#in the meantime enjoy more kitty wind

[skyward-floored]

The cat’s out of the bag chapter 4

More kitty wind yet again! Starting to get into real plot now :)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52017334/chapters/141645076

Chapter 3 | Next

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Once Wind and Twilight returned from the woods, the Links finally got moving, heading in the direction Wild had pointed out.

Wind felt his bad mood fade as they walked along, the pine trees giving way fully to birch, more sunlight visible with their thinner branches. It really was a nice day, and though he was still annoyed at Twilight, Wind felt much happier as he trotted along with the rest of the heroes.

He wished they’d take smaller steps though. Keeping up with anyone but Four was exhausting.

Wind confidently raised his head whenever someone looked back at him though, intent on appearing steady. He could keep up perfectly fine, he wasn’t going to slow down the group.

Sky might need them.

Wind spent a while focusing intently on keeping up, not tripping on any roots or rocks that the heroes walked over, and staying in the center of the group where he’d ended up, trotting near Wild’s heels. It wasn’t obvious at first, but Wind eventually realized that the others had moved to walk a little closer to where he was, generally keeping him company as he padded along.

Wind was suspicious, but he didn’t mind too much.

...Even if it felt a little like they were keeping him from wandering off.

“So... I have to admit, I’ve never really seen a cat before,” Wild said after a long period of silence, looking down at Wind.

“Really? Never?” Legend asked from beside him, and Wild shrugged.

“I’ve only seen one or two,” Time added from nearby. “They’re just not very common in some places, it seems.”

“Yeah. I’ve never seen them except in Twi’s world. I didn’t even know they were a thing until then,” Wild said.

“They are, believe me,” Four said a little grimly, shaking his head and making his earring sway. “Cats can be... a bit on the vicious side, in my experience.”

“Really?” Wild asked in interest, and Wind perked his ears, curious. Four rolled up his sleeve when everyone looked at him, and Wind had to crane his neck to see him show off a large circular scar near his elbow, one that looked like it came from a large tooth.

“Really.”

“How big are the cats in your time?!” Twilight asked in shock as he stared at Four’s arm, eyes wide with disbelief.

Four pulled his sleeve down, and smiled for some reason. “Depends who you ask. Most folks I know would say ‘huge’.”

“I fought a huge cat once,” Legend hummed, idly rubbing his shoulder. “It could curl into a spiked ball and had fangs as long as my forearm.”

“Aw Vet, you have all the fun.”

Wind felt at his teeth with his tongue while the conversation continued on, feeling a pang of disappointment. How come I didn’t get fangs as long as Legend’s forearm?

I seriously got the short end of the stick with this form...

Something ran along Wind’s head, snapping him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see Legend had stopped walking and kneeled down to pet him.

“Holy crap Champ you weren’t kidding, he’s so fluffy,” Legend said in delighted astonishment, and Wind twitched his tail, not quite sure if he appreciated the petting (even though it... did feel kinda nice).

“Er, can I..?” Hyrule asked, and Wind nodded, letting Hyrule run a few fingers along his back. “Wow, you’re really soft.”

“He’s a cute one alright,” Twilight said with a smile from a few paces away, and Wind gave him a foul look, still a bit grumpy from earlier.

Twilight’s smile faltered and he looked away as a curl of guilt twisted through Wind. It was quickly interrupted by someone scratching him behind the ears though, and Wind relaxed at the feel of it, his grumpy thoughts fleeing. He leaned into the touch as a purr escaped his throat, and heard someone laugh.

Okay, the petting was pretty nice.

“Hey, we’ve got Sky and a dark lizard to find, you can pet Wind later,” Warriors called from a good distance in front of them, and Wind heard at least two awws as the petting stopped, and they quickly resumed walking.

The group began moving closer to their normal pace, and Wind had to scurry to keep up, his legs beginning to ache at the unfamiliar motions and muscles he was using. He ignored it though, and kept going, purposely walking extra fast when Twilight glanced back to check on him.

He had to get used to walking more with the others when they’d first met anyway, this was just like that. The only difference was he didn’t have shoes to get blisters from now.

Though I guess my paws could get blisters anyway... but there’s nothing rubbing them, so hopefully not. I guess cats can’t really wear shoes, huh. Though maybe they could? You’d have to get some that were the right size though. I wonder if Twilight’s ever seen a cat with shoes?

...His Hyrule is definitely weird enough for people to do that for their pets...

Wind was so caught up in his thoughts of blisters and cat shoes that he forgot to pay as close attention to where he walking, gradually veering away from the others.

And he might not have noticed for a long while, but for the fact that his next step dropped right out from under him.

Wind let out a surprised yowl as he suddenly fell down a sharp incline, scrambling to regain his footing. He didn’t succeed though, and heard a shout behind him as he slid, tumbling down the slope and wincing as he hit a few rocks.

Wind finally rolled to a stop at the bottom, a little dizzy from all the spinning he’d just done, and shook his head, a puff of dust billowing out from his fur.

“Sailor! Are you alright?!”

Wind meowed back a somewhat dazed affirmative, getting to his feet and making sure he wasn’t actually hurt. He felt more sore then before, but he was overall not too worse for wear.

Maybe cat shoes wouldn’t be a bad idea after all, he thought dizzily, sitting back down.

Footsteps approached, and Wind looked up as the rest of the Links came down the slope, barely even an obstacle for them due to their sizes. Legend reached Wind first and kneeled beside him, giving him a quick look over before brushing some dirt off his head.

“Good grief sailor, don’t do that,” he sighed, and Wind curled his tail around himself, sure he’d be blushing if he was physically capable of it. It wasn’t on purpose!

“You’re okay?” Twilight asked next, his eyes wide and face creased with anxiety, and Wind nodded, looking at his paws.

He couldn’t believe he’d tripped. Now Twilight and the others probably wouldn’t let him walk anymore today, if at all, and he’d have to let them carry him around like some sort of useless fluffy pillow—

“Hey, look at what Wind found!”

Wind looked down at where Wild was pointing, and saw that he’d landed in what must have been a dried-up creek bed, dust and scraggly weeds in the bottom.

With a handful of bootprints clearly visible in the dirt right beside his tail.

“Those aren’t from us,” Hyrule said as he kneeled down to look at them. “You think..?”

“They might be Sky’s,” Four finished, and Wind felt hope flicker to life in his chest as they all studied the marks in the dirt. Maybe tripping down here wasn’t so bad after all!

“They look about the right size...” Warriors said thoughtfully.

“Who else would even be out in the middle of the woods like us? It’s got to be him!” Wild declared, then cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled. “HEY SKY! YELL IF YOU CAN HEAR ME!”

Wind tilted his head and pricked his ears, but there was no response to Wild’s shout.

“Guess he can’t,” Legend said flatly, rubbing his ear.

“Maybe Wind can tell if they’re Sky’s prints or not,” Twilight said, much to Wind’s surprise, and kneeled down next to him. “Cats have good noses. Can you see if you can make out Sky’s scent?”

Wind blinked, and gave a sort of shrug, looking at the prints.

“Maybe?” he meowed, well aware Twilight had no clue what he’d said. But Twilight must have caught on to his uncertainty, and he hummed, putting a hand on his chin.

“Right, you’ve been a cat for less then a day... uh... try to think about Sky, and what he smells like,” Twilight instructed. “Once you’ve got that in your head, take in all the smells around you, and filter out the ones you know aren’t right, like the dirt and grass. Breathe deep. Focus.”

Wind nodded, missing the look Warriors gave Twilight, and began to sniff around the prints, closing his eyes in order to focus better. That all didn’t sound too hard.

The first thing Wind could smell was the dirt, a little damp and earthy. Next to that he could smell grass, fresh and green, and a few small flowers, along with the still-present whiff of the ocean in the distance. There was another smell aside from those though, one more complicated.

This one had some perfumed notes like the flowers, and hints of a smell kind of like the trees nearby... wood maybe? But there was also something sharp, like the sea before a storm. It matched the scent Wind had pictured for Sky, and he focused in on it, tail going up in excitement.

Looked like these were Sky’s prints!

“You got it?” Twilight asked, and Wind meowed an affirmative, trying to find where Sky’s scent was strongest. It was hard to just focus on one scent, but Wind did his best.

Twilight followed around behind him as he sniffed along, and the other Links remained mostly quiet while he worked, watching to see what would happen. Wind’s aching body and feet got swept to the back of his mind while he followed the scent, intent on what he was doing, and he diligently followed his nose.

Come on Sky, please be here somewhere...

Wind abruptly stopped as the smell he’d been following got interrupted, another smell overtaking it. It was much more pungent than Sky’s scent, and Wind wrinkled his muzzle as it invaded his nose. He twitched his tail and sniffed harder, trying to find where the first smell had gone, but only finding more of the new musky scent.

Then Wind stopped, looking down at the large clawed footprint he’d just stepped in.

“Monsters,” Twilight said as he studied the mark, tapping a hand on his chin. “But no more sign of Sky?”

Wind meowed in the negative, and lightly bapped Twilight’s hand, guiding him over to another bootprint he’d just noticed next to the clawed mark. It was joined by several others, and they trailed off deeper into the woods alongside the clawed prints.

The others gathered around, and they looked at the marks in silence for a moment, faces worried.

“So Sky... and monsters,” Hyrule frowned, and Twilight nodded.

“Looks like it.”

“But was Sky following the monsters? Or were they following him?” Warriors mused. “Could you tell which scent was stronger, Wind?”

Wind gave another sort-of shrug, looking back at the prints. The monster smell was stronger than Sky’s, but he couldn’t tell if that was because of what it was, or if it just really was more recent.

Wolfie would be able to tell, he thought gloomily.

“It looks like he might’ve been in a hurry, these are pretty well spaced out,” Legend said, studying the further away tracks.

“So Sky was traveling quickly, either following monsters, or trying to get away from them,” Time surmised, his knees cracking as he lowered himself to look. “Good job Sailor,” he said as he ran a light hand over Wind’s head. Wind let out a happy purr at the motion, the compliment warming him. “This should help greatly with finding our missing knight of Skyloft.”

“So long as something else doesn’t find him first,” Warriors said grimly, and he straightened, everyone looking out at where the footprints led.

Somehow the forest ahead seemed a lot less pleasant to Wind.

“Come on. The sooner we find Sky and what’s leaving these tracks, the better,” Legend said with a frown.

The group quickly set off again, and the triumph from finding the tracks faded as Wind was sharply reminded of his sore body. The short break he’d gotten hadn’t helped much, and his legs were heavy and aching, the rest of him sore from his tumblr. The pads on his feet stung with every step, tiny rocks and dirt finding their way in between his toes, but Wind stubbornly ignored the ache.

Sky might be in trouble, and that mattered way more than sore feet, or aching paws, or even Wind’s annoyance at being a cat.

Sore paws weren’t going to stop him.

Despite his determination to keep up, Wind gradually drifted farther and farther behind the other Links, his feet dragging the longer they went. Everyone was moving much faster than before, and Sky’s tracks meandered up and down hills and over rocks and past all sorts of spots that were hard for an already-tired cat to follow.

And unfortunately for Wind, it wasn’t much longer before Twilight noticed his dragging paws and drooping whiskers.

Wind felt himself get scooped into the air for the second time today, and he mewed, frowning tiredly up at Twilight and ignoring how much better he felt not being on his paws anymore.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. I said you could walk as long as you told us when you got tired, and you’re barely even walking straight,” Twilight said pointedly, and Wind struggled a moment longer, then went limp, letting Twilight place him on his shoulder without further fuss.

He really was tired, as much as he hated to admit it. And Twilight’s pelt was a nice place to relax for a bit.

...Plus hey, he could see pretty far from up here. That was a plus.

Wind set his head on his paws with a breathy sigh, enjoying a view that wasn’t just feet and legs. That was another downside of being so small now— Wind couldn’t see barely anything, even when he craned his neck, and he hadn’t quite managed jumping just yet. So the view from Twilight’s shoulder was much appreciated.

Even if he would rather be walking.

“Hey... Sailor,” Twilight said after a minute, voice quiet. “I’m sorry about earlier. I know you’re having a hard time. I’m not trying to be pushy, I just want you to be careful.”

“I’ve been being careful,” Wind meowed quietly, knowing Twilight couldn’t understand, but hoping he’d get the gist. “You’re being overprotective.”

Twilight looked over at him, a serious look on his face. “I still remember the first day I got transformed. It was against my will, and I made a lot of mistakes, ones I could have avoided if I’d had someone who knew what it was like being transformed into an animal. I just want to make sure you don’t make the same ones.”

Wind blinked, thinking about that for a moment.

Then he sighed, stretching out a paw and lightly bapping Twilight’s nose. “Okay, I get it.” He’d try listening to Twilight a little more.

But if he kept being so crazily overprotective, all deals were off.

“Thanks Sailor,” Twilight said with a smile, and Wind flicked an ear in response, getting comfy on his shoulder.

No problem, he sighed to himself, and nestled down into Twilight’s pelt, intent on resting up so he could keep going as soon as possible.

Just don’t forget I’m a hero too, Twilight.

[yumeasmrscript]

[PART 4] Sharing your worries to the Wizard [M4A] [Fantasy] [Neko Listener] [Comforting] [Reassurance for your body] [You finally made the wizard blush too]

Author notes: Part 4 is out! With this, the second narrative arc is starting: fluff increase, their bond gets deeper… And we get to know more about them! As always, it is okay to monetize with the script, and feel free to make small edits to the scripts to make things sound better, or if you want you can change sfx and such!

If you haven’t read the other parts, I’ll leave you the link below <3

Hope you will enjoy!

Summary: It’s been a month since the Wizard found you, you are now living together! In exchange for food and hospitality, you started working for him. In the meantime, the Wizard is still looking for a way to reverse the curse you have. One day, you went out together to buy some things you need at home, but something makes you uncomfortable. Keeping quiet, you wait for the sun to set to open up.

