Alonzo woke up, confused as to where he was. "What happened?" he asked.
"You fainted," Munkustrap said.
"Wh-" He stopped as he remembered. He looked around and realized he was still at Demeter's trial, only having been passed out for a minute. He stood up as rage overcame his fear. "Traitor?" he asked. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I heard you talking to Macavity," Demeter spat. "He's the one that gave you that mutt."
Alonzo's heart fell, but he tried not to let it show. "Solo?"
"Yeah. I heard him say he made your kitten for you. Does that not seem traitorous to you?"
"What's she talking about Alonzo?" Deuteronomy asked.
"You said you found him in the streets," Jenny said.
"He could be a tool of Macavity's."
"I don't want the kittens to play with him."
"He can't stay here."
Alonzo frowned, wanting to cry, but staying strong.
"Alonzo," said Munkustrap, gently. "He can't stay here."
"What were you thinking?"
"What was I thinking?" Alonzo asked. "Oh, I dunno, maybe that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life alone? Or maybe that I was just desperate enough to trust Macavity, because just maybe I give people a chance? I know what it's like to be rejected, so maybe he was trying to just win one Jellicle over, cause maybe he's not as horrible as we think. I was on the verge of breaking down, but then I had the idea to take in a kitten, because then I wouldn't be alone for the rest of my life, since, you know, the only cat I'll ever love doesn't feel the same way. Is it so bad to just want someone there to be with you? You're all happy with your perfect partners, but not me. I'll never have the love you have. So I figured that taking in a kitten would be perfect for me. I was taken in, so I would know how to raise the kitten. I went looking for one but I couldn't find one, and then I came across Macavity. He was being genuinely civil that night, and I was feeling more alone than ever. Someone to talk to that was new was refreshing. I told him what I was doing and how I'll let the love of my life be happy with someone else as I sit alone all my life, and he felt sorry for me, really, he did. He said he'd do something for me, and so he gave me a kitten. Is that such a big deal? Is it such a big deal that the cat all of you hate is the only one who cared enough to do something for me? It's selfish, I know, because I haven't done much for you all, but gosh! If I'm happy then it'll be easier to help you! Isn't that what you want? No? Then what do you want from me? What do you want from me? What do you want from me...?" Alonzo looked around at everyone, unable to read their faces. He grew frantic and bolted right out of there.
"Alonzo!" Munk called. This time, he didn't hesitate to follow him. "Alonzo stop!"
"No!" Alonzo shouted back. "I'm banned! I get it! I'm leaving!"
Munk was faster than Alonzo, so he eventually caught up with him and had to tackle Alonzo in order for him to stop. "Will you just listen to me?" Munk asked.
Alonzo shoved him off. "What? What do you want Munk?"
Munk sighed and looked at his friend. "How could you say that? How could you say you're selfish? How can you sit there and say that you haven't done anything for them?"
"What? What have I done? Th-this isn't important, Munk."
"Yes it is! You have done more for this tribe than anyone!"
"That's a lie! You have! You've done everything! You've put in your time and energy and health and your entire life just for this tribe."
"And what do you think made me do that? Huh? Because it was expected? No. I could've turned down the role of the Protector any day. It's what you said about me. You said I put myself before others, but I had only ever put myself before you and you just thought I did that with everyone. Though no, it was just you. I wanted you to see me like that though, as someone who did put themself before others. So I tried to do that for you. And honestly - it's still only for you. Of course I don't want anyone to get hurt, but whenever I did something, I only thought about your safety and how this would help you and give you what you want. The only reason I did anything was because you pushed me to do that, because I wanted to make you happy. Because I love you."
Alonzo stared at his friend, not even getting distracted as it started to sprinkle.
"Though I just realized it today. You don't need me to be the Protector or the perfect cat because you already think I am. You thought I was, but I don't know about that anymore. I don't understand how you can think of me like that. I tried to do things for you because I love you, but all you needed was me and me alone. Though I'm an idiot, Alonzo. I'm a coward, too. I was scared to admit my love for you, and so I just convinced myself I loved Demeter even though deep down I knew I didn't, and that's what made me stay with her. I'm sorry, Alonzo. I'm sorry I'm and idiot and that I'm a coward. I'm sorry for all the many times I've hurt you and all the lies I told you. I'm sorry I never told you that I really did love you back. I'm sorry Zo..."
Alonzo searched his face, not sure what to do with his truthfulness. So he did the only thing he could think of. He grabbed Munk's face and gave him a passionate, long-awaited kiss, and to his relief, as they stood in the rain, Munkustrap kissed him back.