Re: Valerio's translated fanfics
Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 3:09 am
6.
Dedicated to Sinder and Two-Twig who Gave me the inspiration, to the fans of this story and Grapenut devoted. May our hopes come true!
Outside, wild winds are calling
Broken leaves are falling
The slow refrain of Ultravox’s ‘Call of the Wild’, performed by Martin Foster, accompanied by a chorus of the three Milton wolves, caressed the evening air, partly appeasing the powerful excitement instigated by the metal piece that preceded it.
And Grape Jelly Sandwich was dancing that slow song in the arms of Peanut Butter Sandwich.
At 9:30 on an early summer Sunday evening, on the park of the Foster property, before all the neighborhood animals, a dog and a cat were violating a social taboo, hugging each other beyond all possibility of misunderstanding. A hand of one held close into to that of the other. Grape’s free arm encircled the neck of the dog, Peanut’s free hand firmly placed around her waist.
Outside, wild winds are calling
Broken leaves are falling
Like I fall before you
Outside Nightfall is returning
Our home fires are burning
Like I burn before you
Wasn’t it merely ironic that Max had taught her those very steps, two winters ago, in an attempt to win her over during the Yarn Ball? Remotely, Grape wondered if this song had been requested by Peanut – silly question, right? The wink Martin had given them before starting would have sufficed already. It seemed that half the world had conspired for this moment to arrive, while the other half looked, baffled...
Wind and rain may blow
Will we watch them come and go
Funny, Grape had thought that by now she would have gone into hysterics. Her fantasies invariably ended up with terrible tantrums, fights, physical aggression, the shame of being singled out as ‘that crazy cat’ for the rest of life...
Don’t go
And in my heart I held you just for a while
Don’t go
And in my eyes I see the love of a child
Don’t go
You can’t deny you feel the call of the wild
(call of the wild)
Martin’s and the wolves’ voices resonated inside her like an ancient message. Just like before, when the amazing band formed by that man and his pets had not only sung, but had given her strength, had shown her the way, with the accompaniment of Tarot’s and Sabrina’s magic who used notes instead of some mystical blathering.
In your hand a heart is falling
A howling wolf is calling
And it’s calling your name
And before the night is ending
The message that it’s sending
Will it all be in vain
And her road was here, drawn to walk along it with this wonderful dog. This friend, turned confidant, and then mate. The one who was always there for her, for better or for worse...
Say that you will stay
And we’ll watch them come and go
How many problems had come and gone, how many things were still to come?
Don’t go
And in my heart I held you just for a while
Don’t go
And in my eyes I see the love of a child
Don’t go
You can’t deny you feel the call of the wild
(Call of the wild)
Yet, it was still there, her traitorous heart that fluttered like a bird in the cage, frightened to go out and race toward the clouds... “I’m scared, Peanut,” she whispered, her head resting on his chest, terrified inside yet blessed with his scent, his warmth.
“And I will fight it for you,” came his voice, softly, almost a growl, not a dog’s that plays the grownup, but a dragon’s caring for his princess. “I will send it away from you. I will be here for you, with you, against every evil, because I love you more than my life, because nothing in the whole world is worth as much as our happiness.”
As the wailing winds are calling
And the broken leaves are falling
And the magic that surrounds you
I will build a world around you
Grape raised her gaze.
The veil had fallen and the night had granted her one last magic.
Peanut Butter had grown. In front of her, to protect her with his arms, was the adult dog that he would become. More erect ears and outlined chest. His eyes were really as blue as the sky.
He was her champion, and he was beautiful.
And then here he was, his muzzle graying, the white mask rising up to his eyes, as the warrior was being replaced by the one who, even then, would continue to stay beside her in their calmest years…
That was not the promise of an enthusiastic and inexperienced pup. It was not an oath done under the romantic influence of a star-filled sky. It was not a bitter challenge.
It was their life together.
Don’t go...
They kissed.
The song disappeared. People disappeared. The park disappeared.
The world had become a place too small for the glow they were radiating. Their star was a part of a constellation, timeless, burning in their hearts, their souls.
Their kiss was a long moment of pure sharing. Not an appeasement of the senses, not a repressed desire. There was no fear, there was no awe, and there were no tears.
There were them, aware to a level that turned their true first contact into a communion. From that moment on, there was no longer Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly, dog and cat.
There was only one soul.
The last notes of the song and the voice of the band faded as their lips finally departed, and there remained only fragments of sun lost in fragments of sky.
Grape knew that their hearts were beating as one, now. At the same calm pace of their breathing.
Peanut’s placed his hand on her cheek, wrapping it like a delicate glass objects. She sank against him, gently purring.
The song was finished; there was an astounded silence around them. One could almost hear the crickets chirping.
Grape went back to rest her head against the dog’s chest. “Peanut?”
“Hmm?” He said, his eyes closed and stroking her back, gentle and yet protective.
