Two months following Misto's arrival and official acceptance by Old Deuteronomy into the tribe, Tugger was fixing his fur when he saw in the mirror that behind him, Misto was conjuring little bits of fluff from the ground, making them float in the air, and then incinerating them idly. Tugger turned around and said, in a voice somewhat alarmed, "How are you doing that?"
Misto replied, "It's about the most impressive thing I can do with the dribbles of magic that were passed down to me by my father. If I try anything bigger than this, except maybe making my fur sparkle, I get tired and sick to my stomach, at which time I've got to lie down. My father always told me that my powers would increase ten-fold on the day I become a Tom, but I don't know if I fully believe him."
"Well, it's astounding to say the least. The most impressive thing I can do is this," at which time Tugger started to rhythmically sway his hips in the way that made all the queens melt with desire.
"It's impressing me", Misto stammered, embarrassed at his entranced state. He'd been harbouring a bit of a crush on Tugger for the past few weeks, but was uncertain as to whether Tugger felt the same way, or if the crush was even appropriate. He decided to not breathe a word of his crush to Tugger, intent on letting the Maine Coon make the first move.
Tugger went back to fixing his fur in a most fastidious fashion, as he did every day, so as to look his absolute best. Without turning around, he said, "You know, Misto, I've been noticing your awkwardness at every one of my mildly suggestive comments or dance moves, and I want to make something clear to you. Old Deuteronomy has a rule that prevents kittens from mating with toms, but he has been known to make exceptions if a kitten who's less than a year away from being a tom finds a potential mate and falls in love. And I'm not opposed to any level you want to take our friendship/relationship to. If you want to take this to the next level, I'd be ecstatic, but if you want things to stay as they are, that's fine too. Just don't feel worried that I won't reciprocate or that any advances would be wrong, okay?"
Misto's skin went a deep red, showing through the white fur on his face ever so slightly, and he said, "Tugger, I never knew you felt that way about me. I... I'm at a loss for words. I'd love to take this to the next level; let's see Old Deuteronomy as soon as he's in." He smiled and Tugger smiled back. Tugger replied, "He's in right now – I saw him arrive this evening for a visit. Instead of procrastinating, why don't we go now?" Misto smiled and nodded his head once.
Holding hands, Tugger and Misto arrived at the tire that the Jellicle leader resided upon during visits. As they approached, Old Deuteronomy said, "Well hello, Tugger, Misto. Please, sit down; I have a box of cat treats we can share that Victoria most kindly gave me."
Sitting down, Tugger said, "Father, Misto and I are in love. We've lived with each other for two months, and that's really shown me how he makes me a better cat; we compliment each other's qualities. I'm spontaneous and he's carefully planning. I'm sexy and he's elegant. I'm outgoing and he's soft-spoken. My fur's long and his is short. I'm an excellent singer, and he's an excellent dancer. We're practically made for each other, but as you know, there's a rule that prevents me from actually mating with Misto because he's still ten months away from being a Tom. We were wondering if..." Old Deuteronomy cut in, "Of course. Any cat with half of his senses still working can see that you two would make the perfect couple –l and I'm just glad that this will put a stop to your disturbingly promiscuous ways. Everlasting Cat, you're holding hands and not even consciously thinking about it because of how in tune you are with each other. You may disregard the rule in this circumstance."
Tugger hugged the old cat and said, "Thank you, father. You're the best." Old Deuteronomy smiled bemusedly as the new couple walked back to their den, thinking. And who would have thought that my youngest son, who flirts with queens like there's no tomorrow, would be capable of a real relationship. Stranger yet, with a Tom. Ah, well – the world works in mysterious ways, I suppose.