37: Smitten Kitten

Hellbent

Chapter 37

Smitten Kitten

Craig and Ashley wandered through the woods together as the sun rose on a new day. Their path became clearer as the effects of the magical soup wore off and the sun lit up their surroundings. They arrived back at the ritual site, now empty as if it hadn’t been there before. The only thing that remained was the Orange Kingswood Station wagon.

Ashley: “Huh, they really meant ‘leave no trace.’ ”

They smiled and nodded. Craig gaped at them.

Craig: “What the fuck?! Did we just imagine that whole thing?”

He gaped disbelievingly. Ashley chuckled.

Ashley: “I don’t think so…”

They scratched their head, spinning around in the white robe they put them in. Ashley’s eyebrows rose when they saw their shirt and pants on the car's bonnet, along with their feathered wand and Craig’s beer can wand.

Craig: “Let’s get the fuck outta here.”

He picked up the car keys.

~

Craig and Ashley drove through the windy tracks between the lush fern trees and towering pine trees.

Ashley: “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?”

They asked him.

Craig: “Nah yeah, I’m fine!”

He assured them. Suddenly, Craig slammed his brakes to a halt when he saw something ahead.

Craig: “HOLY SHIT!”

He gasped. The dust stirred up and blocked their view.

Ashley: “ARGH!”

They jolted. The dust cleared away, and they saw a woman standing in the middle of the road.

Craig: “OI! Watch where you’re walkin’, lady!”

He stuck his head out of the car, scolding her.

Ashley: “...Annabelle?!”

They stammered and scrambled out of the car. Craig gaped at them both.

Ashley: “What are you doing out here? Are you okay? Do you need a ride?”

They rushed up to her. Annabelle turned to them. Her long peach hair was blowing in the breeze.

Annabelle: “Don’t get involved, Ashley!”

She warned them. Ashley tilted their head.

Ashley: “Huh? But you’re stranded in the middle of the mountains! How can I not?!”

They knit their eyebrows.

Annabelle: “Don’t get involved with them.”

She bowed her head.

Ashley: “Uhh, tickling witches?!”

They laughed and tilted their head owlishly. Before she could reply, they were interrupted by Craig tooting the car horn.

Craig: “OI! You two! Get in the car and let’s go!”

He commanded them.

Ashley nodded and ushered Annabelle into the car with them. Craig continued driving.

Craig: “Where to?”

He asked Annabelle.

Annabelle: “I’m just on the Mountain highway.”

She replied.

Craig: “The fuck were you doin’ in the woods on your own?”

He shook his head.

Annabelle: “I guess I was left behind…”

She bowed her head. Ashley’s eyes widened in shock.

Ashley: “Oh no! They seemed so nice!”

They cupped their mouth. Craig and Annabelle gaped at them.

Annabelle: “Really? You thought Abigail was nice?”

She quirked an eyebrow. Craig’s eyebrows rose.

Craig: “Oi, which one’s that? Is it the weird goth chick with the fetish?”

He asked. Annabelle brightened a bit and laughed.

Annabelle: “Yeah, that’s the one. She’s the head of the coven.”

She nodded.

Craig: “OH! She was a cunt! She dissed my beer wand ‘n tried to get rid of me!”

He huffed and laughed bitterly. Annabelle’s eyes widened at his blunt profanity. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “I’m sorry she did that, Craig…”

They knit their eyebrows.

Ashley: “And I’m sorry she left you here, Annabelle…”

They offered to her, too.

Annabelle: “She’s threatened by us...”

She pondered. Ashley tilted their head.

Craig: “Why? ‘Cause I’m strong ‘n sexy?”

He laughed.

Annabelle: “She’s not into men.”

She replied.

Annabelle: “She’s in a relationship with Madelyn and Juniper and wants Ashley, too. She wants a lesbian tickle harem, as she says. You were just a nuisance in her way.”

She sighed. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “Uhh, but I’m not a girl and I’ve got the most amazing boyfriend in the world! His name is Lazaros Katsaros, and he’s a handsome master chef! He makes the best food ever! He’s the light of my life!”

They beamed and brightened as they rambled about Lazaros. Annabelle smiled a bit.