“We are being looked at?”
“Yes.”
“As if we’re crazy?”
“By almost everyone.”
“Are they elbowing, gesturing, and grimacing?”
“Yes.”
Grape removed her head from Peanut’s chest. “And what do we think of social conventions?”
“THPPPHTTHTHPH” in perfect synchronicity, they closed their eyes and put out their tongues in a cheerful raspberry.
At that point, from the stage erupted the notes of another rock piece, although certainly not as powerful as the one that had started the evening.
In society, many dogs in many variations,
Come on, let’s talk
Interesting facts that you can share
With people who really care...
The many dogs, cats and other pets, already charged up, unleashed themselves into this new dance without worrying too much about this very strange new couple.
Peanut and Grape took the opportunity to move a little ways from the concert. Moreover, the female canine population of Babylon Gardens was totally game for the colossal twins Antares and Aldebaran, who gave a splendid performance on the bass and drums. While Alcor, standing behind his keyboard, launched Cheshire Cat-grins that the spotlight reflected on, showing as separate lights. Males were drooling for the new district female, the beautiful Mizar, mastering her electric guitar with the expertise of a human, the white fur contrasting sharply behind the instrument’s black strap.
The dog and cat took a seat on the fresh grass. “They’re really amazing,” she said, looking at the Foster Pets. She had not even noticed she was still panting slightly, just like Peanut. “I love you,” she said, stroking his hand. And what else could she tell him? There wasn’t a word for what she was feeling, for the sense of comfort and power that ran from her head to toe claws.
That night, up there on the barn roof at Uncle Reuben’s farm, she had discovered for the first time how great her desire for Peanut was. But faced with today, she realized that they had just been playing, then, newbies at exploring without ever fully understanding every nuance of those three words so many people randomly uttered.
Grape knew exactly what Mizar and Alcor felt for each other, and was proud to feel those very same emotions, that awareness that at last a stage of her life was closed for good. Some fears were now merely a memory.
“I love you,” said Peanut, without removing his eyes from hers, his every sense intoxicated by just one look, one sniff, one caress of the supple, silky body.
He loved her to the point of losing his mind. She was not only the object of his desires, she was his destiny. He knew, indeed, that she was what he had looked for, because in his future he wouldn’t have to be with any other. That day, at the shelter it could not be any other. It was as if space and time had agreed to drive his eyes to the sad figure sitting in the corner of a dark cage and whisper, ‘it is her’ to him, who in that moment was seeing only someone to share his puppy life with.
Before, both had often wondered how their lives would be if they had taken that step.
Now they knew.
They were still themselves, for now, caught in that unstable balance between infancy and adult age, in that vast land of conflict called ‘adolescence’, but when the final change would come, they would know how to face it...
“PEANUT!” The excited barking had brought their hair on end, tails straight as broom sticks, and dot-sized pupils. Peanut turned his head just in time to have a furry projectile landing on him, crushing him to the ground. Usually, it was Sasha and Kevin to display such an… emotional display. To see that puppy with a spot around his left eye was half a surprise for Peanut. “Hello, Joey?”
It was Joey’s turn to squeeze him with an unexpected strength. “You were hypermegaultrafantastic, man! I’m so proud of you!” He rubbed his fist in-between his ears. He had a grin worthy of a cat.
Grape cleared her throat. Bad idea, because Fido and Bino’s younger brother gave her the same treatment. “And you were awesomeyawesome too, Grapey! Awww, I would have liked to be there instead of this lucky mutt!”
The lavender cat pulled him off with difficulty. “Joey, I believe you, but please, he’s my boyfriend, okay?”
Joey was kneeling between them. He frantically wagged his tail without dropping that smile, his hands clasped to his chest and showing enormous eyes. He seemed ready to be adopted by them. “I... We owe you so much, you know? Oh, two or three little things are gonna change, starting tomorrow, you’ll see. In fact, you know what? Come by tomorrow at 9 to the park. I organized an event just in case *Hmrphmm!*” Grape’s hand brutally shut his muzzle.
“Wait just a second, you scheming mutt! Do you mean you... had a bet on us?”
Joey nodded frantically. He was turning purple from the lack of oxygen, but didn’t seem to care. With a sigh, Grape let him go.
Joey said; acting half offended as he crossed his arms on his chest, “Hmph, it wasn’t a ‘bet’. We were absolutely sure about you two! And tomorrow we will celebrate all together to tell the world. You will be surprised,” he commented, adding a wink. Then he stood up, and gave Peanut a thumbs up. “I love you, champ!” and ran off excitedly.
Grape gave Peanut one of her withering glares, ears flattened and whiskers twitching. Peanut quickly raised his hands as if they were shields. “ThereisnothingbetweenusIswear!”
Grape sighed. Undoubtedly, interesting days were waiting for her... “Hey, Sasha.”
