I'm so glad I finally found the time/means to update this. It's actually been bothering my quite a bit. It just sorta haunts you, ya know?

Anyway, I hope you like this chapters. Hopefully it's not too cheesy lol.

Mungojerrie finally found what he was looking for. "Teaze," he cried out. Rumpleteazer was sitting on top of an old table, watching the fading sunset.

She smiled when she saw him coming. "Come and join me Jerrie," she said happily.

He was surprised at her cheery tone. "Teaze, I'm so sorry," he said as he jumped up beside her. "I never shoulda' left you alone with 'im. I shoulda' listened to you."

"Don't you go feelin' bad on my account. It weren't your fault."

"But it is my fault. If I'da listened to what you was sayin'-"

"I got away; I isn't 'urt."

"But Teazer-"

"Now Mungojerrie you listen to me. I isn't mad at you. The only one I's mad at is Macavity. I guess I's a bit annoyed at you since you didn't see what a bloody git 'e was, but I ain't mad." Mungojerrie didn't say anything in response. "'owever," Rumpleteazer continued, "I might get mad at you if you don't stop actin' like such a wimp."

"Sorry..."

"And if you apologize again I'll smack you."

He stopped himself before he could repeat the word. He snickered at the mock stern on her face. Her facade broke and she began to giggle. They both spent the next few minutes laughing at nothing. "So what do we do now?" Rumpleteazer asked between giggles.

"Whadaya mean?"

"We certainly ain't cavortin' with Macavity anymores. What we gonna do with our lives?"

"Same as always if you want. We's still thieves. We could freelance, you know? Or just work for ourselves. Take orders from nobody."

Rumpleteazer gave a sigh of relief. "I like the sounda that. I's afraid for a moment that you was gonna go straight, turn yourself into Munkustrap."

Mungojerrie grimaced. "Well actually..."

"You didn't."

"Sorta... It was right after you came back and you was 'urt and I was angry and-"

"What did you tell 'im?"

"I told 'im where Macavity's 'eadquarters was. 'e asked me 'ow I knew, and I told 'im I had worked for 'im before. I didn't mention you."

"Jerrie, he could kick you outta the tribe for this."

Mungojerrie looked down sadly. "I know. But I 'ad to 'elp you. I 'ad to 'elp them get back at Macavity for what 'e'd done to you. And they was able to rescue Tugger because of it."

"Jerrie," Rumpleteazer trailed off. "What if they make you leave? What if 'e tells my uncle? I'll never be allowed to see you again."

"Teaze, you'd find a way. You ain't exactly one to follow rules."

"I know but... I's still worried about you."

"Nothin's gonna change love, I promise. We's still gonna do our dance for the Ball for sure. I's excited for it."

"I's excited too," Rumpleteazer replied, her face lighting up somewhat.

"And, I was wonderin'," Mungojerrie said, suddenly feeling awkward. "Maybe, you'd like to go with me for the rest of it?"

A mischievous grin appeared on his companion's face. "You mean like a date?"

"You could call it that."

"I say yes."

Mungojerrie perked up. "Really?"

"Yeah," she said. "It'll be fun."

"I 'oped you'd think so."

Munkustrap could write. Somewhat. However his talents definitely lay in speaking and in storytelling as opposed to penning anything. That was why he had asked Jellylorum for help. Her owners had home schooled their children, so she was one of the lucky cats given the opportunity to learn to write. She had taught a few of the interested cats, but Munkustrap had never had time to sit down and learn.

It was a useful skill, but not a vital one. However, it was very helpful when deciding the order of the dances at the Ball.

"Bustopher Jones' song shouldn't be first," she said, scribbling on the old notebook. "He may be high class, but he's prone to being late. You should put Jenny's before his- she's very punctual." Munkustrap nodded, seeing the intelligence in the notion. "And Gus' shouldn't be at the end. My poor father-in-law is getting so old. He shouldn't stay awake any longer than he needs to."

Munkustrap studied the current order and silently prayed the whole ordeal would run smoothly. The last thing they needed were interruptions.

"Hey Munk, you in here?" Munkustrap saw Tugger peek his head inside Jellylorum's den. "Uh, listen, can I talk to you?"

"Is it important? I'm busy right now."

"It's important."

Munkustrap could tell by his brother's slightly worried expression that this was actually important. He apologized briefly to Jellylorum and followed Tugger outside. "What's going on?"

"I uh... Well... Can we take a walk?"

"Sure," Munkustrap said, slightly confused. Tugger stayed silent as they took their stroll. "Tug," the silver tabby finally said, "what's wrong?"

"I'm just trying to figure out how to word this..." Tugger said slowly.

