Chapter Text
Outside Reactions
Over the years, the small group of friends had changed and grown, both in age and in numbers. Munkustrap and Demeter had danced together first, only a few years after they had come of age, which had surprised absolutely no one. The second pair to become mates had been Alonzo and Cassandra, which had been the same year that Coricopat and Tantomile, the psychic twins, had joined the tribe. Rumpleteazer had immediately taken a liking to the quiet tom, and the group knew that it was only a matter of time before they danced together.
“Daddy, is it okay if I go visit Jelly with Cettie and Ellie?” Jemima asked, looking at her father with wide eyes. Munkustrap smiled fondly at his daughter and rubbed her fur.
“Of course.” He said. Jemima beamed and ran off excitedly. Jemima had been born to Munkustrap and Demeter a year after their mating, and that same year, Jennyanydots had two more kittens of her own, Electra and Etcetera. Needless to say, the trio of queens had been joined at the hip since birth. The older cats watched as the queens were joined by Pouncival and Tumblebrutus, two young toms their age who had stumbled into the Junkyard two years prior, all skin and bones. They had immediately been taken in by Jellylorum and Asparagus, providing Jemima, Electra, and Etcetera with two more best friends.
Bombalurina stretched out between her sisters with a lazy yawn. “Has anyone seen Tugger or Mistoffelees today?”
“I haven’t, no.” Victoria said, snuggled up beside Plato. They were the two cats who were going to be dancing at the upcoming Ball, and Mistoffelees had been absolutely elated for his sister. Since their arrival at the Junkyard, Victoria and Plato had been shyly interacting until they reached adulthood. Once old enough, it was again no surprise to the tribe when they began to interact with one another and announce their future mating dance.
“There’s Tugger.” Cassandra said, nodding across the Junkyard to where the maine coon was quickly being surrounded by eager kittens. Tugger simply laughed and greeted each kitten, pausing to give Jemima a special hug and a nuzzle on the head, making Jemima beam brightly.
Demeter cocked her head. “That’s interesting. No Mistoffelees.”
“Afternoon, Tugs!” Munkustrap called as his brother approached them.
“Afternoon, everyone!” Tugger replied. He winked at Bombalurina. “Afternoon, Bombs. You’re looking beautiful, as always.” Bombalurina gave him a sly look.
“Thank you, Tugger.” She replied smoothly. Rumpleteazer glanced behind the tom and spotted Mistoffelees near the kittens, smiling slightly as they wrestled. The black tom glanced over to them, and his smile faded for the slightest instant when he saw Tugger flirting with Bombalurina. Rumpleteazer looked away and saw Munkustrap watching Mistoffelees as well. She met eyes with the Protector, and Munkustrap simply shook his head.
“Now, as lovely as it is to be in the presence of such beautiful queens, I must ask if you’ve seen my dear friend Mistoffelees anywhere.” Tugger said, tucking his thumbs into his belt. “Our human’s birthday is coming up, and I wanted to figure something out with him.”
“He’s over by Old Deuteronomy’s tire.” Mungojerrie said, and Tugger spun around to see his friend now perched on the tire. A wide grin appeared on the tom’s face and he left the group, rushing over to the tire and draping himself over the smaller tom, chattering away excitedly. Mistoffelees simply rolled his eyes fondly as he continued looking through a small box, the tom’s ever-present soft smile on his face.
“Everlasting Cat, he’s so dense.” Rumpleteazer remarked as soon as Tugger was out of earshot. Munkustrap groaned, falling backwards.
“I don’t know how much more of this I can stand.” He said.
Victoria sighed. “Misto’s just as bad. I see the glances Tugger sends him, and how he looks at him when he’s not watching.” Demeter simply laughed at her mate’s anguish.
“They’ll figure it out someday, Straps.” She said sympathetically.
Munkustrap looked at the gold queen, unimpressed. “They have the same human, Dem! They den right next to each other when they’re in the Junkyard!”
“I heard Uncle Bustopher tell Misto he would approve of Tugger as a mate if Misto ever chose him.” Victoria added in with a slight giggle, and Munkustrap groaned again in annoyance.