How long that airheaded female was standing there, staring with those shiny candy-pink eyes of hers? Just as Grape had spoken to her, she leaned quickly between them and locked them in one of her patented viselike hugs. “AWWWWW!!! You two are such CUTIEPIES!” Then let them go, and while the poor couple made sure their heads were still attached, she added, “I wish Bino would kiss me like that. Or Fido. Or King. Or one of those beautiful black biggie dogs... “
“Thanks for the encouragement, Sasha,” said the cat. “and for the images you’re giving us.”
The dog wagged her tail. “Ah, it’s nothing. And you’re lucky, Grapey: he is so cute.”
Peanut blushed violently. It seems he had never noticed how many fans he had among the other sex. Well, it was difficult, considering that he had his eyes and heart set only on one of them.
Sasha stood up. “Well, I just wanted to tell you. If you are looking to me for a chat, you know where to find me!” She blew Peanut a kiss and walked away giggling like a schoolgirl.
Grape sighed. “I do not mind that there is someone that admires us for what we are, but I admit that I would feel better if it was someone of more–” whatever gaffe she was about to blurt out died in her throat with the clearing of the throat from someone behind them.
“I hope this isn’t a private party. Yet,” said Max, approaching the couple. “Weirdos those two may be, but they’re right about one thing: You two were great. You kiss like a real gentledog, Peanut Butter Sandwich, and I chivalrously surrender to those more gallant than me.” And to this he made a deep bow of reverence, complete with arm raised. “Even the first time you looked at me in the eyes, my beautiful princess, you didn’t have half the passion that I see in you now. But know that it was an honor and a pleasure to hope to make you mine, at least for a time. You leave this rogue with charming memories with which to delight during his old age.” And he repeated the gallant bow.
Grape almost pushed him to the ground. “Come off it, some actor you are! You knew everything from the beginning, you just enjoyed it at my expenses.”
The two males stared at her, dumbfounded. Max, after a long ant terribly embarrassed pause, his ears still low, said, “You knew that I knew?”
“If you had not already discovered it by then,” she said, standing up, “I would’ve had a bad impression of your intelligence, feline playboy. But by then I wasn’t playing with you, I was in a very difficult time, and in your own way you helped me take the right decision. Indeed, I thank you for not forcing our hands, for respecting my feelings.”
Max blushed slightly as he put his hand behind his ears. “Heh. Anytime, my lovely. So... still friends?”
“We’ll always be friends. And I hope you won’t be ashamed to spend some time with me and Peanut. Even in public.”
He suddenly cheered up. “Seriously? The queen of the neighborhood and her two best boys? We’ll be the envy of that pack of gossips!”
Grape put a finger on Max’s nose “Wonderful. Tomorrow, then, at 9, the public park. Looks like Joey has organized an event for the weird couples.”
The black cat showed off his familiar grin. “A tough challenge. You know how to make me happy, my pretty lady.” Then the bold expression gave way to a more timid one... if such a sentiment could be applied to a creature like Max. He gave Grape a sad expression, reminiscent of the ‘special occasions’, when he really wanted something from her by pressing the right buttons. The rascal was a born manipulator, but his manners were never irritating; perhaps certain goals, but not the means...
“What is it, Maxie?”
The tip of his tail waved slightly at hearing the nickname that she had reserved for him. “Well, even though a year has already passed, there was that resolution, if you remember, and...”
Grape thought about it for a moment. What resolution was he talking abou— But of course! Her first Yarn Ball, when Maxie had pulled her out of her shell of cynicism to show her that the world might not be such a bad place.
‘Happy New Year,’ she had thought, somberly. ‘May it suck a little less than the last one.’
He had made a resolution to kiss a pretty girl.
Grape blushed. “You haven’t forgotten?”
Max did his best act as the timid one, when in fact his eyes sparkled and he had a fresh wave of cunning with the phrase... “You know I could never forget that. Well? Last chance?”
Grape glanced at Peanut, fearing he would show a dark, jeaolus expression, or worse, collapse like an injured puppy. She felt herself die a little inside, every time she wounded him, although he always tried to appear strong.
Instead Peanut was wagging his tail. He was happy, and looked at the two cats like Sasha had looked at him and Grape before. “It’s okay,” he said simply, and he wasn’t lying: he was happy to have a friend like Max, one of the few that truly understood them, their true guardian angel. Peanut felt it.
Max drew Grape close to him like a true Rudolph Valentino of cats, and kissed Grape with enough passion to melt concrete! The lavender cat, though initially surprised by so much vehemence, melted for all it was worth into the arms of Max, moaning.
Peanut began to feel a bit alarmed. “Grape..?”
Max parted from her, helping her to kneel on the grass. “Well?”
Her eyes were wide as saucers with surprise. “Whammola.”
“You know what you’re missing now, hm?” He said, more mischievous than ever.
