In The Golden Afternoon [open]

[bombalurina]

As cliche as it sounded, Bombalurina has been taking a catnap.

Late afternoon brought with it heavy limbs and heavier eyelids, and the red queen had succumbed. Now, uncurling herself and poking her head out of the empty pipe she used as a 'bedroom', Bombalurina noticed two things. One - that it was now late afternoon and two - the Junkyard was relatively empty. The kittens had tuckere themselves out for the day and now that the sun had set, most of the Jellicles has retired to their various homes. They'd be back out at night, once the moon had risen, but the sleepy afternoon hours tended to leave the Junkyard pretty deserted.

Stretching, Bombalurina stood up, pulling on her leather jacket, and heaved herself out of the empty pipe. Running her fingers through her red mane, she strutted for the benefit of no one but herself. She preened because she liked feeling sexy, even if no one was actually watching. And as far as she knew, no one was watching. If any particularly voyeuristic members of the tribe happened to have been spying, they'd have noticed her stomping the Junkyard like it was a runway. The sunset offset the flaming rust red of her coat and the amber in her eyes.

She found her favorite spot - the hood of a rusted out car, half buried in trash, and stretched herself out. The metal was still warm from the sunny afternoon, and she enjoyed the heat. Crossing her long legs and propping herself up onto her arms, Bom surveyed the empty graveyard, hoping for a glimpse of movement that would signal company.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

A hand squeezed Bombalurina's buttock. For all of his loud, attention seeking, he could be quite sneaky and quiet.

"Hey Love Jugs," Tugger said, since he like to always greet her with a different obscene name.

[Mistoffelees]

"Isn't it a bit early in the morning for you to be sexually harassing Bombalurina?" Mistoffelees' voice was thrown right next to Tugger although the cat himself was perched on a ledge a story up and across the junkyard from the duo. Really, he shouldn't have been surprised at his friend's antics... but it didn't mean he had to like it.

[bombalurina]

The lounging Queen didn't even have to open her eyes. There was only one Jellicle in the whole Junkyard with the bravado and balls to grab her ass and it was Tugger. She swatted at his hand with her tail and rolled her eyes at the nickname. She rolled away from and and pushed herself back into a sitting position so she could eye him, trying to sound irritated.

"Really? Love Jugs? I do believe you're running out of clever nicknames for me."

Despite the note of annoyance she was trying to inject into her voice, she arched her back, basically presenting 'the goods'. Up until she heard another recognizable voice. Misto.

"Yeah, it is-" she agreed, cocking her head to one side. "You can't fuck with me until it's at least noon, Tugger." This was a lie, but it was funny to mess with the cat who thought he was Gods gift to Queens.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"Would you prefer Mammary Mother?" Tugger asked innocently.

Bombalurina could be very difficult at times, even acting as a cock-blocker around other queens, not just herself. Tugger wouldn't have it any other way. The snide insults, flirting and competing were the highlight of any day (possibly even more so than the sex, if you can believe that). It was the closest thing to love for Tugger.

"I do not believe I can set my watch by your legs," he said, throwing a brief wink up to Mistoffelees. He glanced at an imaginary watch. "Sometimes, the hand of the watch are together."

[Mistoffelees]

Mistoffelees made a face, something akin to disgust at that as he shifted his weight so that he lay on his stomach on the high ledge, an arm hanging down, white cuff of his shirt peaking out from underneath his blazer, tail thumping a little though he wasn't as agitated as he often could be.

"Bark up another tree."

[bombalurina]

Bombalurina scowled at Tugger, but couldn't help following it up with a smirk. She stood up, hopping lightly off the car, making a point of brushing herself off from shoulder to thigh, in a fashion reminiscent of pin-ups. Taking a few steps in Misto's direction and trailing her fingers lightly along Tuggers shoulder, she took a stance between the two boys.

