The Trouble with Kittens by Greenbeans ********** Part 1: Here, kitty, kitty The victim of the cat calls looked up to glare at the one teasing him before coming into the house. "You know I don't like that," he complained some while being seated for dinner. "Be polite to our guest Haruka," Michiru scolded lightly while setting the meal down before them. It wasn't anything fancy, but a well made home cooked meal. "I apologize Artemis, but you're so cute with your ribbon," Haruka chuckled at his latest adornment. Minako had taken him to be 'pampered' at a pet care facility. Certainly they had been gentler with the bathing than Minako can be when she gets in a rush, but he was thoroughly embarrassed by the ribbon that was securely tied about his neck. It had successful resisted all of his efforts at removing it, and thus far no one would assist him to getting it off. "Will you please take this ribbon off?" He implored again with a touch of steel behind his mild tone. He didn't want to come off as desperate after all. "I think the ribbon makes you look distinguished," Michiru commented as she handed the bowl of rice to Haruka. "I look like a kitten!" He retorted sharply. "Kawaii neko-chan," Haruka purred sweetly. He paused in his lapping up of the rich cream that was served to him to glare at Haruka. Michiru chuckled lightly as she picked the knot loose with her well kept nails. He anxiously batted at the ribbon to free himself of it. He then continued his assault of the offending piece until it was finally knocked to the floor. "My, my, Artemis," Haruka laughed. "How would you feel with a ribbon about your neck?" he retorted in mock anger. Haruka sat back some to consider it. She gazed over to Michiru with a gleam in her eye. "Michiru, would I look good in *just* a ribbon?" Artemis felt the tips of his ears turn pink at what Haruka was suggesting. Michiru only chuckled in response. "You don't visit us very often, Artemis, what brings you here this fine evening?" Michiru asked, finally bring some direction to this conversation. He swallowed the morsel he was chewing before answering. "I came here to ask a favor." "What type of favor?" Haruka's eyes had lost their playful shine as the discussion turned to business. "I was wondering if I may stay with you two during the week when Minako is visiting England. It's a business trip of her fathers and the hotel where they will be staying has a strict no pets policy," he explained. "We would certainly enjoy your company Artemis," Michiru answered after glancing at Haruka. "But if we may ask, why not stay with one of the others?" "Usagi's family, while kind, already has Luna in their care. I have been spending a fair amount of time with Mako-chan as of late and do not wish to intrude upon her any more than I must. The same goes for Rei. Ami's mom is firm in her rule of no pets." "We'd love to have you over Artemis," Haruka smiled broadly and caressed behind his ears some. He leaned into her hand in appreciation. "Thank you both," he took another bite of his meal. He was gladdened to have somewhere warm to stay while Minako gone. He had become somewhat pampered in his lifestyle when it came to a warm house to sleep in and dinner at regular intervals. It was at times like these that he allowed himself to just be a cat. Part 2: Catnip Artemis leaped up the steps leading to front door of the apartment where Haruka and Michiru currently lived. Minako and her family had left this morning. It had been a difficult thing for him to watch her go. They had never been separated for long since his discovering her. He shook himself free of that thought. With an outreached paw, he scratched lightly upon the door. It was entirely possible that they wouldn't hear him since they weren't used to listening for it. If that became the case, he would begin searching for another way in. It wasn't necessarily polite, but he couldn't very well reach the doorbell and announce himself. This problem was averted when Haruka walked outside from the garage. He made it over to her in a few graceful leaps. "Ah, good morning, Artemis. Minako is off safely I presume?" She knelt down to pet him briefly before moving over to the small garden they maintained. She had with her a spade and a basket. "I didn't leave the airport until I had seen the plane leave the ground," he sat down in the grass next to where Haruka was working to weed the garden. He wrinkled his nose some as a familiar scent aroused his instincts. "Why did you choose to plant catnip?" He asked while resisting the urge to sample the delicate plant. "This is Michiru's garden, she's the one that decided what was planted," she answered distractedly as she fought to remove a stubborn weed, roots and all. She stopped to look over at him when the tickling at his nose finally was too much to endure and he sneezed. She quickly realized what the problem was. "Oh? You find Michiru's catnip irresistible?" She teased lightly while picking some for him to eat. "Vile stuff," he commented while rubbing his whiskers in the plant before him. "You don't say?" Haruka bit into a crisp bean. She picked some other assorted vegetables and place them within her basket. He tried to hold to as much dignity as he could while satisfying his urges to bat around the nip before eating it. Haruka was polite enough not to laugh when it finally got to him and he bit into the helpless plant. He chewed happily upon the tender leaves. Perhaps he could convince Minako that a few plants of cat nip wouldn't hurt when she returned. Part 3: The truth about cats and dogs "Haruka?" Michiru entered the house calling for her partner. The woman in question rushed out of the kitchen where she had been preparing this evening's meal. "Michiru, what--?" She stopped