Helloo (: This is my first fanfiction, and i'm very excited! please read and review, i hope to improve my writing! Thanks! ^_^
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. They are all characters from Cats the movie.
It was a morning like any other morning as Tugger sunned himself in the light, absorbing all the pleasant heat in through his fur and holding it there, tight to his skin, and keeping him lazy and relaxed where he lay. He was sprawled out on an old car, one of a rusty brown color with tiny dents and bumps covering its hood and sides. All the same, Tugger was a Jellicle cat and seemed as if not to notice, for he continued to doze off in the sun peacefully, ignoring the rather obnoxious bump that jabbed him in the side.
As the sun continued to warm his fur, Tugger lazily cracked open an eye and watched the junkyard with little interest. He spotted several younger females giggling in a group, giving excited glances towards the sun-bathing male. Tugger quickly recognized them: Etcetera, along with the timid Victoria, the rather silly Electra, and the thoughtful Jemima. By the looks on their faces, he knew that they were eagerly waiting for Tugger to show them a spectacular dance or saunter past them with his hips swaying sexily. But, at this time, he had no interest in doing either, and kept them anticipating the time that he would make their heads spin with excitement.
Suddenly, the light patter of a lithe cats paw steps made Tugger's ears swivel towards the sound. The steps were gentle, and sounded as if whoever owned these paws glided over the ground with barely a touch to the dirt. It was as if they were flying, or using some sort of magic. His eyes peeked open a bit further, and there he saw, not far from the rusty, beaten car was a black tom, small in size and swift with his movements. The male's figure made it seem as if he had been unfairly trapped in the body of a slim she-cat, but shockingly the lack of visible muscle made this male seem….different. He was cute, small and dainty, and Tugger could easily imagine himself wrapping his paws around his hour-glass figure and…he mentally smacked himself for thinking in such a manner. But his mind continued to fill with the thoughts of wonderful things, and no matter how he tried he could not remove the black cat's image from his mind.
The poke of a paw pulled him from his thoughts, and, looking up into Quaxo's caramel eyes, Tugger's signature smile crept upon his lips. With little effort he pulled his muscular self up into a sitting position, gave one paw a meaningless lick, grinned towards Quaxo, and placed his paws down on his studded belt.
"Hey kitten. How can I help ya?" Tugger asked in a low, soothing voice. He cocked a single eyebrow, and continued to smile.
"Hey Tugger. I was wondering…" The timid cat began shyly, gazing downward as he drug his foot in nervous circles. "Well, I was wondering if maybe you'd like to come over tonight. You know, go out hunting or maybe just hang out in my den…?"
Hang out in his den? Oh, he must know I intend more than just to sit there and talk. I'd make him beg, make him wish that he had never even asked me to come to his home, or wish that he should have done it a long time before….stop it! Stop thinking like this!
Tugger, even though it was all against what he wanted so badly, looked to the feminine figure of the tom, and, with a staged yawn, told the younger cat, "Na, I have better thing to do. See ya later, kitten," He swiftly slid off the hood of the beaten-down automobile and walked over to the awaiting kittens. Quaxo was left standing there, confused and dumbfounded by the words of the curious cat. With a sigh, he whispered under-breath, "If you set him on a rat then he'd rather chase a mouse..." He then turned tail and headed back to his den, alone and unsure of the sudden change of the other cat.
"Tugger!" A high-pitched, girly squeal called. A series of giggles and identical squeals followed, and the four kittens, all with glowing eyes, raced up to the heart-throb of the Jellicles, bouncing around with excitement.
"Hey Tugger!" One kitten cried, her over-excited personality causing her to mew uncontrollably as Tugger, his hands on his belt and his hips in motion, strutted up to the cluster of kittens, tickling Jemima under the chin. Etcetera, the owner of the cry, ran forward and rubbed against his thigh in greeting as a wide grin filled her child-like face. She gazed up at him expectantly, an adorable pleading look on her face. Tugger sighed happily. He knew this look, and he knew it quite well.
"Oh, fine Ectetera. I'll dance for you, so long as you wipe off that cute, pleading face of yours," The older cat told her, chuckling softly as she squealed with further-found excitement.