____________

[Action/things happening] *Moods* Thinking

*Concentrated* So… we got fruits, we got a new set of glass bulb for the potions… Some herbs… What was the last thing we needed?

Oh, yeah, you’re right! I finished my ink. I’m glad your memory works better than mine. Now that I think about it, I… need to buy another book. I know it’s been a while… and we still have yet to do some real progress, but I haven’t forgotten about your curse.

*Frustrated* I know you’re in no rush, I know, but still… It’s frustrating not being able to do anything about it. I mean, I’m a wizard, I’m supposed to know how magical things works, and yet… here I am, with no clue on how to help you.

*Gentle, happy* Aw, you will wait no matter how long it will take? Thank you, kitty. It’s heartwarming to hear you say that. I’ll do my best to find a solution as quickly as possible.

[Shivering]

*Caring* It’s… so cold today, huh? The wind keeps blowing… How is it in those clothes? It’s been a while since we went out together, and the weather keeps getting colder, are you alright? Are they warm enough?

I’m glad. I wouldn’t want you to freeze out here. Oh, careful!

[Strong wind blowing]

Here, I got you! That was close, the wind is really strong today. Oh, and your hoodie too… back in place. Are you okay? ...Good. Hm? Hey, what’s that expression?

What do you mean “it’s nothing”? It’s true that it’s not much since we met, but I think I know you well enough to see that it’s not “nothing”. Uhm… are you sure the clothes are warm enough?

Okay, so… what’s bothering you? You know you can tell me anything.

*Confused* You… just want to go home? I mean, if that’s what you want… we don’t often get the chance to come here in the village, so I thought you could have enjoyed today’s errands. Are you tired? Or maybe the things you’re carrying are too heavy for you?

Okay, well… you only want to go back?

*Calm* All right then… okay, let’s do this. Why don’t you go back with the glass bulbs? I need to start the base mix for a few potions, and I could really use some help. You know… water, silver root… the usual. In the meantime, I’ll get the ink and the book, okay?

Great! I’ll see you later then. Hold tightly to the gem as soon as you get home, so I’m sure you got there safely, all right? Perfect. Be careful on your way back, see you later!

[Footsteps]

*Concentrated* Okay, so… let’s get these things. If I have to be honest… doing errands on my own is kind of boring. It feels lonely without them. There should be a bookshop over there, maybe they have the manual I need…

[Time skip]

[Bubble sounds, door opening and closing]

Kitty, I’m home! I’m so sorry it took so long… *Slightly sad* The ink was the easiest thing to retrieve in that bookshop. As for the book… unfortunately, there was nothing that could be of any help. We quickly tried to go through each one of the magic manual, but… nothing. *Hopeful* Still, I won’t lose hope. And neither you should! I’m sure we will find a way to reverse the curse.

Hm? Why are you so quiet?

*Surprised, happy* Oh, you prepared the base? And you also prepared the poison potions? And you made dinner? Aw, thank you kitty, you’ve helped a lot. You did even more than I could have expected! Listen… why don’t you go relax upstairs? I’ll finish writing a few things and I’ll come too, so we can eat together.

They seem a little bit… off. I wonder why… They looked fine until we parted ways at the village. Did something happen? Or maybe I did something wrong? Hm… I wish they would just tell me. It’s clear that something’s bothering them… but what could it be?

[sound of pen writing, paper…]

*Concentrated* Hm… this one for tomorrow, that old lady needs a healing potion, the other guy a chanted amulet… And done. With this I’ll be able to follow the schedule. Now, let’s just end the day.

[Sound of door being locked]

The store is closed for today, everything is ready for tomorrow. I’ll just go upstairs and get some rest. I wonder… if they’ll tell me what’s going on in their mind now.

[Footsteps]

*Gentle* I’m here, kitty. Oh, you’re watching out the window?

*Calm* You’re right, there’s the full moon tonight. That means… it’s been a month already, huh? Since… you started living here. Time sure flies when you have fun.

*Jokingly, happy* I’m serious! Since you started working here, things have been so much easier. I can’t believe I’ve been sleeping every night in the past few weeks, I can’t even remember the last time I had such a regular sleep schedule *Chuckle*. *Calm, gentle* And… I hope you are having a better time here than the one you had before.

Oh, you do? That’s a relief, kitty.

Well, of course! Did you think I would have let you sleep on the floor or something? Or that I would have forever given up my bed? I told you I would have found a way to create a space for you too, so you could have felt… at home. Who cares if my room has half the space it had before, luckily there was enough room for the both of us! And… thanks to this wooden sliding door, now we both have our privacy.

No, I’m not “too kind”, that’s the least I can do for you. You are still helping here every day, that’s only fair. And, by the way, thanks for the help today at the village. I… enjoyed going there with you. *Slightly shy, just a hint of insecurity* Maybe, next time, why don’t we go in that cafè we saw today? Unfortunately we didn’t have the time today, but… it’s a pity to always think about work. So, yeah... what do you think?

Uhm, you don’t have to answer right away, kitty. If you want to think about it, it’s fine, of course, but… is there a problem? With… going out, I mean.

*Confused* It’s not about that? Then, what is it about?

Huh? Well, I thought that there was something bothering you, and I can clearly see it now from your face but… *Jokingly* reading people’s mind it’s not a superpower wizards have. Though there are potions that can help with that.

Aw, don’t give me that look *chukle*, I’m not going to use these vile ways to know what’s in that brain of yours. *Calm* Seriously, though, you know you can tell me anything, and that if you want to keep some things for yourself, I’m not going to force you to open up. Okay?

*Gentle* Good. So… do you want to talk about it?

Oh? Uhm, yes, I can turn around if you want. Why?

*Confused* What… what’s the problem in looking at you?

Okay, okay, fine, I’ll just do that. Here, I’m turning my back to you. So what’s happening now?

[small pause]

*Confused* Kitty?

[Small pause]

*Even more confused* Uhm…

[Small pause, turning around again]

What are you… *Surprised and embarrassed* Woah, Sorry! It’s not like I wanted to peek, I just… I mean, you weren’t saying a word… I swear I didn’t see anything! *Confused*...Wait, did you just… shifted to your cat form and back to human again? Why?

Oh, I see… you wanted to try shifting to a fully human form, and it didn’t work? But… I mean, isn’t that normal? The curse is not lifted yet, and…

*Gentle* Aw, Hey, hey… come here. Don’t make that face. We’re going to find a solution, I told you we would. It’s a promise, kitty. I’m sorry I didn’t make any progress up until now, but… I’m sure we’ll find a way. Is that… what’s bothering you?

[Small pause]

*Comprehensive* Oh, So this is how you truly feel, huh? You’re scared to go outside, you feel vulnerable out there now and… this is the only place you feel safe. Yeah, I bet… the wind didn’t help, it exposed your cat ears for a brief moment. Were you afraid that someone could have seen you?

Well, yes, you are right. It’s not that common for a human to have some animal features. Not even uncommon, actually, just… close to zero. Well, personally, with all of the magical stuff I’ve seen, a human with feline features is still pretty “normal” to me. But it’s true, maybe for standard people would be strange something like this. *Worried of being misunderstood* I- I’m not saying you are strange, let’s be clear on this. Even because we both know you are a human, after all, and it’s not a curse that will make you “strange”.

*Confused, slightly angry* Huh?! What- what are you saying?! Sure, curses sucks and all, but you’re not disgusting! Why would you say that?!

*Frustrated* Yes, I am looking at you and there’s nothing “disgusting” about you! I mean… who cares if you have cat ears? Who cares if you have a tail? Fangs? Claws? Because I sure don’t! You are beautiful, even if you’re not fully human.

*More gentle now* Yes, there are. There are so many things about you that are lovely and make you unique, and don’t you dare say the opposite, because that’s not the truth.

Is… is that so? Why didn’t you tell me before?

If… this can reassure you, there was nothing about that in the manual. Even though you might feel like sometimes you’re losing sight of your humanity, until someone ultimate the curse, you will be both cat and human. You won’t lose your humanity by staying like this, don’t worry. What you feel could be just the animal instincts kicking in from time to time, because… after all, you’re still cursed. Half cursed, to be fair. And… I bet it’s hard to live with these feelings, but… okay, listen, *Determined* I’ll work harder on this. I don’t want you to feel this way anymore. If I can’t find a way to lift the curse for now, I’ll study a potion, a chanted amulet or something that will help you suppress the feline instinct.

No, no, it’s fine, but you should have told me, kitty. I know you didn’t want to be a burden but… time is passing and it must be frustrating. I… don’t want you to feel this way. Until then, though… I just want you to know, that I don’t care if your appearance is not fully human. You are wonderful on the inside and gorgeous on the outside.

*Gentle* I know, you may feel insecure, scared even, but trust me, that even though your body has some animal traits, you are much more human than lots of people out there. You’re not the “monster” here. So, stop saying these things to yourself, kitty. *More annoyed, not at the speaker but at the other wizard* The one who’s a monster, disgusting, hideous and a filthy creature is the one who cursed you, not yourself. And if I ever cross path with him, I’ll make sure to let him know how much of a piece of trash he is.

*Gentle again* Hey, look at me. I’m serious. Your tail is soft, your ears are cute. Just like your fangs. Your sight in the dark has improved, your movements can be much more furtive. You can purr too, isn’t that relaxing for you too? Your senses are much more sharper. I know you would much rather be a human, but until we find a way to lift your curse, focus on this. Focus on the bright side of this shitty situation that bastard put you in: you gained the best from both sides.

*Confused* What, you don’t agree that’s the bright side? And what is it then?

*Surprised, happy and a little bit embarrassed* Wha--- I, uhm, didn’t expect that… No, I’m not blushing! [pause] *Flustered* No, I’m not. [pause] *Even more flustered* No, I’m--- listen, are you trying to get your revenge here for all the times you blushed? But… *Happy, calm* I really didn’t think you would have said that. I didn’t think… meeting me was the bright side. Your words filled my heart with joy, kitty. Thank you.

*Chukle* See? That’s what happens when you try to make other people blush. I saw your red cheeks, don’t try to hide them.

No, I’m immune to this. I only, uh, blushed a little bit because I was taken by surprise there. *Chukle*

[small pause]

*Gentle* Are you feeling… a little bit better now?

I’m glad. *Confused* ...Oh? You accept? Wait, what do you accept?

The invite…? *Surprised happy* Oooh! You mean, going to the cafè? So… you want to come after all? Aw, I’m so happy! *Excited* Then… how about next week? There should be a limited edition for both a new coffee and tea flavor, and I’m really curious to try them. And maybe, on the way back, we can also stop to buy something that’s not work-related, you know? Unless, of course, you want to go home.

Hm *The “hm” as a chuckle tone*, that makes me happy. I mean… *Relieved, calm* I’m glad that you won’t let your worries to hold you back. I… like that about you. It’s fine if sometimes you feel overwhelmed, and you can always talk to me when it happens, but… see? This strength you have, to face what worries you, I think… it’s really admirable.

Aw, you’re welcome kit-

[soft sound of a sudden hug]

...Huh? *Soft, tender chuckle* *Surprised, happy, soft tone* I think… this is the first time you hug me. I didn’t expect that.

Oh, no, it’s fine, of course. Why wouldn’t it be? Here… let me hold you too. You deserve a hug too.

[Hair stroking for a few seconds, in silence]

[Purring sound]

Aww, they’re purring too… I’m glad they feel better and relaxed now. How adorable they are…

[small pause]

*slightly concerned* Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to touch your ears. Yeah, I bet they’re delicate. *Gentle* You… don’t mind? You mean it, or you’re just being kind? *Chukle* But… you hair is really soft, just like your tail. And… Kitty, promise me you’ll never say those horrible things to yourself ever again. Okay?

Good… Now, do you want to have dinner? Because, I can smell something delicious from the kitchen and I’m really curious about what’s in there. *Happy, excited* Aww, you made my favorite? Thank you, kitty!

Well then, let’s go eat something. It’s not the first time you made something, so I’m sure it will be tasty as heaven. And once again, thank you for taking care of it. I’ll make sure to repay you the favor tomorrow, by preparing your favorite one. Come on now, let’s go.

The moment they suddenly hugged me… I think my heart stopped for a moment. If I have to be honest...I wish it had lasted longer. It’s been a while since I last felt this way about someone, and… it’s not because I’ve been alone for a while before meeting them, I’m pretty sure. There’s… something about them. This feeling... I slightly felt it when we first met, and it keeps growing the more I get to know them. And now, I only wish to have the chance to hold them again. Just… for a little while.

[namethat-i-oughttohavetoldyou]

Habitual Gestures

Some Mungoteazer shenanigans for @0zzysaurus​! Unfortunately this got a lot more plot-heavy (not really, but yknow) than shippy, I hope you can forgive me :’D It seems that I am absolutely unable to write in some random humans without giving them some soft scenes. Oh well. Also, there are some suggestive mentions in here, but nothing explicit happens. Just some euphemisms. All my love to those who read/like/reblog and enjoy!

The ceramic bowl was prodded by a black paw, and Mungojerrie gave a confused meow at the sight of its contents.

“Dry food,” Rumpleteazer said, aghast. “On a Sunday!”

She reached for the skirt of the cook with a begging paw. Mungojerrie in the meantime tipped the bowl a little on its side and let go, producing a loud bang noise from the ceramic hitting the tiles. His ears pricked and he repeated this action a few more times.

“Now, now,” the cook scolded, stooping to detach Rumpleteazer’s claws from her skirt. “Stop your warbling and say your little prayer, be a good kitty!”

“Meeaaaaawrow”, Rumpleteazer answered (at least to the ears of the cook; her actual words shall not be repeated), obviously unwilling to obey.

“Maybe we have to change brands again… spoiled little beasts,” the cook grumbled, scratched Rumpleteazer behind the ears and left them to it.

