Relationship: Pre Alonzo/Munkustrap although not for very long let me tell you

Things get a little heated in this chapter but nothing explicit, as I'm sure your imagination can do more than what I care to describe.


Alonzo wasn't sure when he first realized that he was attracted to Munkustrap but the realization didn't hit him all at once. Instead it crept up on him little by little until it was so painfully obvious he could hardly stand it. Not that he had acted upon his attraction, instead opting for the more subtle approach of quietly yearning while Munk went about his usual business. Even if he wanted to actually do something about his feelings they were both far too busy to talk about it.

Well, Munkustrap was busy. Busy enough that neither of them had a chance to sit and talk like they used to. Being Jellicle Protector was an important and very time consuming job. Unfortunately that meant that the past few weeks Alonzo was left with a noticeable absence of a certain silver tabby, leaving him vaguely irritated and lonely.

At least, on this particular day, Munkustrap was nearby. Sure, he was still too busy for Alonzo to catch up with him, but at least he was present enough to observe. And that was what Alonzo was doing. Innocently observing every attractive angle of the silver tabby from a safe perch in the junkyard.

"And so, if you straighten your posture like this, your balance will improve." Munk demonstrated by drawing himself up to his full height, muscles smoothly moving under the shining silver fur.

The kittens at his feet studied him as he started a series of well balanced poses. As usual one of the kittens had asked the silver tabby if he would tutor them in the more complicated dance routines of the Jellicle Ball, and, also as usual, Munk obliged.

"I must say, you seem to be keen on re learning the basics today." A cat purred in Alonzo's ear.

"Mmm hmm." Observing, he was definitely observing, not ogling. It was just a coincidence that from his current perch he had a perfect view of Munk's backside. A very fortunate one, but a coincidence nonetheless.

The cat laughed. Alonzo didn't even bother to turn his gaze away, knowing exactly who it was that was laughing and knowing full well that they were laughing at him.

"Enjoying the show?" Bombalurina leaned up against him to get a better view. "Sorry, I mean demonstration."

"Yes. Now, if you're here to distract me, I'm going to have to politely ask you to go somewhere else." Alonzo knew how hollow his words sounded. "I'm trying to learn something."

"Oh, I never would distract you from anything Munk's doing. I know how much you like to observe him."

Something about her words unsettled him, especially the way she pronounced 'observe'. Reluctantly he turned his gaze away from the lesson. The red queen's eyes were far too knowing for his liking.

"What do you mean by that?" He asked.

"I think you know." She flicked her tail back and forth as she studied him. "You haven't been exactly subtle around him."

"I don't have the faintest idea of what you're talking about." He lied.

"Please. Are you trying to tell me that I don't know a yearning cat when I see one?"

Again he was at a loss. Bomba had a way of looking past his carefully constructed exterior and seeing directly inside his head, a skill that was equally irritating and intimidating. Only one other queen in the tribe had such a skill, but luckily she was out of the junkyard for today-

"Hello, Alonzo. Fancy seeing you here today." Cassandra greeted him, leaping up to perch on his other side. "Hello, Bomba. Enjoying the view?"

Fantastic. Now he was sandwiched between two queens who felt it was their duty to heckle him until his ears fell off. Although both were too dignified to heckle.

"Why hello, Cassandra, what a pleasure it is to see you." Bomba graciously greeted the queen. "Alonzo and I were just enjoying today's lesson from our dear Munkustrap. We're learning quite a lot, aren't we, Alonzo?"

"Sure." Everlasting Cat strike him down, he was not strong enough for this. Both were queens he had pursued at previous Jellicle Balls, and through that connection they took it upon themselves to become his wingmen. Wingwomen. Wing cats. Whatever.

Both Bombalurina and Cassandra had too much time on their paws and too much of an interest in his personal affairs. Of course, if he told either of them that then they would simply respond that he had personally invited them into his affairs when he tried to proposition them. Technically that was true. If he had known how enthusiastically they were going to take it upon themselves to find him a mate he would have decided to have sworn off finding one forever.

As it was he was having a difficult time avoiding both Cassandra and Bomba's knowing looks as he stared down at the object of his desire. Seeing them smiling out of the corners of his eyes was putting a damper on the whole observing business.

"Don't you two have something you need to do?" He pleaded.

"No, not really." Cassandra said. "Do you, Bomba?"

"Not at all."

