Chapter 5

Munkustrap didn't stop his conversation with Alonzo, even after noticing Tugger approaching the junkyard's stage; the Maine Coon was alone, without either his fan club or his mate beside him. The gray tabby watched his brother without fully turning to face him, noticing how even though Tugger strutted in that typical manner of his, something seemed to weigh down each of his steps.

Tugger stopped by the tyre.

"Munku… Can I talk to you?"

Munkustrap finally turned to his brother, blue eyes wide and confused. He hadn't been called by that nickname since Tugger was a little kitten; and, judging by Tugger's state right now, eyes downcast and ears pulled back, it meant that something was troubling him, something serious.

"Of course." Munkustrap exchanged a look with Alonzo, who simply nodded, also curious. The gray tabby walked over to his brother, nuzzling him and being half-heartedly reciprocated. He made a signal for Tugger to follow him and they walked away from the stage, to a more secluded area. "Is everything alright?"

"I need your help." Tugger said automatically.

"Sure… With what exactly, Tugger?" Munkustrap asked, even more worried now with his brother's tone of voice.

Tugger took in a deep, shaky breath, eyes focusing on nothing in particular. It took a few seconds for him to speak again.

"Misto."

"What's wrong with him?" Munkustrap arched an eyebrow, leaning his head forward as he studied all the information he had, few as it was. "Is everything okay with you two?"

"Yeah, there's nothing wrong between us, it's just…" Tugger hesitated and didn't finish the sentence, as if unsure if he was correct or not. His fingers fiddled with his studded belt and he tried not making eye contact with his brother. "Misto's- he's- He's pregnant."

A beat.

"… What…?

"It was his magic, it gave him kittens." Tugger continued explaining, frowning at his own words and how his voice was getting higher in pitch. "Well, I helped with it as well, but it's not like I was expecting Misto to end up pregnant!"

"Wait, wait, Tugger, stop and go back a bit." Munkustrap interrupted Tugger's rambling, still processing. "What do you mean Mistoffelees' pregnant?"

"I just found out, well, he just found out."

"And it was his magic that did it…?"

"Yeah."

Munkustrap nodded. He didn't understand magic, despite being surrounded by magic since birth, and he also had no idea how to respond to a magical pregnancy. Tugger had more affinity to it, being closer to Macavity when young and now having a magical cat as a mate, but since the Maine Coon himself seemed unsure about what was happening, Munkustrap felt more comfortable in his position.

"And the kittens are yours as well?" He asked.

"Who else is Mistoffelees mated with?!" Tugger said with desperation, eyeing his brother with disbelief.

"Okay, okay…" Munkustrap sighed, shaking his head, still a bit baffled. He looked up at his brother, arching an eyebrow. "So… What do you want me to do? You better take responsibility for what you've done, instead of leaving the whole work for Mistoffelees!"

Tugger's eyes widened at those words.

"What? No! No!" He groaned exasperatedly, glaring at his older brother. "I just want to talk to you about it! I want-" He paused, running a paw over his head fur and looking down. His voice came out soft. "I want advice…"

Munkustrap ears pulled back at his brother's reaction. Tugger rarely showed his most vulnerable side and Munkustrap knew he was one of the very few cats that got to see it; and while he was glad that his brother trusted him to show it, it always hurt him to see Tugger like that, stripped from his typical relaxed and trouble-free façade.

"Of course. I'm sorry, Tugger, I didn't mean-" He sighed, deciding to leave that topic aside, focusing on more important matters. "Well, it's quite a surprise… I mean, is it? Or were you two trying…?"

"No, we weren't." Tugger shook his head. "I just… I don't know how to deal with this…" His amber eyes were just as confused as his voice. "He is a tom… A magical tom, yes, but…"

"Tugger, calm down, you're hyperventilating…" Munkustrap reached for Tugger, resting supportive paws on his brother's arms. He was silent, waiting for the larger cat to calm down, even if just a bit.

Tugger took a deep breath.

"I don't know what to do, Munku…" He let out in a whimper, like a lost kitten.

Munkustrap should be expecting that.

Tugger had always a penchant for running away from responsibility, he had trouble dealing with it and most of the time preferred to shrug and leave it aside, for reasons Munkustrap didn't like to remember. He should've known his brother wasn't trying to escape the responsibility because he didn't feel like dealing with it, but because he was actually afraid of it.

For a moment Munkustrap saw himself in his younger brother, back when Demeter had announced she was pregnant, and maybe earlier, when their mother was still around. And the more he thought about it, the more he noticed there wasn't much he could really do.

"Well, I guess you and Mistoffelees are the only ones who can decide on what to do, really." He resigned, reaching for his brother's chin and forcing him to look up. "If you weren't planning and, well, if you don't want the kittens, you can hand them to Jenny or to any couple who wishes to have some kittens."

