he was also aware of how much he loved being a part of their life.
"Want to go for a hamburger? I don't know about you, but I'm hungry."
May and June celebrated when hearing that question and that is that the love for hamburgers was something that Webby, May and June shared. Scrooge too, thought Donald with some bitterness.
Donald knew he didn't have much time, but that didn't stop him from spending several minutes listening to his daughters' stories and enjoying a greasy meal. Lately it seemed that in his life quiet moments were practically non-existent so he wanted to make the most of them.
"When are we going back to Duckburg?"
"We miss our friends."
"I do that too. I'll talk to Della, I think they can come visit this weekend."
Donald missed his family, but didn't feel ready to see Scrooge again, too many unresolved feelings.
Shortly after the three were on their way to the filming set, where they would meet Mickey. Donald played his role, that of the prince's page while Mickey played the prince and the pauper, both protagonists of the story. They weren't finished with filming, but they had made considerable progress.
"I'm buying the lunch," Mickey commented while they were both in the dressing room.
"I don't feel like cooking so I'll take you up on it," Donald replied. He wasn't lying when he said he was tired or that it was late.
"I hope you don't mind driving, mine is in the shop."
"With your salary I'm surprised you don't buy a new one."
"What can I say? That car has its charm."
May and June hurried to find a table. It didn't take them long to find the place where they used to sit and, to their good fortune, it was unoccupied. Both girls grabbed the menu and, just like they did during all their visits, ended up choosing a burger at random. They had tried them all and they all liked them.
"How about we go to the playground?" Mickey commented. "I heard they have swings."
"Sounds good to me, I've been wanting to show one to my girls for a long time."
Mickey was surprised to hear that.
"Have you never swung?" May and June denied. "We must change that as soon as possible. Donald and I loved them as children."
Mickey was the first on the swings. May and June followed suit while Donald pushed them.
"Do you want me to swing you?"
Donald was surprised to hear those words.
"Yes of course."
Donald and Mickey switched places. It came as a surprise to the duck when he noticed that he was being pushed with less force, but it didn't take long for him to figure out why. May and June had taken turns pushing him.
That quiet moment ended when the playground began to fill up. Mickey and Donald didn't mind being seen enjoying childish games, but they were celebrities and they feared discovery. Some fans were quite intense and Mickey had had several problems. The mouse sometimes felt that it did not know how to say “no”.
"I think our food is ready," Donald commented, an excuse they took to leave without attracting attention.
Donald was not wrong. A waitress approached them with their orders shortly after they were seated. Mickey was the only one who ate calmly because they were all very hungry. Donald, May and June even had a second and ordered take out.
"I didn't remember them eating that much," Mickey teased. "Next time I'll only offer to pay half the bill."
Donald stuck his tongue out at her mockingly. Mickey was one of the highest paid actors so he knew his wallet hadn't really taken a hit.
May and June fell asleep shortly after they got into Donald's car. They both looked exhausted, but the way they were breathing gave away that they were having a peaceful sleep.
"That was fun," Mickey commented casually.
Donald remembered how much fun he had with his friends during his childhood. Daisy always talked him into pushing everyone around, and sometimes the swings weren't enough, so he and Minnie ended up sharing a seat. Back then no one knew what love was, they were simpler times.
"A coin for your thoughts."
“I remembered when we were kids and how much we loved swings. Those were simpler times."
"It's funny how we knew what we wanted for the future."
"You always talked about wanting to be an actor and now, you've achieved it."
"He was also in love with Minnie." Donald felt guilty hearing those words. He didn't know it and on more than one occasion he told him about his courtship with what had been their best friend. "And now that we're together, I won't let anything tear us apart."
"You owe me a coin," Donald commented, trying to change the subject. He didn't feel comfortable talking about his ex, let alone remembering how disastrous his love life was.
Sometimes he felt that he still loved her, she was very important in his life, other times that it was just a love story that had not had a happy ending and that he was too stupid to have a calm and normal relationship.
"Have you fallen in love again?"
“Yes,” Donald immediately regretted it, “but I don't want to talk about it. It has been my worst disappointment in love."
The rest of the trip passed quietly. May and June had fallen asleep during the tour so Mickey and Donald had to carry them to their beds.