Annabelle: “That’s not going to stop her from wanting you. Trust me, I know...”

She sighed and frowned. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “She wants you, too?!”

Annabelle nodded.

Ashley: “If she wants you, why would she leave you stranded alone out here?”

They knit their eyebrows.

Annabelle: “Because… I told her that I don’t want to be with her… I have eyes for another.”

Her voice trailed off. Craig frowned, reflecting on his behaviour towards Andreas in the past.

Even at his worst, he never did that to him.

Annabelle: “There’s my house! You can just drop me off here!”

She exclaimed, gesturing to the large property coming up on the mountain highway.

Ashley: “Huh? Oh, no, donut worry, it’s no trouble!”

They assured her, and they drove down the long driveway and arrived at a farmhouse. It had white weatherboard panels, large gable roofs, windows at the entrance, and a large red door. The garden beds were blooming with wild strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. It was picture perfect and resembled a beautiful and wholesome oil painting of a farm. There was a faint mooing around them as the cows waddled in their surrounding paddocks.

Annabelle: “Thank you so much! I should get going now!”

She said hastily, getting out of the car. A large man stepped out of the house onto the veranda, wearing a turquoise shirt with pink ice cream print all over it.

Mr. Nice Cream: “Oh, my! My sweet Annabelle has returned!”

He gasped, rushing up to her, wrapping his big arms around her, pressing her face to his chest.

Ashley: “Mr. Nice Cream?!”

They gasped and looked at them both. Annabelle kept her smile intact. He turned to Ashley with a wide smile.

Mr. Nice Cream: “No need to be formal, Ashley, you may call me Lance Bloodworth!”

He waved his hand. Craig stumbled over a laugh.

Craig: “LANCE BLOODWORTH?!”

He burst out laughing. Lance kept his smile intact and ignored Craig, turning back to Ashley.

Lance: “What a sweetheart you are to bring her back to me, Ashley!”

He smiled widely at Ashley. Ashley smiled a bit and looked over to Craig.

Ashley: “And Craig!”

They gestured to Craig beside them.

Craig: “Yeah! What about me?!”

He pouted.

Lance: “Oh yes. You.”

He said with a strained smile.

Lance: “Anyway, we will see you at work on Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!”

He smiled and waved them off, ushering Annabelle inside with him.

Craig looked over his shoulder as he backed the car out of the driveway, reversing out and driving off down the highway.

Ashley: “Thanks for helping her, Craig! I knew you were a good person!”

They smiled at him. Craig smiled a bit.

Craig: “R-Really?”

He beamed. Ashley nodded in confirmation.

Ashley: “Wow! I had no idea Annabelle and Mr. Nice Cream were dating!”

They gasped, cupping their cheeks.

Craig: “What does she see in that fat cunt?!”

He scoffed and shook his head. Ashley gaped at him.

Ashley: “Uhh?”

They scratched their head.

Craig: “You ain’t a fat cunt! THAT bloke is!”

He huffed and shook his head.

Ashley: “Really? But Mr. Nice Cream is so nice!”

They tilted their head.

Craig: “Mate, his name is Lance Bloodworth! What is he? A fuckin’ vampire?!”

He laughed. Ashley chuckled.

Ashley: “You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, Craig! Didn’t Andreas always say to look beneath the surface?

They said to him. Craig sighed and nodded.

Craig: “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

~

Later, Craig and Ashley arrived back at the house. Blake and Andreas were sitting together in the living room.

Blake: “Oh, thank god!”

He sighed with relief, rising to his feet.

Ashley: “Hey, Blake! Hey, Andreas!”

They waved at them both.

Craig: “Top of the mornin’ cunts! We’re back!”

He grinned. Blake rolled his eyes at Craig’s greeting.

Blake: “...What are you wearing? Did you seriously join another cult?!”

He scrutinised the white robe Ashley wore.

Ashley: “Cult? Oh, no, no, we had a tickle ritual!”

They chirped. Blake gaped at them and turned to Craig.

Blake: “Why did I trust YOU alone with Ashley?!

He rubbed his temples and groaned at Craig. Ashley pouted and stepped in.

