Disclaimer: I own no one from Cats or Cats itself. Once again. If anyone wants to give me a lead on a poster I'll give you a hint about what may be to come later on. ;D
Tugger groaned as he awoke groggily from that strange dream. He made a face as he stretched a bit with a yawn before getting all the way up. Dreams were so far-fetched... Like he'd ever call someone HIS Queen? Ha. That's funny. The strange thing was it was that girl from last night, but she was a Queen like any other Jellicle in the yard. Such a short dream stretched over a long span of time was weird though. More things usually occurred before he awoke. Tugger yawned, running a paw through his fur as he walked into the sunlight, whiskers twitching. The sun was unmerciful on him as it beamed down brightly. He looked from the entrance to his den to see Electra and Etcetera scrambling away, having been watching his den while slept. Those two maybe Queens now but they still act like kits sometimes. A ways off Demeter and his brother Munkustrap were taking a day light stroll together, talking to different Jellicles. Most of the cats were sun bathing on this clear day.
"Too bright! Turn the light off!" Mistoffelees whimpered, the sunlight right in his face when he woke up. The cat had barely caught a wink of sleep before falling asleep and then having that weird dream where he was looking for the girl from last night, Tiikeri, and then she was a cat like them? He'd keep it to himself, not wanting to seem like he was crushing on the girl or something. That was too much! He was just worried about her and it'd be fine. He stretched with a yawn and shrunk back into the shade with a purr as he opened his eyes to see Tugger standing at the entrance to his den. Oh this would be good. He rubbed his eyes and yawned once more before standing and looking to the maine coon with a sleepy gaze.
"Morning sunshine. When I looked into the main yard I didn't see you so I thought you'd be in here... Since when does the Magical Mr. Mistoffelees sleep in?" Tugger asked with a perked brow.
"Come now Tug. Now is not the time when I've just woken up. So when do we get to see Bustopher for the... err.. cell phone?"
"Already taken care of. On my way over he was strolling to his sun bathing spot. You'll have it by the end of the week." Tugger said, leaning against the den.
"Looks like I'm not the only one who felt like he got little sleep last night." Mistoffelees commented walking over to him, running his claws through his fur to smooth it out a bit.
"You'd better watch where you keep that phone. Rumpleteazer or Mungojerrie might find interest in such a device."
Mistoffelees felt his eyes widen as he ran to his pillow and checked underneath for the slip of paper and sighed in relief to have found it safe and sound where he'd put it. Tugger rolled his eyes at the tom's worry over a slip of paper. Like those two would fancy a small piece of paper. Misto slipped the slip of paper back under there, chewing on his bottom lip before standing and joining Tugger back at the entrance to the den.
"Wanna go catch some breakfast together?" he asked his friend.
"Woah there! I have a reputation to uphold! People might take it the wrong way! No offense man! See about Victoria-"
"Plato."
"Oh yes... well, I'll talk to you later then." with that Tugger was gone and Mistoffelees was left with the question still in the back of his head.
The cat wandered out of his den and sighed, seeing everyone in pairs or groups. Even the Rum Tum Tugger with his fan club had a comfortable place. All Misto had was himself and his magic. Victoria was happy now with Plato, her mate. He sighed, wandering towards the outer parts of the junk yard. He sighed, changing into his regular cat form, leaping to the top of the fence to walk around and put some distance between him and the junk yard for a bit. He loved every Jellicle cat in existence, but he couldn't help but be a bit jealous that it was so easy for them to find their niche. Most just revered him and respected him and his one "friend" was always busy with his fan club, playing with whatever Queen he pleased.