Tugger stared at Munkustrap for a moment, eyes unreadable, before he pulled his chin from his brother's hold, turning his face away.

Munkustrap studied Tugger's expression, recognizing the way his brow furrowed and his chin protruded forward when he was in deep thoughts; he didn't need much to understand what was going through his brother's head.

"Tugger… Do you want these kittens?" Munksutrap asked.

Tugger hesitated. He was growing restless, kicking at a few pebbles near his foot and fiddling once more with his belt.

"I… I don't know…" He finally said, voice unsure and shaky. Munkustrap nodded, even if Tugger couldn't see it. "I'm… Scared…? I don't know if that's the right word." Tugger groaned, clearly irritated with himself.

"I think I know that feeling…" Munkustrap offered him a smile. "I remember when Demeter got pregnant. I was a bit scared too… You know, typical fear of… 'Am I going to be a good dad?'"

Tugger scoffed.

"I'm surprised you did…" He side-eyed his brother, showing off a small, crooked smile. "You've been acting more like a father than a kitten since you were only a few months old."

"Yeah, sure." Munkustrap rolled his eyes, before he got serious again. "Listen, Tugger. It's okay to be scared, especially if this wasn't planned." He said, softly, making sure that his brother was listening. "But as I told you: you and Mistoffelees are the ones who need to work through this." And then he smiled. "I'll support you on whatever you two decide to do."

Tugger stared at Munkustrap for a moment before nodding. Munkustrap studied his brother for a second. Tugger may have not said it out loud, but Munkustrap knew what was weighing on his shoulders the most, and he knew that feeling well.

"Can I tell you something?"

"What?" Tugger huffed, more interested on the silver chains adorning his belt.

"I think you'll be a great father."

Tugger froze for a moment, before recomposing himself.

"Really? Me? A great father?" He asked with that trade-mark grin of his, but he clearly wasn't expecting the comment, besides the fact that he didn't seem to believe it.

"Why not?" Munkustrap shrugged. "You have always been such a great uncle to Jemima and Sillabub, why wouldn't you be a good father?"

Tugger stared at his brother, before shaking his head slowly, still smiling.

"That's different, Munks…"

"I guess it is, in a way." Munkustrap admitted. One thing was to care for the kittens of some other parent, while taking care of your own kittens was a completely different experience – even if Munkustrap did say he loved all kittens equally, his or not, just to make sure nobody got upset. "If you're still unsure, why don't you go talk with dad?" The tabby offered. "I'm pretty sure he will have more to tell you than I do. And anyway, you seem to listen to dad more than to me."

"You're not wrong there." Tugger chuckled half-heartedly.

Munkustrap stayed with Tugger to know what his brother's plan of action was. Once sure that there wasn't anything else he could tell Tugger, Munkustrap kindly nuzzled the younger tom, before returning to the old tyre. Alonzo, who was still sitting there – now with Cassandra beside him –, shot him a curious look and followed his line of sight, watching as Tugger walked away from the stage.

Munkustrap politely didn't share anything of their conversation with the other cats, and silently wondered if he should talk with his brother's mate or not.

Tugger didn't know what to think.

Mistoffelees was pregnant. His mate was pregnant with their kittens.

He should expect something like that from Mistoffelees, of course he should. The tuxedo was a magical cat, everything that was deemed impossible could be performed by him; from bringing his father back after he was kidnapped, to multiplying seven stuffed kittens inside of a hat to… To having kittens of his own.

Tugger didn't pretend that he understood his mate's magic, the fact that he didn't was what made it even more interesting! But… Kittens?

The talk with Munkustrap made him feel more overwhelmed than before and he wondered if he should even go talk with Old Deuteronomy. Maybe he should just go back and talk with Mistoffelees about it all…

Still, as he thought so, his paws continued taking him down the road that led to the small, old town where his father lived.

He hadn't lied to Mistoffelees when he said he was open to the idea of having kittens, he actually did enjoy taking care of them. Most of his memories with little Jemima and Sillabub were nice and he remembered them with fondness; he could even remember the times when Mistoffelees had joined him during kittensitting time, the tuxedo being much more unsure and careful when dealing with the kittens than he was.

But Tugger wasn't really expecting to have kittens of his own so soon. He wasn't ready.

He wondered if Mistoffelees himself felt ready…? Mistoffelees wasn't the very best with kittens, he was always a bit nervous, even with his nephews, but it didn't take much to get him to warm up to the little ones. Tugger remembered how Mistoffelees would beam at little Jems and Bubs as the two tried to grab his sparkles and how he didn't mind having a kitten clinging to his legs, or carrying one on his hip.

Suddenly Tugger found himself imagining Mistoffelees with kittens, and those weren't his sweet little nieces or the tux's nephews. It was cute, it was adorable… But were they ready for the responsibility of it? What if they weren't? What if all this tension ended up ruining their relationship?