Ashley: “HEY! He didn’t do anything wrong, and nothing bad happened! It was just a bunch of silly tickling fun in the woods! And Craig is the one who needed me!”

They countered and stamped their foot.

Ashley: “He’s a good person and a good friend! He was good to me, and he helped a stranded girl get home! She was lost in the woods alone!”

The three men were taken aback and gaped at them. Craig shifted his eyes.

Andreas: “...Craig?”

He asked disbelievingly.

Andreas: “Okay, you’re not into women, so what’s in this for you? Why did you help her?”

He challenged Craig.

Craig: “Cos I’m not an asshole! I ain’t gonna just leave someone stranded alone!”

He fired back.

Blake: “You wouldn’t have done it if Ashley weren’t with you. You’re just trying to make Ashley believe you’re a good person.”

He huffed at Craig.

Ashley: “Yes, he would… he’s been stranded alone, so why would he leave someone behind? I can see it for myself, he’s a good person, Blake!”

They countered softly, pursing their lips. Craig bowed his head and looked away. Andreas paused and turned to Craig.

Andreas: “Craig brought that on himself, Ashley…”

He sighed. Craig recoiled in hurt.

Ashley: “Maybe he did with you! But, Makayla and Veronika were terrible, and he didn’t deserve that!”

They countered.

Andreas: “He allowed it, Ashley. I told him to drop Veronika, but he didn’t listen! He didn’t do anything to help himself! It wasn’t my job to save him, and it’s not your job either!”

He countered.

Craig: “Mate, I fuckin’ dumped Veronika! That was ME that made that choice! That’s WHY I’m homeless!”

He countered, throwing his arms up with exhaustion and hurt in his tone. They all turned to him.

Ashley: “What happened, Craig?”

They asked gently. Craig sighed.

Craig: “When Makayla left, I snapped…”

He twisted his mouth.

Ashley: “She abandoned you.”

They sighed, giving him a sympathetic look. Craig pursed his lips.

Craig: “Fuckin’ oath! She got to leave ‘n stay on tour, but I had nothing ‘n nowhere to go! I was PISSED!”

He clenched his fists.

Craig: “I was fucked either way! I knew I’d be homeless and lose everything if I broke up with her, so you’re right, I brought it on myself! But, I’d rather be homeless than be around her for any longer! I couldn’t take it anymore!”

Andreas paused, and his expression softened. Ashley knit their eyebrows.

Andreas: “I think that was her plan all along.”

He twisted his mouth. They all turned to him.

Andreas: “I think she wanted to piss off Jaclyn with the Halloween party, knowing it was her birthday, so Jaclyn would get you guys kicked out and have to turn to Veronika and live under her thumb. She wanted to trap you. Perhaps she was working in cahoots with Jaclyn?”

He explained. Craig paused and gaped at him.

Craig: “God fucking dammit!”

He pouted and threw his arms up.

Craig: “So, you guys saw the Jacky-babe show, huh?”

He laughed bitterly. Andreas and Blake froze. Ashley gaped at them.

Ashley: “...What?! You were there?!”

They gaped at Blake and Andreas. Andreas drew a breath and nodded in confirmation. Craig paused.

Craig: “Oh, shit, you didn’t know?!”

He laughed.

Blake: “You weren’t supposed to be there either!”

He countered Ashley.

Ashley: “Yeah, because I wasn’t supposed to catch Makayla in the act!”

They said dryly.

Craig: “Fuckin’ yikes. Sorry, mate.”

He groused and laughed bitterly.

Blake: “You know what I mean, Ashley!”

He folded his arms across his chest. Ashley pouted.

Ashley: “Yeah. I get it.”

They twisted their mouth.

Craig: “So what? Everything worked out in the end! We’re mates now!”

He grinned, putting his arm around Ashley. Ashley smiled and nodded in confirmation.

Ashley: “That’s right!”

Blake drew a breath, not knowing what to think. Andreas looked deep in thought.

Blake: “We should get going.”

He nudged Andreas, nodding to the car.

Ashley: “Oh, where are you going?”

They asked.

Blake: “Hardware Warehouse.”

He said flatly. Andreas looked pensive.