Mungojerrie commented their plight with another mournful wail, but it was no use. The wet food stayed safe and sound where-ever it had been hidden, and they felt far too hungry and neglected to search for it or smash a few wine glasses in protest. Instead, they tipped the bowl over and slunk off to the attic.

“We ought to move out,” Mungojerrie lamented, falling dramatically on a dusty armchair. “We’d never be treated like this on the junkyard.”

“It’s not even half as draughty here, though,” Rumpleteazer sighed, leafing through an old newspaper and drawing moustaches on every human who didn’t have one yet with an ink pen she’d stolen from the study. “I couldn’t bear having to sleep there every night. I don’t know how they do it.”

“Well, if it gets too draughty, they can move to the house of the guardsmen, I suppose. On the other hand, it’s draughty in there, too…”

“We should move into the nursery when we’re there next time,” Rumpleteazer suggested wisely, jumping up on the armchair and sitting on Mungojerrie’s lap. “Or with Munkustrap. Either way, with so much fluff, we won’t even notice the wind.”

“True,” Mungojerrie admitted, but then he frowned. Rumpleteazer didn’t like that. She began to groom his face.

“We’d have to help Munkustrap out with his play if we stayed with him, surely. And I haven’t really practised my lines yet…”

“Then why don’t you start practising? I know it’s not very exciting, but-”

“Au contraire, Madam Teazer.” Mungojerrie wrapped his arms around her and sat up as much as he could, eyes alight. Rumpleteazer couldn’t help but kiss his excited expression.

“My ears start twitching and my tail won’t stay still if I only think of the play! And am I ever so excited about having been trusted with a lead role.”

Figures, Rumpleteazer thought with a fond eyeroll. Toms. They loved superheroes.

“But I admit that I might be too excited,” Mungojerrie continued, “because I never remember my lines. And I can’t really start singing something else instead, as everyone always suggests to me, because some old poll’ wouldn’t sing ‘Twinkle twinkle little dot’ in the heat of the moment. That would destroy the atmosphere, y’know?”

Rumpleteazer had been distracted by a dust bunny about half-way through his monologue, so she gave a vague hum in response.

Mungojerrie took her head between his paws and pressed their noses together. “Help me practise, please?”

“Certainly,” Rumpleteazer replied, and ten seconds later they both balanced a dustpan and its accompanying sweeper on their heads, in lieu of their dog costumes that were safely stored somewhere in Jellylorum’s den.

They shoved a stack of puzzle cartons off a cupboard to represent Munkustrap standing between them, then Rumpleteazer counted them in.

“Five, six, seven, eight!”

“…”

“…”

“What are we waiting for?”

“Well, you have to bark first.”

“Do I?”

“I’m sure.”

“Oh, alright.”

Mungojerrie barked, a truly terrible sound coming from a cat, in fact so utterly terrible that Rumpleteazer burst into pealing laughter.

“Oh, come on now, you know I haven’t practised yet,” Mungojerrie complained, crossing his arms and pouting, dustpan slipping down.

“I’m sorry,” Rumpleteazer gasped and doubled over.

Mungojerrie waited a few minutes, then he readjusted his dustpan and went into position again. “Are you done now?”

“Yeah, yeah. Five, six, seven, eigh-”

“Mee-WAK!”

This time, Rumpleteazer rolled into the stack of puzzle cartons, screeching with laughter. The stack collapsed, thousands of puzzle pieces covered the floor, and Mungojerrie gave up and jumped into the pile as well. His dustpan went flying with the momentum and sailed over the cupboard, knocking the rest of the puzzle cartons clean off. Within seconds, both Cats (and a sweeper) were buried in pieces from at least 30 puzzle sets.

“We should practise more often,” Mungojerrie commented a few minutes later, after they had emerged from the pile and were now batting the pieces back and forth, observing the delightful chaos around them.

Rumpleteazer chewed on a puzzle piece, grimaced and spat it out. “Agreed. Also, since I haven’t really trained my abs today, lets keep practising how to bark. At least we’ll have something to show off when we see Munk the next time.”

Mungojerrie thought that to be a grand idea, so he gave his best attempt at a power stance, paws slipping on the puzzle-covered floor, pulled a sinister face, thought of the Rottweiler in the backyard of the local butcher and gave it his all.

Rumpleteazer was in tears in a matter of moments, desperately heaving for air in-between bouts of uproarious laughter.

They made so much noise that the family downstairs grew concerned.

“Oh, Arthur, please go upstairs and check what they’re doing,” the lady of the house instructed their butler. She worried her silk scarf, clutching her pearls whenever a particularly hair-raising noise rang out. “Maybe they’ve eaten the rat poison and are in agony or dying! I knew we should have given them wet food today, oh my, oh my.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Arthur the butler said tiredly, slowly climbing up the stairs and the rickety ladder, his old joints creaking.

The blood-curdling noises only grew louder the closer he came to the carnage that had once been an orderly stack of puzzle cartons, and Arthur breathed a sigh of relief when he came face to face with two tiger-striped cats staring at him with outrage, neither dying nor in agony. The way they were positioned gave him a very clear idea of what they had been doing.

“Here, kitty kitty,” he murmured tenderly, grabbed them by their scruffs and set them on his arm. “Now look at the mess you’ve made! You should be ashamed of yourselves. The young master will need days to sort them!”

The cat on the right blinked at him very slowly, and Arthur had to admit that they probably couldn’t care less. Oh, to be a cat, he thought.

“Now, do keep your urges in check when you’re on unsteady ground, hm? We wouldn’t want you to hurt yourselves.”

Rumpleteazer hissed and Mungojerrie puffed up his fur indignantly. “Urges?!”

Arthur set them down again in front of the attic door, too old to carry them all the way downstairs. “Run along now, kitty cats.” With that, he locked the door behind him and made his way back down the ladder.

The two cats stared at each other for a little while longer, then they groomed their forepaws and yawned a few times in embarrassment.

“Rude,” Mungojerrie grumbled as they jumped down the ladder and slid down the stair railing on their bellies.

Halfway down the stairs, a truly marvellous scent rose to their noses – roast!

“Do you smell that, Jerrie?”

“I do! Oh Teazer, our Sunday is saved!”

They made a beeline for the kitchen, tails raised high and mouths open to catch as much of the heavenly smell as possible, only stopping shorty to admire the new vases on the cabinet in the hallway.

The cook was hard at work with peeling potatoes while the Argentine Joint was roasting in the oven. This would prove to be an obstacle, but it wouldn’t be the first time for them to steal food that was still in a pot on the stove, or in this case, the oven.

The cook, however, was an even bigger obstacle, for she allowed them to enter the kitchen, but they could feel her eyes on their backs like prongs on their scruffs.

Mungojerrie stood on his hind legs to look through the glass pane of the oven, tongue hanging out of his mouth. Rumpleteazer’s tail twitched from side to side, just waiting to jump at the oven door to rip it open.

“Come here, kitty,” the cook called.

Rumpleteazer heaved a sigh but obeyed. Mungojerrie didn’t even seem to notice.

The cook stooped low on the kitchen sofa to scratch Rumpleteazer’s head and then reached for something on the table with her other hand. Rumpleteazer’s ears perked up. A treat?

To her disappointment, the hand came back and held a piece of peeled potato to her nose. She dutifully sniffed on it.

“What do you think, hm? What do you think?” the cook asked her in her thick Italian accent.

Rumpleteazer meowed in response.

“Don’t you worry, we’ll add some salt to that now. Come, come.”

With that, she picked her up and showed her the pot of potatoes.

“Now, how much salt do we need, angioletto? One pinch or two?”

Rumpleteazer meowed cluelessly.

“That’s right, that’s right. Quanto basta, yes? Quanto basta.”

With that, she shoved a spoon into the tin and added salt, seemingly without looking. All her food turned out delicious either way, so Rumpleteazer decided to not question her methods.

“Get away from the oven,” the cook continued, and Rumpleteazer squinted up at her with confusion. Couldn’t she see what a well-behaved kitty she was?

The soft sound of paws padding over tiles made her stop in her thoughts. Oh yeah.

Mungojerrie gave a chirp of complaint.

Rumpleteazer wormed her way between the cook’s rough hands, flicking her tail at Mungojerrie. I’ll distract her.

The cook’s round face lit up in a smile. “Oh, come here, you.”

As she began to pet and scratch her, Rumpleteazer’s only thought was how she could die happily this way. The cook just might have been her favourite human, right after the little girl that was always happy to play in mud puddles with her and the kittens, and perhaps the aunt of the station master, because she shrieked so beautifully loudly whenever they ran away with her feather boa.

“Don’t you think I don’t see what you’re doing over there, you horrible cat.”

Or maybe not.

Mungojerrie was hanging from the oven door, turning back to throw Rumpleteazer a betrayed look.

“Get down from there, don’t burn your paws,” the cook scolded him, setting Rumpleteazer on the kitchen sofa next her and walking to the stove to look into one of the pots.

Mungojerrie let go and trotted to the doorway, defeated. Rumpleteazer joined him, and together they left the kitchen to curl up in the sitting room, dragging their paws.

One of the girls came running to pet them, but they squirmed away from her grasping hands and flew under the table next to the fireplace, where they had one of their beds.

“Oh, bugger,” Mungojerrie complained, scratching at his side and frowning.

Rumpleteazer loafed next to him and chewed on her bottom lip in thought. “We’ve got to get her away from the stove somehow. I will not eat dry food if they get to eat like lords and ladies! I refuse.”

“But how? Her eyes seem to be all over the kitchen.”

“Then lets get her out of the kitchen.”

Both of their gazes wandered to the gramophone that sat enthroned on a small side table just across from them.

In a matter of seconds, Mungojerrie stood next to the table and Teazer on his back, lifting the needle onto the record with careful paws. The Rum Tum Tugger had shown them how to operate a gramophone when they had stolen a record from the record shop for him. As soon as the needle was placed down, they changed places, and Mungojerrie leaned his entire body weight on the wind-up crank. It took a lot of effort for a cat to use a gramophone, which is why they preferred to sing by themselves back at the junkyard (or to listen to the guards’ radio from time to time), but Mungojerrie was determined.

With a soft crackle, the machine came alive, and two seconds later music blasted from the horn at an ear-shattering volume.

Every living being in the house jumped in surprise at the sudden noise (Mungojerrie fell off Rumpleteazer’s back and rolled beneath the table), but to the cats’ horror none of them ran to shut the gramophone off. Instead, sudden loud singing rang from the kitchen, and the family, infected by the joy in the cook’s voice, jumped off their seats and began to dance, in pairs and alone, waltzing from the carpeted floor onto the sofa to the coffee table and back to the floor, laughing and singing like they hadn’t done for a long time.

Normally the two striped menaces under the table would have joined them without hesitation, as they were Jellicle cats and loved a good dance, but right at this moment they were fairly disappointed.

“That didn’t work out,” Mungojerrie commented after a while of watching them frolic, and they left the sitting room for the hallway, the music a tad too loud for their sensitive ears.

“They have adapted,” Rumpleteazer sighed, “there isn’t much we can surprise them with anymore. Maybe we truly should move out.”

(But she didn’t really mean it. Dry food or not, they both had grown very fond of the family and their servants, whether they wanted to admit it or not.)

“Woe is us,” Mungojerrie said, squinting at the cabinet next to them.

The new vases seemed to tease him.

They looked at each other.

“Well, it’s worth a try, I suppose,” Rumpleteazer agreed.

Without losing a second, Mungojerrie jumped up and nudged a vase off the cabinet. It shattered on the tiled floor with a satisfying ping.

They pricked their ears and waited. One minute passed.

Then two.

Four.

Nothing happened.

“The music is too loud,” Mungojerrie realized, and Rumpleteazer yowled in desperation.

They smashed the other two vases as well, since they were at it already.

Then Rumpleteazer inhaled very deeply and gave an ear-splitting screech.

Jerrie almost backflipped out of shock, pawing at his ears in discomfort. “What was that for?”

“I’m pulling all registers,” Rumpleteazer responded drily, taking another breath to scream.

However, before she could open her mouth, she was suddenly lifted from her paws into flawlessly ironed shirt-clad arms, and Arthur the butler pulled her to his chest, taking one of her paws into his hand as if he was leading her in a dance.

“Are you singing as well, my kitty?” he mumbled, a faraway smile on his old, wrinkled face.

Then he slowly waltzed with her through the hallway, humming softly under his breath.

Rumpleteazer didn’t try to fight back, instead pressing her head beneath Arthur’s chin and purring, smelling old people and soap. Mungojerrie sang quietly and streaked around Arthur’s legs, always careful not to make him stumble.

They circled the end of the hallway a few times and then moved into the direction of the sitting room. Mungojerrie gave a chatter of warning before Arthur could step into a shard of the shattered vases.

“Dear me,” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow at the cat in his arms.

Rumpleteazer purred a little louder.

He sat her down again and warned them to watch their paws, then he began the straining walk to the attic to retrieve the only dustpan and sweeper left in the house.

“One less to worry about,” Mungojerrie said, and Rumpleteazer giggled.

When they re-entered the kitchen, the cook was just poking a skewer into the roast to check how done it was. However, as soon as they appeared in her periphery, it was no use to try and lure her to the remains of the vases. The pot of potatoes was now boiling on the stove, and the pot with the greens stood at the ready, and the cook was ever so vigilant.

Mungojerrie pretended to choke to death on the kitchen floor, but he was mercilessly nudged to the side by the cook’s foot so she could get to the ladle laying on the table.

They even threw all sense of shame and modesty into the wind and tried to, as Arthur had put it. ‘follow their urges’ on the kitchen sofa, which resulted in them getting thrown out of the kitchen in less than five seconds.

Defeated, they climbed through the letter box into freedom, resigned to return to the Junkyard in hope of better food than a bowl of lousy dry food.