“They also shared their Third Names with each other!” He exclaimed, and his friends stifled their laughter. “I’m going to lock them up together.”
Demeter rolled her eyes. “No, you won’t, Straps.” Munkustrap sat up, his face dead serious as he looked at the amused faces around him.
“If they don’t realize it by the next Ball I might.”
Bombalurina straightened, a glint in her eye. “Then I have an idea.”
“Bomba…” Demeter said slowly.
“I promise it’s a good idea!” Bombalurina protested, raising her paws defensively. “Just a little nudge for both of them!”
“What’s your idea?” Plato asked.
“Encourage the kittens to be more excited over Tugger’s song. Teazer and I can fawn a bit more too.” Bombalurina said, and her sister nodded eagerly.
Victoria glanced at Plato, who simply gave her a grin. “I can too. Besides, Misto knows Plato and I will be dancing, so he’s bound to get a little annoyed.”
Mungojerrie laughed slightly. “Cettie and Ellie won’t need any convincing to get even more excited over Tugger.”
Munkustrap frowned slightly. “Are you sure this will work, Bomba? I don’t want to push them apart.”
“I’m positive. If he doesn’t realize it by the time Tori and Plato dance, I’ll talk some sense into Tugger.” Bombalurina said firmly. The red queen knew, however, that as soon as Mistoffelees saw Tugger gaining extra attention from the queens, he’d begin to realize that there was something he felt for Tugger. Bombalurina just wanted her friends to be happy, and if she had to plan it secretly, then by the Everlasting Cat, she’d do it.
The Jellicle Ball
The Jellicle Ball had begun. Mistoffelees had danced through Jenny’s song, and he had tried not to laugh at the look of kitten-like excitement on Munkustrap’s face as they danced together. He tried again not to laugh when Tugger suddenly showed up, and the look of exasperation Munkustrap had shot his younger brother. Of course, Tugger kicking a ball at his head didn’t exactly make Mistoffelees the happiest cat, and he had tried to get back at his friend by calling him a terrible bore, but Tugger had simply grinned and winked at him. Mistoffelees retreated back to the car, where Skimbleshanks, Asparagus, Jenny, and Jelly were watching and shaking their heads. Mistoffelees watched as Tugger sang and danced, soaking in the adoration of the squealing queens around him. Victoria was amongst them, sticking by Rumpleteazer’s side, but Plato didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he was dancing with Pouncival and Tumblebrutus to Tugger’s song and looking like he was having the time of his life. Mistoffelees watched as Tugger danced with Bombalurina and why did his heart hurt so much watching Tugger flirt with her? Why did it hurt seeing him tease the queens and be fawned over and holy Heaviside did Tugger just drop Bomba? Mistoffelees started out of his thoughts at the sight of his friend dropping the red queen, his eyes widening slightly.
Bombalurina, meanwhile, was slightly annoyed that the maine coon had dropped her, but she had been catching glimpses of Mistoffelees’ face throughout the song, and she saw the slight frown, as well as the tiny glimpse of hurt in his eyes, and she knew it was working. Of course, Bombalurina hated seeing Mistoffelees sad, or any of her friends for that matter, but she knew that if the plan went well, Tugger and Mistoffelees would be much happier.
Mistoffelees slid off the car and began walking away from the Ball to go and retrieve his uncle, but he paused at the sudden silence that filled the Junkyard. He turned and froze, seeing an old cat walking out of the shadows. Tugger hissed and flicked his mane, eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of his mother. Only Mistoffelees saw the pain in his eyes, pain that was mirrored in Munkustrap’s eyes as he guided the kittens away from Grizabella. The old queen saw Mistoffelees and approached him, but Munkustrap stepped in front of the younger tom, giving his mother a look. As Grizabella looked at the cats, who were all turning away from her, Mistoffelees stepped back, glancing towards Tugger, who was hiding in the shadows as Grizabella began to sing. Mistoffelees wanted nothing more than to run at his friend and hug him and comfort him. He wanted to grab Tugger and bring him home or their hideout because Mistoffelees knew Tugger best, and he was the one who knew how Tugger felt about his mother, just like Tugger knew all of Mistoffelees’ secrets and oh… oh that’s what that feeling is. Heart pounding so loudly he could hear it in his ears, Mistoffelees ran off to bring Bustopher to the Junkyard.
