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Mayhem breaks out when a litter of kittens are set loose in the tunnels
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Saturday Night Cat Fever A soft tapping at the balcony door had Catherine spinning on her heels and flying across the room to answer it. With her face wreathed in smiles, Catherine threw herself into Vincent’s waiting arms. “Oh how I’ve missed you!” She cried burying her face in the warmth of his chest, “Hold me. Hold me like you’ll never let me go.”
Smiling Vincent compiled to her wishes, his arms willingly gathering her close, closer than perhaps he should if his rapidly beating heart was anything to go by. She intoxicated him! Her scent, her warmth, her joy surrounded him and he never wanted to let her go.
“I have missed you too Catherine. Four days seems a lifetime, especially when those four days are spent so far apart. How was California?”
“Hot, sunny, blue skies, mainly hot.” Catherine laughed looking now up into his eyes. They caught her breath away, blue azure eyes, eyes to drown in.
“Sounds like heaven.” Vincent whispered in his wonderful gravely textured voice, the one that sent shudders through Catherine.
“Nowhere is heaven if you aren’t there.” Catherine replied so softly that Vincent wondered if he might have misheard her. Except the way she was looking up at him told him he had heard quite correctly.
Catherine hugged him tightly, “Oh but I missed you so.”
“As I did you.”
For long moments they stood holding one another tightly savouring the feel of their bodies pressed so closed. This is what they had missed the most, the contact, the closeness of just being together.
Catherine was the first to pull away. Not that she wanted to do, she just couldn’t bear for him to make that move first. Still she kept him close, her arms around his waist, her dancing eyes gazing into his. “Did you have fun at the crystal cavern while I was away?”
Vincent grinned, “Yes and no. Taking a large party of children on such an adventure was perhaps a little more than I could handle. Maybe another time I will take a smaller group.” He laughed and Catherine could well picture the scene. She had thought at the time that he was being over zealous when he had opted to take all of the tunnel children on the trip single-handed.
“How’s Father?”
Again Vincent grinned, “Why don’t you come and see?” He asked her, then extracting from his pocket he took out a fold of paper, “In actual fact you are cordially invited.” He handed the fold of paper to her his eyes dancing with joy.
Catherine took and unfolded the note, her eyes widening as she read the words thereon.
“Oh Vincent, another play! Why the children have been busy! It is less than a week since the last one was performed.” She exclaimed.
“It appears the trip to the crystal cavern stimulated their minds.” He smiled remembering the huddled groups in deep conversation, the whispered comments whenever he moved near. Whatever the play was about, he had not a clue. “Can you come? It is set for tomorrow evening? Is that too soon? You know you are welcome to stay the weekend.”
Smiling Catherine gazed up at him. Deep inside the invitation she was sure was extended from his heart. Unable to ask for himself, he had clutched at this chance to have her spend the weekend below and hopefully spending most of her time there with him.
Catherine grimaced, “There’s just one thing…oh I would love to come don’t get me wrong…” she hastened to reassure him as his face fell, “Its just that I have promised to cat sit this weekend.” She took his arm leading him toward the apartment, and pointing showed him what she meant, “Rita at the office had to go away this weekend, and I somehow got lumbered with her latest welfare case.”
Vincent followed Catherine into the confines of her lounge - something he rarely did, unless absolutely necessary. Any four walls felt like a cage to him and though spacious, Catherine’s apartment seemed to collapse in on him, leaving him very uncomfortable when inside.
“Aren’t they adorable?” Catherine bent down to the side of a large cage, in which appeared to Vincent to be one large ball of multicoloured fur. He chuckled, “Either that’s a cage full of kittens, or one very oversized cat. Either way I know how they feel being inside that thing.”
“Mmm” Catherine was quiet for a few moments, “I had wondered about that. In fact before you called I was contemplating letting them out of there.”
“There’s more than one then?” Vincent was grinning, and bending now to see better into the cage, “Oh yes, there’s one, two, three, four and five!”
“There should be six.” Catherine replied. “Yes see, the others are sat on the smallest as per usual."
She straightened, “So you see, as much as I would be delighted to come below for the weekend, I am afraid I shall have to decline. Rita doesn’t get back until Sunday afternoon, and I promised I could take care of the litter until her return.”
“Has she purchased the whole litter?” Vincent’s eyes widened.
“No.” Catherine laughed, “Actually the poor mites were dumped in the skip outside of her apartment building. Rita has a soft spot for strays, and she took them in. Apparently she has hand fed them for the last six weeks, and is now looking for suitable homes for them. I think this trip away has something to do with that. Talking friends into having a kitten that they could otherwise do without. I know, she tried it on me.”
“And you refused?”
“And I refused. Vincent it would be cruel. I’m hardly ever here.”
“And so you got lumbered with the whole litter.” His smile was mischievous and Catherine was instantly caught up with his playful attitude.
“Just for the weekend.”
“Yes, just long enough for you to fall in love with one that you couldn’t ever bare to part with. Nice going Rita.”
Catherine gasped, “Oh no she wouldn’t! Would she?” Her mouth dropped open, “I’ll kill her!”