Grape answered by getting back close to Peanut, who held her tight, this time looking a bit more cautious and with a funny pout on his face, although he intended it to be a warning. The cat said, “I know, yes, and that is why I am convinced now more than ever to love him with all my heart and soul.”
Max took a final bow. “One of us must try, my dear ones. I’ll come to get you, tomorrow? “And he walked away without waiting for an answer.
When he was close to the driveway leading to the exit, Max yawned, stretched briefly and said, “I know you’re there, you pest. You can show yourself now.”
Bino emerged from the reeds surrounding the driveway. Grape was right: there would be a lot of work to do, to put them back in shape. “How can you accept it?”
“Do I have any choice, mon brave? It gnaws at my soul to see Grape with that... with that mutt. But she is happy as if she found her angel, and if I were to separate them, even with a plan so evil and perfectly crafted that she couldn’t possibly know about it, I would only manage to destroy her own soul.” Max’s eyes were shiny, while staring at the crescent moon that, as if the sky itself had remembered to do its part, was the same to have witnessed that first fatal kiss on the farm... “And if you try to separate those two, Bino, I’ll separate you.” He flexed his wrist, and showed an impressive set of claws. His tone was casual, almost distracted, and this made the threat – no, the promise – even more sinister. “…In so many pretty slices. Think rather of Sasha’s happiness, you ungrateful wretch: she almost breathes for you, and you are here wasting time fretting because there is a weird couple minding their biz.” That said, he walked away, not so boldly anymore, his back slightly curved. Be happy, my princess.
“I’m sorry... what was that?”
From the stage, came the last notes of the cover of Cosmo4’s Peek-a-Boo, with the voice of Sasha combined with Mizar’s. Judging from the energy the band Project ReFur were putting out, they looked still far from being tired.
Fido had really thought he’d misheard, perhaps because of the music. After resting a few minutes, Sabrina had come back and now, here they were, behind the stage while the applause was unleashed once again.
“It’s not ‘if,’ but when you want to tell your friends about us, my love, I’ll be ready. I’ll support you in whatever you decide.”
He never believed that he would ever hear such words come from her lips. Sabrina was always so terrified that they could be separated because of their relationship, and Fido’s reassurances that humans found interspecies relationships between their pets a very cute thing hadn’t eased her mind at all…
But Fido hadn’t helped her. He had built his career with much passion and sacrifice, and alienating his colleagues of the K-9 corps would have had disastrous consequences for his work as a policedog, and thus to those whom he wanted to protect ...
But now, seeing his beloved so confident, so... relaxed, as if fear had finally become just a memory for her, also renewed his own courage. Fido stroked Sabrina’s cheeck. “Thank you. Although I can’t make such an announcement so bluntly in front of everyone, just now, I promise that I will think this over very carefully. In that case, I hope you want to come live with me.”
The black cat nodded. She owed something to that meddlesome Tarot, yes. “Nevermore,” she said, in memory of the very first poetry he recited to her one night, so long ago. She kissed his nose – the most scandalous act she could afford, given the circumstances. Fido became pepper-red, and let her go, while Martin was saying, “...And with the piece you are about to hear, the Project ReFur Band bids you a good night! It was a fantastic day, and I’m sure even better ones will follow!” The crowd enthusiastically approved. “This song again is dedicated to you, romantic souls. I can’t do much but give you best wishes for a beautiful, long life together! And now, to conclude to the best this evening, let me introduce you again our exceptional guest of honor, the beautiful Sabrina!”
Fido sighed and walked away quietly.
Grape felt her shoulder about to sprain. “So, what’s gotten into you, now?” she snapped, when Peanut finally released her. When the dog had realized the song that was playing, an alarm had gone off in his brains. “Ohmygoshmygoshmygosh, I almost forgot! Come on, hurry!” he said like the white rabbit on caffeine, and practically pulled her back toward the stage. He was definitely in a panic, but what could be wrong? At that point, the evening was just perfect, memorable, unforgettable, while now...
Martin was announcing the end of the event, when Peanut, cutting the crowd in two had come just in time to see Sabrina take the stage. Many in the crowd threw glances ranging between distrustful and disgusted, but he ignored them all. “Sorry,” he said instead to Grape, then recomposed himself quickly as the drumsticks gave the attack.
Peanut took his beloved cat back in his arms as he had done before, and threw a grateful glance to Martin.
The man walked away while on stage, Mizar’s guitar, and the two females’ voices came together in an angelic melody that Grape instantly recognized. The lavender cat felt like fainting from the emotion, her eyes became two shiny glasses. “My favorite song. You... You remembered.”
Are you goin’ to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there, She Once Was a true love of mine.
Peanut showed her a smile as warm as the sun. “I love you, Jellybelly.”
“Hmm,” she snuggled against him thoroughly. “I love you, silly mutt.”