As much as he enjoyed being able to get along with the others and everyone and being able to be as important as he was, a lot of the females actually thought he was of a different persuasion and only interested in toms. It made it hard to be happy go lucky when you were always alone. He harrumphed as he padded down the street, staying close to the edge, knowing how bustling this place was. He pawed his way quickly and dodging people before finding a park. As he found a spot to settle in a couple with a rather large golden retriever dissuaded him from settling in that park. He scrambled to get away from the park and was back on the busy sidewalks, dodging for his life. Not too long after he could smell the most wonderful scents he'd ever smelt! Such sweet scents! And then something familiar! He swayed as he pranced towards the source of this wonderful intoxication.
He soon found himself in front of a candle and incense shop. He waited for someone to walk out before slipping into the store. He saw a few people in there but it wasn't a very "busy" place. It was a very nice atmosphere indeed. He saw a girl with some sort of smock on bustling around. Her name tag called her Faun. She was a bit on the short side and was very pixie like. She was reaching for a candle before she saw Mistoffelees out of the corner of her eye and smiled.
"Hello there handsome! How'd you get in here~?" she said in such a warm tone as she scooped up Misto into her arms that he couldn't push away. She walked towards the counter with a small bounce in her step. Amazing! She was obviously a woman but she had the energy of a kit!
"Faun... why is there a cat in your arms? Did you steal him from outside? He could be the neighbor's cat!" Mistoffelees' attention was quickly wrenched away from this petite woman to see what had pulled him to the store. Tiikeri! Oh no!
"Oh please? He walked into our store. And he doesn't have a collar." Faun pouted.
"Fine... but if he wants to leave we let him. Now put him down. He looks terrified. You've probably scared him." Tiikeri sighed.
That's right. She wouldn't know. She didn't know the truth. It would be ok. He felt his paws touch the cold counter and Faun released him, but now without Tiikeri reprimanding her in a light tone for putting him on the counter, and ruffling the girl's hair with a smirk. The two exchanged light banter for a while before Faun went off to help with some elderly man who couldn't read a label, and was looking for something for his wife. Mistoffelees watched Faun prance off before looking back up to Tiikeri curiously. She smiled at him and scratched behind his ear, leaning on one elbow on the counter. He couldn't help but purr and nuzzle against her soft hand. Her nails looked sharp but they weren't painful at all. Her smile brightened, showing her teeth a bit as she looked down at him.
"Curious little thing aren't you? Well, at least she didn't have time to name you or else I'd feel bad for you. Hmm, you remind me of a cat I've seen before." Mistoffelees stopped nuzzling against her head and froze, looking up at her, his blue eyes scared. But how? Tiikeri mistook his paused nuzzling for him just acknowledging what she was saying and a bit worried by the naming bit. She smiled more, and actually GIGGLED. He was astounded. This frustrated seemingly angry girl from last night was not only smiling at him but was giggling too? Then again she didn't know it was him actually. But he felt relieved to see she was indeed a good natured person like he'd thought. Maybe it had just been a bad night for her. Ok, it had definitely been a bad night for her. But seeing her act so light-hearted and smiling. It was like she was a completely different person. His thought process was interrupted by her having decided on a name.
"Mr. Mistoffelees shall be your name. I'm sure he'd look like you if he were a regular cat. Oh I wish I could take you home. But Mr. Jiggles might get jealous if I bring another cat home. I'm sorry." Tiikeri whispered, actually talking to him as if he were a person! But it wasn't in a crazy cat lady way. Not at all. It was as if she understood that cats were smart too. He mewed up at her and nuzzled against her hand affectionately. It wasn't long though before more customers came in so she'd used her jacket as a make shift bed, hidden behind the counter for him to lay on. Mistoffelees felt sleep pulling at him again and shut his eyes to take a cat nap. Maybe now he could get some sleep.
"Where the hell did that damn tom go?" Tugger hissed under his breath. He had followed Mistoffelees out of the junk yard but had lost him at the park, having been chased by that damned Labrador. Stupid mutt. He had lost him at the woodsy area of the park. Tugger stalked with anger fueling his energy to keep going. Ever since Misto was born into the Jellicle tribe the maine coon cat had been assigned to keep a watchful eye over him. It was like an officer and his charge but worse. And if something happened to the tux cat it would be on Tug's head. He groaned as he was about to give up on his search for Mistoffelees for now. All that cat seemed to do as of late was cause more trouble for Tugger. He was enjoying this friendship with the other, shaky it may be, but it had made his job easier.
