((AN: Nope, I'm not dead, I'm still writing Cats things x3 Since I happen to be in love with another ship, as usual it's in my prerogative to make a little short story or two about it. Since this kinda deviates from the Tidbits story collection, as it's more or less a bit of backstory for two characters (all still in the same headcanon, of course), I thought I'd just make this separate, a little celebration for another in a long line of ships on which I sail. Because I'm a romantic like that and I'm not ashamed to give some lovely fluffy warm fuzzies to the like-minded. x3
This is all just my take on the Gold and Silver relationship, of course...it's just sweet to think about, considering their implied backstories, which just leaves a lot of openness to play with. I did both sides of the story; Demeter's will come a little later, and it's much longer, because she's been through a lot more. xP Munk's here is mostly sweet and simple. I hope it's enjoyed. ^.^
As usual, Cats and the characters belong to Andrew Lloyd Weber and T.S. Eliot. I just play in the sandbox. :3 ))
Munkustrap
The first time he remembered meeting her, when he thought long and hard about it, was not when he was helping to bring her back to the junkyard, after she'd escaped Macavity's leash...though that moment would always be remembered fondly.
No...he could remember instead back to the days when he was just a tiny kitten alongside his brother, the Rum Tum Tugger. There were a few young ones around their age that had been lost or abandoned, taken in by the tribe's elders to look after. Grizabella, who at the time he knew as their mother (at least good as; their real mother had died giving birth, and she was still one of Deuteronomy's mates), was also tasked to take care of some of the little ones...he didn't remember her being too enthused about her responsibilities, but she tried, nonetheless.
He could always recall one kitten in particular that was cared for along with him. She hadn't a family, whether cat or human...and she didn't even know her own Jellicle name...which was sad, though also sadly not uncommon with abandoned kittens. He thinks that they simply called her "the golden one", for the time being, due to the large amounts of gold splashes in her deep black tortie fur.
She was a happy, energetic one, just a little younger than him. They played together quite a bit, and sometimes he would play with her more often than he would the others, just because they were too rough and she played fair. He remembered a high-pitched laugh that came just before tackling him to the ground, that he thought was like music.
Then came a sad day when Grizabella announced her leave of the tribe. The cats were distraught, some sad, others pitying or insulted that she'd turn her back on them...the kittens that she'd raised like her own were the most affected...especially the golden one, who in the sadness of losing another mother, ran after her in the dense morning fog...and was never found again. They'd tried and tried to search for the kitten, calling day and night as far as they could travel in the streets...and though the adults never said so, they must have feared the worst.
Munkustrap remembered missing his little playmate...but when one was that young, memories of young friendships would come and go quickly...and so thus did his. He grew up with the others and learned of new responsibilities to be placed upon his shoulders, barely ever needing to recall the days of his youth...for now he was the Guardian, the tribe's elite head of the protectors, and that was his purpose, and one that he embraced fully for the love of his family.
There were more strays that came to be accepted in the Jellicle tribe with open paws and hearts in that time. There were a few kittens born, and a few rescued, a few more with happy families that were just introduced to the tribe and made members.
And then there was news, not too awful long after a kitten had been brought to the tribe from within Macavity's territory...there were also some who managed to escape his thrall on their own. They needed not just a home, but a refuge, and a caring community. And who were the Jellicles if not faithful and true, loyal to cats who deserved it?
That was when he was introduced to the two queens who'd once been close to Macavity, now happily eager to leave his wretched existence. The unique red tabby known as Bombalurina...and the striking golden tortoise-shell who went by Demeter.
Munkustrap saw something familiar when he first looked closely into the eyes of the younger queen, peering at her through the gap in a porch under which she'd been hiding. But he couldn't place it, and he wouldn't until later...right then, he had a goal, and that was to bring her back to safety. She barely spoke when he encouraged her to come out, and she walked carefully beside him with a hunched gait, eyes and ears scanning every shadow, as if she were haunted by something...he would make small talk, a joke here and there, try to be of comfort...and she thanked him for the help...but said not much else as she kept beside the older red queen when getting used to their new home. He was sad for her, and hoped that now she would recover.
The days and weeks went on as normal...but sometimes, Munkustrap while on his daily patrols would catch a glimpse of the mysterious Demeter as she kept to herself and barely socialized, unlike her more outgoing adopted sister. He watched her build her den slowly, saw her continually unnerved by every strange noise, barely showing any kind of happy twinkle in her eye or laugh in her voice...
