Chapter 2: Tale of the Heart
Cleaning what was left of the residue from the whipped cream that dropped on the floor during their hasty departure just hours ago, Baron tried not glance at the bag casually leaning near the doors of the bureau. Knowing that he needed to keep himself busy or he would move the bag to a different spot as he had done five times before.
Bah, it has been ages since I allowed myself to become this restless, I need something to occupy me for a few hours more. wallowing in despair about having nothing to occupy my time with I desperately try to distract myself, moving toward the cupboard to pullout another small cake, to entertain the passing of time with. My thoughts start to wonder as my gaze slowly drifts back to the school bag lying innocently.
"I see you eyeing the bag again… touch it and I'm going to sit on it so you can't move it." Sitting up from his sprawled position on the couch Muta yawned, giving the figurine a narrow-eyed look. "When are you planning on returning the kids bag anyway?"
Trying to avoid the knowing look Baron replied as nonchalantly as possible. "Later this evening. You said that Haru was at the Crossroads today?" desperately trying to change the topic of discussion. Poise remember keep calm.
Grabbing whipped cream from the cupboard to put on the cake and some strawberries, Baron kept his hands busy so Muta would not follow through on his threat.
Muta watched Baron prepare the homemade crème for the cake, but he was far from letting the subject drop. Just because the cat figurine likes to come off unattached and unflappable, didn't mean he can't be unsettled. There's a first time for everything. Haru was the first client they had in years that truly caught the Barons indifferent attentions, romantically of course. And boy did she ever catch his eye.
"Yeah, she was hanging out with a friend." Giving the cat figurine a narrow-eyed look, Muta snorted in disdain. "You know you could have just let Birdbrain take her bag and leave it where Chicky could find it?"
"Of course," Baron replied still not able to look his friend in the eye. "However, I would be most remiss if something would have befell her belongings, while leaving it where anyone could have taken it or anything could happen to her possessions. It would be most un-gentlemanly of me," nodding to himself for a far as anyone could tell, a valid excuse, to deliver the school bag in person.
"What could possibly happen to a school bag in between Birdbrain dropping it off and Chicky finding it? The neighborhood cats finally deciding they wanna try learning?" Muta looked disbelieving at the other cat. Not that you're fooling me or anyone else with an excuse that flimsy.
Answering mischievously Baron replied with a straight face. "Unexpected rain shower?" sighing despondently. Baron used more force than necessary to mix the batch of whipped crème. "In all honesty, I just wish to check on Haru one last time," he confessed.
About time he admitted as much I thought I'd have to get out some paint and spell it out on the walls for him. Rolling his eyes Muta nearly gave into the urge to throw something, if not at the other cat, then the other resident creation would have to do. Just as soon as Birdbrain gets back. Suddenly wishing the other creation was having this conversation instead of him, but knowing his other friend would be the worst choice for a down to earth talk that the Baron needed to have.
Muta gave Baron a irritated glare. "I figured as much. I mean we do the whole cloak and dagger often enough that this little scheme of yours was pretty-transparent," he spoke giving the other cat a look of pure annoyance, "try not to get to attached, we all know why it would never work out besides the obvious, you still have 70-year-old unfinished business that needs taking care of first."
Haru was right you are a big softie at heart, but of course I have known that for a long time.
Baron replied, giving Muta a soft look. "I'm glad to have you looking out for me my friend, I do not know what I would do without you." Glancing away Baron did not acknowledge the rest of Muta's statement.
Muta rubbed his paws over his face in aggravation at Baron's obvious disregard of the elephant in the room. "Yeah-yeah." Sudden feeling uncomfortable with the sentimental atmosphere. In for a trout, in for the salmon. "I just live with all my paws on the ground unlike you, Chicky and Birdbrain who like to live with their heads in the clouds, always looking for the romance and happy ending in the world."
"Do we truly?... Come off as being foolhardy romantics?" Baron hesitated not really wanting a answer, for he was always the sensible one in their trio. "Is that how you perceive us my friend?" With a troubled look passing over his features Baron still refused to look up from his task.
"Yeah," sighing heavily Muta grimaced with displeasure at being the only practical one this time around. This is horrible, I'd rather be at he Crossroads being sat on by random strangers. "With Toto being a romantic, all he is just going to do is encourage you in the pursuit of Haru."
"Don't be ridiculous Muta, you're speaking nonsense. I would not pursue Haru… and Toto… well I cannot speak for how Toto would react," Baron spoke despairingly.
There goes that slip of the tongue thing. Baron do you even know you said 'would not' instead of could not? As if you are not a two foot tall wooden doll. He doesn't even realize just changing one word how much of himself he is truly revealing. Shifting uneasily on the sofa, Muta continued to appraise his friend.
"For you Baron it's been awhile since you had someone to really show off to… especially a cute girl. Not saying that you are just doing any of this to showoff for Chicky, just that this had been our first adventure in a longtime. Not that-that is an excuse," he corrected hastily. "I may have been stuck in a catnip gelatin mold, but I saw you dance with her, how you held Haru."