Electra piped up from his other side. "Do I have a cute face?" She asked with a tid-bit off concern. Her paws danced with anticipation, and another small, breath taking laugh fluttered through her ears. "Of course, Electra. You're the prettiest cat in the junkyard!" The words made her roll backwards in contentment, and he tongue lolled out of her gaping mouth.
"But Tugger!" Another voice, this one belonging to Jemima, cried. "What about me? Am I not pretty?" Tugger looked her way. "Now, Jemima, see here. I thought I wouldn't' have to tell you, because I thought you were aware of just how adorable you are," and he flashed her an irresistible wink.
Victoria, though, oddly enough, kept quiet. She just sat there on her hind quarters, grinning at his presence. Tugger grinned at her in return, which sent her spiraling in a wild spell of admiration for the older male.
"Now, kittens, if you want me to dance, ya gotta stop with these questions, ok?"
"Ok! Thanks Tuggy!" Ectetera giggled in return, choosing a nearby pile of junk to watch from. Electra followed quickly, purring as she raced past Tugger. Jemima took Victoria by the arm, tugging on her as they too followed after the rest of Tugger's fan club. The four kittens perched themselves upon the pile, each pushing each other to get a better view of the mind-blowing male, And, seeing to that he now had enough room and that the four had settled, Tugger began singing a song that was well-known amongst the Jellicle cats.
"The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat!" The four cried with joy.
"If you offer me pheasant I'd rather have grouse!"
He sang, he thrust his hips, and he put practically all the cats under an unbreakable spell. His manhood was thrust in to many faces to be counted, but no one was bothered, only grateful, for every time this cat went on a show it didn't get old, and everyone left pleased. He was having the time of his life as he danced in the spotlight of all their attentions. They called him a curious, artful, knowing, even a beast, but when Quaxo stepped forward and called the heart-throb a bore, it burned into his thoughts. Tugger finished his famous song, and when he was assured that he had satisfied the wants of the kittens, he set off. The sun was sinking down the blue sky, threatening to duck down below the peak's of the far-off mountains at any time now. And as darkness crept upon the Jellicles, Tugger searched about the junk yard. The round pupils of his chestnut eyes shifted from pile of junk to pile of junk, but he wouldn't quit till he found what he was looking for.
Tugger moved at his own set pace. He did not notice the ruckus his ungraceful paw steps made as he sauntered through the dark, nor was darkness a challenge for his piercing gaze. Every Jellicle could easily see their way through the darkest of places. So he continued on, letting his nose lead him and his eyes intently search every hidden crevice or well-covered bush. The leaves were thick at this time in summer, and would make an excellent hiding place or cozy den for any cat. But niether gave way to his goal, and, with an angry grunt, Tugger slumped against the trunk of an elderly pine tree that bordered the junk yard, upset that he could not find what he was seeking.
"Urggh! This is hopeless!" The curious cat complained to himself. "How on earth am i suppose to find someone with magical talents, especially at this time of night?"
"You give up so easily," A tenner voice laughed with triumph.
Tugger almost leaped from his fur in fright. With a rather heated tone, he called back, "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"I didn't sneak up on you, I've been here the whole entire time. Your rather ungraceful, you know. Any Jellicle could here you miles off," Quaxo retorted.
"Ha! You just can't keep your eyes off me, eh?"
"I never said that."
Tugger slyly shrugged. "Didn't deny it either."
Quaxo chuckled lightly as he teased, "Your so cocky, Tugger. No wonder everyone gets so annoyed with you!"
"Annoyed with me? I'm not the one watching others in the dark!"
"Well, I'm not the one searching for others in the dead of the night."
There was a sharp silence, were neither cat spoke. Tugger looked around, still unsure of the exact location of Quaxo. He was horribly confused, which seemed to always occur when that magic cat came around.
"How did you know i was looking for you?" He finally asked, breaking the silence. His question went unanswered, all but the gentle laugh of Quaxo met his question.
"Come on, Quax! Tell me already!"
"I knew calling you a bore would get under your skin. You can't put up with anyone thinking lowly of you. Plus, why would the great Rum Tum Tugger be wondering out alone so late?" There was a light thud as something found it's way onto the grass behind Tugger. The odler cat turned to find Quaxo, standing there in the pale gleam of the Jellicle Moon.
"Where did you come from?" Tugger's voice was light and astonished.
Quaxo nodded once toward the sky. "Up there, from the tree your leaning on."
