PART TWO: FITTING IN

Chapter Two: A Jellicle Cat

"That stings!" Mistoffelees jerked away from the young, blonde-haired nurse. She lowered the cotton ball and gave him an exasperated look.

"Hold still! I still have to clean that out and you're not making it very easy for me!" Mistoffelees gave her a doubtful look then relaxed his body.

"Fine," he grumbled. He gritted his teeth as she rubbed the alcohol over the cut again. He could see Megan trying to cover a smile with her hand.

He waited until the nurse had finished and slapped a bandage on his forehead. Then he turned to Megan. She met his eyes and burst into giggles. He frowned.

"You think this is funny?" he demanded. She nodded.

"You're such a wimp." Mistoffelees crossed his arms.

"Well, it hurt. Sorry if I don't enjoy pain."

"Wimp."

Having a feeling he wasn't going to win this argument, Mistoffelees slid off the chair and stood. Megan grinned widely at him.

"Ready to go?" He nodded."Yeah, I guess so."

The nurse waved them out as they passed her desk. Megan waited until they were out of her sight and alone in the hall. Then she slung an arm around his waist, much to his surprise and delight. He glanced down at her, a first for him.

"I don't know, Mike. There's something a little strange about you." He swallowed uncomfortably.

"Is that good or bad?" She stopped walking.

"I haven't decided yet."

Before he could reply, that horribly loud bell rang again. Megan smiled coyly at him, then spun and hurried away. Mistoffelees stared after her in happy confusion.

The rest of the day passed fairly uneventfully. He ate lunch alone, feeling uncomfortably aware of the eyes on him. After the last class he narrowly missed getting hit in the head by a swinging locker door.

Mistoffelees walked home alone. He certainly felt lonely without someone constantly babbling beside him. Even Etcetera's constant chatter would be welcome company right now. True, he loved her like a sister, but didn't she ever shut up?

Deep in his thoughts, which had slid to Megan, he barely noticed the black and white cat. Mistoffelees had to sidestep quickly to avoid stepping on it. The cat glared at him and hissed.

Stupid human! Watch where you're going! he heard in his mind. Mistoffelees gasped and stumbled back.

"Alonzo?" he gasped. The cat's eyes widened and it took a step back.

Everlasting Cat! Mistoffelees, is that you? the cat asked. Mistoffelees sank to his knees and stared in disbelief at the cat.

"Alonzo!" he whispered. "'course it's me."

The cat looked at him for a moment, then took a hesitant step forward. Suddenly, Alonzo dove into the boy's lap and nuzzled his head against his chest. Mistoffelees hugged him tightly.

Jeez, Misto! Everyone thinks you're dead! He paused. Where're Demeter and Munkustrap? Are they... Mistoffelees shook his head and set the cat down.

"No, they're fine. They're at our human place right now. I was just going there." Alonzo nodded and stepped closer.

Good. Take me, too.

Mistoffelees got to his feet, dusting off his jeans. He bent over and scooped the cat up. Alonzo tensed, gave him a cautious glance then relaxed.

If you tell anyone that I let you carry me, I'll-

"Don't worry. I won't. Don't wanna injure your tomhood." Alonzo snorted.

No, not you, he said sarcastically. Mistoffelees frowned.

"I think I resent the fact that you don't trust me," he said playfully. Alonzo rolled his eyes and batted at his shirt.

C'mon. Less talking, more walking.

"Fine, fine. Jeez, when did you get to be so bossy?" Alonzo looked up.

Since everyone thought you, Munkustrap, and Demeter were killed by Macavity's magician. Mistoffelees swallowed.

"Merle," he said.

"What about Merle?" another voice, this one not in his head, asked. Mistoffelees whirled around, Alonzo in his arms.

"Megan! What're you...?" She shrugged.

"Going home. I saw you and decided to catch up." She grinned at Alonzo. "You have a cat? What's her name?" Mistoffelees laughed.

Shut up, Misto.

"He. His name is Alonzo." He paused and grinned evilly at Alonzo. "Wanna hold him?"

Alonzo dug his claws into Mistoffelees arm. I'm gonna kill you.

"Sure." Megan paused. "Does he scratch?" Mistoffelees shook his head and handed Alonzo to her.

"No. If he knows what's best for him, he won't."

Just wait until you're a cat again and smaller than me. I'm going to kick your furry butt! Mistoffelees snorted.

"I'll just zap you," he replied. Megan's head jerked up.

"Excuse me?" Alonzo laughed.

Now who looks like an idiot?

"Nothing," Mistoffelees muttered. Megan gave him a funny look and continued to pet Alonzo. Suddenly, the cat burst into loud, happy purrs. Mistoffelees grinned.

"I knew you liked being petted," he said. Megan smiled back.

"He's just a big purr machine," she cooed.

"That he is. Not much of a tom, is he?"

Aw, put a cork in it, Mistoffelees. I know that you'd rather be where I am right now. You've got the hots for a human. Mistoffelees flushed.

"Doesn't help him with the ladies too much," he shot back. Alonzo purred contentedly.

That's not what Cassie says, he replied smugly.

Sick of debating with someone only he could hear, Mistoffelees took the cat back. He nodded at Megan.

"Well, I'd better get home." He hesitated. "Do you wanna come with me? Maybe you can explain some of that chemistry stuff to me." Alonzo shifted in his arms.

What're you doing, Misto? Mistoffelees ignored him.

"Well, OK. Just for a little while, though. I have soccer practice at 6:30," she agreed. Mistoffelees smiled.

"Great! Let's go!" He felt Alonzo knead his claws into his shirt.

I hope you know what you're doing.

Author's Note: I'd just like to say a few thank you's to the fans who have reviewed and to those who have been reading. Like I said, this is my oldest piece of fan fiction and, therefore, not my best, but it warms my heart to know that people actually like and feel it worthwhile enough to read. Thank you soooooo much.

Love, The Lady Elizabeth