"TUGGER!"
The shout alerted the maine coon from his dinner, the mouse he'd had a hold on scampering away as quickly as it's little feet would take it. He stood with a growl, his hazel brown eyes burning on the black eyed tuxed tom.
"What this time Misto? What could be SO important that I can't have dinner without knowing something?" he growled, towering over Mistoffelees.
"Sorry. But. You can eat after this. I thought smelled a Jellicle outside the junk yard, but it was kind of weird because I smelled human too! But, there's just a girl on the side of the road! Just sitting there playing with... a cell phone I believe it's called! And the scent is coming from her! Isn't that odd?" The tom finally finished, a little out of breath having rushed to get every word out.
The Rum Tum Tugger just perked a brow at his night time duty partner. He sighed and stood, knowing Mistoffelees wouldn't leave him alone until he gave in and followed the tux towards the edge of the junk yard to peak out at her over the fence. He watched the tux from behind a bit curiously. It was just some human girl. Maybe one of the Jellicles had gotten out in cat form and rubbed against her. It happened all the time. But Mistoffelees was the curious type, it couldn't be helped. He just shrugged it off, raking a paw through the fur onto of his head. The two slinked to the edge of the fence and peaked over the fence, standing on mounds of junk.
The girl in question had long honey-like blonde hair with different tints in the light to each blonde streak. But stripes of black ran down through her hair as well as if in some sort of tiger pattern. She was sitting on the curb, humming softly as her fingers flew over the surface of her phone. Loose black jeans and a zipped up black hoodie hiding any curves on her body. Her ears glinted with the piercings in them. Her nails a bit sharp and painted black. Her eyes were shades of blue from navy to sky blue the light hardly reaching her eyes. A light brown canvas messenger bag bigger than any purse the two toms had ever seen. The streets were dark and empty, a street light illuminating her figure as she leaned against a post as she murmured lyrics.
"A little shady for her to be sitting alone on a street in the middle of the night. Is she a streetwalker?"
"Tugger! She's been sitting there for about the past hour all alone! And she's not a streetwalker! She looks much more preserved than that. I want to talk to her..." the tux whispered.
"Munku wouldn't like that too much Mr. Magical suck up." Tugger sneered, rolling his eyes.
"Oh hush! Like you're one to talk about doing what favors Munkustrap's ways! Just this one time. Come with me? I'll glamour us both. Pretty please?" His tail swaying nervously.
"...fine. But if we get caught because of YOUR curiosity it's all on you. Haven't you ever heard? Curiosity killed the cat!" Tugger hissed.
"Who's there?" the girl whipped around, looking over her shoulder, the two Jellicles ducking down from sight, looking at her. Something in her face caught Tugger's attention. That and the black collar around her neck with a small bell on it tinkling softly in his ears. His peeked curiosity wasn't missed by the magical cat who grinned. Once the girl turned the maine coon looked to him with a nod. Misto gripped his paw in his own and muttered a few words under his breath and the two were engulfed in a sort of light before their feline features were replaced with human features.
Mistoffelees was a bit on the pale side, his hair a stunning black in the light it had almost a blue tint to it, short and spiked. He wore a black jacket and a white wife beater that showed the lean muscles underneath. A pair of black jeans hugging his legs and his shoes a pair of black tennis shoes. His ears replaced with a pair of small human ears and human hands with black tattoos on the palms. He stood still shorter than the Rum Tum Tugger though. Tugger himself had golden slicked back hair with a large curl on his forehead, his skin a little more tanned looking. His hands were larger with black and orange tattoos wrapping around his wrist. His pants leather and tight. His body more muscular, making him seem a bit buff. A leather jacket and a studded belt around his waist, a leopard pattern shirt underneath his jacket. His collar still present Misto looked from himself to Tugger and made a face.
"What now?"
"You look a little... unapproachable Tugger. Maybe I should talk to her first. You might scare her away..."
"If she can't handle The Rum Tum Tugger then that's her problem. Not mine."
"Tugger..." Mistoffelees growled, sparks twisting around his fingertips a bit, his electric blue eyes giving off a bit of a glow.
"Okay! Okay! Let you do the talking first. I get it! Just calm down. Geez." Tugger grumbled, raking a hand through his new human hair.
"Alright~ Let's go then!" The shorter of the two chirped, the sparks gone, all happy again.