“Hello, Mistoffelees!” Bustopher said jovially, and the tom had to smile slightly.
“Hello, Uncle.” He replied. “Grizabella’s just shown up, so I think you’ll be a welcome distraction for everyone.”
Bustopher’s eyes widened slightly as he walked with his nephew back towards the main area. “Really? That is surprising. I don’t imagine Rum Tum Tugger and Munkustrap were very happy about that.” Mistoffelees shook his head.
“Not at all.” He replied. The two toms entered the main area and the Ball resumed; the tense atmosphere created by Grizabella’s appearance dissipating.
Tugger and Mistoffelees found themselves within the drainpipe after Bustopher’s song, hearing Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer singing their own praises proudly.
“Are you okay?” Mistoffelees asked, looking at his friend.
Tugger sighed. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen her in so long. I don’t know how to feel.”
“It’s okay to feel upset, Tugs. You’re allowed to feel sad once in a while.” Mistoffelees said, pressing his shoulder against Tugger’s. The maine coon gave him a smile that made Mistoffelees’ heart skip a beat. It was obvious to him now, looking at the larger cat. He never imagined that after meeting as kittens, Tugger would become his best friend, or become one of four cats who knew his secret. He remembered the feeling of terror and fear when Tugger found out about his magic. Mistoffelees remembered the intense relief he felt when Tugger simply shrugged and told him his name. Tugger had immediately accepted his secrets and had told Mistoffelees his in return, and Mistoffelees knew that no matter what happened after the Ball, he’d have Tugger as his friend and as a housemate.
Tugger studied the smaller tom as Mistoffelees looked up at him. The words he wanted to say became caught in his throat, and before he knew it was too late, with Mistoffelees rushing off after sensing Old Deuteronomy’s presence. Tugger sighed and stood, moving to stand on the tire and sing with his brother about their father. Old Deuteronomy gave him a warm smile, and Tugger felt the same rush of happiness he always had as a kitten whenever his father showed him his never-ending affection. Old Deuteronomy knew Tugger. He knew how his son’s flamboyant and dramatic exterior only hid the hurt and pain from his mother’s abandonment and Macavity’s banishment. He knew his youngest son’s fear of letting others know him and know his true self. However, once Mistoffelees had come around, Tugger had found himself opening up to the smaller tom, telling him things that he had never told another cat beside his father and brother. They knew each other’s secrets and he wished he could tell him. He wanted time to tell him, but he couldn’t feel the same. They were simply friends, but as long he had Mistoffelees as a friend, Tugger would be a happy tom.
Mistoffelees felt bad for Munkustrap. He really did, but he couldn’t help but be amused when Mungojerrie messed up the barks during “The Aweful Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles”. The look the silver tabby had given the calico tom had nearly made Mistoffelees laugh, especially when Mungojerrie simply gave him a wide grin. He almost did burst into laughter, however, when Tugger suddenly danced across the area playing his bagpipes proudly. The maine coon shot Mistoffelees a sly look with a wink, and Mistoffelees snorted, looking at the exasperated Munkustrap apologetically. However, any form of joking and laughter disappeared from Mistoffelees once Victoria and Plato began their dance. Of course, Mistoffelees was elated for his sister. He adored her, and he did approve of Plato, who had approached both Bustopher and Mistoffelees to ask permission to dance with the white queen. Their dance was beautiful, and Mistoffelees wouldn’t deny that he teared up watching his sister. But Mistoffelees’ attention was taken away from his sister by a flash of red- Bombalurina. He saw her curl up beside Tugger, and wow, Misto never thought his heart would ever hurt so badly.
