A/N: Just a show of hands, who has figured out what the object is that 'Jerrie's after? I think it's really obvious, but I just want to hear from you guys! Don't forget to R and R! Enjoy!
Rumpleteazer took a deep breath and knocked on the wall beside the den entrance of Skimbleshanks and Jennyanydots. She waited a few seconds and then the head of an elder orange and yellow queen appeared with a welcoming smile. 'Teazer recognized her as the queen who had yelled at her and 'Jerrie on their first day at the Junkyard. It appeared the older queen remembered 'Teazer as well because her face turned from pleasant to grim as she looked over the calico with distaste. She pushed the green curtain aside and stepped out of the den.
There was a tense silence for a few minutes. The younger of the two shifted from foot to foot uneasily, unsure of what she should say. I've recently discovered that I might be the daughter of your mate? She would sound like she was crazy! 'Teazer assumed this had to be Jennyanydots that she was facing, judging by Victoria's description.
Jenny broke the silence. "You've come to apologize for scaring myself and the rest of the junkyard with your antics, I presume? Where's your partner?"She asked expectantly. She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.
'Teazer sighed and was about to retort to that comment, but held her tongue. It would do no good to get on the bad side of her potential father's mate before even meeting him. "Mungojerrie is talkin' ta Munk 'bout somethin'."She began, and then quickly changed her train of thought to suit the current situation. 'Teazer figured she should get on Jennyanydots' good side if she wanted to get through her and meet her mate. "Yeah, 'bout tha'...We didn' know ya Jellicles disproved o' foightin'. It's jus' tha' we were brought up an' trained tha' way at Macavity's. We nevah 'ad tha securitey o' a troibe loike ya do, so we foight ta survoive. We were jus' practicin' whot we grew up with."The calico queen shrugged.
Jenny seemed to understand this reasoning more. She nodded, but her expression didn't turn inviting like 'Teazer had hoped. "What of the things Mungojerrie said about kittens learning to fight? He seemed rather adamant about that. Can you explain his logic behind that?"Her tone didn't turn any kinder, either.
Even 'Jerrie's queenfriend didn't know the real answer, as 'Jerrie never told her his view on kittens and combat, but she could think of a few reasons, drawing on what she knew of her tomfriend's history. "Umm...'Jerrie said tha' 'cause tha's somethin' 'e 'imself experienced, as did Oi. We were street cats an' latah 'enchcats, so we 'ad ta learn 'ow ta fend fo' ahselves. We learned 'ow ta foight from kitten'ood, since we didn' 'ave parents o' siblin's ta protect us. Macavity furthahd ah' experience with combat. Tha's whoiy it looks so rough an' dangerous: it's meant ta."'Teazer improvised. Part of that was actually honest, though.
The yellow and orange queen's expression turned from grim to sympathetic when the younger calico finished her explanation. "Oh, you poor dearie! I didn't know you had such a tough life! I'm so terribly sorry we misjudged you! Could you ever forgive me-I don't think I caught your name."She cocked her head inquisitively.
"Rumpleteazah. But cawll moi 'Teazah. Oi fo'give ya, don' worreh. 'Jerrie an' Oi ah' used ta this koind o' treatment."'Teazer smiled, and pricked her ears as she heard a voice from inside the den. Jenny also turned her head towards the den entrance.
"Jenny, who's at the door? Let them in, for goodness' sake!"A male voice sounded. It carried a Scottish accent.
The older queen giggled and gently placed a paw on 'Teazer's shoulder as she guided her inside. They entered the den and it didn't take the calico queen long to discover who had spoken. An orange tabby tom wearing an elegant waistcoat around Jenny's age, was reclining on a wooden chair with a cushion on the seat, reading a book at a simple table of wood. There was a small bookcase against the wall behind him. To his left in a corner of the den sat a wash basin half-filled with water and a tiny stove. To his right a nest of blankets was set up. A quaint desk with another wooden chair was beside it. Unlike 'Teazer's den, Jenny's floor was not covered in blankets. The brown, packed down dirt added a simpler look to the whole dwelling. All in all, it looked like a very homey den.