Tugger groaned to himself, annoyed at the questions that swarmed his head, but unable to push them away. He continued down the road, walking faster, but not running. He didn't want to spend too much time alone with his own thoughts.

Victoria had left with Miangellica upon noticing how her brother was getting tired of the company. She nuzzled and hugged him before leaving, promising to keep his secret.

Of course he had told his sister, he felt the need of telling someone else besides Tugger. Mistoffelees just hoped that Jenny and Jelly had kept quiet about it, as he had asked them to. Victoria liked to babble and gossip, but she was his sister, and she understood when something was meant to be kept only between the two of them; at least, for the meantime.

Tugger had been gone for a while now and Mistoffelees was getting worried.

His ears picked every single sound that came from outside, hoping to hear the heavy and rhythmic footsteps of the larger cat, but still nothing. The magician couldn't help but raise his paw to his ear, scratching it every time he turned to the entrance, expectantly; and he forced himself to stop before he ended up drawing blood.

"Tugger promised he will come back…" Mistoffelees told himself. "He always keeps his promises."

He trusted Tugger and he would wait for as long as he could inside the den, rolling around on the blankets that still smelled like his mate; which only made him wish the Maine Coon was there with him even more.

With a sigh, Mistoffelees laid his head over his arm and closed his eyes, trying to calm his loud mind.

He started thinking about the things Jenny and Jelly had told him before he left the Gumbie Cat's den.

After the fact that Mistoffelees was pregnant settled in, Jennyanydots turned her motherly queen act on, fussing over all the little details and making sure the tuxedo cat was in good condition to have kittens.

Mistoffelees felt uncomfortable, answering the queen's questions and allowing her to paw at his still flat stomach. Jenny gave him an estimate of how long he was, based on what Mistoffelees could tell her and smiled at him brightly when explaining how it would feel like to have little kittens rolling around inside him. The thought made a shiver run up the tux's back.

During the whole process, Jelly helped her sister here and there, making a few comments and questions, but being silent most of the time, seemingly lost in thoughts. Her hard blue eyes studied Mistoffelees with such intensity that the magical cat felt like hiding from her at one point or two.

It wasn't until Jenny announced she was done, that Jelly spoke up again.

-.-

"I'm surprised in you, though." She pointed out.

"In me?" Mistoffelees blinked, confused.

"Getting pregnant just to snatch a tom is not the nicest of things to do. And I wasn't expecting that from you ." Jellylorum shrugged, arms crossed over her chest. "But I wouldn't be surprised if this was the only way of keeping Tugger settled."

Mistoffelees' ears pulled back at the accusation.

"What?"

"Jelly!" Jennyanydots hissed at her sister, who simply shot her a glare, tail twitching ever so slightly.

"I didn't do it because of that!" Mistoffelees was quick to defend himself, feeling both offended and embarrassed. "Tugger and I are very happy as we are…!"

"Are you sure, Quaxo?" Jellylorum said. She didn't sound angry or rude, speaking in a more "strict and protective mother" kind of voice.

Still, Mistoffelees couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with both her tone and the mention of his old name. He felt like a kitten again, being scolded by the old queen – something quite rare since back then – and he couldn't help but shrink under her stare.

"Jelly, enough." Jenny said, putting herself between the magical cat and her sister, smiling at him as if nothing had happened. "Don't worry about it, dear. Accidental pregnancies happen all the time!" She paused, looking down at him and then letting out a soft, nervous chuckle. "I guess even magical ones...!"

-.-

Mistoffelees ruminated that interaction in his head.

He didn't get pregnant deliberately and he didn't do it to keep Tugger with him. They were both very much happy with each other, and had been for a long time.

Jellylorum had always been a bit more judgmental of Tugger, since he was a kitten until he grew into adulthood. Mistoffelees still remembered how surprised and unbelieving she acted towards the fact that the young magical tom and the junkyard flirt had decided to get together. And the fact that Tugger still had occasional matings with other cats, while Mistoffelees didn't, only made her more certain that the Rum Tum Tugger would never be able to settle down with just one cat. Even with Mistoffelees saying he was okay with such arrangements - it was actually great, since he wasn't as sex driven as his mate.

Mistoffelees shouldn't be surprised that Jelly thought Tugger would never want kittens, or the responsibility that came with them; and that the only reason for someone to get pregnant of him was to use it as a way of controlling the tom.

But that was not what Mistoffelees was doing. He didn't do it, it was his magic that had gone insane and decided to give them kittens… Right?

Mistoffelees shook his head. Of course it was just his magic going haywire thanks to outside influence! He would never deliberately do something like that to his mate, not before fully asking for his opinion and consent. How could Jellylorum think of him in such a way?