Andreas: “Yes, and we could use your help, Craig.”

He looked up at Craig. Blake and Craig both looked at him.

Blake: “...What?!”

He gaped and glared at Craig.

Craig: “Really? You want my help?!”

He gaped. Ashley beamed. Andreas nodded in confirmation.

Andreas: “Well, we have Craig’s muscle, why not use it? Why should he laze around here while you carry heavy bags of soil on your own, Blake? It’s not fair… or practical.”

He further explained, giving them both a look.

Ashley: “Ooh, yay! This is gonna be fun!”

They beamed. Andreas turned to Ashley.

Andreas: “You should stay here and work on your costume, Ashley.”

He said firmly, but gently.

Ashley: “Oh! Uh, sure!”

They smiled a bit. Blake gave Andreas a look.

Blake: “Alright, let’s go. Give me the keys, Craig.”

He held his hand out.

Craig: “Nah, mate! I’m driving!”

He exclaimed, rushing out to the car. Blake’s eyebrows rose.

Blake: “Fine, whatever, but I’m sitting in the front with you.”

He added.

Andreas: “We’ll be back later.”

He nodded to Ashley, leaving with Blake and Craig.

Ashley sighed and watched them go, left behind in the quiet and empty house.

Ashley: “Home alone, huh?”

They ran their fingers through their hair and glanced down at their robe.

Ashley: “OH! I should change out of this thing!”

They laughed.

~

Ashley was freshly showered and wearing their cat onesie. They were sitting on the couch with their sketchbook, sketching down design ideas for their work costume.

Ashley: “Hmm, Tira-meowsu…”

They tapped the pencil to their chin. Ashley brightened when they heard Lazaros’ car coming down the driveway.

Ashley: “Ooh! Lazzy is home!”

They gasped and beamed.

Lazaros: “Ashley? I’m home! I have a surprise for you!”

He sang. Ashley gasped and rushed over to Lazaros, wrapping their arms around him.

Ashley: “LAZAROS!”

They beamed and rubbed up against him like a cat, kissing his cheek. Lazaros held Ashley close and kissed their head.

Lazaros: “I got you a surprise.”

He presented them with a carrier. Ashley’s eyes lit up and sparkled brightly. Their heart melted when they saw the tiny, fluffy white kitten. She had a grey, fluffy tail and orange fur on her belly with faint markings on her little face.

Ashley: “O-OH MY STARS! L-LAZAROS!”

They squealed on the verge of happy and adoring tears as they held her close. She gazed up at them with her big green eyes, with a tiny mew.

Lazaros: “I saw her in the window shop of Bill’s Pet Shop. She was all alone, so I picked her out just for you!”

He said as he stroked their hair. Ashley shivered at his touch and beamed happily, cradling the kitten.

Ashley: “Aww, Lazaros, you’re so sweet! Y-you saved her like you saved me when I was all alone!”

They beamed, wrapping their arms around him. Lazaros hugged them back and patted their back.

Lazaros: “I know.”

He smirked. Ashley chuckled, endeared by him.

Lazaros: “I feel you needed a companion who is like you, and there she is!”

He smiled. Ashley beamed and rubbed their face up against the wall of his chest in his arms.

Ashly: “O-OH my, she’s so teeny weenie!”

They cooed at her in their arms.

Lazaros: “What would you like to call her? Minnie?”

He chuckled. Ashley held the tiny kitten up in their hands, observing her.

Ashley: “She looks like a tiny little fluffy moon!”

They cooed at her.

Ashley: “I’m the sun, so you’re the moon! You’re my moonlight! What’s the Greek word for moon?”

They tilted their head at him, gazing up into his deep violet eyes.

Lazaros: “σελήνη.”

He replied in Greek. Ashley tilted their head and chuckled.

Ashley: “What did you say?”

They asked.

Lazaros: “I said, ‘Selena.’ ”

He repeated slowly.

Ashley’s eyes sparkled with a gasp.

Ashley: “That’s her name!”

They beamed, petting her head.

Lazaros: “An excellent choice, Ashley! Haha, so you’re the sun and I’m the moon? Why might this be…?”