"Don't be obnoxious," she chided Tugger, but batted her lashes at him, running her fingers through her hair. "It's not your tree he's barking up, honey." She purred in a voice that was an octave lower than usual. As soon as she'd made the comment, she crossed her arms over her chest, giving Misto a good-natured wink. She found it funny when the two of them ganged up on Tugger.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"Who can say where I'm barking?" Tugger asked casually, adopting his default stance, hips to one side, thumbs in his loose belt.

He had never thought of Misto in such a way. He was Misto. His surprisingly good friend, despite how much like chalk and cheese they were. Sure, he had this cute femininity about him that Tugger would normally think about hitting after he'd had a few, but he even registered Munkustrap as a sexual being more than Mistoffelees.

"I'm just here 'cause you looked lonely."

[Mistoffelees]

Mistoffelees offered the loudest snort he could muster, eyes rolling in exaggeration. "Riiight." His back arched as he stretched further, observing the pair. Certainly it was fun to join up with Bombalurina in teasing Tugger, and he greatly enjoyed the scarlet queen's company immensely, well, save for some times at the Jellicle Ball when he felt she cut him off to do some slutty sort of dancing because that just wasn't cool.

Well, it also wasn't cool when she and Tugger were all over each other, but no matter how many times he rolled his eyes and put it down as being unimpressed it seemed to do nothing.

Mistoffelees offered a deeper sigh, head resting lightly on his paws, a tug with his fingers given to the sleeves of his shirt so they poked a little further from under his sports coat.

Who could say where Tugger was barking? That was a good point, but generally it seemed to be wherever he got the most lavishing affection. A few times, Mistoffelees had wanted to join in, but that'd ruin their friendship, he was convinced.

[bombalurina]

Bombalurina scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I wasn't lonely," she said with a little too much hiss in her voice. Bom was big on independence, and as much as she'd been wanting company, she'd have hated to admit it. She cast her eyes to Mistoffelees. Despite their differences, the two were good friends. She liked the younger tom- he got her perverted jokes and wicked remarks.

"I was perfectly happy alone. You were the one who had to swagger over here and start playing grab-ass" she purred playfully, flicking her tail back and forth. She wasn't going to stop flirting with Tugger just because Misto seemed irritated. It was way too much fun.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"Wrong bit?" Tugger asked. "Say the word and I'll grab anything you want."

Tugger and Bomba were more alike than either of them would admit. That was their problem. Despite some passionate nights (or any time of day), they could never stay with each other, no matter how madly in love with her Tugger wouldn't admit to being.

Misto was a treasured find. Some one who did think that Tugger was great, but still called him an idiot and acted like he hated him. If Misto became a fawner, then he'd just be another one, and Tugger would lose some interest.

[Mistoffelees]

"Please, I just ate," Mistoffelees commented, rolling his eyes, maybe in exaggeration. "I'd prefer not to lose my breakfast when dinner's not too far off." Though, really, maybe it was more than that.

Well, really no maybe, he knew it was.

But that's the way it had to be. They had their dynamic. He was the fag Bomba kept around and shared details he could only envy and fantasize about. Tugger was his best friend. And even if he were to do something stupid like fawn over him and Tugger would, strangely, still consider him a friend, that's all there'd be unless Tugger got really high on nip or drunk or got a particularly bad rejection. It'd never be more than that.

He feared the thought of Tugger finding out just why he hadn't gone all the way with a guy. Why he abstained from even rimming though he'd been tempted a time or two. It just... didn't seem right. It wasn't what he wanted.

But the only way he could get what he wanted would be to give in to Tugger, and the dynamic would change. There's no way he'd be able to have that closeness, to sometimes dance with his friend, sing and goof off, occasionally hug.

It was depressing, and made him long all the more, maybe because he had to remain silent about it. Maybe that was why he enjoyed his time with some of the boys, sticky handjobs and blow jobs in dark alleys. Maybe that was why he was particularly after Tumblebrutus, not even sure if the boy had remotely any experience. He wasn't a cat he loved. He was a temptation. More than that--a distraction, a cat he knew he could wrap around his paw if he wanted to.