The orange tabby looked up from his book as the two queens walked in. He threw a curious look in 'Teazer's direction. "You must be the newcomer. My name is Skimbleshanks. Jenny told me all about you. You're not causing anymore trouble with that tom, are you?"He inquired. His voice almost took on a fatherly concern to it, according to Rumpleteazer.
'Teazer shook her head. "No, Sah. We're troiyin' ta leave ah' past be'oind us. Please don' think o' Mungojerrie an' Oi as criminals. We're not 'enchcats anehmore."She explained.
Skimbleshanks kneaded his brow at the mention of 'Jerrie's name, as if he were trying to remember something. He rested his chin on his paw and studied 'Teazer closely as he murmured, "Mungojerrie? Forgive my prejudices, but what is a young lassie like you doing with The Calico Criminal? He told you what he did last year at our Jellicle Ball, didn't he?"
It appeared that getting these cats to get over 'Jerrie's reputation was going to be a long and hard job. The calico queen nodded solemnly. "Yes, 'e' 'as told moi tha' 'e se' foire ta Munkustrap's den. But ya 'ave ta undahstand tha' 'Jerrie's changed since then. 'E wonts ta redeem 'imself an' settle down. Mungojerrie's no longah a 'eartless criminal. Oi was also a criminal, but not nearley as notorious. Oi've changed fo' tha bettah as well."She smiled confidently.
The orange tabby pursed his lips, but continued to stare at 'Teazer. "I see, lass. I hope you stay true to your word and Mungojerrie to his."He said quietly.
'Teazer still found it odd and uncomfortable that Skimble was staring at her. She bit her lip and requested, "Could ya please stop lookin' at moi loike tha', Sah? It's makin' moi feel uneasy."
"Oh! So sorry, you just look a lot like someone I once knew."Skimble apologized and turned his gaze to Jenny. He beckoned her over and whispered in her ear, "She looks a lot like Caroline, doesn't she? My mate before you, you know? She has the same eyes and coat pattern."
The calico queen couldn't hear a word, but furrowed her brow at the two adults. She knew something was up when Jennyanydots glanced at her then back to Skimble and nodded once.
Skimble turned his attention back to 'Teazer. "Tell me lassie, what's your name?"He questioned.
At this 'Teazer responded, "Rumpleteazah. Oi'd appreciate it if ya cawlled moi 'Teazah instead, though."
The older tom blinked a couple of times as if a realization came to him. He smiled and murmured, "I've always wanted a daughter with that name. My previous mate, Caroline-No, you wouldn't want to hear that, it's not relevant to you. You're just a stranger. Why would you want to hear my history?"He asked rhetorically.
'Teazer cocked her head. "Did ya jus' say Caroloine? Moiy mothah's name was Caroloine...Oh, but she died when Oi was 'round six. Couldn' be tha same queen..."She shrugged it off, but Skimble looked more interested than before.
"Rumpleteazer, how old are you?"The orange tabby questioned again. Jenny threw him a stern look, indicating that it was rude to ask someone's age just out of the blue like that. Her mate didn't seem to notice.
"Oi jus' turned eighteen, Sah."'Teazer replied.
Skimble furrowed his brow and went on, "Caroline left eighteen years ago today because she didn't want me to find out that she was pregnant with my kitten before we were officially of age. She thought I would get angry and get disowned by her family. She left during the night and I never saw her again. I only knew she was pregnant because one of her best friends at the time told me afterward. I've never stopped wondering what happened to her and the kitten. But now I know she died six years later and...Hold on, lassie, there are some coincidences here."
The calico queen was starting to notice something, too. A lot of the things in her life matched exactly what Skimble was saying. "Yeah, moiy mothah an' ya previous mate was named Caroloine. She left eighteen years ago an' Oi'm tha' same age taday. Moiy mothah told moi tha' moiy fathah was named Skimbleshanks an' tha' 'e worked at a railway station...'Ere ya ah', matchin' tha' exact description."She laughed a little, thinking the whole thing was completely coincidental.
