Desparate Times (open)

[shizoo]

Jemima moaned again, finally sitting up. She had tried to rest--she really had1 but she just couldn't shake the idea that her family--especially her beloved brother Tugger, were in trouble, & that thought led straight to Gilbert. The ornery tom was probably out there--all alone, too fricking stubborn to ask for help.
Looking around at her den, Jemi decided to toss some things in a bag, & go to the city--by herself. It probably wasn't the wisest course of action, but maybe she would luck out & find someone who'd be willing to help her--someone who could maybe enter the warehouse without setting off her older brother. Jemi had never met Macavity--she wasn't even sure he knew she existed, but she wasn't too eager to change that situation either. From all accounts, he wouldn't hesitate to use her against her father & her tribe.
The trouble was--Tugger needed help & maybe Tanto & Gilbert too. She knew that deep inside herself, & she couldn't rest easy until she knew he--they were safe.
The small red & black queen, headed silently out of her den, tiptoeing gently past the sentries who were all looking for an intruder--not someone leaving the yard.
Swiftly she ran towards town, intent on finding someone--anyone to help her. She just hoped the eclectic mix of stuff she had with her was enough to bribe someone.

[X2]

Admetus walked leisurely back towards the city and Macavity's Territory. He had just run into a bit of a wench out in the fields, and as amusing as she was, Admetus rolled his eyes at his own inward sarcasm, he knew his time would be better spent elsewhere. His eyes did shift a bit as he neared the junkyard, on his way. He use to live there, and though he didn't leave on bad terms, he also knew they were miffed with him when he hooked up with Macavity and the other Henches. His eyebrow quirked up when he saw a jellicle slip out and head into the city. As he got closer, he smirked a little, finally recognizing her as Jemima. "Ey pet." He spoke loud enough not to spook her, as he came up to her side, at a light jog. "My my Jemima. Anyone tell you, you're growing up into a very hot queen?" He grinned, but his face did turn into a more genuine look. "How's my cousin doing?"

[shizoo]

Jemi jumped, startled at the voice out of nowhere. She'd been so caught up in her worry, that she hadn't noticed the larger tom.
after a moment her eyes went wide when she recognized Admetus.
"You're perfect!" she blurted, then blushed hotly. Stuttering a little she spoke again, " That's not what I meant. . I mean. . . I umm. . "
The small queen stopped & tugged at her mane, speaking in a bit of a rush. "OK, let's start over here. Hello Admetus. It's lovely to see you. Electra is beautiful & wonderful." then she threw her body against his strong chest, burying her fingers in his fur.
"Could you help me Admetus?" she asked imploringly, lifting her beautiful large eyes up to meet his gaze.

[X2]

Admetus was slightly surprised by her happy face and the compliment that she probably didn't mean in...such a literal way. Though all he did was cock his head slightly to the side and lift his right eyebrow up his face slowly. "Well yeah, pet. But I don't like ta brag 'bout it." She seemingly got flustered and then threw her body against his. He was quick enough to catch her and solid enough to not stumble or fall over.

Though, he was sort of perplexed. He couldn't recall Jemima ever acting like that when he was in the junkyard and she never showed him that she had a crush on him. However, she always had a reputation for unpredictable behavior, it was one of the traits he admired in her. "Glad she's wonderful." Though that hadn't exactly answered his question. With a slight curve to his lips, he smirked lazily. "Well that depends, now doesn't it, love. What is it you're after?"

[shizoo]

Jemima blushed a little--she hadn't meant to sound so forward. Still, she'd always liked Admetus--he reminded her of Tugger with a bit more of an edge. She just figured he had always seen her as a kitten.
She gave him a sweet smile, but her eyes shadowed a bit. "I wish I could say it's just because I'm happy to see you--don't get me wrong. I am happy to see you, but some things have happened & there's trouble."
Placing a tiny paw on his chest--unconsciously stroking it a little, she looked up at him again "Do you have a few minutes to talk? I'd be very grateful."