He cupped his chin, wanting Ashley to answer him. Ashley tilted their head.

Ashley: “Because you call me your sunshine, and I’m all about the sun! It’s like, my whole vibe!”

They began, holding up their sunshine tattoo.

Ashley: “I’m round and orange like the sun, haha!”

They chuckled, gesturing to their orange paisley shirt with sun faces.

Ashley: “And my hair is kissed by the sun!”

They added, twirling their ombre tresses. Lazaros ran his fingers through them and smiled. Ashley blushed and shivered.

Ashley: “And you’re like the moon because your hair is like the night sky!”

They beamed, running their fingers through his long midnight tresses. Lazaros’ cheeks flushed red from their compliments.

Ashley: “And you’re all dark and mysterious and magical… in a good way!”

They explained, wrapping their arms around him and gazing up at him.

Lazaros: “I know…”

He kissed their head.

Lazaros: “That and I pull all-nighters to perfect this recipe or write my cookbook!”

He raised his eyebrows. Ashley’s eyebrows rose.

Ashley: “Ooh, I can’t wait to see your new cookbook!”

They beamed with excitement.

Ashley: “Thank you SO, so, much for the kitty, Lazaros!”

They beamed, kissing him all over his cheeks with uncontainable joy and excitement. Lazaros reddened and flushed at Ashley’s kisses.

Lazaros: “Anything for you, my sunshine!”

He let out a peal of giggles. Ashley reddened at his laughter, making them giggle too.

Lazaros: “I hope Selena gets accustomed to her new home!”

Ashley: “Of course she will… she has the purr-fect parents!”

They chuckled, locking their gaze on him and stroking her tiny head. They heard a loud rattling and gasped when they realised it was her purring.

Ashley: “Aww, such a loud purr for such a tiny thing!”

They cooed at her adoringly.

Lazaros brought out a box of kitten food.

Lazaros: “She will need this to grow nice and healthy.”

He held up the box. Ashley nodded and smiled.

Ashley: “Oh, wow! You got her food too!”

They cooed at her.

Ashley: “If only she could stay tiny forever!”

They sighed at her.

Lazaros: “Maybe she will!”

He petted their head. Ashley beamed and purred to his touch.

Lazaros: “The pet shop owner said she was the runt of the litter, and they tend to stay small forever. My brother owned many cats growing up, and I can attest to this!”

Ashley brightened and gasped. The mention of his mysterious brother piqued their interest more.

Ashley: “Awww, so cute! You’re talking about Deimos, right? Did you own cats too, Lazaros?”

They asked, petting their kitty. Lazaros hesitated.

Lazaros: “Yes, I mean Deimos. And no, I didn’t. Deimos is the cat lover.”

He smiled a bit.

Lazaros: “He and his boyfriend are both cat lovers.”

He said as his voice trailed off. Ashley tilted their head with burning curiosity. Why is he so vague about his family? They wondered.

Lazaros: “Anyway, what do you want for dinner?”

He smiled and clasped his hands. Ashley’s eyes brightened with excitement.

Ashley: “Ooh! I’m feline catty, so how about a nice fish? I’m a total fish cat, haha!”

They chuckled, holding Selena up. Lazaros laughed at their pun, finding it cute.

Ashley: “I guess you can say I’m a total CAT-ch!”

They joked, stroking his chest. Lazaros laughed and reddened.

Lazaros: “Yes, I would say so!”

Ashley: “Okay, that was bad, I’ll stop, haha!”

They ran their fingers through their hair. Lazaros laughed.

Lazaros: “No, that was great! You’re so funny!”

He petted their head. Ashley’s eyes widened.

Ashley: “R-really?!”

They cupped their cheek. Lazaros’ eyes sparkled.

Lazaros: “Yes!”

He nodded.

Lazaros: “Of course!”

He whispered. Ashley smiled brightly.

Ashley: “T-Thank you!”

They reddened.

Lazaros cleared his throat.

Lazaros: “How about I make you miso salmon with ginger rice?”

He planted his hands on his hips. Ashley beamed and rubbed their nose against his.

Ashley: “I’d love that!”

They beamed.