Chuckling Vincent picked up the cage containing the six fluff balls and brought it to eye level. Immediately six little vipers hissed at him growing to twice their size as their hackles rose even as they cowered away to the far side.
“I rather like this one don’t you?” Vincent pointed to a black kitten with a white nose and white paws, “Looks like he is wearing socks.”
“I prefer the ginger one myself.” Catherine sidled up to him, running her hands across the back of his shoulders and down his arms, “I’m a sucker for fur that colour.”
Vincent blushed, knowing exactly where she was aiming. It had nothing to do with the kittens, especially as, he noticed there were no ginger ones.
“Perhaps we could take them below for the weekend. That way you could come too.”
“Really? Vincent, I hardly think Father would approve.”
“Why not. The cage is safe, they can’t escape, and it’s big enough really for the next 48 hours. Besides maybe we can block off the entrance to an empty chamber and let them have the run of it. They’d like that I’m sure.”
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“Well if you’re certain?” Catherine sounded anything but herself.
“I am. Shall I meet you at the threshold in about half an hour? Will that be that enough time?”
“More than enough. I’ll just gather a few things and meet you down there. And Vincent?”
He stopped in the doorway as he made his exit, turning to meet her grateful expression, “Yes?”
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“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For so many things.” Catherine wanted to add thank you for inviting me to stay the weekend with you, but knew that wouldn’t sound right. After all the invite wasn’t directly from him. But deep in their hearts both of them acknowledged that the invite had come from his heart. And though the words were never spoken Catherine knew that Vincent needed her in his world just as much as flowers need rain.
Listening to the chords of the heart Vincent said nothing, just nodded with a lump forming in his throat that made words impossible, before alighting over the balcony wall and disappearing out of sight.
*** *** ***
It should have been easy. It should have been so easy. Six little kittens an army of human beings with so many willing hands it should have been simple. But it wasn’t.
The moment the kittens had arrived below uproar followed. It started off okay. Everyone crooned around to see the adorable little puffballs, minding the strict instructions not to open the cage, when Mouse hearing all the rumpus decided to investigate.
“Whatever you do don’t touch this catch” Catherine kept telling every new visitor.
“Why what does it do?”
Catherine explained time and again.
“Maybe you should write a sign and attach it to the cage my dear.” Father had chuckled after Catherine had repeated the same answer for what felt like the fiftieth time.
“It wouldn’t be so bad if the catch for lifting the lid wasn’t so close.” Catherine groaned slouching in a chair exhausted with legs spread before her. “Taking one kitten out at a time is okay, its just that if anyone touches the wrong clasp, the cage will collapse flat pack.”
“Inwards?” Father asked a trifle concerned.
“Oh no - outwards. Otherwise it would be flat cat and not flat pack.” Despite how wicked this sounded Catherine laughed out loud.
Vincent too laughed at her humour. “All the same though Catherine, perhaps we ought to find a chamber they can run about in where they won’t get under anyone’s feet. They’ll be all right here won't they Father while we find somewhere?”
Father waved them away, “Yes of course. Only don’t take all night.” He giggled, causing Vincent and Catherine to turn in stunned surprise. ‘What on earth had been funny about that?’
*** *** ***
Watching them go Father wandered aimlessly around his chamber, coming back repeatedly to the area beside the cage to stand and stare at the six timid kittens inside. For some reason he thought of Vincent when he looked at them. Not just the resemblance no not that, but the fact that they were caged. Just as his son was caged.
Vincent may not recognise that fact, or he might but he would see his bars as something material, something seen. Father saw the unseen, saw Vincent’s life with invisible bars, but bars nonetheless, bars that restricted him from having the life other people took for granted. Bars that prevented him from believing that it was all right to reach out for something that had once been denied him.
That’s what that parting shot had been about really. ‘Don’t take all night’. Father could see something developing that Vincent seemed to be unaware of and searching for an empty chamber where the kittens might be undisturbed would also present the ideal opportunity for Vincent too if he did but acknowledge it. Catherine, Father knew, would see the situation straight away – the chance to be alone with Vincent. Father knew how much she desired his son. It had shocked him at first. In fact he had believed for a long time, that those glances, those long hungry looks were anything but desire. But he had seen it since, could feel its depth and he marvelled at its presence. Something was going to have to give but would it destroy his son in the process? Would those bars, those invisible bars hold him back from the only chance of happiness he might ever be offered?
*** *** ***
Father needn’t have worried. Walking hand in hand through the tunnels, Vincent and Catherine were silent each for the same reason - pondering Father’s last words.
Catherine had already fed on them, holding them close to her heart, wishing that wherever they might go that it could take them all night. If only Vincent could be shown that this was the way ahead for them. Catherine loved him so much. He wasn’t different to her as he was to some. Vincent’s differences to Catherine were in that he was the best human being she had ever known. His differences excelled above everyone else, making him the better part of whomsoever they might hope to be.
Catherine wanted him. In every way, she wanted him, and her desire for him was growing with every step they took away from the main hub and into an area where few visited at this time of the evening.