The sound of footsteps snapped Mistoffelees out of his thoughts and his ears perked up. He quickly noticed those weren't Tugger's footsteps, but someone else's, almost as big as him. Mistoffelees felt nervous and uncomfortable at the thought of having someone else beside his mate with him, but he recomposed himself, sitting up straight.

There was a soft scratching on the outside of the drawer and Munkustrap's head poked through the den's entrance.

"Mistoffelees?" He called. "May I come in?"

"Of course." Mistoffelees nodded, watching as the gray tabby entered. His steps were careful and slow, as if he was unsure of approaching the tux. Mistoffelees held back a frown. "Have you seen Tugger?"

"Yes, we had a talk." Munkustrap nodded, sitting not too far from Mistoffelees, on the wooden floor of the den and not on the blankets. The tux noticed, sensing that the other cat was trying to be respectful of his space.

"Oh." He should've expected Tugger to go to his brother, he normally did so when Mistoffelees or Bombalurina weren't available. Mistoffelees scratched at his ear, already knowing that the secret of his pregnancy was being shared between more cats than he hoped it was. "He told you, didn't he?"

"Yes." Munkustrap said.

Mistoffelees scratched his ear again, studying the larger cat as inconspicuously as possible. Munkustrap was harder to read than his brother, he wasn't the type that wore his heart on his sleeve - as the human saying went - but right now, Mistoffelees had a good idea of what was going through the protector's mind. He was worried and clearly had a lot in mind, but was studying the atmosphere between them, to make sure of when and about what he should talk.

Mistoffelees noticed how Munkustrap was looking him up and down, as if searching for something, probably a hint that he was indeed pregnant as Tugger had informed him. The magical cat shrunk, uncomfortable, and he rested his paws between his legs, trying to hide his stomach from Munkustrap's view. Despite that, he tried maintaining his posture.

"Okay…" He sighed, the tip of his tail twitching. "Please tell me he didn't tell anyone else."

"I doubt it." Munkustrap shrugged, showing a small smile, which shrunk, once the tux simply hummed in acknowledgement. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Where is he now?" Mistoffelees changed the subject, not wanting to talk about himself at the moment.

"I sent him to go see dad." The Jellicle protector explained. "I thought it would do him good."

"Ah, I see." Mistoffelees nodded.

Old Deuteronomy. He wondered what the old cat would think about all that. He was such a nice tomcat, sweet and loving and tender, and Mistoffelees liked to believe he wouldn't have a problem with his magical pregnancy. But the knowledge that Old Deuteronomy was going to join the growing group of cats that knew about Mistoffelees' pregnancy, only served to make him more nervous.

"So you really are...?" Munkustrap pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Jenny and Jelly confirmed it, and I believe they are the most experienced ones about such things in the junkyard." Mistoffelees said, toneless.

"Of course." Munkustrap nodded, his eyebrows furrowing. "Tugger told me it wasn't planned…?"

"How could it have been? I cannot get pregnant naturally." Mistoffelees maintained the same way of talking, forcing his feelings back, so they didn't flow together with his voice. "My magic did the work."

"Just your magic?"

Mistoffelees was taken back by the question or, better, by the underlying meaning behind it. His tail flicked back and forth, fast, and his ears lowered ever so slightly.

"Yes. Just my magic." He stated, serious. "I don't have control of it at all times." He added. "I had been thinking about kittens back then, a lot, and it decided that that meant I wanted some as well."

"Alright, I get it. Just wanted to make sure." Munkustrap nodded.

"Make sure I wasn't taking advantage of your brother in any way?"

The gray tabby was silent and Mistoffelees didn't fully face him, leaning his head to the side and scratching his ear once more. He couldn't help but feel offended.

"I… I wouldn't say that." Munkustrap sounded careful, his voice coming out soft. "I know you, Mistoffelees, you're a good cat. But Tugger is my little brother, I can't help but worry about those things."

"Tugger and I are very happy." Mistoffelees noted.

"I know, I know, I'm not accusing you of anything." Munkustrap quickly said, raising his paws in a peaceful manner. "I just worry about Tugger."

Mistoffelees finally turned to Munkustrap.

"What did he say?"

"He was overwhelmed, very confused about all of this. Not about how you got pregnant of course, but everything else." The tabby explained. "Or as he said, he feels scared."

Mistoffelees' ears pulled back.

"Scared…"

"I told him it's okay, it's normal. He should remember how I was like with my twins." Munkustrap continued saying, smiling ever so slightly. "And it is understandable, since you two didn't talk this out or take the time to get ready for it. It's not his fault he is feeling scared, nor is it yours. I'm pretty sure you're just as scared, right?"

"Yes…"

Mistoffelees tuned out most of what Munkustrap had to say after that.

