Another short one. :( Sorry! I've been pretty busy lately. Hopefully you'll enjoy it, nonetheless.


Misto gazed sadly at the entrance of Plato and Victoria's den. So much had happened, and all at once, and he didn't know how to take it all in.

Just focus on Victoria, he thought. He hoped she was alright.

He entered in, calling out, "Victoria? Plato?"

"Hey, Misto."

He found the two of them resting on a bed of blankets and cushions. Victoria was curled against Plato as he gently stroked her back. She gave Misto a weak, forced smile. Plato nodded in acknowledgement.

"How are you feeling?" Misto asked her.

"Oh…not too well…I imagine I'll feel better soon enough, though…"

"Are you hungry, Victoria?" Plato looked at her with concern. She shook her head, and Plato frowned.

"You need to get your strength back. I'll go get you something." He got up, looking at Misto with a tired expression. "Make yourself comfortable." He left to go find some food.

Misto moved towards Victoria, sitting down next to her. She turned her head slowly to face him.

"How is Rumpleteazer?" Misto was surprised by this question, and now found himself hesitating to answer.

"She…she's fine, I think."

Victoria frowned, confused by this answer. "What was the matter?"

Misto sighed. "Oh, Victoria…she's pregnant."

She blinked, obviously surprised. After a moment, she said, "Congratulations."

Misto looked down.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Oh Vicky," he burst out suddenly. "I…I can't be a father! I'm not ready!"

She frowned, confused. "What do you mean you're not ready? You obviously are, since you're about to be one!"

"I…I don't want to be!"

Victoria straightened up. "What are you saying?"

"Why's it so hard to understand? If you don't get it, how will Rumpleteazer ever be able to?"

"You mean you're going to tell her that?" she said, incredulous.

"Yes! No! I…I don't know! Oh, how could I have let this happen? I've made such a big mistake…"

He didn't notice that Victoria, who had been listening carefully, stiffened at this.

"A mistake?"

He nodded sadly.

"You think," she went on. "That this…that your kitten…is a mistake?"

Misto then began to notice the change in her tone. "Victoria…are-are you alright?"

She glared daggers at him. "No, Mistoffelees. I'm not."

Plato then returned into the den. Misto turned to look at him, but Victoria kept her gaze on the black and white tom.

"Go away, Mistoffelees," she said quietly, but firm. "I don't ever want to speak to you again."

Plato halted, watching them in confusion at this.

"Victoria?" said Misto. "I…I don't understand…"

"Get out," Victoria cut him off.

Misto was about to say something, when he felt Plato's paw on his shoulder. The other tom was looking at him strangely, with apparent concern for his mate. "You'd better go Misto."

Misto looked at each of them in turn, confused, and sad. "I…alright."

As he left, he looked over his shoulder back at them. Plato was still watching him, mystified and wary, but Victoria refused to meet Misto's eye.

But he could still see a tear falling from her eye.