Tugger shook his head as the two slid off the fence and slunk off towards the entrance, making sure to be extra careful to avoid being seen by any of the other Jellicles. Reaching the door they saw the lock and to keep quiet and from attracting attention just climbed over the wooden doors, not without the usual grumblings from Tugger. They slowly walked back around the corner and saw the girl still sitting there all alone. They approached her silently but she had yet to notice them. Her eyes trained on the cellular device in her hands, and two earbuds in her ear as she muttered the lyrics to whatever song was playing. As they got closer the whisper of her voice became more easily understood. Her voice was soft but maybe it was just when she sung on her breath.
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat If you offer me pheasant I'd rather have grouse The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
If you put me in a flat then I'd rather have a house
If you set me on a mouse then I only want a rat
If you set me on a rat then I'd rather chase a mouse
And there isn't any call for me to shout it
For he will do as he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!"
Her voice able to switch pitches as she sung softly. The two cats stopped in their tracks as they listened to her.
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible bore"
She sang with a small smirk and sounding close to how Jacob Brent even sounded.
"When you let me in, then I want to go out The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious beast"
I'm always on the wrong side of every door
And as soon as I'm at home, then I'd like to get about
I like to lie in the bureau drawer
But I make such a fuss if I can't get out
And it isn't any use for you to doubt it
For he will do as he do do
And there's no doing anything about it!
She sang, her phone in her pocket and she had stood sliding into the beat of the music easily and quickly, showing that underneath all those baggy clothes was the limber body of a dancer as she performed each move flawlessly. "My disobliging ways are a matter of habit The Rum Tum Tugger is artful and knowing
If you offer me fish then I always want a feast
When there isn't any fish then I won't eat rabbit
If you offer me cream then I sniff and sneer
But I only like what I find for myself
So you'll catch me in it right up to my ears
If you put it away on the larder shelf
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle
But I'll leap in your lap in the middle of your sewing
For there's nothing I enjoy like a horrible muddle!
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
The Rum Tum Tugger doesn't care for a cuddle
The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat
And there isn't any need for me to spout it
For he will do as he do do
And there's no doing anything about it! "
Even accentuating each vowel and reprise, her hips and movements swift and fluid with each turn and pose. She opened her eyes, looking at the building in front of her, oblivious to the two awe struck tom cats behind her. A small smile on her lips as she turned to go back to her spot and her eyes passing over the two for a second as she was going to grab her phone from her pocket before she froze, her eyes going back to the two with a look of pure horror in them. Her mouth opening and closing like a fishes. The three stood there at a stalemate it seemed. The girl finally broke the silence.
"So... how much of that did you two... er... see?" she murmured, a foreign accent showing itself in her voice as she spoke. But it was still soft and soothing as if a lullaby.
"All of it." Mistoffelees flushed, feeling as if he'd intruded on her privacy by the way she said it. He gulped as Tugger whistled, finally over the awkward silence and just walked forward, with that rock star swagger of his and a small smirk on his face.
"That's some impressive skills you got there little miss stuff. How long did it take you to get that good?" he purred seductively, expecting the usual melting effect he had on all the kits and queens.
"It's not hard. After enough ballet and tap, those moves were easy to master for me. You honestly make it sound like those are hard things to do." she commented coldly, rejecting his advances. Her strange blue eyes looking into his golden brown ones.
"You're certainly a talented little thing aren't you? You'd be surprised how many people can't do what you just did." his lips twitched a bit at her haughtiness.
"I know. People compliment me all the time and praise me. But it's just dancing." she shrugged, not intimidated.
Mistoffelees could see Tugger twinging and broke out of his stupor and was quickly at his friend's side before this got any worse. A smile coming to his lips. His eyes looking her over, his mind slowly trying to get into hers to possibly see something but a shock made him twitch. A wall? This was weird. Was she one of those 'psychics' or something? He felt a bit frustrated that he couldn't get in, but suddenly her eyes were on him quickly. Her small, slightly thin pink lips parting a bit before closing. Her eyes watching his as if she could see right through him. He smiled as best as he could. He felt a bit fearful, there was only one person who'd ever had such a terrifying penetrative stare such as hers, Macavity...
"I don't recognize your accent. Where are you from?" he asked innocently and sweetly.
"Finland. Espoo, Finland. It's near Helsinki, the capital." she said, sounding a little less intimidating than he thought she would have.
"Oh wow. How'd you end up here? Well, how long have you lived here really?" Misto asked, generally interested. Tugger crossed his arms with a huff, letting the small tom talk.
"Junior year of high school, father was transferred. I had to learn English fast. But I haven't dropped the accent yet. Only been here about... five, maybe six years. You ask a lot of questions." she commented.