Lazaros: “You have excellent taste… I’ll go make dinner now…”

He said softly as he went to the kitchen.

Ashley: “I know.”

They winked at him and chuckled.

~

Lazaros made up the marinade and started cooking the rice. Ashley sat with Selena curled up in their faux fur coat, letting him work his magic in the kitchen.

Ashley: “How was your night last night? How’s your cookbook coming along?”

They asked him, pulling out their sketchpad, and brainstorming their work uniform.

Lazaros: “Very good! It’s coming along nicely! It’s a cookbook for Thanksgiving, but I am sure that doesn’t touch on how your night was!”

He laughed. Ashley beamed at him.

Ashley: “Oh! We don’t have Thanksgiving here! What’s it like, Lazaros? What did you and your family do for Thanksgiving?”

They asked him with curiosity. Lazaros paused.

Lazaros: “Nothing… I was traveling and out of the country the last Thanksgiving.”

He said flatly. Ashley knit their eyebrows. Did something bad happen between him and his family? They wondered.

Lazaros: “It’s an American holiday celebrated every fourth Thursday in November. You eat turkey and lots of food with your family and say what you’re thankful for.”

He explained with some longing in his tone.

Ashley: “Oh, that sounds really nice! Well, I’m thankful for you, Lazaros!”

They smiled at him.

Lazaros: “Hahahahaha, I know!”

He brightened. Ashley smiled up at him.

Madelyn peered over Ashley’s shoulder, dressed in a mushroom costume. She wore a white dress with a red spotted section and a mushroom hat on her head. Lazaros eyed her costume. Uh, interesting, he thought.

Madelyn: “That smells amazing! What ya cooking?”

She chirped. Ashley’s eyebrows rose.

Ashley: “Madelyn? What are you doing here?”

They laughed.

Madelyn: “I wanted to have fung-hi and there isn’t mush-room for fun at home!”

She laughed. Ashley chuckled at her puns, but wondered what she meant about that, thinking of their conversation with Annabelle and Craig about Abigail earlier. Lazaros smirked at her. She seems like a nice friend for Ash, he thought.

Lazaros: “Oh, miso salmon and ginger rice! Did you have fun last night?”

He smiled at her.

Madelyn: “Oh yeah, we had a fun-ghi time! Ashley was the sacralaugh!”

She beamed. Ashley laughed and smiled.

Lazaros: “What’s that?”

He asked her and raised an eyebrow.

Madelyn: “Oh, we’re in a witch coven. It’s totally NOT a tickle fetish thing, GOSH!”

She waved her arms, doing an impression of Abigail. Ashley chuckled. Lazaros locked his gaze on her with curiosity.

Madelyn: “Anyway, we all sacrificed Ashley’s laughter to the ‘tickle gods’ in our tickle ritual!”

She grinned and laughed. Lazaros nodded. Interesting people here, he thought.

Lazaros: “Oh, how wonderful! I know they would love that! See, this tickling thing is something my brother and his boyfriend are into. It’s not my thing and I wouldn’t make an exciting ticklee as I am not that ticklish!”

He laughed and waved his hand. Ashley gasped, giving Lazaros a look of disbelief.

Ashley: “Donut be hard on yourself, Laz! I bet you’re the most exciting ticklee and extremely ticklish!”

They assured him with a wide smile. Lazaros laughed.

Lazaros: “Hahahahaha, I honestly wish I was if you wanted to do that to me!”

He winked.

Ashley gasped and cupped their cheeks.

Ashley: “YES!”

They beamed and tickled his sides.

Lazaros: “Hahahaa ha!”

He laughed a bit and turned to Ashley.

Lazaros: “Nice try but no sell.”

He sighed and tickled their sides. Ashley gasped.

Ashley: “HAHAHAH AHA HAHA HAEHEHEHEEHEHE!”

They giggled and melted in his arms, flopping to the floor. Madelyn’s eyes grew large with a wide grin.

Madelyn: “Ooh, fun!”

She beamed, tickling their feet.

Ashley: “HAHAH AH HA HA HA HA EHEHE!”

They scrunched their feet.

Lazaros smirked and tickled their tummy. Ashley’s eyes widened with a gasp.

