"Is it almost done yet?!"
"I mean. . it's GETTING there" Marvin shrugged, "Asking about it every fucking 5 MINUTES isn't going to make it go any FASTER, CHASE!" He suddenly yelled at him with an eye roll, "This is half why I stay in here most of the the time and why you guys aren't allowed in usually"
They were all in Marvin's room watching him to see if he needed help and just in case he suddenly finished faster than anticipated.
That wasn't going to happen.
Chase put up his arms in defense, "Well I'm sorry but it just seems like it's taking forever!"
Marvin groaned, "It seems that way because it IS! fUCKING HELL! It took me literal MONTHS to make this before, goddammit!"
Henrik peeked into the cauldron, "But didn't you say you've been working on it since Anti's little accident? Technically, zhat was a about a month ago now"
"Ughhhhh" Marvin groaned, "I'm trying my best, guys. Fuuuuuuuck. I haven't slept in fucking days."
Jackie sighed, "I still can't believe the cat was really Anti the entire time. No wonder he was a psychopath . . . .wait. . . . he really DIDN'T hurt himself running around that one night when he grabbed my mask, did he?"
Marvin looked a little sheepish, ". . .No. He thought it'd be funny and he wanted revenge on you because you called him a bad cat and that BB was better than him"
Chase snorted.
Jameson looked like he was chuckling behind his hands.
Jackie blinked, "Little motherfucker. . . . ."
"In all fairness, though, he didn't actually mean to puke on your mask. He just got too excited"
"He deserved it, then" Jackie shook his head, ". . . . I hope he's okay"
Marvin threw in the next ingredient, "It won't be long now. I'm hurrying"
Henrik's phone suddenly went off and checked the caller ID, "It's Dr. Iplier. I don't know if I should answer it"
"Why" Jackie asked, "You two get in another fight again about ethical practices?"
Henrik shrugged, "No. It's just zhat finding Anti is more important right now"
"You heard Marv" Chase sighed, "It'll still be a while. Go ahead and take the call, dude"
Henrik nodded and walked out of the room to take it, "Iplier."
"Schneep. . . ." Dr. Iplier spoke on the other end, "I have a question for you."
Henrik snorted, "So long as it's not an ethical one"
"No problems there" Dr. Iplier chuckled on the other side, "I was going to call Marvin and ask but he's not answering his phone"
"Yes, he's busy with something important. Vhat did you want to ask?"
"Well, we recently picked up a stray cat. Dark found him, believe it or not. I was wondering if Marvin knew of anything that would make him feel more comfortable here. He recently met Dark Chica, you see"
"Oh shit" Henrik had a strange feeling but shook it off, "Zhat's not good. Is it okay?"
"Yes. He's fine. A little shaken up but otherwise physically alright." Dr. Iplier took a breathe, "Dark likes to think he knows everything but . . . . he's the one that tried introducing the cat to her. The poor thing was terrified. Luckily I was there to break them up"
Henrik sighed, "Zhat is good. Actually, I'd recommend getting some toys. It vill help distract him. Maybe a scratching post. Treats. Tunnels. Zhat sort of thing. Living with a cat-lover, you learn some zhings here and zhere"
"Sounds great. Thanks, Hen. I'll see what I can do and I'll let you know if any of it works"
"Vhat is the little guy's name if I may ask?"
"Dark named him Void but we all have our own little names for him. Wilford calls him Mr. Snuggles"
"Zhat is nice. We're actually looking for a cat we lost a . . . about a week ago now or so."
"Oh, that's awful. I hope you find them. I wish you good luck. . . I thought Jackie didn't like cats? He let you guys get one?"
Henrik didn't want to say too much on the matter and cleared his throat, "He's a softie at heart, you know. Anyway, I better let you go. Good luck vith your own cat."
"Yes, you too. Thanks. Bye"
"Good-bye mein friend"
After hanging up, Henrik hummed, deep in thought, 'No, it couldn't possibly. . . . no, zhey live in LA across the world. Zhere is no way it's Anti. It's just a coincidence'
Meanwhile, Dr. Iplier had Yandere and Eric go to the local pet store and get their own cat some distractions.
Until they find his real home, that is.
None of them still realized that Illinois had taken down all the flyers and Wilford never told anyone.
Yandere splurged, getting a few tunnels and a huge cat tower and scratching post. Toys galore and even a bag of catnip.
Of course, Google had to set up the cat tower but he didn't mind all that much with Anti walking around investigating what was happening.
'What is that? Is that for me?'
Anti curled up in Google's lap while he put it together. He was a mild annoyance but Google challenged himself, telling himself he could still do it even with a cat in his lap. He was better than a human, after all. He could do it.
When it was done, Anti got up on it and instinctively scratched on the post. It felt so good on his claws and he purred and scratched like hell.
Nearly the whole family came into the living room to watch Anti explore and check out all the goodies they had for him.
He was overwhelmed.
And then the catnip came out.
That scent.
He had never smelled anything like it before.
Euphoria.
Anti launched himself at one of the Jims who were opening the bag and buried his face into the herb bag.
"Whoa, easy there!"
No. No way.
Anti's eyes went wide and he proceeded to get the zoomies, running around like crazy and pouncing and crab walking. Everyone was very amused.
And then he crashed out and relaxed on his back on his new tower.
Like a king.
Bing laughed at him, "Dude's high as fuck, man. We should refill his food dish. Little man's gonna get the munchies"
Magnum rubbed Anti's belly fur and cooed at him and honestly, Anti couldn't have cared less.
Really, he had forgotten all about his traumatic experience with Dark Chica and was living the good life. Spoiled and loved.
Dr. Iplier rubbed his little head and smiled, "I guess Hen's right about SOME things some time, huh?"
Anti's eyes widened, 'Wait. . . what? Did he just say 'Hen'?'
