Who: Fitz & Remy Where: Remy’s house Dec 8th When: Friday evening
The orange tabby trotted down the street until it reached a house. It paused and then hopped through the grass up to the window and leaped up to the sill, back claws latching on to the thin sill as his front claws tapped on the window. Meows escaped its mouth as it tried to get the attention of the man inside. Let me in. Let me in. I'm going to fall. Fitz, or Oliver as his current shape was called, was hoping that his friend remembered their monthly get together.
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Remy hadn’t forgotten about his meeting with Fitz though he had been a little distracted when the cat had shown up at his window. Remy was sometimes ruled by his stomach and he had been in the kitchen trying his best at making something that the two of them could manage to eat without regretting it later. Fortunately he sensed the cat at the window before he heard him. Quickly setting aside the food he ran over and opened the window, reaching to help the cat inside before closing it again. “Sorry about that. I was distracted by food.” He smiled.
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It's ok. The cat mewed as the thoughts were thought. Food can be very distracting. Oliver/Fitz gratefully climbed into the window and dropped to the floor. The food smelled good, his tummy growled. It was annoying. He knew it was his human tummy that was needing food not his cat one but there were risks with changing forms outside of his ‘home’... which some might consider a lair. That one downside of his power where food eaten as a cat just didn't sustain him. Which is why ‘doggie bags’ were nice. What's in the menu?
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“Yes, yes it can. And I already started a doggie bag for you to take with you. I’m all about sharing you know.” Remy grinned. He preferred speaking out loud and he had gotten over the fact that he was talking to a cat. Oliver/Fitz could understand him just fine and that’s what really mattered. “I made up some chicken salad sandwiches and homemade french fries. You’ll need to heat up the fries but I think they’ll last until you get home. Can I get you anything at the moment? Water? Milk?” Reaching down he stroked a hand over the cat’s back. “You look good.”
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Water would be nice. Fitz purred at the pet. It might be strange knowing a man was inside the cat, though Remy had only seen him once in one of the abandoned cabins in the woods a few years ago when he was meeting with the Faction leader at the time he was recruited. Regardless, Fitz enjoyed pets like a normal cat. It had been strange at first, but once he'd gotten used to it he realized why cat loved them. They were nice. You too. I saw another boat drop off this week. Some interesting looking people. Didn't catch any of their powers. The one guard doesn't like cats. Remy might have a different opinion of him if he saw the human Fitz who looked a little bedraggled and malnourished. Though he was sure even his cat forms were looking a little skinny.
—-
“Water it is.” Remy ducked into the kitchen and came back with a bowl of fresh, cold water and set it on the coffee table so Fitz could get a drink. Taking a seat on the couch he pet the cat again. “I’m not sure what to think about so many new people still coming to the island. I might have to do some digging to find out what kind of powers are showing up. Might be good to have an idea if things are shifting.” Remy chuckled softly at the guard not liking cats. “He’s obviously an asshole. I’d say you should show him how you feel but I doubt that would help.” Remy was a bit up in his head pondering the newest arrivals.
—-
Fitz nuzzled Remy slightly before hopping over to the table. He lapped up some water, thankfully he didn’t need to shift to keep hydrated, though he did have to drink a lot of water at night because it was never quite enough for his human form. It would also probably give away that I’m not a normal cat. He chuffed slightly in amusement. Shifting? The cat looked up and tilted his head. You mean a tighter crackdown or something? Or maybe the radiation is becoming less deadly?
He leaped back over to the couch and laid down next to Remy. Oh, by the way. I met Daryn. He thought as he nuzzled at the man’s hand. You never told me she was a telepath too. Fitz had been quite surprised by the revelation and a little embarrassed. But she’d been nice. It had definitely caught him off guard and he’d been more scattered than normal. She’s nice though. Said to keep doing what I’m doing.
—-
Remy chuckled softly at the cat’s comment. “True and we don’t want that.” When the cat tilted its head he found himself doing the same. Was it weird to see a human expression on a cat? Probably but he had gotten used to it. “Something like less deadly and creating different kinds of mutations. It will be interesting to find out if we’re getting new things. Or even stronger or weaker things. I’m hoping not stronger but I don’t have a lot of optimism. I guess it’s a wait and see kind of game at this point.”
When the cat laid down next to him he went back to petting him. It wasn’t exactly a hardship. “Oh crap. I didn’t did I? Sorry about that. Most of the time I don’t think about it and the others I’m so used to not saying anything I just don’t.” He smiled when Fitz said she was nice. “She’s pretty great. I’m glad you’ve met. We’re going to be gearing up for something big and it will be good to have you involved.”