He'd randomly remembered the tortie he made friends with as a kitten one day, and had also remembered what Demeter had said when they met...that she'd once known the Jellicle tribe, had been with them for a short time, though she couldn't remember anything else...just the familiar scents of the yard and the kindness of the elders.
It was her...the friend that disappeared so quickly, almost as if she were just a dream...now all too real, and returned as a full-grown queen with that youthful light having been taken away by the darkness of the streets...and by the poisonous touch of a monstrous cat...and he was even more sad for her.
But where he'd make an effort of conversation, or of help, she would shy away, and he would have to give her the space she needed...still he would at least acknowledge her with a kind word each day, or even a smile. Sometimes she'd even return it. Just a little quirk of her whiskers, but it was there.
She questioned him once, when he'd stopped to say hello. "You seem to always be watching me."
"I watch everyone in the tribe...it is just a part of my duties. I do not mean to make you uncomfortable," he'd said and crouched to the ground, a sign of respect.
Demeter was a little more placated at his manners, but she was still tense when she sat. "I know that you don't. It is just how I am. And I know when I'm being watched. I know that you still watch me a little more in particular."
That was when he confessed...that she was actually familiar to him. They'd known each other once before...long ago.
She was pensive...he saw from the lost look in her eyes that she was trying her hardest to look back to when she was so young...but she shook her head.
"...I can hardly remember. I'm afraid...I don't think I know you from then."
His heart sank a little.
"But..." she began again, tentatively, giving him that little quirk of a smile, "You seem to be trustworthy, Guardian...I don't feel that you would lie to me."
"I could never," he said, showing his sincerity by bowing his head, "And, please...no formality. Just call me Munkustrap. I know you might still be skeptical, but...it is the truth...I do remember you, and I am concerned for you. I don't want you to be scared of me."
"I'm not scared," she said rather tersely then, defensively...he still maintained his position, and she softened her voice when she looked into his eyes. "I'm...just getting used to the thought of trusting another tom again, one like you, with the strength and influence you have here. As for remembering me...I don't really know who you remember...but if I was that kitten, she is now long gone."
Macavity, what have you done to her...?
Munkustrap drew in a long breath, nodding as he sighed quietly. "I understand. Then I will want to know you as you are now...as I must know everybody in my tribe...and I hope that someday I will earn your trust. But one thing I sincerely promise, dear lady...you are safe here."
He heard a huff, and looked up to see her gaze cast to the side in thought; but she was smiling a little wider. She was...actually rather pretty when she smiled, he thought in passing.
"...You can just call me Demeter, then...Munkustrap."
And so he did. At least now there was a little more understanding her, a little more common ground gained...and ever since, she seemed a bit more reassured of his presence, and more comfortable. She returned his passing smiles and kind salutations...and he even began to notice that she was getting more confident as well...doing less looking around in fear and more letting herself out of her shell to speak to the other cats. First to the elders that she remembered...Old Deuteronomy of course, when he met her, instantly welcomed her, and she seemed more at ease after that. She then started speaking to the other queens her age—the young toms would still get a warning look, however—and then to the kittens, the lot of whom were very welcoming and inviting. She even was content sometimes to watch them play...and to his relief, she was smiling a little more each time he saw her. He'd gotten to speak to Bombalurina sometimes, and from her he'd known a little more of Demeter's story...that at least she was willing to tell.
There were still times that the scars from the gold queen's past would show; she would get an attack of fear and hide until it passed...once he could hear weeping from her den, and was saddened not to know what to do for her.
One night, just before dawn, he found her wandering along the border and peering through the fences, looking exhausted, but ready to flee at a moment's notice. She calmed a little when he approached, and asked what was wrong.
"...I had a terrible nightmare," she timidly admitted. "I could not sleep in my den...it felt too closed in."
He smiled with understanding, and had an idea. "Tell me, are you alright around humans?"
She thoughtfully pawed at the little name tag on her spiked collar. "...It depends on the human."
"Mine is the day guardsman," he pointed to the structure with the sloped roof sitting on the outside of the fence. "He loves cats, and likes to feed us. If you want to, you can rest in the guard house; he'll welcome you."
She looked skeptical at the idea...but also intrigued, and more so at the thought of being offered food. Reluctantly, she accepted. "Will you be there when he comes?" she inquired shyly.
He still kept his reassuring smile. "I will. I promise."
