Kitty finds her way home.
*
Author's Note
The events and characters in this story are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
The two main characters in this story are in a dominant-submissive relationship. It is safe, sane, and consensual as well as kind and loving. But if this type of relationship is not your thing, you may want to skip this story and find something else to read.
Part one of the story introduced you to all of the characters and set the wheels in motion. Part two got intensely sexual. Now it's time to throw these lovely ladies a curve and see how their relationship holds up.
You may want to brush up on the musical Cats for this part, or at least skim the Wikipedia article if you've never seen it. It will help you understand some of what's going on as Brianna takes the stage.
*
This is a continuation of my experiment in writing very streamlined fiction -- striking out adverbs, many of the attributives (e.g. "she said") and anything else that does not serve to move the story along. Descriptions of characters and scenes will also be sparse, leaving your imagination to fill in the details. Dialog will be used in favor of narrative whenever possible. I'm hoping it works out well. Let me know how it works for you in the comments.
Also, be aware that this is a story in three parts. It will make more sense if you read them all, and in order.
-Wax Philosophic
*
Friday, July 27th
This is it, opening night. The curtain opens as most of the cast begins singing about the life of Jellicle Cats. I'm in full costume, though my fur is currently hanging off my shoulders so that I won't overheat. I take a small sip of water and wait backstage. As soon as Rum Tum Tugger finishes hamming it up with his Elvis impression, I'm on.
I am bolstered by the fact that I know Mandy is out there somewhere in the audience. I can't see her with the bright lights on me, but I try to imagine that she is the only one in the theater, and I sing directly to her. It works, and I exit the stage no worse for wear.
After The Jellicle Ball, I am joined by Jellylorum and Jemima for a short reprise of my first appearance, then it's on to my shining moment -- the song that everyone recognizes -- as we wrap up the first act. The curtain closes, and the audience erupts.
I am reminded again why it is that I love this.
All the nervousness and self-doubt are erased by the rush of the applause, as it washes over me. I make my way to the dressing room, head held high.
Most of the second act is a blur. But when the Jellicle choice is made, I feel the rush once again as I prepare for my journey to the heaviside layer. It's the song that everybody knows, and I'm the one up here singing it.
I love this.
After the show, the entire cast is in the lobby, mingling with the audience. Praise and congratulations surround us. "Brianna," I hear. I recognize the voice, but it's not the one I was expecting, or even wanting to hear for that matter.
"Ethan, what are you doing here?"
"Been here all week with my summer camp kids. Thought I'd check out the show." His gaze shifted to my fingers as he lifted my hand in his. "You're looking great, Brianna."
"Thanks." I pulled my hand back.
"Um, I was thinking -- uh -- could I take you out for a drink? You know, to celebrate opening night?"
"Ethan, I don't know how else to say this, but you dumped me, remember?"
"I know. I'm -- uh -- I'm thinking maybe now that things are different. Maybe if ..."
"Oh, there you are honey!" Finally, the voice I wanted to hear. Mandy's timing was impeccable.
"Hi, baby. I just need to get changed and I'm ready to go." I gave her a quick peck, tasteful enough for public display, but on the lips so that there would be no mistaking what kind of kiss it was.
"Sorry Ethan, what was it you were saying?"
"Never mind. Great show. See ya 'round."
"Not likely," I muttered, after he was out of earshot.
"Old flame?"
"Yeah. Except he's under the impression it's still burning."
"I think that kiss you just laid on me may have doused it."
"Yeah, sorry about that. I didn't mean to assume that we were at the public kissing stage."
"Brianna," she whispered, "you've had your tongue in my pussy. I think a little kissing is OK."
I shivered. "It's just -- well -- this is in public."
"It's the twenty-first century, honey, I don't think we shocked anyone," she said. "You're not ashamed of us are you?"
"Well, no."
"Good." She kissed me again. "I believe the young gentleman was offering to buy you a drink." She extended her arm. "I would be delighted if Grizabella would accompany me instead."
I smiled. "Would you settle for Brianna? Grizabella's costume belongs to the university theater department, and is not to leave the premises."
"OK, fine." She put on an exaggerated pout. "I'll wait here."
I stuck my tongue out at her and wandered off to the dressing room.
*
"You weren't kidding about crazy cat ladies in white cargo vans, were you?" We were rolling around on a pile of blankets, both slightly buzzed. "How many other girls have you seduced back here?"
"You're the first, Brianna." Mandy bent her head to kiss me. "And it's only because I need to sober up so I can drive us home safely."
"We could just sit in the front and listen to the radio."
"Sure, if that's what you want to do." Mandy was pushing herself up off of me.
"I was teasing." I put my hand on the back of her neck and pulled her down again. I trapped her lower lip between my teeth to provide a little extra insurance. Mandy finally gave up on her feigned indifference, and pressed her lips to mine.
Tongues mingled in their familiar dance. I showed my appreciation by letting my hands wander the length of Mandy's back. My butt received a nice squeeze in return. I tugged at her shirt. She reached up and brushed me aside. "Just kissing, Brianna."
I pulled back for a breath. "Never stop kissing me," I heaved. She smiled for a moment, and then resumed her tender assault.
Her lips began to pull away. I wove my fingers into Mandy's hair, bringing her back in. I pressed my tongue into her mouth and the dance resumed. We played at our tender, little tug-of-war for a while longer. Finally, Mandy rolled off of me. I gave her a pout.
"We can continue," she said, "but somewhere more comfortable, OK?"
I sighed. She was right -- I knew it, my back knew it -- so I didn't try to stop her when she climbed into the driver's seat and took us back to the farm.
*
"Hello, Yoshimi." The little tabby weaved between my legs, brushing against my ankles. "In a minute, OK?"
Mandy had me by the hand and was urging me toward the bedroom. I tilted my head and gave Yoshimi my best, 'sorry, make it up to you later' shrug as Mandy practically pulled me off my feet. "You could give me a little kitty time," I complained.
"I'm not looking for a kitty tonight, Brianna."
"I meant Yosh-" Mandy's lips cut me off midstream. She had one hand wrapped up in my hair, holding me close, while her other hand tugged at my shirt. I held my arms over my head as Mandy finished the job.
