#Della x Selene | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

angelltheninth · 2 years

Text

Classic Odd Couple

Pairing: Della x Penumbra

Tags: developing relationship, alien dating and mating customs, cuddling, flirting, mild hurt/comfort, slight suggestive themes

Word count: 4.3k

Ao3

A/N: How is this over 4k words long? I don't know what happened with this one I just had to keep writing and writing and I couldn't help myself.

Della spent five long years in solitude on the Moon. Eating Oxy-Chew gum, recording videos that she wasn’t even sure her family was receiving, trying every trick in the Woodchuck Scout book, battling Moonmites and trying to rebuild the spear of Selene all on her own.

Thankfully now she wasn’t alone anymore. She had the people of Tranquility, she could finally talk to someone and no go crazy for however long it takes her to rebuilt the rocket ship. Lunaris proved to be great help as well, especially since Della was the one to solve their Moonmite problem. And he had offered her a place to stay as well.

Her roommate though was less than thrilled about the news.

Penumbra was very rough around the edges and Della thinks she may have tried to kill her a few times since she arrived. Maybe she couldn’t prove it. At the very least the Moon warrior didn’t seem very happy to be sharing her home with Della. But they fell into a routine of sorts over the past few weeks.

“Morning roomie!” Della greeted Penumbra with her usual morning cheer. Penumbra sprung up from her small bed with a knife in her hand, scanning the room until her eyes feel on Della. She let out a loud groan. “I made us something to celebrate our one month roomieversary! Ta-da!”

Della didn’t exactly know what it was that she made, she got the recipe from the sweet couple next door that assured her that Penumbra would like it. She was pretty sure it was some kind of vegetable dish but hey she’s been eating gum for the past five years so she wasn’t about to question this.

“Our what? No, never mind, I don’t care.” Penumbra threw the sheets off the bed and sat up to do some stretches. She’d been feeling extremely hot lately.

“Oh wow.” She heard Della inhale. When she turned to look at the earthling she still had the small plate of food in her hands but was suddenly not very interested in it.

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s just... I don’t think I’ve ever seen you stretch before. How have I not noticed your guns before?”

Penumbra quirked an eyebrow, “What are you talking about, you’ve seen me try to shoot you... I mean use my gun many times before.”

Della laughed, “No I mean your muscles Penny. You’re absolutely ripped. I like it.”

“Then why did you call them guns?” Earth language was so confusing. “And I don’t care what you like I need to train. So if you’ll excuse me.” Penumbra attempted to sidestep Della but the duck blocked her way. “Della.”

“Awe come on! We should hang out! Get to know each other better. We can play one of those question games.” Della shimmied excitedly and grinned up at her... kind of friend.

“I do not have time for games. I am a mighty warrior of Planet Moon!” Penumbra brought her fist against her chest. “And as such must be ready for any threat to my people. Now if you will excuse me.” She picked Della up like she weighed nothing and put her to the side as she walked out the door, back straight and determination on her face.

“Helmet!” Della picked up Penumbra’s golden helmet and waived it toward the door. She heard Penumbra grumble before quickly walking back in, grabbing her helmet and walking back out as she placed it on her head. “You look better without it by the way!” Either Penumbra didn’t hear her or she didn’t care as she got no responce.

Della sighed. Well so much for getting closer to her roommate.

Della placed the plate of food on the table and hoped that Della would eat it later. She counted her losses and went to work on the ship again. Another day another step closer to going back to her family.

But Della wasn’t able to focus on the ship. She kept thinking about the morning with Penumbra. The Moon warrior was always tense but this morning she seemed even more so. Maybe is she could figure out why she could better their relationship. She knew Penumbra wasn’t gonna tell her anything. So the only person to go to was Lunaris.

“Lieutenant Penumbra? What about her? Did she try to spear you again?”

Della chuckled, “No. She just seemed a little... tense this morning. Like more than usual.”

“Penumbra is used to a routine, like a good soldier. She’s used to fighting the Moonmites and enjoyed knowing she was protecting the people. And there’s also...” Lunaris hummed and his expression turned very serious, “It could be that.”

“That? That what?” Was something up with her new potential bestie? Lunaris glanced toward her.