The Beginning...
Dedicated to Sinder and Two-Twig who Gave me the inspiration, to the fans of this story and Grapenut devoted. May our hopes come true!
Outside, wild winds are calling
Broken leaves are falling
The slow refrain of Ultravox’s ‘Call of the Wild’, performed by Martin Foster, accompanied by a chorus of the three Milton wolves, caressed the evening air, partly appeasing the powerful excitement instigated by the metal piece that preceded it.
And Grape Jelly Sandwich was dancing that slow song in the arms of Peanut Butter Sandwich.
At 9:30 on an early summer Sunday evening, on the park of the Foster property, before all the neighborhood animals, a dog and a cat were violating a social taboo, hugging each other beyond all possibility of misunderstanding. A hand of one held close into to that of the other. Grape’s free arm encircled the neck of the dog, Peanut’s free hand firmly placed around her waist.
Outside, wild winds are calling
Broken leaves are falling
Like I fall before you
Outside Nightfall is returning
Our home fires are burning
Like I burn before you
Wasn’t it merely ironic that Max had taught her those very steps, two winters ago, in an attempt to win her over during the Yarn Ball? Remotely, Grape wondered if this song had been requested by Peanut – silly question, right? The wink Martin had given them before starting would have sufficed already. It seemed that half the world had conspired for this moment to arrive, while the other half looked, baffled...
Wind and rain may blow
Will we watch them come and go
Funny, Grape had thought that by now she would have gone into hysterics. Her fantasies invariably ended up with terrible tantrums, fights, physical aggression, the shame of being singled out as ‘that crazy cat’ for the rest of life...
Don’t go
And in my heart I held you just for a while
Don’t go
And in my eyes I see the love of a child
Don’t go
You can’t deny you feel the call of the wild
(call of the wild)
Martin’s and the wolves’ voices resonated inside her like an ancient message. Just like before, when the amazing band formed by that man and his pets had not only sung, but had given her strength, had shown her the way, with the accompaniment of Tarot’s and Sabrina’s magic who used notes instead of some mystical blathering.
In your hand a heart is falling
A howling wolf is calling
And it’s calling your name
And before the night is ending
The message that it’s sending
Will it all be in vain
And her road was here, drawn to walk along it with this wonderful dog. This friend, turned confidant, and then mate. The one who was always there for her, for better or for worse...
Say that you will stay
And we’ll watch them come and go
How many problems had come and gone, how many things were still to come?
Don’t go
And in my heart I held you just for a while
Don’t go
And in my eyes I see the love of a child
Don’t go
You can’t deny you feel the call of the wild
(Call of the wild)
Yet, it was still there, her traitorous heart that fluttered like a bird in the cage, frightened to go out and race toward the clouds... “I’m scared, Peanut,” she whispered, her head resting on his chest, terrified inside yet blessed with his scent, his warmth.
“And I will fight it for you,” came his voice, softly, almost a growl, not a dog’s that plays the grownup, but a dragon’s caring for his princess. “I will send it away from you. I will be here for you, with you, against every evil, because I love you more than my life, because nothing in the whole world is worth as much as our happiness.”
As the wailing winds are calling
And the broken leaves are falling
And the magic that surrounds you
I will build a world around you
Grape raised her gaze.
The veil had fallen and the night had granted her one last magic.
Peanut Butter had grown. In front of her, to protect her with his arms, was the adult dog that he would become. More erect ears and outlined chest. His eyes were really as blue as the sky.
He was her champion, and he was beautiful.
And then here he was, his muzzle graying, the white mask rising up to his eyes, as the warrior was being replaced by the one who, even then, would continue to stay beside her in their calmest years…
That was not the promise of an enthusiastic and inexperienced pup. It was not an oath done under the romantic influence of a star-filled sky. It was not a bitter challenge.
It was their life together.
Don’t go...
They kissed.
The song disappeared. People disappeared. The park disappeared.
The world had become a place too small for the glow they were radiating. Their star was a part of a constellation, timeless, burning in their hearts, their souls.
Their kiss was a long moment of pure sharing. Not an appeasement of the senses, not a repressed desire. There was no fear, there was no awe, and there were no tears.
There were them, aware to a level that turned their true first contact into a communion. From that moment on, there was no longer Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly, dog and cat.
There was only one soul.
The last notes of the song and the voice of the band faded as their lips finally departed, and there remained only fragments of sun lost in fragments of sky.
Grape knew that their hearts were beating as one, now. At the same calm pace of their breathing.
Peanut’s placed his hand on her cheek, wrapping it like a delicate glass objects. She sank against him, gently purring.
The song was finished; there was an astounded silence around them. One could almost hear the crickets chirping.
Grape went back to rest her head against the dog’s chest. “Peanut?”
“Hmm?” He said, his eyes closed and stroking her back, gentle and yet protective.