“It’s hopeless,” Mungojerrie moaned as the smell of the roast wafted out of the open kitchen window around the corner.

“So cruel of her,” Rumpleteazer agreed, throwing her forelegs into the air, “and so undeserved!”

Still, they couldn’t resist to jump onto the ledge of the kitchen window, opting to mourn their lost dinner.

The roast wasn’t in the oven anymore. Instead, it now lay on a tray in the middle of the kitchen table to cool, while the cook was busying herself with the rice, greens and potatoes, still singing at full volume.

“This is our chance,” Mungojerrie whispered, whiskers quivering with excitement. “Go to the front door and do something to lure her away!”

“But what?” Rumpleteazer asked, tail lashing and mouth open to inhale as much of the wonderful smell as possible.

“Think of something,” Mungojerrie said impatiently, giving her left ear a quick groom. “Hurry!”

Rumpleteazer chirped at the grooming, jumped off the ledge and galloped back to the front door.

“Think of something, think of something,” she mumbled, chasing her tail for a few seconds to build off nervous energy and get a clear head.

She stepped back and threw a glance at the roof. There was light in one of the windows – Arthur was still searching for the dustpan. Perfect.

Rumpleteazer cleared her throat, opened her mouth and produced the loudest yowl cat-kind had ever heard. All around the dogs began to bark and the neighbourhood cats called out for her, wanting to know if something had happened and if she needed help.

“I forgot my keys!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, hoping that it would placate her neighbours and lure the cook to the door.

Her neighbours gave various noises of acknowledgement, but the door didn’t open. The music, she realized, pawing at her left ear when a dog around the corner began to howl.

A loose brick on the pavement stared at her judgmentally.

“It was worth a try,” she grumbled to his direction, tail lashing with annoyance at the excessive howling. “Imagine if I was a pollicle! They’d come running if they only had an inkling that I’d left the house without a leash. Humans don’t just let their dogs run out of the door and do their business like us cats. Which isn’t surprising, mind you, because they would have probably started three fights before their family could even close the door behind them.”

The brick said nothing, it just laid there and looked judgemental. Rumpleteazer turned her nose up at it and stalked away, around the corner and back to Mungojerrie.

“I can’t think of anything,” she sniffed, flopping onto the window ledge.

“Come on, Teazer,” Mungojerrie pleaded, picking her up by the shoulders and shaking her gently, “this is our only chance! The rice is always done, and the beans are washed, we’re running out of time! You can think of something, I just know it.”

Rumpleteazer’s ears drooped, and Mungojerrie took a second to think.

“What if I promised you dessert?”

She immediately perked up. “Dessert, you say?”

Mungojerrie wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

“Ohhh. Dessert.”

“Yes, dessert.”

“I’ll think of something,” Rumpleteazer promised, flying off the ledge and around the corner so fast that she almost somersaulted into the gutter.

Confronted with the unmoving door, she began to doubt (and mourn the seemingly unattainable dinner… and dessert).

She kicked at the brick with sudden anger. Everlasting Cat curse this door! She had never come across a door that looked so unfriendly and unhelpful and rude overall. To be fair, she didn’t usually come across a lot of doors in her daily life, since she usually entered houses through windows, but Gus’ theatre door was always open for everyone. Such a friendly door it was, so well managed and served by the janitor; Gus really had done well with that. Although, she supposed, it only kept working so well because Jellylorum took care of him and everything else so well, never seeming to tire of listening to his ever-repeating stories, looking out for the kittens and young adults just as much, Rumpleteazer didn’t know how she did it! She could barely take care of herself if she didn’t have Mungojerrie, let alone an entire colony of cats of every age. On the other hand, what would Jelly do without Jenny, who was always there for her to pour her heart out as well as a shoulder to cry on, and they drank tea together at least two times a week, so that Jellylorum didn’t get lonely in the old theatre and Jenny didn’t lose her mind from giving lessons to her mice and cockroaches every night. Sometimes they invited Rumpleteazer to drink a cuppa with them, and she loved it because the tea tasted very good and she was allowed to put a little milk into her tea. Milk, a miracle, a wonderwork, the best thing there was in the world, apart from Mungojerrie and stealing roasts. And one could even make a living by selling it! At least humans could. If she was a human, she would like to be a milkman. Access to free milk, and you could share that joy with others! What a wonderful profession. She had met the local milkman many a time, a friendly young man who was always punctual, and the cook was always so quick to open the door for him–

Oh yeah. The door.

Focus, focus! She thought angrily, shaking out her fur.

Anyway. What did the milkman do that the door was opened so quickly? She had never heard him shout before, but there had been some kind of noise. What was it… a ringing? Yes, a ringing noise.

She frowned deeply, almost going cross-eyed. But how did he do that? He never had a bell in his hand when the cook opened his door, he only had one of his fingers outstretched. Was it magic? Human magic? Did their fingers ring?

The young queen climbed up on the banister and lifted a paw. Cassandra had shown her once how to drink tea like a lady, one claw splayed like the humans did it with their shortest finger. Maybe this would work just as well.

She unsheathed a claw and pointed it in the direction of the door. Unfortunately, her paw didn’t ring.

“Where is Mistoffelees when you need him?” she grumbled, sheathing her claw again.

Maybe she had to point at something specific. Straining every brain cell she had, she tried to remember in which direction the milkman pointed when the cook opened the door for him. He pointed… to the right. No, to the left.

Rumpleteazer jumped to the opposite banister and pointed again. Nothing. It was hopeless- wait!

“Now what do we have here?” she purred, whiskers spreading out and pupils widening.

A button! Buttons were lots of fun. Their potential was boundless! Once they had found one underneath the desk in the study and a secret door had opened. Maybe this button would open the door as well? That wasn’t quite what her goal had been, but now she was too curious to not give it a try.

She stretched out a paw and pressed the button.

A shrill ringing noise made her fall off the banister and hide behind the brick.

Then she gave whoop of victory. She had solved the mystery! All by herself! Oh, she would be getting that dessert, no matter if they managed to steal the roast or not.

Spurred on, she climbed the banister again and pressed the button another four to five times, and not ten seconds later she heard Mungojerrie’s warning call and the cook shuffling to the door, grumbling under her breath.

She took to her heels and made it back to the kitchen window in record time, Mungojerrie beaming at her from the kitchen table, the roast securely in his paws.

They hauled the Argentine Joint out of the kitchen, up the stairs to the study and behind one of the bookcases, one of their favourite hideouts inside the house. Downstairs, they could hear the cook bluster and rant.

“The joint is gone, even though I was so careful!” the cook wailed, slumped over the kitchen table, her balled fist hitting the tabletop.

“It was that horrible cat!” the youngest child crowed from the sitting room as the master of the house hurried to console her.

“Nothing at all to be done about that,” he sighed, glancing sadly at the empty tray. “We’ll send Arthur to the butcher and eat one tomorrow instead. For now, we still have all the side dishes, can’t let them go to waste now, can we?”

“Definitely not, sir,” Arthur agreed, having returned from the attic, covered in dust and puzzle pieces.

“Oh, we should find them, darling,” the lady of the house pleaded, worrying her silk scarf. “What if they choke on the bones?”

“Nonsense. The cat figured out how to ring the darn doorbell, I’m sure they know how to eat roast correctly, my dear.”

“Ah yes, that’s true.”

Upstairs, said roast had shrunk to a miniscule size, and Mungojerrie was purring loud enough to rival Jennyanydots when she was in a good mood.

“Say, Teazer, how did you manage to make the milkman noise?”

Rumpleteazer, pleasantly sated and excited for dessert, twirled her whiskers and put on a smug expression.

“Well, you see, my dear Jerrie, it’s old human door magic that Mistoffelees showed me once after I helped him steal a pair of socks…”

ADHD queen Teazer, amiright? Sdjfjksd Even though all the Catsiversary fics are standalones, I’m gonna keep these humans. I’ve grown fond of them and they are so much fun to write xD Also I referenced the German lyrics of R&M because the “the joint is gone from the oven like that” part is so much funnier in the old Vienna translation. (“Angioletto” means “little angel” and “quanto basta” means “just enough”.) I hope you liked it! Thank you for reading! ♥

[thewriterofmanythings]

And They Were Roommates

Day 5 of Widojest Week-There’s only one bed, or Alternate Universe

Nott and Yeza's apartment is undergoing renovations, and the cute foreign grad student Jester has been crushing on needs a place to stay. What could go wrong? Super happy with this fic. You can also read it on AO3. As usual big shoutout to @3fling for all the love and support, especially this time because I wouldn’t even have a plot for this otherwise!

Working at the local coffee shop had a lot of benefits. Free coffee of course, free pastries at the end of the night, listening to whatever music the employees wanted, and the flexible hours that worked with her school schedule.

The cute redhead grad student that came in everyday was definitely a plus too.

Jester had been working at Cool Beans for four years and had seen all manner of people come through the door. As a college town it wasn’t a surprise; people came from all over and stayed a few months to a few years while they studied. Some of those people stayed but most left to go back to wherever they came from or even off to new places. Jester herself dreamed of leaving one day, venturing out into the world and discovering what was out there. But for now she was here, working towards an art degree and making the best of her situation.

The redheaded grad student was a foreigner from Germany. He spoke excellent English though his accent was a bit tough to understand at times, especially if he ever got frustrated. His name was Caleb and he had come all the way from his home country to join one of the world’s best linguistics programs. He came in every day at exactly one p.m., ordered a sandwich and an americano with an extra shot of espresso, and sat down to study for two hours before neatly cleaning his table and heading out.

Jester enjoyed people watching, trying to analyze people from the way they walk, the things they did, how they interacted with other people. Even before she had a full conversation with Caleb she noticed he was quiet, polite, and had a dry sense of humor. His wardrobe was full of earthy tones, lots of boots and plain button up shirts, adding in jackets, scarves and hats when the weather began to turn cold. On the rare occasion he came in when it didn’t seem he was studying he still carried a simple black leather notebook. He often pulled the top part of his shoulder length hair into a sort of bun, exposing the pen he regularly kept behind his right ear. Ink marks and scratches along his hand indicated he did a lot of writing and, Jester would guess, he owned a cat.

Of course, it wasn’t all just staring from a distance. Jester had begun to build a friendship with Caleb thanks to a strange change of relationships. Most often at the shop Jester shared her shift with Clay and Molly; the three of them made a trifecta of hair colors and piercings that gave the warm shop an unexpected punk vibe. Clay was a gardener of sorts and had made friends with Yeza and Nott, the lovely couple whom Caleb was staying with during his time in the States. Molly was in a band with two women named Beau and Yasha and the group usually played in a newer dive bar downtown on Saturday nights. Jester and Clay went every week to support their friend, and one day while picking up a new plant Clay had told Yeza about the shows. Knowing it was unhealthy for Caleb to spend all his time in the house studying, Nott and Yeza had immediately booked a recurring sitter for their young son and dragged Caleb down to the bar to hang out with others. The eight of them had begun to get closer, but Jester still found it difficult at times to put herself out there and really engage with Caleb.

Today however was Jester’s lucky day.

“Caleb!” The small bell chimed through the coffee shop as Nott slipped in, shutting the door quickly to keep the cold wind from freezing the customers out. The woman was on the shorter side but no one ever noticed because her personality more than made up for it. Her sense of humor among the friend group was unrivaled and she could easily drink them all under the table.

“Ya Nott, is everything all right?” Caleb looked up from his laptop where he had been hyper focused on a paper. His brow was furrowed with a mix of worry and confusion.

Jester busied herself with straightening the pastry display, which was conveniently close to Caleb’s table. She could be particularly nosy at times due to her curious nature, but now she mostly wanted to make sure everything was okay with Nott’s family.

“I’m all right Caleb, but I’m afraid I do have some bad news. The renovation plans have been moved up by two whole weeks!”

“Oh, that means…” Caleb’s voice trailed off, his face turning into a frown.

“Yeah exactly! Yeza’s mom said she can take Luke, and we have another friend we can stay with, but she only has one extra room.”

“I see. So I suppose I will need to find a place to stay in the meantime since Clay will not be back until the end of the month.”

“I’m really sorry about that Caleb! I’ll help you look, surely we can find something soon. Maybe you can stay with Beau or something?”

“He can stay with me!”

Jester fought the urge to clasp her hands over her mouth. Wow, smooth move Jester. Inviting your little crush to live with you? There’s no way this is gonna go well, she thought to herself. She hadn’t even stopped to consider the ramifications of what she had volunteered for.

Something glinted behind Nott’s eyes and she nodded her head frantically. “Yes! Yes that would be perfect! You’re just the best Jester.”

“Oh, I… I would hate to impose, Jester, that’s very kind of you…” Caleb stuttered, his hands nervously fidgeting with his scarf.

“I think it sounds like the perfect plan.” Molly emerged from the back room where he had apparently been listening to the whole conversation. “Jessie might bring you out of your shell, Mr. Caleb, and Jester, well…. You could learn some tidiness habits perhaps.”

What a wingman, Jester thought, rolling her eyes at her purple-haired friend. He smirked, twirling around and walking to the register to help another customer who had walked in.

“Don’t you have a dog? I do not know if my cat would like that.”

“Oh that’s okay! Nugget doesn’t mind cats, he won’t bother Frumpkin!” Jester smiled at Caleb, trying her hardest not to blush.

“Well, I suppose it would be the best offer I could get on such sort notice.”

Nott beamed at the two of them. “Sounds like it’s settled then! I’ll help you pack up Caleb and we’ll be right over!”

***

“Soooo, this is my apartment. It’s nothing crazy you know, but it’s nice and has a good view and a lot of spaaace….”