"Ah. Forgive me then. I am... Jacob! And this is John. Nice to meet you." he smiled warmly.
"Tiikeri. It means tiger in Finnish. Most people just call me Tii though." she shrugged a bit, pulling out her ear buds.
"Tiikeri. It fits you... I mean... Um..."
"It's cool. My hair's always been weird like this. It's natural. You're not the first one to ask about it, so it's cool." she gave a bit of a smile, seeming to get a bit more comfortable.
"So, what's a young thing like you doing out in a place like this?" Tugger prompted, causing Tiikeri to shift her gaze to him.
"Went to a party with some guys and they ditched me. I didn't leave til about 1 in the morning and apparently cabs stop driving around then because I haven't seen one since I got out. I tried calling my flat mate, but she's fast asleep probably. Now I'm just trying to find someone awake..." she growled, obviously frustrated by her situation.
"How far away is your place?" Mistoffelees asked, concern obvious in his voice.
"A good hour and a half walk from here..." Tiikeri frowned.
"Oh dear!" He said, getting pulled in by her situation. The need to help anyone in need strong. Her resemblance to Macavity forgotten for the moment.
"I think I can get you a ride. Can I hold your phone?" Tugger asked.
Tiikeri was a bit sketchy but from the looks of him, he probably had his own phone. Then again, she thought she could trust those guys from the party... She'd taken a few years of self defense so if he tried anything she could probably get it back. After the mental juggle she handed over her phone. Tugger easily figured out the touch screen and tapped in a few numbers on the key pad before putting the phone to his ear.
"Mmm, that was great... Hello, Bustopher Jones speaking, who may I ask is calling?" came the pleasant old tom's voice.
"It's me you overstuffed main course... I know you've got connections. Get someone to come down with a car. There's... a girl in need of a ride home and Mist-I mean Jacob is about to go all humanitarian in a minute." Tugger said, not needing to say his name, and hoping Bustopher would have figured out who Jacob was.
"...Ah! Took me a minute old Tuggy boy! Yes, yes I see. I'll get someone down to you as soon as possible."
"Are you honestly eating at a restaurant this early in the morning?"
"Everlasting Cat no! A chef who treasures my tastes in food had an epiphany and had me come over to try a dish. Thank Mistoffelees for that charm he gave me so I can change whenever I please to appear... well. You know." the tom was obviously smiling.
"Whatever. I'll tell him. Just get the car here." Tugger groaned, at times he really didn't care about all this extra. This is why he hadn't picked a mate yet. Queens had that "gift of gab" and all...
"Alright, alright Mr. Sourpuss. Ha! I made a pun~ Toodles my boy~" With that there was that ending click on the other side of the phone. He handed Tiikeri her phone back who had a curious look on her face.
"How does he know where this place is? Do you two live together? Are you two gay? Do you live near here or something?" she questioned, not stopping once for air til she'd ask all the questions that came to mind.
"Pffft..." Tugger burst into a fit of laughter, doubling over, arms wrapped around his stomach as he laughed. Tears springing to his eyes as he just laughed, and laughed, and laughed.
"I'm sorry about him... But we do live in the building across from you. We were coming back from the convenience store. For cigarettes! Yes. Tu-I mean John is a chain smoker. Ahehehe..." Misto laughed a bit nervously, conjuring up a pack in his hand, slipping it into Tugger's back pocket swiftly so Tiikeri wouldn't see.
"Hmm... you two sound familiar... and... you keep messing up on each other's names... You even look... are you two, John Partridge and Jacob Brent?" Tiikeri asked curiously, feeling as if she'd just had an epiphany.
"Cousins! We're cousins! That's how we know each other. After enough jokes, Mr. Mistoffelees and Rum Tum Tugger are like permanent nicknames. Ya know?" The tux strung together quickly, happy to be able to use that lie. They had actually been around for the making of the movie version. It was sheer luck that they'd been found and then all the Jellicles assisted with the cast getting into character. It was one of the QUITE rare occasions the Jellicle Cats associated with the humans. Other than that, there was Halloween for the kits and then Old Deuteronomy's old magic in his previous life to have assisted T. S. Elliot in his writing of Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
"Ah... so... if I could possibly ask... would you two be able to introduce me to them? Or... maybe more of the cast?" Tiikeri couldn't help her curiosity. A light coming into her eyes showing she wasn't as old as she looked.
"Possibly... So... you're into Cats, huh?" he rubbed the back his neck.
