Meanwhile ... in a dancer's home

[ShirQuickpaw]

[Continued from "Dancing ... with one self"]


Victoria's sleep was filled with nightmares. Like on her trip home, her brother's words continued to echo in her mind, suffusing her whole being, warping her memories of the toms of the tribe. All the faces of the prominent toms were turned into horrible masks of their usual appearance. Macavity, as she had seen him during the last Jellicle Ball when he abducted Old Deuteronomy and later on fought Munkustrap, appeared angelic in contrast to her tribes faces with each word of her brother echoing in the halls of her mind. Her sleep and nightmare seemed endless to her mind. Mostly whimpering all the time, slightly trembling, she stayed that small ball in the embrace of her brother, until ....

"GASP!!"

Victoria's eyes snapped open and she drew in a sudden deep breath. She Pressed Both her hands on her muzzle and mouth to keep from screaming out. If anything she didn't want to wake her brother, still curled around and behind her, still fast asleep. Carefully she disentangled herself out of his embrace, replacing her form with one of the discarded pillows from the side of the bed. Quietly on silent paws she sneaked out of the room towards the kitchen. Her throat felt parched, her heart was still thumping like she had just completed the full Jellicle Ball twice in a row. Suppressing the shivers and trembles of her inner turmoil she slipped out of the room where her and George's beds were. She reached the kitchen and greedily drank from the water their owner had always out for them. While the scooped up the water from the bowl she saw the reflexion of her almost haggard face, the lines under her eyes and along her muzzle clearly showed what an ordeal her nightmare had been for her. Gently shaking to continue to drink her fill and then sat against the wall next to their food place, burrowing her face in her hands.

[Deleted]

The pillow placed in his embrace could only fool the sleeping toms senses for so long. His pale eyes snapped open when his brain realized his sister's scent was not fresh. He looked down at the pillow and then pushed it away. Rolling over he slowly stretched. Unlike his sister, his dreams were extremely pleasant, he looked down in his lap, and they must have been rather arousing. He took bliss in remembering some of his dream. Him, taking Victoria. And she reciprocating. They would be perfect for each other. In his opinion, them being siblings only insured their souls should be one. Maybe he could explain it to her this way. Perhaps then she would accept him as a lover and a brother.

After a few moments of relieving this issue, which did not take long due to the intensity of his thoughts, he proceeded to clean up and find his sister.
"Vika" He called gently. His voice was suave, soft, a beacon of sorts. Like a lover. He heard no answer but he had almost been to the kitchen by then. He walked in, his wirey lean body was a beautiful sight, to most female anyway. He looked down and his carefree features soon turned with deep concern, he quickened his pace to her and knelt by her side.
"What is wrong?" He cooed to her.

[shizoo]

Jemima didn't run, but she walked quickly towards the lovely home Vika shared with her brother. Given her close relationship with Victoria, Jemi had been there many times. Once they had gotten close, she let go of Admetus' hand, feeling a bit self-conscious about her attraction to the large male.
With an apologetic smile, she scampered ahead, slipping in through a loose window, leaving Admetus to follow.

Lifting her head she scented both George & Victoria, & her heart sank a bit. George was always polite to her if a bit distant. She didn't know him well, & she certainly didn't have the close relationship with him that she did with Vika. She had to admit he was a handsome tom though.

Following her nose she raced into the kitchen just in time to see George crouching before Victoria in concern & overheard him speaking softly. Instantly, fear for her friend ripped through the small red & black queen, & she slid across the floor to land beside Vicky.

Never one to stand on ceremony with the ones she loved, Jemi wrapped her warm arms around the white queen & held her tightly.
"Vika love? are you hurt? what's wrong? George? What's going on?" Jemima looked up at George questioningly, her large eyes mirroring his concern then she turned back to Victoria. "Sweetheart are you hurt?"

[ShirQuickpaw]

Victoria's thoughts were so turned inward, that she didn't hear her brother approach. Still trying to make sense of what he had said, of what his words had done to the memories of people she either respected or even loved, were beyond her conscious grasps. Her thought evaded her like water would between her fingers if she would try to hold it. Only her brother's voice remained a firm and loud constant. So, she wasn't sure if she only believed to hear his voice again, or if he really addressed her.

She lifted her face from her hands and looked around the kitchen to see George kneeling beside her. Her eyes now in the moist and swollen way, unshed tears create, as she looked into his face. Just about she was going to answer him in wringing her arms around his neck in a frantic move in search of stability, she was hugged by a whirlwind, she hadn't even less noticed. That whirlwind came in the redish and black colors of the one other person she had always opened up to, the one friend that were able to get close to her and who her brother hadn't pushed away yet. Her arms found their way around Jemmina's neck and finally the tears broke out. Sobbing uncontrollably she pressed her face into Jemmina's neck, unable to voice any answer the heart-tearing sobs.