Skimble looked to be in a state of shock as the pieces fitted together in his head. Jenny glanced worriedly from him to 'Teazer. Then she looked slowly back to the young calico and it dawned on her. Her mate was the first one to actually say something in the heavy silence, though.
"You...You're my...my daughter?"The orange tabby said almost inaudibly.
It took Rumpleteazer a few moments to make sense of what he just said. Their timelines fit together perfectly. The events in their lives were one and the same. 'Teazer picked her head up and met Skimble's eyes. "Dad...?"She whispered. Skimble nodded and knelt on the ground on one knee with open arms. Tears came to 'Teazer's eyes as she ran over to him and they embraced each other tightly. 'Teazer felt dampness on the back of her shoulder and she knew Skimble was crying, too.
Jenny stood aside for a minute watching the reunion with a faltering smile and glistening eyes. She soon joined the hug and let her own tears fall. She finally had a kitten, even if she was her step-daughter and of age. "I guess that makes me your step-mother, huh 'Teazer?"The orange and yellow queen said half-jokingly.
'Teazer giggled and pulled away with tear streaks down her cheeks. "Oi think so, Mum. Do ya moind if Oi cawll ya tha'?"She sniffled a bit.
"I would love nothing more. Let's talk over tea, shall we? I'm sure we have tons to catch up on. Eighteen years, oh my! We'll be here all day!"Jenny exclaimed as she clapped excitedly and stood up. She walked over to the bookshelf and picked out a small pot. Filling the pot with water from the basin, she turned the stove on and set the pot on a burner. 'Teazer quickly figured out where the mugs were and set three on the wooden table her father was previously sitting at.
While the water boiled, the reunited family started talking about their past lives. The ups, the downs, the major events, the feel-good moments; everything. As they were sipping their half-empty mugs of tea, 'Teazer finally got to the most recent event of her life: meeting Mungojerrie. Skimble and Jenny were very interested to see how their new-found daughter got caught up with someone they knew was renowned as a criminal. At this point, the conversation got interrupted as they heard a knock on the door. 'Teazer went to answer it. As if on cue, Mungojerrie himself was standing outside. Unbeknownst to her, Jenny, and Skimble, 'Jerrie had been standing out there for a few good minutes, eavesdropping. They didn't need to know that, of course. 'Teazer gave him a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. There was still a bit of on-going tension between them from the morning's argument. She stepped aside and let 'Jerrie through.
As if she could read his mind, the calico queen whispered quietly in his ear as he passed, "'Ow long 'ave ya been eavesdroppin'?"
The corner of 'Jerrie's lip twitched as if he wanted to smirk, but he kept his face otherwise emotionless. He leaned over and murmured in reply, "Ya know moi too well. 'Bout foive minutes." He stood up straight again and nodded politely to both Jenny and Skimble. They nodded in response, obviously cautious about the new guest in their home. 'Jerrie sat down in the last available chair at the table as 'Teazer sat down in hers.
"So, where were we?"'Teazer asked no one in particular.
"You were just about to tell us how you started working for Macavity. Go on, hun'."Jenny provided.
The calico queen nodded. "Yes, roight. Oi was scavengin' 'round fo' food when this unfamiliah tom came walkin' boiy an' stahted askin' 'round fo' cats who wonted ta work fo' Macavity. Oi was skeptical at first, but then Oi thought tha' it moight not be so bad. This tabby told us we would ge' food, watah, an' a warm place ta sleep. So Oi followed 'im, along with some othah cats, ta tha 'oideout. Turns out tha food was 'orrible, an' unless ya 'ad a blanket, ya were freezin' awll noight. First toime Oi me' 'Jerrie was when 'e was registerin' moi as a 'enchcat."She began her story.
At this Skimble interrupted and turned his attention to his daughter's tomfriend. "So Mungojerrie, you can read and write I assume?"He inquired.