Strange really. They had come a long way from the main hub. Surely the kittens would be better being closer?
Catherine stole a glance at Vincent. He had changed just lately, of that she had been acutely aware. He was less reserved, more assertive especially around her, and then there was that last night they had shared together, the one before she had left for California when Vincent had for the first time since she had known him initiated a kiss between them.
“Where are we going Vincent?” Catherine’s heart was beating fast even though she held her breath in anticipation of his answer. “Surely this is too far for the kittens?”
“Yes.”
“Then why are we going this far?” A shudder coursed through her as his hand squeezed hers tighter.
“There is a place I wanted to show you first.” The tone of his voice was husky, and Catherine stole another look at him. His face was expressionless, though his eyes were beacons of hopeful anticipation
Caught up in this Catherine walked happily beside him allowing him to guide her wherever he might lead.
*** *** ***
Aimlessly strolling through the tunnels Mouse was deep in thought after coming home from above, when a message on the pipes drew his attention. ‘Kittens!’
Kittens…in Father’s chamber…Mouse hurried on. He loved kittens.
*** *** ***
They reached the designated place at long last, Vincent slowing as he neared the entrance suddenly unsure of his actions.
“What is it Vincent?” Catherine felt his uncertainty, “Something troubles you?” She rubbed his upper arm affectionately aiming to ease away his tension.
Her words and actions gave him the opening he so desperately sought. “You know me well Catherine.”
It wasn’t a question still Catherine replied, “More and more as time goes on.” She responded taking his offered hand as they moved through the opening of the chamber they had reached.
Letting go of her long enough only to light some well placed candles, Vincent returned to her side slipping his arm about her waist, “I don’t believe anyone has ever brought you here before?” He asked her, his eyes bright with hope.
Catherine surveyed her surroundings. It was a large chamber, not one of the newer ones probably it had homed families in the past though for it had a distinct lived in feel to it. Now though it was empty save for its furniture and the…flowers! There were flowers everywhere!
“Are these lilacs?” Catherine stepped toward a vase filled with the fragrant blooms, and answered her own question, “Yes they are! Vincent how did you come by lilacs at this time of year?”
“Just the same way as you did the day of Kanin and Olivia’s anniversary. After much searching.”
“Is someone else going to celebrate an anniversary here this weekend?”
Anything he may have been about to say was lost to him. What to say now? How to answer?
“Vincent?” Catherine waited her eyes bright with expectation, “Who is all this for?”
That was relatively easier to answer. “Us.”
“Us?” Catherine repeated. Time stood still in that moment, as Catherine surveyed the room again, everything taking on a new light, a different perspective. What she saw made her mouth go dry and her heart race. Finally completing the circuit Catherine’s eyes came back to rest upon the man at her side. Shyly she looked up at his eyes catching her breath at the warmth she saw resting there.
“Vincent?”
“If you’ll have me Catherine.” His words were soft now, low a slight tremor apparent.
Speechless, Catherine could only stand and stare, her mind swimming with questions. ‘If she’d have him?’ being the utmost one.
She swallowed with difficulty her breathing laboured and for the life of her with brow furrowed in questions she could only utter his name, “Vincent?”
“Catherine.” Her name from his lips sent shudders coursing through her body and she closed her eyes the moment his intention became apparent savouring the moment of contact.
His lips on hers started something deep down. Something earthly and in the pit of her femininity a fever broke loose as she responded with all the ardour she had held at bay ever since she had dreamed of kissing him like this.
Vincent gasped as her tongue flicked out caressing his lips, seeking out that wonderful erogenous zone that he had no idea existed within the folds of flesh where lay his cleft.
“Catherine,” his voice low and sexual stirred her as nothing had ever stirred her before. She had always dreamed of this, had always known that within Vincent there lurked a passionate man eager to know love to the deepest core.
“Vincent.” Her arms came up and around him cradling his head down to hers as her body moulded itself against him. Lost in the heat of her passion Catherine gave herself up to him knowing in that moment that whatever he wanted, whatever he would allow between them she would give up willingly. She was his, had always been his, and now for the first time since they had met she was able to unbridle the desire that she had kept in close rein.
“I love you.” The words were synchronised spoken as one, as for the merest of seconds they broke apart for air before continuing to consume each the other with kisses.
“Will you?” Vincent’s mouth left hers a fraction so small that when he spoke, his lips brushed against hers.
“Will I what?” Dreamy Catherine lay back against the power of his arms surrounding her.
“Will you stay here with me tonight?”
Was she dreaming!
Catherine gasped. She had to be dreaming. She pinched herself, literally, causing a soft chuckle to rise out of Vincent but he said nothing, prompting her no further.
Finally Catherine recovered enough vocabulary to ask him, “I feel I should know what you are asking me Vincent, and I know I shouldn’t be so dumb not with all this around me, but I have to ask. What exactly is it that you have in mind?”