Tugger was scared. Scared of what, exactly? Of being a father, of the responsibility or something else? Mistoffelees understood, he was scared as well, probably even more than his mate becausehe was the one growing kittens inside his own body.

What if that wasn't what Tugger was actually scared of, what if he was scared of what it could entail to their relationship? Mistoffelees held back a whimper at the sudden thought that, maybe - maybe - Tugger thought he was doing what Jellylorum had insinuated. What if Tugger felt like Mistoffelees was forcing him into this situation?

No, he shouldn't think of Tugger like that. Tugger knew him, knew that he would never do something like that...

Mistoffelees wanted so badly to ask what Tugger had told Munkustrap and to know in detail what they had talked about, but he held himself back.

"Do you have any idea of what you want to do?" Munkustrap asked. "Mistoffelees?"

"I…" The tux hesitated. "I rather wait for Tugger to come back. Then we decide on it."

He did actually have an idea of what he wanted: He wanted to keep those kittens.

But what if Tugger didn't?

Mistoffelees didn't want to put any type of pressure over his mate, and he didn't want to force Tugger into having kittens if that's not what he wanted. The tux couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed at the thought, but he wasn't the only one who's opinion mattered and he didn't want his relationship to suffer because of it.

Lost in thoughts, Tugger barely registered as his paws took him down the long street, reaching the vicarage house. He climbed over the old stone wall, not finding his father in the spot he normally sat at. But on the other side of the wall, Tugger found the old cat sitting on an old yard bench, having a calm chat with a raggedy, old ginger Persian, while a small ragdoll kitten played with the Persian's tail, uninterested on the older cat's conversation.

As expected, Old Deuteronomy was the first one to notice the Maine Coon, way before he even had time to jump down from the wall.

"Well, look who comes for a visit." The old patriarch proclaimed, turning and smiling at his son as he landed on the bench.

"Hi, Tugger!" The ragdoll smiled, rubbing against Tugger and receiving a soft scritch between his ears.

"Hey, kitten…" Tugger's smile faltered at the word and he turned to the older tom, serious. "Dad, could I talk with you? If I am not interrupting anything…" He quickly added, looking over to the Persian.

"No, don't worry about it. It is about time we leave for our afternoon meal anyway." The old queen said, squirming in place as she positioned her feet under her orange fur. She reached a paw for her grandkit, while rocking back and forth. "Fiddlewink."

Fiddlewink quickly put an arm around Adellaide, giving support to the old cat as she got up with a groan.

"Bye, mister Deuteronomy! Bye, Tugger!" Fiddlewink smiled at Tugger while Adellaide acknowledged Old Deuteronomy with a bow and a press of their paws. "Say hi to Carbucketty and Pounce for me!"

"Will do." Tugger waved as the Ragdoll helped the Persian exit the backyard, leaving father and son alone.

Old Deuteronomy repositioned himself on the bench with a sigh, resting his paws over his legs in a relaxed manner and smiling at his son. Tugger tried smiling back, but he wasn't sure his father bought it. He dropped himself gracelessly beside the older cat.

"Something serious brings you here." Old Deuteronomy said.

"Yeah." Tugger nodded, he was already expecting his father to know; he always knew.

"Is it Mistoffelees?"

Tugger turned to his father, more startled to hear his mate's name than anything else. He found soft and knowing amber eyes staring at him and he supported the stare with similar colored orbs.

"Y-yes." He said, fiddling with his mane. "How d'you know?"

"It's easy to guess." Old Deuteronomy shrugged with a hearty chuckle, smiling at his son. "You love him a lot."

Tugger couldn't help but blush ever so slightly. His mind was once more filled with thoughts of Mistoffelees, and he remembered his mate's face when asking him to "come back" after he was done with his thinking.

"I… I do." He muttered.

Old Deuteronomy hummed and nodded, there was silence between them for a moment.

"What worries you?"

"Mistoffelees' pregnant."

Old Deuteronomy hummed again.

"Oh, well, that's great news, wouldn't you say so?"

Tugger paused, blinking once or twice. His father was still smiling, sitting beside him with a relaxed posture, as if they were talking about something as simple as the weather that day.

"I… I guess, but…" Tugger shook his head, bouncing his leg and fighting the urge to get up and pace, as he normally did when overwhelmed. "Okay, first of, he is a tom! How can a tom get pregnant? I-I mean, a tom like him!"

"I would expect you to be the last cat to judge the amazing deeds of yourmagical Mr. Mistoffelees." Old Deuteronomy pointed out.

Tugger was taken back by the comment. His ears dropped.

"I…" He hesitated, as if the words didn't want to leave. He knew his father didn't mean that in an accusatory manner, but he still felt as if it was. "Yes, but… I know his magic did the work and that it wasn't even his own decision or mine, but why? Why would he want to have kittens, and with me?"

