"You know, Misto, she's not really all that special," Tumblebrutus commented.

"I disagree. Strongly."

Pouncival grinned. "She's definitely no Bombalurina!"

Tumblebrutus laughed. "As if! Nobody is, especially not Electra!"

Mistoffelees frowned. "I don't like Bombalurina. Not like that. I mean, she's pretty and sophisticated, but…she just doesn't compare."

Tumblebrutus just shook his head at this. "I say you're crazy!"

"Yeah!" Pouncival agreed. "What do you see in Electra anyway? She's not as graceful or beautiful as Victoria, she can't sing anywhere near as good as Jemima, and her sister Etcetera is way more fun than her!"

Tumblebrutus smiled dreamily. "She sure is…"

Mistoffelees sighed. "I guess you guys just wouldn't understand."

He supposed that Electra's wonderful qualities just weren't as apparent to the other toms. But Misto truly felt that she ranked above the other queens, beyond any compare. What did he see in her? The glow of her smile, infrequent as it may have been, the blend of colours in her pelt, the depth of her dark eyes, and the sweet freckles that dotted her face - what did Misto care for the glamour of the other cats, Victoria's plain white fur, Bombalurina's flashiness; Electra was different, more mature than her sister, composed in her silent manner, and when she happened to glance in Misto's direction, he could feel himself sparkle with admiration.

Yes, Electra was certainly different.

"Rumpleteazer's pretty good-looking too, and she's sassy!" said Pouncival, interrupting Misto's thoughts.

"Yeah, but she's with Mungojerrie," Tumblebrutus pointed out. "I don't think anyone's about to get in the way of that!"

"Hey, Misto…"

"What, Pouncival?"

The tabby grinned at him. "You're sparkling."

Tumblebrutus stifled a laugh. "I bet he's thinking about you-know-who!"

Misto blushed, but held up his chin in a dignified manner. "So what if I am? I'm not ashamed of it!"

"Really?" said Pouncival. "Then why don't you go tell her yourself?"

Misto stiffened. "What?"

Tumblebrutus laughed, and nodded over Misto's shoulder. "Here she comes right now!"

Misto didn't know whether or not to believe them, but feeling he was better safe than sorry, ducked behind the two other toms in an attempt to conceal himself. Tumblebrutus rolled his eyes. "Unbelievable."

"Yeah," Pouncival chuckled. "It's just Electra!"

"What's just Electra?"

Misto risked a peek over Pouncival's shoulder.

It had been Etcetera who spoke, looking at the toms quizzically. Electra quietly stood at her side, head tilted slightly, looking embarrassed. It was rare to find herself the topic of conversation.

Pouncival was about to answer, when Tumblebrutus nudged him, giving a subtle gesture towards Misto, who by the look of concentration on his face may have been trying to become invisible. The conjuring cat didn't know if that was possible, but at this moment he certainly wished it was, as Electra watched him in confusion.

But the awkward silence didn't last long, as at that moment, Etcetera saw something behind the young toms. With a squeal exclaimed, "It's Tugger!"

It was as if she let off some alarm-call, because at that instant nearly the entire queen population of the junkyard seemed to appear out of nowhere, making no attempt to conceal their excitement. And Electra was no exception.

"TUGGER!" she yelled, as the mane-wearing tom himself strutted by, hips swivelling exaggeratedly, and a cocky smirk on his expression. Misto inwardly groaned.

Somehow, Tugger managed to divide his attention more-or-less evenly between each of the queens (excepting Bombalurina, oddly enough), and Misto watched, disheartened, at Electra's joyful expression when Tugger stroked her cheek.

Mistoffelees wasn't an idiot. He knew that everyone, no matter how perfect they may appear, had flaws. That he had yet to see Electra's, though he was certain they could never be bad enough to change his mind about her. Yet as far as Misto could see, Electra was perfect; but if she had a single flaw, it would be what ironically made her just the same as the other queens: her infatuation with Tugger.

Tumblebrutus noted Misto's pained expression with concern. So did Pouncival.

"Hey, Misto," said Pouncival. "Do you want to go?"

Mistoffelees nodded. "Yeah. That's probably a good idea," he said sadly.

As they turned and began to walk off, Tumblebrutus suddenly spoke, determined, "Don't you worry, Misto! When Electra sees what a great tom you are, she'll never look twice at Tugger again!"

Misto blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

But Pouncival caught on quicker. "Yeah! We'll help you Misto, you're going to show Electra just how you really feel about her!"

Misto suddenly became anxious. "No, guys, I don't think that's a good idea-"

"Enough of your self-doubt, Misto! You're the 'Original Conjuring Cat,' for Heavyside's sake! There's no reason she shouldn't be wooed by you!"

Misto considered this. "You really think so?"

"Just you wait!" said Pouncival, slapping Misto on the back. "By the time you get through to her, Electra will be utterly, completely romanced!"

As encouraging as Misto found these words, he couldn't help but feel a niggling sense of doubt when he looked over his shoulder to see Electra, paws on Tugger's arm as he showed off his muscles, her eyes filled with adoration.

Electra was different, but she was still a queen, and despite all of his magical ability, she would always have the power to reject him.

I really wanted to try a Misto/Electra pairing.

And I realize that "romanced," isn't an adjective, but a verb. Trust Pouncival to use it incorrectly!

Please review! I'd love to know what you think!