'Teazer found this a strange question to ask. She had been taught the fundamentals of reading and writing early on before her mother was murdered, and continued to teach herself after she died. 'Teazer was about to ask why her father would voice such a question, but then the answer quickly came to her and she decided to remain silent. Skimble wanted to know whether 'Jerrie was educated or not. He was testing his potential as a mate because he knew of the relationship between 'Jerrie and his daughter.
'Jerrie was glad to reply. "Tha othah 'enchcats taught moi ta read at seventeen and Oi've been wroitin' since Oi was noineteen. Oi'm decent in both. Oi'm one o' tha luckey ones. Most othah 'enchcats don' know 'ow ta do eithah."He stated, meeting Skimble's eyes. It seemed to 'Teazer that her tomfriend also knew what her father was doing, judging by the way he looked at Skimble. 'Jerrie eyed him with an almost challenging and dominant look.
The orange tabby nodded in approval and smiled at his daughter to continue. 'Teazer happily told him and Jenny about the rest of the time at the hideout, her progressing relationship with 'Jerrie, and how they helped Demeter escape. 'Jerrie added things in whenever he could. She left out the storm and any other times when the calico tom had spent the night with her, and Portia as well. She even told her parents the part about their mission to the church at West Monroe, at which point her tomfriend's expression turned from emotionless to tender and loving. He reached under the table to weakly grip 'Teazer's paw with his injured one and leaned over to gently nuzzle her shoulder. She returned the affectionate gesture without pausing in her story, but she glanced down at their paws for a second and she smiled widely just as she got to the part where she and 'Jerrie had confessed their love to each other.
'Teazer's parents shot surprised looks at the tiger-striped tom, who smiled guiltily. Their attitudes towards him became kinder from that point on. Hearing that Mungojerrie did these things for 'Teazer obviously boosted their opinion of him in their eyes. They began looking past his reputation as a notorious criminal and began to see him as a brave, compassionate, faithful tom. 'Jerrie had no idea he was all these things, of course, but he did like the fact that the skeptical expressions were gone from Skimble and Jenny's faces.
When his queenfriend finished her story and looked to him to ask the question, 'Jerrie turned his gaze from her to the orange tabby. "So whot do ya say, Sah? Do ya give moi pahmission ta mate with ya daughtah?"'Jerrie asked. The hope in his voice portrayed barely a fraction of what he was really feeling inside.
Skimbleshanks glanced from the calico tom to his daughter repeatedly, weighing his decision very carefully. Anticipation was high all around the table. The older tom pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a soft sigh. "Mungojerrie, can I talk to you in private?"Skimble questioned. 'Jerrie nodded hesitantly and followed the orange tabby outside.
Once outdoors and out of earshot of the queens inside, 'Jerrie noticed it had gotten dark. Had they been talking for that long? The stars were twinkling and the air was crisp and fresh. A half-moon bathed the junkyard in soft silver.
Skimble turned to 'Jerrie with a serious expression. "Do you love my daughter?"He began.
The tiger-striped tom nodded fervently. "Oi love Rumpleteazah an' greatley respect 'er, Sah. Truth be told, Oi wouldn' be standin' 'ere if it weren' fo' 'er."He said without a hint of doubt.
'Teazer's father continued, "I'm happy to hear that. Are you ready to father kittens and raise a family?"
'Jerrie hesitated at this. He had thought of not having kittens and ways to avoid that, but he had never really given serious, hard thought about being a father. After a few seconds he shook his head. This was just like the conversation he had had with Munkustrap, only the stakes were higher and this was actually 'Teazer's biological father he was talking to. Skimble's lips formed a tight line. He was starting to think differently of 'Jerrie's potential, but he reminded himself that 'Jerrie's reaction to the question was indeed very natural.
