A/N: Wow so I was so excited to get chapter two up that I forgot about adding some info to the authors note! I guess the only thing I really wanted to say was sorry that it was kind of corny but I wanted the prompt (shade) to be more abstract but it didn't come out as well as I would have liked! Also, PLEASE R&R! I love feedback! So for this chapter it gets kind of steamy at one point. It's not like a lime or lemon or anything but I don't want to get flack for not warning people so there was your warning. I hope you enjoy chapter 3!

Jemima awoke the next morning with a smile on her face. All night she had been dreaming about Mungojerrie and their joyful reunion. She couldn't wait to hear all about New York and just spend time with the tom later that evening. Glancing out of the opening of the oven, Jemima noticed that just about everyone from the tribe was already up. Looking to the sky she saw that the sun was positioned past noon. The young queen couldn't believe she had slept so long, and so soundly, however, she knew that she and Jerrie had been out late the previous night.

Rolling over to the other side of the "bed" Jemima heard something crinkle underneath her. Reaching under her back she pulled out a note. Unfolding it she realized that it was from Jerrie. He must have left it while I was asleep, she thought happily. He's so sweet.

Morning love, the note read and a slight blush consumed Jemima's face. She continued reading: I just wanted to let you know that Teazer and I will not be at the Yard today. It's our turn to go to the vet. Yuck! Jem chuckled then continued reading. Since I can't break a promise, I was hoping you would meet me by the gate ten tonight. There's something I want to show you. I had a great time with you last night, even if it was fairly short, and I can't wait to see you again. Have a great day Jemi. I'm sure I'll see you tonight.

Love always,

Mungojerrie

Jemima was smiling from ear-to-ear when she had finished reading the letter. She had had and amazing time last night and couldn't wait to be back in the arms of her mate. Mate, she thought. What am I thinking? Tumble is my mate. Jemima then thought her last statement. Yes, Tumble was he mate. But she felt so at home with Jerrie. With him her feelings were natural. They didn't feel forced like they were with Tumblebrutus. Jemima always felt like she had to be someone else around the brown and white tom, if not for him then for the tribe. The young cat just didn't love her "mate" and with Jerrie's return she knew who her heart really belonged to. She just wished that following it would be easier, or possible for that matter.

Not wanting to dwell on it any longer, Jemima pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind. She wanted to enjoy the beautiful day outside with her friends, not sulking in her den. Besides, she knew she could talk to Jerrie tonight and try to clear her head. Sure he would joke with her about choosing him no matter what, but Jem knew that he would help her the best he could and, at the very least, listen.

Rolling off of the blankets, Jemima laid the note back down where she had found it. Expertly she flattened her fur to perfection and walked out of her den into the bright sun. Spotting Victoria and Etcetera on the large tire Jemima went to go chat with them. The two cats spotted Jemima coming and automatically moved over so that she could join them. As soon as Jemima sat down the queens resumed their conversation on the gossip around the Junkyard, filling Jem in as they went.

For most of the day Jemima talked with her friends. As the sun began its descent, however, Jemima became more and more distracted for she was continually thinking about her meeting with Jerrie. When dinner came around she ate quickly and retired to her den early so that she could make sure she looked her best. After meticulously arranging her fur Jemima securely fastened her collar around her neck and waited. About an hour before she had to meet Jerrie, Jemima crawled out of her den and to the rooftop of the TSE-1. She knew that she could count on the moon to always be there for her and comfort her. The young cat wanted to be completely at ease when she met her friend and moon-gazing was the best way that she knew how to relax. Lying on her back, Jemima propped her head in her hands and watched as the stars twinkled and the moon illuminated the dark sky and land around her.

What seemed like only moments later, a shadow caught Jemima's eye. Looking to the moon for guidance it told her that it was time to meet Jerrie. Not wanting to mess up her fur, Jemima slowly made her way to the ground and paced herself while making her way to the gate. When she arrived at her destination Mungojerrie was already waiting for her and chatting with Alonzo.

The orange striped tom did a double-take when he saw Jemima walking towards him. Her petite form was brilliantly silhouetted by the light from the moon and her large brown eyes sparkled.