Maybe he spent too much time around Tugger and it was rubbing off or, more realistically, maybe they were friends because they were more similar than either cared to admit.

[bombalurina]

"Hand off, Tugger, we have company." she purred, gesturing at Mistoffelees with a smirk. "Oh come on Misto. Surely we're not vomit-worthy" Bombalurina chuckled, waving up at the tuxedo tom. She and Tugger mad a point of not being snuggly and disgusting. It wasn't their way. She didn't like anyone the way she liked Tugger. In fact she kind of loved the bastard, although she'd never admit it. No one got Bombalurina like he did.

And yes, they insulted each other and flirted with (and fucked) others, but she always kinded of ended up with Tugger. It as a weird and vicious cycle that frankly, wasn't all that bad.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

Like the queen last night. Total stranger, but the way she moved when she was on top, well... reminded him of Bomba.

"Come on Sugar Buns." Sugar Bun, may be considered a sweet name, the plural had a more direct meaning.
"I'm sure the company won't mind. They'd enjoy the show. He's just being contrite."

[Mistoffelees]

"I most certainly am not," Mistoffelees argued. "Stop flattering yourself. You're not that special."

Oh, but he was, though the more Tugger talked, the more nauseous he realized he actually felt. Envy was a terrible thing. "And I'm not feeling sorry for myself either, for the record. I've got my eyes on some arse."

[bombalurina]

Putting on a show. Bombalurina wasn't entirely averse to the idea, even though she knew Tugger was kidding. There was something about being the center of attention that really got her going. She flicked her tail again, trying to remember the last time she'd slept with Tugger. It'd been too long, that was for damn sure.

Bombalurina arched an eyebrow at Misto's comments, before smiling widely and clapping her hands together. "Good for you, hun." she congratulated, a little wickedly and with a knowing nod. Frankly, with his constant sighing, she thought it'd be good for him to get a little action. He seemed a bit uppity. Not that she blamed him. She and Tugger could get incredibly aggravating.

But it was all fun and games to her. She had no idea the tuxedo tom was hurting. As far as she could tell, he was laughing right along with her.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"Ooh, who is it?" Tugger asked, actually interested.

He didn't hink of Misto as a very sexual being, despite knowing he'd had his share of sticky encounters. He just seemed so disinterested in it most of the time, even if it was all an act.

[Mistoffelees]

"Why should I bother to tell you if you're going to be like that?" Extra emphasis was given, a flourish of his hand, a reference to what he liked to call 'The Tugger and Bomba Show.' Though, as well, maybe it was a stall. When had he ever talked about his sex life other than a few references? And if he got flack about Tumblebrutus being a little on the young side...

Well. That didn't matter so much. It was a one year difference for him, even if it was more for the others--strange how he often forgot that Bombalurina and Tugger were significantly older than his seventeen years. And it wasn't as if he was planning on dating the sixteen-year-old tom. Just some snogging. More than snogging. More than handjobs, than having the other choke on his dick a bit. Maybe he'd get between the boy's thighs.

The others would reprimand him, or be proud. He decided to gamble, and, nonchalantly, said, "Brutus is very flexible."

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"Ha!" Tugger laughed. He would never condemn Misto about Tumble's age. He went by looks and behaviour more than age. That way he didn't have to think about his own.

"Well, get your claws in quick," Tugger advised. "If he ends up like his brother you'll never catch him."

He assumed Misto was looking for a proper relationship.

[Mistoffelees]

"So long as I'm in first, I don't care who he ends up like," Mistoffelees immediately replied with a shrug of his shoulders, misinterpreting Tugger's train of thought, taking it for the cat understanding what it'd be--a one time thing.

[bombalurina]

Bombalurina bit the inside of her cheek, trying to remind herself who Brutus was. Oh yeah - Tumble. Cute little young thing, kind of sweet and innocent, if she remembered correctly. He was young, quite young, but so was Misto. And everyone had to get going sometime.

"Well good for you, babydoll." she smirked. When Bombalurina used pet names, they always sounded so dirty.