—-
I assumed there was a reason to it. Fitz knew that the more people who knew about him the higher the risk he'd not be able to be the spy he's been. But being the new leader I figured we should meet. She was pretty too. He wished he hadn't looked so unkempt when they'd met. Gearing up? His ears perked up as he looked up to Remy, not moving too much as he was enjoying the pets. I like the idea of something big
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“Sort of. I wasn't intentionally hiding you though the more people that know the more dangerous it is. I’m sure you already know that.” Remy smield down at the cat as he kept petting him. “Yes, definitely. And she’s very pretty. I figure it’s a nice camouflage for her. Beautiful women often get overlooked.” Remy looked down at the cat when he looked up at him. “I can’t share the details yet but, yes. It’s about time we made a point and reminded people we’re still here.” He nodded though mostly to himself. “I like the idea as well.”
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A paw covered his face as Remy commented on her beauty. Fitz never did learn to hide his thoughts. Actually all his time as a cat not being able to talk to others seemed to make his inner monologue that much worse. Well I’ll be there. If you guys need me. Watching… He knew his role was important. He’d helped give heads up on raids and new potential recruits not to mention how much he’d helped with morale by be a frequent companion to many of the Faction residents who only knew him by one of his ‘pet’ names. Fitz signed up for this, but he knew he could do more. He had military training and other skills, hell if anyone could see his home they’d probably be impressed… not by the way it looked… it was not impressive that way… but all the lights worked because he’d rewired stuff and tapped into the water pipes to get water. But if he risked outing himself then that was an advantage the cause wouldn’t have anymore. On a side note, he’d probably be jailed or worse. Just promise me it’ll be good.
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Remy chuckled softly when he saw the cat cover his face. “Sorry man. I’m not as good at keeping people out of my head when I’m relaxed with a friend. And I agree with you so nothing to be embarrassed about. If we can’t appreciate beautiful women then we might as well give up the fight.” Remy was very serious about living life and enjoying it as much as possible. That’s what they were fighting for wasn’t it? If you stopped living then they had already won. He could tell Fitz was ready for action. He also knew that he was more than capable of doing more than watching. “You won’t be just a watcher forever. You’re one of the best at it. Which is never a bad thing. But I know you can handle yourself. You’ll get to see some action.” He smiled down at the cat as he continued to pet him.
—-
An image of the barista Evie flashed through his head as Remy spoke. The cat heaved a sigh. I know. And I know I chose this when I came to the island the way I did. Fitz purred, nudging the man's hand to the right spot on his head to scratch. Just gets… lonely? Depressing? Repetitive? You know. All the pets I could- right there- want but limited conversation. it was one reason he cherished his monthly hangout session with Remy, while it would be cooler if he could be the real him, which they didn't risk because of possible cameras. He still enjoyed the conversation.
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Remy moved his hand where FItz nudged it, trying to find the right spot he wanted. “I get what you’re saying. I mean a little. I’m sure you’re alone more than I am. But sometimes …. Even being around people is tough when you can’t be yourself, you know? What am I saying. You probably know better than anyone.” Remy shook his head at himself then looked down at the cat again. “If you’re looking for more pets I know someone who is looking for a pet.” Remy smiled. “But that won’t help with the conversation I’m afraid. So you’re stuck with me for now.”
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I've been frequenting member houses. Trying to help with morale. Fitz also scouted as much of the government areas as he could for intel of course, but since the event recently he's felt that morale has been an important priority. And who didn't like a purring fuzzy? And some do talk to me. I just can't really talk back. He chuffed in something like a laugh. So enough about my boring life. What have you been up to?. He half climbed up on Remy, setting his paws on the man's legs. You know I semi live vicariously through you.
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“That’s pretty great of you. Thank you for that. Even if they don’t realize you’re ...well … you.” Remy gave him a scratch under the chin before returning to the spot he had specifically requested. Remy chuckled softly as well when he heard the chuff. “Well there is that.” At his question about Remy’s life he laughed even more. “Things have been pretty quiet. Mostly because we’re gearing up for the party. Once Daryn calls a meeting you’ll find out the rest of the details on that. I did come up with a new lead that part of the team is going to be investigating. So that’s exciting. Oh and I made a new friend today. He hasn’t been on the island very long. He’s one of the coffee guys at the cafe.”
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You think she'll invite me to the meeting too? Fitz wasn't sure yet the type of leader Daryn would be. Previous leaders had chosen to keep him isolated to better keep his cover. But maybe with Remy pushing for him Daryn would realize he was more than a lookout.
Ooo, is he a cat person. He chuffed. What's his name? I've probably seen him around. At the mention of the coffee shop the image of Evie flashed through his head with a mild feeling of attraction attached.
—-
“I think so. I’ve told her that you’re more than capable of more than just observing. And even if that’s all you’re doing it would still be good to have you involved. As long as you’re okay with a higher level of exposure. If you change your mind you can always decline the invite.” Remy trusted Daryn completely and knew that she trusted him and his judgement. If he felt Fitz should be included he would be.