And this new girl wasn't helping either. Mistoffelees was a bit careless at times when it came to his curiosity getting peek by something he couldn't understand or figure out. If he'd gone to find that girl... Everlasting Cat, if Munkustrap found out he would have Tugger's tail on the wall of his den! He could understand why Mistoffelees was interested. She was open about things and let you know practically her life's story up front. And it was what she believed. But Tugger had smelled her scent that night. Once kits became Queens they developed a sort of scent on them. It was to attract toms and that's how mates were found. And Tiikeri had smelled absolutely intoxicating. It had burned his nostrils to be near her. But she was human. So to have a scent like a Queen would be impossible. It must've been some sort of perfume. And she was obviously a cat person so any Jellicle cats who go loose could've rubbed up against her. And there were freaks born. A little weird hair coloration was nothing. Not to mention with enough good genes anyone could be a natural like she was. There was a logical explanation to counter all of Mistoffelees "mystic" theories of the mere human girl.
Her eyes did nab at him though. Like Misto, he saw Macavity in those eyes. A wild and dangerous soul hidden and wrapped up though in a pretty and tame bow. Anyone could hide their true personality. He knew that full well. Macavity had been perfectly fine until he snapped over such a small incident. So the Queen Macavity fancied hit on Tugger and he took it, sleeping with her. It was Macavity's fault for not speaking up when he had the chance. That and you don't go killing a young Queen just because she chose someone else... Tugger's nose twitched at the dark memory. His eyes darkening quickly. Pathetic. That's what his eldest brother was...
"I swear it was an accident." cried a voice from the alley, pulling Tugger from his thoughts.
"I know, I know. But that's lost merchandise." a second voice sighed. "I'll pay for it. You just go to the break room and take care of that cut. I'll be inside in a minute." The second voice was familiar but who and then it hit him. That intoxicating perfume again! Before he finished a thought a yowl that sounded like a yawn was heard.
"I'm sorry, did that wake you? Faun was trying to show she didn't need a step ladder. Luckily she only broke one candle and incense bottle so it won't be too much out of my pay check... Guess I'll wait til next paycheck to get those boots I've been eying to show my sister up." The sound of shards of glass shattering echoed as what must've been the broken items sliding into the trash can. The voice yelped and pulled her hand back to her self, sucking her finger, the pan that had held the broken glass, dropping to the ground. Without thinking Tugger quickly rushed down the alley and was at Tiikeri's side as she clutched her hand, sucking on her finger.
"Another one? Is today all stray cats come to Tiikeri day or what?" she sighed, shaking her head with a small laugh. "It's ok, I just had my hand too low on the pan when I was putting the glass in the garbage bin. Don't worry you two. Let's go in so I can clean up the rest of the mess." she said, walking into the building again. Tugger followed but not without looking to the other cat, knowing it was Mistoffelees and giving him a look that screamed he was in trouble. The two cats didn't stop as they just followed the blonde in before she shut the door and head for the front of the store and behind the counter into a room with a fridge and a table in the middle of the room, a counter top, a sink and a little microwave and mismatched chairs surrounding the painted table. The first voice Tugger now identified as a petite black haired girl was taking care of a gash alongside her arm at the table with a first aid kit laid out in front of her.
"Hey! Another kitty cat! And he looks like The Rum Tum Tugger~! Is today just our day with furry friends or what~? Oh... looks like you cut yourself too. Ahehe... Sorry." she laughed, her laughter a nervous and bubbly as she scratched the back of her head.
