Drabbles from the London Fog

by Alosha135

My first ever drabble series - if I can remember where I stuffed my muse after the last time I wrote, anyway. I'm always happy to hear constructive criticism. R&R, but be nice! I don't know everything about SH and Co. but this is my tribute to them. T because I'm extremely paranoid and for some language/violence that might show up.

36. Kitten Problems

"I don't understand this fascination with cats. Everyone appears to think they're adorable. Take Alosha - she can't look at a badly captioned picture of one without going into raptures. The whole world is apparently obsessed with the traits, real and imagined, of these rather unremarkable creatures. They're loud, they always want to be petted, you have to feed them and give them toys or else they'll tear up your socks. They aren't loyal like dogs, and they can't track criminals. I don't see the appeal. Who ever said cats were so wonderful, anyway?" grumbled Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective and thwarted newspaper-reader. Gladstone twitched his tail from his perch atop the agony columns and purred.

Watson looked up and chortled. "Cat got your paper, old boy?"

Holmes glared. "Thank you, I can get my paper back anytime I want it." As if to prove this, he reached for Gladstone. The marmalade kitten batted at his hand enthusiastically and he jerked it back, nursing several scratches and his pride. Gladstone purred louder and began to wash his whiskers. The detective scowled darkly and was just muttering what he would do to certain fluffy newspaper-thieves when Mrs. Hudson bustled into the room.

"Mr Holmes! I'm ashamed at you! Can't you see the poor dear is just a baby? You didn't mean to take Mr. Holmes's paper, did you, darling?" she cooed, scratching Gladstone between his ears. The kitten looked, if possible, more smug than ever before.

"That creature is malicious, Watson!" he said when the landlady had gone. "He's doing it on purpose. I wouldn't put it past him to move as soon as I leave, just to spite me!"

"Holmes, you're taking this entirely too far. Gladstone is just a kitten. He's hardly capable of plotting to ruin your day."

Holmes snorted, finished his tea, and marched out. Watson looked at Gladstone. Gladstone meowed, got up, and wandered off to find a more comfortable bed.

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Cats, man. Gladstone was just too cute NOT to make a recurring character, and that's really my only excuse. Reviews are much appreciated ^_^