"Well, that's understandable. It's normal to have doubts about being a father and raising kits, of course. It's scary, even. I've experienced that, even if for a moment. 'Teazer's mother wasn't actually there at the time and I found out later that she was pregnant, but the reaction to the news was the same nonetheless. I don't look down on you for having doubts, but have you actually talked with 'Teazer about having kittens? Have you thought long and hard about the concept with her?"Skimble asked good-naturedly. He was always one for optimism, to a point.
Again the tiger-striped tom shook his head no. 'Teazer's father raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You mean to tell me that you want to mate with my daughter and you haven't even spoken to her about it seriously?"His brow furrowed with concern.
"Ya're correct, Sah. 'Teazah an Oi 'aven' discussed tha subject o' mate'ood at length ye'."'Jerrie mumbled submissively.
Skimble crossed his arms over his chest. "Talk about it with her, lad. Voice all of your concerns and opinions, and if you both agree you still want to be mates, come see Jenny and me at anytime during the day. We're usually at home then. Moving on; is there an object in your possession that I find acceptable to propose with?"He questioned, a bit more expectantly this time.
"Well, yes an' no. Yes, 'cause Oi know where this object is an' 'ow ta ge' it, but no 'cause it's back at Macavity's oideout. Oi would 'ave ta go back an' ge' it."The calico tom replied quietly.
The orange tabby sighed and frowned. "I completely understand that we just found out that 'Teazer and I were family, but surely I expected more preparation on your part. You haven't talked about being mates with your potential partner, and you don't have anything to propose with. Your odds aren't looking very good, Mungojerrie."He said with evident disappointment in his tone.
'Jerrie's upper lip twitched as he let out an audible hiss, but he held himself back from making a snarl. "Tha fact tha' Oi love ya daughtah deepley isn' enough fo' ya?"His statement came out louder and more venomous than he intended.
"It's not that, lad. I know you love her, I can tell. My concern is, aren't you rushing this a tad? You seem like you're in such a hurry to be mated, and then what? If you're not ready for even the notion of a family, what are you going to do after the process is done and over with? Bast forbid, what if you realize afterward that you've made the wrong choice of a mate? I'm not trying to put doubts in your mind; I'm just telling you to take a step back, slow down, and think this through. If it helps, I'll give you an example. Do you know Alonzo?"Skimble explained.
Mungojerrie nodded. He remembered the black and white-patched tom.
"Good, good. His mate is named Cassandra. Since Cassandra doesn't have any parents, Alonzo had to ask her sister, Exotica, for permission. I remember the poor lad was so heartbroken when he asked and Exotica refused! He spent three months earning her respect and eventually, she changed her mind and gave him her approval. Before that he was in such a hurry to be mated, much like you! Cassandra wanted to be mated as well, and she was angry at her sister for a week before she finally came to the understanding that what Exotica was doing was best for her. My point is, laddie, if you truly love Rumpleteazer, you will wait."The orange tabby finished his tale with an encouraging smile.
'Jerrie fell silent as he thought about the story. Finally he agreed, "Ya're roight. Now tha' Oi think 'bout it, Oi'm koinda in a 'urrey, aren' Oi? Oi apologoize if Oi came across as impulsive an' a bit rude, Sah. Whot can Oi do ta earn tha roight ta mate with ya daughtah an' prepare moiyself fo' mate'ood?"He asked in a more collected and reasonable voice.
Skimble's smile widened as he got through to this tom at last. He heartily clapped 'Jerrie on his left shoulder and laughed, "That's my boy! Now you're getting it!"He lowered his volume and continued, "My advice is to spend some time with the kittens. You know, early exposure to the young things, eh? If you want to raise some of your own one day, the best option for preparing is to kitten-sit! You'll earn more status as a respectful and more responsible tom in the process, too. Before you know it, everyone will forget you're a criminal and they'll be your good friends and neighbours! I'm sure 'Teazer will like to see how you handle kittens as well, and get a taste of it herself. My second piece of advice is to get to know Jenny and me better. I want to spend more time with my daughter before I give her away, as I haven't seen her in eighteen years, and of course I want to know the tom who I'm giving her away to! There's no sense in having in-laws who aren't your friends!"He chuckled lightheartedly.