"Wonderful." Alonzo sighed.

Alonzo spent the rest of the lesson stubbornly refusing to budge from his spot, knowing that if he left then it would give Bomba and Cassandra the satisfaction of knowing they had gotten under his fur. Once the lesson was over Munkustrap turned to his audience, giving all three of them a kind smile.

"Hope you all enjoyed the lesson." Munk said.

"Oh, we could always use a refresher on the basics." Bomba replied, nudging Alonzo with a surprising amount of force. "Isn't that right, Alonzo?"

"That reminds me, Lonz, if you have a moment I'd like to ask you if you'd-" Munk's request went unfinished thanks to a sudden appearance of a boisterous kitten.

"Munk! Look!" Etcetera interrupted as she delightedly showed off a cartwheel.

"That's wonderful. Excellent form. If you'll excuse me-" Once again he was cut off by another cat that insisted on having his attention.

"Munkustrap, dear, it's time for our meeting." Jenny seemed to appear out of nowhere. "You didn't forget, did you?"

"No, Jenny, I haven't. I was just wrapping up a lesson." Munk shot an apologetic look up at Alonzo. "We'll have to talk later."

"Sure." Alonzo mournfully watched him go, directing a sour look at Jenny and Etcetera's backs.

"Are you jealous?" Bomba asked once it was just the three of them.

"No." Alonzo said, pointedly turning his gaze away from the two queens on either side of him.

"You are." Cassandra observed.

Alonzo sighed. "Munk can spend his time with whoever he wants. He doesn't belong to anyone."

"But you'd prefer it if he spent more time with you." Bomba gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"Maybe. But it's not important." Alonzo shook himself. "And why are you so insistent on badgering me about this?"

"Because neither of us enjoy watching you mope about. It's very unbecoming." Cassandra told him.

"I am not moping. I have never moped."

"Right. Cassandra, I think he's beyond our help." Bomba sighed. "Might as well leave him to it."

And with that Alonzo was left alone once more with his thoughts. Thoughts that were rapidly turning more irritated by the minute, burrowing under his fur and making him restless. It wasn't that he was specifically upset with either Jenny or Etcetera for taking up Munk's time, but it was becoming a regular occurrence that did nothing to soothe Alonzo's increasingly foul mood. The sooner he could catch up with Munk the better.

A couple of days passed before he was able to speak with Munk again. It seemed that the universe was conspiring against him, throwing every cat in Munk's way to ensure that they never had a private moment together. No matter how many problems were solved a dozen new ones would spring up, problems that only the Jellicle Protector could take care of.

It was enough to put Alonzo in a permanently foul mood. A mood that did not go unnoticed by the rest of the tribe. Everyone had taken to giving him a wide berth, which only served to make him even more ill tempered. The only thing that seemed to help was to simply ignore his feelings regarding Munk's absence and put on a practiced air of indifference. Sure, it was simply a mask to hide how he was truly feeling, but it was the only thing he could do for now.

Which made it all the more difficult to keep face when Munk suddenly approached him out of the blue, completely alone and seemingly not at the beck and call of the rest of the tribe. It was a rare opportunity that could not be squandered. Yet Alonzo still wondered just how long it was going to last.

"There you are." Munk greeted him with a friendly nudge of a shoulder. "I thought you had left the junkyard."

"Why?" Alonzo couldn't help but look around to see if there was anyone waiting in the wings to interrupt them.

"I haven't seen you around lately."

"Well, I can't imagine why. I haven't been very busy." It wasn't fair of him to be mad at Munk. After all, Munk couldn't help it if everyone needed him all the time. Yet there was no one else around for Alonzo to direct his building ire towards.

"I apologize for the earlier interruptions." Munk affectionately rubbed up against him. "It seems that everyone needs my attention these days."

"Imagine that." Alonzo remained still.

"You wouldn't believe the day I had yesterday."

Alonzo kept his mouth shut. Part of him wanted to lean into Munk's touch and forget that was upset. Another, more petty part of him wanted Munk to feel just as ignored as he felt. It didn't take long for the silver tabby to get the hint that something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" Munk asked, concerned.

"Nothing." Everything. That's what Alonzo really wanted to say. But once more he found himself unable to break through his mask of practiced indifference. His false facade of composure was the only thing keeping him from losing his mind.

"I've noticed that you've been avoiding me recently." Munk said. "If I've done anything to offend you I'm truly sorry."

