Chapter 7: Maybe… Just maybe…
"Thanks again for coming." Sally pulled Will into a hug as they said their goodbyes.
"Anytime, and thanks for telling me all those stories. I especially loved one where you fell out of the boat, and the one with your first fireworks."
"Well, I'm just glad Jack didn't try to make his own for the New Year's party. I don't even want to think about the kind he and Dr. Finklestein would come up with."
"And that's why intelligence runs a little stronger on the female side."
"You're headed home then?"
"No. I need to stop by the Doc's place first. He's working on a special project for me."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"You'll see." She gave Sally a wink. "Okay, see you tomorrow!"
They waved goodbye before Will turned to begin her long walk down the steps. She went slow, trying not to count each one or loose her concentration to not fall. No matter how many times she walked these stairs, Will still hated how steep they were. She remembered nearly breaking her neck the first time she tried walking these treacherous things. Luckily, Zero alerted Jack to her falling just in time. Sometimes having freakishly long limbs was a good thing.
Once she reached the bottom, Will began making her way to the Doctor's lab. She could not wait to see how her little surprise was coming along. As she walked, Will thought over some of the plans she and Sally discussed. It seemed everything would work out. Then again, if she kept thinking like that, something disastrous was bound to happen.
SCREECH!
"What the hell?" Will looked around but she could not find the source of the sound. She listened for it again. When she heard it, Will raced off toward the direction. Her feet lead her to the Witch Shop. Puzzled, she looked around until the sound of crashing metal caught her attention. It gave her enough time to dodge a rolling trashcan headed for her.
Take that back!
You dare challenge me, boy!
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Will walked in the direction the trashcan had flown. She only had to take a few steps before she came upon the scene. A sleek black cat was clawing at the air in an attempt to capture a large bat as it dove for the cat's head. Both creatures were biting and clawing at one another. There were small splatters of blood on the cobblestone. The bat screeched, aiming for the back, when the cat's tail swatted it. The bat hit the wall and slumped to the ground. It tried to get to its feet, but the cat was faster, pinning the bat to the ground.
Well, well. Any last words, whelp? the cat taunted, raising its claws.
I've beaten bigger than you, flea-bag!
Haha. I normally don't partake in flight food, but for you I'll make an exception.
I'll tear you open before you get the chance.
Then I guess I'll start by biting off your head. Might teach you to silence that large mouth of yours.
"Okay, that's it!" Will marched over and grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck. It howled at her, but Will gave it a quick shake.
Unhand me, girl… Wait! The cat sniffed the air, purring in pleasure. Berries. Silk. Orchid… I know that delectable scent. Is that you, my dear kitten?
"Cut the sweet-talk, Hex, I'm not in the mood."
Ah, that is you my sweet little trick. I must say, I prefer your sleek blonde fur. Surely my mistress could…
"Don't even go there!" Will tossed him. He landed gracefully. "Now scat before I convince Helgamine to chop chop." She held up her hand and moved her fingers like a pair of scissors.
Hexxus winced but then gave Will a smoldering look. Fiery! Next time, little one. And boy, I see your face again, I won't hesitate to make a meal out of you. He purred before scampering off.
Will rolled her eyes. She really did need to talk the the witches about getting their cats fixed. The testosterone in Hexxus was getting unbearable. And speaking of male testosterone… Will thought. She turned around to find the bat trying to sneak away.
"Not so fast, Mister!" Will said. She grabbed the winged creature by the neck.
OWW! Let me go! The bat twisted to free himself. I'm not a mouse. Put me down!
"Puck, mind telling me why you're picking a fight with one of the witches' cats?"
The bat stopped struggling as he turned to look up at her. You knew it was me?
"I've seen you like this many times. Not hard to forget."
Will maneuvered Puck so he sat more comfortably. Then she saw the red on her palms. "Puck, your bleeding."
Just a couple scratches, no big deal. He began licking his wounds when Will bopped Puck's head with her finger. Hey!
"Don't do that," she scolded. "You need to clean those properly or they'll get infected."
Will, have you forgotten I lived as a bat for almost two years? Not to mention I'm a demon-vampire half breed, Puck teased, flashing her a smile. I do know how to care for myself when I'm injured.