"He's so cute-" she snarked, directing the barbed comment at Tugger "-and young-" a jab at his age, "and he can bend ways I've never even seen before."

The way she was talking, one could tell Bom didn't have the hots for Tumble. He was far too young for her - she was merely using his youth and adorableness to annoy Tugger further.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"Inexperienced," Tugger absently added to Bombalurina's list. Honestly, it was hard to feel jealous of Tumble. No doubt he was jealous of Tugger. Such was his curse.

[Mistoffelees]

Mistoffelees looked a little disappointed at the lack of reaction, and the way it was used to torment Tugger. God damn it. "But isn't that the fun of it all?" Mistoffelees inquired. "Teaching those with inexperience the ropes? They have so much energy, and are just so willing to please." He stalled a little. "... granted, the Victor issue might be a concern, but really."

[bombalurina]

Bombalurina scowled, her insults having left him unfazed.

"Yeah Tugs, isn't that half the fun? I know how you like 'em young." She was of course, referring to Tuggers shrieking fan club. It was also a tiny bit of Bom's insecurity showing, although she hid it under a vicious smirk. She knew she wasn't as young as she once was, and that while Tugger was probably older than she was, she couldn't help but be a bit afraid of aging. Without her looks, Bom didn't have much.

Brushing off her fear and bringing herself back into the now, she hopped back up on the car, throwing her head back to catch sun rays on her white-furred chest.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"I'll have you know that I have never slept with anyone under twenty," Tugger retorted.

Bomba wasn't the only one insecure about the fan club. He needed them to reassure him that he was still the best. If they lost interest, Bomba might too. Then he'd have nothing. All the hot floozies meant nothing without his scarlet harlot.

"I'm sure Tumble won't end up like Victor though," Tugger assured Misto. "He doesn't have the confidence."

[Mistoffelees]

That wasn't what got Mistoffelees' attention as both eyebrows lifted, more suddenly in shock. He rose to his feet and leapt off his perch, landing with ease on the car next to Bombalurina. "Not under twenty?" he gawked. "... seriously?" His head shook then. Oh no. If there was some sort of unspoken rule, Mistoffelees still had a few years to go. But if Tugger was supposedly twenty-five--

He looked at Tugger, eyes narrowing in scrutiny. "You're bluffing." His attention was put on Bomba then. "He's bluffing," he reiterated, though he carefully left out what part the cat was bluffing about. If Tugger was twenty-five, would he really have a five year rule? It meant either Tugger was lying about who he slept with, or Tugger was older.

... he really hoped it was the former because the later seemed a lot skeevier.

[bombalurina]

Bombalurina laughed, at Tuggers claim and Misto's skepticism. "Not gonna lie - I highly doubt that." Like Most Jellicles, Bombalurina was unaware of Tugger's age. She'd never actually asked. She knew he said he was twenty five, but she had a sneaking suspicion he was lying.

"Well, if it's true, the poor kittens will be so upset. They have years to go before you hop into bed with them." She kept her voice carefully neutral, joking even, trying to avoid a bitter tone. As much as they both slept around. Bom still wasn't a fan of the idea of Tugger being with anyone else. She tried not to visualize it that often.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

"It's true," Tugger pouted, crossing his arms, put out by the comments. "Never under twenty. I don't do kittens, nor do I like to take their virginity. That's for their friends to do, not me."

[Mistoffelees]

Mistoffelees made a face at that but otherwise said nothing. Burn? Oh, yes. And bad at that. Things about their friends...

Kind of sad but, when he thought about it, he had trouble picturing any of the cats around his age as friends.

Then again, he was selective and homing...

A shrug was given. "I still haven't." He let the sentence hang in the air, that sort of admission.

[The Rum Tum Tugger]

Tugger was hardly surprised. "Well then, you and Tumble can learn together," he said cheerfully, glad to be avoiding the direction the conversation had been heading.

"Just remember, alcohol may make it easier to do at first, but come morning it'll hurt even more because you weren't careful."