"It's cool. Really. Just don't worry about it and take care of yourself. And yeah. I noticed that too. Who knows? Maybe we're near their junk yard." Tiikeri joked as she dabbed at the cut with an alcohol wipe and hissing a bit from the sting.
"That my good sir would be kickass! Sadly there is no such thing as Jellicle Cats." Faun sighed as she bandaged up the gash on her arm.
I beg to differ! Wait. Oh yeah. They don't know. If only they knew, it'd probably blow their minds. Tugger thought to himself a bit smugly. Mistoffelees nudged him with a grouchy 'meow,' having heard his thoughts. The maine coon cat simply stuck his tongue out like a small adolescent before turning his attention to the babbling girls as they joked and laughed. It was obvious it was only the two of them in the store but the business wasn't exactly booming either. He noticed as well the difference between this Tiikeri and the frustrated one he'd met last night. He had to say while she was damn cute and really sexy at the same time when she was pissed she looked a lot more innocent and had that virginal charm to her when she seemed to be in a comfortable atmosphere.
After a while the two did indeed have to get back to work. The two cats had taken to just stalking around the store while the two girls worked. It didn't take long to figure out the girls were the same age, but it was much more obvious that Tiikeri had taken on a mothering or older sister figure in the relationship with Faun. While the two were best friends there was a certain way they interacted or how the blonde watched over the black haired one. Faun had obviously had lived a very free life while Tiikeri was a bit more strict with some more forms of rule and structure which had flowed into her personality and how she acted towards Faun. The order to this chaotic girl's world.
"Tugger?" Mistoffelees whispered to his friend while the two girls were trying to work together to help these two customers who were on opposite ends of the store.
"Hm?" He looked up from the make-shift bed having wanted a cat nap. One eye open and looking to the other tom.
"Sorry... and... just thought I should let you know... you were wrong about Tiikeri. Told you she was what she seemed to be." Misto commented with a slightly triumphant air in his voice.
"Mm... to a degree. But, I still say she's hiding something. Although, I don't think even she knows it. Like, maybe she was adopted after she was born because her mother didn't have it in her to have another kid." Tugger commented.
"Huh. I can see that... Oh! She's coming! Shh." the black tom hissed before Tiikeri walked over and picked him up off the stool.
"What're you doing in my seat behind the counter? You trying to do a magic trick with our funky cash register?" she laughed.
"Oh! Ask him if he can replace the old damned thing! I don't know why my parents insist keeping this store the way it was when they first bought it. They bought that antique piece of shit for some reason not even I know! The hippies." Tugger and Mistoffelees were astounded at the mouth on the little ball of energy. She could make a sailor blush!
"Haha, yeah. They are. But they're nice hippies who are at least straight-edge now."
"Whatever you say. I still say there was weed in those brownies they gave us for Christmas. Couldn't you taste how funny they were? And I was so lazy after I ate 'em too!"
"Maybe that's because there was peppermint in them? And remember that you took a 5-hour energy drink to finish up that report too! I was waiting for it to wear off and calm your energy-high ass down."
"Spoil sport."
"Whore."
"Tranny."
"Cinnamonbuns."
"What?"
"I win." Tiikeri grinned with a laugh.
"Damn it! That isn't fair! You can't just-"
"Any sort of name-calling or insult that's one word. I win." Faun huffed in defeat, going back to her restocking.
The rest of the work day consisted of much attention to Mistoffelees and Tugger from both girls while they worked. They were both very sociable people and acted like those sweet girl scouts who help old ladies across the street rather than two crazy psychotic wiccas. Which two had come in asking for the strangest things like a candle made of goblin's ear wax and incense mixed with dragon's blood. To the surprise of the two tom cats the girls were on their toes and quite the little business ladies, coming up with illogical stories that sounded as if they were hard found facts. It was quite impressive indeed. Even to The Rum Tum Tugger. It was the magic of business talk. Once the work day was over and done with Tiikeri and Faun locked up at the door in the alleyway and then turned to the cats.