Neither of them expected to find the lights in Donald's apartment on. They both suspected a thief, but that idea was quickly dismissed. For Donald it was a surprise to see that Scrooge was in his apartment. The duck had not only made it inside, but was also in the living room, trying to figure out how Donald's computer worked.
"What are you doing?" Donald asked. Then he added in a whisper. "I hope you're not checking my mail."
"Why would you do such a thing?" replied Scrooge, noticeably offended. "Tomorrow I have a video conference and I have to find out how this damn thing works."
"I'll explain later."
Donald and Mickey went upstairs to the girls' bedroom. Neither spoke while tucking the paws in and Donald thanked them for it. He was exhausted and did not want to give answers of any kind.
"Thank you."
“You are my best friend and I adore May and June. I couldn't stay without doing anything."
"Anyway, thank you. You are a great friend."
Donald walked Mickey to the door of his apartment. He had been aware of Scrooge's gaze all the time, but he said nothing. Mickey didn't seem to have noticed and he didn't think it was necessary to mention it.
"See you tomorrow," Mickey said by way of farewell, then turned to Scrooge. "Good evening, Mr. McDuck."
Scrooge McDuck said goodbye to Mickey, but he didn't take his eyes off Donald's computer.
"I hope everything goes well." Donald took a seat next to Scrooge, watching what he was doing with some mistrust.
"You mean the computer or your relationship with Mickey?"
"My computer, obviously. I admit that Mickey has his charm, but I like his girlfriend more."
Scrooge chuckled and went on with his work. His face was frustrated, something that seemed to stem from his trouble handling technology.
Donald took his laptop and began to review what Scrooge had done. He could see that he had accessed his email, but he couldn't accuse him of anything. Donald had his email open and the history said that Scrooge had started a video call. Donald wasn't seeing anyone so he felt he shouldn't worry, but he also thought he didn't have to explain himself to anyone except Scrooge.
"You must send this link to all participants, otherwise you will only see your image on the screen."
"I already knew that! replied Scrooge, noticeably offended. I didn't really know."
Donald didn't believe him. He knew Scrooge too well to know when he was lying.
"I'd better teach you a few things," Donald prepared himself mentally, aware that he would need a lot of patience for what he was about to do.
Scrooge sat on Donald's lap, claiming that it was necessary so that he could show him the functions of the computer. Donald didn't believe him, but he preferred not to say anything, he knew that doing so would only raise suspicions.
"You must turn on the microphone" Donald turned on the microphone and explained each of the necessary steps.
"And how do you hang up a call?"
Donald had to explain the procedure three times. Scrooge was smart, his cunning had made him the richest duck in the world, but he seemed to show some resistance to technology.
Donald was speechless when Scrooge kissed him. He shouldn't, but he ended up reciprocating the kiss and what started with a simple touch turned into much more. His confusion deepened when he realized that his uncle had taken a photograph of the moment.
"What are you doing?"
"I take pictures."
"You know that's not what I mean."
Scrooge kissed him again. Donald told himself that he shouldn't return that kiss, but feeling his uncle's beak on his made him remember feelings that he believed were buried, feelings that he wanted to forget.
"I bet Minnie never kissed you like that," Scrooge put his hands on Donald's bottom and began to knead it, "or make you feel what I do to you. She doesn't know you as much as I do, she's too innocent for you."
"What are you planning?" he asked somewhat alarmed. He didn't want to fall back into old habits.
"Isn't that obvious?"
"You never know with you," Donald commented. Accepting that he loved Scrooge had taken him a long time, much longer than it took to kiss him. His heart had been hurt so many times that he no longer knew what to expect and did not want to be disappointed again. Donald considered that he was done with love.
When Donald went to sleep, Scrooge was in the middle of a meeting with some partners, when he woke up, Scrooge was next to him, hugging him from behind.
"What are you doing?" he asked trying not to scream, he didn't want to wake the girls up.
"I'm trying to sleep." Scrooge clung tighter to Donald, preventing him from moving.
Both remained in that position for several hours and only separated when they heard the voices of May and June.
"I have to go make breakfast," Donald told him.
"I want pancakes," answered Scrooge, and he remained in that place until breakfast was ready.
When Donald met up with May and June he found them rehearsing for their new role. They both looked very happy and that happiness increased as soon as they saw it.
"You fell asleep," they told him mockingly.