“Oh he’s very much a cat person. He’s wishing he had a pet but that’s not very likely in this place. So if he sees you he might try to take you home.” Remy chuckled then smiled to himself as he remembered their conversation. “His name is Zayne. He’s the one with crazy hair and sometimes he wears makeup. Super sweet. He totally doesn’t fit here.”
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Fitz wanted to do more but always worried about exposure. He wasn't sure what the government would do it they found him out but he assumed it wasn't good. He did appreciate someone having his back, it was so easy to forget he wasn't alone sometimes.
He wouldn't be the first. Fitz had been ‘adopted’ by a lot of people but he always managed to find a way out of the house. He chuffed again at Remy’s observation. Who does? Well besides the government lackeys. But none of us ‘residents’ fit in here. Most of us just manage to fake it well. the tone on ‘residents’ was clear the intended word was not so nice. He sniffed at Remy slightly, noting the smile. I’m guessing he’s cute?
—-
Remy didn’t trust easily but once someone earned his trust and respect he’d go to bat for them. And Fitz was on that very short list. So he would only bring him in if he thought he could protect him. At least as much as he could protect anyone. The island still had its dangers, especially for those opposing the government.
Remy didn’t doubt that Fitz the cat was often taken for a stray and scooped up by world-be owners. He knew Zayne would do exactly that. He couldn’t help but nod at the comment about residents and fitting in. “You make a fine point my friend. Some fake it better than others.” Remy was probably in that group. At the question Remy’s smile ramped up. “Oh yeah. Very. And he’s a good kisser too. I’m probably a horrible influence on him and I just met him.”
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Kissing… Fitz missed kissing. Kissing and… other things that went with kissing and he tried to keep his mind from wandering. I knew it! The cat rolled on its back with excitement and looked up at the young man. First base at first meeting? Naughty boy. Flipping back right side up he jumped onto the back of the couch and walked behind Remy to his other shoulder. Are you going to see him again? Should I ‘call ahead’ the next time I visit? In the past five years Fitz never really spoke- thought- of his previous relationships, at least not outright. Especially in the beginning his choice to be a spy, live as a cat, make the sacrifice for the cause was hard enough thinking about the things he was giving up. As the years passed, they talked about gossip and had a sort of unofficial briefing. Occasionally Fitz lived vicariously through Remy’s flirtations with others but recently he’d found himself looking back on the things he’d given up. Ever since meeting Evie- a memory of her petting him outside the coffee shop overtook his mind for a moment as he purposefully put it forward, having promised her he wouldn’t reveal what she was and the memory of their real first meeting would be quite telling.
Still, Fitz missed random hook-ups on the road. He’d been traveling so much that it was always picking up a girl or guy at a bar, taking them back to his hotel room and the next day he’d be off. The cat seemed to snap out of a daydream as he realized how much his mind had wandered and wondered just how much Remy had picked up on. Sorry… you were saying you like this guy?
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Remy laughed at Fitz’s comment about first base and reached over to rub the cat’s tummy as he rolled onto his back. “Hey, he wasn’t exactly complaining. Besides it’s not our first meeting. He makes me coffee all the time.” Remy grinned and winked down at the cat, pulling his hand away so he could flip back over. “Yes I’m going to see him again. He’s actually going to cook for me. I’m completely spoiled already and we just met.” Remy snorted slightly at the comment about calling ahead. “Cute. Granted that’s probably not far off from a good idea.” Remy snorted again at himself. “I’m sure you won’t be scarred for life. Just don’t fall off of the window sill if I can’t get to the window in time because I’m preoccupied.” He winked at Fitz.
As thoughts went through the cat’s head Remy picked up on images and feelings but he tried not to intrude anymore than he could control. He waited, quietly until the cat ‘spoke’ to him again. “No need to apologize.” Remy said softly. “I sometimes forget that you aren’t living this double life outright.” He looked at the cat for a moment. “I feel like I should offer you advice or try to help but we both know it would put you more at risk.”
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Camera’s could be anywhere. Fitz rubbed his head against the side of Remy’s face. When we finally break free of government control- The tone of his thoughts were very revolutionary. I’ll be able to play catch-up on the last five years. He purred happily at the thought. The cat sniffed at the air slightly. Smells like foods almost ready…
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Remy nuzzled back against the cat and smiled at the tone of his thoughts. “So very, very true. And then you’ll be scooping up all the ladies, or gentlemen if that’s your preference. And you won’t have to worry about me cramping your style.” Remy grinned and reached up to scratch one of his ears. “Oh shit, I almost forgot.” Remy stood. “Be right back.” he ducked into the kitchen to deal with the food before he ruined it.
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And. He couldn’t help but think, correcting Remy’s one or the other. Fitz had never been picky when it came to gender, whether man, woman or someone in between, he could find beauty and attraction in the person not their DNA. Fit walked along the back of the couch to the end and laid down, watching his friend in the kitchen. Smells delicious. His stomach was already growling- granted it did that a lot. You should be cooking for him. He teased.