"I don't know. Why would anyone want to form a family with their loved one?"

Tugger didn't know how to answer that.

He thought of the talks he had had with Mistoffelees, about kittens and having a family. The way the tuxedo eyes had shined when Tugger mentioned he was open to the idea, at least some day, somehow… Maybe.

"That is not what's really worrying you." Old Deuteronomy spoke up, breaking Tugger out of his thoughts.

Tugger sighed.

"I don't know how to be a father..."

Old Deuteronomy didn't say anything right away and Tugger could feel his father's eyes on him, as if studying him and his soul. He didn't meet the old cat's stare.

"Tugger, my son…" Old Deuteronomy spoke, voice soft and warm. Tugger felt a paw reaching for his head and he couldn't help but melt under his father's touch, leaning against the fingers as they caressed his ear. "Nobody knows how to be a father. That's something you learn." And Tugger could practically feel the smile in his father's voice. "I've had many lives and many kittens, it took me a long time to learn what I know now." And then the smile shrunk, even if just a little. "And I know that there is much more to learn…"

Tugger frowned, not at the words, but at the slight waver on his father's voice. Old Deuteronomy reached for his son's paw, patting it gently.

"The fact that you're taking the time to worry and wonder about how well you can treat both Mistoffelees and the kittens, shows you have potential." He said, wise. "Not that I doubted you. Never did, never will." He added with a smile and Tugger tried smiling back, even if just a little. "And if you need help, you have many parents in the junkyard to help you." Old Deuteronomy chuckled softly. "I know you have your… 'Reputation' to uphold… But you should never be afraid to ask for help, my son, you know that. There is no weakness in knowing your own limits."

Tugger processed those words, nodding slowly.

Kittens were normally raised in the community, but of course most of the work still rested upon the parents' shoulders. Tugger remembered how he could say he was raised by three different mother's throughout most of his kitten and junior life.

Tugger could put aside his "reputation" for his mate and his kittens, it wasn't like he even cared about it anyway - had he ever really cared about it? Maybe just a bit. He might not like the idea of receiving help from the judgmental older cats of the tribe, but he knew they always meant well, in their own ways. Maybe now they would respect him a bit more; not that he cared about it, but he did wonder.

Of course, Tugger knew he could count on other cats for help, he knew he wasn't alone. And he had Mistoffelees.

Why was he so scared when he had his Magical Mister Mistoffelees?

And the more he thought of it, the more he embraced that thought; of being a dad, caring for a kitten or two - or as many as there were. And if Mistoffelees had been thinking about kittens for so long, why not? They could work together through it, as they have always done, since they were kittens. Soon, Tugger found himself wanting Mistoffelees to want those kittens just as much as he did. If he didn't, well, Tugger would respect his wishes; it was his body, after all.

Tugger had left the junkyard to give both a moment, to think and to decide... But he couldn't decide on that alone.

"I…" He sighed. "Thanks, dad." And finally smiled back at the larger cat. "I'll think about it."

Old Deuteronomy nodded, reaching a paw up to Tugger's cheek, who leaned against the touch. They stayed in silence for a moment or two.

"I left Misto waiting for me." Tugger mentioned, deciding he had taken enough time to think.

"Then go, my son." Old Deuteronomy smiled, patting his son's face, and allowing him to nuzzle his large paw. "I know your brother will come over to give me the news once you and Mistoffelees make your decision." Tugger nodded and the old cat let out a soft chuckle. "Let's see if I'll visit the junkyard someday soon."

Tugger nodded at the implication behind those words and jumped from the bench.

Mistoffelees' ears perked up at the recognizable sound of his mate's footsteps. He repositioned himself, leaning forward as if to make sure Tugger was actually coming towards their den.

In no time, the large, furry form of the Maine Coon squeezed through the small entrance and there he stood.

Tugger raised his eyes to Mistoffelees and the magical cat supported his stare.

"You're back." Mistoffelees said, feeling the need to break the silence.

"I told you I would meet you here..." Tugger stated.

Mistoffelees nodded and they fell into silence once more. He studied his mate's stance and expression. Tugger was tense, tail flicking back and forth and jaw pressed shut, which meant he was thinking, probably wondering what to say to ease the awkwardness between them.

It looked like Tugger had not yet come to a conclusion about the pregnancy. Or maybe he was just thinking about how to tell Mistoffelees that he wasn't ready to have kittens. Mistoffelees understood and accepted it, but it was his mate who seemed to be having a hard time deciding on what to say.

"Tugger…" Mistoffelees started shyly, but tried his best to keep himself calm and collected. "If you don't want this, maybe… Maybe I can do something about it."

"What?" Tugger blinked once or twice, pulled out of his own head.

