Hey guys,
I only just finally watched Dead Boy Detectives a couple of weeks ago, binged it in an evening, and then immediately started writing this fic. Hopefully I did them justice.
I really enjoyed the Cat King's character, and his interactions with Edwin, and this ship was a sealed deal for me the moment Edwin kissed his cheek, their last scene together was great, it's a shame we won't get to see more of them.
Spread good vibes this holiday season, let me know if you enjoyed this story, much love, happy holidays xox
XOXOXOXOXOX
Edwin touched two fingers to the mirror watching the glass ripple like water before taking a breath and stepping through. To his surprise there were few cats scattered across the docks of Port Townsend, likely tucked away somewhere warm instead. Not for the first time Edwin was grateful that ghosts couldn't feel the cold.
Though he'd been there a few times now, Edwin still trod cautiously, still hesitant about the Cat King's intentions, and if he could really be trusted. Since leaving Port Townsend Edwin had visited the Cat King a handful of times, seeking his unique insight on some cases. The first time Edwin had been reluctant, but Crystal had insisted that he go, and he had proven to be helpful, if overly flirty, leading to another case closed. It was easier and easier each time after that, it was also easier to see past the heavy flirting and acknowledge the truth of the situation. Edwin had already figured out that the Cat King was lonely - and seemingly horny also - but what he hadn't realised until recently was that he appeared to have a legitimate crush on Edwin. He was flattered of course, but continued to largely ignore the flirting and innuendos, unsure what to do with the information, and certainly not taking the time to consider how he felt about the Cat King in return.
The door wasn't locked, it never was, and Edwin easily let himself into the warehouse. There were more cats inside than out on the docks, some roaming about the floor, but most were huddled up together around the edges of the warehouse in crates and the like. And there, cozied up in the middle on his throne, amid an array of faux fur blankets was the Cat King.
Piercing yellow eyes blinked sleepily at Edwin, followed by a glimpse of sharp fangs as he opened his maw in a yawn and then stood up stretching, back arching. While Edwin approached, the Cat King let out a low yowl, and any lingering cats quickly found places to settle down, mostly out of sight, giving them the illusion of being somewhat alone.
The next moment, in a puff of purple magic, a man stood before Edwin in place of the cat that had previously been there. He was dressed in a long, thick kilt, and a cosy looking knitted jumper topped off with a pair of polished black boots. The Cat King's hair was perfectly styled, and there was a grin on his handsome face, while his yellow gaze was trained on Edwin.
"My dear detective, I was just enjoying a most wonderful nap, so I do hope that this visit is less business and more pleasure to warrant you tearing me from the lovely dream I was having."
One would think that Edwin would be used to the Cat King's charming smile by now, but somehow it still managed to disarm him slightly, "Oh, er, well I, um…I apologise for waking you," Edwin stumbled over his words, failing a bit at seeming unfazed by the being in front of him, "it-it is more of a social call though."
"Oh?! Not working a case for once?" the Cat King inquired, slinking closer.
"I am, I mean, we always have cases, but it's not really why I'm here," Edwin clarified, staying where he'd stopped in the middle of the warehouse floor.
"Why aaarrre you here then?" the question sounded more hopeful than anything else.
"It's Christmas Eve, and," he dropped his voice lower as he said the next part, "I didn't want you to feel lonely for the holiday season."
Yellow eyes softened, and the Cat King's face sobered as he came to stand in front of Edwin. In an equally quiet tone he checked, almost as if he didn't believe it, "You came here just to see me?"
Edwin clasped his hands in front of him, "I do believe that is what I just said."
Moving another half step closer, the Cat King gave Edwin one of his more genuine smiles, "I'm touched, Edwin, really, but I never said that I was lonely. You came to that assumption."
"You may not want to admit it, but it is obvious, to me at least," he shrugged and then added, "I can go if you don't want the company though, I wouldn't want to intrude."
"No," the Cat King lightly grasped Edwin's arm as if he was about to turn and leave, "no, stay for a while, as long as your heart desires. I would never say no to your company," he purred.
It was incredible how quickly the Cat King could switch on the charm. Not that it made a difference to any of Edwin's resolves, charming or not he always stuck to his guns…well, most of the time…he was very charismatic after all.
"I had thought that might be the case," Edwin tried to contain his smugness at being right.
"I can even make the place more festive if you like," he offered, but didn't wait for an answer before clicking his fingers with an excited grin, eyes sparkling with mischief.
