Donald Duck

“How much money does this cost you anyway?” Donald looked over to Mickey. He’d never really asked but it couldn’t be cheap. He handed Gavin the drink he’d asked for in the process. Donald didn’t really drink anymore so he was fine with his soda.

        ❛ — I’M HERE !  SORRY I’M LATE ! ❜  his  heavy  sneakers  clank  against  the  pier ,  making  a  little  jog  over  to  the  older  guy .  a  father  figure ,  or  at  least  what  roxas  imagines  a  father  would  be ;  not  that  he  has  anything  to  compare  it  to .  the  nobody  had  begun  to  warm  up  to  the  idea  that  since  he  had  no  family ,  no  blood  relatives ,  he  might  as  well  find  his  own  family .  sure ,  there  was  sora ,  but  it  was  different  between  them .  between  mavis ,  beatrix ,  meg  and  the  other  people  he'd  grown  fond  of  during  his  time  in  elias ,  the  nobody  figured  that  if  he  had  to  pick  someone  to  look  up  to ,  someone  to  rely  on  if  just  a  tiny  bit ,  it  would  be  donald .

         sitting  down  by  the  man ,   roxas  offered  an  ice  cream  to  him .  sea  salt  flavored ,  just  like  his  own .  ❛  got  this  for  ya …  don't  get  used  to  it ,  it's  just  the  holiday  spirit . ❜  he  jokes ,  the  tiniest  laugh  escaping  his  lips .  taking  a  bite  from  his  ice  cream ,  the  nobody's  gaze  wanders  for  a   bit  before  settling  on  his  friend .  ❛  how's  it  hangin’ ,  anything  new ? ❜

❋ ˙ ˖ ✧

“Calm down, kid, it’s fine.” He couldn’t help but immediately softening up. He’d complained often about the youngster under his wing but the truth was that he’d give anything for them. They were his only source of happiness, it felt like he left a little light in the world with each of them. The least he could do was be what they needed him to be. He was only a call away ever even if he was a world away. He’d always drop everything for them no matter how much it upset Mickey. 

Donald took the ice cream with a smile. “Thank you. Yeah, yeah, it’s appreciate anyway.” He reached over with his free hand and ruffle his hair just to mess with him. “Oh you know. Same old, same old. Trying to stop the forces of darkness. Though now I do it from the Apothecary while Howl is gone. What about you? How are you adjusting?”

Location: Pendragon Apothecary

He knew he had a temper. Everyone knew he had a temper but that didn’t mean it went away. He didn’t have the patience for running a business but he owed Howl for helping him with everything when he’d been busy with his family. He’d decided to stay in Elias on a more permanent basis to help his nephews so he supposed he should keep busy. He took another deep breath as he worked on the potion. Another thing he didn’t have patience for but it was something the apothecary needed. He was grateful that there were employees here that had more than enough knowledge to help him figure the place out. 

He sighed heavily as he leaned on the counter as the potion brewed. He’d have to get this all figured out if he was going to do a good job and he would do a good job. He wouldn’t let his friend down and maybe for once he could actually focus on one small goal and stop worrying about the bigger picture looming in the distance. 

He’d been relieved when Roxas agreed to meet him. He took a seat on the bench at the pier to wait for the young man to come meet him. He was proud of him for getting a job and putting together a normal life.

🐭⠀  ⠀ ⠀  ⠀ ───────────    upon   hearing   a   familiar   voice,   mickey   let   out   a   soft   chuckle.   leave   it   to   donald   to   keep   his   ego   in   check.   or   wounded,   whichever   his   old   friend   decided   was   best.   after   their   last   conversation   is   was   nice   to   fall   into   an   old   banter   with   donald   once   again.   tensions   were   still   high   but   not   like   before.      “   you   always   know   how   to   make   a   man   feel   humbled,   donald.   ”      mickey   began.      “   the   citizens   are   involved.   it’s   nice   for   them   i   think   to   feel   part   of   something   when   it   comes   to   aiding   the   city.   ”      he   looked   around   and   stepped   closer   so   he   could   whisper   the   next   part.      “   maybe   there’s   someone   who   might   aid   howl   in   our   little   barrier   problem.   ”

Donald let himself chuckle at that. It was so easy to be angry with his friend from a distance but once the other was in his presence, it was difficult. He figured it was because Mickey was genuinely a good person but burdened with a need to fix the world. Donald admired his optimism and at the end of the day, they were friends. “It’s my goal to remind you that you are just person like the rest of us. I think you’re reaching again. I’m pretty sure everyone is happy to have peace and be uninvolved in order to live their lives.” Donald sighed a bit at the other spoke, “Hmm? Have you actually been looking to help? How nice of you, Mr. Mayor.”

— ❛ OPEN. ❜  

LOCATION: elias gala, mouse estate .