His eyes bright with laughter and joy Vincent gathered her against him, “Catherine, you have a right to be confused I know. But Catherine while you were in California, after that night on your balcony when I kissed you I came to face the fact that we were made for each other.” He chuckled “Corny I know, but true nonetheless. Catherine, I have been a fool believing that my desire for you was a part of the darker side of my nature, when in truth I hid behind that veil out of fear.”
“Fear?”
“Yes Catherine fear. Lisa left me…I couldn’t bear it if you ever left me…but I had to know Catherine. I had reached a stage when I had to know, and so I kissed you.”
“And I never ran.”
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“No Catherine you never ran, and I don’t believe there is anything that I could attempt with you that would make you do so now. And so I am asking you to spend this night with me, here in this chamber, and if after that you still wish to stay with me, I should like to ask you to be my wife.”
Liquid heat rose from the deepest part of Catherine spreading outwards in a gentle fire that grew to massive proportions on its ascent. “Oh Vincent.” Her eyes filling with tears Catherine reached for him, holding him close and closer still “I would be honoured to spend the night with you. I love you so much.”
Tears gathered and fell from Vincent’s eyes as he lifted and cradled her against the lean hardness of his body. Bending his head they kissed again, and both shuddered as he carried her across the room to the massive bed waiting there - his intention plain.
*** *** ***
Tapping his desk with his fingers, Father checked the clock on the desk for what had felt like the hundredth time since Vincent and Catherine had left him to baby-sit a bunch of moggies. It was quiet in his chamber for the moment, but for a while there it had seemed that every body and his uncle had swamped his chamber to visit the dear little kitty kitties.
Rubbing a hand across his bristled jaw Father wished he was as popular as the little fuzz balls, “Funny how a few whiskers can bring in the crowds” he spoke aloud to himself, not realising he wasn’t alone until he heard Mary’s reply. “Its not just a few whiskers Father they have such pretty faces too.”
His keen eyes caught the look in hers and he laughed, “Somehow Mary you never fail to amaze me.”
“That I knew your thoughts? When two people have spent so many years together through good times and bad as you and I have, we start to think like one another.” Mary laughed thinking ‘so long as we don’t start acting like one another’ surprised when Father answered ‘That must be why I’ve started growing soft.’
Cocking her head and pursing her lips together Mary wondered what he meant for just a split second. Then she laughed…laughed out loud, long and hard.
“Is that why you turned a blind eye to the lilacs?” She grinned.
“Hm” Father pushed his spectacles further up his nose, “Perhaps.”
“You know who they are for of course?” Mary raised an eyebrow, hoping she wouldn’t have to reveal any shocks to his system.
“For Vincent?”
“And?” Mary held her breath.
“Yes, yes, I know. They are for the pair of them. I’m not such a ninny Mary. Usually when lilacs are ordered, or some other out of season flower its kept very hush, hush when they are delivered so that the recipient of the surprise doesn’t hear of it. Well I don’t think hearing ‘Vincent your lilacs have arrived’ to be very secretive, and while most of this community might assume to know why Vincent wishes to have out of season lilacs delivered, I on the other hand have a much better notion.”
“Oh yes?” Mary’s smile deepened.
“Yes. Considering that Catherine was not around to hear that particular message arrive then one can only assume that she was the recipient of the surprise. And is it her birthday? No. And is it their anniversary? No. Has she been away for weeks? No. And have you seen Vincent mooning around like a love struck teenager these past four days? What then is one to conclude?” Mary wasn’t sure of his feelings until he grinned, “But why tonight?” He gestured towards the kittens, “Look who gets left holding the baby. I wouldn’t mind but that litter tray is beginning to pong a bit.”
“We should be happy for them.”
Father looked perplexed and Mary followed his gaze, “Oh no not for the kittens. For Vincent and Catherine. We could all see what was right before their eyes and its good to know that something has at last opened them. Maybe they can step out of the dream now and into the real world.”
“And that would be?”
“Oh Jacob, you know, you’ve been there. When two people love one another so much, they want to be together, need to be together. Parting is painful even if only for a few days, I have seen Vincent despair in Catherine’s absences before, but not this time…this time he took positive action…I just hope…” Sadly her words trailed away.
Father nodded, “Yes I hope so too my dear.” Words were not necessary, each knew what the other was thinking. They didn’t think it was possible but still, each hoped that Catherine would not let Vincent down.
“Shall we drink a toast?” To Mary’s surprise Father reached inside his desk for a bottle of something that looked remarkably like sherry. Refraining from asking where he had got it, Mary nodded her eyes bright.
“Yes, lets do that.”
Glasses filled they chinked them together, “To the happy couple.” Mary cried.
“To Vincent!” Father bellowed.
Surprised Mary was impelled to ask, “You say that as if you expect Vincent to need it.” She giggled, knowing what his retort would be.
“In Catherine’s hands my dear…I think that’s a dead certainty!”
Both burst into peals of laughter.
*** *** ***
Approaching with some caution, Mouse hesitated when he heard voices coming from within Father’s chamber. He recognised them at once and paused undecided whether or not to go in. He had no wish to antagonise Father as he so often seemed to do without too much trying, yet he had heard that the box of kittens were in there. Surely he could do no harm to go and look?
