Chapter Text
Reporters were heartless vultures. At least, that was Megavolt’s opinion. Drake’s kidnapping had already thrown them into a frenzy, but now the entire city was reeling from the news that Taurus Bulba, a once-beloved businessman, had perished only days before. On top of that, news of his mate-abuse and shady business practices were finally coming to light, as well.
Of course, that was just a drop in the ocean compared to Drake Mallard’s announcement that the Fearsome Four had been the ones to rescue him from his husband’s abusive clutches, and he’d willingly accepted all four of them as his new mates.
“Do you intend to hire a new CEO to manage Taurus Bulba’s companies?” one of the reporters asked. Megavolt focused his attention on the sea of people crowded in front of the stage. At the podium was Drake, dressed in a conservative omega style. The duck was clothed in an ankle-length green dress, tasteful shoes, and had a delicate pink shawl draped over his shoulders. He looked every inch the middle-aged omega the crowd thought he was.
“No,” Drake answered firmly. “As his widow, control of the Quackwerks Corporation, along with his smaller companies, has transferred to me. I intend to prove to the world that omega are just as capable of running a business as alphas and betas.”
A smile pulled at the corner of the rodent’s lips as he leaned back in his chair. Before the press conference began, the Fearsome Four were instructed to fill the four empty seats at the back of the stage. They were to be a silent, protective presence, while Drake took the stand. After all, the people of St. Canard still saw them as criminals. He was glad the former-vigilante had been able to see them as more than that.
“There are rumors that Darkwing Duck was spotted at your penthouse the night of your husband’s death. Can you confirm those accounts?”
Drake shook his head. “No, I cannot. Darkwing Duck has not been seen in many years, but I wish him all the best, wherever he is.”
“There is video footage of you being rescued by Darkwing Duck’s infamous plane!” the same reporter blurted out, clearly eager to make a connection.
“Yes,” the omega on stage answered slowly. “The plane actually belongs to one of Darkwing Duck’s biggest fans. I was just very lucky that the fan - who wishes to remain anonymous - happened to fly by at just the right time. If not for that person…” Drake pressed a hand to his chest, and smiled fondly at the crowd. “Well, I would not be here to speak with you today.”
Camera lights flashed as the news teams jostled forward. “Is it true that you’re mated to the criminal gang known as the Fearsome Five!”
“Definitely not!” Drake snapped. Megavolt shared a glance with his teammates, but their worries were set to rest when their omega continued. “That is to say, I’m mated to Megavolt, Quackerjack, Bushroot and Liquidator - the Fearsome Four . The Fearsome Five was led by the villain known as Negaduck. And I am certainly not mated to him,” Drake spat out. The omega took a deep breath, and composed himself, a kind smile settling on his lips.
“But you are mated to criminals, Mr. Bulba…” a young reporter said.
“Mr. Mallard , please,” Drake reminded the crowd. “And yes, what started as a kidnapping became a partnership. When they learned of the abuse I suffered at my husband’s hands, they generously agreed to help me expose Bulba for the crimes he’d committed.”
“Are you saying that the break-ins and robberies the Fearsome Four committed were orchestrated by you, Mr. Mallard?” a man asked.
“Yes,” Drake lied smoothly. “Every robbery that followed my kidnapping, at least.”
“Can you confirm that you are the fifth person in the Duckea robbery footage? Everyone has been wondering who the fifth member, dressed as Harley Quinn, was beneath their costume.”
A rosy hue came to Drake’s cheeks, and he chuckled - clearly embarrassed. “My new mates were very insistent that I have the appropriate bedding. We were living in an abandoned warehouse at the time. Rest assured, I intend to personally reimburse any businesses affected during my time with the Fearsome Four.”
“Do you intend to stay mated to the criminals now that you have your freedom and wealth back? Shouldn’t they be behind bars for their many previous crimes?”
“My mates are part of the well-known Adopt-a-Con program. They will be working at Quackwerks. Now that I am CEO, Quackwerks will be run with integrity. I intend to instate new guidelines and policies to ensure a safe workplace for all employees.”
“Do you intend to hire more omega in the future?”
“Quackwerks will hire employees with skills and experience - regardless of their gender. And my company will be exploring ways to help omega grow their skills and experience, so that they have the same opportunities as their alpha and beta counterparts.”
Megavolt had begun to tune out the conference by this point. His gaze was fixed to Drake’s petite body, while subtly scanning the crowd for potential threats. Drake Mallard might not have enemies, but Darkwing Duck certainly did. If any other villain figured out his secret, the omega could be in danger.
“Mr. Mallard, what can you say to the rumors that you’re secretly the vigilante known as Darkwing Duck?”
