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Frack the Cat 2: Maximum Effect
By Jen lmr

Rating: R
Pairing: Apollo/Starbuck
Feedback: jennylmr@yahoo.com

Dedication: To Max, I've always been a sucker for sad cats. And a tip of the hat to Frack (I promise not to make you soil anyone's boots this time).

Author's notes: Keep in mind that I don't always have control over the things that pop out of my twisted little head. Please be gentle.

Summary: Starbuck's feeling neglected and finds a way to get Apollo's attention.

Starbuck and Apollo were sitting in the duty office. Starbuck threw his lover a petulant look. He hated pulling office duty and he just didn't understand how Apollo could sit still for an entire duty shift. Things had been exceedingly quiet all day and Starbuck was ready to climb the walls.

He looked balefully at the wall chronometer, willing it to move faster. Still two more centars to go. Ugh!

Starbuck shot his wingmate another look, then hoping to pick a fight and hopefully liven things up a little, he commented, "Did you see that new class of cadets? Looking pretty good. I can think of a few that are looking *extremely* good."

Apollo looked up disinterestedly, "Is that right?" before turning back to whatever it was he was working on at the computer.

"Yep. Maybe I'll go down to their barracks and give them a few pointers after I get off duty. You don't mind, do you?"

"Okay by me." Apollo responded without even looking up from the computer.

Starbuck ground his teeth in frustration. Since he had moved in with Apollo several sectars ago, he'd been feeling increasingly neglected. He was not happy with the current situation at all.

It wasn't as if he always had to be the center of attention, but he certainly felt he deserved more attention than he was getting lately. If it wasn't for the sex he wasn't sure at this point if Apollo would notice him at all.

He didn't mind sharing Apollo with Boxey, and for that matter the cat, whom Starbuck still delighted in referring to as 'Frack the Cat'. It was just that lately Apollo didn't seem to notice him as much as he used to. He missed the way it was when he first moved in and Apollo couldn't even walk past him without touching him, or kissing him, or dragging him into the bedchamber and fracking...

Starbuck shook those thoughts aside at the arrival of a maintenance technician.

"Gotta check the ventilation ducts," he explained, "Been reports of strange noises. Judging by what we've seen so far, we think it's some kind of animal."

Starbuck perked up with interest. Sure it wasn't the most exciting thing to ever happen, but it was the most exciting thing to happen today.

"Need some help?" He volunteered.

"Nah. We think we have it cornered. We blocked off the other vents so the only way out for it is through this opening here." The maintenance tech responded confidently.

"What are you going to do once you catch it?" Starbuck couldn't help but notice that even Apollo looked up with some interest.

"Don't know till we find out what we're dealing with here." The tech said as he began removing the cover from the ventilation duct.

Both pilots sat watching him expectantly.

After removing the cover, the tech poked his flashlight into the vent and made a sweeping motion. Suddenly their was a loud hiss and a screech, the tech screamed and snatched his hand back, followed by a bundle of fur and claws launching itself out of the duct.

The furry blur made a couple of wild circles around the room before launching itself up onto a very startled Starbuck's lap. Recovering from the unexpected surprise, he took a good look at the bundle now shaking in his lap.

"Awwww, Pol, it's a cat!"

"I can see that," Apollo said wryly as he got up to get the first aid kit for the maintenance tech's hand.

"More like a hellcat," the tech grumbled as Apollo began helping him disinfect the row of scratches now bleeding freely on his hand.

"He's just scared. Look at him shaking." Starbuck turned his gaze to his lover, "See how cute he is. He'd make a great playmate for Frack. Don't you think?" He said, batting his eyelashes.

Apollo looked up at him as he finished helping bandage the techs hand, "I'm sure the cat belongs to somebody, it's probably just lost."

"I don't think so," the tech interrupted, "Most likely some kid found it and stuck it in the ventilation system as a prank. Been a lot of stray cats around here lately, they breed like crazy. It only takes two you know."