Mistoffelees had straightened himself, looking at Tugger with a strange, expressionless face, and chest puffed. It was his "proper and polite" pose, the one the tuxedo cat had adopted since reaching his early adult age and that was used to speak with the older cats, to be serious and mature, and not sound like a bumbling kitten. It was the one pose and tone of voice that Mistoffelees used when talking to almost everyone he wasn't close to, but that he never used when talking to Tugger.

"I mean, I made this. I can unmake it, right?" His voice came out in a pleasant, automatic tone.

"Mistoffelees, what are you saying?" Tugger muttered, ears pulled back.

"I don't want you to go through something you don't want to just because of me." Mistoffelees said as a matter of fact, turning his eyes away. He fought the urge to scratch at his ear, leaning his head down against his shoulder. "I've been thinking about it while you were gone. I don't know how I did it, but I can try to work some reverse magic to deal with it…"

It took a moment for Tugger to fully process what he was hearing.

"Misto, no!" He cried, crawling towards Mistoffelees and grabbing his shoulder. Mistoffelees stared at him, his proper façade breaking ever so slightly at his mate's reaction. "Are you talking about-?"

"Abortion…?" The tux asked, voice soft, still emotionless.

"No! No!" Tugger said, unable to control the volume of his voice upon hearing that word. Mistoffelees' ears lowered. "Don't say that- don't even think about that!"

There was a pause.

"Tugger, it's okay if you don't want to go along with this, taking the role of a father, I also-"

"Out of everyone, you should be the last one to think I cannot take this responsibility..." Tugger didn't allow him to finish, voice sounding more hurt than Mistoffelees was expecting.

Mistoffelees ears pressed against his skull and the magician felt lost, at the same time affronted by those words and confused by Tugger's tone.

"Tugger, I know you better than anyone in this junkyard." He said as a matter of fact, maybe a bit too cold. "I know you are more than just your reputation-"

"Then why do you think I would want out of this so badly...?" The Maine Coon shook his head, his voice had softened even more, a barely concealed whine ringing in between his words.

Mistoffelees was taken back.

"Because…" He started, but the words weighed in his throat. "I just guessed…" He blinked his mismatching eyes at his mate, studying the face in front of him; the furrowed eyebrows and eyes open wide, whiskers twitching ever so slightly; he looked like he was about to cry. Mistoffelees' "proper and polite" act fell. "Tugger, do you want this…?"

Tugger sighed, sitting in a more relaxed way in front of the tux and letting go of his shoulders. Mistoffelees tried to ignore how much he disliked the sudden loss of contact.

"I've had a talk with Munkustrap." The Maine Coon said and the tux simply nodded, deciding it was best to let his mate talk and not mention he knew that already. "He is a father and he is also my brother..."

Mistoffelees thought back to what Munkustrap told him, remembering how he had not pushed the tabby to tell him more of the conversation.

"Tell me he didn't 'force' you to accept this…"

Tugger huffed.

"Since when do I do what my brother tells me?" He asked with a lopsided smile. "I also went over to talk with dad… That's why I took so long to come back. Sorry."

Mistoffelees simply nodded in acknowledgement to the apology.

"Well… That doesn't really answer my question…"

"I'll answer you if you answer me as well." Tugger raised his eyes from his knees, focusing them on Mistoffelees' own eyes. His voice was serious now, but his expression was soft. "Do you want this?"

Mistoffelees hesitated.

"I'm… Not sure…" He scratched his ear. "Having and raising kittens... That's lots of work…"

"You weren't thinking about that when you were dreaming about our kittens?"

"Who told you I was-?" Mistoffelees snapped his mouth shut, noticing that Tugger didn't mean it literally.

"Were you? Dreaming about it, I mean..." Tugger held back a chuckle at his mate's reaction.

Mistoffelees glared at the larger cat, before letting out a sigh.

"It came to my head, just like I told you." He looked away, suddenly sheepish. "I lied to you. I did imagine having kittens with you, at some point, a few times before we had those talks… Before Victoria had her own kittens." He didn't look up, but could hear Tugger make a noise in acknowledgement. "You're my best friend and we have been together for a while already. I was expecting it to happen at least someday… In the future."

Tugger kept himself silent, as if knowing Mistoffelees wasn't done talking. The tux quietly thanked his mate for allowing him the chance to pause and think. He sighed before continuing.

"I thought it would be… Nice." Mistoffelees smiled shyly. "Demeter and Munkustrap are so happy with Jemima and Sillabub. Victoria and Plato with the trio…" He thought of all other couples he had seen around the junkyard since he was nothing but a kitten himself. "And all cats show so much love and pride towards their litters."

"You wanted in on the fun?" Tugger guessed.

"I enjoyed imagining the two of us being happy like them." Mistoffelees nodded, awkwardly reaching for his ear and scratching again. "Not that… I'm not happy."