Sighing heavily at the fumbling he was doing trying to explain his point, Muta tried again.
"It's just that you need to be more careful, Haru is a very strong girl… stronger than she gave herself credit for, she just needed someone to point it out to her. You have…. a weakness for not only helping those that are in distress but, having a strong will and a pretty face…you do the night in shining armor act full stop. I never thought I'd say that about you but you need someone that not only can help themselves but need you," Muta retorted. "Uh, don't tell Haru I thought her face was pretty," stammering a bit at the sudden wide-eyed look the other cat threw at him, "in my defense I couldn't help but notice she was a very cute she cat… I'm not blind after all!" Muta tried to explain in his declaration. "I mean she wasn't bad looking as a human either… for a kid," trying to backpedal quickly. Yeesh, I'm just screwing this up. Did I really have bring up how cute I thought Haru was?
Listening to the other cat bring up the events of the cat kingdom and the one weakness he allowed himself. A chance at subterfuge, saving the damsel in distress and stealing a dance from a wonderful girl. Baron got lost in his thoughts of Haru. Remembering that fetching blush that graced her face as she peered through the windows of the Bureau and saw him for the first time. Lovely. And how enchanting she looked in her half cat form, remembering how he danced with her, how trusting she was in his arms.
Absent-mindedly speaking his inner thoughts out loud, "It still remains that I do miss the wonderful girl who spoke from her heart and stood up for herself to someone much more powerful than her, a girl who even though… she was so very afraid… trusted and faced her fear with all of her being." Baron paused in his task, no longer focusing on the frosting of the cake instead he sees Haru's shy smile as if she was standing in front of him.
And, I'm losing him again. Giving the cat figurine a weary look Muta internally groaned. Why do I even bother? That was my fault, I should have stuck to the script. "Careful there Romeo."
Shaking himself from the memory hoping to not give Muta more ammunition to call him out on. Baron mentally placed the feelings, which accompanied every thought of Haru into a box… or at least tried to. This is unacceptable I am not some heart struck young man who cannot control himself.
"You are sometimes wise beyond your years, do not fret so, my affection still belongs to my missing other half. Muta, you never cease to amaze me sometimes my friend, but you have nothing to fear, I am not one to dally on a whim." Baron spoke with conviction, as if trying to convince himself instead of his heavier set friend. "When we return Haru's bag, I will have my worries put at ease. We shall keep our distance as we always have and wait for another case." Looking slyly at the other with a mischievous smile, "…and don't worry, your secret that you think Haru has a pretty face is safe with me," he teased his bigger friend.
Going back to his task of decorating the cake, the small smile slipped from his face and Baron sighed in sudden discontent. Is that something I really want? Never to see her again? "Haru, is a charming young lady that I am glad to call a friend. It pains me to say that though we may never meet again, I shall always remember and admire her."
Yeah, if you say so, but I know the heart want what it wants, and your heart I think has finally decided it is ready to move on. I just don't think you realized it yet… you're falling in love.
Muta was glad for a reason to place focus back on Baron. "We literally just saw her hours ago. Unless she saved a small dog prince or pigeon royalty since then, the kid is fine and you are worrying over nothing," he uttered lowly.
"Be that as it may, I would feel better seeing her after this evening." Setting the now finished cake aside Baron cleaned the little mess he made.
Muta snorted, closing his eyes in frustration at this train wreck he sees about to happen and being powerless to stop his friends from being hurt. Seeing her even this once might be a mistake, for you… I really don't think you are going to be able to let the thought of her go, if you see her. If anything what you feel for Chicky, it is just going to keep growing. It will only cause heartache for both of you.
Not knowing what to say or do to fix the situation both cats let the heavy silence sit undisturbed in the room. The stifling atmosphere was broken as the balcony windows opened and the resident stone crow made his appearance.
Landing on the railing Toto took in his two friends and the uncomfortable mood that hung in the air. Noticing that the other creation would not look at him, but kept moving a pink frosted cake to different areas as if trying to find the perfect spot on his desk, and cleaning each spot after he would moved the cake. But, the cat on the sofa was giving a steady gaze at the crow, that spoke of trouble.
"Okay, either the two had an argument or you just found out cake and tea have been banned from the island." Looking from one cat to the other I got a real bad feeling. "…The two of you look like you both would rather be somewhere else but here," Toto observed, Muta being the only one to make direct eye contact with the stone crow. Alright, I am not sure if I want to know what made these two this upset. Examining the uncharacteristic behavior of the other creation, the bird shifted uneasily on his perch and waited for a response from one of his friends.
Muta took the lead, seeing as the cat figurine was steady trying to bury his head in the proverbial sand. Giving the crow a narrowed-eyed look that spoke volumes, to go along with whatever he says.
"What took you so long? You took so long my fur started turning gray in some areas," Muta replied putting as much forced normality into his voice. Just go with it, we will talk later. Hoping Toto got the message.