And he was. Things were a little tense when she was introduced...but bless his human, he knew how to earn even the most skittish cat's trust. Munkustrap assured Demeter that she was welcome to the guard house any time at all that she needed another safe place to sleep...Bombalurina was welcome too, for he knew that she was still barely apart from her older sister. She did indeed sleep there that day, and many times since.
Demeter would talk to him more often as the time passed. He smiled every time he saw her, and she in return; it became a part of his day that he looked forward to, just stopping to converse with the young queen or be there to watch when she was having fun with the others...and she seemed to enjoy it too, even being the one to come to him for a chat...albeit, still shyly.
One day he heard her laugh; something having to do with the kittens, a prank they'd pulled or a joke they told, or simply just watching them run around and get into trouble...whatever it was, he heard it and stopped to see. The sound made his heart jump, and wrestled a memory free from the depths of his mind...like the first time he heard her laugh, it was melodious and beautiful, even if it was softer and included a snort or two. Combined with the mirth on her face, the playful sparkle in her eyes...
Munkustrap would forever say that if he could pinpoint the moment that he started to fall in love with her...that was it. But, he knew that he couldn't say so yet...how jarring would it be for her when it was surprising enough for him, after barely ever thinking of any other queen that way?
But...he still made time in his day just to talk to her, and Demeter welcomed him each time. He'd tell a joke or make a comment that would get her to let out just a tiny bit of that laughter, even a huff or a scoff, and he felt happy enough to fly...more so when she'd retort with a peal of clever wit, that showed off the confidence that she always had hiding inside, and he would laugh, and she would look away with a shy smile that brightened everything of her.
One day she seemed a little bored, unknowing of what to do with herself...and he invited her to come along on his patrol. He showed her some of the best places to climb, to hide and watch the others, where everyone had their dens, all the common clearings...and of course, his favorite place, the tallest junk tower, where they saw every inch of the yard.
"...Are you certain that you do not mind having me with you?" she asked, once they sat up there and took a break to look around.
"Very much so," he assured.
She was looking away while she spoke, almost as if she were deliberately avoiding his gaze, and having an inner argument with herself.
"...I just...I know your time is precious, needing to use it for your duties. Why ever would you be making time for me?"
He looked at her seriously, and inside, there was a burn felt in his heart...the same that he always felt when she put herself down. "A part of my duty is making time for everyone, especially if they need it. I do my duties because I care about this place and the cats that live here. That's why I make time for you. I care...and I like to make sure that you know you're safe. I like to talk to you, and I love seeing how much happier you've become," he admitted, his own eyes flicking away from hers when he caught the word he'd used. I love...even just seeing her.
There was a long beat of silence then, as she seemed to think that over. He turned his ever-vigilant gaze back to the yard and to the activities below, patiently waiting for anything she had to say to that.
"...I am happier," she admitted softly after a long time. "But I don't know how long that will last...every time I've felt like I could be at my happiest...it gets taken away."
Munkustrap gave her a soft, sad look. The life she had...he wouldn't have wished upon any cat. Many have lived worse...but still, she had lived her own kind of Hell...and she survived it. He found himself admiring her just a little more, for what hidden courage she must have had, though she certainly didn't know she had it.
"It won't get taken away again," he said, knowing that to be the truth, for as long as he could do something about it. "You have a home and a tribe...the same one you had before you were lost. You aren't alone anymore, and you won't be for as long as you stay."
There was that smile again. She shook her head and chuckled, giving him a nudge with her shoulder. "Well, I can say that you make it hard to even think of leaving."
"That's the point," he smirked with a nudge back.
They sat like that for a while longer, leaning shoulder to shoulder, just watching the yard in companionable silence.
"Munkustrap..." she started again, and he felt her leaning against him just a little more. "...Thank you. For...for caring."
He wondered if she could feel his heart picking up speed. He let his tail curl around her...and she didn't tense up as she tended to from his physical contact, but seemed to welcome it. The warmth he felt then from her gratitude, he knew, couldn't be matched by anyone else.
"You are most welcome, Demeter, and always."
Their interactions were much closer from then on, and Demeter seemed to open up to him more than she did anyone else. She told what she could about Macavity when questioned...revealed that she was once indeed one of his mates, something that she was ashamed of...but the silver tom never gave her an unkind word, never spoke distastefully of the thought. She'd been young and vulnerable, and she didn't know what she'd gotten into until it was too late. She said that she hated talking about it, and he respected that...he had endless patience for her.
She joined him on patrols a little more often. The others would joke about how close the two were. Demeter would become self-conscious about it at first...and he would just defend her, and not himself...after all, he was beginning to feel that those words were partly true.