Jerrie whistled. "Well, don't you clean up nice," he chortled looking her up and down.

"I could say the same about you," Jemima retorted. "Now, where are you taking me," she asked hugging him tightly.

"It's a surprise, isn't it Alonzo," Jerrie said coyly.

"It sure is," replied the patched tom, "You're gonna love it Jem."

"That's not fair," Jemima whined. "He gets to know and I don't?"

"He's not the one I'm trying to surprise! Now if you're done complaining, let's go." Jerrie walked out of the Junkyard uttering, "See you, Lonz," as he went.

Jemima pouted slightly at the orange toms back, waved goodbye to Alonzo, then took off after the tabby.

"Hey! You know it's not very nice to leave your date behind," Jem exclaimed, catching up to Mungojerrie as he stopped to look at her.

"Date, huh," Jerrie questioned with raised eyebrows.

"Well, uh. I mean, uh," Jem stuttered. "You know what? Tonight, for all intents-and-purposes, yes, Jerrie, you are my date." Jemima's stomach fluttered at the thought of being on a date with Jerrie again and she smiled widely.

"Well, then, milady," Jerrie spoke, holding out his arm to Jemima. "May I escort you to our destination?"

Jem giggled and then played along, "Why of course, good sir. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Jemima hooked her arm through Jerrie's and they walked through the alleyways reminiscing about their kittenhood days and laughing all the while.

"We're almost there," Jerrie said suddenly as they turned down yet another alley. "You'll see when we get to the end of this street."

"Oh good," Jem sighed. "My paws are getting tired."

The two cats walked silently to the end of the road. As they emerged from between the two large building Jemima gasped and her eyes stung with tears at the sight before her. Right in front of them was the huge clock tower known as Big Ben.

"Oh Jerrie, its beautiful," Jem managed to get out. "How did you know? I've always dreamed about seeing it in person."

"Jem, you told me years ago," Jerrie laughed. "I've always wanted to bring you here but I wanted it to be special. I was going to ask you to be my mate here," Jerrie looked down at the queen and saw that a few tears had spilled onto her cheeks. He continued, "But since that ship has sailed I thought being with you again was the next best thing." Bending down to Jemima he pulled her into a tight hug, lifted her, then spun around once.

"It's perfect," Jem managed to squeal through the laughter and tears.

"Wanna get a closer look," Jerrie asked, already knowing the answer.

"Duh," the scarlet queen replied excitedly.

Both cats then sank down on all four paws and carefully made their way through the busy streets of London. As they approached the gigantic clock Jerrie's ears twitched to the right. Jemima looked at him questioningly.

"What's wrong," she asked worriedly.

"Nothing, I just thought I heard my humans," he answered. "What are they doing way out here?"

"They'd probably say the same thing about you," Jem replied truthfully. "Well, do you want to check it out? I don't mind," she told him.

"Sure, but you're coming with me."

The pair of cats sauntered off in search of the mysterious voices. Every now and again Jerrie's ears would twitch and they would have to weave through people or change direction. Finally, sitting on one of the roadside benches, the couple of cats found the source of the noise.

"There they are," Jerrie exclaimed. "There are my humans."

"C'mon, let's go say hi." Jemima took the lead and ran towards the male and female humans on the bench. Catching up, Jerrie moved in front of Jem so that they would see him first. Jem hung back realizing the motive behind the tom's action. Padding up to his human owners Jerrie rubbed against their legs and meowed loudly.

"What the-," the human male was taken by surprise. "Tigger? What are you doing here? This is pretty far from home, guy."

The human lifted Jerrie onto his lap then got the attention of, who seemed to be, his "mate." The woman had the same reaction as the man and they both stroked Jerrie. Catching Jem's eye, Jerrie flicked his head, indicating for Jem to approach them. Cautiously Jemima approached the unfamiliar humans. Once she was at the humans' feet Jerrie jumped down, rubbed against her and meowed softly.