[X2]

Admetus gave her a solemn look, one that was quite serious. Which was a side he didn't show often, but still often enough. "Well pet, there's always trouble around ev'ry corner." He didn't hide his surprise at her telling him it was happy to see him. She was one of Old Deuteronomy's children. Him leaving was essentially turning his back on the leader and declaring his loyalties to Macavity, of all cats. He suspected the leader was upset about his decision and had assumed the leaders family felt the same. "I'm surprised ya feel that way, considering the circumstances of my departure and that I now reside with the Henches." With a sly smile and a innocent stroke of his paw down Jemima's back, he guided them down a path to the left. "Oh luv. You know how much I don't fancy the idle chit-chat. But hoppin' around the point for an hour is not my style either. So pet, skip the subtleties and give it to me straight." He was serious, though a bit of his mind did wander into a dirtier image and he smirked and winked at Jemima.

[shizoo]

Jemima looked at him & quietly followed to a more private location. "Admetus, I'm not a hypocrite, two of my brothers are henches as is Quaxo. I may not know or care particularly about Macavity, but I still love Cori & Quaxo. You did what you had to do & so did they. If you don't hold it against me for being a Jellicle, I won't hold it against you for being a hench."
Jemi started a little as he stroked her back. . somehow that didn't feel very brotherly.
Her lovely eyes wide she looked at the large handsome tom, trying to decipher his behavior. Deciding to worry about it later, she continued.
"Well, have you heard about Lady Jellylorum? From the latest intelligence, she has been taken to Macavity." Jemima rubbed her temples. "Then Tugger & Tantomile went after her, now I don't know where they are or what's going on."
She took his paws & held them to her. "I'm dreadfully afraid they are in trouble. can you get me into the warehouse to see if I can find them?" she added softly. "Can you help me? I will do anything."

[X2]

Admetus leered down at Jemima, ever aware of how close her body was to his and how much closer it seemed to be getting. He grinned seductively as he wondered just what Jemima was up to. It seemed the younger queen wanted to play with fire, he was definitely use to it, and the day was proving to be more interesting then he thought it would be. "Jelly, Tugger, and Tantomile you say?" He knew only snippets of information regarding the three jellicles presence in the warehouse, but if one of the youngest jellicles were coming to him for help.

Well, well, well. He had been away from Hench territory for too long. Funny how he always missed the really interesting bashes.

With a pleasantly surprised gleam in his eye, he brought her paws up to his mouth. Pressing a chaste kiss to the back of each of her paws, he let a small purr escape his throat. Admetus had always found Jemima attractive and was not only aware, but consciously and obviously admiring the queen she now was. He wondered if the tribe still babied her or treated her like she wasn't a queen. With a naughty grin, he let his voice come out in a husky tone. "Careful who you say that to pet, or a bloke might take advantage of you. What is it exactly that you're offering me?" If she was going to treat this as business, well then he'd indulge her.

[shizoo]

Jemima's breath caught in her throat as she felt the thrill of Admetus' touch zing through her nerve endings. The look in his eye was that of a tom looking at a desirable female & that thrilled her too. none of the males in her tribe Ever looked at 'little Jemima' that way. She was never sure if it was because they thought her still a child, didn't find her attractive or were afraid of her brothers' or worse her father's reaction. On particularly frustrating gloomy days, she figured it was a combination of all of the above, & that she would never find anyone brave enough to court her.

Heck one of her special fears was that she'd dance the invitation at the next Jellicle Ball & Munkustrap & Tugger would fling themselves between her & whatever tom might dare to answer--leaving her humiliated, but 'safe'.
Briefly she wished for the support of Vika's comforting presence--her best friend knew everything about her & never judged her for it.
With their mutual love of music & dance & the shared experience of having overbearing 'protective' brothers, Victoria knew her like no other. A soft smile graced her lips as she thought about how she would tell her about this later, but first things first.

Jemima looked up at Admetus--a wildness welling up inside her. Here was a tom not bound by the tribal opinions--someone who saw her as a queen not a kitten. "Well, what is it that you might want in return? A . .kiss?" she asked. Recklessly, she offered him her lips, with a soft sensual purr welling up in the back of her throat as she swayed against his strong form.
Part of Jemima was torn & horrified by her own boldness, but the wild reckless side, too long suppressed, danced to the fore anticipating what might happen next. .
Suddenly an unbidden memory--one she was pretty sure wasn't hers, popped into her head. The little queen shuddered a little, went still & pulled back. Her mind grappling with the scene forced onto her helpless mind by Gilbert.