Starbuck brightened and Apollo gave him a withering look, to which Starbuck responded with his best pout.

"You didn't ask me when you brought Frack home."

"We weren't living together at the time. Besides you know why I brought Frack, er, the cat, home."

"And yet I still tripped over Muffit on my way to the turboflush this morning." Starbuck countered.

Seeing the makings of a fight coming on, the tech excused himself, "I'm sure you two will work it out. Enjoy your new cat." He said with a smirk towards Apollo.

Apollo glowered at the retreating form and Starbuck smiled happily. "I wonder what we should name him."

"We're not done talking about this yet. What makes you think it's a him anyway?"

Starbuck gave him a condescending look, "I have a very keen perception when it comes to sexual persuasion and the male gender, unlike *some* people," he said airily. "I think you would have picked up on that by now. We're *keeping* the cat."

"We don't even know that it will get along with Frack, I mean our cat."

"Sure he will. Just look at him," he stroked the now calming cat who promptly stood up, stretched, turned around in a circle, then settled back down into the warmth of Starbuck's lap purring loudly, achieving a maximum effect of cuteness. Starbuck looked at his lover with a longing face.

"I really don't think this is a good idea. Our quarters are crowded enough already."

"Odd. I've found them pretty lonely lately myself. At least this way I'd have someone who seems to enjoy being around me." Starbuck replied with a forlorn look.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

The blonde pilot gave his lover a pointed look, "It means we're keeping the cat."

*****

A delighted Starbuck and a grumpy Apollo arrived back at their quarters after their duty shift. The cat Starbuck had been holding in his arms immediately jumped down to the floor.

It slowly wandered about the main living area, sniffing delicately at various objects while Starbuck looked on with pleasure. Apollo flopped down on the longseat, flipped on IFB and generally ignored the new addition to the household.

Frack wasn't so inclined to ignore the new arrival. He poked his head out from Boxey's bedchamber, then came out into the living area. The two cats circled each other warily for a few moments, then moved in closer for a good, long sniff.

"Aren't they just too cute together," Starbuck cooed.

"Yeah. Cute." Apollo said without even taking his gaze off of the news show he was watching.

Starbuck gave his lover an irritated look, "I can't wait until Boxey gets home from learning period. I bet he'll be really excited."

"Mmm." Apollo grunted noncommittally.

Starbuck moved to stand directly in front of Apollo, blocking his view of the screen.

"I'm trying to watch this. Do you mind?" Apollo said making a shooing gesture.

"Yes, I mind. What is your problem lately? I can understand if you don't want to get excited over the cat, but could you at least get excited over something?"

"Such as?"

"Me, for one. Boxey won't be home for almost a centar. We have the place to ourselves. Can't you think of a better way to spend the time than watching IFB?" The blonde purred suggestively, moving to sit next to Apollo on the longseat.

"I'm really kind of tired right now."

"Tired? I'm beginning to think that it's just me that you're tired of," Starbuck snapped angrily, "If you're interested, and I doubt that you are, I'll be dining in the mess hall tonight." He bit out as he stormed out of their quarters.

Apollo sighed heavily as he watched him leave. He didn't want Starbuck upset with him, but he'd had so much on his mind lately and he just wasn't in the mood right now. Did the man think he was a machine?

He leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and sighed again. 'I suppose I better get up and figure out what I'm going to cook for the evening meal.'

"Yeouch!" Apollo's eyes shot open and he whipped his head sideways to find the new cat had jumped up on his shoulder and was now perched there staring at him. He grabbed the cat and placed him down on the floor, then got up and headed towards the kitchen. Halfway there he tripped over Frack, er, the other cat, nearly falling flat on his face. Recovering himself, he looked around to make sure he knew where Muffit was at the moment, making sure he didn't have any other surprises in store for him.

'Maybe I should just go pick up Boxey and surprise Starbuck in the mess hall? Yeah. That should make him feel better.'