🐭⠀  ⠀ ⠀  ⠀ ───────────  to   be   out   in   the   public   was   an   odd   feeling   for   mickey.   he   couldn’t   remember   the   last   time   he   had   allowed   himself   outside   of   his   office.   for   the   mayor   of   the   city   he   almost   became   a   myth   of   sorts.   no   one   had   seen   him   physically   in   years   but   they’ve   heard   all   about   him.   minnie   had   all   become   the   face   of   his   beloved   city   while   he   faded   into   a   name.   the   gala   had   become   a   benefits   of   sorts   and   with   that   mickey   knew   he   needed   to   do   more   than   be   a   name   for   his   people.   so   here   he   was,   exposed,   out   for   all   to   see   him   in   his   glory   (   or   lack   thereof   if   we’re   being   honest   ).   the   king   had   left   his   wife’s   side,   albeit   reluctantly,   and   wondered   about   the   party.   he   found   himself   gazing   out   the   window   of   his   home   when   he   felt   a   presence   beside   him.   a   gentle   smile   worked   its   way   onto   his   features   as   he   looked   at   the   person   beside   him.      “   are   you   enjoying   the   celebration   ?   ”

Donald had been taking the time to help his boys. He was grateful for Howl who had picked up most of his slack. He was also annoyed with his friend who should be the one doing most of the work with the town. Instead, he was gods knows where and Maleficent was still around even if she was strangely quiet. Regardless, Donald had raged for far less. He glared at Mickey as he approached him and then had the audacity to ask him that. “A party isn’t exactly what I had in mind to help the town with the arrival of an evil sorceress who stole your staff but sure, food’s great.”

He walked into their apartment with arms full of bags and only half of it was unnecessary. He did enjoy being in town near both their families. 

“Babe, I’m home.” It felt surreal sometimes when he said that. In this apartment were his two reasons for living and nothing would ever feel that good.

Sora wanted to argue back the brat comment but he knew that this was how Donald showed loved. He also melted into the other’s side. There was something about the older man that always made feel Sora safe. He hadn’t had a father and Donald had filled in the role without their noticing. “Yeah, yeah. If I’m so annoying maybe I’ll just go back to my nap.” Sora pouted but there was no real bite to his words. He couldn’t be unkind to the people in his life. “It’s nice to see you relaxing though. Daisy lives here right? I’m sure you’re loving that!” 

Donald ruffle his hair as he laughed. He’d missed him so much. He’d spent a good portion of the lat 10 years guiding him and watching him grow and yes, he was aware, he was a young man now but Donald would forever see the strong willed 14 year old ready to take on anything in order to get his friends back. “Be honest, Sora, you would love another nap.” He rolled his eyes playfully. “I can relax when I know that you’re not running head first into danger. It is nice to be here with Daisy and my nephews. I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there when you woke up.”

*

“If it isn’t sweet enough to be considered dessert, I don’t want it.” Daisy’s lips pressed against his hand. The letters to Donald had been her diaries, a place where she could pour her soul, tell about her past and her fears and admit to those moments when she was just fucking sick of getting back up again. He knew her down to her core. It made these conversations all the more amusing… and sometimes, all the sadder, that they had been kept from knowing each other’s daily habits, routines.

For example, Donald gave. That was not something hidden from her, but the seeing of it was new. For her entire life, she had been a single unit, a solo act. He was used to working as part of a team. His words were a reminder that she was not, that she had not done her part as his partner. The things he did, they were important. Daisy wouldn’t dismiss that reality by saying that it was alright, but that didn’t mean letting him live in it. That didn’t mean he was going to do it alone. “You’re helping Minnie, you’re running errands for Howl, you’re taking care of the boys, watching out for Sora and Riku…” She sighed, exasperated, leaning herself against him and squeezing his hand tightly in hers. “You might be an amazing wizard, and smart… and handsome…” She grinned, pressing her lips against his cheek, “But you’re just one man.”

“Now tell me what you need me to do.”

Donald laughed at that. Daisy seemed like such a tough person at first but she was sweet as can be in most aspects of her life. He was very much enjoying getting to know the little things like her favorite colors and hobbies. The way she scrunched up her nose when thinking too hard. It was ridiculous how smitten he was with her and he was clinging to every bit of her he could get in between all of his responsibilities. 

Donald shrugged with a tired smile before taking a sip of his coffee. “You’re right. I do a lot but it doesn’t feel enough most days. I want to do my best to keep everyone safe but I’m selfish enough that I want to put my loved ones first.” He reached over and took her hand, “I am lucky to have you. I can handle most things. Riku and Sora being awake is great. They’re pretty self-sufficient when they’re together but I’d have to find them a place to live. Then just check in on them.”