[X2]

Admetus had been, if nothing else, amused by the paw holding. Dare he even think it? But it was a gesture he associated with relationships. Something he didn't have and wasn't accustomed to. So, he took it in stride, amused by the situation, until they reached Victoria's house. Jemima had let go of his paw and he watched her climb up into the nearest window. He allowed his eyes to stare at Jemima's butt, before he followed suit and climbed into the window after her. He had never visited the ballerina's (human) home before, but as a hench he had more freeing morals, and didn't feel like he was intruding or trespassing. Whatever, he thought as he shrugged his shoulders and jumped down to the floor. His eyes had seen where Jemima had gone.

Though he briefly wondered if there was anything of use that he could take. Seeing nothing of consequence, he followed Jemima into the next room over, identifying it as the kitchen. He noticed the two queens in an embrace and the white bint beginning to cry. Admetus also spotted George crouching down beside them. Since crying queens were the forte of toms more noble then he was, he directed his attention to George. He was still standing in the doorway of the kitchen, and had his one shoulder leaning against the side. "Still looking as good as ever, George." His eyebrow raised up, as his eyes briefly flicked between George's legs, still heavily amused. He directed his attention to the two queens on the floor, but didn't move closer, quite happy with the distance between him and the three jellicles. "So Vicky, luv. What's got you reduced to tears?"

[Deleted]

George was need less to say extremely irritated at the intrusion. In what right mind did Jemima then Admetus think it was 'ok' to barge into their home?? Uninvited??

George stiffened and his demeanor went from soft and loving to obviously irritated at the sudden intrusion.

"She is not hurt Jemima, she is just having a difficult time with something of a private matter" His words were polite yet warning of Jemima being nosey.

He could hardly pry Vicoria away from her friend. It would spook the mindset he had already placed.

"Vika, perhaps you would like time with Jemima to keep your mind off things" His wording was specific. Almost like a message he was sure she would get, yet to bystanders it sounded empathetic and loving. He looked at Jemima with a saddened expression,
"Jemima, I think she would like some company, but on a happy note, maybe distract her? I wouldn't delve to far into the problem, I will help her with that. She needs fun, and happy" He slithered around his words.

George turned his attention to Admetus. George did not do a lot of socializing but he knew Admetus was not part of the jellicle tribe. Not that George proceeded to trust anyone anyway. He kept a watchful eye on the male. Especially as he came closer. George may look petite, but the tall male was extremely athletic. He would defend the two princesses if necessary. However it seemed Admetus had Jemima's scent on him. This was odd indeed. What was wrong with these girls??
George noted the brief look on Admetus's face toward his lower abdomen, upper thigh area. He raised an eyebrow to the tom and then returned his facial features to only concern for his sister.

"She will be alright, " He re-iterated again. He needed these two out of his house.
"Vika how about fresh air?" He questioned.

[shizoo]

Jemima easily tuned George out. He had never seemed to approve of how close she & Vika were anyway. Jemi nuzzled her friend still holding the white queen close. Frowning a little she realized George's scent was all over Vika as well as-her dad's? That was odd.
Still there was likely an innocent explanation, & she didn't smell any violence on her friend.

"Vika? love? what's wrong?" Jemima registered Admetus' presence & George's displeasure. Torn between her beloved friend who needed her & her missing brother, Jemi sighed, catching George's 'hint'. Maybe starchy britches was right, maybe taking this elsewhere was a good idea. Stroking her paws down Victoria's shoulders & down her arms softly, she gave her friend a little shake. "Vika honey, I really do need to talk to you & it looks like you need to talk to me too."

The small queen looked up at the males. "George, we have trouble. My brother, Tugger & my sister, Tanto are missing. They were supposed to be going after Jellylorum, who is also missing. Admetus may be able to help us discover if they are at the warehouse." She gave Admetus a warm smile, then continued, turning back to Vicky & hugging her close again.
"I am here for you as well love. We will sort all this out, promise. George, can you & Admetus maybe discuss strategy while Vika & I talk please?"

[X2]

Admetus watched George's expression with a mild interest. The white tabby tom had raised an eyebrow up at his actions. It wasn't an invitation, but it wasn't a rejection either. Perhaps, later, when he wasn't busy helping Jemima, he could try charming and seducing the foreign and interesting tabby. A smile played out across his face, when he heard the voice of Jemima cut through his inner thoughts. He caught her fond look, and returned her warm smile with a cocky smirk of his own. "Sure thing, pet. I'd be happy to step outside with George and discuss...technique's together." He bit his bottom lip, meaning entirely to make it sound like an innuendo. "Shall we, George luv?"

[ShirQuickpaw]

Victoria continued to shiver in Jemima's arms, even after her sobs finally subsided. It took her a while to process what was asked of her either by her brother and by Jemima. The thought of leaving this place and having a chance to talk to her dearest friend, someone she trusted as much as she trusted her brother, if not more, sounded good. And even George suggested they the two, Jemmie and herself should have a chat to get her mind of ... of ... No! She still couldn't think about all the implications of what her brother had told her. She didn't want to think about the implications. She shouldn't have to think about the implications. So ... so she won't, but she knew immediately that as soon she and Jemmie were alone she would have to talk about it. Her friend was too nosy for her own good and Victoria couldn't really lie or withheld anything from her.