Toto nodded that he got the message. Okay I will go along if that's how you guys want to play it. Taking a page out of the fat cats script, I decided to save my questions for later. "What was that you overstuffed marshmallow? Do you know how long I had to ask around before finding out where Haru lives? There are literally a lot of girls that match Haru's description, it was not easy." Looking more to the cat on the sofa hoping to get more clues of what has happened since I left.
Seeing the stilted movement of Baron as I spoke of Haru, I kept watch of the smartly dressed cat that had yet to look up from cleaning a nonexistent mess. I could tell the only way to get too the bottom of whatever's bothering my friends I would have to wait to speak with the fatso.
Leave for a few hours and this is the mess I come back to. I'm never leaving these two alone again if it is going to be like this all the time now. I wonder what's changed?
Giving his feathered friend a genuine smile in gratitude Baron addressed the stone creation. "I thank you for your diligent work Toto, you do excellent work as always. Did you have a safe trip?"
Toto preened at the praise even if it was under strained circumstances. "Yes everything went as smoothly as it possibly could, not much trouble to be had when I don't have to fly after cats kidnapping young girls." Pausing to take a dig at the large cat. "At least, someone around here appreciates the hard work I do. Unlike some who prefer to stuff their face at every opportunity instead of actually helping."
Picking up the nearest object – a small book, which sat on the coffee table – to chuck at the bird. "You want me to throw this at your feather covered head?" Muta threatened.
"Muta put down that book. I happen to like that one, it's written by my favorite author CatRosa. So please put it down," Baron chastised sternly, still from the other side of his writing desk, keeping his distance.
It's like I believe they will think less of me if I get closer; think me weak for my feelings towards Haru. This is the first time in my existence that I am doubting myself and my place amongst my friends. Doubting my emotions. Is it truly because of one girl I've only just met?
Not realizing the internal battle Baron was having within himself Toto continued his report.
"Yes. I found where Haru…" Toto watched as Baron wince. What the…? "…is staying, plus, I was able to fly over the crossroads. It seems as if she is still there with another young lady." What was that about?
Flashing a genuine smile at his friends, Baron's mood lifted a bit at the report of Haru enjoying herself. "Ah, they must be having a joyful time then if she is still at the Crossroads." Coming from around the desk cake in hand, to place on the table in front of the large cat. "Well since we have some time still before we head off, would both of you care for a slice of cake? I am trying something new. I have added a strawberry crème frosting to this one," Baron spoke while heading back to the cupboard to retrieve plates.
"Thank you I would love some before the giant overstuffed cat consumes it all."
"You wanna come down here and say that to my face?!"
Making his way back towards the cake to serve his friends, getting as far as cutting one slice, Baron froze. That's right we never did get to have that tea party with Haru, she never got to try my cake. Why does that bother me? It shouldn't matter, its just one small thing.
'Wow! You have really great taste!' Haru…
Placing the knife down none to gently, startling the other two occupants out of the beginnings of an argument - at the sudden abruptness of the usually calm dapper cat. "I am going for a walk I will return shortly," Baron announced suddenly, feeling as if the walls of his home where closing in on him. Needing desperately to be alone with his rampaging thoughts before they overwhelmed him, Muta's observations coming to the forefront of his mind. What is wrong with me?
Looking up just in time to witness the glance between the other creation and cat. Is that what it looks like when your friends need for you to leave the room so they can talk about you? But it's not as if I don't know what they are going to be discussing.
Not willing to be present for the discussion he knew was about to take place, Baron practically escaped out the door, not bothering with hat, cane or coat.
The moment the door shut behind the creation.
Ignoring the cake to the astonishment of the crow, Muta stood up to address Toto directly. "Toto we need to talk. Get in here and shut the windows behind you," he instructed.
Not sure what to make of this situation Toto did as asked.
"This must be serious if your using my name," Toto tried to joke. Which fell flat.
Muta snorted. Oh boy, you don't even know the half of it. "That's because it is."
"Okay what is going on? Everything was fine when I left," Toto said while gliding down to land on the floor next to the cat. Trying to be mindful of his claws on the wooden floor. I hope Baron will forgive me for any scratches.
"We have a problem and this is not one that can be easily fixed," Muta wasted no time enlightening the other.
"What could possibly be wrong?" Toto asked, getting anxious at Muta's declaration.
"The problem lies with Baron. Baron's the problem."
"Excuse me? I think I miss heard," Toto looked incensed on Baron's behalf at the absurdity of that statement, ignoring the odd way the other creation had been acting just moments ago.
Toto feathers became ruffled as he worked himself up at the thought of something being really wrong with the other creation.
"You didn't miss hear me. Baron is the problem or rather… it is more that it's his heart that's the problem. Baron has taken a strong liking to Chicky," Muta alleged outright.
"Not possible," Toto replied without hesitation. "Impossible."
AN: To CatRosa my first reviewer.