"Great choreography, simple but delightful plot, well rounded characters. It's a classic. Not cookie cutter, not too edgey, but just enough suspense and very well maneuvered lighting. Overall effect is definitely a superior."
"Buh?" Tugger was totally lost. He had gotten distracted and now he was just confused.
"Basically, I have yet to find fault with it. But I really like the version directed by Andrew-Lloyd Webber himself. I've seen performances in person, and while I understand the money and more time span they had to perfect it. They were just better at covering up any small mistake or even making a mistake look like it was meant to be like that." Tiikeri commented, playing with a button on her messenger bag.
"Do you have your whole room stuffed in there or something?" Tugger asked, looking at the huge bag incredulously.
"No! Just my sketchpad, a book I'm reading, notebook for plot ideas for stories, wallet, pencils, pens, erasers, charcoal pencils, some sharpies, my laptop, hair ties, a brush, a mini umbrella in case of rain, my water bottle, oh and of course my personal agenda so I can keep mind what needs doing and what is coming up." the blonde shrugged.
"Sounds like Jenny..." Misto couldn't help but comment under his breath.
"I heard that!" Tiikeri hissed.
"Sorry. How old did you say you were again?"
"Twenty-three. And I never mention how old I was. How old are you?"
"Twenty-nine and counting." he smiled.
"Thirty-three if you must know..." Tugger shrugged simply.
"Be nice... Wait. Hm... wait... are you still in college?"
"Yes. My parents had me dancing for years, focusing on my studies, and now I'm stuck in college to follow in their footsteps and become either an opera or a Broadway prima dona. To be honest? It's so damn far-fetched from my personality I think."
"You take singing lessons?" Misto perked a brow.
"From my dad. He used to do opera but never got to be as popular as Sarah Brightman or any other greats like Luciano Pavarotti." Tiikeri shrugged.
Before the conversation could continue any further a sleek black car pulled up next to the three. The two Jellicles recognized Plato's light eyes under the shaggy hair.
"I'm here to take the miss home?" he spoke as if a question, the window rolled down. Tiikeri looked to the car and then to the two who just nodded that she would be fine. She opened the passenger seat in the front and put her bag in before getting in.
"Wait, I want to keep in contact with you!" she said, surprising herself a bit. Pulling a pen and a scrap of paper out of her bag and scribbling down her number on the paper and her name at the bottom, handing it to Mistoffelees before retracting her hand.
"Alright. I'll call you for sure." the tom nodded with a small smile as Plato drove away and once he could no longer hear the tinkle of the small bell on her collar he turned to Tugger.
"Are you really going to?" he simply asked with a perked brow.
"Of course I am! It'd be rude! And don't lie and say she isn't a bit peculiar. If there's anything I've learned, humans wouldn't be naturals and be able to pull off those moves without a few injuries or sore muscles for a while. And they'd be out of breath and huffing by the time they'd finished one dance!" he defended his reasoning. Tugger placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She could be... what are they called again? Child prodigies. They exist too you know." he said.
"Damn it Tugger! For the love of Everlasting Cat! Aren't you in the LEAST bit curious about her at all?" Mistoffelees snapped.
"I'll admit there's something... unique about her. But maybe she could've been lying to us about some of those things."
"You saw her performance! And couldn't you smell her?" he demanded.
"...Does no one believe curiosity killed the cat anymore these days?" the maine coon sighed, rubbing his temples.
"We've got nine lives, it'll be fine." Misto smirked.
"Fine... we'll talk to Bustopher tomorrow about getting something set up. He's the one with all the connections it seems. But she does NOT find out Jellicles are real under any circumstances. Remember the last human that found out that you thought would understand?"
"That was different! I was young and foolish!"
"None the less... deal or no deal?"
"...fine. Deal. I'll keep my lips sealed..." he gave in.
"Good. Now let's go to bed. You've exhausted me to the bone." Tugger commented, walking back to the junk yard entrance and hopping the fence.
Misto removed the glamour and slunk off to his den and laid there, staring up at the moon. Those endless pools of blue hues haunting him. He didn't care what Tugger thought. There was something about her, he couldn't lay his finger on it but definitely something, and he'd find out for sure no matter how long it took. He smiled to himself, head on his paws as he glanced at her phone number and name before sliding it under his make-shift pillow and just staring up at the moon thinking of all the possibilities.
AN: I know. Don't hate me yet. I had a lot to set up in this chapter. I pinky swear/promise the rest of the chapters WILL be shorter. Give me reviews. And yes, Tugger's a bit of a snark right now but I wanted to stay IC. REVIEW PLEASE!