Tugger was too late. Mistoffelees was with Electra, and Bombalurina was beside him. As they curled up together, Tugger was surprised by Bombalurina’s narrowed eyes.
“What?” he asked quietly.
“Get your head out of your ass, Tugger.” The red queen hissed, making Tugger’s eyes widen. “Tell Mistoffelees how you feel, because if you don’t, Straps is going to lock you up together, and you’re going to give your poor brother an aneurism if something doesn’t happen soon.”
Tugger was taken aback by his friend, and he looked away from her. “How, Bombs? If I mess this up, everything’s going to be ruined. We share a human and den next to each other, and I’m not pulling Misto away from his human.” The maine coon let out a breath, closing his eyes. “I don’t know what do to, Bombs. I’m scared.” Tugger was embarrassed, having never discussed his feelings with anyone beside his father, Munkustrap, and Mistoffelees. Bombalurina placed a gentle paw on his arm and leaned in close, brushing her cheek against his.
“It’ll all work out, Tugs. You just have to take that chance.” She said softly, and Tugger sighed, looking at her thankfully. Then, suddenly, Coricopat and Tantomile jerk upright, followed closely by Mistoffelees, who looked around with narrowed eyes. He let out a hiss, leaping to his feet and rushing at the old car, where Grizabella was perched. Tugger immediately tensed and sprang up, crouching beside Bombalurina, baring his teeth. He couldn’t ignore the pain in his heart from hissing at his mother, but Tugger pushed it away, just like Grizabella had pushed her mate and sons away.
Skimbleshanks’ song had always been one of Mistoffelees’ favorites. The cat of the railway never ceased to make Mistoffelees smile with his song, especially since he always made sure to incorporate the kittens. However, sitting behind the old car with Tugger beside him as Macavity made his escape with Old Deuteronomy, Mistoffelees wished that Skimbleshanks’ song had never happened, and that they could go back to the beginning of the ball.
“He’s going to try something with the Choice. I just know it.” Tugger muttered angrily. Mistoffelees could feel his friend shaking slightly, so he pressed against him comfortingly.
“Whatever he wants, he’s not going to get. You and Munk will make sure of that.” He reassured him, and Tugger gave him a slight smile. “How are you holding up, though? With Grizabella showing up the same night as Macavity.”
Tugger’s smile fell. “I don’t know. It’s all so much, and for the first time in my life, I can’t wait for the sun to rise and for this night to be over. I just want my dad back.” Tugger hid his face in his paws, and Mistoffelees sighed. He climbed onto his knees and wrapped his arms around the larger cat, nuzzling the top of his head. Tugger returned the hug, his head leaning against Mistoffelees’ shoulder. Neither of them spoke, both trying to gather up the courage they had been needing since the beginning of the Ball. Sudden crashing made them spring apart, and they looked over the top of the car to see Macavity holding two cables and pushing them together, causing all the lights to go out, plunging the Junkyard into darkness. Tugger looked at Mistoffelees, and the black cat gave him a sharp nod. Years of living together and barely leaving each other’s side helped when it was necessary to speak without words. Tugger gave him a small grin and slid up onto the scaffolding beside the car.
“We have to find Old Deuteronomy.” The cats sang, and Mistoffelees felt a pain in his heart.
“You ought to ask Magical Mr. Mistoffelees.” Tugger announced. “The original conjuring cat. There can be no doubt about that.” Mistoffelees left his hiding spot, taking a small path to the trapeze, where he simply waited. He expected Tugger to simply tell the tribe about his magic, but that wasn’t all Tugger was doing.
Munkustrap watched as Tugger sang to the tribe about Mistoffelees, and he couldn’t hold back his grin. He exchanged a look with an elated Bombalurina, who was trying not to smile too widely. Munkustrap shouldn’t have been surprised by Tugger’s praises of Mistoffelees, but he was, just slightly. Tugger was singing his pride and adoration all the way up to the Heaviside Layer, and Munkustrap couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his younger brother so excited and hopeful.