Ashley:”HAAHH AH AH AH AHA HAH EHEEHEHEH LAZAROHOHOHOS EHEHEHEEEE!”

They squealed and flopped, rolling around on the floor. Lazaros resumed tickling their tummy. Madelyn swooped in and joined him.

Ashley: “HAHAHAH EHEHEHEEHE AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH EHEHEHEHAHEHEHEHAHHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHE AHAHAHAHAHAH!”

They flopped and rolled around on the floor like a cat.

Lazaros smirked and stopped, rising to his feet.

Lazaros: “Love to pick this up, but I have to make dinner!”

He sang. Ashley panted and nodded, smiling up at him.

Ashley: “Of course, we’ll resume for dessert… or after dessert!”

They chuckled.

Lazaros: “Of course.”

He winked.

Madelyn gasped at the tiny kitten, tucked into Ashley’s faux fur coat.

Madelyn: “KITTYYYY! You have a baby?!”

She beamed and cooed at Selena. Ashley beamed.

Ashley: “Oh yes, Lazaros got me her! Her name is Selena, named after the moon!”

They happily sighed, gazing up at Lazaros with stars in their eyes. Lazaros returned the smile.

Lazaros: “I felt Ashley needed a kitty companion when I am at work!”

Madelyn: “Aww, so you got a kitty for your kitty?! That’s so cute!”

She chirped. Lazaros brightened and nodded with eagerness.

Lazaros: “That’s correct! My, you’re so smart!”

He beamed. Madelyn smiled.

Madelyn: “Well, yeah, Ashley is a cat! It’s super obvious!”

She poked the pointed tufts of hair on Ashley’s head. Ashley chuckled and reddened.

Lazaros: “As I said, you’re very smart! Ashley is attracting smart friends as they are, too!”

He beamed.

Madelyn: “Me? Smart?”

She laughed disbelievingly. Lazaros nodded and smiled.

Ashley: “Totally! You made those costumes!”

They beamed and nodded, marvelling at her mushroom costume.

Lazaros: “Yes, it’s VERY lovely, my dear!”

Madelyn: “Thanks, guys!”

She beamed.

Madelyn: “Yo, speaking of! How’s your costume?”

She nudged them.

Ashley: “Uhhh…”

They laughed and trailed off as they presented them with their sketchbook, consisting of little doodles of a slice of tiramisu with cat ears on it. Another was a cat with stripes resembling tiramisu layers, and another was a round stick figure with cat ears and a stripey yellow outfit in tiramisu colours.

Madelyn: “Oh, that’s so cute!”

She beamed.

Lazaros: “Huh! You make costumes, right?”

He asked Madelyn.

Madelyn: “Yes! indeedy!”

She nodded intently, clasping her hands together.

Lazaros: “Perhaps you should make one for Ashley?”

He suggested. Ashley and Madelyn both exchanged a look.

Ashley: “Oooh!”

They beamed and clasped their hands together.

Madelyn: “Really?! I never made costumes for other people before!”

She gasped.

Lazaros: “Your price is mine!”

He beamed. Madelyn gaped at him.

Madelyn: “Really? You want to pay me for my silly costumes?!”

She gasped.

Lazaros: “They’re very well done, so yes!”

He smiled tightly. Ashley nodded intently.

Ashley: “Uhh, YES! I’d totally pay big bucks for something like that!”

They beamed. Madelyn nodded.

Madelyn: “Alrighty! If you want me to make you a costume, how about you complete my quest?”

She smirked, clasping her hands together.

Lazaros: “What do you mean?”

He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ashley: “Ooh a quest?! What type of quest?”

They gasped.

Lazaros: “Well? I can pay you, but… let’s hear your quest!”

He nodded.

Madelyn: “Let’s make a fun treasure hunting quest game out of it! I’ll make you a list of items with riddles to bring to me, and then you win the game and the ultimate prize!”

She chirped and beamed with excitement.

Lazaros: “Well, let’s do this then!”

He clapped his hands and wrung them.

Ashley: “Oooh, that sounds like fun!”

They beamed. Madelyn beamed, taken by surprise at their reactions.