Sometimes there would be something else behind her eyes when she smiled. A flirtatious spark that would show itself only to him. He wasn't unaware...but he learned to let her approach him on her own...the first time he showed interest in that direction, she shied away, and he cursed himself. There were still scars that he couldn't see, and could easily have stepped on. But she came to trust him again, easily, when he was just presenting a safe and comforting presence. When he was just himself.
Demeter had gotten onto amiable terms with the other toms by this point...but once, Munkustrap caught his rather forward brother speaking to the gold queen and her sister...and by his body language and preening, he could easily tell that he was trying to flirt.
But, something he'd said didn't seem to go over well with Demeter. The Guardian raised his brow in surprise when she bared her teeth in a hiss and swiped, so that her claws came within a hair of his nose, and marched off with her tail whipping forcefully. Tugger had started to go after her, but Bombalurina was quick to pull him back, and she was both quick and good at being a better distraction for the swaggering leonine-styled tom.
Munkustrap didn't notice his own tail whipping with his annoyance until he took a breath to calm himself. Soon enough, he stopped the Rum Tum Tugger to have a discussion with him.
"I don't exactly know how you deal with her so well, dear brother," said the large tom with an off-handed air, "She seems to be a cold one."
"I don't 'deal with' her, I respect her," Munkustrap practically growled. More often than not, he was close to swiping at the Coon mix, himself. "For Cat's sake, you know from where she came. From whom. She's been hurt. You can't expect her to fall at your feet like you expect of every other queen. Be a little mindful, for once, before you get your eyes clawed out."
Tugger regarded him with a thoughtful, though annoyed, stare for a beat. His sigh was punctuated with a resigned hum. "Fine...I can give that one some space...it does seem like she has a thick shell."
And YOU a thick head, Munkustrap thought with a sigh. "I appreciate it, and I'm sure she would, as well. Meanwhile, I'm quite certain that the other queens will like it if you pester them."
His brother had to chuckle at that, waving dismissively as he walked off. "And you have only one to pester, poor thing. Maybe you'll at least have a dance partner for the Ball this time."
And the Jellicle Ball was fast approaching. There was excitement in the air...mirth and celebration, a sort of yearning for a night of pure magic. The cats could show off the ways that they were more than just cats, but special creatures that humans had long revered and feared, loved and hated, cursed and worshiped.
But the air couldn't be all festive and care-free. Munkustrap was once with both Demeter and Bombalurina when the former suddenly became tense, gasping a small lungful of air as she backed away from her seat and looked around frantically in the dark, from confident to fearful as easily as the flick of a switch.
"Demeter?" he'd gotten up to step to her, worried. "What...?"
"Macavity!" blurted out in a harsh whisper, continuing to look around and backing up until she was cornered.
"What?" Munkustrap's eyes widened. "Where?"
"I...I don't know...!" she hissed back, breathing frantically as Bombalurina instantly came to her side and placed her paws on her shoulders, "I just know he's...he's here. I can feel it...I can smell it."
Brow furrowed, the Guardian's gaze flicked from her up to the red queen, and she had a serious look in her intense eyes when she nodded silently.
His decision was instant. He turned and called to Alonzo, who was sitting with the kittens nearby.
"Get the guards on watch, all corners of the fence," he ordered his second-in-command. "Keep watch for hostile cats."
"Was one spotted?"
He paused briefly. "One was sensed. Macavity. Tell the others to find cover, especially the kittens."
The reaction was instant, as the black-and-white tom rushed to do as told. Munkustrap then turned back to the queens.
"You two go as well. I will send word when it is clear."
Demeter's wide golden eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, and he sensed worry behind them. He could only smile back, keeping it in her vision as she left.
The rest of the night was tense for the tribe...but after a while of watching, there had been no more sign of the dangerous Mystery Cat. Munkustrap found the queens again himself while the others were tentatively coming out of hiding...and Demeter's gaze was kept to the ground, more embarrassed now than frightened.
"...Was he here?"
"He could have been," Munkustrap said truthfully. "Nobody has actually seen him...but Coricopat and Tantomile confirm sensing him as well."
The tortie queen breathed out harshly, gritting her teeth. "He's after me...I brought him here..."
"No, you didn't," he insisted, gently placing a paw on her cheek. "He comes nosing around the tribe sometimes...I do not know his story, but he was a Jellicle, once. Thankfully, he does nothing more than spy." He smiled, impressed. "You did well to warn us as soon as you sensed him."
