If You're Sure This Works ((37))

[victoriousscarf]

Misto blinked, and blinked again. "I work pretty late into the evenings, so I keep odd enough hours as it is. I clean as a stress relief, so I wouldn't worry about that either. As for the other things... I... would not worry about that." His all of two friends were either not talking to him, or unsure around him and as for lady friends... he shut that thought down very quickly before it could progress any further. "I... I think that should be all? If you're sure about it..."

[sybbil]

Fred gently interrupted the young tom. "I will have you know, Mr. Mistoffelees, that I an excellent judge of character and from what I have observed of you, you seem a fine young gentleman. And as long as there are no ulterior designs on my niece without my permission, we should get along swimmingly." His grin returned full force. "So, do you?"

[victoriousscarf]

It took Misto a moment to process that sentence. "Do I have... ulterior designs on your niece?" he almost squeaked and shook his head. "No, no, none of those."

[sybbil]

Fred chuckled. "All right, all right. I believe you." He leaned back in the chair. "Out of idle curiosity, when does your shift end?"

[victoriousscarf]

Tugging out his pocket watch, Misto glanced at it. "I should be done by eleven tonight," he said.

[sybbil]

"Very well, then. Meet me back here when your shift is done. I'll take you to the place myself. It'll be good to stretch my legs." He stood, covering a small yawn. "Whew, where did the time go? Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mistoffelees. And since I haven't already given you my name, here 'tis. I am Frederick Howe at your service." He gave a small bow and winked at the other cat. "Most just call me Fred or Freddie."

[victoriousscarf]

Hesitating a moment, Misto grinned at him. "Nice to meet you then. My full name's Mistoffelees Quaxo, by the way. And would you like me to stop by here then after my shift?"

[sybbil]

Fred nodded smartly, still grinning. "Yes, I did say that. Lovely to know you have a last name. Oh!" He turned to the kitchen door. "Mags, ma petite chou, I'm guessing you were listening?" There was a loud guffaw and a smack, and the door swung open yet again.

Maggie was in the doorway, beaming like the sun. "I'll go straight home! And stop calling me a cabbage, it's embarrassing! Come on, uncle, let's go!" She spun around and let the door swing closed.

One last time the door swung open and Ox stuck his head out, glaring at his brother. "She going to be insufferable, you know."

Fred laughed. "That's why, mon frere gros, you are the one who is going to walk her home."

The white cat muttered something that sounded like, "I am not fat." And as the door swung shut, Fred chuckled again. [[Exit Ox and Maggie]]
"Well, that's dealt with. Come along now, Mr... Quaxo, was it? Finish your soup, its my specialty. I believe your shift starts soon, yes?"

[victoriousscarf]

Misto blinked through the whole exchange, picking up the spoon automatically at Fred's words. "I... yeah," he said, glancing at the pocket watch again. "And, well, it is very good soup."

[sybbil]

"I am glad you like it." Fred's smile was warm and kind. "See you at eleven, then?"

[victoriousscarf]

Misto nodded, almost done with the--honestly rather large--bowl of soup. "Alright. See you then."

[sybbil]

Fred bows slightly and heads off towards the kitchen, a smile still on his face. That went better than I expected. Still, he's hiding something and he's scared as hell about it. I only hope I can help him and hope that Maggie gets over this infatuation.

[[Exit Fred]]

[victoriousscarf]

Misto finished the soup quickly, shoving his pocket watch back into his pocket, and heading back up to the pool deck, his mind still reeling slightly. What had just happened? He wasn't entirely sure...

[THREAD END]