“There’s a... cycle that our people go through once a year. It’s meant to attract a life partner. But Penumbra never cared much about that, so she focused the extra energy and adrenaline towards fighting the Moonmites. I suspect she’s feeling under pressure and has no way to release it.”

Della nodded and listened. Once again got one answer but she had a million new questions, “Well what do your people usually do?”

“We find someone we to spend this time with. We court them in hopes they return our feelings and... provided we’re compatible in all other ways consummate the relationship.”

“Oh.” Della blushed at that last part, “So it’s like speed dating but taken to the extreme?”

“Dating? Is that what earthlings call courting?” Della nodded, “Our cycles last up to a month or more, of course things don’t always work out but for the most part individuals pick partners they already know feel something deeper than friendship. It’s not one sided. I’m not sure of Penumbra has anyone like that however.”

For some reason that news made Della happy, “So... what’ll she do then?”

Lunaris glanced at her before his eyes returned forward, looking at the twin statues, “She’ll probably be a bit more irritable than usual if she can’t find another way to release the building stress. Of course there have been cases where we take on temporary partners. Sometimes they turn into something more, if the individuals find themselves compatible.”

“Is that something that you...?” Della didn’t want to assume but she never saw the General talk about any significant other for the months that they knew each other. Surely it would come up at some point.

“Yes. I can’t afford to have a mate just yet. Too much responsibility. And I’d hate for them to stop loving me because of it. There’s few pains greater for us than losing our mate.” Now that was a feeling Della could relate to. Her previous partner, the boy’s father, wanted to bring her a big jewel to celebrate once he found out that Della was pregnant. But when Scrooge returned, he returned without him. It was then that Della vowed she’d be the worlds best mom. And here she is, on the Moon, already missing five years of her boys lives.

“What about fighting her? That’s what she did before and I know for a fact that Penny would love an excuse to fight me.”

Lunaris blinked at her before he burst out laughing, “Knowing her she probably would. Careful though Della Duck, impress her with her fighting skills and she just might decide to court you.”

A deep red blush spread across Della’s face, “What? No, no, Penny wouldn’t like me like that. Trust me, I pick up on these things pretty easily.” She does not. “I’m gonna go ask her if she wants to try and punch me.” Della ran toward the house in a better mood then before and missed the snarky, low chuckle from Lunaris.

Della expected to see Penumbra somewhere on the way home. After all she’d been keeping on eye on her for a while now. Della was on more than enough adventures to notice when she was being followed.

Penumbra however was nowhere to be found, and miraculously neither was the food Della left on the table, but there was a clean plate by drying by the sink. So she ate it after all. There was a muffled grunt from the other room, followed by a curse word.

Since she couldn’t be sure that her roommate wasn’t gonna try to blast her upon opening the door Della decided to knock.

There was a crash, followed by more curse words. Seconds latter the door wooshed open. Della was face to abs with Penny. She looked up to see warrior with her hair all wet, her body sweaty and muscles tense and bulging. “What?” Penumbra bit and glared down at her.

“Uhm...” What was Della here for again? Oh right. “Slap me.” The words came out a bit too high pitched, definitely not the tone she wanted to use and they were most definitely not the right words either. “I mean punch! Lunaris told me what you’re going through and I figured since you can’t fight the Moonmites anymore because of me, I could be your sparing partner!”

Penumbra chuckled, leaning on the doorframe with her forearm and a hand on her hip, “You?”

“Yeah me! I may not look it but I can hold my own.” Della made a few punching a jabbing motions.

“You’re not gonna let this go, are you?”

“Nope.” Della smiled brightly.

Panumbra sighed, “Fine. I suppose it’s better than nothing.” She pushed Della along into the living room so they could have more space.

An hour later both of them are sweaty and tired. Penumbra grinned and chuckled, running a hand through her hair and wiping sweat from her forehead.

“Not too bad Della Duck.” Even she had to admit that Della was a worthy sparring partner. She’s still pumping with adrenaline but her body no longer feels like its on fire, “You’re a better sparing partner than you are a cook.”

“Hey, I know you ate that, don’t pretend.” Della’s fists clenched and unclenched, her eyes following Penumbra’s movements for any sign of an attack.