The Fearsome Four froze in their seats, their combined gaze fixating on their omega.
“Darkwing Duck?” Drake exclaimed, his eyes widening in amazement. “Goodness, I’m flattered. Can you imagine an old bird like me dressing up in a suit and cape to fight crime?” The duck flapped his hand, playing up the old omega maid stereotype. The crowd seemed to buy it, and they were soon laughing along with him at the idea.
“Mr. Mallard,” a reporter asked, glancing through his notes. “To confirm your statement from earlier, do you intend to stay mated to the Fearsome Four?”
“I do,” Drake answered without hesitation. “How could I possibly turn down four virile men?”
The crowd chuckled again. “Mr. Mallard, do you have a favorite lover?” one of the reporters asked.
“Ah, well. I have four lovers - how could I possibly choose a favorite?” Drake laughed awkwardly, a blush coming to his ivory cheeks.
“It’s Bushroot,” the three alphas behind him stated in equally bored tones.
“Me?” The plant duck covered his cheeks, avoiding the stares from the reporters who were suddenly focused on him.
Drake glanced over his shoulder, and then smiled in amusement. He threw a wink at the plant duck, and turned back to address the reporters. “I would never choose one over the rest - that would be inappropriate.” Then he leaned in closer to the crowd, and stage-whispered, “It’s Bushroot.” Naturally, his answer only made the mutant botanist blush harder.
“But how does that even work?” a rather young reporter blurted out.
“You can’t ask him that,” the cameraman next to her hissed.
She glanced at her partner, then back up at the omega on stage. “What I mean is that one of them is made of water, and another is a plant. How do you even do things?”
Drake glanced over his shoulder again, only to smile at the question. “Hmmm… Well, I won’t go into specifics, of course, but I assure you that everything works as intended. I certainly haven’t been left unsatisfied . Now, if you don’t mind, it’s been a very long day, and I’d like to go home to spend the rest of the evening with my mates.”
As if on que, Quackerjack rose from his seat to glare at the crowd. In a gloomy tone, he grumbled loudly, “Shows over, folks.” Megavolt and the others followed suit, rising from their chairs to line up behind their omega.
“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to present my side of the story,” Drake said, waving at the crowd as the Fearsome Four led him off the stage to his waiting limo. Behind them, cameras continued to flash as the reporters grew eager to catch a glimpse of the new omega CEO and his villainous mates.
“I’m glad that’s over with,” Drake sighed, rolling his shoulders the moment they stepped out of the limo into the Quackwerks building’s heated parkade. “I think we’ll just order in tonight, so feel free to take the rest of the night off,” he told his driver.
“Of course, sir. Have a wonderful evening,” she said, standing at attention as he and his mates entered the nearby elevator.
“Drake… Why did you lie about planning our heists?” Megavolt asked, side-glancing at the duck next to him.
“Hmmm? It’s easier this way. I’m much less likely to get arrested for the robberies. Besides, I did say I’d pay back the businesses that were robbed during my time with you,” the omega said.
“You looked really cute today, Drake,” said Bushroot.
“You’re so sweet, Reggie.” The elevator doors opened, and they let themselves into the top floor of the office section of the building. They would need to use a special 4-floor elevator to reach the penthouse suite. “As for the way I’m dressed, It’s important to know your audience. The reporters were expecting to see a gentle, middle-aged housemate to a rich business tycoon. I’d say this outfit gave the right impression, wouldn’t you agree?” The omega did a little twirl once they’d stepped out onto the main penthouse floor.
“Ten out of ten!” Liquidator insisted.
“Cute as a button,” agreed Bushroot.
“Can’t believe I didn’t ask you to prom all those years ago,” Megavolt mumbled aloud.
“Elmo!” Drake chuckled, raising a hand to his reddened cheeks.
"Those reporters mentioned rumors about your secret identity,” Quackerjack stated roughly, drawing their attention. “Aren’t you worried about that?”
Drake rubbed his chin, and leaned heavily on his new cane. “I had no idea there were rumors flying around, but I doubt it will matter. Darkwing Duck hasn’t officially been seen in years, and most people knew him as a flashy alpha, so it’s unlikely anyone will see me, and truly make the connection.”
“But what if they do,” the jester insisted, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Then we’ll deal with it when the time comes. For now, I just want to relax. What do you feel like ordering for dinner? We could have a movie night!”
“Chinese!”
“Oooh, yes.”
“Order whatever you want, guys. It’s my treat.” Drake made his way back to the elevator. “I’m just going to head upstairs to change into something more comfortable.”
As the day soon draws to a close, certain members of the group couldn’t help but wonder if danger would soon come their way - in the form of Darkwing Duck’s old enemies. But that, my dear readers, is a story for another day.