(Untitled)

[lastof_five]

Helen had always loved cats. She tried to keep that in mind as she stood at the base of a tree just off the path leading up to the Compound, her own cat thoroughly stuck in the branches and yowling to get down. Of course, today was the day that she'd worn heels and a smart dress that had come with her from home and even with the shoes off, she was

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[worldisburning]

"Not in so many words, but I do climb trees better than you, boss," says Gale, flashing a grin as he offers her his hand to help her to her feet, head tilted on one side. He glances up at the tree.

"I'll get it."

[lastof_five]

"It's just as well, Gale. Austen likes men better anyway."

Helen was slightly embarrassed it was one of her employees come to rescue her but Gale wasn't so terrible a person to happen upon her in less than perfect form. She liked him, found him both competent and pleasant in personality, and she hoped he wouldn't tease her too terribly for falling out of a tree in front of him.

[worldisburning]

"Of course she does," he says, flashing Helen the slightly cheeky smile that she's no doubt used to by now. He sets down his bow in the grass and shrugs out of his quiver.

"Okay, Austen," he says, putting his hands to the tree and starting to haul himself higher. "I'm coming up."

[lastof_five]

"Here's hoping she's more fond of you than me," Helen said, slightly put out that her cat seemed desperate to do things to annoy her. Still, she loved the creature more than anything and hence, she'd gone through a terrible amount of trouble to try and get her back and safe.

She was gone on a stupid bloody cat. It was ridiculous. Will would laugh at her for hours when she told him.

[worldisburning]

"If she's anything like Katniss' sister's cat, I'm screwed," says Gale, grinning. He's always felt at home in trees and this is a good one to climb. He pulls himself up onto the right branch and sits for a minute.

"What do you say, Austen? Want to make it easy for me?"

[lastof_five]

The cat, for her part, tilted her head and made a soft meow. No hissing, no scratching.

"It looks like she intends to behave, Gale. I would take advantage of that."

[worldisburning]

Not making any sudden moves, Gale reaches out and snags the cat by the scruff of the neck and brought her to sit in his lap.

"There you go, Austen. All better."

[lastof_five]

"Thus proving yet again that Austen only likes men," Helen quipped, grinning a little up at Gale. "I owe you something to make up for that. Would a drink at the Hub suffice? Or a day off? You're really in a position to ask for most of anything you might want."

[worldisburning]

"You don't have to give me a day off," says Gale, grinning down at her, swinging his booted feet. "I wouldn't say no to a drink, though."

[lastof_five]

"A drink it is," Helen said, beaming as he held the cat. Austen was contentedly purring now, glad to be down, and Helen was half inclined to name Gale a miracle worker and dare anyone to challenge it. "Free, yes, but nonetheless satisfying?"

[worldisburning]

Keeping Austen close against his chest in the crook of one arm, Gale slides down out of the tree until both of his boots are on solid ground again.

"Absolutely satisfying."