🗝️ 

he was attempting to contain his laughter. naturally, this was the way he would greet him. riku could tell he had a lot on his plate; the dark circle under his eyes and trembling expression were sufficient indicators of the amount of work that needed to be done. “who is to say I am not?”

playful remark as he walked around, taking a seat beside him. “as it turns out. i am a figment of your imagination, sent to inform you of how appalling a job you are doing. that you have neglected to remember your dear friends. boo. ”

Donald stared at him for a moment, took a sip of his coffee, and sighed. He’d spent more time with Sora than Riku at first. Sora had always been sweet and cheerful even with rare moments of sadness but Riku had snark enough to rival Donald. “Lovely to see that sleep did very little on your sparkling personality.” 

He was teasing, of course. Riku knew that. The kid was too much like him and always piled on more on his plate than he had to. He had no idea how he’d ended up with so many young ones under his care. “I’m sorry, Riku,” he said sincerely, “There’s just so much to do. I should have checked in more often but I figured you two would sleep a little longer. How long have you been awake?”

Sora spotted the wizard from a distance. He wanted to call out immediately but Donald looked relaxed for once. He doubted he actually was but it was strange seeing him do mundane things like drink coffee. Sora followed from a few feet away until the older man finally sat down. His heart clenched, he’d missed the grumpy wizard. He and Goofy were all he had for so long. He sat down next to him on the bench after a minute, “You do deserve s good coffee unless you didn’t put sugar in it. That’s gross, Donald. Black coffee is not an aesthetic that’s worth it.”

Donald let the presence of his dear Sora sink in. He carried such a light with him and the relief he felt at the sight of him animatedly talking to him and teasing him was unlike anything else. His arm wrapped around the other’s shoulders and immediately pulled him in for hug. “Oh, you little brat.” Only he wasn’t so little anymore. He was a long way from the young and scared teenage boy he met. “I’m so glad you’re awake even if it’s only to annoy me immediately.”

❋ ˙ ˖ ✧

there was something about the fresh air at the park that just made the kids act better for sally.. not to mention they’d run out all their energy and it’d make nap time a lot easier for her. sally sighed as she walked around the park keeping a close eye on her twins as the ran around playing tag. she spotted a familiar face, donald duck, sitting on the park bench and decided to say hello. she was close with daisy and if you knew one you certainly knew the other. “coffee or fresh air?” sally asked, taking the spot next to him. “because i agree with both.” she said with a soft smile. “how you holding up, duck?” 

He smiled at her and nodded as she sat next to him. He eyed the kids running around and remembered the triplets were quite the challenge at that age. “I think both is good but the coffee is what’s keeping me functioning.” He sighed a bit and relaxed. “I’m doing the best I can. How’s the office? The kids seem to be doing well. It’s nice to see them playing so happily.”

*

When Donald had come home, when she had agreed to stay on the houseboat with him as repairs were done on her own place, Daisy had been excited to catch up, to create their own little routines, inside jokes - somehow their time together remained limited. She couldn’t blame him (though she might try in moments of annoyance). Getting the store back together and ready to reopen took most of the hours of her day. It wasn’t uncommon for the woman to only drag herself home past dark just to collapse in bed, wake up the next morning for more of the same. They were left stealing what moments they were given. 

“I don’t know.” Daisy mused as she came up behind him, soft hand running over the back of his shoulders as she walked around. “I feel like I could make it better.” She collapsed beside him on the bench, laying a kiss upon his cheek, grateful for her sudden urge to take a walk. “Smells good… what’s your favorite way to have your coffee?” Little questions they never had a chance to learn and Daisy was ready to know it all. There was so much confessed, but these little facts, little tidbits, they were still laying there and waiting for her to discover.

He melted at her touch and softened at the mere sound of her voice. He had enjoyed this respite in the shape of having Daisy around most of the days. He made short trips but never went far. He was just having a hard time staying put. The only thing that centered him was Daisy. She was also extremely busy and tired most days and if she glared at him a little too much, Donald got her flowers. It was nice to have someone to bicker with and discuss with.

“You always make everything better.” He smiled and immediately took her hand and squeezed it. “I like two sugars and a splash of milk. What about you?” He took a sip from his coffee. It was strange still that he knew more about the deeper things rather than the simple things. “Though, I don’t deserve it. Sora and Riku are awake and I didn’t notice.”

🗝️

riku was heading back to the mansion, taking the scenic route and one he had previously enjoyed. in no hurry to be back to home, he strolled alone, hands in his pockets. lost in his theories and thoughts when out in the distance he noticed someone familiar. shouldn’t he be checking on us? keeping to himself in the most unlikely of places. he proceeded to sneak behind him. 

“you are going to need something stronger than that” words spoken between a  lopsided grin as he rested his hand on his friends shoulder.

Donald prided himself on not being easily shaken but the voice and the hand on his shoulder almost made him jump out of his skin. He turned quickly to look at the young man. It never ceased to amaze him how much the boys had grown. “Are you not supposed to be sleeping?” He asked as he composed himself. He’d been away fro a couple of weeks trying to search out a book Howl needed or maybe he just needed a minute after meeting up with his nephews. Either way Riku and Sora had been sound asleep when he left.