“You see it one moment, but then, it is gone! But you’ll find it next week lying out on the lawn!” Tugger sang, and he looked upwards, a large grin on his face. “And we all say, ‘Oh, Well, I never! Was there ever a cat so clever as Magical Mr. Mistoffelees?’” Mistoffelees appeared, his black coat sparkling, and he spun around, waving his paws.
“PRESTO!” he shouted, and the Junkyard lit up, Macavity’s handiwork gone. The black cat had his signature soft smile on his face as Tugger sang to him and they danced around, but Munkustrap could see another emotion mirrored in both their eyes.
“If this doesn’t do it, I don’t know what will.” He muttered to his mate, and Demeter laughed quietly, hushing him. Mistoffelees looked at the cats, searching for a volunteer, and, with a nudge from Alonzo, Cassandra raised her hand. Mistoffelees spun the sleek brown queen into the center and lit her fur up so that it sparkled like his. The two then began to dance together, and Munkustrap watched his brother, who seemed slightly taken aback by the turn of events. Then, with what seemed to be just a simple wave of red fabric and a wave of his paws, Mistoffelees brought back Old Deuteronomy, who seemed just as shocked as the other Jellicles as Mistoffelees stepped back. When Tugger opened his mouth to sing, Munkustrap was in utter disbelief. His brother’s voice was soft and tender, something he had never heard before, and filled with adoration and love. Old Deuteronomy turned to face Mistoffelees, who leaped into their leader’s arms happily. As they all joined in Munkustrap kept an eye on Tugger, who, in turn, never took his eyes of Mistoffelees, who never took his eyes off Tugger.
“Oh Misto, that was wonderful!” Victoria cried, throwing her arms around her brother happily. Mistoffelees smiled at her, hugging her back tightly. “I’m so proud of you!”
Munkustrap approached him next, placing a paw on his shoulder. “Thank you, Mistoffelees.” His voice was earnest, and Mistoffelees nodded. Tugger stood back, watching as the cats swarmed Mistoffelees to talk eagerly and to congratulate him. He looked at Munkustrap as his brother walked over to stand by him.
“So, what did you think?” Tugger asked.
“The song was impressive. Had you practiced it before?” Munkustrap questioned, and Tugger smiled, a shy smile.
“Nope. It just came to me. I thought about all the tricks he pulled at our human’s house, and how amazing they were.” He replied. Munkustrap hummed thoughtfully, nodding. “What?” “Nothing! It’s just, you don’t den near just anyone, just like you don’t share a human for years with just anyone, and you don’t share your Third Name with just anyone.” The silver tabby remarked. “And you don’t come up with an entire song about how amazing another cat is on the spot for just anyone.”
Tugger met his brother’s eyes. “Where are you going with this, Straps?”
“I’m just saying, Tugger, that I think you should tell Mistoffelees how you feel. You two have been dancing around each other since the day you met, and it’s high time you did something about those feelings.” Munkustrap said in a gentle, yet firm voice. Tugger looked away, and Munkustrap caught his brother’s arm. “I love you, Tugger, and I want to see you happy. I know that the only cat who can really make you happy is the one currently swarmed at the moment.” Tugger smiled slightly, and Munkustrap squeezed his arm. “Now, can you please bring Misto back to his den so he can sleep?”
“Sure.” Tugger said, giving his brother a thankful look before approaching the cats. “So sorry to interrupt everyone, but it has gotten very late, and our Magical Mr. Mistoffelees needs his rest after using so much magic tonight.” The kittens all began to voice their complaints, but Tugger simply winked at them. “I’m sure he’ll answer any of your questions tomorrow morning.” Mistoffelees nodded in agreement, and the pacified kittens joined their parents in bidding farewell and returning to their own dens for the night.
“Thanks.” Mistoffelees said quietly, and Tugger took his paw.
“Come with me.”
The two toms walked back towards their dens, but Tugger led Mistoffelees into his den, sitting down on his bed that was piled high with pillows and blankets. Mistoffelees sat down facing him and cocking his head.
“What’s on your mind, Tugs?” he asked, and Tugger took a deep breath.