"Aw, who's this little cutie," the female cooed. Reaching down to let Jem sniff her hand, she was surprised when Jemima gently nuzzled it and began purring. "Well, aren't you just the sweetest thing." Automatically the woman lifted the little scarlet bundle into her arms as Jerrie jumped back up on the bench.

"She's a keeper, bud," the man said scratching Jerrie behind the ears. "Don't let go of her or she'll be snatched up quick.

"I know," Jerrie whispered softly, but only so Jemima could hear.

Looking over at him from the woman's lap Jem smiled back at him with the same sadness in her eyes.

"Well honey, we better get going," the man said. "Let's leave these two lovebirds to their night. See you later Tigger," he said to Jerrie stroking him one last time. "And be good. We don't have room for anymore kittens, so control yourself."

The female laughed as she set Jemima on the ground gently.

"Oh, don't be a party pooper," she scolded her mate. "Besides, it looks like this little one already has a loving family," she gestured to Jem's collar. "It would be there problem, not ours." The couple laughed as they walked arm-in-arm down the street.

"I like them. They're nice," Jem said looking at Jerrie.

"Yeah. But not too bright, huh," he joked. Once again Jemima saw that his smile didn't quite reach his eyes and she knew it was because of their lack of "mateship."

"C'mon Jer," Jemi said trying to change the subject. "Let's go get that closer look." Although Jemima did want to talk about their status and how she had been feeling, she didn't want to do it just yet. The young queen wanted to enjoy the evening first.

"So, tell me about New York," Jemima said as they began their trek back to the clock tower.

"Let me think…where to begin?" Jemima chuckled then hit her mate playfully as he started in with the story.

As they walked around the clock tower Jerrie told Jem all about the "Big Apple," as it was called in America. He told her of the similarities and differences between New York and London, and he told her about the odd lifestyle in the states. Jemima's favorite part, however, was when he told her about the marvelous New York City nightlife. She was captivated with the way he described how the streets were never empty and the lights of the buildings were brighter than the moon. Jem equally enjoyed the part about the shows on what was called Broadway. Jemima love the idea of being able to sing and dance in front of a captive audience every night.

"Wow," Jem sighed wistfully as she and Jerrie perched themselves on one of the walls surrounding the tower. "That must have been amazing," she mused.

"Oh it was," Jerrie assured her as he laid down beside her. "I only have one regret," he said sadly.

"Really? What on Earth could that be?" Jemima couldn't imagine regretting anything a city like the one described to her had to offer.

"I regret that I didn't get to share it with you."

"Yeah, I guess I regret that a little too. But everything happens to a reason." Jemima snuggled closer to Jerrie and he rolled onto his side so that she could rest against him.

"I guess so," he said draping an arm over the queen's waist. "But I'm having a hard time figuring out what that reason is."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I left. I lost you. We both suffered. I come back. I still can't have you. We're still suffering. I can tell your struggling with something and I have a pretty good hunch that it's the same thing that's bothering me."

Jemima rolled over onto her side and away from Jerrie so that she could look at him. She was thankful that she wasn't the one to start the painful conversation that would most definitely ensue.

"I don't know how you did it but you read my mind," she stated. "I was thinking about us earlier and I don't know what to do. My heart belongs to you, but I belong to Tumble. You're right we are still suffering and I want to change it so badly but I'm powerless." Jemima's eyes swelled again.

"No, don't cry. You've done enough of that for a lifetime, I'm sure." Jerrie sat up and pulled Jemima into his lap as always. The young queen clung to her best friend and, unfortunately, ex-lover.

"See," she said. "I'm at home here. In your arms. Not his! I want to be with you but I don't see how that's possible."

"I know, Midge. I know," Jerrie cooed. His voice stuck a bit as the same emotions Jemima felt flowed through him. "We just have to make the best of our time, like this, together."

Make the best of our time, the words rang through Jemima's mind. Lifting her head off of Jerrie's neck she gazed into his eyes and she couldn't fight her feelings any longer.

"Kiss me," she said as a tear trickled down her cheek.

"Jem, no," Jerrie protested. "You said so yourself, just yesterday, that we have to be careful. Tumble-," he was cut off by an unusually rough voice coming from the small queen.

