Hey guys! Sorry this took so long, I'm having a tough time balancing musicals I am in and writing. Anyway, I finally finished the second chapter! I hope you like it!
The day broke as quickly as the night had come, flooding long rays of bright yellow sunshine into Tugger's den and stinging his brown eyes as he opened them to the new morning. With a heavy grunt, he bent his back into a stiff arch and began to gently stretch and wake his body for a new day. But after each stretch, he still felt just as sleepy as before, and decided a bite to eat and maybe a short swim wouldn't hurt today.
The curious cat groggily made his way from the den, blinking in surprise at just how bright the sun was out in the open. It must be at least noonHis inner self told him.
"Huh, I woke up early."
All the same, Tugger headed off into the depths of the junkyard in search of a quick morning snack. His belly grumbled with an untamable hunger, and he decided that today was a good day for a mouseor two. With his entire senses alert, his nose began to sniff eagerly towards the tempting scent trail of a mouse.
Before long he had tracked it down. The mouse was rather plump, brown in color and around 5 or 6 inches long. In other words, it was just what he needed to fill his aching stomach. With in seconds, he was creeping forward on soft paws, his eyes set firmly on what was to be his prey.
"Your mine, damn rodent."
And he sprang. The mouse had no chance, for its spine was cracked and the life drawn from its body before it could even give a squeak of alarm. Without a moment to spare, Tugger finished him off and licked his lips contently.
With his belly now full, Tugger set off in a new direction under the rising sun. He knew of the perfect place: a warm, sunny area half shaded by trees with a cool pond just below their branches. It was in his mind that he would head there, now, and take a relaxing dip in the placid body of water.
When he finally reached the pond, he realized with relief he was alone. His paws worked furiously as he untied the bandana on his left leg in a hurry, leaving it to rest on the shore, and dove into its sparkling depths. Water rushed over his fur and drenched him strait to the skin, but unlike most cats he enjoyed it. He dipped his mane down deep and allowed it to hang with wetness, then closed his eyes and floated, drifting in a silenced peace.
"You like that stuff?" A shocked voice cried.
Tugger's eyes flew open. He was just about to growl in anger, for he was finally relaxed, until he saw the face of the cat who had spoken. His features softened, a small smile creeping upon his lips, and he swam over to the shore where Quaxo stood. Tugger gave him a small splash, soaking his leg fur and making the other tom step backwards with a hiss.
"What, you don't like water?"
Quaxo's fur rose as he furiously licked himself dry. "I hate it! And now I'm soaked!"
Tugger lightly chuckled, "It's only your leg fur!"
"I hate to be wet!"
"Well then, that's not very good in bed, now is it?" He laughed, cocking a single eyebrow.
Quaxo looked up from his grooming, a pissed expression on his face. "You know nothing about me in that manner!"
But his words met only the lake. Tugger hadvanished, oddly enough.
"what the? Tugger, where on earth did you g-"
There was only silence.
"Tugger? Tugger, where are you?"
A low voice wisped cool breath into his ear. "Right behind you, Misto."
Suddenly, cool water soaked to the bone as Quaxo found he had been shoved into the pond. "EVERLASTING CAT!" His shrill voice cried as he fell into the water. With determination he paddled furiously till he was clawing his way back onto the shore, his thin black coat clinging to his wet body. When he finally was back on the land, he sat there, casting a gaze thick with anger at Tugger, who stood laughing against a tree.
"Hahahaha! That wastoo good!" Tugger cried with amusementthen he looked down, and saw how furious Quaxo was. "your going to kick my ass, aren't you?"
But the younger cat slowly began to smile. He quickly rose to his paws and pushed Tugger right back into the pond, just as he had done to Quaxo a few minutes before. Tugger quickly resurfaced, smiling up at Quaxo's amused expression.
"Well, come on!"
Quaxo jumped right into the water, forgetting his fears, and began to have a splash-war with Tugger, who was clearly far better at it but neither cared, they were having too good of a time to even notice that Alonzo and Munkustrap, along with Bombalurina had been standing off in the distance for some time now, and none were pleased.
Bombalurina was the first to speak, surprising both the swimming toms that had no clue she was even there. "Going for a swim, Tugger?" She scoffed with annoyance. "I thought you said you were coming over today, but instead you run off with that scrawny cat!"