"Ah, i see. Well, magic cat," Tugger took several steps forward, removing himself from the comfortable spot on the tree, till the two were almost nose-to-nose. "We really shouldn't be meeting like this. Let's say you come back with me for the rest of the night. How bout it, kitten?"
The younger cat seemed to ponder about it for a brief moment, then, with a sly look and a teasing flick of his white-tipped tail, he responded, "Na, i have better this to do," They way he said it made it clear that he was mocking somebody, which quickly triggered Tugger's memory of earlier that morning. A long, heavy sigh escaped him as he gently closed his eyes.
"Now, come on Quax. I didn't-" But as he opened his eyes, expecting to see the mystical cat, he discovered Quaxo had vanished.
"Quaxo....? Quaxo?"
The only response was the soothing sounds of the night creatures making their harmony for the stars. Tugger stood there, as confused as Quaxo was earlier. Another sigh slipped past his lips, and he found his paws taking him back to his den, alone for one of the first times that the cat could recall.
The moon had drifted to the center of the dark night sky. It was full, and glowed like the gray eyes of Everlasting Cat. It's pale rays of white light washed upon the Rum Tum Tugger's fur and turned it to a light, sandy brown. The deep yellows on her arms, legs, and chest were faint and washed-out as well. His paws moved slowly, trudging through the dirt, as he found his way through the humid darkness of summer to his den.
The sudden creaking of an elderly rocking chair took Tugger by surprise. High up on the precariously placed chair sat a heavily striped white and brown tom. His squinted eyes watched the Jellicle's home with eagerness and warning. Tugger was sure Munkustrap, his older and more responsible brother, had told this young cat to watch over them for the night. As he strained to identify the pelt and give it a name, the cat's green eyes flicked his direction. By the dark, brown-colored spot that darted across his face and covered his left eye, Tugger could now easily recognize him. It was Pouncival, a young teen cat with a strong, leading yet rather prankster-ish personality. As Pouncival spotted the curious cat sulking past the chair he perched on, he gave a curt nod of recognition. Tugger nodded in return, and continued on pas him. He wanted to stop and briefly chat with the cat. He needed someone to spend his loneliness with, but Pouncival was not the one. His senses were focused on the duty he had been given, and not even Tugger's efforts were enough to pull him from his job. Plus, Munkustrap would be sure to kick his ass if he even dared to try such a move. So he continued on, giving Pouncival a last farewell glance and heading forward to his den.
As he walked onward, he held his head low. He could hear a few late night cats talking with one another or hunting in small groups. It rose the feeling of loneliness that he felt inside. In the pale light he could see two figures sitting together on the dusty dirt floor. The one was clearly a female, her slim curved figure giving her sex away. She was a deep black, her arms and legs contained a mixture of yellow stripes that were almost gold, and her belly was white. The other, however, a rather fit and muscular male, was a light white-gray, and spaciously covering him were dark black stripes. He rubbed his chin lovingly against her shoulder. She returned the touch and kissed him lightly on his cheek. A pleasant purr rumbled in the throat of the tom, which only pushed his mate to purr in a pleasant unison. Tugger could tell who the couple consisted of, for none of the other mating pairs of cats seemed to love each other in a way that these two did. With little hesitation, Tugger strutted forward, clearing his throat once he stood beside them.
"Munkustrap," Tugger began.
"Tugger?" His older looked up from gazing into the she-cats eyes. "What do you need, my brother?"
"I wanted to talk to you."
"How rare! Alright," Munkustrap rose to his feet, whispering a reasurring word to his mate. He then turned to Tugger and walked over to sit on Old Deuteronomy's tire, which wasn't far off from where she rested. "Where's Bombalurina? Usually she's with you by now."
"I don't know, doesn't matter either. She's probably off with some alley cat or lucky stray," He rolled his eyes. "You know her."
He gently nodded. "And i know you as well. Usually your not by yourself. Is something wrong, Tugger?" His brow line creased in question as he looked to his younger brother. "You know you can tell me whatever you need to."
"I know, Munkustrap, I just don't think you'll understand."
"Well, we'll never find out unless you tell me what's up."
"Um...Quaxo, that magic cat, you know him, right?"
Munkustrap paused to think for a moment. "Yes, i believe so. The little Tuxedo cat, is that the one your talking about?"