"I know what I said yesterday," she growled, "and I know what I'm saying now. Kiss me," she ordered again.

The look in her eyes captivated Jerrie. Jemima knew what she wanted and she wasn't going to stop until she got it. Jerrie felt a tingle in the pit of his stomach and his heart skipped a beat. The anticipation was killing him so he made it quick. Expertly he captured Jemima's mouth with his, kissing her hard on the lips with as much passion as he could muster. Jem leaned into the kiss and returned Jerrie's passion ten-fold. Jemima instinctively positioned herself so that her legs wrapped around Jerrie's waist. He pulled her closer to him so that their bodies were flush against each other. Jerrie's hands moved gently down Jem's small body to rest on her hips. As he did this he felt her let out a small moan into his mouth and he smiled into the kiss. Purring, Jemima reluctantly pulled away from him.

"I love you," he said to her, staring into her eyes and caressing her face.

"I love you too," she said rubbing against his paw. "We're meant for each other, I know it. There's got to be a way we can be together."

"Is there a way that you can break it off with Tumble," Jerrie asked her.

"Not that I can think of. At least not one that wouldn't get us both gossiped about endlessly and maybe even shunned. Dad's a stickler for only being mated once. Can you imagine what people would say if the protector's daughter separated from her mate just to get with another, older, tom?"

"I see your point," Jerrie said. "Maybe sneaking around is the only way to go."

"It' seems that way." Jemima hung her head. "But eventually it's going to take its toll on us. I never wanted to be that queen. It's going to kill me knowing that I betrayed my family."

"I know. You're such a good cat, Midge," he said kissing her forehead.

"I'm not that good or I wouldn't have just done that with you," she laughed. She did feel bad for fooling around behind Tumble's back, but she just couldn't find it in her to regret what she had done.

"Look. We'll figure something out. Everything will work out somehow, whether we like the outcome or not, something will come from this. Maybe we'll find our 'reason' for the way things worked out." Jerrie hugged Jem tighter. "All I ask is you give me this one night. Be with me like it's one of those amazing nights from two years ago. Like we're still together and having a great time. No one else exists. Just us," he whispered the last part into her ear.

"Live in the moment," she asked him.

"Live in the moment."

"I can do that," she said and began to lean in for another kiss.

"Wait, Jem," he put his finger to her lips to stop her and Jem's eyes shot open.

"What is it?" Jerrie had never protested a kiss before. Jemima had to admit she was a little worried.

"I wanted to mention this first thing, but with all of the events of the evening it slipped my mind. Anyway, last night, on my way home, on of Macavity's Hench-cats stopped me." Jemima gasped loudly and her paws flew to her face. She knew he had worked with Mac at one point and that the relationship no longer existed. However, the thought of Jerrie having a run-in with one of his menacing minions frightened her.

"Don't worry," Jerrie tried to soothe her. "I'm perfectly fine. But he said that Mac had a very important job for me and that I was the only one who would be able to accomplish it. I declined, of course, and the Hench-cat left. I know Mac, though and he doesn't give up easily. I just want you to promise me you'll be safe. Don't leave the Junkyard without me or another tom with you. Macavity will get to me by hurting the ones I love, that's how he works. I don't want you to get hurt because of me. I'll never forgive myself. So, promise you'll be safe."

"I promise," Jem said sincerely then her eyes lit up. "Can we go back to living in the moment now?" Just then the clock struck midnight and "Big Ben" let out a large clang. Both cats laughed as they jumped at the sound and clung to each other.

"Yes, and I think now is the perfect moment to live in." Just then Jerrie leaned in and kissed Jemi one again, but all the while she couldn't help but think, I'm going to be the one Victoria and Etcetera are gossiping about tomorrow. Brushing the thought aside she let the passion of the moment consume her. Jem knew that she would soon be back at the prison she called home, once again having to think about her every move. Right now the queen only wanted one thought in her mind and that was, how good it felt to be wrapped in Jerrie's arms, filled with passion and love she hadn't felt in years.