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There she was again. Her fur, lovely fur of dark brown...almost black...speckled throughout with ginger and brown drops of color. Her paws, small and petite, padded silently as she trotted down the sidewalk. Her tail, twirling and sensual, was held high behind her. A bright pink collar hung loosely around her neck.

The Rum Tum Tugger could only watch for the moment in fascination as the beautiful cat strolled unknowingly toward him. His tail lashed behind him in anticipation as he watched, calculating just the right moment before stepping out onto the sidewalk.

"Hiya!" he exclaimed as the startled cat jumped backwards. She quickly recovered her wits, and smiled sweetly.

"Well, hello," she said. Her voice was sweet and clear, reminding Tugger of ringing bells and singing birds. "I do apologize...I'm afraid I wasn't watching where I was going."

Tugger shrugged and flicked his tail into her face, making her giggle and playfully swipe at it. "Aw, it don't matter. What's your name?"

"Amberose," she said. "Who might you be, sir?"

Amberose, Tugger thought. Lovely. He struck a theatrical pose and bowed. "The Rum Tum Tugger, but most call me Tugger. Mind if I walk with you awhile?"

"Not at all," she held out a civil paw for him to shake. "I'm on my way to my human's dwelling. Perhaps we could share supper?"

In a heartbeat, Tugger grinned as he thought to himself. Side by side, the two cats strolled down the sidewalk, past deserted alleys and sweet-smelling diners. Tugger was quite enjoying himself when an odd scent came to him. He halted, sniffing the air, drawing a curious glance from her.

"Something the matter?" she asked. Tugger cocked his ears and looked curiously around.

"Hmm...just thought I smelled something. This is near your home, right? Tell me, are there any toms around?"

Amberose shook her head. "No, not since last night."

"Funny," Tugger mumbled to himself as they continued walking. "I could have sworn I smelled a tom nearby."

She shook her head. "No. Besides you...and myself...I've seen no other toms."

Tugger halted in his tracks, fixing Amberose with a wide-eyed stare. "Huh? Tom?"

Amberose smiled again. "I am the only tom who lives in this area. I was hoping to find my mate soon... she should be at the house."

Tugger all but exploded. "You mean you're a TOM???!!!"

Amberose looked at him in incomprehension. "Why yes. Why does it surprise you?"

Tugger shook his head, slowly taking a step back from this strange cat. "Well, er, ahem...no offense, but...you seem in every way a queen."

Amberose sighed and chuckled in one sound, looking to the ground. "Ah. Well, that is rather embarrassing, really. It all came about because of what my human did to me. Rather silly."

Tugger looked the half-tom up and down. "Uh...I just remembered...I hafta go. See ya!"

The end