His mind made up he bounded into the chamber with his usual flourish surprised when he found both Mary and Father drinking sherry and in such a happy frame of mind that he almost tripped down the steps on his way in.
*** *** ***
Adding the finishing touches to their play for the following evening, the children were oblivious to the actions of their elders. The meaning behind lilacs was lost to them, except perhaps for some of the older teenage girls with heads full of romance.
So too was the arrival of the kittens. While a providing a delightful respite from their labours the children had been eager to resume their plans for the following evening.
“Now are you all sure you have your moves right?” Brook asked to no one in particular.
A groan went up, “Yes.” How many times had she asked that question in the last hour?
“And your lines?”
“Yes.” The same toneless reply answered her.
“Well I just don’t want anyone messing this up. Dance routines are a bit different to standing there reciting a poem, or playing a piece of music. It’ll be great if everyone remembers what they’re supposed to be doing.”
“What I can’t understand is where the fever comes in?” Zach asked mystified. That bit had bugged him ever since someone had suggested that they re-enacted Saturday Night Fever. He understood the Saturday Night part, because it would be Saturday Night when they did it, but the fever? Well where did that come in?”
“Its ‘cos everyone will get so hot with all that dancing.” Samantha told him proudly, glad to know something he didn’t.
Brook laughed, she didn’t really know either why ‘fever’ was added but Samantha’s answer sufficed and at least Zach accepted it.
*** *** ***
“Coochy, coochy coo” Through the bars of the cage Mouse tickled as many kittens as he could reach, unhappy when they kept moving out of his way. “Can I hold one?” He asked hopefully.
“Actually Mouse, I should say they need some food. Catherine brought some packets with her, why don’t you open a couple, pour it into those bowls over there and give it to the kittens.” Mary told the boy who was delighted to help.
Father wasn’t quite so sure it would be a good idea, but under Mary’s supervision, perhaps he could give Mouse a chance to do something right especially something so simple. “Would you be able to remove that foul smelling stuff and put some fresh in too, while you are at it.” He asked hopefully. “Catherine brought a box of cat litter granules with her.”
Happy to be of service, Mouse nodded eagerly. He could do that easy - no problem.
*** *** ***
Mmm, coming up from a wonderful place where she hadn’t been in a long, long time Catherine slowly opened her eyes. It would be a lie to say that she was disorientated, that she had awoken with a start, or that for a moment she didn’t know where she was. For Catherine knew exactly where she was!
The moment she was fully awake, she rolled over on to her side, her eyes gazing down at the man at her side, drinking in the beauty of him with a thirst that knew no bounds.
Oh he was so gorgeous! And who would have thought that he was capable of holding such restraint for so long? His loving, once set free, had been more than she had ever dreamed, and Catherine still ached a delicious ache in places too numerous to mention from the night of loving they had just shared.
Looking down on him, her heart swelled. This man, this gorgeous, beautiful handsome man, was all hers. Catherine hugged herself tightly her eyes bright with happiness before reaching out one hand and tentatively brushing away a lock of golden hair from his cheek.
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It was a marvel to her that she could touch him like this. A marvel that last night and through the night she had touched him everywhere. Catherine shivered remembering the glory of those touches and his response to them. Her fingers caressed him a little harder now, the aching need to be reminded of his response to her touch almost overwhelming her.
“Vincent?” She whispered hoarsely as his eyelids flickered, “Are you awake?”
He’d been travelling through that same beautiful land that she had just left and it was hard to leave, but something better called to him. Vincent went willingly, without a second thought.
“Catherine?” He questioned, struggling to sit up. “Is something wrong?”
“Shh, no. Lie down my love, everything is fine.”
He gazed up at her, blinking the sleep from his eyes, eager for the sight of her and smiled. “I thought you would sleep for days. When I watched you, you seemed like you might.”
“You watched me? When?”
“A couple of hours ago. You looked so adorable Catherine. Almost childlike, though I can vouch that you are anything but a child.” He laughed remembering some of the things she had taught him over the last few hours, “I’m pleased to say. Even so I feel very much like a child myself having just won the main prize or a golden trophy.” He added with a grin.
Catherine laughed, she would hardly call herself a trophy still she understood exactly what he meant. To her he was quite a prize too and she would like to have told him so, but something in his eyes stopped her from being witty. They called to her with a tenderness that was impossible to ignore.
Instead she felt compelled to tell him, “I love you Vincent.” And the words were said so poignantly tender that they almost broke Vincent’s heart.
“As I love you, dear sweet Catherine.”
Their lips met in a kiss, one that lingered far more than either had first intended, and Catherine finally snuggled down in the bed beside him, her wandering fingers making her objective plain.
The candles had burned low, yet they could quite easily see one another. The hazy golden glow permeating the chamber only enhanced the tranquillity of the moment.
“I never thought to kiss you like this. Oh but Catherine, I cannot get enough of you!”
