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“Scintilating Peachwoodrose or Revitalizing Mint Scrub?” Emily asked herself quietly, holding two shining bottles up to the light. The muted sound of running water could be heard in the bedroom as wisps of steam escaped through the bathroom door. Everything was just about ready for them. She gave her final choices some serious consideration, as this decision could have a very profound effect on their relationship. This was going to be an important first, and it wouldn’t do to start out smelling badly. Perhaps it would be a good idea to ask the other party involved?

Turning to the creature lounging on her bed, Emily asked, “Mr. Monty, which scent do you prefer, peach or mint?” At first she had considered simply shaving her new cat, as his shedding would no doubt bother Miss Mindy’s allergies. But her sainted mistress was kind enough to allow Mr. Monty to keep all his fur, provided Emily kept him very, very clean. The cat in question had not been made aware of this agreement, or the danger his rather lovely fur had been in prior to it.

The little maid stared at the indolent cat-thing on her bed, waiting for the answer that never came. A step closer, and she was looming above him. Well, if he had no preference...

In one terribly efficient motion, Emily dropped the mint shampoo and scooped up the cat with the freed hand. "I believe the peachwoodrose will suit very well," she stated, as she walked to the bathroom door and threw it open. Stepping into the clouds of steam, the girl closed the door firmly behind her. She set the shampoo down on a stool and held her new cat up with both hands. "Now, Mr. Monty," she began with a small, affectionate smile, "I haven't had time to get any cat supplies just yet." She paused, and at the thought of pet shopping her smile widened enough to flash him a bit of dimple, "and we'll fix that as soon as possible. But for now we'll just have to make due with what we have here."

What they had there was a cat suspended over a tub full of soap-y bubbles, and a few rubber duckies bobbing about innocently. In her secret heart of hearts, Emily had always wanted a cat. Or a komodo dragon. Or a shark. Actually, she had owned a shark, but she was determined not to allow Mr. Monty to experience the same tragic fate.

One could say that the cat's vocal protests were misheard, and physical struggle was interpreted as an eagerness to get in. But the reality of the situation was that while Mr. Monty's input on shampoo selection would be met with thoughtful regard, his opinion about the actual bath was terribly unimportant. It was going to happen, and Emily was going to make it happen.

Ignoring the scratches along her arms, Emily freed one hand in order to remove her pet's scarf. That was going to be washed as well, but could wait until after.

"Mr. Monty, if you want to remain intact," she stressed the word, gruesome implications dancing behind her eyes, "it's important that we keep you clean. And we will have none of that a**s licking business, either." And with that she held her wonderful new pet over the tub and let him drop.

Frowning at the damage the bathtub was taking, Emily wondered if she should just him into the shower with her next time. They would have to discuss it later, though, as the cat was apparently in a bit of a snit. Leaning down, she replied, "I know how cats clean themselves and it is not acceptable. Now," she continued, calmly pouring some shampoo into her hand, "you could have chosen the other shampoo, but you did not. So today you'll just have to live with this one. Tomorrow we can try the other one, or I'll purchase something else that better suits you."

As she started reaching down to lather him up, Emily decided that, in all fairness, he should know his other option. "Or..." she began reluctantly, "...we can shave it all off." She really hoped he decided against the shaving, though. He really was a lovely cat, and both she and Miss Mindy would be terribly disappointed if he chose to go the more freakish route.

While she had ignored those claws more than a few times during their brief acquaintanceship, Emily decided it would be better to make something of a tactical retreat in the face or Mr. Monty's current mood. Lips set in a firm line, she stood up and took several steps back and considered the cat in question.

"If you want, next time you can take a shower with me." Perhaps it was the depth of the water that bothered him so. "But," she continued, turning to grab something out of a cupboard, "right now, you will be cleaned. Thoroughly."

She turned back, holding both the shampoo and a new bottle. "Now, Mr. Monty," Emily began. "Which scent do you prefer, peach or Nair?"

If shaving was not to be considered? Well. Never let it be said that Emily wasn't perfectly willing to compromise.

Beaming at the cat, she just knew he would see reason, Emily responded with a, “Very good Mr. Monty.” Leaving the shampoo and Nair to the side, she carefully reached down to gently massage some more bath soap into his fur. As she did, the little maid continued to chat softly, “Miss Mindy likes everything to be clean, and I like to keep everything clean. I refuse to do things only halfway or only when it’s convenient, so we need to figure out a way to go about this without such a big fuss next time.”

She began to softly rub behind his ears. “Since you are quite out of the ordinary, I suppose it’s possible for you to clean yourself,” she conceded, “but it will have to be to human standards. I was serious before. Regular cat cleaning will not suffice.” She paused, considering how best persuade him. So far, the cat had proven to be something of a stubborn case. In the Lee Household, the staff had learned over time that it was best for everyone involved just to listen to her. And if they didn’t, she would simply take matters into her own hands.

“If you do this…and properly I’ll do my best to reward you. Treats, toys, and tasks. If I can grant your requests, and Miss Mindy doesn’t mind, I will.” She pulled the plug on the tub, and began filling a small bowl with clean, warm water for rinsing him off. “All you have to do is keep yourself clean, pass a sniff test, and submit to a daily brushing.”

Emily felt both a little proud of herself for coming up with the offer, and a little worried. She didn't want him to hate her. Just the thought of that made her look away from him, wilting just the slightest bit.

In response, Emily dumped the bowl of water over his head, rinsing off the soap bubbles in one efficient move. “It’s a deal,” she answered, smiling softly as she grabbed a big fluffy towel and scooped the cat up. This was going to work, and not just the bathing business. Their relationship was still in it’s very beginning stages, and they were still getting to know each other, but Emily was sure she could make things turn out alright. This chance had been given to her, by both Miss Mindy and Mr. Monty, and she was going to put every bit of effort she had into not failing either of them.

“Would you prefer to be towel dried or would you like me to use the blow dryer?”