Hey guys, it's my first story! :D
Sorry if this chapter seems to drag out a bit, but I have big plans for the next few chapters. So as soon as I get this chapter out of the way, the better. :)
Author's Note: Deme = Demmy = Demi, alrighty? And I would like to mention another author here in fanfiction, Spun Trumak, because her Munkustrap/Demeter story was the inspiration for this one! C:
Disclaimer: I'm too lazy to be witty and mention how, "Oh, if I owned Cats I'd quite likely be locked in a room with Michael Gruber right now," so... yeah. I don't own Cats. ;D I also don't own the songs in which the lyrics of the chapter title, and title of this story, come from.
Demeter sniffled pitifully, trying to calm the flow of tears streaming from her wide cobalt eyes. Turning over in her soft nest she usually shared with her older sister, Bombalurina, she could just see the small pile of birthday gifts from her family and friends poking out from the side of the shared wicker basket. A small tin of anchovies, given to her by her grandfather, Asparagus, a soft, multi-colored ball of yarn 'borrowed' from Jerrie and Teazers' human family, and a few others from friends in the Tribe. Sighing, she reached for her throat, where her fingers softly brushed the cool surface of the white gold, heart shaped charm thar had been attached to her collar.
When her father had presented the gift to her, Demeter was dizzy with emotion. It was always standard for a family to provide a small trinket for a daughter on her first birthday, a symbol that the small kit had finally reached the age of losing her official 'kit' status and recieving the title, Queen. And as Demeter admired the little jewel, which stood out against her creamy chest fur and made her darker golden fur pop, she had FELT like a queen. Even Bombi, who was always cool and collected, looked on admiringly as Skimbleshanks, their father, clipped the charm into place. Demeter had felt radiant, and with all the attention she had been getting, the rest of her birthday looked like it would be just as perfect. That is, until that stupid, big-mouthed, cocky furball, Munkustrap, had to waltz in to ruin the moment, and the rest of her perfect day, with his 'good news'. Demeter's lip curled as she recalled the memory from earlier that morning.
"You look beautiful, dear," Jellylorum said, stroking Demeter's headfur lovingly. Demeter smiled, but her nose twitched as the familiar scent of one of her Tribemates grew close. A shadow fell across the doorway to the family's sleeping den, and Demeter spun around, surprised, to come face to face with Munkustrap, the muscular silver and black tabby that happened to be her leader's son.
Old Deuteronomy actually had three sons, Munk, the Rum Tum Tugger, who happened to be Bombi's current interest, and another by the name of Macavity. None of the other Queens or kits knew much about Macavity; the older cats kept his name hush, and whenever the subject of him was brought up, it met with disapproving hisses. So, Demeter kept quiet, but a coy smile reached her lips. 'Maybe he's come to wish me happy birthday. That's a bit of a shock...'she thought. Demeter's smile grew at this point, and Munkustrap strolled into the den. He cleared his throat, and the rest of Demeter's family turned around pleasantly.
"Hello, everyone. I just wanted to let you know, there will be a small party of sorts held tonight in the Jellicle Junkyard." he said, his voice sounding deeper than usual. Bombalurina beamed and immediately breezed outside, probably off to find Cassandra to get ready together. Demeter's mouth dropped open slightly. 'They're throwing me a party?'she thought, both shocked and excited. But something about Munk's smile was different. Yes, as usual, he had his cocky, 'I'm the son of the leader, and I have more important things to do than to dillydally with the likes of you,' look plastered across his face, but his smile was wider, and more... proud. Demeter gazed at him for a moment, taking in his hard features and already developed muscles. He was hardly a year older than her, but was advanced in his training to become a fighter for the Jellicle tribe. She sat and watched his jade eyes flicker between her family members, gazing at them amusedly. "A party, Munkustrap?" Skimbleshanks asked, stroking his whiskers thoughtfully.
Munkustrap grinned. "Yes, in celebration. My father asked me to personally deliver the news to each cat - I'm to become the next Protector after Riddlebuss retires from his duties."
In turn, everyone's mouths fell open. But while Demeter's parents praised Munkustrap for the honor he was recieving, Demeter couldn't bring herself to move. "Y-you.. what?" she asked, groping for the right words. Munkustrap turned to her and smugly replied, "Don't hurt yourself, Demeter." The golden striped tabby gritted her teeth. Her tail bristled and lashed angrily through the air as her parents forgot all about their 'birthday girl' daughter and rushed out to the clearing to gossip about the news with their friends, leaving her and Munkustrap alone with hasty meows of, "We'll be right back, kids!"
Demeter turned slowly to Munkustrap, glaring angrily. Munkustrap smiled back in mock cheerfulness, and padded towards the clearing outside slowly. He stopped in the entryway and looked over his shoulder, fixing Demeter with a faux-concerned look, and called, "Watch out, Deme, your face may freeze like that." Demeter growled at the sound of his chuckling and tossed a pillow at the stoney walls, seething. "It's not fair," she whispered.
"It isn'tfair," she sighed, wiping away the last of her tears. She and Munkustrap had never clicked, unlike their older siblings. Tugger had Bombi wrapped around his little finger, but they had always seemed to have established a friendly relationship, outside of their flirtations. Electra and Ectectra, although they had their sisterly squabbles, were very close, and were just as friendly with all of the other kits. Even Misto, who always seemed to be off doing his own little thing, was friendly and well liked. And no one but Demeter seemed to notice the stuck up nature of Munkustrap. Nor did they notice the way he was always showing off with Alonzo, his best friend, by taking him down and tackling him amidst whatever game the kits might be playing. And he always recieved praise for his actions, because no want wanted to be on bad terms with Munk. Admired by the little queens for his rippling muscles and handsome features, and pals with all of the older toms, Munk was liked by everyone. He could do no wrong, and was perfect in everyone's eyes.
Except Demeter. As she sighed, sulking alone in her basket, a few stray tears were blinked out. With a shakey breath, Demeter curled herself into a ball, curling her tail over her nose. Munkustrap would enjoy his night, stealing the spotlight once again, and Demeter would try, once again, to not let it get to her. Thinking of her gifts to show off to her friends, Demeter fell into an uneasy sleep, with a picture of Munkustrap's cocky smile fresh in her mind.