Chapter 1 – Yowl 'n Bark
They had been dating almost six months, and Gav could still hardly believe his luck. Meg had become a crucial part of his life. She was everything from his player 2 in Mario, to his comforter when things got rough. She got on well with Dan, had been completely accepted by his work friends (to the extent that on occasion, Michael, Lindsay and her would hang out without him) and most importantly; Smee adored her.
Penny, however, was still considered by the young cat to be his arch-nemesis. The pair could not occupy the same room for more than a few seconds without hackles raising, claws extending, teeth baring, and, on occasion, fur flying. For the most part, it was easier, preferable and completely plausible to keep them apart.
However, Gavin now faced a problem. Well, two interlinked problems.
First, he was going back to England for a short while, and the week he goes away overlaps with their sixth month-aversary, which he and Meg had been planning to celebrate.
The second problem; Meg needed to kitty-sit Smee.
In the same house where Penny lives.
For a whole week.
What could possibly go wrong?
'And you've got his favourite food right?'
'Yes Gav, I have his food.'
'Salmon or haddock flavoured only. Not tuna; he HATES tuna.'
'Yes, I know your cat is picky-'
'OH and his cushion, make sure you always have it on the bed. He wont sleep otherwise. And don't worry if he pees on it, just pick him up and put him on the litter tray.'
'Yes, sweetie I-'
'OH MY GOD HIS MOUSIE! I totally forgot to pack it, can you get Geoff to let you in and get it? He loves his mousie and-'
'GAVIN FREE. Chill the fuck out sweetheart, m'kay? You packed mousie, I have him right here. I promise you, I am completely capable of looking after Smee for the week. The hard part will be keeping him and Penny apart.'
'Sorry love, I'm fretting again aren't I?' Gavin sighed down the phone.
'Just a tad.' Meg giggled 'Its ok baby, I know how much you love that cute little fluff demon.'
Gavin snorted at the use of Meg's nick-name for his mischievous little cat. 'Yeah, but this phone call was meant to be so I could say one last goodbye to you before my flight, not to get into a flap about whether I picked up a bloody squeaky mouse toy. I'm sorry love.'
'Honestly don't sweat it. We'll be fine, you just worry about all those dangerous stunts you and Dan are gonna be pulling for your channel. You just know one or both of you are gonna get injured at least once; you always do.'
'I'll be careful, I promise. Besides, Dan is the explosives expert, so he'll be handling all the dangerous stuff. Listen, love, they are calling my flight. I'm sorry, I have to go. Give Smee, Penny and Michael kisses from me.'
'I will do. Do you mind if I keep one of your kisses for myself too?'
'Of course not, take as many as you want. Most of them are for you anyway.'
'Awww, you do spoil me, haha. Okay honey, take care and enjoy your trip. Give my love to your family and Dan!'
'Will do, got to go now! Byeeeee!'
No sooner had she hung up the phone, Meg heard a yowl and barking, followed by a series of bangs and crashes. It seemed that Penny had discovered her new house guest, and was less than impressed.
Meg sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she got up to separate the pair. This was going to be a very long week.