"Bomba, lighten up. Quaxo isn't the one who I'm disappointed in, and he isn't the one at fault either."
She simply rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath that no cat could understand.
"Do you remember what today was?" Munkustrap questioned as he glared down at Tugger.
The curious cat thought for a moment, then gave an effortless shrug. "No clue, bro. I didn't know there was anything today."
Munkustrap gave another glare. "Are you sure about that?"
Tugger simply nodded, he really didn't give a shit.
"How about we were all planning to have a discussion about what to do about Macavity, does that send up a flag?"
"Oh"
"Yes, Tugger, and Dad and I were really counting on you to show up. How can I expect everyone else to come if my own brother doesn't even show up? All I asked was that several strong, tough toms show up, barely anyone, and I guess it was just too much to ask of you. Instead, Alonzo took your place, and he doesn't deserve to have to do your work." His eyes were burning now, Tugger could tell, but on the outside, Munkustrap seemed oddly calm. He had an odd way of doing that, his brother, for he never seemed to loose his head and always kept an open mind.
Bombalurina stepped forward, her paws crossed and her brow furrowed in disappointment. "You think I'm just something you can shove aside, don't you?" She demanded. "Don't call me for your 'needs' anymore, I could find a better stray than you!"
Tugger growled, baring his teeth as Bombalurina spoke. "I bet Jellylorum could please me far better than you ever did!"
The red queen snarled once more, then turned tail and sauntered off back towards the junk yard. "I don't need this from some lazy ass! I'll see you when you come crawling back!"
He scoffed at her harsh words, remembering to pay them no mind.
What did a stupid she-cats words mean to him, anyway?
"She's right, Tugger." Munkustrap added as she stalked off.
"What do you mean? There's no cat that can beat me when it comes to sex!"
His older brother simply sighed. "No, Tugger. Your laziness is what I was referring to. You blow off all your responsibilities and pay no mind to anyone else. I hope you change your ways, Tugger, I really hope you do."
Munkustrap followed after the moody queen, Alonzo right at his tail. The younger black-and-white tom paused right before exiting the area. With a low hiss, Alonzo barred his teeth at Tugger with a look of disgust, and then trotted in the same direction as the others.
Tugger swam forward till he reached the rocky banks of the lake. He pulled himself from the water till he was standing on shore. Water flew in all directions as he shook violently to remove the dampness from his fur, then, when he was satisfied and sure that he could get no drier, he flopped down into the grass with an angered expression.
The small tuxedo tom watched him for awhile. Tugger rarely moved. It was clear that he was giving much thought to whatever was on his mind. Was he bothered by them, or upset with himself? Quaxo asked his own self in his head. He looks rather attractive when he's mad like that
Minutes passed by as Quaxo watched and waited for Tugger to speak, but the curious cat simply sat in the same spot, his body almost completely still. Quaxo sighed and began to paddle forward towards the bank where Tugger was caught in anger-filled thoughts. The crystal water clung to his coat as he climbed out of the lake, but he did not shake it off. As much as he hated water, having it in his fur seemed to totally slip his mind, for all he could focus on was Tugger, who looked more and more agitated by the minute. With much silence Quaxo pulled himself to a sitting position beside Tugger, tilting his head so that he could see Tugger's brooding eyes.
He gently cupped Tugger's chin with his hand, and tilted his head so that their brown eyes could meet.
Tugger quickly broke the stare and pulled away from Quaxo, keeping his gaze to the ground beneath him once again.
"She doesn't even care that I miss those meetings"
"Who, Bombalurina?"
Tugger stiffly nodded. "She just hates to know that she wasn't involved with my plans for the morning. It'd be totally fine with her if she would have been here and not you."
"Oh" Quaxo muttered. "I see" A strong feeling of sadness came over him. So he doesn't want me around.I knew he'd rather have Bombalurina.
Suddenly, Tugger looked up. The anger that had just so recently filled his body had seemed to vanish as he gazed down at Quaxo. He could see the pain that he had brought onto him with the words he had just spoken: it glowed deep in Quaxo's eyes. He leaned forward and tilted Quaxo's face upward so that he could see every piece of perfection that flowed from the younger cat's body.
"But it wouldn't be fine with me."
Quaxo couldn't find the words to respond. For the first time, he had heard the words from Tugger that he had always wanted to hear: words that could even hint that they shared the same feelings for one another.