Penumbra shrugged, “I was hungry. It takes a lot of energy to get through a cycle, although my lifetime of training helps.” Della has to bite her inner cheek to stop an noise of appreciation when she saw how Della’s muscles moved and flexed under her skin. If this keeps up she’s gonna chew through her cheek. “Are you tired? Your eyes seem to lack focus.”

“Huh?” And she just proved that she wasn’t focuses, “Yeah, no I’m good. I just need a little bit of a break. Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Penumbra waive a hand dismissively, “I have yet to meet a mate who can keep up with me.” Only after the words left her mouth did Penumbra realize what she said. The words were accompanied by a choked cough from Della who was in the middle of sipping her drink, “Not that I think of you as such. You’d be so lucky.”

The Moon warrior’s face was flushed in a deep shade of purple as she crossed her arms almost defensively over her chest and looked away.

“Speaking of... do you have someone? I’m not trying to butt in, just let me know if I need to, you know, get out the way or whatever.”

“You’re not in anyone’s way.” Penumbra whispered, low and more to herself than Della. A self confession as her eyes met Della’s. She could see the way the earthling gulped and blushed.

“Uh, good, awesome. Wouldn’t want to intrude more than I already am.” Della awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck. This was the first time she acknowledge that Penumbra saw her as a nuisance in her home.

Penumbra sighed, “As long as you pull your weight, which is quite light by the way,” Penumbra smirked, “I might tolerate you more. At least wash the dishes every once in a while.”

“Dishes. Can do! No problem roomie.” Della gave Penumbra a thumbs up, “And maybe you can stop stalking me in return?” Penumbra’s eyes widened. “That’s right I noticed. I mean if you wanted to ask me out there are less creepy ways to do it.” She have the warrior a wink and much to her surprise, and delight, it made Penumbra blush again.

“That was not the reason. And I do not ask people out. It’s... not really needed.”

“Yeah Lunaris told me. Do you... do you ever get lonely? I spent five years alone and honestly? Even you manhandling me all the time and this sparing practice fills me with dopamine.” It was a bit embarrassing to admit but it was true.

“With what now?” Della could imagine a bunch of question marks around Penumbra’s head judging from the look she gave her.

“With happiness. It feels nice to finally have someone to spend time with.”

“Oh. I see. I don’t think I’ve ever felt lonely. I spent most of my cycles focusing on the Moonmites. I’d only seek out company in the last couple of days if I still felt the effects. I suppose I’ll have to figure out a new routine now that we’re living together.” Della blinked in astonishment. For the first time since she moved in Penumbra referred to them as living together, not Della mooching or inviting herself in. “I’m sure it won’t be that difficult. I’ve survived worse.” Penumbra let out a small laugh which Della returned. Their eyes met again and there was complete silence for a few blissful moments. “Ahem.” Penumbra coughed awkwardly, “Since our sparing session is done I will go take a shower.”

“Oh! Yeah, cool, totally cool dude.” Della will not think of Penumbra taking a shower. Nope. “I’ll make you something else to eat then.”

“At least try to make it edible this time.”

“No promises!” A small smile spread across Penumbra’s lips as she walked past her roommate.

Over the next three weeks the two settled into a routine of sorts. Penumbra was still a little standoffish but at least liked the sparing practice and in Della’s opinion increasingly flirtatious banter. The two also split some of the chores with Penumbra cooking breakfast and Della washing the dishes and Della cooking dinner while Penumbra does the dishes. They usually weren’t together for lunch due to their busy schedule but they always made time for a sparing session in the afternoon since it helped Penumbra relax a great deal.

However now she was reaching the end of her cycle and was more pent up than ever. It turned out that having someone in such close proximity only made her body ache more. What was even more annoying was that she caught herself staring at Della more than once.

It was dumb. They weren’t even from the same planet. Della had a family and her kids waiting for her at home. Penumbra couldn’t afford to be selfish just because of a purely biological and hormonal need.

“Lieutenant.” Lunaris snapped his fingers to catch her attention. He sighed when she looked at him confused, clearly not hearing a word he’d been saying for the past few minutes. “You’re distracted once again. It’s very unlike you Penumbra.”

“Sorry sir. My cycle is close to it’s end, I assure you I will be back to my old self by the end of the week if not sooner.” Penumbra straightened her back and stilled her arms firmly at her sides.