So all she did was nod against Jemima's shoulder and finally brought herself halfway out of the tight embrace.

"Yes, I think having some fresh air in the company of a dear friend would be the best."

She gave her brother and Admetus a shy smile before turning to Jemima.

"Would you please lead the way?"

[Deleted]

George gave Admetus a wry look. What was with this tom? George pressed his lips into a thin line and flicked his ears.
"I guess...if we must" He said under his breath. He was not to thrilled with the enthusiastic tom. Folding his hands behind his back the tall thin male walked past Admetus to the window.
George lifted the window and looked back at the group,
"Well come on then" He said and lept to the sill and went out the window.

[shizoo]

Jemima climbed to her feet & tugged Victoria up. "C'mon love, why don't we go to your room to talk for now?" she suggested. Jemima turned to Admetus for a moment & gave him a soft kiss of thanks. "I appreciate your help. Can you please keep George busy. . I mean company for a few minutes while we sort out a few things?" she asked with a faint ghost of a grin at her own slip. There was little love lost between herself & George. He just irritated her, & she wasn't sure why.
Putting her arm around Vika once more, she led the way to her room. "Here sweet, let's settle in for a few minutes, it's been a wild day!! She hoped Vika wouldn't ask about the bandage on her head,. As she didn't want to explain everything that had happened between herself & Gilbert. Especially as she wasn't sure herself what had actually happened. .

[X2]

Admetus was grinning, though gave a genuine smile when Jemima crossed over to give him a small kiss of her own. Shaking his head, still smiling away, he moved his way to the window. Jumping up, he winked at George before the tom jumped down and then followed suit and joined him outside. Moving a paw through his ruffled fur, he walked over to the stripped tom, tempted to put his paw around his neck in a brotherly, if somewhat suggestive, fashion. He refrained from doing so, but it didn't stop him from giving the tom another look over. "So while the queens are doing their girly thing, why don't we chitchat over here, stud?" His eyebrows rose in a cocky way, as he gestured away from where the two queens were going to be chatting, but still within earshot if they needed them for anything.

[ShirQuickpaw]

Victoria followed Jemina to her room and as soon as the door closed behind them and they were alone, she hugged the other Jellicle fiercely. Whispering into the others fur,

"You don't know how grateful I am, that you are here with me..."

Slowly she untangled herself from her friend and sought a comfortable place in her sleeping pillows, pulling her knees close to herself and wrapped her arms around them. She looked up to Jemina and with a sad smile nodded to another spot on the pillow.

"So what brought you to my home, my friend? Usually you don't leave the junkyard, and certainly not with one of the toms ... alone."

Victoria asked in a quiet voice. Trying to change the subject away from her own thoughts and problems.

[shizoo]

Leaving the toms to their own devices for now, Jemima sighed & settled near her friend her eyes troubled. Why was Vicky crying? Why did she smell like George & Deuteronomy? Had something happened? Knowing her friend though, Jemi knew very well that Vika would talk Only when she was ready to.
"It's a long story, love." she said finally."I'm sure you've heard about the missing queens by now. Well, one of them is Aunt Jelly. Tugger & I were looking for a . .friend of his, Gilbert." Jemi paused for a moment, unsure of how much the other queen knew about the antisocial tom.
She continued, her eyes dark with remembrance. "We had gotten part of the way to town when we found the scene of a fight. There were scents of some truly nasty toms everywhere & there was . .blood Aunt Jelly's blood." She continued hastily. "Don't worry not enough to be deadly or anything, but she was carried off. Then we found Gilbert. He & I went back to my den-he was hurt, but refusing to go to the healer's den. Once we were settled, Tugger went to tell Dad & Munk. He never came back to my den. We got worried & Gilbert went to look for him. In the meantime I had. . umm fallen & hit my head." She couldn't quite meet Vika's eyes over the last part. She still felt really confused over what had really happened in her den with Gilbert & how he'd suddenly gotten oddly violent. She pressed a hand to the bandage on her head.
"So I went to the healer's den for treatment & to see what was going on. I heard that Tugger & Tanto had gone after Aunt Jelly & Munk was organizing a group to look into the disappearances. It's. . all a big mess. No one has seen either Tanto or Tugger since, & I'm scared for them." she admitted.

[X2]

(Before I reply, as Vipurr has told Moon and I to delete her characters...And I do want to at least finish this thread, or at the very least exit the boys out so Jemmie and Vicky can have some much needed alone time. Would you prefer I exit both George and Admetus out in my next post, or would you prefer one of you or someone else to temp George and continue for a few posts? I'm leaning more towards exiting the boys out myself, but as it is primarily up to Shizoo and Quick, I felt I should ask you two first.)