Author's Note: Hello my lovelies! This story combines two loves of mine: Yaoi and KITTIES! Sometimes I sit around and wonder what it would be like to wake up as a cat, and thus, this story was born. And yes, I do have too much time on my hands ^-^
Chapter 1
There are three things you need to know about James "Rave" Bartlett. He's abrasive, too prideful to apologize for being abrasive, and in quite a bit of trouble. You see, he's a cat. He was turned into a cat, and the only way he can get back to normal is with the help of Nathan Goldberg, the most irritating person he's ever met.
Let me start from the beginning.
~Five Days Ago~
Rave sat in drama class at the state university that crisp autumn morning. He thought going to college as a drama major would be more exciting, but three weeks of lectures from a less than interesting professor proved otherwise. He brought his pen to his lips, chewing on it as he willed the professor to say something along the lines of "Today, instead of just talking about it, we shall really act."
"Today, instead of just talking about it, we shall really act," the professor announced.
Rave sat up. Score one for wishful thinking. Or luck.
The tall, grey-haired Professor Laurenston continued, "Outside our door is independent film director Anderson LaBrey." He paused, letting everyone get their excitement out of their systems. Even Rave let out a gasp. Anderson LaBrey is a master of psychological thrillers. "He is looking for young, talented unknowns to star in his new movie, The Mirror Room. Five, to be exact." He turned to call out the door. "Mr. LaBrey, you can come in now."
Very few people had ever seen Anderson LaBrey. He's very secluded; he had all pages and pictures of him taken down. That being said, no one really expected a twenty-three-year-old, Johnny-Depp-looking man enter the room. He was barely older than the students in the room, and he was already quite successful and absolutely genius.
"Hello all," he said in an English accent. "I'm quite thrilled to be here today. I'm sure your professor informed you of my intentions, and I shall elaborate. The movie will be emotionally challenging, as I'm sure all of you could figure out on your own assuming you've seen my other films. I need a male lead, a male antagonist, and then two females and another male for supporting roles. If you're interested, I've brought scripts. Auditions are exactly two weeks from now. Good luck to you."
He set a stack of scripts down on Laurenston's desk, and was gone just like that. The professor quickly jumped out of the way as the class swarmed to get a script. Rave just about ripped a girl's hair out trying to get past the mob. Script in hand, a grin spread across his face as he returned to his seat. Finally, the college life he imagined had begun.
"Caramel latte for a...um...Jake Bardell?"
Rave snarled and stomped up to the counter to retrieve his drink. "It says James Bartlett, you ignoramus! Didn't anyone teach you to read?"
"Sorry, jeez," the barista muttered. "Your script is hard to read, man."
"Fuck you," Rave muttered as he walked over to a table.
He laid his bag next to him, digging out Anderson's script to begin reading it. The actor had to see what sort of role he'd be playing if he got the part. Or rather when, Rave thought cockily.
"I feel like that guy messes your name up on purpose."
Rave turned his head to see Nathan Goldberg standing next to the table, leaning against it as he grinned at the other. "Hasn't he butchered your name like a million times already?"
The actor scoffed. This guy again.
Nat often came up to Rave when he saw him. He didn't bother attempting to hide his crush. That, paired with the fact that he came on quite strong, made him quite the nuisance in Rave's eyes.
"Yeah," the taller said icily. "But I'd still prefer him over you. Didn't I tell you to stay the fuck away from me? You're always fucking bothering me. Fuck OFF!"
Like always, Nat just smiled warmly, and walked away. What annoyed Rave the most was that he never took offense to anything he said. The teal-haired student just smiled like all was right with the world and did as he was asked. It was far too much sunshine for the brooding, violet-headed prince-of-darkness.
With a huff of disdain, he put the script away and made his way to his room.
Clutching his bag close, Rave groaned as he hurried through the rain. A minute into his walk, it had started pouring. Oh, how Rave had cursed the universe.
He stopped in his tracks upon hearing a meow. A grey kitten huddled under a park bench, soaked and shivering. He picked her up, cradling her against his chest as he scanned her for a collar. Finding a tag upon the light blue collar, he squinted to read the address. 345 Hudson Street. He cursed; that was out of his way and it would take him even longer to get to his dorm. Rave shook his head. He couldn't just leave the poor cat. He broke into a run, hoping whoever owned this cat would lend him an umbrella or dry clothes.
Rave found the address, staring at the eerie doorknocker adorning the large out-of-place Victorian front door. He sighed, and knocked. The rain had long-since stopped, but he was still freezing in his soaked clothing. The kitten was huddled comfortably in the crook of his elbow.
A woman answered the door. She was in her forties, but she'd aged well. She was radiant, with wavy black hair and crystal blue eyes.
"May I help you?" she asked.
"I, uh, have your cat," Rave said, presenting the kitten. "I found her at the college campus."
The woman smirked as she took the cat in her arms, an action that left Rave somewhat unsettled. "Thank you, young man. What is your name?"
"James," Rave answered.
"James," she tested the name on her tongue. "I am Adeline. I would like to repay you. I grant you good fortune in your life. Good day." She closed the door.
Rave raised an eyebrow, turning to walk away. "I would've preferred a coat or something. Nutcase."