short when she spotted the basket being held by the sea green haired woman. "What's in the basket?" Haruka lifted the lid of it to peer inside. "Michiru, I don't think this is a good idea," she had a note of concern in her voice. "It will only be for a few days while my cousin is away. Besides, Artemis will have someone to play with," she giggled. "Artemis will have *who* to play with?" The cat padded out from the kitchen. Michiru set the basket onto the floor. She opened the lid to allow the cat to look within. "Artemis, this little guy is Gyro. Gyro, Artemis," she greeted with a playful grin. The cat put his paws onto the lip of the basket and looked down at it's contents. A white kitten meowed at him and came over to identify whether he was male or female. Artemis returned all fours to the floor before the kitten could sniff him. For some reason, he wasn't feeling all that social anymore. ***** Artemis sat 3 meters away from the basket and watched it. Gyro had yet to figure his way out. Michiru and Haruka were busily preparing dinner. He finally got up and paced around the basket several times before approaching it. He got the lid open wide enough to stick his head in. Gyro blinked at him curiously before coming over to meet him. This time Artemis did not pull back when Gyro sniffed him. The kitten's reaction was amusing when he finally discovered that Artemis was a male as well. He backed away and hissed at him some. Artemis smiled slightly. "Fine, you don't want to be friends. Keep to your basket and the house will be mine." He pulled his head out, allowing the lid to close once again. Part 4: Kitty Capers Artemis set his head down on his fore paws. The kitten had been released of his basket when it was time to eat. Unfortunately, he had not been returned to it. At the moment, Michiru was fondling him while Haruka read a book on the couch below him. He had settled in the place that he would use for sleeping, the top of the headrest on the couch. Gyro was purring contently as Michiru petted him. He didn't remember much about being a kitten. The only fleeting memory he had was of his ears being scratched and taking great pleasure from it. He wished Minako were here to pet him. He glanced at the woman below him for possible affection. Haruka seemed to be well involved with her reading. Sighing, he rolled over to look out into the dark night through the window. The kitten's purring continued. He wanted to be petted. It was a silly need. He was more advanced than that simple kitty. But it was a need none the less. He turned himself back around and watched Haruka's free hand wistfully. She wasn't doing anything with it since she was holding the book in her left hand. He walked to the other end of the headrest before jumping down to the cushion. Purposefully, he marched up Haruka's legs. She looked up from her reading startled. Michiru also watched as he continued across her stomach. He lay down before nuzzling against her side and pointedly nudging her right hand. Michiru chuckled lightly as Haruka stroked his head. He let out a content sigh, then allowed him self to purr softly. "Jealous, Artemis?" Michiru teased gently. "I have needs too, Michiru," he intoned. His purring increased as Haruka scratched his ears as he desired. ***** Artemis stretched out in his sleeping spot. Haruka and Michiru had gone to bed an hour ago. Gyro had fallen asleep in his basket. Michiru had left the lid open so that he could 'check on Gyro if something happened'. Not that he could even see the basket from this vantage point. He yawned some and laid his head down again for sleep. Drifting into sleep, he was surprised when he felt a whisker. His eyes flew open to see Gyro's nose up against his. He scooted back some to regard the kitten. :How did you get up here?: Gyro looked at him. He nodded towards the footrest, cushion, armrest, headrest that would have made the logical step ladder for the small kitten. :Climb: He replied. :Play?: :It's after midnight, go back to your basket and sleep: Artemis told him. He didn't want to play and certainly not at this time of night. :Play?: Gyro plead again. :Gyro play!: He pounced on the larger cat, trying to entice him into a game. Artemis shook him off then batted him hard enough to knock him to the cushions below. Gyro landed on his feet lightly. :No play!: He put as much authority behind his tone as he could. Gyro sniffed a little. He was obviously considering if he should jump back up the headrest or not. :Go to bed: Artemis ordered firmly. Gyro looked downcast before hopping off the couch to return to his basket. Part 5: Cat got your tongue? Artemis padded into the kitchen when he heard Michiru softly singing and the sounds of breakfast being made. "Good morning, Artemis," she greeted. "Would you like to go outside for a bit?" He smiled slightly. Michiru wouldn't know what the routine for letting him out to relieve himself would be. And they didn't have a litter box for him to use. "That would be nice," he said wryly. "Ara," she blushed some. "Would you also keep an eye on Gyro, please? He should be let outside as well." He agreed and followed Michiru as she retrieved the kitten from his basket. He meowed happily as she carried him to the door. Artemis was feeling slightly annoyed with this kittens inherent cuteness. "Haruka will be out in a little bit, she will let you back in when you are ready," she closed the door behind them. :Arty play?: Gyro looked over the edge of the small porch that was raised a few steps off the ground. :My name is Artemis, not 'Arty': He nudged the kitten off the edge of the porch. The kitten fell into the soft grasses and then rolled around in them happily. He sniffed slightly at the others actions before leaping off to go do