He stopped long enough to pour a couple of bowls of food for the cats, who were now circling around him in a way that he wasn't entirely sure was friendly. Then he headed out the door to go meet Boxey.

*****

As the children poured out of the learning center Apollo waved Boxey over.

"Hey Dad. I didn't know you were coming."

"I thought I'd surprise you. We're going to go to the mess hall and eat there tonight."

"How come Starbuck isn't with you?" Boxey looked disappointed.

"He was a feeling a little irritable so he went on ahead. You'll see him there."

*****

Upon entering the mess hall, they spotted Starbuck sitting at a table with Boomer and Jolly. Apollo told Boxey to go on over to the table while he went and got their food.

"Hey, Starbuck. Dad said you were irritating. Are you feeling better now? Hi Boomer, hi Jolly." He chirped out as he took a seat.

Starbuck choked on his food and Jolly and Boomer tried to hold back their laughter. Recovering himself, he replied, "Hi kiddo. Where is your dad, by the way?"

"Over there," Boxey pointed, "he's getting our food."

Starbuck looked over to the direction Boxey was pointing. Apollo saw him and smiled, Starbuck gave him an icy stare in return.

'Uh oh. Looks like he's still upset. Maybe he'll be in a better mood after he's eaten.' Apollo hoped silently on his way over to the table.

He took a seat across from Starbuck after handing Boxey his tray. He could see a muscle twitching in his lover's jaw. He tried another smile but it fell flat. Turning to greet Boomer and Jolly, he couldn't help but notice that they both had suddenly taken an overwhelming interest in their plates.

Boxey chattered on happily about his day in between bites. Boomer and Jolly finished their meals quickly and mumbled something vague about somewhere pressing they had to be. Starbuck sat in stony silence for the most part, expect for the occasional comment to Boxey.

The walk back to their quarters was spent in pretty much the same manner. Starbuck's continued silence was really starting to get to Apollo. By the time they arrived at their quarter's he had completely forgotten to tell Boxey about the new cat, but was reminded by Boxey's sudden squeal of delight.

"We got another cat! I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner!" Boxey exclaimed as the cat promptly began purring loudly and rubbing against his legs.

"Yep. I thought you'd like him. He certainly puts out a maximum effort when it comes to snuggling up to people." Starbuck smiled and leaned down to stroke the cats head.

The cat nuzzled into the touch and began purring even louder.

"Yeah. We should name him Max." Boxey decreed.

"Hmmm. Max. I like it." Starbuck agreed as he continued to stroke the cat, ignoring his lover.

"What do you think, Dad?" the boy asked.

"Whatever you want to name him is fine by me." Apollo replied noncommittally. Then seeing the disgruntled look his lover shot him he amended, "It's a great name, now that I think about it."

Boxey looked up from where he and Starbuck were crouched down snuggling with the cat, "Don't you want to pet him, Dad?"

Apollo hesitated a moment then reached down to pet the cat. He snatched his had back quickly when the cat suddenly hissed at him and backed away.

Starbuck snickered, "Maybe Max thinks you're irritating."

"Boxey, why don't you take the cat to your room and start on your studies?" Apollo suggested in that way that means it's not really a question.

Boxey looked at both men suspiciously for a moment, then picked up Max. "Come on Frack," he called to the other cat.

"What?!" Green eyes shot open wide.

Boxey shrugged innocently, "That's what you and Starbuck call him."

Apollo muttered something under his breath, then, "Just go start on your studies."

Starbuck tried to hide a grin but didn't quite succeed.

"You think that's funny? What if he said that in front of his grandfather?"

"No. I don't think it's funny. Much." Starbuck stated with a put upon look, "The look on your face was pretty comical though."

"I'm glad I was able to amuse you," Apollo responded dryly.

"Well, since I don't get much amusement from you lately, I'll take what I can get."

"What's that crack supposed to mean?"

Starbuck gave him a hard look, "You figure it out. I'll be in the other room trying not to *irritate* you."