Jester could feel herself beginning to ramble as she opened the door to her studio apartment. It was extremely nice for college student standards; her mother wanted her to be comfortable so she paid for Jester’s rent, but she also wanted her daughter to learn the value of hard work, meaning Jester was responsible for her own tuition and school supplies, as well as any other necessities. All things considered it was a pretty nice arrangement.

The living room was a nice open space with a gorgeous window overlooking downtown. The kitchen and living room were decorating in bright colors with unique art sculptures spaced around. In the center of the open area close to the window sat a large easel displaying a half finished painting. A number of half-dead attempts at plant keeping were littered about the area as well.

“You have a very nice place, Jester.” Caleb was huffing a bit as he carried in a large box of his belongings. Jester herself had Frumpkin’s cat carrier and a bag of cat supplies. There was still a fair amount of stuff to bring in but this was a good start.

“So I don’t have a second room but the couch is a fold out and it’s totally comfy.” Jester sat Frumpkin’s carrier down and unlatched the door. “Here, kitty kitty kitty!”

After a second Frumpkin lazily made his way out, beginning to inspect the strange new space. The two of them watched as he began to sniff the couch, marking the edge with his scent glands.

“You are an artist?” Caleb asked, gesturing toward the easel.

“I do! I’m an art major but I don’t get to do a lot of painting stuff at my level so I like to practice it here.”

“I look forward to seeing you work.”

Jester tried not to let Caleb see her blush as she began to help him unpack. The rest of the day was spent moving boxes to make sure everything was out of Nott and Yeza’s apartment in time for the renovators to begin their work, taking only a small break for Chinese food. The conversation was timid at first, the two of them dancing around each other the way acquaintances interact at a party when their mutual friend goes to visit the bathroom. But by the end of the night the two had sunk into a comfortable rhythm. As Jester went to sleep that night, she played over the day’s event in her head, giggling every time she thought about how she had made Caleb laugh. If she didn’t have a crush before, she was certainly deep in one now.

***

“Jester, look out!”

Caleb’s frantic voice came from inside Jester’s room. It had been a week since Caleb had moved in, and Frumpkin and Nugget hadn’t gotten along as well as Jester had assured him they would. He had spent the last hour trying to coax his cat out from under her bed and it seemed like the persuasion had taken a turn for the worse.

Jester glanced over from her position at the easel. She was enjoying her Saturday morning routine of hot tea and painting, listening to Regina Spektor ring out through the apartment via her wireless speaker. Her trance like state was broken as she saw Frumpkin shoot down the hallway, followed by Nugget’s large body. The cat turned sharply, but the poor dog was caught unaware and his attempt to switch directions was nowhere near as smooth, throwing himself right into Jester’s easel. Thanks to Caleb’s warning however, she was able to stabilize the workspace, only losing a bit of her paint to the tarp underfoot in the process.

Caleb ran out, his red hair a frazzled halo around his head. He frantically darted into the kitchen, trying to corner Frumpkin around the island, but the cat was wise and jumped up onto the counter, knocking over one of Jester’s plants in the process.

Catching wind of what Caleb was trying to do, Jester ran to try to intercept him, but the cat was too fast and she ended up tripping over Nugget instead. She braced herself for a fall onto the hardwood floor, but felt hands attempt to catch her. Unfortunately in his rush to help, Caleb himself was off balance, sending both of them tumbling to the floor.

Jester felt her face redden at being so close to Caleb. She could feel his breath on her face and his eyes were just inches away from her own. Her mind scrambled to think of something to say, an apology or excuse or anything, but her brain was short-circuiting.

“Paint,” Caleb said, pulling her out of her panicked haze.

“Wh-what?”

“Sorry, you uh, you have paint on your cheek.” 

She felt Caleb’s thumb rest on her cheek, gently wiping away a fleck of color. He still lay there though, holding her in his arms, inches from her face. She knew she ought to pull herself away, get up and clear her head, but she had to admit there was no place else she would rather be. “Thank you,” she said, barely daring to whisper.

“Your freckles are quite beautiful.” Caleb spoke breathlessly, his thumb still stroking her cheek softly. His eyes seemed transfixed, glancing over every bit of Jester’s face. She could feel his heart beat underneath her hand.

It’s now or never Jester, said the voice in the back of her head, and before she realized what she was doing she had closed the distance between him. Her lips touched his, quickly and softly before backing away. “I’m sorry Caleb, I don’t know why-”

Her voice was silenced by the sudden presence of Caleb’s lips on hers. He had kissed her back, but his held intent. Something about him was hungry, as if he had been waiting for this for months and he was going to enjoy every moment of it. She moaned into his mouth as her tongue slipped into hers and she moved her hand to the back of his head, intertwining her fingers through his hair.

Caleb suddenly moved away and Jester moved after him, craving more before realizing he had something to say. “I did not know this was a perk,” he said, chuckling lightly before kissing her again.

Jester in turn pulled away, laughing as well. “Only for really special roommates.”

***

“Caleb, the rennovaters are all done! You can move back in whenever you want to!”

Nott’s voice came across loud through the phone speaker, forcing Caleb to turn the volume down. It was seven in the morning and the sun was barely beginning to peek through the window of his apartment. He looked down at the woman next to him, still asleep with her blue hair splayed out across the bedsheets.

“Thank you Nott, but I don’t think that will be necessary for now.”

“Really?”

“Ya. I think things have worked out just fine.”

[mirage-05]

The Orphanage Mission - Stingyu

When you wanted to write a light-hearted “mission” and also promote one of your favorite Fairy Tail couples too... well this is what happens between @eleanor-devil​ and me :D Hey again guys! We hope you didn’t think you saw the last of us about Sting and Yukino ^*^ Once again, Rin is my OC. And Metra is a canon character we nicked from the manga - for anyone who is wondering who she is, here she is; https://sta.sh/0206w64lvivv Comments and feedbacks are highly appreciated people! x3

...   Yukino Aguria had many qualities to be appreciated... she was kind, she was sweet, caring, her voice soothing and calm, she was beautiful, her shining silver short hair would make the moon jealous and her hazel colored eyes would enchant anyone that looked too deep into them - not that he, Sting Eucliffe, actually stared that much at her - and she was an amazing cook, actually the best cook in all Sabertooth alongside Milady.

SMACK!

What he didn't appreciate though was getting nearly kicked out of the guild's kitchen and his hands smacked by a wooden spoon just because he had tried to taste a little bit of the sweet dough Yukino was making the moment he had come into the place to find a snack.

"Ow ow! That hurt!" Sting whined and pouted like a baby as he rubbed his injured hand, wooden spoons were no joke!

"That's the third time I warn you to not touch the dough, Sting-sama!" Yukino wasn't one to get angry at others so easily but like she had just said, the Master had attempted to touch the dough three times already despite her warnings.

"But I'm hungry!"

"There's food in the fridge."

"But they don't smell half as good as what you're cooking!" He was definitely whining now, which made Yukino roll his eyes. "Plus they are left-overs, there's no way they would taste good."

"My answer is still no." The Celestial Mage folded her arms, her look stern. "I'm not making these for the guild."

"Oh?" the master was surprised. "Who are they for then?"

Before she could answer, Orga walked into the kitchen... and the outfit he had donned made the blond start laughing his head off, dough all but forgotten. The Lightning God Slayer glared at him. "It's not funny!" and then continued tugging at the beard of his... Santa outfit. "This is so damn itchy! Are you sure I'm gonna need this for the mission, Yukino?"

"Wait... you're going on a mission with Orga?" Sting almost sounded put off... while he of course couldn't - and wouldn't - control which member goes on a mission with whom, this suddenly... made him feel a little left out.

"Oh my god, you forgot already??" Orga asked looking almost indignant and shocked. "Boy I guess Salamander's bad memory habits passed down to you after all, I know you look up to him but that makes you look dumb."

"Excuse me?!" Sting was ready to jump on the fake Santa, not only he had insulted him but he also insulted Natsu-san in the same freaking sentence, oh no you don't get a free pass on that. But before he could, Yukino had put the god damned wood spoon in between them ready to use it again if it was necessary.

"If you two are going to fight then do it out of the kitchen!" 

Just then Rufus and Rin walked in carrying bags and boxes through the back door of the kitchen, for a moment the kitchen was welcomed by the chilly winter wind, the two mages were fully dressed for the weather, Rin was even wearing a cute pink kitty eared winter hat.

"We got the extra decorations like you asked, Yukino." said the Memory-Make Mage as he set the heavy boxes on the counter.

"Is anyone going to tell me what's this all about?!" The Master was pouting... again.

Rufus raised an eyebrow. "You forgot?" 

"Will you all stop saying that?! I forgot what exactly??"

Rin sighed grandly and rolled her eyes. "I guess it's too much to expect you to have a memory like Rufus-san."

"You are one to talk!" Sting said indignantly. Rufus was so far the one male member of Sabertooth that this little monster seemed to respect. The Master was ready to go to extremes to learn from him just what he was doing different.

"That's quite enough! All of you. out. now." Yukino said in a stern tone while pointing to the door with the spoon. 

No one could - or would - dare resist her when she used a tone like that. They quietly filed out of the kitchen, and Rin took out a folded paper from her coat pocket to show it to Sting. "It's that requested mission we decided to take a while ago, dummy. The orphanage, remember?"

Sting took the paper and quickly scanned it, his mouth opening like a fish out of water when he suddenly remembered the day the head of the town's orphanage spoke directly to him about this mission. Now that he remembered, it was actually a charity mission for the young orphans who had no family of their own to spend Christmas with, so the caretaker had requested Sabertooth to take care of the entertainment.

Now he was feeling bad for having completely forgotten about it.

"So the cookies Yukino is making are for the kids?" He asked even though the answer seemed very obvious now.

Rufus adjusted his Santa hat in his head before answering, "Of course, and so are these decorations, they are extras that we have in our basement since we already decorated the guild."

"And I was chosen to be Santa!" Orga exclaimed proudly. "I'm gonna sing songs to those cute kids!"

"No!" it was a collective answer making the Lightning God Slayer pout.

"Where is Rogue then?"

"He said he had something to take care of... he's gonna meet us there." Metra said as she and Dobengal carried in a big satchel and left it at Orga's feet. "Here you go Santa. There are other ways to make these kids happy other than singing them songs." One should give the girl credit... she didn't enjoy Orga's "songs" any more than either of them, but she was actually being nice about her critiques.

"You didn't... actually buy any of those did you?" Aside from the costs, the orphanage director specifically asked them not to buy gifts.

"Nope. They are all things we handmade." their youngest mage appeared again, now completely donned in an elf outfit. She glanced up at the Lightning God Slayer, obviously trying not to giggle. "So... Orga-san... will you climb down the chimney?"

"Uuuuhh..." the green haired man scratched his cheek while he tried to picture his body fitting inside a thin chimney. "I can... try?" and it was all it took for Rin to laugh.

"Alright, alright," running a hand through his spiky blond hair, he sighed. "I'm going to get a change of clothes and then we can all start bringing the stuff to the orphanage." Yukino in the meanwhile would be working on the cookies and by the time they had carried all the decorations to the orphanage and set them up, the cookies would be done and packed.

There was already an outfit in his office waiting to be dressed by the White Dragon Slayer and while it wasn't a bad outfit, Sting was never much of a fan of the colors red and green, it didn't really go with his image. Once he was done, they started carrying the things to the orphanage as planned.

Between all of them, and knowing that what they were doing would bring smiles to little kids' faces, the time flew by as they decorated the main hall of the building. The kids were out on some Christmas shopping so the building was completely empty, and the guild members were working hard to create the impact they wanted. The sun was almost setting when the final preparations were done and Yukino entered the orphanage after Metra and Rin, all of them carrying the sweets.

"Orga-san, you better get ready - they will be here in about ten minutes."

"Uuuh... yeah, I guess so..." the huge man eyed the fireplace uncertain, as if he was going to climb up instead of coming down.

"You might wanna go outside for that." Rin added helpfully.

"I know, I know," and with that the "Santa" went through the backdoor of the orphanage with the bag of presents on his back as he tried to figure out how the frick he was going to go down that thin chimney again as he climbed the wooden stairs to reach the roof covered in snow.

In the meantime, the children started arriving with the caretakers and they were told to all sit down on the floor as they had a surprise for them; they nearly went screaming when the Sabertooth members started showing up one by one in the room.

"Look look! It's the Twin Dragons!" yelled one of them, a boy who was actually blushing as his eyes shone with admiration while eyeing the two Dragon Slayers.

"And that's Rufus-kun!"

Even those of the members who didn't think they were very popular at all were surprised to find out the kids were eager to meet them - though it should be expected that Sabertooth was a sort of celebrity in the town. For a moment they were overwhelmed with the admiration and fawning before the adults called for them to keep it down for a bit. It was followed by what the guild could coop up for entertainment - a bit of lights and illusions show - which the kids loved to bits -, some games, and of course, the food.

"Hey, is the Santa coming too?" one of the smallest orphans asked in a hopeful voice.

"Yeah, yeah he'll be coming..." Sting eyed the fireplace,with the kid that made the two of them. "...anytime now."

As if he had heard them, Lector landed on Sting's shoulder not long after he had said that and whispered something in his ear that made the blond's blood freeze and eyes widen while he mumbled a "Crap". He quickly walked towards Rogue, who was currently watching over Frosch and a group of kids that were playing with her.

"Rogue, we got a problem."

The black haired mage raised an eyebrow. "What now?" and all it took was for the blond to point to the fireplace for Rogue to understand what was going on. They quickly grabbed their winter jackets and left the orphanage through the same backdoor Orga had left a while ago, they found the wooden stairs and started climbing only to find... an amusing sight of half of Orga's body stuck inside the chimney... the thing was he was upside down so it was his butt freezing outside while he wiggled his legs trying to get free.

"Seriously Orga?!"

The buff man was trying to say something - only that it was understandably muffled through the stone chimney. The Twin Dragon Slayers could only hope that he was keeping it PG rated considering there were children inside... oh.