“Right. And Della?” The sound of the feisty earthling’s name made Penumbra lose her composure for a brief moment.

“What about her sir?”

“How has she taken your cycle? She asked me questions about it before but I haven’t heard her mention it since. Is everything going well?”

“Yes sir. She’s been a great help.” Lunaris smirked and Penumbra clarified further, “It turns out that she’s not the type to just charge into battle blindly. She’s a skilled warrior, sir.”

Lunaris hummed and turned back to face Earth. “Alright then. You may leave. Feel free to take the last few days to yourself if needed.”

Penumbra nodded before taking a slow walk back to her place. Normally she’d be happy to go home and sleep after a long day, especially during this time where her body worked overtime on top of her already working overtime.

Upon opening the door and stepping in she could hear Della humming. It was a familiar tune that she knew Della loved. And truth be told she was beginning to like it too.

“Food ready?” She walked up to Della who jumped and collided with her front. Penumbra only chuckled, “You still can’t knock me over.”

“That’s cause I ain’t trying. Just you wait, one of these days I’ll get you on your back.” Della sounded amused as she bent her neck back to look up at her friend.

“Not unless I let you.” Penumbra could sense the air between them getting tenser by the moment. She needed to stop, this wouldn’t end well for either of them. But when Della turned around, wrapped her arms around Penumbra’s waist and pushed while laughing Penumbra felt her insides melt. “That’s a pretty pathetic attempt.” She’ll just have to show her how it’s done. She scooped her up with ease, enticing a little yelp that tapered off into a laugh as she spun Della around her eyes finding the only available surface near by.

“Oof.” Della groaned as her back hit the hard table while Penumbra smirked triumphantly down at her, supporting herself on her hands which bracketed Della’s head. “Fuck Penny, buy a lady dinner first.”

This was flirting. Blatant, unapologetic flirting. Penumbra felt like she was losing the fight between her hormones and her reason. But for once, for the first time in her life, she was perfectly fine with losing. Especially if Della would keep looking at her like that.

“I already made you plenty of dinners.”

“I suppose you have.” Della smoothed her hands over Penumbra’s shoulders, feeling how tense her muscles were. She grinned, “Does this mean I finally get to sleep on a comfy bed?”

“Not if you keep annoying me. I’m not that far gone.” Despite her words she picked Della back up and carried her to her bedroom, Della jointing how she knew Penumbra would fall for her eventually.

And fall she did. Hard.

So much so that for the next five years later Della still lived with her, spent every morning and night with her, slowly chipping away at the hard walls around Penumbra’s heart until all it too for Penumbra to swoon was a smile.

Penumbra turned in her bed, half asleep, one arm under he pillow and the other searching for her absent mate. They haven’t actually discussed it before but Della seemed to be ok with Penumbra referring to her as such while in the the thorns of her cycle. Luckily another one just ended, which meant that Penumbra could focus her energy and thoughts toward something other than Della. Not that she minded terribly, or at all.

She put on a pair of shorts and her tight training bra as she patted out of the bedroom.

As was their routine she found Della making breakfast for her. She always did after Penumbra’s cycle finished and to her credit her cooking had gotten so much better over the years.

“Still stalking me? I thought we got past that five years ago.” Della chuckled as she felt Penumbra wrap her arms around her shoulders.

“I have to keep you vigilant.” Della hummed as she quietly made breakfast. Not that Penumbra didn’t enjoy it but it was odd that she had yet to hear any flirty remarks. They ate in silence too. In fact the only words that Della spoke was that she was gonna see her later before she kissed her and ran in the direction of her rocket ship.

The rocket ship. Della had been working on it for the past five years and while Penumbra didn’t know a lot about machinery she knew very well that it was almost time for Della to go. The thought made her insides turn.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” The question made Della stop running her hands though Penumbra’s soft hair.

“That obvious?”

“You were never a good liar. I think I gave you too much credit for it in the beginning. But you seemed a lot more... wild during my last cycle. Not that I’m complaining but it got me thinking. Well that and the fact that you weren’t nearly as chatty today.” As Penumbra’s hand smoothed over Della’s small back she felt her mate settle deeper into her embrace. “Is tonight our last one together?”

