HOLLA! So yeah, it's been nearly 3 years since I last updated any of my big stories and I am very sorry. If you take a look at my profile I've updated it with some new info, plus a link to my tumblr where I'm super active and have posted some snippits of the next chapter of Rise of a Hero. Send me messages, hit up my blog or yell at me if you'd like. This is just a bit of writing to get back into the characters (although this is total crack) and also some stress relief.
Jay got the distinct feeling that someone was watching him. It was strange, because the house was quiet as everyone in it was taking a nap after training with Ares, or they were out of the house. He had been going over some battle strategies at his desk when he noticed the feeling. No one should have been able to get into the house. Discreetly Jay turned a page in his book and wrapped his fingers around the hilt of his sword.
He whirled around, ready to attack, only to find Archie's big blue eyes staring up at him.
"Uh," Jay said, a little unsure of how to assess the situation, "what's up?"
"Meow," Archie said, then robbed his face on Jay's knee.
Jay leaned back in his chair with a loud sigh. He'd shout for Theresa but there were people sleeping. Archie tried to crawl into his lap and while Jay did his best to stop him, they both ended up on the floor in a loud crash.
"Lets go get your collar," Jay said, remembering Neil's requirements for Catchie.
"Purr," Archie said from his spot in the sunlight.
"Cats don't actually say purr, Archie, they do purr," Jay snapped. Immediately after he felt stupid and was thankful Archie wouldn't remember any of this.
Neil's ferns were still safe from Archie's clutches, and Jay took it upon himself to move them on top of the fridge to keep them out of reach. They were apparently for de-stressing (as stress ages everyone) by talking to them, not to mention oxidizers which was good because, hey, breathing.
Next Jay dug out the collar Neil had bought, and because why the hell not, he found the headband with the cat ears. Getting them on wasn't much of a problem since Archie was attracted by the bell sound, pupils blown wide and movements silent as he crept up on the bell.
It was only afterwards that Jay realized the problem.
"Don't make a mess," he said, and turned to leave.
Archie moved to follow him because Jay heard the bell jingle, and then it stopped suddenly.
Jay turned back to see what was the matter, and found Archie frozen mid-step and glancing around like there was something dangerous in the vicinity.
"What are you doing?" Jay asked.
Archie put his hand down and moved to follow Jay, and the bell jingled, and Archie froze. He looked absolutely terrified because he didn't know where the sound was coming from.
"Zeus' lightning, Archie, is there anything you aren't scared of?" Jay asked.
"Meow," Archie squeaked in a very scared voice.
Jay debated just taking the collar off, but then thought of all the times Archie had ripped down the curtains or eaten plants or knocked all the papers off his desk when he wanted to nap.
"Don't cause any trouble," Jay said, grinning at his deviancy. This was perfect. If Archie was too afraid to move, then Archie couldn't cause any trouble.
It was just then that Herry and Odie happened to walk into the kitchen. They both stopped and stared at Archie with equal amounts of laughter and what the hell on their faces.
"Dude…" Herry said, "I think you broke Archie."