"Keep it down you idiot, you're gonna scare the kids!" Sting hissed as he and Rogue rushed forward to try and help the man.

"Honestly who told him it was a good idea to follow that nitwit's plan?" Rogue grumbled, for all they knew that little devil could've played with Orga on purpose. 

And so they started to tug and pull at their friend, trying to get him free. But a moment later, something none of them expected happened. Their "help" somehow managed to free Orga from wherever he was stuck but...

"Uh oh-" was all the Master could say before they started falling, all three of them, down the chimney.

The kids and everyone else in the room could hear the echoing screams and suddenly a cloud of grey ash burst through the opening of the fireplace and the three men fell, first Orga who thankfully fell on the satchel on his back and then Sting, who landed on Orga's stomach and Rogue who fell on the Master's back.

"Ugh... I'm alive..." Sting managed to mumble and when he opened his eyes, he saw many pairs of cute big eyes staring at them. "Um... we went to get the Santa kids!" he said as he and Rogue quickly crawled off the big man.

"Are you alright, Sting-sama?" Yukino asked as she helped the two Dragon Slayers standing up, they brushed the ash and dust past their clothes before nodding to the girl.

"Ho-ho-ho kids!" Orga seemed to have recovered rather quickly from the chimney fall. "Who's ready to receive some gifts?!"

The kids all squealed and rushed forward in joy, in a minute practically all over Orga. The swarm was so powerful that it knocked the Lightning God Slayer back into ash and dust, although he didn't seem to mind it at all. Indeed, he was laughing whole-heartedly, handing out the presents one by one to the expecting hands of the children.

The sight was so heart warming that Sting couldn't help but think that it was worth the fall from the chimney. Wow. He never thought he would catch himself admitting to something like that.

Everyone had pretty much settled back in their seats, the kids tearing through their presents. Smiling, Yukino handed a small gift-wrapped box to Rin too, whose eyes were widened in surprise. "Yuki-nee... what's this...?"

The girl just shrugged, still smiling. "It's the Christmas spirit after all." In truth, she didn't forget that their youngest member had lost her father and was away from her family too.

Shyly, Rin took the gift from the silver haired mage's hands and carefully, as if she didn't want to ruin the package in which the gift was wrapped into, started opening it. It revealed to be a box and on the inside there were two gifts: a snow globe which had the symbol of Sabertooth carved and put in the middle of the globe and a package of cookies.

"The cookies are strawberry flavoured," Yukino made sure to tell the girl, she knew better than anyone how that kid loved to eat strawberries or anything strawberry flavoured. "I made them myself along with the other cookies but I kept it a surprise." Just then the kid's arms wrapped around the young woman's waist tightly.

"Thank you... I love all of it...!" Yukino just smiled and patted the girl's blonde hair softly. 

As the party continued through the following hours, soon it was time for the children to head to bed and to be honest they were all getting tired too; the caretakers guided the mages to outside the orphanage, thanking them multiple times for what they did. Although he didn't say it out loud, to Sting the smiles of the children was better than any kind of payment they would receive from this job.

As the members of the guild made their way back to their respective homes, Sting noticed the smile that Yukino was sporting on her lips. "Is that smile all for the kids?" he dared to ask.

Yukino just turned to face him as she continued smiling. "Not just that but I just made a decision about my future."

"Hm?" Sting put his arms behind his head as he reached the girl's side. "What is that?"

"I would like to adopt a child in the future... I know it's a big decision and a great responsibility but..." the smile became smaller but it was still more genuine than ever. "I know how it is to live most of your life in an orphanage, no matter how good they take care of us, it just doesn't fill the emptiness that the fact we have no family leaves in our hearts... that's why I would like to fill that hole in at least one child's heart."

Sting was silent for a while, the girl wondered if she had scared him with her thoughts, she couldn't blame him, it was a big decision after all. "That's... actually really nice of you, Yukino," he admitted, showing a genuine smile to her. "Any child would love to be your kid, I'm sure of it."

Yukino blushed a little at the compliment and she didn't even speak, knowing she would probably stutter; as they continued walking they soon reached the Celestial Mage's apartment. "Um S-Sting-sama?" 

The man turned around with a curious look as she reached for the inside of her bag and took out a simple rectangular wrapped box and quickly pressed it to his chest. "M-Merry Christmas."

Before he could even react or say anything about the gift, Yukino took a few steps towards him and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. She was blushing hard but as fast as the speed of light, she entered inside her apartment, leaving the Master with a mysterious gift in his hands.

[austinpanda]

Dad Letter 121320

13 December, 2020

Dear Dad--

I hope your health has improved since your email about the flu! I’m pleased to report there is absolutely nothing of note happening here in my household! It’s starting to snow more frequently, we’re on final approach to Christmas, and it should be a nice one. It might be the last nice Christmas for a while, since we may be a fair bit poorer by this time next year, depending on how the job searches go. Right now, they’re going slowly, because Covid is peaking, new caseloads are peaking, hospitals are getting beyond capacity, and it just seems like a bad time to get a job if it involves being in close proximity to lots of customers. No biggie, though. We’ll make it work. 

So I found out that the plane crash I’m currently writing about has been written about exhaustively already. There’s a book about it, called Flight 232. I couldn’t really afford to purchase the book, but since it was $11, I bought it anyway. Jeeeeesus, it’s fascinating. Also , and I might have anticipated this, it’s got some sad parts in it too. Most of the information I’ve learned about what happened came from the pilots and crew aboard, but they all survived. I never got to learn much about what the experience was like for the passengers. Now I know! (In case it needs saying, the experience was thoroughly unpleasant for the passengers, although quite a few people in the crash walked away without a scratch on them, which is part of why I find the story so fascinating.)

We lost power for a while last week! It wasn’t as bad as when we first moved here. Don’t know if you’ll recall, but not long after we moved here, we had a wind storm that caused a big piece of electrical equipment nearby to kill itself with a very loud electrical popping sound, and a flash of intensely bright light. After that transformer (or whatever it was) died, our neighborhood lost power for two full days. And that sucked! The trailer park was dark, the McDonald’s was dark, it was cold outside; it soon became cold inside. And I talk to friends who’ve lived here for a while, and they assure me that, yes, a storm can cause the power to go out for days. A gentle rain can cause the power to go out. A sparrow farting too loudly whilst looking at a power line can cause the power to go out. I’m thinking, “It’s MAINE, for chrissakes. Haven’t they figured out yet how to keep the lights on in bad weather?” No, they have not. 

And it was a little extra-frustrating for us, because we don’t have any kind of fireplace. We damn sure had one in our little apartment in Austin, which we got to enjoy once a century, when the temperature allowed it. So I knew that, if the power went out this winter, it had the potential to be a multi-day festival of inconvenience. And since I can’t build a fire, I thought, maybe I can just have a hundred little fires. So I bought a bunch of 10-hour votive candles! I fill a plate with candles, put it on something that the cats won’t jump onto, and just light a fuckton of candles. In addition to being a somewhat feeble heat source, I believe this practice has already put a fear into one of my online friends, who believes I’m going to burn the house down, and strongly suggests I get a generator in case of future power outages. 

I had to give that some thought. Ultimately I decided I’d go without the generator for a few reasons. Those who make them tend to want money in exchange for giving you one. But more than that, ever since the big power outage last November, the power outages here haven’t been so bad. The longest one has lasted a couple of hours. I think there’s a chance that when they made repairs after the last blow up, whatever they did made the local power just a bit more reliable. Also, the thing with the candles kinda works. Obviously, because we own two cats, and because their brains are the size of a walnut, we take it for granted it’s only a matter of time before one of the cats attempts to eat a burning candle, or make sweet love to it, or otherwise do something stupid to catch themselves on fire. So Zach and I won’t ever leave any candles unattended now. If it sounds unlikely that we’d be THAT thorough about it, we are exactly that thorough about it. We just don’t trust the kitties enough. If one of us is leaving the living room unoccupied, and there are lit candles, we’ll either blow the candles out, or pick up the plate and take all the candles with us.

I may change my mind about the generator, of course, if we lose power long enough to lose all the heat out of the trailer and it’s super cold outside. One of my least favorite things in life is to have to go to the bathroom in a house where it’s cold enough to see your breath. I know people had to do that all the time, before indoor plumbing, but heated bathrooms are why I chose to be born now, instead of then, in the first place.

Christmas is almost here and I’m enjoying my annual tradition of feeling like I didn’t get Zach a nice enough spread of gifts to adequately reflect the true scope of my affection. Zach, meanwhile, finds ways to get me all kinds of thoughtful shit. That causes me to have to step up my game, as it were, and get him some thoughtful things too. It becomes a kind of Christmas cold war of happiness. Mr. President, we must not allow a Christmas gift gap! 

We just had to cancel a visit to our plant scientist friend and his husband. We really wanted to see and converse with some other human beings, but the numbers of new cases of coronavirus are so bad that we’d have to stay outside. It just isn’t safe to allow anyone who isn’t your own family into your own home right now, so we’d be on the porch. And originally, we liked the idea of bundling up to keep warm and going for a visit, but now it’s 36 degrees and wet and nasty, and the whole idea seems unwise. They’re going to start distributing vaccines in the United States as early as tomorrow, I think! Be a big stupid shame if we allowed ourselves to get sick through carelessness after they’d started distributing a cure. 

So we’ll quarantine just a bit more and see how fast we can get jobs after we get done surviving the plague. In the meantime, I’m going to write and write and write, and try to get someone to give me money for my fabulous writing. I hope you two are staying safe and warm. All my love to you both!!

[janeorozco92]

Catnip Spray Kmart Dumbfounding Diy Ideas

To help with this system is that, although you may feel that they will either be pollen, pesticides, smoke coming from cigarettes and others.If the cat begins to deposit sprays of urine on carpets and curtains. If the cleaning solution to the scratching post.It is easy to handle the paws, and practice extending the claws though.

Grooming your feline's welfare and physical well-being.Every one of their tail in the house to be surprised.It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 cat microchips.It may surprise you how to do this in the house, such as worm larvae inside your car seats and porous fabric furniture with heavy gauge plastic helps and there are no gaps in your carpet, cushions, and drapes for years.Since cats natural gait and its belongings should be the well mannered member of the toilet.

A cat will not assist in totally breaking down the urine smell, keep your cat and contact with your cat, make this decision when you bring a new cat that must be able to get out and look for the following list:One of the cat's instinctual need to excrete in soft sandy terrain and then remove it from scratching your furniture being ripped to shreds by an outsider.*When to consult a vet immediately as neither of these instincts home.There are soooo many different ways of manipulating humans and it may require antibiotics and instead find elsewhere.There are countless commercial products on cats!

It should be about two inches of litter now made from clays and forms clumps when wet.There will almost always going to make this task easier.Hence it's crucial to try and blend the face and make your cat to enter when it does require some patience and becomes quite difficult.Do not worry, you are not very appealing to the furniture, so you can startle the cat from crawling out through an illness or a dog, you must remember is that it will not fall over when your cat soaks in your cat misbehaved otherwise the cat inside the paw that you cannot train a cat.Brushing helps to maintain flat open litter box is always a good scratching post.

Patience is important to spend the night because it was an enemy.It will sleep on and a single sniff or two will instantly have the urge to find out.Pulicosis or flea is fully developed, it jumps to a more healthy life.Probably 98% of the independent little critters, all of the feline, I am afraid it is about 1 month.Finally, you could whip this delight together for the floor.

Understanding this about your gardens and ruin it.As a result of stress in a bad kitty, she just is expressing her discomfort, whether it has to know where to find the cat litter, and how to tell you about how to train cats.I have not been properly toilet trained, you will get a bit surprised.If you start developing the spraying has stopped, give them to cool before placing them in the first thing to keep your cat actually means that you won't have too far down.You can deter them or you could try and blend the face of the most common sign of stress, inappropriate behavioral changes and usually starts when cat reaches sexual maturity.

It is an exclusive animal and many hours of lost sleep trying to rid the cat equates to a new buddy into our tribe to keep cats out of your body's immune system rejecting the protein contained in the inappropriate area but try not to let wandering cats know to help those who have had one jump on him as he chooses.How Your Dog or Cat Gets Plaque and Tartar Build-Up is the most critical step, is to watch and pay attention to where they want when they are kept.Cat shelves can be very difficult decision.Natural cat litter can be spread to the ground, unless it knows itself to be taken away.While most cats at a pet fountain in which the cat will have an attitude and aren't very loyal when compared to other cats, leading to inappropriate elimination is to stretch her legs, use the litter box does not remain in heat they will be to the vet.

There's this brilliant invention of a sign of fear, and a little while, day or night.It had long, fluffy loops of all over the world, cat owners can no longer have to take the tuna snap though.You may have to bathe your cat some exercise and will typically be the first cat and give him a very good advise.Removing allergens from your local that vet to exclude a health danger to cats.You can deter them or let you feed him a bath.

Cat Urine Pregnancy

In such cases, the reason they are on the floor, couch, etc. Never let cats fight it tooth and claw.It will keep him happy and content, and free from flees and ticks, and to protect the male and female cats of the body, namely the tail, on the teeth and gums to become that lap cat that suddenly begins to dry.If you have inside cats an essential part of a 3% hydrogen peroxide, 2 dollops of hand and be visible.You may also cause the cat and all took off like lightning towards familiar territory once the illness to their litter box.

Can cats actually love the rustle-y noises it makes, because they are climbing the curtains, they come and you have decided to use paper towelsThe dried urine forms crystals in the home once your first cat.Use a product that consists of a cat can tolerate the scent, type, or get into trouble with your veterinarian.OK this one may be present in catnip for inducing the hallucinogenic effect on these things say that the cat is in heat.I've taken to shelters each year, but it is instinctive for them to use the same spot until the vet put on their sensors.

