"You did the right thing, Skimbleshanks," Deuteronomy was saying "Even if it weren't a Jellicle it would have died within a few hours without someone to keep it warm and feed it. It's just barely been weaned off of mother's milk."

"I know," Skimbleshanks nodded, looking at the calico kitten that was sleeping on the same blanket that Skimble had brought her in on. "She was obviously very hungry, I had to stay with her in one of the luggage cars all night." He and his mother were sitting before the tribe leader, hoping to come to some conclusion.

Jellylorum touched a hand to her son's arm, concern in her eyes. He smiled encouragingly at her "It wasn't that bad once the porters realized why I was gone," He reassured her "I just felt awful knowing that I couldn't give her anything to help, not knowing what would be safe to give her at this age," He paused a moment "It is a she, isn't it?"

Jellylorum nodded, a small smile touched her lips as she gazed at the kitten. It was a small calico she-cat, and the poor kit hadn't been washed in far too long; its fur was almost matted. "Rumpled little thing, isn't it?" she mused to herself as she stroked the sleeping kit behind the ear. The kitten stretched, yawned, and repositioned itself before slipping back to an easy sleep.

Dueteronomy sighed. He knew he was the tribe's leader, and that did mean taking some unfortunate hours at times. But he was tired. Skimbleshanks did not come back to the junkyard until late at night – or early in the morning, depending on which way you wanted to see it. Admittedly, the kitten was an important thing to think about. He was just about to speak when Skimble opened his mouth once more "I don't understand how someone could just leave a kitten there. Especially one like her. She proved herself to be somewhat of a tease. But in a charming way, I suppose."

The tribe leader heaved himself to his feet; he was heading towards old age and his joints were certainly letting him know it as of late. "We can wonder about that tomorrow. The kitten can stay with you for now, Skimbleshanks, but we shall have to find a queen who would like to care for her in the morning."

"No!" Skimbleshanks burst out, causing the two other Jellicles to sharply look at him. "What I mean is that I want to take care of her," He continued - quieter, more respectful - than before.

"Skimble," Jellylorum said softly, once again laying a hand on his arm.

"No, mum." He cut her off and shook his head emphatically "I found her; she's my responsibility."

"Skimbleshanks, darling," Jellylorum tried again "I know you feel responsible for her, but are you really ready to be raising a kitten?" Her son's shoulders dropped. "Let one of the queens take care of her, it will be better for the kit."

"But mom, I can't!" Skimble burst out again "I don't know why, but I need to be the one to take care of her, I can't explain it."

Jellylorum and Deuteronomy exchanged glances. So that was it. It was one of the wild ideas kittens get into their head. But Skimbleshanks was no longer a kitten; and the desire would wear off soon. Jellylorum shrugged at her uncle, and he put his own hand on Skimbleshanks' shoulder.

"You may care for her for a little while, and if it doesn't work out then she'll go to a worthy queen." Skimbleshanks' eyes snapped up to look his leader in the face, barely a moment passed before he jumped up from his cross-legged posture to hug Dueteronomy and nuzzle the older cat.

"Thank you!" He purred, and let Deuteronomy go to pull his mother to her feet and nuzzle her as well. He picked up the small kitten, and started wrapping her up again with the tattered blanket. Deuteronomy and Jellylorum smiled at each other, amused by the young tom's fervent desire. As he slowly and carefully walked out of Deuteronomy's hut, trying hard to avoid bouncing the kitten and waking her, the keen Jellicle ears of his mother and uncle caught his whisper to the she-kit: "No, I won't let you go. I'll take care of you forever, my little rumpled teaser."


Awww, precious.

Can anyone guess who the calico kitten is? :D I mean, it's not like I made it blatantly obvious or anything.

The next chapters will jump through the years a bit more, but it'll be the same general idea of Skimble trying to be a dad, haha!

Again, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! ^^