"Avoiding you? You think I'm avoiding you?" That did it. He could no longer remain indifferent. "How can I avoid you if you spend every second of every minute of every hour talking with every other cat in the junkyard? Ever since you said you wanted to ask me something you've talked with everyone except me!"

The outburst stunned them both. Slowly Munk leaned away to give Alonzo some much needed space.

"I… I didn't realize we never continued that conversation." Munk confessed. "I suppose I've been so busy I forgot. Not that that's an excuse."

"It must not have been important."

"Regardless of the subject, I find you important enough to talk to."

"Hmph."

"Would you like to sit with me for a while? I realize it has been quite some time since we've been able to have time for just the two of us." Oh no. There were the pleading eyes. They weren't outright demanding like a kitten's pleading gaze, but much more subtle, tinged with a gentle yearning that was sure to make anyone crack.

Alonzo felt his anger melt away. He was being unnecessarily mean, especially since he knew that Munk wouldn't intentionally ignore him. If they had a moment to talk then everything would be resolved, he just knew it.

"I would like that." Alonzo relaxed his stiff stance. "I'm sorry, I just-"

"Hey, Munk!" Once more their time was interrupted. This time it was Tugger of all cats, sauntering up to them like a big fluffy annoyance that Alonzo desperately wanted to swat.

"Tugger." Even Munk looked annoyed at the interruption. "Can this wait?"

"Sorry, but no can do. Old Deut's in town and he wants to speak with you."

Munk sighed. "Very well. Lonz, I'm sorry, but-"

"If you'll excuse me, I must be going." Alonzo slid past him, coldly ignoring the looks both toms gave him.

If he didn't go somewhere else right now his frustration was going to boil over. Of course Old Deuteronomy took precedence, any time he came to the junkyard was important, but it was just another moment in a long line of interruptions. If Alonzo didn't find somewhere to calm down he was going to scream and tear out his fur.

"Hey, Lonz, wait up." The last cat he wanted to speak to was following him.

"What do you want?" Alonzo hissed, whirling around to face a surprised Tugger.

"Whoa, take it easy." Tugger stopped in his tracks. "What's got you so riled up?"

"None of your business."

"Right. I can clearly see that. This doesn't have something to do with my brother, does it?"

"Back off, Tugger. I mean it."

"I'll take that as a yes." Once more Tugger sauntered closer. "You know, if I didn't know better I'd say that you're acting an awful lot like Bomba whenever she thinks I'm not paying enough attention to her. You even have the same look in your eyes."

Slowly the curious cat circled him, studying him with knowing eyes. "Munk's been very busy lately. If I didn't know any better I'd say you're upset because he's not spending any time with you. Don't think I haven't noticed how grouchy you've been these past few days. What's got you so mad?"

That was it. One more word and Alonzo was going to lose it. A low growl rose in the back of his throat. Tugger continued on, pausing right in front of Alonzo and leaning in close to study his face.

"I don't believe it." Tugger said, eyes widening. "You're jealous-"

Alonzo's claws lashed out before Tugger could finish his sentence, striking him across the chest. Thankfully Tugger's mane was fluffy enough to block the blow but the message was clear.

"Hey!" Tugger hissed. "The hell was that for?"

There were no more words to say. With a furious yowl Alonzo leapt at Tugger. There was no time for posturing or figuring out where best to strike, he had turned into a furious whirlwind of claws and teeth and struck wherever he could. Not that Tugger was a pushover. Both were landing blows in equal amounts, both making a racket that could be heard clear across the junkyard. Dimly Alonzo was aware that they had an audience as he kicked and swatted at Tugger's obnoxiously fluffy mane.

"Hey!"

"Ohmygod they're fighting!"

"Someone get Munk!"

"Break it up!"

Suddenly it wasn't just him and Tugger. The fight was interrupted by several concerned cats. Someone grabbed Alonzo by the shoulders and hauled him clear off his feet, carrying him away from the target of his rage.

"Easy, lad. You're acting like a rabid pollicle." Skimbleshanks said, grip surprisingly strong. "Calm yourself."

Alonzo bit back the urge to snarl at the older tom, instead aiming a glare at the railway cat that went unheeded. Once again he had been interrupted. At this point there was no use in trying to finish anything. Across the way Tugger was being soothed by Jenny and Bomba, the queens having an easier time of it since Tugger wasn't actively trying to resume the fight, although he was also glaring and fluffing his mane rather aggressively.