The tiger-striped tom smiled. He was happy with the negotiation. "Awlroight, Oi think tha' can be arranged. Who do Oi go to ta 'elp with kittens?"He queried in return.
The older tom patted 'Jerrie on his back. "They will come to you, trust me lad. These kittens are the most curious little things! It won't take long. I'm sure you've met some of them already!"He chortled in amusement.
'Jerrie laughed a little himself. The three kits he had already met were entertaining and joyful, to say the least. He liked the concept of spending time with them. It seemed fun.
Skimble grew a little more serious again as he clasped 'Jerrie's shoulder and placed a fist on his chest. "You're a young, strong, vigorous lad, Mungojerrie! You've got plenty of time to spend on love, unlike an ol' billie like me! It's getting late, and you've had a long day. I'm sure you and my daughter would like to get some rest, no?"He said in a fatherly tone. 'Jerrie had first been apprehensive about Skimbleshanks, but now he thought he was a respectable, goodhearted tom who was just looking out for his family. They went back inside the den.
Jenny and 'Teazer were talking quietly to each other when the other two came back inside. 'Teazer got up from her chair and went to give 'Jerrie a hug. He didn't know what he did to deserve a hug, but he returned the gesture and glanced over 'Teazer's shoulder at Jenny with a perplexed expression, to which she responded with a wink and a smile. He felt any previous tension with his queenfriend melt away. 'Jerrie gave a slight nod and broke apart the embrace. If he was correct, Jenny had a "queen talk" with her step-daughter just as Skimble had a similar conversation with him.
"Thank ya, both o' ya. We learned a lot taday an' we realleh appreciate it. Oi believe 'Teazah an' Oi ah' closah than evah now. We should be 'eadin' back. G'noight Jenny, Skimbleshanks."The calico tom said gratefully as he turned to leave. 'Teazer's parents bid them good night as well and the two calicos walked back to their den.
'Teazer looked to 'Jerrie. "Whot did moiy dad tell ya?"She asked curiously as they strolled along, taking their time and admiring the stars.
"'E told moi ta wait an' earn 'is pahmission as well as tha roight ta mate with ya. Apparently Oi'm "unworthy" at tha moment. Oi 'ave ta admit it stung a lil' ta 'ear tha' at first, but then Skimble explained it furthah an' it made more sense. If it seemed loike Oi was rushin' tha whole mate'ood thin', Oi'm sorreh. Skimble said a good way ta prepare ahselves is ta talk 'bout it in as much detail as we can an' ta play with tha kittens 'round 'ere. Sounds loike a good plan, don' ya think? Whot did Jenny tell ya?"The tiger-striped tom summarized. He felt glad that Skimble had brought him down a few notches. It really helped.
The calico queen sighed happily as she recounted what her step-mother had said to her. "Mum told moi ta wait as well. She knew Skimble would make ya earn 'is pahmission, an' Oi think tha's good parentin'. Othahwoise, where's tha challenge an' satisfaction? Mum told moi tha same thin' 'bout tha kits an' also 'ow ta control moiyself durin' 'eat. Ya're sleepin' in tha cornah until Oi go back ta no'mal."She giggled as 'Jerrie let out a disappointed whine. "She also told moi tha' we should not be dependent on each othah. We should be as strong as individuals as we ah' tagethah. So tha' means Oi'll be spendin' more toime with Victoria an' tha othah queens whoile ya go an' foind some toms ta rough-'ouse with. Plus, then ya'll be able ta resist moi more easiley."'Teazer smiled as they entered into their own den. She chucked a blanket at 'Jerrie and he curled up in the corner of the den, facing the wall. She laid herself down and pulled a blanket over herself. "G'noight, 'Jer."The calico queen said quietly as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
"G'noight, princess."Came her tomfriend's muffled reply. Soon nothing was heard except their deep, even breathing and the chirps of crickets outside the den.