"Duh, I'm not an idiot, but you still need to have those looked at," Will said. "It's a good thing I was already on my way to see Finklestein. I'm sure he has some bandages."
I'll be fine, Will. I have had practice caring for things like this…
"Tuff! You're banged up and need more than bat spit. Plus, this place looks like a mini murder scene. You're going."
Will quickly grabbed him before he could escape. Puck struggled in her grasp. Will, put me down already.
Will just laughed. "Not so fun being carried when you know you can walk," she said, moving to hold the bat in one hand. "Consider this payback."
Using her free hand Will removed the bandana from her head and wrapped it around Puck. He struggled but his wounds hurt too much, so he surrendered to being wrapped into a bat burrito. Once he was still, Will tucked him under her arm and started walking toward Finklestein's lab. A few times Will thought he would transform, though Puck must either have been unable to, or he had decided against was probably for the best. If Puck did transform, he would knock them both to the ground with him on top of her.
When will finally reached the lab, Will ran up the path and knocked on the door. In a few moments, the tall figure of Dr. Finklestein's assistant stood in the entryway.
"Willa, what a nice surprise."
"Hey Jewel," Will said. "Is the Doctor in a good mood?"
"He is in the lab but I'm sure he'd be willing to see you. He's been working nonstop on that little project of yours."
"That's good to hear. Oh! Before I forget, do you have a first aide kit?" Will asked, holding up Puck. "This little guy got into it with Hexxus and lost. Badly."
"Oh dear. Poor little thing." Jewel picked up Puck and stroked the top of his head with her finger. "Hexxus has been getting a little aggressive as of late. I'll speak with Helgamine about that," Jewel said. "In the meantime, this little one needs some attention. Come along."
Will followed after her. Though she had been back a few times, Will could not help but cautiously scan the ramp as Jewel led her to the laboratory. She knew no giant flaming metal balls would roll down, but it did not stop her from checking. Soon they reached the top where Jewel and Will found the examination room. It used to be Sally's room, but the Doctor had remodeled it after it had been used to treat Will's injuries. There was an examination table and a cabinet filled with medical supplies.
Jewel set Puck in the table before heading to the cabinet. Will walked up next to him.
"How you feeling?" Will whispered.
Like Zack replaced the scrubbing brush in my shower with steel wool, Puck answered. He squirmed himself free from the bandana. So, you gonna stay and make sure I get medical treatment?
"Only if you're a baby about it. And why are you still a bat? You can change back, you know."
I know. Just more fun.
Will rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't expect another blood donation from me."
"Will, who are you talking to?" Jewel asked. She was carrying a tray with medical bandages, cotton balls, tape, and a large bottle of iodine.
"Just ensuring this little guys here has nothing to worry about," Will replied, stepping out if the way. "So, should I go see Finklestein or–"
"Actually, he's busy at the moment," Jewel said. "Why don't you stay here and tend to your little bat friend. I'll go and speak with the Doctor once his business is taken care of."
"Okay…" Will watched as Jewel left the room before turning back to the table. Puck was smiling up at her.
"No funny business, got that?"
I would never.
"Good. Now, let's start by you turning back into you."
Why?
Will turned toward the medical supplies Jewel had brought. "Because it'll be easier for me to see the wounds without your fur concealing them. Plus, I can't work with the bandages when your that cute and tiny."
"I'm actually rather large for an average bat," Puck replied, "but I'm glad you think my bat form is cute."
Will turned around to retort and nearly dropped the gauze in her hand. Puck had transformed back and was sitting on the bed, but she had not expected him to be like this. Hexxus really had done a number on him. His shirt was torn to ribbons and there were patches of blood everywhere. Long claw marks raked over his arms, face and chest, and there was a nasty bit on the right side of his neck. Even his wings, which were folded down and leaned off the table, were bruised and bloodied with small tears in the membrane.
"Holy crap, Puck, you looked like you were mauled!"
"Close, but kitty wasn't quite fast enough." Puck grinned. "It's really not as bad as it looks."