"Now, tell me what this is all about." Skimble loosened his grip once Alonzo stopped struggling.

"There's nothing to talk about." Alonzo shrugged off Skimble's hold and stomped away from the crowd.

No one stopped him, although he could hear Tugger telling his side of the story to the others. He didn't want to stick around to hear it. Right now all he wanted was to be alone.

His aimless wanderings led him to the outskirts of the junkyard to an abandoned truck that was high enough in the pile to provide him a decent view of the setting sun. Here was where Alonzo decided to lick his wounds and try and sort himself out. He hated to admit it but Tugger had landed a couple of good hits on him, the curious cat surprisingly strong for one who claimed to only muddle about.

Eventually Alonzo deemed himself clean and settled in to stare up at the stars. It would have been a peaceful night if he didn't feel so upset. It seemed that no matter what he did his fate was to be alone, watching the object of his affections from the sidelines, only able to get a word in if he fought the entire tribe for the opportunity.

Maybe that was being dramatic. Most of all he missed Munkustrap.

"Is there room for one more up there?" For once the universe seemed to be listening in on his thoughts. Alonzo wordlessly moved aside to make room for the silver tabby as he came into view.

"I didn't expect to find you on this side of the junkyard. It's been a while since either of us came out this far." Munk commented.

Alonzo shrugged.

"We never finished our earlier conversation."

"We can talk about it later." Alonzo said, knowing full well that wouldn't happen.

"No, we are going to talk about this now." Munk seemed to realize the same. "Or we'll never get around to it."

"What about-"

"Jenny and Skimble are watching over the kittens, I've got Tugger monitoring the junkyard, Plato and Cassandra are patrolling the perimeter, and Demeter and Bomba are handling any other issues that may arise. If all else fails then Jelly said she'd give whoever's causing a problem a good talking to."

"Wait, you've got Tugger watching over the junkyard?"

"Yes." Munk took on a temporarily pained expression. "He seemed unnaturally enthusiastic about the opportunity. I can only imagine what he's up to right now."

"You should-"

"I should take this time to do whatever I want." Munk firmly interrupted him. "And what I want to do right now is talk with you."

It was hard to argue with that. Wordlessly Alonzo waited for Munk to continue, keeping every inch of himself as still as possible.

"Now, I want to know what's going on." Munk kept a respectful distance.

"Nothing."

"Lonz, please. I don't like this. This distance between us. It's not right."

Alonzo kept quiet. The anger had faded, leaving him with an empty silence he wasn't sure how to fill.

"I also heard that you got in a fight with Tugger." Munk added.

"I did."

"Normally I'd delve deeper into that situation but I get the feeling that he might not have been entirely innocent."

"Maybe."

"At the very least you two gave everyone something to talk about. I almost wish I had been there to see the look on Tugger's face. Not that I'm encouraging anyone to fight him but I admit that sometimes I've wanted to knock some sense into him."

Alonzo glanced over at Munk. The tom wasn't quite smiling but it was clear he was trying to lighten the mood.

"Look, if you don't want to talk I won't push you." Munk continued. "But I want to apologize for not being around lately. I didn't realize that it would hurt you. I'd never intentionally push you away."

"I know that."

"It has been difficult trying to find a balance. It's obvious that I need to work more on being available for you too." Munk uncertainly poked at the metal under their feet.

Alonzo sighed. The last thing he wanted was for Munk to feel responsible for his own selfish wants. It was time to set things straight.

"I'm… I'm not sure how to say it." Alonzo said. "I guess I'm just… not happy with all the interruptions. Everyone's been taking up so much of your time and I… I don't like it. After your lesson with the kittens you said you wanted to ask me something, but then Jenny showed up and since then we haven't talked. I wish she hadn't taken you away from me, although I understand that what she needed was important. It's just… I don't know."

It took a minute for Munk to figure out his words. Slowly he inched closer until their shoulders were touching.

"Are you jealous of Jenny?" He asked incredulously.

"No." Alonzo felt his face slowly turning red. "Yes. But not just Jenny."

"Why?"

"Because. Because I want to be the center of your attention, not anyone else. And I know that's unreasonable but that's how I feel." Once the words started he was unable to stop. "You've got so much responsibility to the tribe, to everyone, and you deserve to give your attentions to whoever you want, especially when you have a rare moment to yourself."