Catherine laughed a deep husky sound that set Vincent’s soul aflame before replying, “If only you knew how good it is to hear you say that to me. Oh Vincent, what are we going to do? I never want to leave this place, much less leave these tunnels. Say I can stay Vincent, please. Say I can stay in your world, now. Please don’t send me away again not after this not after loving you as I have dreamed of loving you. Please Vincent…” Tears welled in her eyes, and Vincent felt his heart lurch. He hadn’t given much thought to the afterwards of their loving, only the here and now. But she was right, how could he possibly expect her to return to her world, how could he let her?
“Marry me Catherine.” Hadn’t he told her last night of this possibility, hadn’t he suggested this very thing? If she didn’t run from him, if she stayed and loved him, he would ask her to become his wife. How could he have forgotten that promise so soon?
“And live down here with you?” Catherine was unsure of just how far his proposal took them. Were they still to lead separate lives even though they were married? She couldn’t bear to be apart from him, not now. Not even for one necessary minute.
Vincent nodded, “If that is what you wish.”
“Oh I do, I do. Oh Vincent, of course I will marry you, even if after last night it may be shotgun.”
A tremor ran through Vincent at her words, “I hardly think your father would march me up the isle with a gun to my back for making you pregnant Catherine. More like hold a gun to my head for going anywhere near you.”
His sadness touched Catherine deeply, “Dad would have loved you Vincent. He and Peter were very much alike, and once Peter had filled him in, dad would have welcomed you as his son in law with open arms, I’m sure of it.”
“It is something we shall never know Catherine.” His voice was still tinged with that same sadness. It was hard to shake off the feeling that her father would have been pleased that his daughter had chosen to spend her life in tunnels beneath New York city with a man that was only half a man.
“My parent’s greatest wish was that I be happy. And I am happy Vincent. Please, don’t let something we have no answers for rob us of what happiness we have found together, my love.”
Her tenderness brought tears to his eyes. How could this beautiful woman love him so? It was a miracle.
Their lips met again, searching and exploring, Catherine’s tongue darting in and out of his mouth in such a blatant suggestive way that Vincent’s penis hardened rapidly.
Feeling the pressure of his hot pulsating length against her leg, Catherine moaned and positioned herself so that he might roll on top of and enter her.
“Please, come to me now.” She begged tugging at him in an attempt to pull him on top of her, “I want you so much.”
A growl left Vincent’s throat as he followed her lead, positioning himself between her legs, and with one hand beneath her bottom, he guided himself with the other into her warmth.
‘I’ll never tire of this’ he thought as he felt his body sinking into hers. That sensation of her slick warmth enveloping him, contraction by contraction as her muscles gave way to his hard, thick length, was a feeling unparalleled by any other he had ever experienced in his whole life.
“Oh Catherine, Oh Catherine.” Was all he could utter over and over as she took his body willingly, bit by delicious bit. He was larger than any man she had been with, the tip of his penis nudging her very womb itself. That feeling was immense. To feel it there, and amazingly right at that very moment Brigit O’Donnel’s words rushed back at her, “Tis such a sweet pain.’
‘That it is’, Catherine agreed, picking up the pace with her lover as he gently thrust into her hot depths, withdrew almost fully before thrusting home again. Catherine wondered what Brigit might say to her applying those words in such an instance and would have giggled had the feelings Vincent was evoking in her at that precise moment made laughter impossible.
He was gathering his strength now for that final thrust, and Catherine’s inner muscles clutched at him wildly. Vincent moaned spilling his hot seed into her welcome body, his cry of satisfaction giving way to a full-throated roar and almost deafening Catherine, even though she had expected it.
Who would have thought that she would ever hear such a sound from him? For this sound, this roar was unlike no other. She had seen him, heard him in the throes of rage, but never had those sounds been anything like those he emitted during love making. These sounds made her his signalled to her that she belonged to him and it thrilled her through and through.
It was as they drifted in the wake of their love making that another sound filtered through the walls of their chamber. The pipe system covered a great distance, but just here the nearest pipes were several yards away. Vincent pricked up his ears, trying to decipher the sound, mouthing the code as he heard it.
“What is it Vincent? Is something wrong?” Catherine sat up beside him, her hair in total disarray around her face.
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“The kittens, it would appear that the kittens have been let loose by a mouse.” Vincent laughed heartily picturing this. At first picturing little rodents setting the kittens free, and then picturing his friend Mouse letting the cat’s out of the bag – literally. And by the sound of the message, all hell had broken loose. There were kittens all over Father’s chamber, leaving little presents and puddles everywhere.
“We shall have to go. It seems your charges are causing quite a dare I say cat…astrophe?” Vincent grinned.
Catherine laughed she had an idea of her own, “Yes you may dare, my love, providing you will accept that you, being this cat…’as…most definitely earned his trophy!”
*** *** ***
How six little kittens could disappear nobody knew, but by the time Vincent and Catherine arrived panting and out of breath from their made rush to dress and long trek back to the home chambers, the kittens had very much gone.
“I’m sorry Catherine. It wasn’t as if he went wrong the first time. I watched him, Mouse that is. I thought he could clean out the litter tray, and he did without any problem at all. It was only later that everything went wrong.” Father looked mortified as he told them what had happened.