"Bull! Those are bad. Plus, Hexxus isn't exactly the cleanest cat," Will said, picking up the cotton balls and iodine. "Do you want to get Cat-Scratch Fever or something?"
"I think you're overreacting."
"Oh, shut up." She glared at him. "Let's just see what the damage is."
With Puck sitting she was almost eye level with him. His entire upper body was covered in scratches, but they were worse along his neck and face. Especially his neck. Will moved what was left of Puck's shirt collar to get a better look at the injury. Upon closer inspection, it looked like Hexxus had caused more than a superficial flesh wound. That would get infected even if she did clean it. She decided to start there.
Sometimes it pays to have a roommate who works at a veterinary clinic, Will thought. She poured the iodine onto a cotton ball and went straight for Puck's neck.
"Aaah!"
"I didn't touch you yet," Will said. She tried again, but Puck flinched. "Hold still."
Puck grunted. He kept moving further away. Each time she got close, Puck found a way to dodge her. Will was getting frustrated. Finally, she lost her temper, and pushed the cotton ball against Pucks neck, deep int the gash. He screamed.
"Damn it!" He jumped off the bed and glared back at her. "That hurt!"
"It wouldn't have if you'd hold still," Will argued.
"If you hadn't jabbed me, I wouldn't have moved."
"If you'd let me treat your injuries, I wouldn't have had to jab you!"
"Well, well… You weren't even supposed to be in that alley, so you shouldn't have intervened."
"Are you kidding me? You shouldn't have been picking a fight with Hexxus in the first place. You're went at him in a Hulk rage and nearly got yourself killed. So don't get mad at me for your dumb-ass mistake!"
Puck was quiet. He looked like he wanted to say something but he kept his mouth shut. Instead, he walked back toward the table and sat down, his head bowed to the floor. Will huffed. She did not want to fight with him. She decided to leave his neck for last. Instead, she went for his left forearm. Upon examination, it was obvious the scratches extended from wrist to just under his shoulder. The sleeve was in tatters. Seeing as there was no way to mend it, Will tore the sleeve off. Then, taking a new iodine soaked cotton ball, Will gently took ahold of Puck's arm.
"Now, try to hold still. This is going to sting." She gently dabbed the area with the cotton ball. Puck hissed from the pain, but otherwise he let her work. It was not long before she had the entire arm cleaned.
Will to see the used cotton balls into the waist basket and walked back to the medical cabinet. She remembered Dr. Finklestein kept some healing salve on the top shelf. She had to stand on tiptoe just to reach it. Taking the jar, Will returned to Puck. She dipped her hand in the jar and started covering his arm with the salve. It warmed the more Will worked it into his skin. Once done, she used the gauze and tape to bandage up the area so the entire arm was mummified.
"One down, the rest to go. Take off your shirt."
XXX
"Yes, these new parade designs look marvelous," Dr. Finklestein said, taking another look at the blueprints.
"Oh, I couldn't agree more, Doctor," Jack replied. "This year's St. Patrick celebration will be much better than last year."
"Yes, Lock, Shock and Barrel did get rather rambunctious with that blasted no green rule."
"Don't remind me." Jack could still remember how sore his joints were from the trick-or-treaters' excessive pinching. Luckily, Sally and the witches had made green accessories for everyone to wear this year.
"I could only imagine what would happen if those three got into the town's wine cellar again," Dr. Finklestein added. "We will need to take more precautions. Glenn makes a strong ale, but it would be wiser if he held off this year. Luckily, only a few were affected by that drink last time."
"I only wish no one had been." Jack sighed at the memory of how miserable many citizens were the next day. Sally had been the worst, having never had a drink before and drunk three large cups of the spiked punch. Jack had only been glad Lock, Shock, and Barrel had decided to partake in their handiwork. Their hangovers were more than enough punishment.
Returning to the present, Jack addressed the Doctor. "Thank you again for letting me go over these plans with you, Doctor."
"Not at all, Jack. It was a pleasure. Though if you'll excuse me, I must return to my work." Dr. Finklestein rolled back to another workbench. "This is just a side project, but the mechanism is proving more complicated than I anticipated."
"What are you working on?"