“Misto, I-I don’t really know how to say this.” The maine coon said, his voice the quietest and shyest Mistoffelees had ever heard it be. “I think I first felt it when we met, and I saw the pretty black kitten standing next to Bustopher, but I didn’t realize it until tonight. I-I hate that I wasn’t able to realize it before, because apparently I’m oblivious and only the Everlasting Cat knows how I’ve even made it this far, and I probably wouldn’t be sitting here unless Bomba and Straps had given me a kick-“
“Tugger.” Mistoffelees said gently, and the larger cat coughed, feeling his face heat up.
Tugger once again took a deep breath and laid his heart on the line. “I love you, Quaxo. More than anything, and I can’t see myself living my life without you by my side, because you’re the only cat who understands me and who cares about me for who I am besides Dad and Straps. I want you by my side until the day I get chosen to go to the Heaviside Layer.” Mistoffelees stared at Tugger, his eyes shining with unshed tears. His heart felt like it was going to explode because how could Tugger be so adorable and sweet and earnest and didn’t that make Mistoffelees feel special, knowing that he was the only cat who could make Tugger stumble over his words.
“I love you too, Maynard.” Mistoffelees said in the gentlest voice, and he was smiling so softly and sweetly that Tugger was completely blinded for a moment because how could such a perfect cat love him? Was this the Everlasting Cat’s way of making up for what happened during Tugger’s childhood? Either way, Tugger was falling in love with the black cat all over again, seeing his blue eyes sparkle.
“You do?” Tugger asked in a quiet voice, so filled with hope and disbelief that it made Mistoffelees’ smile grow.
“I do. I love how excited you were when we first met, and that you never minded sitting quietly with me as kittens because I didn’t want to talk. I love that you don’t hate me because of my magic, and that you think it’s amazing. I love how you always make me feel like the most special cat in the Junkyard every time we see each other, and I love how you make me feel needed.” Mistoffelees told him.
Tugger beamed, a bright, innocent smile that made Mistoffelees’ heart melt. “I’ve loved you since I first saw you.” Mistoffelees felt his cheeks heat up, and Tugger fell in love just a little bit more.
“Everlasting Cat, we were both incredibly oblivious.” The magical cat said, and the two began to laugh, thinking back over their years of friendship and the many times their feelings were obvious to the other.
“Misto… can I kiss you?” Tugger asked in a shy voice, and Mistoffelees hummed playfully for a moment, making Tugger huff in mock-annoyance. With a laugh, Mistoffelees nodded, moving forward to wrap his arms around Tugger’s neck. The two kissed softly, holding each other like lifelines as everything fell into place. Tugger felt his heart heal and his spirit soar, the pain from his past disappearing as Mistoffelees’ accepted him and loved him. Mistoffelees felt as if he was flying. He was so filled with happiness and joy that he feared he would burst, but as they broke apart and Tugger pulled him closer, Mistoffelees burying his face in the maine coon’s soft fur, he knew Tugger would hold him together. They were each other’s anchors.
After that night, the two were even more inseparable. The following morning had been disturbed by Munkustrap’s relieved shout of “FINALLY!” that rang through the Junkyard, followed by Demeter and Bombalurina’s laughter as they hugged Mistoffelees and Tugger. The two toms had received Old Deuteronomy’s blessing, and Tugger had received a rather alarming shovel talk from Bustopher that gave the maine coon a healthy fear of the older cat, as well as a completely new level of respect. Victoria, of course, had been completely elated, and had immediately started chattering away about their dance at the next Ball, and how wonderful it would be, much to the amusement of Mistoffelees.
Sometimes newcomers will arrive in the Junkyard, and they’ll see the maine coon flirting with the beautiful red queen or being fawned and squealed over by kittens. Most won’t notice the small black cat who is curled up on the old car hood in the sun, watching the maine coon with an amused smile, because the black cat knows what the other newcomers do not: that, no matter what, when the fawning and flirting is finished, the maine coon will walk over to the car hood and curl around the black cat, and they will bask in the sunlight, love and trust blossoming like the sunflower, turning its face towards the sun.