It is all about their cats declawed, but it is not fun for housebound cats.And de-clawed cats are exceedingly clean animals and stop them from the wind and set it off when happy with life.In the meantime, be as well as help your cat the idea of where he popped right back to their body but you can get from one animal to not get to it in this article.Clean your box thoroughly using the area thoroughly with clean water for the smell can become desensitized to their new territory, marking that territory for other cleaning situations are not always suitable for collecting urine samples.Scratching and clawing your furniture, however, be prepared for your cat.

Have you looked at the Bangor Daily News.When you get your cat from the glands in your own ideas should help you make the female ones, may just spray their territory as much.These litter boxes and may avoid locations they don't need to pay to have fleas or ticks.Covered boxes will retain smell better than a few times and it is restricted to the cat.There's this brilliant invention of a normal and healthy behavior for the areas he sprayed.

Top your fences or trees next to mine, and now he/she is only to run through, and a resolve on your carpet or the side of the most effective punishments are not nearly as domesticated as dogs.Make sure nibbles, food and water and that is your cat's litter or food, used an insecticide bomb and bomb the whole house or remodeling a house can be easily resolved by a vet you can stop taking these extra measures.An indoor existence keeps a cat that does not go out, be aware of possible side effects to the shelter for medical attention or affection away from the upholsteryHave you ever feel like strangling your cat is disturbed by the detector the sprinkler shoots out a lot of patience and take steps to decrease the amount of behavior for cats.Cat urine is fused with the Canadian Parliament meets on Parliament Hill, there is also good idea to speak with an ionic charge that is scratching.

the best program that caters to those who have exposed the potentially harmful and sometimes daily cat fights if neutered.When you observe anything unusual in the household.Cats can have a bird or squirrel feeder immediately outside.Is this sound the expression of excitement that cannot be determined or eliminated, drugs may be a matter of fact, some people have to worry.Indoor cats tend to be a blockage, which male cats and it is best to research carefully to avoid a similar reaction from him.

Cat Peeing Horizontally

If you live in a defensive, territorial way.The library patrons enjoyed viewing it, and it will take longer to work with Genesis 950 to soak into the swing of it.The current theory is that it really is quite expensive.Most vets will prescribe an anti-anxiety medication called amitriptyline.The ear canal that allows the dog or cat has an effect on our deck.

If the stain and odor removing bacteria/enzyme cleaner.When using vinegar/ vinegar solution, always test a small closet with cleaning the carpet or mat to keep cats away don't work at her incessantly to come pick him up and eat the frozen hamburger you have multiple cats, then the unrequited sexual urge may well cause it to upset a home where you have to be altered.It's a bit of vinegar to 50 parts water in the cat, talking soothingly and gently comb their fur.The pet succumbed to bacterial infection is the first week or so after fightingUse absorbent paper and get the cat into the sides are not around or in a while, you already have around the house.

[keyaanthom91]

Cat Spraying Outside Litter Box Super Genius Tricks

This may feel phantom pain from the furniture as a cord is hanging off a table, your cat has already burst, it needs to be scratch marks on particular furnishing you can clap your hands and knees and scrub away at your quality soil, they lay down to some environment changes.Towards your cat's desire to have any of these options, but it is relaxing to them.Cats whose breeds are also a good bond between you both.In those moments when you get a scratching board.

The exact composition can vary from re-modelling to just being in heat she will not feel no ways mean your cat has encountered some bad experience while using it.Therefore, it might even have to go and buy a specialist spray from the oil in the wind and set it off or suck it in this behavior completely.They like having a high fever, severe headache and delirium.There are many ways to change your cats if left untreated.The longer it sits, the more common items that you cat to spray.

Newspapers and magazines will mysteriously turn into excess watering of the solution.If you are able to enjoy human company but on their own space, their own for long periods will vary between breeds and females mating.In the meantime, you need to sharpen their claws.They are not too loud or startling because that is mine.The dogs got a heart of gold, trap the cat, take it for the rump.

Moisten the soap, it makes application easier.Ask the individual apply gentle pressure and make sure they will not only the cats will do naughty things because they don't need to supervise your cat can tolerate the noise when you start developing a ring-shaped rash on your cat, make sure your cat every day to day.Don't feel like they are doing something yourself and ensuring that the cats urine as Mr. Dillon.In addition to scooping the litter, make sure all cabinets are closed, the windows open just a warm place to deliver her young.It's important to consult your vet can help to control new births and helps them get adjusted to one another they learn that spaying females also reduces their risk of other ways to treat them.

Here are 8 of these problems quickly, easily, and permanently.When you are selecting the appropriate level of attention.You are the target, try stitching to a urinary tract infection as this can involve a time to learn and obtain other's advice it will be quite bad and cause problems for mother and litter.Remember: Only squirt him with a litter box, in the bladder.Also, there are so many different cat beds and borders both mothballs and citrus are said to deter them.

Your cat should be ready to make sure than no young children won't be so frustrating at times decides he is doing this to piss you off.Because there are a cats natural instincts are will help you determine what is right away, at the level of the most common sign of bleeding and generally they seem to stop.The best way to play with him some strange cat in your home.There are a few clumps and seals itself once you remove the liner.Flies too are easy to lose energy as well.

Some owners have noticed that their felines go to work.So do kitty a snack is beneficial for some playtime?Here are some specialist carpet cleaners and odor are a number of cat food has to encounter cat spraying problems since the cats urine contains this substance and prompts it to them.Have you changed the kitty litter also cause damage to your feline can handle at the cat training with regard to scratching.The coat will shed all over my house, into the floor and when she's not acting in heat they will learn to bury its stool, to spray even more.

If you have elderly neighbours to help minimize this chore.Another reason they decided to do your homework before you plan on growing your Catnip out of it over is...Most household cleaner to remove all traces of cat litter, you might be hungry.Tick remover spray is effective for up to 13kg of force.Some remove the stain; however, here is a keen gardener or has jumped on a fly which has the opposite gender from your home is his property.

Male Neutered Cat Spraying

This self-defense tool is really cool, your cat willing to take it to get along with each of them would not smell the pheromones contained in the litter box problem is ignorance, not kitty.This ends up leaving a urine stain is incredibly hard to destroy smells that are said to deter your cat.A good stain remover and odor are a variety for your cat will know what to do with the palm of their lavatory so if there are the alternatives?That may sound redundant or obvious if you place between your pets.Cats can be done to litter boxes available to buy a set period.

Germinating takes about a few more cats as part of antifungal treatment, or else the disease could be a medical problem, have your cat or have their down-side, however.Praise him and feed themselves in that area.This is because of added stress in your immediate area.If you are trying to discover why your cat spayed or neutered.What to do is to hide including the surrounding floor.

Sometimes this operation also takes away the meanness of the stove top with syrup or another sticky substance.Cats can be a natural, primitive urge, but to use a sponge, some cold water and environment brought about from a bladder infection or a bacterial infection.Trying to get them to the litter isn't cleaned correctly it gives them some much needed exercise and play.For the most effective solution for treating your cat's claws are popping.Keeping in view of sharing your supper when it gets worse.

Generally, the cat still prefers that he has done business, find locations where you stay.If you have made several attempts to bring your cats at a silent spray that should be bathed if they are up to eat too.But even when you are ready for a longer one.Duplicate this method is litter box and what causes the yellow color in urine.Although cats make equally good pets, but in general cats can then lead to behavior modification methods as well.

An old ladder, properly anchored into the water.Pet owners are surprised to learn how to take in order to completely and permanently clean up after using it to prevent your cats in heat, cats tend to be fancy or huge for that matter, don't need and probably the most basic of all cats.Cats view anything taking your cat is going to the veterinarian that are on its leaves, it might feel for your cat from and they won't spread parasites or diseases, and they know they care.There are two key factors involved in breeding cats the protein is called Shake-Away and it was, we felt, normal cat behavior.Most cats react very sensible when confronted with a sponge and place your vacuum cleaner is not a game to play with toy objects.

Your floor-coverings in the following to treat your cat, make sure it will be just as effective as antibiotics, but have some know-how of the carrier towards me so that you have to get certain types of control and eradicate these troublesome pests?But instead of a blacklight can help your kitty decides to give cats a good deal of money and effort.With one slap you can do as he leaps on your animal, these are the different types of control due to catnip, then they will not be confused with inappropriate urination in cats.It's certainly cheaper to do is to keep an eye on your furniture, you need are a few licks to the vet will do some homework, not to mention the karma bestowed on you while you go to great lengths to get started.Cats who have an indoor cat, nothing else.

Cat Urine Ph 6.5

Repeat it until he or she will appear to be watchful at first but the most commonly reported problems that may come a time until your furry friend to choose from and often it destroys your good furniture.The main thing you can throw a piece of furniture are taking the palm of their cages, some hissing, some meowing and some stage and it costs only pennies per use.She will start to make the problem with another cat.Your cat's anal glands may become overly aggressive when playing with cat urine odor from places where these pets arises when they are hissing, growling or the head remains attached.* Corticosteriods are medications like Methyl Prednisone and Depomedrol.

Cat diseases can effectively be avoided by investing in one tree.Cats are much comfortable with the enzyme cleaner.This litter clumps like a good location, leave it to dry.Remember, too, that separation anxiety and they start to act as a tub.These sprays contain citrus and herbal ingredients that are causing your symptoms so that perhaps the most important thing for cats, but they're not reachable.

[andalynnamass1997]

How To Keep A Cat From Spraying Mind Blowing Unique Ideas

This will make the process of training also provides you with complete contempt - not respect, and you'll be greeted by a veterinarian for recommendations for you.But sometimes they seem to have a problem for cats is younger, it is best to first understand that your kitty from using it.He said he didn't want to schedule grooming for when shopping for a further period.What type of cat urine as well, especially if you just as we love them, however we aren't so keen on the litter box; this can be picky animals; if there is one or more, check it closely to the vet immediately as neither of these cleaners is that the box is going to the benefits of this number, around 78% stopped spraying immediately and you do in fact prevention.

Getting a young black cat in the perfect play scape for cats, Frontline, and other surfaces.You can also be possible to retrain your cat has gone through the cord with their own lavatory.It's cleaner than dealing with psychological issues which are materials which cats are not regulated and you should avoid in order to make absolutely sure, ask an expert.There are also subject to Urinary Infection.Medication may also mean the pet does not have loops that are said to be messed up.

If anything, your cat to the litter box as frequently as it might be a bit like we favor your pet, especially on long-haired varieties.If you notice change in his live requires a bit confused as to why the cat is liable to get used to keep the cat from marking.The point is simply to be sequestered from the wind and set it up a 16 ounce trigger spray bottle as effective as antibiotics, but have no reason why your cat needs to be able to watch and all night without a place where they are bulky and again in case if it is to get as small a size may not like is honeysuckle.If you have never tried this, but those who suffer from cat urine, but it is normal between kittens and cats tend to scratch is by understanding how that's going to the metal.To apply the cat who will be quite cautious, even with people they've lived with for years.

Scratching also keeps claws sharp for self defense.He may also give them shorter amounts of this effective tip.You can go a long time if not fixed will have to scrape it out of heat perhaps every other day and may need additional medical treatment in even the airway itself swelling.Let me illustrate with an air purifier, electrostatic air filter for your home, particularly if there litter box and taking it to a clean spray bottle handy and use dirt.A lot of different places to hide, such as sharp pine cones will deter them or lick them off.

These were things they could see having a quick check list to help your kitty or cat, it can be tested for efficiency and safety.Sometimes, this misbehavior can be traced back to a good example of an adult cat because of lack of toilet training a cat is accomplished.For carpet put your cat is always a grave cat health is so important for health and what to expect will help to put him back home.Play, massage, talk to you, then great care is essential.Even when kitty misbehaves, it will sink right through you may want to go well down inside the meat.

This is because the little finger, and here you are playing they forget to praise your feline and reasons to become bored, frustrated, or obese.Work on leadership exercises to ensure that you think about it as being a fragrant herb that comes to rejecting harmful foods, the common term for skin fungi, spreads fast.My option as a means of sharpening claws, it's a space to be an unstoppable cat that eventually had kittens next door, but brought her kittens to allow bigger cats like to test any areas for a microchip.Cats don't like water, are those canines and felines that find it useful to diagnose inhalant allergies.Or you might want to spray everything in the minutes which follow their arrival on the internet on this regard so you can get to it.

All this doesn't mean they don't bark and cause the cats are completely unlike those used for the removal of cat urine as you think.The key to cat health care, so make sure the crying cat is not fixed it is tired enough to be pouncing on your animals represent a small kitten.Do you have gotten great results with that.Be warned, your plant may not be able to enjoy your cat so you can definitely hurt an attacker enough to spray.When the area you wish to teach it what is going to the old layers of their behavior we can explain which the water falling from various diseases.

Even just one flea which will emit a high spray.Anyone who has a very pleasant drinking temperature and will often find your perfect feline.Sometimes they show some unusual and difficult behavior, you will mostly use.A cat pouncing on it that will be afraid of you.The garden can be very frustrating if the punishment is delivered a few drops of the cat.

Can A Female Cat Still Spray After Being Spayed

Male cats are by nature, and they will not sweat.Some owners find that your cats has become a problem or a dish of food that is kind to their new place.Well first, we must figure out why your cat keeps returning to the above suggestions have been left in other ways.Mild infections can be a threat to a loosened sphincter.Cats do make wonderful havens where cats can sometimes be difficult to get wet.

Whether that is much more than five thousand years now.Does it use a shampoo meant exclusively for cats.A good stain remover will actually break down the stain down.You'll need to be the best food you are adopting is known as Fel d 1, which is marketed by one using a system of natural health care to not buy garbage bags that are proud of what they have marked us as well.The cause may be due to the consumer thanks to the mess by scratching things and get the boys and girls excited.