"A small device for Will," the Doctor replied. "She approached me with the idea and I reluctantly took it on. I'd tell you about it, my boy, but she's asked I keep it a surprise."
"I understand, Doctor. Well, I'll be off now." Jack stepped out of the laboratory. He was thankful to be heading home now. Planning for Halloween was enough, but this small celebration for St. Patrick's day was rather taxing. Now all Jack wanted was to go home and spend a relaxing evening with Sally and Zero.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that Jack did not pay attention to where he was going.
"Oof!"
"Oh! I'm terribly sorry. I didn't see you there," Jack apologized.
"Never you mind, Jack," Jewel said. "It was my own fault for standing so close to the door. I was just waiting to see if the Doctor was available."
"Well, I'm finished but he seemed preoccupied with a project for Will."
"Oh, so he is working on it. She'll be glad to hear of that."
"She? You mean Will is here?" Jack looked outside to see it was dusk. "I would've thought she'd gone home hours ago."
"Oh, she stopped by to see how her project is coming," Jewel explained. "It's quite the neat little gadget. Anyway, she's waiting in the exam room. I'll just see if the Doctor will see her."
"Very well. Have a pleasant evening then." They said their goodbyes before Jewel disappeared into the lab. Meanwhile, Jack thought he would stop by the exam room to ask Will about the wedding plans. He was curious to find out what she and Sally had been discussing all day. And perhaps he might convince her to tell him more about this "project" of hers.
Jack walked down the ramp until he reached the examination room. He noticed he door was ajar and decided knock before entering.
"Okay, nearly there. I just need to do your chest and neck, then I'll be done."
Jack paused. He knew that was Will's voice, but he was sure Jewel had said she was alone. He pressed his boney frame close to the door and peered inside. There was Will, standing in front of the examination table with her hand in a jar of salve. On the table sat a very bandaged Puck. The boy was covered in an array of dressings. Gauze wrapped along both arms and around his waist and wings, while a very large bandage was taped to his left cheek. He sat very still as Will reached out her hand to run salve over some red scratch marks on his chest. His body quivered slightly at her touch, but his face remained looking down.
"How in the world did this happen?" Jack whispered to himself. He listened closer as Will added more bandaging and moved to dress a different wound on Puck's chest.
"See? Not so bad," she asked, slowly rubbing the salve deep into the wound. She looked to his neck, the nasty bite appearing even worse. "Though you may have to keep an eye on this one. I'd have the Doc check it out in case you need any antibiotics."
Puck did not say a word.
Will finished placing the dressing on the wound before preparing to work on the last injury. Puck had been quiet the entire time. Not that she minded, but she was worried their little fight might have hurt his feelings. She had been pretty hard on him.
"Hey, sorry about jabbing you earlier," Will said. "I was just frustrated and I took it out on you."
Puck raised his head, finally meeting her eyes. "No. I'm the one who should apologize," he said. "You were trying to help and I snapped. It's my fault."
"We both lost it," Will corrected. She grabbed the last cotton ball and doused it with iodine. Knowing this was going to be the most tender, Will got on the bed next to Puck and sat on her knees to reach his neck. Puck moved his wing back to give her better access. She went slow, brushing the edge of the wound before moving deeper.
Puck hissed from the pain but he remained still. When she finished with the iodine, Will moved to grab the salve. Puck beat her to it by grabbing the table and pulling it closer. She thanked him and scooped a small clump of salve from the jar before turning back to Puck's neck. The wound was still wet from the iodine and was bleeding again. She grabbed more cotton balls and dabbed the wound, blowing on the area to help the iodine dry faster. When she thought it was dry enough, she began massaging the salve into the wound.
"You sure you don't want to be a nurse?" Puck asked, though he struggled to talk while Will worked. "You'd be really good." He glanced over at her.
"Please," Will scoffed. "I'm a wuss when it comes to pain. Sure, I can handle a sliced finger, but surgery and wounds with protruding bones—no thank you!"
"Okay, point made." Things were quiet for a moment. Puck tapped his fingers on the bedside.
"Thanks again, for…you know. Back there, with the cat."