“We are being looked at?”
“Yes.”
“As if we’re crazy?”
“By almost everyone.”
“Are they elbowing, gesturing, and grimacing?”
“Yes.”
Grape removed her head from Peanut’s chest. “And what do we think of social conventions?”
“THPPPHTTHTHPH” in perfect synchronicity, they closed their eyes and put out their tongues in a cheerful raspberry.
At that point, from the stage erupted the notes of another rock piece, although certainly not as powerful as the one that had started the evening.
In society, many dogs in many variations,
Come on, let’s talk
Interesting facts that you can share
With people who really care...
The many dogs, cats and other pets, already charged up, unleashed themselves into this new dance without worrying too much about this very strange new couple.
Peanut and Grape took the opportunity to move a little ways from the concert. Moreover, the female canine population of Babylon Gardens was totally game for the colossal twins Antares and Aldebaran, who gave a splendid performance on the bass and drums. While Alcor, standing behind his keyboard, launched Cheshire Cat-grins that the spotlight reflected on, showing as separate lights. Males were drooling for the new district female, the beautiful Mizar, mastering her electric guitar with the expertise of a human, the white fur contrasting sharply behind the instrument’s black strap.
The dog and cat took a seat on the fresh grass. “They’re really amazing,” she said, looking at the Foster Pets. She had not even noticed she was still panting slightly, just like Peanut. “I love you,” she said, stroking his hand. And what else could she tell him? There wasn’t a word for what she was feeling, for the sense of comfort and power that ran from her head to toe claws.
That night, up there on the barn roof at Uncle Reuben’s farm, she had discovered for the first time how great her desire for Peanut was. But faced with today, she realized that they had just been playing, then, newbies at exploring without ever fully understanding every nuance of those three words so many people randomly uttered.
Grape knew exactly what Mizar and Alcor felt for each other, and was proud to feel those very same emotions, that awareness that at last a stage of her life was closed for good. Some fears were now merely a memory.
“I love you,” said Peanut, without removing his eyes from hers, his every sense intoxicated by just one look, one sniff, one caress of the supple, silky body.
He loved her to the point of losing his mind. She was not only the object of his desires, she was his destiny. He knew, indeed, that she was what he had looked for, because in his future he wouldn’t have to be with any other. That day, at the shelter it could not be any other. It was as if space and time had agreed to drive his eyes to the sad figure sitting in the corner of a dark cage and whisper, ‘it is her’ to him, who in that moment was seeing only someone to share his puppy life with.
Before, both had often wondered how their lives would be if they had taken that step.
Now they knew.
They were still themselves, for now, caught in that unstable balance between infancy and adult age, in that vast land of conflict called ‘adolescence’, but when the final change would come, they would know how to face it...
“PEANUT!” The excited barking had brought their hair on end, tails straight as broom sticks, and dot-sized pupils. Peanut turned his head just in time to have a furry projectile landing on him, crushing him to the ground. Usually, it was Sasha and Kevin to display such an… emotional display. To see that puppy with a spot around his left eye was half a surprise for Peanut. “Hello, Joey?”
It was Joey’s turn to squeeze him with an unexpected strength. “You were hypermegaultrafantastic, man! I’m so proud of you!” He rubbed his fist in-between his ears. He had a grin worthy of a cat.
Grape cleared her throat. Bad idea, because Fido and Bino’s younger brother gave her the same treatment. “And you were awesomeyawesome too, Grapey! Awww, I would have liked to be there instead of this lucky mutt!”
The lavender cat pulled him off with difficulty. “Joey, I believe you, but please, he’s my boyfriend, okay?”
Joey was kneeling between them. He frantically wagged his tail without dropping that smile, his hands clasped to his chest and showing enormous eyes. He seemed ready to be adopted by them. “I... We owe you so much, you know? Oh, two or three little things are gonna change, starting tomorrow, you’ll see. In fact, you know what? Come by tomorrow at 9 to the park. I organized an event just in case *Hmrphmm!*” Grape’s hand brutally shut his muzzle.
“Wait just a second, you scheming mutt! Do you mean you... had a bet on us?”
Joey nodded frantically. He was turning purple from the lack of oxygen, but didn’t seem to care. With a sigh, Grape let him go.
Joey said; acting half offended as he crossed his arms on his chest, “Hmph, it wasn’t a ‘bet’. We were absolutely sure about you two! And tomorrow we will celebrate all together to tell the world. You will be surprised,” he commented, adding a wink. Then he stood up, and gave Peanut a thumbs up. “I love you, champ!” and ran off excitedly.
Grape gave Peanut one of her withering glares, ears flattened and whiskers twitching. Peanut quickly raised his hands as if they were shields. “ThereisnothingbetweenusIswear!”
Grape sighed. Undoubtedly, interesting days were waiting for her... “Hey, Sasha.”