Munkustrap was silent. Alonzo kept going.

"I can't even imagine what it's like having everyone rely on you all the time, yet you never tire of it. All day, every day, all the time, it's nonstop, everyone needs you and you never turn anyone away, even when they really don't actually need you. You're just so strong and so caring and I'm so selfish for wanting that for myself-"

"Hold on-"

"And I've watched you handle everyone's problems, even if it's something that they could handle themselves, because that's just how wonderful you are, it's astounding how much you can care. How can you give so much and still have something left? I have no right to ask for any part of you, not when you're so busy with everyone else."

Finally his words stopped, hanging in the night air between them, and all Alonzo could do was hunch his shoulders and stare at his own feet. So much for composure and indifference.

"What part of me would you ask for?" Munk asked after what seemed like an eternity.

"What?"

"You said you have no right to ask for any part of me." Munk repeated. "If you could have any part, what would it be?"

"I… I don't know." Everything. He wanted everything. He could feel Munk's eyes on him but he refused to look up from his feet, not until he could put himself back together.

"Hmm." Munk thought for a minute. "You're not selfish, you know. Far from it, in fact."

"Yeah, right."

"I mean it." Munk leaned up against him. "If anyone should demand my time and attention I want it to be you."

"I'm sorry." Alonzo rested his head on Munk's shoulder. "For being jealous. And for giving you the cold shoulder. And for… well, not for attacking Tugger. But for causing you more distress."

"I'm sorry too. For not spending more time with you even though it was all I wanted to do. There were definitely times when I should have delegated tasks to others." Munk rested his cheek on top of Alonzo's head. "Sometimes I wish I could just get away from it all and the two of us could run off somewhere."

"Where?"

"Anywhere. As long as you are with me it doesn't matter."

Both fell into a more comfortable silence, savoring the private, uninterrupted moment between them. Above them the stars shone bright in the sky. Idly Alonzo played with Munk's fluffy tail. If only they could sit like this forever. Even if he wasn't hopelessly attracted to Munk it would have been a nice moment.

Of course, now that Alonzo had Munk all to himself he couldn't help but wonder if this would be the only time he would have to truly say how he felt. Faced with such an option left him uncertain as to how to proceed. Either Alonzo said something now or forever wonder if they would ever get another moment alone without interruptions.

"May I give you something?" Munk interrupted his thoughts. "I've been meaning to do this earlier but haven't had the time."

"Anything." The word slipped out before he could stop it.

Suddenly Munkustrap was facing him, gently cupping his cheek, eyes blazing bright in the moonlight. The kiss that followed was so brief, so delicate, that it took a second for Alonzo to even realize that he had been kissed.

"If I could give you everything I would." Munk whispered, resting their foreheads together. "Please don't ever doubt that."

Alonzo would have replied had he been able to think actual words. Currently his mind was a blur of fleeting feelings and instincts, making his head spin enough to literally unbalance him. If it weren't for Munk's touch acting as an anchor he very well might have fallen off the truck.

"Alonzo?" Oh, hearing his name spoken after such a kiss was definitely enough to make him swoon like the lovestruck cat he certainly was.

"Yeah?" Was all he could muster.

"Please say something. Anything." Munk was drawing back, the sudden confidence draining into uncertainty.

"Uh." What could Alonzo possibly say after an experience like that? Nothing. But he could do something.

This time he pulled Munkustrap in for a proper kiss, letting his relief of having his attraction returned dictate the intensity. The force was enough to knock them both off the truck. Instead of letting go Alonzo rolled them over until he was straddling the tom, pinning him to the ground and capturing him in another kiss. If anyone was going to barge in on this momentous occasion he wanted to be sure that he at least got in as much physical affection that he could before getting into another fight.

They were not interrupted, but eventually they both had to come up for air. Alonzo didn't waste time while Munk's brain tried to process what was happening.

"I don't want just a part of you. I want all of you." Alonzo growled in his ear. "And I don't want to share."

"I'm all yours." Munk finally ground out, completely compliant under Alonzo's grasp. "You have my full and undivided attention."

"Good. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Both of them knew that eventually they would have to go back to how things were, but for now they could indulge in each other's company. While it would be difficult to find time for just the two of them they at least had a better understanding of one another. An understanding that both Munkustrap and Alonzo were taking full advantage of.

For tonight, at least, there weren't any more interruptions.