She gave a tiny smile back, placing her paw over his. "...I had to. I couldn't let him near this place, or the tribe...you've all grown on me."
"You can trust Demeter's senses," Bombalurina also confirmed with a smile as she rubbed her shoulders, "They are quite accurate."
"Then we are in good paws," Munkustrap chuckled. "I doubt that he will come near the Ball, anyway. We can forget about him and concentrate on having a good time."
She hummed a relieved giggle back, and the happy, confident look she gave made him warm all over. "I can't wait."
And neither could Munkustrap, although the days and nights would seem to pass by too slowly as preparations needed to be made and everything perfected and on schedule. During these days, he wouldn't catch much of Demeter...not until the night at hand, when the moon rose and cast a shimmering light over all it saw. She and he were the first ones out with cautious ears, eyes, and whiskers...and the rest came little by little, converging into a lovely chorus of joyous, festive voices.
The Jellicle Ball did seem like it would go off without a hitch (save for the shenanigans of the kittens and the cat burglar Toygers). Munkustrap would have never remembered having so much fun in his life, even if he had to stay on alert for everyone and for Old Deuteronomy.
From the look of it, Demeter was having the time of her life as well. She could dance with the best of the cats, she could sing like an angel, and her smile was contagious...she was both the kitten-hood friend that he once knew and the queen that he'd begun to adore.
Macavity, eventually, still made it known that he was watching the proceedings...and with the return of Grizabella as well (which struck a very harsh chord with the older cats), things with the tribe would indeed be interesting...but at least it didn't take long for Demeter's smile to return and for the festivities to go back into full swing...though he noticed that she seemed most sympathetic for the haggard queen.
Unfortunately, though he could feel the Jellicle Moon's gentle light and the warm haze on his mind that also affected the cats in front of them, Munkustrap had to keep to Old Deuteronomy's side during the Ball Dance as the rest of them all came together...though his gaze kept wandering to the lovely black-and-gold queen as she danced alone. He couldn't help but imagine the feel of her fur on his pads, her alluring eyes beckoning him, her voice in song, just for him...but he couldn't tell her how he felt...it wasn't the time. He wanted her to enjoy the Jellicle Ball as much as possible, no expectations or pressures or fears.
His hopes were dashed soon enough, however...Macavity had broken through into the yard, set his hypnotic powers upon the cats, and taken Old Deuteronomy prisoner...and to Munkustrap's anger, had the gall to come back in a guise of the old cat's coat, trying to infiltrate the tribe...
And it would have probably worked, had Demeter not instantly seen through him. He would never forget the way that rage played on her features, replacing the fear that was controlling her all this time...the way she kept everyone away from the spectacle of the illusion...and the way she attacked him, with no regard for herself, to break the spell.
Macavity fought back, of course...laying scratches on anyone in his way until he had a struggling, scared Demeter in his grasp...
No!
Munkustrap charged, Alonzo right behind him, to separate the entranced queen and take her to safety...and when she was, the silver tabby was only seeing red as he fought the large ginger beast, tooth and nail, scratch after scratch exchanged...there was no stopping the Guardian from his will to protect the tribe, protect her...not until he was thrown to the side, prone and bleeding. He could barely see the rest of the cats going after the monster in a rage, after that, as he cursed himself for losing a fight that he should have kept up.
And then, a flash...and all went dark. All went still. Macavity was gone.
Munkustrap willed himself on his feet after the others had cleaned his wounds...he could see a light, a single flash lamp giving the yard a cone of illumination for him to see, as he wearily moved toward the center. He had to find her.
But, Demeter was the one to meet him in the light. He would always remember her face as she raced up, scrunched in sadness and worry. They spoke in ever-soft whispers as she examined his scratches.
"Demeter, are you alright?"
"I'm fine...please, just rest..."
"I'm fine too...don't worry..."
"Munkustrap..." she breathed, and before he knew it, she had her paws tightly about his shoulders, her cheek fervently nuzzling him, his head nestling in the crook of her neck, and he knew...he knew without her saying it, how grateful she was...and he knew how important she had become to him.
The way she looked at him when she pulled back, it was as if she wanted to say more...and he could have told her right then...but, at the moment, there were much more pressing matters to tend to...namely finding their beloved leader.
They did, of course...he was returned to them, safe and sound, and a weary Munkustrap couldn't help but trade mystified glances with Demeter throughout the spectacle, when a young prodigy of a magic cat had brought his old father back with such ease.