"Okay... Well, is this about your lady friend? The one you were supposed to talk to?"

"Yes," Tugger said overenthusiastically. "Okay, yes, that's a decent place to start. Um, yeah, I spoke to this person..."

"What did she say?"

"The person returned my feelings..."

Munkustrap smiled. "See, I told you there was nothing to worry about. Now are you going to tell me who she is?"

Tugger's already fidgety expression fell. "That's kinda what I wanted to talk to you about."

"Don't tell me she doesn't already have a mate."

"No no, nothing like that. We just-"

"She's not a kitten right?"

"Do you really think so low of me? No, this cat is definitely of age. We just..." Tugger sighed. "Munk," he began seriously, "you would never hate me, right?"

"Of course not Tug, you're my brother."

"You would accept me and love me no matter what, right?"

Munkustrap, his jaw dropping slightly, stared at the maine coon. "Tugger, what did you do?"

Tugger took a deep breath. "I'm in love with a tom," he said quickly. He exhaled. "There, I said it. I'm in love with another tom. And he loves me."

Munkustrap heaved a sigh of relief. "Bast, you had me scared."

"Wait, you don't care?"

"I admit, the whole concept is... a bit strange to me... but Tug, I don't care about that. And I definitely can't say I'm surprised."

"You can't?"

"Tugger, nothing surprises me with you anymore."

The Rum Tum Tugger laughed nervously. "So, you're okay with this?"

"Are you sure you're actually in love? This isn't just another scandal you've wrapped yourself into for the sake of attention, right?"

"I promise Munk, I'm being serious."

"Then I guess I have to be alright with it don't I? Now, who's the tom?"

Tugger sighed, a feeling of elation descending upon him. He was about to respond when Mistoffelees suddenly teleported in front of the two brothers, fierce lightning crackling around him. "Tug," he moaned, clutching his head and collapsing.

Laughter erupted from the tuxedo tom. "You're so weak," he said. Tugger assumed it was Quaxo speaking.

The maine coon knelt down beside him and reached toward the tom, ignoring the burning feeling that caressed his arms. "Look at me Misto," he said. An explosion of sparks let loose from Mistoffelees, singeing the area around him. Tugger turned to Munkustrap. "Get out of here," he cried.

"What about you-"

"Just run!" Tugger yelled, pushing his brother away. The silver tabby obeyed. The maned cat returned his attention to the magical tom. "Misto," he said gently, "I know you're in there. You're stronger than this jerk. You can fight him."

The black tom suddenly slapped him. "You're not helping," Quaxo said, pushing himself up.

Tugger slammed him to the ground. "I don't want to kill you."

"I know. I'm counting on that actually. It definitely makes my job easier."

Tugger forcefully pressed his lips against Mistoffelees'. "Come on Misto," he muttered.

"Good try, but no. He doesn't appear to be home right now."

"Fine, don't think about me then." Tugger's brain began pulling for ideas. "Think about… Victoria. Your sister. Think about how much she loves you. Imagine how she would feel if you never came back."

Quaxo's face fell. "Shut up," he said, trying in vain to push the large tom off of him.

Tugger smiled, grateful that hope wasn't yet lost. "Do you know how worried she's been about you lately? She doesn't let it show, but it's there. If you can't pull through for me, do it for her."

"Be quiet," Quaxo shouted.

"And you know what, it's not just her who would be sad if you disappeared. You realize that everyone in the Junkyard likes you, right? I'd say most of them love you."

"Tug..." came the weak response. The violent sparks still continued however.

"And if all else fails, you definitely know that I love you," Tugger said gently. He stroked the tom's face. "Please come back." The magician cried out as an explosion erupted from his body, sending the maine coon flying backwards. Tugger quickly stood back up and rushed to who he hoped was Mistoffelees. The young tom was on his knees breathing heavily. Tugger took him in his arms and rubbed his fur soothingly. "Are you you?" he asked.

"Y-Yes," Mistoffelees replied, burying his face in his companion's mane.

Tugger laughed quietly. "That was way too close," he said cheerily.

Mistoffelees gave him a dirty look. "Tug, this is not something to be happy about. You're right- that was way to close."

"Misto-"

"Tugger, it's getting worse. He almost had me that time. I could feel myself losing control, losing my grip on my surroundings. You don't understand what that's like."

"All I can do is be happy. All I can do is celebrate that he didn't gain control and that here you are, with me." He looked down sadly. "Because we may not have much time left."

"What in the name of the Everlasting Cat was that?" Munkustrap exclaimed, emerging from behind a junk pile.

The Rum Tum Tugger gingerly helped Mistoffelees to his feet. "Long story," the maned tom replied.

"I think I can make time for it.