Apollo made to follow him into the bedchamber, but he found that the door was locked. After several moments of quiet pleading and getting no answer, he decided to just let Starbuck sulk for awhile and come out on his own.

He figured by the time he took a hot turbowash, his lover would be more willing to talk. He just wished he knew what he gotten him into such a snit lately. As he made his way to the turbowashroom, he saw Max poke his head out of Boxey's door. The cat sat looking at him with what he could have sworn was a glare if he didn't know better, then he stuck his chin up and retreated back into Boxey's room.

*****

Apollo emerged from the turbowash feeling much better. He didn't know exactly why his lover was so angry with him, but he was more than willing to make the first move to make up. 'Maybe it's because I wasn't in the mood earlier. I think I'll take him some ambrosa and see if we can indulge in some vigorous make up sex.'

He went over to the cabinet where they kept the ambrosa and glasses. "Aaaahhhh!" He almost jumped out of his skin as two cats jumped up, one after the other, on the opened cabinet shelf in rapid succession and then back down again, chasing each other around the living area.

Both Starbuck and Boxey poked their heads out of their bedchamber doors to see what the shouting was about.

"Those cats almost scared me half to death!" Apollo exclaimed breathlessly, clutching at the towel around his waist.

"Geez, Dad. You think you'd be used to having a cat around by now." Boxey rolled his eyes and went back into his room.

Starbuck shook his head and turned to go back into the bedchamber. Seeing his opportunity Apollo quickly rushed over and pushed his way into the room before his lover could lock him out again. He could have sworn he heard that cat hiss at him again.

"Don't you think locking me out of our bedchamber is just a little childish?"

"Oh, so now I'm childish and irritating!" Starbuck said, retreating farther into the room.

"No. Locking me out is childish behavior, and I never said that you irritate me. What gave you that idea?"

"Don't play dumb with me. Boxey told me what you said!"

"What I said? I never said anything about you being irritating." Apollo looked confused, then smacked his forehead as he remembered, "No. I told him that you were irritable. Not irritating."

Starbuck studied his lover's face for a moment before deciding he was being sincere. "That still doesn't explain why you practically ignore me lately."

"I haven't been ignoring you. I love you. You're the most important person in my life."

"You could have fooled me. Every time I try to talk to you, you seem so distant. It's like you can't even be bothered with me. I get more attention from the cats."

"That couldn't be farther from the truth. I've just had so much on my mind lately, what with work and other things."

"Things that are more important than me obviously."

"I'm sorry if it seemed that way, but you know what an idiot I can be sometimes." Apollo soothed.

"I'll say." Starbuck said, his voice softening, "So are you planning on paying more attention to me from now on?"

"More than that, I'll give you so much attention you'll get sick of me." Apollo held out his arms. "Forgive me?"

"Always, you big jerk." Starbuck melted into his lover's arms and gave him a kiss filled with longing, "And I'd never get sick of you." He pulled the towel off of Apollo in one quick move.

"Hold on a micron. I want to get something." Apollo said as he pulled away and headed towards the dresser.

Starbuck assumed he was going to get the supplies and hurriedly began removing his clothes.

Apollo returned holding a small box, which he then placed into his love's hand. "Open it." He said when Starbuck just stood there giving him a puzzled look.

Starbuck opened the box and inside was a matched set of gold rings. "I hope these aren't for my ears."

Apollo chuckled briefly, "Of course not. One of the things I've had on my mind so much lately is, well, I love you so much and, well, I was hoping you and I, you know." He gave him a pleading look.

Starbuck took pity on him and gave him a passionate kiss, when they broke apart long enough he whispered, "The answer is yes, and that's the most romantic proposal any man has ever given me."

"Let me guess. I'm the only man who's proposed to you, aren't I?" Apollo whispered back.

"True. But I was trying to make you feel good. You get extra points for effort though."

"If you want to make me feel good, I can think of a better way for you to do it than that."

