Is There Anyone?
A Tugger/Misto Fanfic
Chapter 4: You're On Me Like A Memory
~~**~~
"We can't do this anymore Tugger." Misto batted back the tears, "I don't…I don't have feelings for you like I thought I did." Tugger was quiet, "I guess I just got caught up in all the attention, with you. But, I realize that it isn't right. We can't do this."
Mistoffelees could barely look Tugger in the eye as he spoke the lies he had dreamt up to him. He didn't know if Tugger believed what he was saying or not, but it was all he could think of. His heart broke more with every defiant word.
"Well, if that's your decision." Tugger replied. He certainly wasn't going to let his emotions show. Not like this. After all, what cat willingly walked away from Tugger?
Misto was caught off guard by Tugger's nonchalant reply. "I'm sorry." He said.
"Keep it to yourself." Tugger growled hastily, "See you around."
And with that he turned once again, and wandered off into the junkyard.
Misto still couldn't believe he had spoken those words to Tugger. And although Tugger's reaction made him seem cold and aloof, Misto knew how Tugger truly was. He didn't mean to hurt his feelings, but it did hurt, terribly.
Tugger wasted no time rebounding…Misto caught him fluttering his come-hither eyes at Rumpleteazer just days later. The shy mischievous female cat didn't throw herself at Tugger like the others often did, but she also didn't know about he and Misto's recent rendezvous. Tugger saw safety in this.
When Misto would see Tugger, Tugger gave him a cold stare. Tugger could find your heartstrings and yank on them or pull them clean out of your chest. He knew exactly how.
Misto didn't speak to anyone for the next few days. When anyone would cross his path he often changed directions. He hadn't done much lately but wander around the junkyard. He hadn't eaten, nor slept. His paws were sore from so much walking. When he thought he was alone he stopped under a ladder to rest.
"Hey Misto!" A perky voice rang.
He looked up to see Victoria and Plato coming towards him, no time to get away.
"It's almost time for the Ball. I'm so excited!" Victoria cheered.
"Aren't you excited Misto?" Plato asked.
"Sure." Misto answered half-heartedly, "Can't wait."
Victoria and Plato exchanged confused glances, unsure as to why their usual comical and crafty friend seemed so downhearted. Misto looked up, just about the time Tugger happened to walk by. The two Toms stared at each other in silence.
"Victoria, Plato, could you excuse us for a minute?" Tugger asked the two younger cats.
"Sure Tug." Plato replied. He and Victoria made themselves scarce.
Mistoffelees turned to walk away, but not before Tugger darted in front of him.
"Stop avoiding me Misto. What's going on?" Tugger demanded.
"I told you."
"I don't believe you for one second. Look me in the eye and tell me you don't have feelings for me."
"I…" Misto gazed up at Tugger's dark brown eyes, sparkling, "I…don't…" His voice shook with every word, "Oh Tugger please don't make me do this! I can't do this!" He cried. A small smile escaped Tugger's lips, and he pulled Misto closer to him. Misto buried his face in Tugger's warm fur, his tears hot on his face. "They said they would exile you if we didn't break off our relationship. And I know your position in the tribe means something to you, even if you won't admit it. You're Deuteronomy's youngest son."
Tugger narrowed his eyes. It wasn't right for them to ask Misto to make that decision. Misto never wanted to cause trouble for anyone, and they knew this.
"Why didn't you tell me what was going on?"
"I knew what you would do. I didn't want you to make that sacrifice. Not for me."
"Mistoffelees…" Tugger held Misto's face between his paws, "I would do anything for you." He grinned, "I'll protect you."
Misto blushed. He wasn't used to such profound attention, and he certainly didn't expect it from Tugger.
"But we can't." Misto suddenly said, "They all know. They'll find out again."
"You let me handle them." Tugger said.
Misto looked up to the sky, "It's getting dark."
"Come stay with me tonight, in my den."
"I can't. I share a den with Alonzo. He'll suspect if I'm not there."
"So wait, and sneak out. You know you can do it." Tugger winked. "I'll be waiting."
~~**~~
It had been dark for hours when Mistoffelees finally decided to sneak out. Alonzo slept soundly, and Misto didn't make a sound as he left. He made his way across the junkyard, the moon shining down brightly.
When he got to Tugger's den he slipped inside, "Tug?"
"About time." He heard Tugger reply.
His eyes turned to the big Tom, lurking in the dark. There was Tugger's familiar wicked grin. He circled Mistoffelees, leaning forward to whisper in his ear. "I told you I'd protect you."
"Are you sure no one will…"
"Hush." Tugger stopped him, "No one knows."
He leaned down to Misto's lips and kissed him, warm and slowly. His whiskers tickled Misto's face, making the smaller cat giggle and sigh happily at the same time. Misto wrapped his arms around Tugger's neck, pulling him closer. Tugger held Misto tightly, deepening their kiss.
When Tugger pulled away, Misto had to catch his breath.
Tugger stepped back, then promptly wrapped his tail around Misto's waist, and led him into the darkness.