"Quaxo, do you know what you mean to me?"
"T-t-there's nothing I've ever wanted more tha-"
"Why on earth are you still sitting there?" The voice of an angered tom cried. "You were intended to follow, or are you to slow to follow those simple directions?"
Of course. Tugger rolled his eyes as Alonzo broke through the bushes once again and stormed over to where the curious cat sat. Mistoffelees quickly scooted backward and away from Tugger so that he wouldn't give Alonzo the slightest clue of how he felt about the other tom. Alonzo stood tall over Tugger, his tail lashing back and forth in unbearable frustration. "You know, I think Munkustrap must have fur over his eyes. He says you're a good cat deep down, but it's clear to me what you really are: you're just a lazy sex-addict who doesn't do a single thing for himself and doesn't move a paw if he has work to be done!"
Mistoffelees hissed under his breath as he gazed down at the dirt, using all his strength to hold back the anger that stirred within him.
"You say something, scrawny cat?" Alonzo snorted as he turned his attention to the smaller black and white cat.
"You don't know anything about Tugger," His voice was grumbling with pure anger, and his lithe paws kneaded the ground as he continuously tried to restrain himself. Mistoffelees slowly tilted his head upward, locking eyes with Alonzo, who stood over him now with a smug grin smacked on his lips. Suddenly, blue sparks of lightning began to come from his paws and body, and his once copper eyes were a furious bright blue.
Tugger, who had been watching from not far away, slowly began to rise to his feet. "Mistoffelees?" He rasped in question as Quaxo's magical powers over took him.
"Ha!" Alonzo laughed as he watched Mistoffelees' anger grow. "You think you're so tough, don't ya, Quaxo? You couldn't take me on, even with your stupid magic! Come on Tugger, Old Deuteronomy won't wait for forever, and tell your friend to stop acting like such a lame douche!" Alonzo began to strut off, his tail held high, towards the bushes. But before he could reach them, a sharp pain shot up through his spine as he received a strong force of lightning to the rear. Alonzo screeched in pain, falling to the ground and holding his rear end in pain and surprise.
"You're not the boss of me, or him for a matter-o-fact." Tugger growled as he got to his feet fully and walked over to Alonzo, being extra careful to 'accidently' step on his tail as he walked past. "I'll go back, but don't get any smart ideas, or you'll deal with me next time, got it?" Alonzo simply whined and began to furiously lick his injured areas, while Mistoffelees sat not to far away, laughing his tail off.
"Have funn!" Mistoffelees chuckled as Alonzo finally got up and ran through the bushes, shielding his rear from another lightning zap.
But as Alonzo took off, Quaxo realized he was alone once more. With a heavy sigh, he picked up Tugger's bandanna, which he had left at the water's edge, and slowly began to weave it through his fingers. It smelled heavily of The Rum Tum Tugger, and brought back the sweet memories of the day they had just spent together. I was so close to telling youHe thought to himself sadly as he stared down at the spotted bandanna. If only I had. If only you knew.
As the day went on, Quaxo found himself more and more lonely without the company of Tugger. Ever since he had gone off with that bastard Alonzo, Quaxo craved his humor and amusement even more. By now, it was close to being night time, and the young tuxedo cat was sitting in a sad ball on the hood of a rusted automobile that most of the junkyard cats found comfortable. Other Jellicles saw him, and paying him no mind continued on their way. Quaxo sighed heavily, wishing Tugger was there to talk to.
"What has you bummed, Quaxo?" A beautiful all-white she-cat by the name of Victoria asked. She had just walked up to the car hood, and, seeing Mistoffelees there in a sad mess, stopped, unlike a good deal of the others had done.
"Nothing." Quaxo said without even looking up to meet the gentle she-cat's curious and tender gaze.
Victoria placed her hand gently on his shoulder in comfort. "Now don't lie to me, Quaxo. Something's got you down, what is it?"
"Well, you seeits Alonzo. I zapped him, and I feel awful for doing such! What if I hurt him?" Quaxo began, still refusing to look upward.
Victoria slid up onto the hood beside him, keeping her hand where it lay. "Alonzo's tuff, I don't think you need to worry about hurting him, Quax."
"He did deserve it, though"
"Why is that?" She asked gently.