"You're sure you aren't too tired?" Starbuck teased as he rubbed his groin against his lover's.

"For you. I'll make the extra effort."

"I expect you to make more than an effort." Starbuck growled as he tackled him onto the bed.

*****

It was over a centar before the two warriors emerged from their bedchamber.

"It's about time," Boxey said, "I've been waiting for one of you to check over my lessons. Didn't you hear me knocking on the door?"

Starbuck decided he suddenly had to use the turboflush and made himself scarce.

"Uh, yeah. We were kind of busy. Didn't you hear me tell you that we'd be out in a little while?"

"You did not. Don't try to fool me. I know what busy means in grown up talk." Boxey rolled his eyes.

"You do?" Apollo asked with a panicked look on his face.

"Yeah. It means that you want to be alone."

"Oh." He breathed a sigh of relief. "Come on over to the kitchen table and I'll check your lessons for you." Apollo changed the subject.

*****

In the kitchen, Apollo made short work of checking the lessons. He was anxious to get back to his lover and break the good news to Boxey about the sealing.

They entered the living area to find Starbuck on the longseat, the two cats snuggled up on his lap, and Muffit sitting on the floor by his feet.

Boxey immediately went over, sat down next to Starbuck, and started petting the cats.

"Boxey, Starbuck and I have something we want to tell you. Starbuck, do you mind setting the cats down?"

"What for?" the blonde gave him a puzzled look.

Apollo looked uncomfortable, "I really don't think Max cares too much for me?"

"Why ever would you think that?" Still puzzled.

"He hisses at me, and jumps out at me, and he gives me dirty looks."

Boxey and Starbuck burst out laughing. "The cat gives you dirty looks?" they chorused.

"Well, maybe not dirty looks, but he looks at me funny."

This was greeted by a round of fresh laughter.

"Don't be ridiculous! Get over here and sit down. Boxey is waiting to hear our news."

Apollo reluctantly moved over to the longseat. When Max didn't make any threatening moves, Apollo hesitantly sat down.

"Aaaaaahhhh!" Apollo yelped as Max immediately jumped onto his lap. He laughed self-consciously when all Max did was cuddled up to him and rub his head against him.

"See. He likes you." Starbuck grinned.

"He didn't seem to like me much before."

"Maybe he was just mad at you."

"Don't be silly, he's a cat."

Starbuck and Boxey exchanged a look that said 'some people just don't get it.' Then Boxey spoke up, "What's the news you wanted to tell me?"

Apollo broke into a blinding smile, "Starbuck and I are going to get sealed."

"You mean my dad finally worked up the nerve to ask you?" Boxey asked Starbuck.

"Almost. I kind of helped him out a little."

Boxey grinned, "I thought so. I'm glad you two are finally getting sealed. Dad can be a little slow about things sometimes."

"I'm beginning to feel a little picked on here. First the cat, now you two."

"Poor baby," Starbuck leaned in for a hug and a kiss. They barely noticed when Boxey groaned, "Yuck," then left the room.

*****

Later in the evening, after they had both tucked Boxey in for the night, the two lover's sat close to each other on the longseat, quietly sipping ambrosa.

"I really am sorry that you were feeling ignored." Apollo murmured sincerely.

"I know. I already forgave you." Starbuck whispered, nuzzling his love's neck.

"You're too good to me."

"I know." He placed a line of small kisses along his lover's jaw.

"You're not supposed to agree."

"I think I have the right to rub it in a little." He purred, licking a tender earlobe.

"Speaking of rubbing..." Apollo said as moved to straddle Starbuck's legs.

A flurry of movement on the other side of the room caught both of their attention.

"What are those two doing?" Apollo asked, staring over at the two cats.

"Following our example?" Starbuck suggested.

"Well, we know Max is definitely a male. I'm not so sure anymore about Frack though."

"What? You've never heard of two males hopelessly falling in love with each other and having hot sex?"

"Good point." Apollo moaned and turned his attention back to his lover.

The End