"Well my little toms. We'll be seeing you. Don't get in too much trouble." Tiikeri waved, walking with Faun who had a taxi waiting for them to go back their apartment. The two cats looked at each other before scampering as fast as they could to the junk yard. Mistoffelees and Tugger made themselves as scarce as possible as they hurried, hoping Munkustrap hadn't noticed a thing. It was't long before they'd reached the fence and quickly leapt over it, changing into their usual Jellicle forms and slowly slipping forward to the central area of the Junkyard where Demeter, Munkustrap, Victoria, Plato, Skimbleshanks and Bombalurina were waiting ready to rip them a new one.
"You two have a lot of explaining to do..." Munkustrap demanded.
"You had poor Victoria worried sick Misto..." Plato said, holding Victoria close to him.
"And what of you Tugger?" Bombalurina hissed.
"You two have been acting out of sorts since last night. What's going on?" Skimbleshanks asked.
"Well, you see-"
"Mistoffelees wanted me to show him how to win a Queen. And I thought it'd be simpler to start with human girls so he's been disguising us so we can sneak out and I can show him a few pointers. You're so big on us mating! I simply wanted to get him comfortable. Doing what you wanted me to Munkustrap." Tugger said, tight-lipped as he lied to protect Mistoffelees who looked to his friend in horror who just shook his head no.
"...You know the rules Tugger. And so do you Mistoffelees, I would've expected better from you. Your curfew is sun down. Your dens will be watched. You are to stay in the central area of the junkyard during the day. This routine will continue until I can trust you two again." Munkustrap spoke sternly, sounding disappointed more than anything.
Tugger looked to Mistoffelees one last time and the two exchanged a small nod and the younger tom mouthed to the other 'I'll pay you back, I swear.' before he turned and walked to his den, Skimbleshanks and Plato following him to his den in silence. Tugger knew he'd get the blunt of this, especially when he saw Bombalurina and Munkustrap would be the ones watching him tonight. Once they arrived to Tugger's den he sat and faced the two, ready to get it over with.
"You're supposed to set at least a decent example for him. You've done a lot of things I've let not bother me but this is too much. What would father say?"
"Don't bring him into this! He wouldn't be all tight ass like you are! I would protect Mistoffelees if a threat arose! You know that!" he defended.
"Tug! What if you couldn't defend him? What if something had happened? What if you two got separated or worse? We were worried sick!" Bombalurina screeched at him, causing his ears to go down, his frown deepening.
"Bombalurina. Shut up. I'm capable of more than you guys give me credit for." he growled. The Queen growled and slapped him, claws extended, leaving scratches on her cheek.
"Damn it Tug! I care about you! If you died I don't know what I'd do! You're important to me! How could you be so cruel?" she screeched before leaving. The tom didn't move to go after her.
"...Tugger... what's going on with you? I know there's something going on. You would never be so insensitive to Bombalurina if something weren't up." Munkustrap came and sat by his brother, showing that he wasn't just being the leader right now, he was trying to be the caring older brother Tugger hardly ever let him be.
"...She's the one getting all sensitive. She's just still mad I didn't pick her at the Jellicle Ball. But I'm never going to pick a mate. Women are over-dramatic and a pain..." Tugger lied. He knew he was lying. But he wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone and Bombalurina's little episode wasn't what he needed.
"Rum Tum Tugger... One day you'll find you want a Queen by your side for the rest of your life. Not now, but maybe later on..." His brother sighed, putting a paw on his shoulder before standing and leaving the den, just standing at the entrance.
Tugger put a paw to his cheek, seeing his blood right now all he could do was sigh and feel numb right now. The rock star tom cat had never welcomed the dark abyss of sleep with such welcoming open arms.
AN: Done. Thought our two toms deserved a chapter to show you some real tension. Even the junkyard is like high school. Scary. More to come after sleep and maybe some reviews. Love you guys. Me outie!