How long that airheaded female was standing there, staring with those shiny candy-pink eyes of hers? Just as Grape had spoken to her, she leaned quickly between them and locked them in one of her patented viselike hugs. “AWWWWW!!! You two are such CUTIEPIES!” Then let them go, and while the poor couple made sure their heads were still attached, she added, “I wish Bino would kiss me like that. Or Fido. Or King. Or one of those beautiful black biggie dogs... “
“Thanks for the encouragement, Sasha,” said the cat. “and for the images you’re giving us.”
The dog wagged her tail. “Ah, it’s nothing. And you’re lucky, Grapey: he is so cute.”
Peanut blushed violently. It seems he had never noticed how many fans he had among the other sex. Well, it was difficult, considering that he had his eyes and heart set only on one of them.
Sasha stood up. “Well, I just wanted to tell you. If you are looking to me for a chat, you know where to find me!” She blew Peanut a kiss and walked away giggling like a schoolgirl.
Grape sighed. “I do not mind that there is someone that admires us for what we are, but I admit that I would feel better if it was someone of more–” whatever gaffe she was about to blurt out died in her throat with the clearing of the throat from someone behind them.
“I hope this isn’t a private party. Yet,” said Max, approaching the couple. “Weirdos those two may be, but they’re right about one thing: You two were great. You kiss like a real gentledog, Peanut Butter Sandwich, and I chivalrously surrender to those more gallant than me.” And to this he made a deep bow of reverence, complete with arm raised. “Even the first time you looked at me in the eyes, my beautiful princess, you didn’t have half the passion that I see in you now. But know that it was an honor and a pleasure to hope to make you mine, at least for a time. You leave this rogue with charming memories with which to delight during his old age.” And he repeated the gallant bow.
Grape almost pushed him to the ground. “Come off it, some actor you are! You knew everything from the beginning, you just enjoyed it at my expenses.”
The two males stared at her, dumbfounded. Max, after a long ant terribly embarrassed pause, his ears still low, said, “You knew that I knew?”
“If you had not already discovered it by then,” she said, standing up, “I would’ve had a bad impression of your intelligence, feline playboy. But by then I wasn’t playing with you, I was in a very difficult time, and in your own way you helped me take the right decision. Indeed, I thank you for not forcing our hands, for respecting my feelings.”
Max blushed slightly as he put his hand behind his ears. “Heh. Anytime, my lovely. So... still friends?”
“We’ll always be friends. And I hope you won’t be ashamed to spend some time with me and Peanut. Even in public.”
He suddenly cheered up. “Seriously? The queen of the neighborhood and her two best boys? We’ll be the envy of that pack of gossips!”
Grape put a finger on Max’s nose “Wonderful. Tomorrow, then, at 9, the public park. Looks like Joey has organized an event for the weird couples.”
The black cat showed off his familiar grin. “A tough challenge. You know how to make me happy, my pretty lady.” Then the bold expression gave way to a more timid one... if such a sentiment could be applied to a creature like Max. He gave Grape a sad expression, reminiscent of the ‘special occasions’, when he really wanted something from her by pressing the right buttons. The rascal was a born manipulator, but his manners were never irritating; perhaps certain goals, but not the means...
“What is it, Maxie?”
The tip of his tail waved slightly at hearing the nickname that she had reserved for him. “Well, even though a year has already passed, there was that resolution, if you remember, and...”
Grape thought about it for a moment. What resolution was he talking abou— But of course! Her first Yarn Ball, when Maxie had pulled her out of her shell of cynicism to show her that the world might not be such a bad place.
‘Happy New Year,’ she had thought, somberly. ‘May it suck a little less than the last one.’
He had made a resolution to kiss a pretty girl.
Grape blushed. “You haven’t forgotten?”
Max did his best act as the timid one, when in fact his eyes sparkled and he had a fresh wave of cunning with the phrase... “You know I could never forget that. Well? Last chance?”
Grape glanced at Peanut, fearing he would show a dark, jeaolus expression, or worse, collapse like an injured puppy. She felt herself die a little inside, every time she wounded him, although he always tried to appear strong.
Instead Peanut was wagging his tail. He was happy, and looked at the two cats like Sasha had looked at him and Grape before. “It’s okay,” he said simply, and he wasn’t lying: he was happy to have a friend like Max, one of the few that truly understood them, their true guardian angel. Peanut felt it.
Max drew Grape close to him like a true Rudolph Valentino of cats, and kissed Grape with enough passion to melt concrete! The lavender cat, though initially surprised by so much vehemence, melted for all it was worth into the arms of Max, moaning.
Peanut began to feel a bit alarmed. “Grape..?”
Max parted from her, helping her to kneel on the grass. “Well?”
Her eyes were wide as saucers with surprise. “Whammola.”
“You know what you’re missing now, hm?” He said, more mischievous than ever.