"I just don't understand why you were fighting with Hexxus," Will said as she placed a large piece of gauze over the wound. She overlapped four pieces of medical tape to keep it in place."I mean, I get bats are called flying rats, no offense—but you could have just changed and he'd leave you alone."
"He didn't catch me like some mouse. I went after him."
"What? Why?"
Puck sighed, turning his head away again. "I came by today to visit my uncles and I decided to stretch my wings. I was just listening around, not doing much else. Then I overheard some of the cats in the alley. I remembered you talked about a cat named Hexxus and I wanted to see if that was him. I checked it out and sure enough, there he was. He was saying something to the others, and I was gonna leave them alone, until your name came up."
"Me?"
"Yeah, though he preferred calling you his kitten…" Pucks eyes sharpened and his hand curled into a fist. "He should have kept his mouth shut."
Will closed the cabinet. "Look, whatever he said, it–"
"I don't even want to repeat the vile things that sick excuse for a cat said!" Puck slammed his fist down on the table, knocking it over. Will rushed to pick it up as Puck stood. He began pacing the room, his wings folded behind him so they would not drag on the ground.
"I know tomcats have a reputation, but the things he said, and the way the others were laughing and adding to it. I just flew down and told him to shut his mouth. That's when he and I got into it. He called me things and told me to take a hike—and I'm abridging a lot, but one thing lead to another, and that's when you came on the scene."
Puck finally stopped by the window. His hands pressed against his sides. Will walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. Puck did not move.
"Look… You shouldn't care about what some cat says, or anyone else," Will said, trying to get Puck to look at her. "You can't let things like that get to you."
"You didn't hear what he said."
"Does it matter…" Will asked, getting annoyed. "He's a cat. An egotistical perv, but he's still a cat. And I'm human. Why should I care what he says?"
"But…"
"No buts. You can't let someone else's words get to you like that. You need to let it pass over you, like a river over stone. Understand?"
"So the next time I hear trash like Hexxus shooting off his mouth, calling someone I care about a nice piece of tail, like she's his personal property; I should just ignore it?" Puck turned to face her, his eyes hardening. "Sorry, but that's not going to happen."
Will's blue eyes widened. She was at a loss for words. Puck stared back at her for a moment. Then he sighed and walked back toward the bed, leaving Will to stare after him. Puck sat down, refusing to look at her.
"You better get going," he said. "You don't want to keep the Doctor waiting."
"Right…" Will cleaned up the mess. She was placing things on the table when Puck spoke again.
"It's not just what he said this time. It's what happened the first time."
"You've had other tiffs with cats in back alleys?" Will joked.
"No. I'm talking about when you were a cat. You thought he was helping you, but then he tried to force himself on you and chased you all throughout town. Damnit Will, he tried it rape you!"
WHAT?! Jack grit his teeth together to keep the outburst from shooting from his mouth, giving away his position. He was trying very hard not to react, but it was becoming increasingly difficult at this new bit of information. He recalled the unfortunate incident with the transformation cookies. He had felt terrible about what Will had been put through—though not completely when he learned she was the blonde cat who had caused the "mishap" in the work tent.
However, to hear Will had nearly been violated, and by someone in his town! It was almost as appalling as when Sally told him what Oogie Boogie had done to her in his lair. The very thought of that repulsive creature touching his beloved set Jack's marrow on fire. Now to hear one of his other friends had a similar, if not more frightening experience… The sound of wood splintering drew Jack's attention. He looked down and saw flames flicking from his wrists, slowing beginning to char the door.
Jack tried to control his anger. He would deal with that bastard cat later. Right now, he needed to listen or he might miss a crucial part of the story. Especially if it involved more crimes against that miserable feline.
Back in the examination room, Will just shook her head. "That was a year ago, and Zero saved me, remember?" she argued. Though in her mind, she thought, I'm surprised he even remembers me telling him that story.
"I know, and I have thanked Zero many times since then," Puck said. "My uncles do insist I visit more, and each time I see Zero, I reward him with a special treat from the Witch Shop. I don't even want to think what might have happened if that dog hadn't intervened. And even after Zero's warning, that lewd grimalkin still has the audacity to flirt with you! Twice!"