“No! No Penny, no! I...” Della sighed heavily, “You’re right, I am leaving. Tomorrow. I wanted to tell you, I did but... I thought if I didn’t it’d somehow made time go slower. I shouldn’t be thinking that should I? I have my boys to go back to and here I am being selfish.”

Penumbra reached down to cup Della’s cheek, “You aren’t. You’ve been trying and trying to get back to them for the past decade. You’re the least selfish person I know. And if anyone tells you any different just point me in their direction.” This made Della laugh and relax into Penumbra’s touch.

“I swear Penny we’ll see each other again. No matter what. Hey it might even be sooner than we both think. Once I tell Scrooge there’s gold on the Moon he’ll send ships here in no time. Then you and your people can come and visit. I’ll introduce you to the family and you can meet my kids. I’m sure they’re gonna love you as much as I do.” This was far from the first time Della told Penumbra she loved her but it never failed to make her blush.

“I love you too.” Penumbra pulled her into a sweet kiss. Kissing took some getting used to due to their different anatomy but they practiced enough to master the art by now.

As she watched Della take off she could already feel the aching pain in her chest. Which was somehow forgotten when Lunaris started talking about Della like she was a traitor to them all and talking about launching an invasion on Earth.

Penumbra followed Lunaris to his room, “Sir, why did you lie to them? Della would never betray us.”

“The people need a reason to wage war Lieutenant Penumbra. They need something to drive them, they need a reason to fight. So I gave them one. Betrayal.”

Penumbra mind started connecting the dots, “It was you. You stranded her here.” Lunaris didn’t answer but Penumbra didn’t need him too, “Why? Why pair her with me then?”

Lunaris turned to her and grinned. Penumbra took a step back. She didn’t like that look. “Honestly? It was the only way I could get her to move here. She liked you from the start. But I never expected you to start liking her back. Hmm, I guess mating cycles can make even you lose yourself.”

Her face paled, she was gonna be sick.

“Don’t tell me you thought you were keeping that a secret? Well no matter, now that she’s gone I trust you’re gonna clear her head and do what needs to be done. Do not disappoint me.” Penumbra was truly at a loss for words. She walked back home in daze, almost expecting to find Della in there once she opened the door.

But she wasn’t of course. Penumbra couldn’t take it anymore. She ran to the bathroom and puked. She felt gross. How could she let Lunaris manipulate her like this? How could she let him use her to manipulate Della?

Her chest ached all over again and she wondered if Della felt it too. She spent the rest of the night in bed, her face buried in the pillow that belonged to her ex... no to her mate. Della was still her mate. And as such it was Penumbra’s duty to protect her. Even from Lunaris. Even from her own people.

The weeks went by in a blur. She could barely stand being in Lunaris’s presence without wanting to spear him. Luckily thanks to Donald she was able to get a message out and send him safely back to Earth. Now she only needed a way to foil Lunaris once and for all.

It turned out that the plan involved flying her ship and crashing. It... seemed to have worked well enough. Good. What wasn’t as good was crashing into Della’s ship face first.

“Hey sweetheart!” Penumbra couldn’t help herself when she saw her.

“Penny! I told you we’d see each other again soon. Everyone this is my awesome Moon girlfriend! Penny this is my family, you know Donald-”

“Let me in!” As happy as Penumbra was to see her she was beginning to slide off the glass. Della apologized and quickly got her into the ship.

“Wait... girlfriend?” Donald looked at his sister quizzically.

“Gonna explain later, got a romantic reunion to get to bye!” Della ran to the back of the ship catching Penumbra right as she sighed and took off her helmet, “Penny!” Della jumped into Penumbra’s strong arms which encircled her and held her tight, the helmet falling to the floor with a clank.

Penumbra chuckled, “Hey there, earther.”

“Missed you.” Della whispered as she nuzzled closer.

“Missed you too Della.” The burning, torturous ache that Penumbra had been feeling since Della left was finally beginning to subside.

“Can someone please explain what the bloody bagpipes is going on here?” The two turned to see Scrooge staring at them with his hands on his hips, “Young lady, you have some explaining to do.”

Oh right. She never told Scrooge about her new relationship. She does indeed have explaining to do, “Aw Phooey.”

#dellumbra #ducktales #ducktales fanfiction #della duck #lieutenant penumbra

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