his duties. When he came back he found that Gyro had discovered the catnip. Gyro was sniffing it cautiously. He leaned forward to take a little taste of the plant. :Don't eat that: Artemis told him. Gyro leaped back. :Don't eat the nip out of Michiru's garden without her permission: Artemis continued as he walked up to Gyro. His whiskers tickled at the tempting scent. He batted Gyro away from the garden in a playful action to distract the kitten (and himself) from the temptation. Gyro leaped onto him and they wrestled in the small yard for a bit. He had to bop the kitten on the nose a few times for nipping at him, but other than that, Gyro was having a good time. Artemis found him self enjoying it as well. It has been quite a while since he was 'just a cat'. To act silly like this was something he hadn't indulged in for quite a while. The two cats tumbled about until they rolled into something. Artemis looked up to see Haruka staring down at him. "I hope you two are just playing," she said mildly. :Play!!: Gyro meowed. :She can't understand you: Artemis pushed Gyro. Gyro tackled him again and they wrestled some more. "I'll take that as a 'yes'," she laughed at their antics. "If you need me, I'll be in the garage." Part 6: Curiosity killed the cat The routine between the two cats was set after that. Gyro was to be petted by Michiru, he had Haruka. Gyro only tried once more to get up onto the headrest of the couch. Artemis then promptly established that the headrest was *his* sleeping spot. Right now he was curled up on the headrest in a warm sunbeam. Gyro leaped his way up to the cushions. :Arty Gyro out: he plead. :What?: Artemis was annoyed that Gyro hadn't stopped calling him 'Arty' but he was a kitten with a lot to learn. :Gyro out!: he repeated, hopping around some. :Okay: Artemis leaped down from the headrest to find Michiru. He found her in her workroom painting. "Michiru, Gyro needs to go outside," he said from the doorway. "Thanks you, Artemis," she said as she walked out to family room to open the door for them. "Haruka is in the garage, right?" He asked as Gyro flew out the door into the yard. "Yes, she will let you back in," she closed the door. He watched from the porch as Gyro sniffed the grasses. He curled back up into a ball as the sun lulled him to a comfortable warmth. Gyro was happily batting at a flower when he closed his eyes for a moment. :ARTY!!!: Artemis leaped to his feet and searched for the source of disturbance. Gyro was no longer in the yard. His sharp sense of hearing caught some cries coming from somewhere off to the north. "Haruka!" He called while running off in that direction. The human was doing an admirable job of keeping up as he raced to track down the location of Gyro. He was no where along the street. There to the east. He turned into a yard and between the house and fence. On the trash can, up to the fence, scan the yard. No Gyro. He leaped down and continued across the back yard. There, the next yard back. Over another fence he went with assurance that Haruka was still behind him. All he could see was a large dog growling at something. Artemis did not hesitate in his attack against the larger animal. With his claws unsheathed he raked across the dog's back. The dog turned in anger to see Haruka standing there with a tire iron. "I wouldn't try it, mutt," the anger in her voice obvious. She glared at the dog until it finally turned away whimpering with fear. Already he was at Gyro's side licking his wounds. The kitten had been knocked around good. "Is it okay to pick him up?" Haruka whispered, unsure of what to do. He nodded. :She's going to pick you up: He told Gyro. When Haruka gently lifted him, he cried in pain from his cuts and bites. Part 7: 9 lives Haruka had taken Gyro to the vet after returning to her home. Michiru questioned him as to what had happened, but he really wasn't certain. He had failed in keeping Gyro out of trouble, that much, he knew. Michiru didn't blame him for this. "You aren't a baby sitter, Artemis, I should have been out there to keep an eye on him," she admitted, trying to cheer him up. It didn't make him feel any better. ***** Haruka returned 2 hours later. The vet needed to know if the dog that had attacked Gyro had it's rabies shots. Finding that out had taken some time and persuasion from the tall woman when the dog owner didn't prove to be co-operative. Artemis nosed Gyro a little to check up on him. The kitten let out a small cry at that. :I'm sorry, little one, I should have protected you better: He said softly. Gyro looked up at him and nosed him back. :Good Arty: "Is he going to be okay Haruka?" He asked concerned. "It's a good thing cats have nine lives, Artemis, he just used up several," she petted him some. "It was mighty brave of you to challenge that dog like you did," she smiled. "You're a good friend." She left the two cats alone to go see Michiru. Part 8: Cat-poot Gyro was curled up next to Artemis on the headrest soaking up a sunbeam. The kitten was nuzzled up close to him protectively. "Gyro," Michiru said while placing the basket onto the couch cushion. "It's time to go home." Gyro stretched out some, winced, and purred as Michiru placed him back into his basket. Before Michiru closed the lid he said :Bye Artemis: ***** "I didn't know you had a soft side, Artemis," Haruka caressed him as he watched Michiru drive away through the window. "I do have a daughter one day," he replied while withholding the urge to cry a little. He had come to like that little kitten. Haruka smiled at him. "Kawaii neko-chan." ***** End The Trouble with Kittens ***** All characters are property of their respective holders. This is for the 3 kitties in my life whom have dedicated themselves to raising their human well.