The Cat King's gaze flicked up to the ceiling above them, and then back to Edwin's face, which of course made Edwin curious as to what was on the roof. Looking directly up, Edwin witnessed as a plant rapidly grew down from the rafters, magically maturing much faster than normal, and producing flowers which quickly turned into white berries. The plant halted its growth a few inches above their heads and Edwin's mouth turned into an 'o' shape as he realised just what type of plant the Cat King had chosen.
When Edwin refocused on the being in front of him, he was startled to find him closer, in his space, barely inches apart, yellow eyes darting back and forth between Edwin's eyes and lips.
"Such an interesting plant, mistletoe, and versatile," the Cat King casually commented, voice smooth, "personally my favourite use for it is preciously this..." he waved his hand between them, "two people drawn together underneath it, staring into each other's eyes, a palpable tension between them, and then…" he trailed off and slowly leaned in to Edwin, lush lips puckered.
Edwin took one step back before the Cat King could kiss him, heart pounding – or at least that was the sensation he thought he felt – eyes wide, "Um, what-what are you doing?" he asked deliberately obtuse.
"Fuck," the Cat King cursed quietly, hurriedly schooling his features from whatever he was actually feeling, and then he did something that was incredibly unusual for him; he dropped the mask, "I'm sorry, I thought…I wanted…I hoped…ughhh," there was a little frustrated growl before, "okay, look confession time," he sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face, "I'm a horribly incurable romantic, and I might be a little gone on you, Edwin. I'd started hoping that maybe your little visits weren't just about cases...maybe you wanted to see me too, and today you did, and I thought…but I guess-mmh..."
Unsure what compelled him to do so, Edwin re-closed the step between them, gently cupped his jaw, and pressed a chaste, but lingering kiss to the Cat King's soft lips, then backed off again, blinking in disbelief at what he'd just done. If he was honest with himself he had begun to enjoy the Cat King's company more often than he annoyed Edwin, and in complete honesty, well, maybe the last couple of visits hadn't been solely about the case.
"Whoa, wait...I thought...mixed signals…" his handsome face fought between confusion and a smug little grin.
Edwin flushed scarlet as he averted his eyes, "Yes, well, you haven't exactly been reading the situation wrong, more like reading too far in advance, shall we say? I-er," he wrung his hands together," have come to find your company not entirely unpleasant, especially when you tone down the flirting and are bit more real with me."
The Cat King's eyebrows rose as if he wasn't expecting such an answer, "That so? Well darling, I have a reputation to uphold, I am the Cat King after all, but I suppose when we are alone I could...mnnn..." he rotated his wrist as if looking for the right words, "tone it down, just for you."
"The interest is flattering, but a lot, and how am I to be interested in return if I can't get to know you?" Edwin inferred, not pointing out that he was apparently more into the Cat King than he'd even acknowledged to himself, "For instance, I don't even know your name, I assume that you have one besides 'Cat King'?"
"Oh," the grin was back, but as requested it was less seductive than usual, "you think I'm going to tell you that after just one kiss? Names have power you know," he chuckled, then added more seriously, "but I hear you."
"Alright, I guess I'll just have to call you Whiskers or something if you won't tell me," Edwin gave him a playful shrug, glad that he'd made his point.
"Whiskers?" the Cat King balked, "Do I really look like a Whiskers to you?"
"I dont know...maybe," Edwin teased, feeling more comfortable to do so.
"Hm," he scoffed, clearly pretending to look offended, "well if you keep coming back for pleasure and not business then I might be inclined to tell you one day."
"Well, I am quite busy...but perhaps I could find some time every now and then..." Edwin acquiesced, glancing at the Cat King through his lashes with the hint of a smile tugging on his lips.
"I'd like that," he confirmed, and Edwin was surprised to hear the earnest sincerity in his voice, even when he added, "I'd like to kiss you again too."
"Good to know," Edwin nodded, and then cleared his throat, "I-er should be heading back now though, cases won't solve themselves."
"Of course," the Cat King conceded, reaching for Edwin's hand. Head bowed, he brought the back up to his mouth, and laid a tender kiss on the skin, "until next time."
When his hand was free once more, Edwin started towards the exit, feeling a little thrum of anticipation for next time. "Merry Christmas, Whiskers," he called back over his shoulder.
The answering growl left him smirking all the way back through the mirror.