Tugger reached for Mistoffelees' paw, stopping the movement. Mistoffelees looked down at their paws, held together, and finally raised his eyes to his mate. Tugger's face was still soft, and so were his eyes, watching his mate with a kind fondness that made the tux pause for a second, before recomposing himself.

"But I am only one side of this relationship." He said. "And I don't want you to think… I did this on purpose, to keep you with me or something…"

"Why would I ever think that?" Tugger said with genuine surprise and Mistoffelees decided not to mention anything that Jellylorum had said. Tugger waited for something, but the tux continued silent. "Mistoffelees, I know you and that's not like you." He smiled, bringing the paw closer to his chest. "I know how your magic can go haywire sometimes. And I know that you have no idea how you did this."

Mistoffelees nodded, once more letting his eyes drop to their paws; he could touch Tugger's mane with the tip of his fingers and the warmth that irradiated from his mate helped his body and mind relax, slowly. He let out a sigh, bowing his head and leaving it hanging like that. Tugger leaned closer and pressed their heads together for a moment, before pulling away.

"But what should we expect, really?"

"What?" Mistoffelees blinked, looking up at the smirking face of his mate.

"You. The Original Conjuring Cat." Tugger said, his voice back to his more normal, daily tone. "Of course that, out of all magical cats, you would be able to do this."

"I didn't mean to…" Mistoffelees blushed, wiggling uncomfortably in place.

"But it still happened!" Tugger pointed out, his smile growing. "How powerful do you need to be to create kittens? To make kittens suddenly appear and grow inside of you?"

"They didn't just 'appear' out of nowhere, though."

"Definitely not!" Tugger winked. "But I have always been your 'lovely assistant', haven't I?"

"Tugger…" Mistoffelees shook his head with an exasperated tone. But he couldn't help but smile as Tugger leaned closer, his whiskers trembling ever so slightly. Count on Tugger to try and lighten up the atmosphere with stupid jokes and innuendos.

Mistoffelees allowed Tugger to lean even closer, moving a bit forward himself until they were almost nuzzling each other. He sighed, inhaling the strong scent of his mate, which he had missed since the tom had left.

"So… You're okay with it, right?" He asked, almost shyly, looking up at those amber eyes, that hadn't left his face even once.

"Yes, of course I am, Misto." Tugger smiled even brighter, wrapping an arm around Mistoffelees and pulling him close. The tux let out a sigh at the warm contact once Tugger pressed his muzzle against his neck; not in a sexual manner, but a comforting one. "I'll be honest, this is not what I was expecting out of this relationship, but… It happened."

"We can still choose not to raise them. We can hand them to Jenny and to anyone who-"

Tugger pulled away and Mistoffelees silenced himself.

"Is that what you want to do?" The Maine Coon asked, softly, with an arched eyebrow. The tuxedo cat sighed, shaking his head and hiding it against the fluffy mane. "Yeah, thought so."

Tugger raised a paw and scratched in between Mistoffelees' ears, making the magical cat instinctively start purring, burrowing his face deeper into his mate's fur. The warmth and the contact was welcoming and both could feel their bodies and minds relaxing. Mistoffelees felt pleased, pressing against Tugger as if to make sure the two would leave the den smelling like each other.

At one point, Mistoffelees noticed Tugger's paw resting over his tight, and he could feel the pads twitching against his skin and fur, as if the appendage was hesitant and unsure. Mistoffelees knew his mate was asking for permission and he blushed knowing what it was for.

He reached, slowly, grabbing the larger, glove clad paw and bringing it to his belly. It was flat and there was nothing to feel, but if that's what his mate wanted, he didn't mind it - it wasn't like Tugger had never touched him there before, after all.

"I don't really think I can be a good father…" Mistoffelees admitted while Tugger caressed his stomach with slow movements. He couldn't help but feel comforted by the touch.

"Well, technically you're the mother…" Tugger said, laughing at the mismatching glare he received from the tux. "Listen, Sparkles." He pulled the paw away - his smile growing at the soft whine his mate let out at the loss of contact - and grabbed Mistoffelees paw in his once more. The tux looked up at him, paying attention. "Nobody is born knowing how to be a father, that's something you learn… I also have no idea what I'm supposed to do with a kitten of my own but… I can learn. We can learn together. What do you say?"

Mistoffelees smiled.

"I bet that was something Munkustrap or your father said…"

Tugger rolled his eyes.

"Alright, it was dad." He admitted. "So?"

Mistoffelees giggled. He looked from his and Tugger's paws, fingers interlaced together, to his belly.

"If you're in for it… Then so am I…" He nodded, smiling at his mate.

"It'll be just like your magic." Tugger said, bringing Mistoffelees' paw to his lips and kissing it tenderly. "Something we're going to learn how to work with together."