“It’s not Mouse’s fault Father.” Jamie jumped to her friend’s defence. “You know how he is with things that are fluffy, one of the reasons he loves Vincent so much.” She shot Vincent a quick look hoping he wouldn’t take offence and happy to note that he didn’t, if his grin was anything to go by. In fact, Jamie drew her brows together, Vincent didn’t seem to have heard her at all.
Father too noticed this, “Vincent?” He queried, “Is anything wrong?” And then he blushed as he remembered the lilacs.
“Vincent?”
Catherine nudged her lover to draw his attention away from her, nodding toward Father to indicate where his focus was needed. Vincent blushed as he realised all eyes were glued to him and father was waiting for an explanation for his attention to be otherwise elsewhere.
“Cat got your tongue Vincent?” Jamie squealed with laughter. This was too much, two digs in less minutes and getting away with it was amazing.
“I’m afraid Vincent is preoccupied with other things.” Catherine looked from Jamie to Father, and a few other assembled tunnel dwellers. Then looking up tenderly at her true love she asked, “Will you tell them, or shall I?”
“Tell us what? Do you know where the kittens are Vincent?” They’d lost Father. He didn’t know what on earth was going on.
“Shh Father.” Mary stepped forward excitedly sure that Vincent and Catherine were about to relate something wonderful.
They were.
“I have asked Catherine to marry me, and she has agreed.” Vincent told everyone, without taking his eyes off Catherine.
For several moments there was stunned surprise by everyone in the chamber and then all started to speak at once.
“Vincent, that’s marvellous…Oh Catherine how wonderful….Oh I’m so happy for you both…we must have a party!”
And they did. Kittens momentarily forgotten, the evening’s performance to be put on by the children would be followed by the biggest party the tunnels had ever seen. Celebrating the engagement of Vincent and his Catherine.
*** *** ***
Wild.
It could only be explained as wild.
The play was wonderful, couldn’t fault it, but it was still wild nonetheless.
Everything was going along superbly until from out of one corner of Father’s chamber popped a little head shrouded by whiskers.
“It’s one of the kittens!” Jamie cried, lunging for the fuzz ball.
It moved.
Fast.
And followed by another equally as fast, hot on its tail. Vincent clamped down hard to the spot where the kitten made its escape, missing it by a fraction and Catherine pounced in its generally direction, smacking heads with Pascal coming in from the other way.
“Ouch! My Catherine your head made a bigger clang than all my pipes put together.” Pascal told her rubbing his own head hard.
Catherine doubled over in laughter despite the ache to her forehead, and just as she was wincing with a sudden shot of pain, out of her eye corner she saw a third and a forth kitten making their way steadily across Father’s desk.
“There!” She cried pointing, unable to say more.
Mary turned grabbing a handful of something furry and delighted in showing off her captured kitten by holding it high above her head. “Got you!”
“One down five to go.” Father cried above the rumpus going on in his chamber.
The children thought it was marvellous. So often told ‘never to run – always to walk’ were wild with abandoned joy at being able to run and chase the kittens everywhere. These in turn determined not to be seized, were masters at reeling away at the last moment and thus escaping capture.
“Think we can leave them to it.” Vincent whispered in Catherine’s ear, as the entire chamber became filled with gyrating bodies in the most amazing positions.
“Why what did you have in mind?” Catherine replied running her gaze from Vincent’s lips down the length of his body and to his groin, where the answer lay easily before her. “Oh.” Was all she had to say.
“Come, let’s go to my chamber. I’m certain that they won’t miss us.” The pair sneaked off, leaving the cat…astrophe behind them.
*** *** ***
It seemed to take an age, but finally all the six kittens that had resisted capture so gallantly were back behind bars. Father flopped wearily into his favourite chair with a long drawn out sigh noticing that mostly everyone else did likewise.
“Well that was an evening to remember.” Mary spoke to everyone and no one in particular.
“It sure was. Now I know why they call the bloody play Saturday Night Fever. I’ve never been so hot not even in my kitchen!” William remarked dryly.
A few people that were able to do, laughed. Many didn’t even have the strength left for that.
“How can six little kittens reduce my chamber to this battle zone? That’s what I would like to know. Remind me never to allow any more creatures down here again.” Father exasperated, “Not under any circumstances…and Catherine as much as they are adorable little things, I would be grateful if you would soon get them out of here and back up to your apartment.” He looked around searching for her, “Where is Catherine?”
“I don’t know Father. She was here. Vincent too. I saw them leave together shortly after Catherine and Pascal bumped heads. Maybe they went for something to ease the pain or for something eat.” Even as she said it Mary glanced around the room at the tables loaded down with food prepared by William earlier, and realised how silly that sounded.
“Hmm” Father sighed, he didn’t believe that for one moment.
“Why were the kittens here anyway?” Olivia asked. “They aren’t all Catherine’s surely?”
“No. A friend asked her to mind them while she went out of town. Seems the kittens are homeless and she’s hoping to find friends to talk into having one. Vincent thinks she probably hoped Catherine might take one or two.” Father replied.