Donald blushed as he remembered why it had taken him so long to get out of bed. His reaction brought laughter from both girls.
"Don't worry, I'll make breakfast right away."
Donald was speechless when he saw Scrooge in his bathrobe. He knew he would show up as soon as breakfast was ready, he always did, but not that he would put on his clothes. He was afraid that he would not be able to give the girls any answers.
"Typical Scrooge, he always shows up when Daddy makes his pancakes."
May and June laughed so Donald told himself they didn't suspect anything.
"I'll stay with you today," remarked Scrooge with a bored expression. "You can teach me how to use my new cell phone."
Donald heard the sound of a notification. He had just received a text from Drake, his friend wanted to know if he was showing up for work. A look at the clock was enough to verify what he already suspected, it was too late.
"It breaks my heart, but I have to get back to work," Donald commented with mock sadness. We can continue with your lessons later. Meanwhile you can take care of the girls.
"In that case I'll take care of the girls."
Donald knew Scrooge well enough to know that he would keep his word. His uncle was an expert at getting things for free. He wasn't upset, on the contrary, knowing that Scrooge would be back made him feel… happy. Donald decided not to care, he had work to do and was very late.
"I began to believe you wouldn't come," Drake told him.
Donald needed a few moments to breathe. He had ended up locked in the locker room and almost broke the door. He blamed Scrooge for it even though he knew it was him who was far away, his visit had affected him more than he thought, it had aroused feelings he thought had been forgotten.
"I will not give you the opportunity to do your action scenes, as your double it is my duty to prevent you from getting hurt."
"Well, at least I tried." Drake pretended to be stricken. "They underestimate my abilities as an actor."
Donald slid one of his fingers over Drake's abdomen, almost as if it were a caress, chuckling internally as he saw him flinch. She loved teasing him like Donna and it made him happy to see that he had the same effect as Donald.
"No one doubts your abilities, it's just that..." Donald began to use a flirtatious voice, "it would be a shame if someone so valuable got hurt."
"You could get hurt."
"That doesn't matter." Donald mimicked a kiss expecting a reaction from Drake and he got it, but not the one he expected.
"What makes you think it doesn't matter?"
Donald shrugged nonchalantly.
"I'm not that important."
"Don't say that. You are more valuable than you imagine."
Donald was surprised to hear those words. He knew that even though his popularity was growing, he could be replaced at any time, especially in his stunt roles. Many times he had been used as bait and that made everything weirder. He had experience being the distraction on adventures he had with Scrooge and Della and even replaced a sheep in a magical freezer so he didn't see the harm in his words.
For Donald it was a big surprise to see May and June. At first he was worried, he didn't like the idea that they had walked alone through the city, knowing that Scrooge had accompanied them was reassuring. He had no time to relax or wonder about his uncle's motives.
"What intentions do you have with our father?"
Donald was moved when he heard the word “dad”. Huey, Dewey, and Louie had called him that when they were very little, but this time it was painful, as they reminded him that Della was gone and at the time he had thought she would never come back.
"Are we interrupting something?"
"He is my friend and in my heart there is only room for one person, Donna Moo Goo."
May and June looked horrified. Scrooge looked angry. Donald was pretty sure it was just his uncle being possessive and it saddened him to think that he only saw him as something he could possess.
"Poor Uncle Launchpad!" the girls said in unison.
Drake began to laugh out loud, something that made the girls get angry and get into an attack pose. Scrooge held tightly to his stick. Donald didn't know what to think, he knew his friend was joking, but he was afraid of his family's reactions.
“Just kidding,” Drake told them, “I love Launchpad and I would never cheat on him."
Donald smiled at those words. He knew Drake wasn't lying, and even though there had been a moment when he thought he might love him, he knew that what Donna and Drake had was only fleeting. Drake was happy and that was enough for him.
Scrooge, May and June stayed to watch the filming. The three of them did not cause any inconvenience so they were allowed to return whenever they wanted.
Scrooge staying was very helpful to Donald. The filming had gone on for a long time, late into the night, so May and June had fallen asleep and the older duck took care of them.
"Thank you," Donald commented as he watched his uncle tuck June in.
"May and June are family." Scrooge brushed off his words.
"And yet you let me adopt them."
Scrooge stopped for a few moments. At first Donald thought that he was confused, but then he realized that he was not, that Scrooge was only slightly surprised.
