Don't Shrug Your Shoulders
Characters: Bombalurina and Rum Tum Tugger
Genre: Hurt/Comfort/Romance
Rating: K+
Based on: Last Request by Paolo Nutini
Bombalurina stood outside of Tugger's den, knocking on the door with tears in her eyes. 'Come on, Tug, open up,' she thought.
Rum Tum Tugger answered the door, and when he saw the queen's expression, his heart broke. "What's the matter, Bomba? Come inside, please."
The red queen made her way into his den and sat down on the couch. The Maine Coon sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "Talk to me," he pleaded.
"I can't do this anymore!" Bombalurina choked out as she buried her hands in her paws.
A sadden look appeared in Tugger's eyes as he asked, "Do what?" He rubbed her shoulder as gently as he could.
"Watch you flirt with kittens all day and sleep with me at night. That's all you do, every day. I thought that maybe after a week you'd change but…" she cried miserably.
A shocked Tugger said, "I d-didn't know you wanted commitment. Bomba, I'm-"
"Save it, Tugger," she snapped, then she got up and stormed out of the den.
For the next few days, Tugger wept. He had feelings for Bombalurina, but he had no idea she wanted a relationship. He finally made the decision to go over to her den and apologize.
"Bomba!" he called while waiting outside. He'd knocked three times and he didn't answer.
"Go away, damn it!" she yelled from inside.
Tugger sighed and said, one last time, "Please open up."
"No," whined the stubborn red queen.
A tear swelled up in Tugger's eye as he tried to stay calm. "Listen, Bombalurina, I know I messed up. I didn't know you wanted to get serious. I have feelings for you."
She opened the door and looked in his eyes, "Too late. I gave you a week." She slammed the door in his face.
That hurt Tugger's heart more than anything. He did the only thing he could think to do. He sung out,
"Grant my last request
And just let me hold you
Don't shrug your shoulders
Lay down beside me
And, sure, I can accept
That we're going no where
One last time, let's go there
Lay down beside me"
After hearing his song, Bomba opened the door. "D-did you sing that for me?" she asked. Tugger quietly nodded.
Bombalurina sighed softly and said, "Come in, let's talk this out."
