When Bill Bailey went to rejoin the fight he found Macavity was gone and Carbuckety was dead.

"Everyone all right?"

Alonzo blinked. Then the dawning of realization crossed his face.

"I went up against Macavity and lived. I freakin' LIVED! Wait until the Queens hear about this. Move over Tugger there is a new hero in the Junkyard!" Alonzo puffed out his chest and began to strut around. Munkustrap and Bill Bailey exchanged a look and silently decided not to remind him that he had fought Carbuckety.

"Where is Demeter?" Munkustrap asked.

"Around the corner of that crate waiting for us." Bill pointed.

Munkustrap hurried over to where Demeter was hiding and found her curled up in a ball shaking with sobs.

"Demeter."

Demeter flinched and looked at him. She leapt up and flung her paws around his neck. Munkustrap's arms closed around her.

"He said he'd be back." She whispered. "He said he'd come for me."

"I won't let that happen." Munkustrap told her.

While their exchange went on Bill Bailey discreetly disposed of Carbuckety's body.

Demeter then looked around.

"What's with Alonzo?"

"I faced off with the Napoleon of Crime and lived to tell the tale. Can Tugger claim that? Nooo."

The other cats broke out laughing. Munkustrap wiped his eyes.

"Demeter, this is my brother Bill Bailey."

"Delighted to make your acquaintance at last m'lady." Bill Bailey said with a flourish-y bow.

"And yours."

"Come then," he said, offering Demeter his arm, "Shall I escort you home?"

Demeter looked unsure. "I…I don't know. I was leaving…"

Bill Bailey took one look at his brother's crestfallen face and made the decision for her.

"But sweet lady, we are only days shy of the Jellicle Ball, and event no Jellicle may miss."

"But I'm not a Jellicle."

Bill rolled his eyes. "A minor technicality that is easily fixed. Were you blind when you were born?"

"Yes."

Can you see in the dark?"

"Of course.

"Of course she says. Munky it looks like Demeter must have that line this year!" Munkustrap winced at "Munky"

"Could you look at a king or sit on his throne?"

"If I met one I probably could."

"There, you see? You are a Jellicle at heart and that's all that matters. Now m'lady, to the Ball?"

This time Demeter laughed and took his arm. "Yes. To the Ball!" and they set off with Alonzo right behind them.

Munkustrap looked after Demeter. He wished he had thought of that. It was rare that Munkustrap was jealous of Bill Bailey but in this case…he had wanted to be the one to make Demeter laugh. Oh, well. At least he got her to come home. Demeter turned to look back at him.

"Come on Munkustrap!" she called. "Aren't you coming?" she looked slightly worried, as if she wouldn't be happy if he wasn't there. Or maybe that was just his wishful thinking. Munkustrap sighed and jogged to catch up with her. He had some serious groveling to do.

One chapter left! At least that I can think of right now so it might be two but ONE LEFT! And finally the title can be explained! Thank you to everyone who has hung on and followed Demeter and Munkustrap until now and to everyone who is going to review…hint hint. ONE!