Tugger shook his head, telling Munkustrap he was right. His hand found their usual place on his belt. "That would be him."
"What about him?"
Tugger didn't respond.
The eyes of his older brother widened and his mouth went agape. "Tugger! Oh Everlasting Cat, please tell me you didn't!"
"Munku, i didn't. Sheesh, don't be so quick to judge me! The cat's still a virgin, i haven't touched him, i swear." He grunted heatedly, rolling his eyes once again. It was something he tended to do rather often, since everyone always jumped to conclusion about him.
"Good...That's good. Then what about him?"
"Well..." His voice was hesitant. "Munkustrap, he's different. He doesn't flounce for my attention like the kittens or demand it like Bombalurina, and he certainly doesn't just watch from the side lines like Rumpleteazer. I'm shocked to say that he taunts me so i give him it involuntarily, and he's just so astonishing, his magic powers and such.....Munku, I may not have taken him yet, but i can't say i haven't thought about it."
Munkustrap shook his head. He had no intentions of arguing, knowing he could never change his brother's disobliging ways. They were the way he lived his life, and from previous experiences he knew that not even a scolding word from their father, Old Deuteronomy, or himself would change his life style. "I can't say i approve," A heavy sigh separated this from the rest of his sentence. "but just...be careful, o.k? The Jellicles like him, the kittens all look up to him, I don't want him to become the second Rum Tum Tugger."
"Why not?" Tugger said, defending himself. "The kittens look up to me just as much as they do to him!"
"In a different way, Tugger. Just, for once, don't make it so every Jellicle in the junk yard knows your plans."
"Fine. You can go back to her now," His head motioned towards the sitting female. "Tell her i'm sorry for keeping her waiting. And...erm...thanks."
Munkustrap nodded in acknowledgment and turned back to Demeter, who was still sitting patiently in the dirt. She looked uneasy, as if everywhere she looked she saw Macavity's flame-like pelt and heard his rumbling laughter. As Munkustrap knelt down at her side and cupped her face in his paw, her uneasiness fluttered away and whisked into the breeze. With a gentle purring, she cuddled into the curve of his body. His paw found it's place on her head, and it soothingly stroked her fur in reassurance.
"Sorry Deme," The cat apologized under breath. But her fear had left her now that Munkustrap was back. She didn't even hear his apology past her happiness, and by now she had forgotten her mate had even been taken away for those few moments. Tugger shrugged and went past them, once again on his way to his home.
It wasn't long before he spotted the shabby place. It was an old wooden child's house, thrown up against a strong-standing maple. The back wall was ripped out, the obvious reason for it being place in the junk yard in the first place, but it was perfect for Tugger. The curious cat, who was a rather smart cat too, had taken a the nicest black curtain he could come across and hung it so that it covered the back hole. But this wasn't simply an opening, for Tugger had constructed another den made of old wood cabinets and long metal popes. He wove them together or leaned them against one another so that in the middle was a spacious opening with several comfortable blankets and a few torn pillows. The room was welcoming, and as Tugger entered his den he quickly ducked past the black tattered curtain and lazily stumbled into the back area, flopping down on his pile of warm blankets.
"I wish Bombalurina was here," He sighed to himself, pitying the state he was in. "She'd sure be able to brighten my mood..." His chocolate eyes drifted about the ceiling, not intent on focusing on anything in particular. "Quaxo's just...one hell of a cat. I'll have him for myself...He'll wish he would have come to me sooner."
And there, in the shadows of his den, peeking through a rip in the beaten curtain, was Quaxo. He held back a snort at the cockiness of Tugger, but couldn't hold back the fact that he agreed. He did want to be there, past the curtain that separated the two, being held tight in the protective arms of the Rum Tum Tugger. Sooner or later, he knew he'd give in to Tugger's charm, but he wouldn't do it so easily. He wasn't ready to go back to being the dismissive cat he usually was quite yet. His brown eyes watched contently through the hole. Tugger was clearly heavily thinking as he gazed up at the wooden ceiling, his mind working furiously on ways to get Quaxo to understand how he felt. He seemed confused, as if it was all new to him. Quaxo could just barely see him, lying there in a mess of blankets, when he heard him softly whisper,
"You've stolen my heart, Quaxo."
Quaxo smiled to himself, and as he slipped out from the depths of the den, he whispered faintly, "You've had mine all along."