PART TWO: FITTING IN
Chapter Three: The Funny Thing About Love

"I'm hooooome!"

Mistoffelees opened the door and set Alonzo down on the ground. The cat sniffed the air, then padded into the dingy apartment. He looked about, then jumped onto the couch and made himself comfortable.

"Hi, home. You sound happy," Demeter called from the one bedroom. Mistoffelees grabbed Megan's hand, she didn't protest or try to take it away, and walked forward.

"Yep. Come out here. There a couple of... people you have to meet." Megan glanced at him.

"A couple?"

"Alonzo, too." Megan arched an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

Her eyes widened a bit when Demeter entered the room. There was no way someone so young could have a teenage son. Unless she was his stepmother. But, then again, he hadn't mentioned having one, so Megan was at a loss. Demeter smiled pleasantly at her.

"Hi. My name's Demi. I'm Michael's mother."

*Michael? Nice name.* Demeter tensed.

"Who said that?" she asked, looking around. Megan frowned.

"I didn't hear anything," she replied. Mistoffelees patted Demeter's arm.

"S'OK, Mom." Demeter looked at him doubtfully. "Look who I found. Alonzo."

Demeter's mouth dropped open. She gazed at him in disbelief then spun around. Upon setting eyes on the young tom, she gasped and hurried to the couch. Alonzo hopped up and smiled at her.

*Hey, Demi! How ya been?* Demeter grabbed him and wrapped him in a tight hug.

"Alonzo! We missed you so much," she whispered.

"He ran away," Mistoffelees lied to Megan. She nodded.

*Demi? You're crushing me.* Demeter quickly loosened her grip. Alonzo sighed in relief. *Thanks.*

Mistoffelees tapped Megan's arm. She looked at him with her huge, enchanting eyes.

"Let's go study," he suggested. Megan nodded eagerly, grateful to get away from the crazy lady and her cat.

Megan stared out the window. She had given Mistoffelees, who she only knew as Michael, some problems out of her chemistry book to work on. She had noticed the odd way he clutched at his pen. Almost as though he'd never held a pen before.

"Done," he said triumphantly. Megan turned and gazed down at the paper.

"What is this?" she asked, staring at the scribbles on the paper. He frowned.

"That's how I write."

"I can't read it." Mistoffelees snatched the paper out of her hands.

"It's in perfect Jellish. How can you not read it?" Megan raised her eyebrows.

"Jellish?"

"Yes." He suddenly realized what he'd said. "I mean... let me read it for you."

Without letting her protest, he read off what he'd written. Megan sat in silence until he finished. Mistoffelees finally looked up, his cheeks bright with embarrassed pride.

"Is it any good?" She shrugged.

"I guess so. You messed up the math on this one, but other than that..."

"Can I put it away now?"

Megan nodded. "Yes, get rid of the evil thing."

Mistoffelees shoved the paper into the book, slamming it decisively. He turned his head to find Megan inches from his nose. His heart quickened and he felt his mouth go dry. Megan stared at him for a moment before slipping her hand into his.

"There's something there," she said softly. "Something that's not like anything I've ever seen before."

"Megan, I-"

"Don't." She put a finger to his lips. "Don't try and deny it. I can see it in your eyes."

Mistoffelees stared at her helplessly. There was so much that she knew, yet so little. How could he ever hope that she'd be able to understand everything about him? Instead of fighting her accusations, he hung his head.

Without warning, she grabbed his chin and tilted his head up. She looked into his eyes for a moment, then brought her lips to his. She seemed cautious at first, then shut her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Shocked, Mistoffelees stiffened. All he knew about love and everything he'd been raised with was suddenly nonsense to him. A human had feelings for him and, fight it though he tried, he had feelings for a human. Giving in, he slid his arm around her waist and returned her kiss.

"Misto?"

Mistoffelees jumped and pulled away. He stared at Munkustrap with wide, confused eyes. The older man stared back, his eyes disapproving and disappointed. Megan caught their looks and blushed. She jumped up and fumbled for her bag.

"I'll go now," she told Mistoffelees and ran from the room. Munkustrap stared after her.

"She's a human," he said, not looking at the boy. Mistoffelees stood.

"Munk... I... she...," he trailed off, unable to form the sentences he needed. Munkustrap's shoulders slumped.

"Stay away from her. It won't work."

Mistoffelees shook his head. "How would you know?"

Munkustrap turned to him then. "She's a human. You're a Jellicle."

"Not anymore. Look at me! I'm a human, too!" Mistoffelees nearly shouted.

"What's going on?" Demeter asked. She stood in the doorway, Alonzo at her side. Munkustrap ran his fingers through his hair.

"Him. He thinks he's in love with a human." Mistoffelees spun away.

"Misto?" Demeter asked softly.

*A human? That can't be true.* Mistoffelees rounded on them furiously. His bright blue eyes glowed with anger.

"How would you understand? You don't even know what I'm feeling! You think you do, but you don't!" He staggered back, suddenly dizzy. Demeter held out her hand.

"Misto, stop. You-"

"SHUT UP!" he roared. Alonzo jumped back and hissed.

"Stop," Munkustrap said softly. He put his hand on Demeter's arm.

Not saying another word, he led her out of the room. She glanced doubtfully at him, but allowed him to do it. Mistoffelees clenched his hands into fists and glared at Munkustrap.

"Where're you going?" Munkustrap paused, his hand on the doorknob.

"No where. Neither are you."

Before he could react, Munkustrap shut the door. Mistoffelees could hear him turn the lock and he took a step forward.

"Munk? Don't do this," he pleaded.

"Sorry, Misto. You just can't see the human," was the reply.

Mistoffelees let out a choked cry and flung himself at the door. He pounded on it until his hand were raw and sore. Exhausted, he slumped against it and slid to the ground. He rested his head on his knees and began to weep, thinking desperately of Megan.