Demeter arrived at Macavity's den only a few minutes later. The cracked pool table served as a cozy den for him, his brothers, and usually his father, although the Jellicle leader was often away. It was Munkunstrap who met her when she came to the entrance, and the admittedly handsome silver tabby smiled when he saw her. Demeter returned the gesture but inwardly sighed. It was no secret that he fancied her, and although there was no threat because she knew he would never cross his older brother, she still didn't consider him her type. He was just so... polite.
"How are you this evening Demeter?" he asked sweetly.
"I'm just fine. Is Macavity here?" she inquired.
"I'm right here," came the familiar baritone reply. Macavity slowly came out of the den, his crimson and black fur combination looking particularly attractive in the fading sunlight. "You look beautiful," he said.
Demeter inwardly swooned. "Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself."
He grinned at this and escorted her away from the somewhat jilted looking Munkunstrap, who slowly waved goodbye.
"So what's on out agenda this evening?" she asked.
"I was thinking we could walk through the park and maybe stop at the Drones for a bite afterward."
"Sounds amazing," she said, smiling.
"I hoped you would think so."
For years, the Rum Tum Tugger and Alonzo had held a strange sort of rivalry. Perhaps it was because they were both the biggest male flirts of the tribe, perhaps it was their conflicting opinions on everything, or maybe it was just the way things were. But no matter what the reason, Rum Tum Tugger's low opinion of Alonzo had made him a perfect target in Bombalurina's eyes.
She found him sitting on the tire with his much younger brother Admetus, trying in vain to get the kitten to fall asleep. She walked past him slowly, swinging her hips in a way that always caught Tugger's attention. Judging by Alonzo's face, it was working wonders on him as well.
She laughed in her most sultry alto. "You're staring," she teased.
Alonzo quickly averted his eyes and shrugged. "It's difficult not to," he said, obviously confused that she was talking to him. He apparently hadn't heard of her latest break-up.
Although a bit surprised by how forward he was, she laughed again. "Oh I don't mind. Just an... observation," she said, sitting down next to him. As luck would have it, at that moment, the Rum Tum Tugger walked by, Exotica hanging off of his arm. He stopped when he noticed her, confused, and looked somewhat displeased that she was leaning into Alonzo. She pretended not to notice him however, and continued talking to the patched black and white cat sitting next to her. She was enjoying this even more than she thought she would.
Demeter was surprised when Bombalurina wasn't in toppled crate that served as their den. She was even more surprised when her sister walked in moments after her with a mischievous but happy grin on her face. "And where were you this evening?"
Bombalurina giggled. "Out."
Demeter sighed. "Don't tell me you were with Tugger."
Her sister scoffed. "Uh-uh. I was with Alonzo. And then later I met up with Pouncival and Tumble. They're really fun to tease."
"Okay...," Demeter said slowly.
"How was your date?"
Demeter smiled. "Well," she began dramatically, "it was really rather simple overall, just a walk and some dinner, but it was really fun."
"Did you two talk?"
"A bit. He told me all about his plans for a new den, away from his family. Which I think is great; he's a full grown tom, he should be able to live his own life..."
Bombalurina nodded, not really listening anymore. Oh the look on Tugger's face when he saw me with Alonzo...
"...and you know, he has quite a life built up outside the junkyard. We actually met up with a few of his friends, Ghengis and, hmmm, don't remember the other one's name, but anyway, we..."
Tumblebrutus really is kind of cute. He's probably too young for me though...
"...but then, when we got back to the junkyard, Munkunstrap came up and pulled him away early, saying that his dad was wanting to see him. I think he's just jealous though. Macavity wants to take me out again though. Isn't that great?"
Bombalurina shook her head, stopping her train of thought. "Oh, uh, yeah. That's really great."
The golden queen sighed. "He's so handsome." Bombalurina nodded in agreement. "Although," Demeter continued with a scowl, "imagine having Tugger as a brother-in-law."
"Ew."
Demeter looked at her sister strangely. "So you're really over him this time?"
"Completely."
"You sure? You said that last time, but I still caught the two of you making out in that car trunk."
Bombalurina rolled her eyes. "Oh Deme, I promise, I'm so done with him."
"Whatever you say Bomba." Demeter paused. "So wait, what was this you said about Alonzo earlier?"
The mischievous glint returned to Bombalurina's eyes and she told her sister of her plan to make the Rum Tum Tugger jealous.
"Bomba that's absolutely vile. But," she continued, smiling, "I think Tugger can handle it. Besides, he deserves it."
"That's exactly what I thought." Bombalurina laughed. "You should have seen his face."
"Tell me everything."
Bombalurina giggled and began her story.
Not particularly exciting on Demeter's part (yet that is), but Bomba seems to be enjoying herself :)
Next chapter's where it starts gettin' good! Stay tuned!