Grape answered by getting back close to Peanut, who held her tight, this time looking a bit more cautious and with a funny pout on his face, although he intended it to be a warning. The cat said, “I know, yes, and that is why I am convinced now more than ever to love him with all my heart and soul.”
Max took a final bow. “One of us must try, my dear ones. I’ll come to get you, tomorrow? “And he walked away without waiting for an answer.
When he was close to the driveway leading to the exit, Max yawned, stretched briefly and said, “I know you’re there, you pest. You can show yourself now.”
Bino emerged from the reeds surrounding the driveway. Grape was right: there would be a lot of work to do, to put them back in shape. “How can you accept it?”
“Do I have any choice, mon brave? It gnaws at my soul to see Grape with that... with that mutt. But she is happy as if she found her angel, and if I were to separate them, even with a plan so evil and perfectly crafted that she couldn’t possibly know about it, I would only manage to destroy her own soul.” Max’s eyes were shiny, while staring at the crescent moon that, as if the sky itself had remembered to do its part, was the same to have witnessed that first fatal kiss on the farm... “And if you try to separate those two, Bino, I’ll separate you.” He flexed his wrist, and showed an impressive set of claws. His tone was casual, almost distracted, and this made the threat – no, the promise – even more sinister. “…In so many pretty slices. Think rather of Sasha’s happiness, you ungrateful wretch: she almost breathes for you, and you are here wasting time fretting because there is a weird couple minding their biz.” That said, he walked away, not so boldly anymore, his back slightly curved. Be happy, my princess.
“I’m sorry... what was that?”
From the stage, came the last notes of the cover of Cosmo4’s Peek-a-Boo, with the voice of Sasha combined with Mizar’s. Judging from the energy the band Project ReFur were putting out, they looked still far from being tired.
Fido had really thought he’d misheard, perhaps because of the music. After resting a few minutes, Sabrina had come back and now, here they were, behind the stage while the applause was unleashed once again.
“It’s not ‘if,’ but when you want to tell your friends about us, my love, I’ll be ready. I’ll support you in whatever you decide.”
He never believed that he would ever hear such words come from her lips. Sabrina was always so terrified that they could be separated because of their relationship, and Fido’s reassurances that humans found interspecies relationships between their pets a very cute thing hadn’t eased her mind at all…
But Fido hadn’t helped her. He had built his career with much passion and sacrifice, and alienating his colleagues of the K-9 corps would have had disastrous consequences for his work as a policedog, and thus to those whom he wanted to protect ...
But now, seeing his beloved so confident, so... relaxed, as if fear had finally become just a memory for her, also renewed his own courage. Fido stroked Sabrina’s cheeck. “Thank you. Although I can’t make such an announcement so bluntly in front of everyone, just now, I promise that I will think this over very carefully. In that case, I hope you want to come live with me.”
The black cat nodded. She owed something to that meddlesome Tarot, yes. “Nevermore,” she said, in memory of the very first poetry he recited to her one night, so long ago. She kissed his nose – the most scandalous act she could afford, given the circumstances. Fido became pepper-red, and let her go, while Martin was saying, “...And with the piece you are about to hear, the Project ReFur Band bids you a good night! It was a fantastic day, and I’m sure even better ones will follow!” The crowd enthusiastically approved. “This song again is dedicated to you, romantic souls. I can’t do much but give you best wishes for a beautiful, long life together! And now, to conclude to the best this evening, let me introduce you again our exceptional guest of honor, the beautiful Sabrina!”
Fido sighed and walked away quietly.
Grape felt her shoulder about to sprain. “So, what’s gotten into you, now?” she snapped, when Peanut finally released her. When the dog had realized the song that was playing, an alarm had gone off in his brains. “Ohmygoshmygoshmygosh, I almost forgot! Come on, hurry!” he said like the white rabbit on caffeine, and practically pulled her back toward the stage. He was definitely in a panic, but what could be wrong? At that point, the evening was just perfect, memorable, unforgettable, while now...
Martin was announcing the end of the event, when Peanut, cutting the crowd in two had come just in time to see Sabrina take the stage. Many in the crowd threw glances ranging between distrustful and disgusted, but he ignored them all. “Sorry,” he said instead to Grape, then recomposed himself quickly as the drumsticks gave the attack.
Peanut took his beloved cat back in his arms as he had done before, and threw a grateful glance to Martin.
The man walked away while on stage, Mizar’s guitar, and the two females’ voices came together in an angelic melody that Grape instantly recognized. The lavender cat felt like fainting from the emotion, her eyes became two shiny glasses. “My favorite song. You... You remembered.”
Are you goin’ to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
Remember me to one who lives there, She Once Was a true love of mine.
Peanut showed her a smile as warm as the sun. “I love you, Jellybelly.”
“Hmm,” she snuggled against him thoroughly. “I love you, silly mutt.”
The Beginning...