"I'd hardly call it flirting," Will muttered. "He just recognized me today. Moronic fur ball."
"He still did it! Getting close to you, purring at you. It still burns me to think that how you trusted him to help you, and he used that to his advantage. Not even I could earn your trust like that, and I spent months planning our date and doing everything I could think of to get you to like me."
"I hardly think that's the– Wait a minute…" Will pointed straight at his face. "Are you jealous?!"
"What? N-No I'm not."
Outside, Jack had to clap a hand over his mouth. Now things were really starting to get interesting. I'm beginning to see the appeal Will has for this spying thing, he thought with a wicked grin.
"You are, you're totally jealous!" Will said with a half laugh. "And I thought you were stupid for picking a fight. Now you're jealous over a cat."
Puck grumbled, refusing to look at her while being taunted. He crossed his arms over his chest, and closed his eyes, though it did not prevent the faint red on his tanned cheeks.
"Heimdall's eyeballs, you're such an idiot!" Will said. "Puck, he's a cat. A perverted one, but still a cat. What the heck makes you think I would ever take interest?"
Puck cracked open one silver eye at her. "You seemed quite taken with me when we first met," he retorted with a pout.
Will rolled her eyes. "Big difference, Sherlock. You were a pleasant little bat I thought was cute. Like, little baby animal cute. Hexxus was the only one I thought I could communicate with at the time. Again, for the hundredth time, he is a cat! I'm a human girl. Nothing would've happened."
"Not if Hexxus had anything to say about it… He could have used some catnip, or something else."
"Who's side are you on?" Will argued. "Can't you understand. Nothing happened, and nothing ever will. Get it?"
Puck tried to argue but he could not think of any else he could use. Will just laughed.
"Still jealous?" she teased. A pillow was chucked right at her face.
"Oh shush." Puck smirked.
Will removed the pillow, smiling slyly. "On another day, this would mean war," she said, taking hold of the pillow and rising to her feet. "However, seeing as you've already endured injuries, I will spare you. This time."
"Why thank you, fair maiden." Puck bowed.
"Okay, playtime's over. I really need to see Finklestein and you need to go rest."
"Until next we meet."
"Sure thing." Will tossed the pillow back on the bed and began making her way toward the door.
Seeing this, Jack stepped aside to avoid being spotted. Though he remained close enough to watch for the moment Will left. This was a prime opportunity to elicit some well deserved payback on the young girl.
However, just before she reached the door, Will paused. Her finger rested against the door handle. Taking a breath, Will turned around and walked back toward the bed.
Puck, not even having a chance to stand and retrieve his shirt, looked at her with a puzzled expression. He wanted to ask what she was doing, but then Will stood between his legs so she was right in front of him. She looked down to the side, and nervously began twisting one hand over her ring finger. There was also a faint but visible blush on her cheeks.
"Will?"
"Okay, I know I said fighting Hexxus was incredibly stupid, and it was, but…" Her eyes finally met his and her voice softened, giving him a small smile. "It was also sweet of you, defending me like that. So… I just wanted to say, thank you."
Will bit her bottom lip nervously. Then, without warning, she leaned forward and gently kissed Puck's uninjured cheek.
"EEEH?!" Puck stared after her, eyes wide with shock.
With a little giggle, Will gave him a wink and hurried out the door. She shut it behind her. "Well, that'll throw him for a bit," she said aloud. "Now, better go see how the mad scientist is doing."
"My, my. I sure wasn't expecting that."
"Aaaah!" Will spun around to se Jack leaning against the wall, his long arms crossed over his chest and one leg passed against the wall. He had the same Cheshire grin plastered over his skeletal lips Will herself had given to the Pumpkin King a thousand times before.
Jack chuckled. "What's that phrase you like to use? What goes around comes around."
Will glared up at him. She took only one step forward, pointing a finger at him. "Not one word, Jack. Not one word!"
XXX
AN: I wasn't sure about continuing with Sally's little stories. If you like, I would consider doing a mini series or more one shots like Moonstruck and Light Up The Night, but only if enough people really want them. Let me know in the comments!