The slim tom finally looked up, but his eyes burned with a slight hint of anger. Victoria gasped a bit in shock. Never had she seen him like this, it was new and rather frightening. But she sat where she was, and refused to leave him now, even though he did seem a bit threatening with the furious way he gazed at her. "I don't want to talk about, but he did, I swear." He growled, breaking their gaze to look down once again. "I'm sorry.I'm not angry at you, it's him and what his stupid cockiness that has me worked up."
"I understand," Victoria said on a brighter note as she gave him a small smile. "Alonzo can be one heck of a jerk, but you have to keep in mind he can be a big help and rather nice on occasions as well. Maybe you just caught him in a bad mood?"
"Well...Tugger did neglect his duties..."
Victoria rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh, great! Tugger's involved? Well, that's you answer! Alonzo never really liked that cat, and I can't see why...Tugger's highly likable." She mewed with a grin, thinking of how attractive the curious cat was.
And Quaxo was thinking the same thing. "Mhmm...you can say that again."
"Anyway," Victoria added as she shook her head and cleared the hypnotic thoughts of Tugger that almost every kitten like herself had. "I wouldn't dwell on it, I'm sure Alonzo didn't mean to be upset you, and he most likely knows you didn't mean to give him a spark. If it'll make you feel any better, we could go hunting together tomorrow, just you and I. I'm free, if you'd like to go."
Mistoffelees shook his thickly furred head. "I...can't. I have plans already. I'm meeting up with someone."
"Oh...alright." The gentle female downheartedly said.
"I'm sorry, Victoria. Maybe some other time?" Quaxo asked as he slid down from the car hood and began to walk off towards his den.
"Yeah..." She said as she watched him walk away and leave her for the night. "Maybe another time..." And as he left, she spotted a small piece of cloth held tightly in his hand. "Is that...? No it couldn't be..." Victoria asked herself as she strained to see better. But, as shocking as it was, she was sure of what she saw. Tugger's bandanna? Why does he have that? She wondered, making sure to keep a mental note before sliding off the car as well, and heading to her own place for the night.
Tugger grumbled in annoyance as Munkustrap continuously lectured him. He had been talking for about an hour, and as far as Tugger could tell, he had no intentions of stopping.
"And furthermore, as if abandoning your duties isn't bad enough, you hurt Alonzo, intentionally!"
"Look, bro, I get it!" The Rum Tum Tugger whined from where he sat on Old Deuteronomy's tire. He watched Munkustrap, who sat across from him, as he rolled his eyes and put his palm to his face.
"But you don't care!" Munkustrap cried in a frustrated fashion.
"Honest bro, I do." Tugger said rather sarcastically, raising his right hand. "Swear on it. But can I please go already? You've had me here for over an hour, like you're my dad or something!"
"And I still don't think that time has let my words actually go into your head and stay there! Honestly, Tugger, when are you going to step up?"
"As soon as you stop hounding me..." Tugger grumbled, crossing his arms across his chest and letting his tail sway with annoyance. "Will you just let me go already?"
Munkustrap sighed, shaking his head and standing up. "Whatever, Tugger. But one day you'll see that being lazy won't get you where you need to be. It won't make you happy, but maybe I'm just some annoying older brother who doesn't stop 'hounding you'." The gray and black tom sighed once again, sitting back down and putting his face in his hands. "Well...go then."
Tugger shot him a last glance, but took no hesitation. With a swift leap, he jumped form the tire and landed neatly on the dirt flooring of the junk yard, then began to proceed to his den. But something didn't feel right. He felt...exposed for some reason. Like something was missing...
He looked down, only to find the solution to his problems. "My bandanna!" Tugger cried, searching about the small area he was standing in to see if it was there. "Great! Where in the name of Everlasting Cat is it?"
The refreshing memories of that day came flooding back as he tried to recall where it might be. He thought of hunting that morning, the sweet taste of the rodent he had killed and eaten, and then going to his favorite place.
"Shit!"
Now he remembered. He had untied it just before jumping into the water, and must have forgotten it on the shore. Though he wanted to go get it now, he knew he wouldn't be able to get out of the yard this late. Munkustrap already had an eye on him, not to mention Alonzo and Old Deuteronomy as well. They'd surely think something suspicious was up.
"I guess I'll just wait till tomorrow..." He said with a sigh, heading back off towards his cozy den between the trees. I just hope it's there...I don't know what I'd do if I lost it...