“And instead she roped herself one very large cat instead. Nice going Catherine.” Olivia went on.
“Don’t let Vincent hear you say that.” Father told her sternly. Making Olivia feel well and truly reprimanded. “I’m surprised Jamie got away with so much earlier as it is, but in the circumstances…”
Everyone smiled knowing exactly what he meant. “It is wonderful though isn’t it?” Olivia asked as tears welled in her eyes, “I’m so happy for the two of them.”
“Yes. It is wonderful my dear.” Father replied, his tone softened in an attempt to soothe away his earlier retort toward the young woman. “And Catherine seems to have given him so much that even references to his other self no longer unsettle him.”
“Catherine has given him everything. That one as beautiful as she could love him, well it amazes me. I always hoped there would be someone for him, but I never envisaged that she would be so beautiful, so talented and so wealthy. To be able to have her pick of any man yet choosing Vincent instead. That’s the most remarkable thing of all Father. That Vincent has nothing to give but his love, and Catherine thinks it is more than anything worth having in the whole world.” It was a fairly long speech for Pascal and everyone nodded when he finished, unable to perfect what he’d said.
The evening wound down gently. Tired children gathered in adult arms and carried to their chambers, until only Father and Mary remained seated around the makeshift stage where the play had been held.
They were quiet each reminiscing on the things that had gone by and things yet to come, when Father broke the silence with an eruption of laughter.
“What is it?” Mary smiled awaiting his reply.
“I was just thinking. One of the children commented that they could never understand why it was called Saturday Night Fever and William gave his version of the reason. Well I was just thinking perhaps we should refer to this night as Saturday Night Cat Fever!”
It was a very dry joke, one of those that would have gone down like a lead balloon in any other circumstances, but it made Mary laugh, mainly because Father had said it and it was totally uncharacteristic for his to normally do so. Especially as his chamber might take days to clean and he may never find anything ever again.
Father laughed too adding, “I wonder where Vincent and Catherine got to. I thought they would have returned by now.”
“It’s late, I expect we won’t see them until the morning. And on that note Father, I think I will retire, its been quite a night.” Mary actually yawned for emphasis.
Father found her yawn contagious and stretched, before easing himself from his chair with his cane. “I think I shall retire also, goodnight Mary.”
He hobbled over to his bed, sitting on the edge to begin untying his boots. It had been quite a day all in all. One he’d remember for some time to come. Still, he mused as he pulled off his clothing moments later to don his nightgown, it was a shame Vincent and Catherine had missed all the excitement.
*** *** ***
But had they?
Maybe not quite in the same way, but even as Father thought it, Catherine and Vincent were enjoying their own Saturday Night Fever, for things were certainly hotting up in Vincent’s chamber.
“Grrr,” Vincent was enjoying nibbling Catherine’s behind one ear, delighting in feeling her squirm and trying to wiggle out of his grasp.
He shuddered as she giggled, a deep throaty sound that told him though she pretended to want to get away, if the truth be known she wanted anything but.
“I wonder if they’ve caught the kittens by now.” He was amazed that she could think such things at a time like this, and stopped what he was doing immediately.
“Catherine!” He growled trying to draw her attention back to him. Catherine giggled enjoying every moment of teasing him. Pretending that she was quite unaware of his motive.
“I expect so, or we’d have heard something on the pipes.” He told her matter of factly.
“Guess you’re right, still perhaps we should have checked.” She grinned enigmatically.
“Catherine!”
“What?” Catherine looked at him innocently. He was shaking with passion and desire.
Catherine took pity on him touching his cheek with one hand. “My poor love, did you want something? You are so hot. A glass of water perhaps?”
“You know what I want!” He growled.
Catherine shivered at the masterful way he said it, at the way he was looking at her, the naked longing apparent in his eyes.
Still she teased him mercilessly. “Shame we missed the rest of the play though. I’ve always enjoyed Saturday Night Fever.”
He flung her to the bed, his growls filling the chamber, causing Catherine to open her eyes wide in surprise. My but he was magnificent when he was aroused.
Vincent covered her body with his. He was hot and hard and throbbing for her and Catherine succumbed willingly to his demands. Oh how he wanted her. She had baited him until he was at fever pitch and now he needed his release! “I’ll give you Saturday night fever!” He growled feasting upon her neck with an open-mouthed kiss.
“Oh I do hope so,” Catherine clung to him, “My adorable ginger kitten, I do hope so.”
And by morning Vincent had proved that ginger he might be - a kitten he was not – over and over again - much to Catherine’s delight!
Disclaimer
The stories found within this website have been written by and for lovers of the American television series Beauty and the Beast and no infringement upon the rights held by Ron Koslow, CBS, Republic Entertainment, Witt-Thomas Productions or any other Copyright holder to Beauty and the Beast is intended.
Furthermore all the stories found on this website belong to Wendy Tunnard de-Veryard, are protected by copyright and none should be copied, added to or subtracted from or altered in any way, without the prior authorisation of the author.
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