four hundred and twenty leaves

Not long after they’d moved in to this new home, his people had started a garden in the backyard. At first, Cheddar paid no mind to it seeing as though it was just a bunch of plants, but around a week ago on a sunny day like today, he’d accidentally fallen off of the tall fence and into the garden. Of course, he’d quickly figured out that the garden, or at least a portion of it, was a truly magical place. The plant that he’d fallen into was unlike any other that he’d come in contact with before, which wasn’t very many to begin with. The jagged leaves had an odd scent to them that seemed to get stuck in the roof of his mouth and after nibbling on a few, the plump housecat felt a strong wave of relaxation wash over him and it was like nothing he’d ever experienced.

He continued to return to the mysterious plant time and time again, but unfortunately his people had caught him one evening and scolded him for what he assumed was for being in the garden. He didn’t understand why they’d want to keep him from the little box of greenery, seeing as though he thoroughly enjoyed himself when he ate them. But it was no matter, for the tom couldn’t be bothered to never return, and that’s exactly what he did.


Jumping over the fence that guarded the precious area, the flame point marched over to the magic leaves and sat down in the spot he always did; the one that was flatted down by his large rump. Placing his legs out in front of him like how the people did, he let out a relaxed sigh as he sat back and began to pick at the lovely leaves. After a few moments his mind began to grow foggy, as it usually did, but he decided to start counting the leaves, just for fun. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been counting, but he could’ve sworn he’d tallied at least four hundred and twenty leaves, though now that he tried to think harder on it, he couldn’t remember for the life of him. Well, it didn’t matter anyway. However many leaves it was it sure was a lot, and someday he’d most likely eat all of them.

Flopping over onto his back with some of the leaflets stuck between his teeth, Cheddar rolled over and stretched his legs out and gave a big, slow yawn. Now this, this, was the life.

Peach decided not to go to the territories that day, though she did gaze over her fence towards the direction of them. She flicked her ginger and brown tail over her dainty white paws. Staying in the neighbourhood didn't mean no exploration, though! She could explore, fence to fence, maybe meeting new cats? Her mother, Sherbet, was still inside, and Peach could see her relaxed expression through the window. Sherbet wasn't an outdoor cat... Which she did find a little odd, seeing as her mother was more related to the clans than she was.

Blinking back at her pale-furred parent, she got up and walked along the fences that connected almost every home that she knew of... Of course she didn't know of many homes, but the ones she did know were connected by that fence, and that's all that really mattered. As she was passing by, she saw mostly indoor cats, the animals that were outdoor were dogs, and she'd rather not mess with them.

Finally, a scent caught her nose. She had to pause for a moment before she recognised it. Catnip! Peach sped up a little, keeping her paws on the fence before she reached the home where the scent was coming in.

She had never seen so much before.

Rolling in the leaves was a cat she didn't recognise. A large, flame-pointed tom, paws stretched. He seemed like he was enjoying himself. Peach didn't jump down yet, she supposed she might just ask for permission before jumping down into the leaves. "Hi! I see you've got some catnip down there!" She didn't exactly know if the tom knew what catnip was, he probably did, but she only knew it's name because of her twolegs.

Relaxed and at peace with the world, a cat's sudden voice made the plump kittypet's ears perk up. Turning his cross-eyed gaze up towards the voice, he spotted a stranger, a kittypet seeing as though she wore a collar like him, standing atop the wooden fence above him. Catnip, so this was what it was called. The name was certainly fitting for the wonderful plant. "Yeah!" Cheddar purred to the she-cat above. "You should join me!" he added swiping at the plant with a big fluffy paw. He was always happy to make friends and he certainly had plenty to share.

Nibbling on another leaf, he moved his gaze down and just so happened to spot another cat, one that didn't wear a collar and stood outside of the fence line. He wasn't the best when it came to scents nor did he know many cats in the area, so maybe this was one of those 'crew' cats, or was it 'clan?' Well, either way he was more than happy to meet them, though he wasn't about to be bothered to move from his lovely spot in the sun. "You can have some too, if ya want," he mewed to the lurking cat, hoping they were able to hear him. If they wanted to come over great, if not then it meant more for him!