The Ball wound down to its final hours...it was exciting and heart-rending, for both Munkustrap and Demeter, to see their once-mother figure ascending to the Heaviside Layer...but after all, the celebration was for the purpose of appreciating life and earning second chances. As they stood together to watch the dawn rising and the heavens closing, leaning on each other gently and surrounded by the loving faces of the tribe, the significance surely wasn't lost.
Munkustrap appreciated his life more after that day...especially when he had Demeter to make it less tedious and full of true purpose.
Later that morning, as the sun was just halfway over the horizon and the cats were wearily trudging back to their homes and dens, Munkustrap was feeling every ache in his muscles and scratches on his skin...his personal bed in the guard house was calling his name.
But, he had to smile when he stopped to see two familiar queens huddled up together inside of it (to the amusement of his owner). Demeter and Bombalurina seemed nearly fast asleep, and he certainly couldn't blame them...it had been quite a night for everyone. Munkustrap would happily make do with sleeping beneath the desk...he could have slept anywhere at that point.
"Psst...Munk," he suddenly heard a whisper just as he was turning away from the bed, and he looked back to see Demeter with half-lidded eyes and a warm grin, having scooted up a little against Bombalurina to make room. She patted the spot beside her.
He let a quiet chuckle out through his nose and accepted the invitation; normally, he would have thought it a little less than proper. But he was so tired, and the sweet queen was beckoning him in beside her...there was no room for argument. Slowly he made his way to the edge of the bed; he hadn't finished his turning around in it before practically collapsing with a groan, making her quietly giggle.
Munkustrap smiled, nestling more into the plush fabric and laying his head down on it...he thought that the bed couldn't feel more like Heaven...not until he felt Demeter's chin laying on his brow.
"How are your scratches?" she whispered.
"They are only scratches...I barely feel them. Don't worry."
He felt her smile. "I do worry...and I'm sorry that we took your bed."
"Don't be," he murmured back as quietly as he could. "I told you before that you were welcome here. Besides...I'm hardly complaining now."
She snorted, but only cuddled closer. "...Nor am I. And...I just wanted to say thank you."
"For saving you?" he hummed, opening his eyes. "I care about you. I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Her shy chuckle was like a gentle chime in his ears. "Well...don't make a habit of fighting for me and getting hurt...I care about you, too." She took a deep breath. "...And really...I want to thank you for everything...not just the Ball."
Munkustrap, knowing what she meant, smiled and closed his eyes, giving a reassuring nuzzle against her neck. "No need to thank me...I am just glad to have seen you having more fun, and trusting me. I will forever be happy, just to make sure that you are happy."
He felt her give a little tremor, and her breath hitched, like she was fighting to hold back her welling emotions.
The quiet beat was interrupted then by a little chuckle from Demeter's other side, and he felt the bed shift when Bombalurina leaned up and reached over to poke him in the shoulder with a paw. "You should quit laying on the charm, tiger. She is already falling in love with you."
"Bomba!" Demeter hissed at that, whipping her head around to the red queen.
"What? You had the whole Ball to say it and didn't; it was time for me to be frank, as I am. Now," she yawned, "Not to be rude in the Guardian's own abode, but do finish your important conversation so we can all get some sleep, hm?" And with that, the smug cat could be felt rolling over on her back with a little trill as she proceeded to fall back into her slumber.
Demeter's face scrunched up with a groan as she hid her head in her paws. "This is so very embarrassing."
Munkustrap, however, was feeling a swath of warmth from his heart to the rest of him, upon hearing this. Whether it was true, or whether the older sister was teasing, there was at least a little hope there, considering how far she'd come in their friendship...not that he would covet her heart if she decided to keep it to herself...no...she was too special to keep if she didn't want to be kept.
Wishing to reassure her out of hiding, he started a quiet and rumbling purr and simply groomed her ears and the top of her head, until she tentatively looked up into his eyes, a questioning light in her beautiful golden irises.
"I'm falling in love with you, too, just so you know...but even if you actually can't love me, there's no question about it...I can't ever stop caring about you...I won't ever stop fighting for you."
There came that soft smile again, and he could see a little moisture in the corners of her eyes as her gaze dropped shyly to her paws. "You would fight for any of us," she pointed out.
"But for you, the queen that has been there with me from the beginning—in my memories and my heart, when she wasn't—I'd fight my hardest," he promised...and the blissful look in her eyes sealed that within him. When she began to purr—so quiet, so broken, but it was there—and huddled so closely that he could feel it...he knew that he would keep that promise for every new lifetime.