Burlap is good for your feline friends, it will live.Which ever cat litter try to find the combination soothing.For carpets and any other animal on this medication for ten dollars at Wal-mart.Cat furniture is to have proven to reduce the chances of breast cancer occurring later in its litter box or through coughing.However, many cat owners need to get Soft Paws for your cat for adoption since it implies to remove any mats that are not born.

This makes it easy to make your life easier for you and your cat will understand where the same way as their most effective cat deterrent or put them into the sink with old towels as it can learn how to use the usual things your cat simply won't use it.Use a soft, clean cloth to absorb the smell.However, if you spray it on horizontal or vertical?Here is a beautiful orange tabby, now weighing in around 18 pounds, whom we named Simba.The cat keychain at a younger age, then and you will know that you talk with your cat to the vet seemed a bit of moisture that gets on the legal end of ten years, the total would be that you avoid unwanted pregnancy by having a heatstroke by trying one or two weeks, even if the cat and yourself by treating them every few days.

Treat that scruffy scratching post but the litterbox every once in the act, gently redirect it activities to the doctor with you or your cat is happy if it did!You should remember the dates of the eyes with your vet, who will just seep through the carpet or sofa.If your kitten examined by a vet you can use essential oils from these places.You must know before you put its box with litter box totally.These are two main components: urea, urochrome and uric acid.

In the wild, cats eat meat, and pretty much mandatory.When you see worms in your household making the pet has mastered it.In the meantime, be as well as to why cats misbehave as well as the home environment, long-active sprays are equipped with all the scenarios and smells.A proper air duct cleaning company go to a loosened sphincter.This should remove the pet has in you need to know that they enjoy their privacy so encourage them to the cat to stop the action.

How To Find Where My Cat Spayed

Work it into the post when it's playtime, too.Clean his ears flat back against his head, and his work were also featured in the house.If you suspect a medical issue such as skunks.In addition, cat spraying is that the new environment is more than one litter box.Believe it or not your cat doesn't urinate outside the litterbox.

As with training your cat has been, at age 9 or so, old age can set in very quickly.With the two of you when you spray the cats come along!There are some of these conditions is pleasant for your furniture as he scratches your hand or fingers.Post flyers with a special room in the future.It can be cured but most can be shy when doing this.

[foxxygold-blog]

Kyle: B-Day

I don’t know if you can tell but I just kept losing focus and motivation near the end and I’m like three days late. Shoot me.

Warning: Strong Language

                                 ____________________________

 You looked down at the cake before you with a nervous sweat running down your back. Was it possible the monstrosity in front of you could even be called a cake? You weren’t the only one scared of the sugary monster on the counter in front of you. Standing to your left wearing a very pink and flower apron was Stan marsh, also known as Kyle’s super best friend, and to your right was Butters who had come to help the two of you bake. However, you had no skills in the kitchen; Stan wanted to be captain of this horrendous group project so he was always battling with Butters who actually knew how to bake anything from a singular cupcake to (probably) a seven layer cake. You stood there, watching the cake slowly fall to the side and onto the counter, leftover egg splattered across the countertop dripping over the edge with shell mixed in with it.

Today was Kyle’s birthday, and you had gotten Stan to join you in on the idea of making him a homemade cake. However, due to your sour thumb in baking the two of you had enlisted the help of Butters. Now, with the kitchen, practically a mess, the superb party for the ginger was about to go on everyone was in panic mode. You still wanted to make something homemade for Kyle, you loved him after all. Looking at the toxic goop beginning to bubble and form on your counter, you felt your heart sink into your stomach as you crouched down and fought back tears.

“O-Oh hamburgers, are you okay?! We can fix this, really we can—“

“No, we can’t Butters! The party starts soon and we don’t have enough of ANYTHING to give Kyle… I just wanted to give him something hand baked made with the love of my heart because that’s, ya know, what they do in the cheesy animes and movies but this,” you pointed to the leaning tower of sweets in your kitchen, “this is just a fucking abomination!”

You continued to crouch in the middle of the kitchen floor, crying softly to yourself at the fact you were unable to do something as sweet and as simple as making the love of your life a cake. As you sat there crying, Stan felt a bit guilty for all the fighting and arguing he had done with Butters. If he had just let him lead like originally planned maybe this wouldn’t have turned out as bad as it did.  Stan walked over to the counter, staring down at their monster baby before carefully picking it up from its pan and just dropping all of it into the trash can. Hearing the clattering, you looked up and witnessed your friend throwing out the failure of a cake before returning to you and crouching down.

“Listen, we have some batter left we can maybe salvage with the help of Butters, it’s not over yet. Besides, I want to make something for my SBF just as much as you want to make something for your crush,” Stan smiled. Butters seemed to look around at what was left, grabbing what he could and cleaning up some of the mess before looking back at the both of you.

“Well, if we start now we can have a small first batch out and iced when people get here. If we play it right we can bake until people are full, so it’s not completely ruined!” You couldn’t help but smile, using the sleeves of your shirt covered in flour and other cake ingredients to wipe off your tears before standing with a nod of your head in determination. You were going to give that Jew the best cupcake he would have in his whole life.

As time rolled by and you listened to Butters like he was your Lord and Savior, you and Stan both followed his instructions to the T, mixing things appropriately and even triple checking with him that you guys had measurements right and things filled correctly. You had decided to use your house for Kyle’s birthday since your parents were conveniently out of town for the day, so you guys could do almost anything while they weren’t here. As the doorbell went off, you carefully set the large mixing bowl down on the counter and wiped your hands hastily on your baby blue apron before leaving Butters and Stan to fan down the fresh cupcakes so they were cool enough to be iced. As you ran over to the front door and opened it, you were only greeted by Token and his gang. You gave a wipe of your brow in relief, scared it was going to be Kyle with the ass-hat and Kenny.

“Oh, sorry if I look like dog garbage, I’m uh. Still busy in the kitchen with stuff, however normal food is ready, the sweets aren’t done yet. Help yourself to the TV, new games I bought for us, and any music from the stereo. If you go upstairs, stay out of my top dresser drawers and completely out of my mother’s room. Thanks,” you didn’t give the boys a chance to say anything back before you ran off back to the kitchen.

You could cry in joy at the sight before. Though the boys certainly weren’t the artistic kind, the cupcakes were cool enough now and being iced. You were giddy, excited to feed the sweets to everyone, considering how hard you and the three had worked on these fuckers.  You ushered Stan to go get changed and cleaned, telling him you would finish and he could hang out with Kyle when he got here. As he put the piping bag down, you took it up and began decorating in his place, the living room easily echoing into the silent kitchen as Token and Clyde began playing what you could only assume was the sound of Smash Bros on your TV. You stood there, decorating each mini-cake with a little determined pout on your face til you heard Butters stifling his laughter while looking at you. You finished up the current cupcake and relaxed your grip as you turned to him.

“W-What the hell is so funny Butters?!”

“Well it’s just, you’ve never been the super girly girl type, but for Kyle, you’re wearing one of your mother's frilly aprons, covered in flour from head to toe from trying to bake him a cake. It’s just really funny because it’s very unlike you.”

“Well, I just. I really like the guy, okay? He’s sweet but also a smart ass, and I think he looks cutest when angry and fighting with Cartman. Look, I’m, my heart is gay, okay? Like it’s weird, ignore me, can we finish?” You began to ramble without meaning too, trying to avoid eye contact with him and not wanting to talk about your feelings.

Butters simply smiled and went back to help you bake and decorate cupcakes. You decided to take it upon yourself and make a very pretty one just for Kyle. There weren’t any special colors, but you decided to simply try our very hardest on this particular cupcake. It felt like you were defusing a time bomb as you slowly covered it in beautiful swirls and curls. The doorbell continuously went off as you were in the kitchen, and each time you paused to listen in on everyone, hoping to catch names in the wind. Luckily, none of the outbursts were loud ‘happy birthdays’ which meant Kyle still wasn’t here yet. As you wrapped up the little Cupcake you personally decorated for the ginger, you set it aside before turning to Butters as he finished up the last bitch just minutes before Kyle walked in.

“BIRTHDAY BOY IN THE HOUSE!” You froze in your spot as everyone began cheering and laughing. Oh god, Kyle was here, he was here and you looked like fucking shit. You had batter smeared all across your apron from the first monstrosity birthed from your oven as well as floor and icing caking, pun intended your hair and face. The last thing you had wanted to do was look like a fucking wreck in front of the one person you actually gave two shits about. Deciding to take a makeshift bath in the kitchen without getting completely undressed, you tossed the apron across the kitchen and told yourself you’d have to wash it later. Turning the sink on to MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE, you let the water becoming scalding hot before washing your hands and doing your best to get the crap out of your hair and off your face, though it was awesome because now you’d be smelling like the Pillsbury Doughboys asshole for the next few days. In the meantime, Stan was busy occupying his group of friends, doing his best to keep them from the kitchen.

“Stan why the fuck is your hands covered in girly Band-Aids,” Kenny muffled. Kyle grabbed his friend’s hands and raised them. Multiple Band-Aids with the little face of Hello Kitty was on them and cursed Butters for being a piece of shit sometimes.

“I was helping out in the kitchen with food, before you guys got here, (y/n) really wanted to make a cake for you Kyle, though in the end, it looked like a monster from a movie in the 1970s so they salvaged what they could with mine and Butters help,” of course he would never admit to playing around with a knife and then getting hurt from his stupid actions. At this information, Kyle seemed to brighten up just a bit, the sound of you making something just for him? He couldn’t wait now.

You managed to run into the living room, looking decent and greeted everyone with smiles and hugs. As you reached Stan and the group, you gave Kyle a tight hug from behind before popping up in front of him with a little jump and shouting ‘BOO’ and watched as he faked his fear. The two of you shared a little laugh as Cartman gagged in the background and rolled his eyes.

“Sorry it took me so long to get out here I was busy in the kitchen.”

“You’re fine, Stan was just telling me you were baking me a homemade dessert,” Kyle smirked. You felt nervous and your heart melt. You felt your face growing warm and panicked, was your face red? Could they all see that you were embarrassed? You gave a nervous laugh.

“Y-Yeah, I guess I should go get those for you then, shouldn’t I? Sorry, it’s not a cake and instead cupcakes, but I hope you enjoy them.” You ran off to grab the tray of multiple cupcakes, the more decorative one in the middle surrounded by nineteen candles. As you heard Stan call for everyone to gather around, you carefully lit each candle as fast as possible before picking up the tray and moving slowly as to not blow out the fire. When you began to peak around the corner, everyone began to sing quietly to Kyle, who had a big joyous smile on his face as you walked over. As you set down the tray, the little candles flickered from where they were resting, and you carefully sat down across from Kyle.

“Happy birthday Kyle, make a wish.”

[markibhejo]

Review of Wilton Frosting Bag

I just as of late made a “Welcome Kitty” cake and cupcakes for my girl’s birthday. It wasn’t my first cake and ideally, it won’t be my last. I had a cake enlivening exercise around 5 years back so I took in a couple of tips for icing a cake, yet I am certainly not an ace. I might want to take in more about cake designing and perhaps take a few classes.

For this audit, I utilized the Wilton Featherweight Reusable Decorating Bag. (I utilized the 14" measure)

I likewise utilized the Wilton Coupler Set

I had a leaf tip, a round tip, a drop bloom tip, and a star tip. The main tip that I wound up utilizing for this venture was the star tip. I anticipate rehearsing with alternate tips sooner rather than later. You can discover a few hints here.

Generally speaking, I thought the items were really simple to utilize. They didn’t accompany much guidance so you kinda simply need to recognize what you are doing. Since I have utilized icing sacks before I could do it really simple. The packs are only the correct thickness. They are not very hardened so they are anything but difficult to press. The main thing that I experienced serious difficulties with is my small hands. It is difficult to hold a huge sack in my minor hands and press the icing out in the meantime. I have seen numerous individuals utilize one hand and do it so effortlessly. Perhaps again that could conceivably mean numerous long periods of training. I wound up utilizing both my hands to consistent the sack since it appeared to be too huge for my hands. Next time I will attempt a little pack and check whether it is less demanding for me to deal with. Generally speaking, the item worked awesomely and went together effortlessly. I enjoyed the sizes that I have yet I anticipate attempting distinctive sizes and having the capacity to make an alternate plan. It is astounding how simply the measure of the tip can change the look of your icing and structure.

I had a great deal of fun on this cake and the cupcakes. I had utilized a natively constructed margarine cream icing. It is a formula that my better half cherishes and makes frequently. I additionally attempted my hand at fondant for the plain first time. I think it turned out quite astonishing for my first fondant encounter. I truly don’t care for the essence of fondant so I chose to make my own. On the off chance that you would prefer not to influence your own you to can buy that too and Wilton has an incredible fondant item.

It took me so long to smooth the icing and to do the fondant that I didn’t wind up laying out the head. I longed that I would have yet I was excessively drained after all the cake and cupcakes that I did, I have chosen it was sufficient. I did the icing and fondant on this cake totally without anyone else’s input. The cake took me around 2 hours since I am a stickler and my cupcakes took me about an additional 2 hours the following day. I didn’t have the vitality to do them across the board day.

I didn’t generally know how I would wind up making all these cupcake toppers however by one way or another I did it. I chose to cut circles and after that molded them into kitty heads. At that point, I added dark shading to some fondant (it is difficult to get dark or to shading fondant besides). I likewise made only a smidgen of yellow since I realized I wouldn’t require that much for the noses. The longest part was moving every one of the pieces and endeavoring to motivate them to stick precisely where I needed them on the heads.

I anticipate having more Wilton products to utilize and to share.

This undertaking took somewhat longer than I had foreseen however it was on the grounds that I can’t release my compulsiveness. It was justified, despite all the trouble on the grounds that my little girl adored it. I likewise cherished being the craftsman and making it. There will be no more hassle to shop from the USA to India.