"They love you as much as you love them. The three of them need each other and it would have been cruel of me to separate them." Scrooge went up to Donald and patted his cheek. "I would never hurt you."
"That's what you say, but you're the person who has made me suffer the most."
Donald was surprised at his words. It was something he had thought about, many times, in fact, but had never planned to say out loud.
Scrooge looked down. Guilt could be read in his gestures and movements.
"I know why you say so, and I plead guilty," murmured Scrooge. "Many have changed since you left," he added. "I have had time to think about certain things, to rethink what really matters."
Donald had not had much time to reflect on his relationship with Scrooge, but he had reconsidered many things and made decisions. Donald felt that he needed time to heal his heart, which was why he didn't want to get romantically involved with anyone, at least not right now.
"Are you… are you…"
Donald growled under his breath, unable to choose the right words. The duck knew that it was he who had started it all.
It was he who kissed Scrooge in the middle of a broken elevator and who had repeatedly flirted with him. Donald, in the same way that Donna Moo Goo had done with Drake Mallard, used to steal kisses at the least expected moment, slide his hands into his shirt and nibble on his jaw when no one was looking. Prying comments were his favorite, he loved the way Scrooge reacted, he loved feeling like he was in control of things for once.
"The girls are sleeping," Scrooge chided, his calm demeanor making Donald suspect he was up to something. Scrooge McDuck was always up to something.
Donald motioned for Scrooge to follow him with a nod. He had no intention of talking, but he also did not consider it wise to stay in the girls' room. Scrooge McDuck managed to alter it in ways no one else could.
Kissing him wasn't part of her plans, in fact it was on the list of things he couldn't do, but it was the first thing she did when they were alone. Scrooge was the one who initiated the kiss and Donald found himself responding with equal intensity. He had missed that so much, he had needed to feel her body against his, the warmth of his peak and the taste of his kisses.
"Did not tell him. There is a reason why I decided to walk away from you and nothing has changed."
"Are you sure?" asked Scrooge.
Donald did not know what Scrooge's smile meant. His smile seemed mocking, but there was something in his gaze that evoked a certain sadness that seemed impossible. He didn't know if he was sure either. He had walked away to clear his thoughts, but work had prevented him from doing so. Having Scrooge so close had made him remember what he wanted to forget and fall into what he wanted to leave behind.
"I won't be back," he told him and pretended to be strong. "It was fun, I admit, but I don't want an affair anymore, let alone a half love."
Scrooge stroked Donald's cheek.
"You have a gift for being wrong. What makes you think that I don't want something formal? Why do you think I just want to hang out?"
Scrooge returned a week later. Donald felt a bit confused to see him chatting pleasantly with Minnie. It was the first time I had seen them talk so calmly.
"I hope you're not talking bad about me," he told them, half joking and half serious. They were both her ex-partners, so the idea that they would speak badly behind her back didn't seem so far-fetched.
Minnie laughed, and Scrooge looked at him questioningly.
"Is it your conscience that gives away?" replied Minnie jokingly. "Don't worry, we were just chatting about things. Mickey's grocery shopping, but I don't think he'll be long. Goofy and Daisy said they'll be a while, but they'll be back before lunch."
"In that case, I'll go make something. Can you tell Mickey to bring me some duck-colas?"
Minnie's was upset.
"I thought you bought a box last week?"
Donald shrugged. Minnie was right, but it had been a difficult week, especially with Scrooge visiting and drinking too much.
"I invited the cast of "A Dream voice.""
Donald noticed that Minnie seemed to believe him, but that was not the case with Scrooge, so he preferred to change the subject.
"Any suggestions for lunch?"
"Haggis," answered Scrooge.
"I'll see if I have the ingredients."
Donald remembered that he had learned that recipe because he wanted to make his uncle happy. That was during her teenage years, when he began to develop a crush that he still couldn't get over.
"Would you like me to do Ratatouille?"
Minnie nodded, that was her favorite food. Donald knew this and that was why he had made that suggestion. He had also learned how to prepare it when Minnie began to attract his attention.
"Do you want me to help you."
Donald nodded. Part of him wanted to be alone to gather his thoughts, another part didn't want to be alone. His heart needed to heal and if he was being honest, he didn't know how. Work had kept him distracted, but only May and June had made him feel better.