'Cat, that's going to take some getting used to.' she muttered quietly to herself. Looking up at the handsome male, she sighed. He really was a major temptation, but she couldn't afford to be distracted by hormones right now. "Seriously Admetus,I could really use your help--can you come with me for a little while? Once we're done. . " Jemi blushed. "Once we're done with the mission, we can. . discuss your payment."
Jemi didn't tell him she desperately wanted to confer with Vika--her calm good sense always helped Jemi work things out. Plus having Vika there might keep Jemi from doing something stupid with the wild tom. . . Maybe.

[X2]

Admetus watched her intently, especially when she tilted her head upwards in anticipation for a kiss. Blinking, he saw the image of her still standing there with her lips moistened and waiting. She looked serious and was acting serious. But it was still unusual for him to see Jemima getting ready to kiss him. Granted he wasn't a stranger, but he wasn't use to any of the jellicles reacting that way, aside from the more promiscuous ones, like Bombalurina, and Rum Tum Tugger. Who was he kidding? He wasn't going to turn down a kiss. The second he began to lean in, however, Jemima jerked backward with an odd look on her face.

He quirked a smile. So Jemima was a tease. He could work and live with that.

With an amused expression, he shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I'm not doing anything at the moment. This is true." And he didn't have anything better to do either. But going along with whatever she had planned or wherever she wanted to go...? Well, he doubted this was some elaborate ambush, the jellicles were more boring then devious. He'd rush head first into whatever, he wasn't a big planner. Plus, some of the most exciting bits of his life happened due to impulsive decisions. "Tell me love. Where exactly are you planning on taking me?"

[shizoo]

Jemi almost growled in frustration as what she Wanted to do warred with what she Needed to do.
She wanted to explore all these sudden new feelings & urges springing to life since she had spent the night (innocently) with Gilbert.
Jemima knew she was ready, but you could never convince her beloved stubborn family of that. Well, except maybe Tantomile. Her serene sister may understand, but her brothers? Not likely.
Jemi looked up at him. "Well, if Lady Jellylorum is at the warehouse then Tugger may have gone too. If he did. . " The small queen showed her agitation, by flicking her tail. "If he went there, then I know he's in trouble! To start though, I need to consult Vika, I mean Victoria--she's my common sense. Can you come with me to go get her? She's probably at her human's place at this hour."
Jemi again fixed her big eyes on his face pleading with him for help & daringly reached up & brushed a soft kiss against his lips.
"Please?" she whispered.

[X2]

Admetus nodded along, acting as though he were listening. But as soon as she mentioned Jellylorum and Tugger, he zoned out. That wasn't an answer to his question. In fact, he didn't tune back in until he did hear an answer to his question. He did 'Mmm' in surprise when he felt the softest of kisses against his lips. So brief, and light was it, that you could argue it hadn't really happened. Still he chuckled lightly. "Love, there's no need to butter me up. You're a friend of my cousin." He wasn't going to tell her that he originally started a conversation just to see how Electra was doing. "Sure, haven't seen the dancing bint since I left. After you, pet."

[shizoo]

Jemi's ears went up in surprise, despite her hopeful bravado,she hadn't really expected the rough & tumble tom to actually accompany her. A beautiful smile crossed her face as she looked up at him. "Thank you Admetus. Who knows, maybe we'll see Electra on the way."
Jemi took his hand, noting just how strong & slightly rough it felt, & then blushed as she realized she was wondering how his hands would feel on her body. .
Shaking off the brief fantasy, she headed in the direction of the home Vika shared with their human & her brother, George.
She tried to ignore the gnawing fear over her brother, Tanto & Gilbert.
Muttering silently to herself, she looked up at the sky with You'd better be alive & well Tugger--or I'm going to kill you! Then she mustered another smile for Admetus & added softly, "I really do appreciate your help you know."
Choosing to ignore the less than complimentary term he used for Victoria (after all he didn't really mean naything by it), she kept her hand in his as they walked towards the theater district & the little house Victoria shared with her human.

[Exit Jemi]

[X2]

[Exit Admetus]

[[DEAD]]