"Kittens, you have to sleep," Rumpelteazer said, guiding Tumblebrutus to the ground.

"Why," Jemima asked, sitting up behind her.

"Because you need to rest," Mungojerrie said, gently pushing her to the ground.

"But we aren't tired," Pouncival said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"And it's still bright out," Electra sulked.

"We're perfectly aware of what time of day it is, but if you don't rest now you, won't be able to stay awake for the Ball tonight," Rumpelteazer pointed out.

"You two aren't sleeping," Tumble said.

"Because we're waiting for all of you to go to sleep, then we will," Mungo sighed, "Most of the yard will be asleep at some point this afternoon. Just please... go to sleep."

Munkustrap wandered around the yard, making sure that everything was in order for tonight. The tire was washed down, the area was cleared and secured, lights were strung about to give a little extra light and were attached to the car's battery for power. Everything appeared to be straightened away and all set. He stretched out his back; he kinked it sometime during his afternoon sleep.

He passed the kitten area; the younger ones were in a ball while Mungo and Rumpel were curled up against a hamper. Past a pile of cushions; Plato, Mistoffelees and Victoria were asleep – Victoria resting on Misto's shoulder. Jennyanydots, Skimbleshanks, Jellylorum and Asparagus were sleeping on top of a broken down car; the queens' needlework not far away. All the others were scattered about the yard, resting up for the big night. He let out a cleansing breath; his nerves were racked over the evening's celebration. He had no guidance from Old Deuteronomy or the other elders on how to prepare. He tried to hit them up for advice but they "trust you'll do the right thing." That was no help to him.

"Something on your mind?"

"Everything."

"Want to talk about it?"

"I want it to go away," he sighed, sitting on the ground. He felt two arms wrap around him.

"Don't worry, Munk, it'll be alright. You did a great job preparing," Demeter said, nuzzling his shoulder.

"So long as nothing goes wrong tonight-"

"And nothing will," Demeter said, cutting him off. "Just relax some. If you want to be worried about anything, be worried about how you have yet to take me out on that date you promised."

"What do you want me to do? I have to watch over the ones who are watching over the kittens. I have a kitten staying with me who mimics me better then my own shadow does and I had to figure out how to organize a Ball. What do you want from me, Dem? Do you want me to leave my duties? Do you want me to throw caution to the wind, run off with you and leave them high and dry? Do you want me to mate with you at the Ball tonight? What; tell me do soI'll know."

Demeter stared at him for a moment, in silence, "Yes."

"Huh; what are you saying 'yes' to?"

"The offer, mating at the Ball with you; yes," she smiled. Munkustrap felt his mouth drop and he was certain that his eyes were bulging out. At the very least there was a look of pure terror on his face. "Unless... unless you don't want to... mate with me, that is."

"No, Dem," he said slowly, pulling her into a tight hug, mainly to hide the look on his face, "Of course I do, I would love to."

"Do you love me?"

"...Yes, of course I do."

"For waiting up there is the Heavyside Layer, full of wonders, one Jellicle only will see. And Jellicles ask, because Jellicle dare: who will it be?"

Etcetera turned around angrily and looked up at Munkustrap, hissing, "You stole that from Tugger."

Munkustrap watched as she stalked off, looking at Tugger, "Because of you, I am now dubbed a thief."

"So, I used a few lines that every past Protector in the history of the Jellicle Tribe has said. So, sue me, I'll clear it up. Shouldn't you be getting the Mating Ceremony ready," he asked while jabbing him with his elbow. Munkustrap brushed off Tugger, walking away. "What's wrong, Romeo," Tugger asked, easily catching up with him. "Nervous?"

"So much I'm sick to my stomach," he muttered under his breath.

"Well, did you get two to perform the ceremony?"

"Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer," he nodded.

"Someone to help with it," Tugger asked as the rest of the Tribe began another dance.

"Asparagus said that he will."

"Did Dad approve?"

"Yes, last week."

"Well then," he said, clapping the tabby on his shoulder, "You got nothing to worry about aside from your... performance with Dem."

"Gee, thanks, Tugger. I feel so much better," he said sarcastically.

"You should, I mean, she asked you to mate. Sure, you did unintentionally bring it up but she accepted. She wouldn't have if she didn't want to."

Munkustrap looked skeptically at Tugger, "How did you know all that? I saw you sleeping..."

"A magician never reveals their secrets," he noted, "Now if you'll excuse me, the mating's about to start and Bombalurina is all alone."

"Oh no, Jennyanydots, please, just a few minutes more."

"Victoria, the Ball's over, it's time for you to get some rest."

"Now, Jenny," Skimbleshanks said, placing a paw on her shoulder. "Let her stay out here a few minutes. It won't do any harm. Besides, if I remember correctly, you wanted to stay out after your first Ball, back when you were her age."

Jennyanydots glanced at her mate before nodding, "Very well, you can stay out a bit longer. Don't stray too far though, stay within earshot."

"I will," She smiled, hugging the two, "Thank you." She watched as they escorted Pouncival back home and the others left before she began dancing. She twirled around on the spot, in a very kittenish manner – unlike how she was dancing in the Ball with the others – before she allowed herself to fall into the soft dirt.

"I'm guessing that you had fun," Misto said as he padded over to the laughing queen.

"Oh, Misto," she cooed, rolling over, "It was so much fun. I never imagined something like that ever happening; all the dancing, the singing!"

"It's quite the rush," he nodded, "Shame that Cat Morgan had to leave us this year. He's off to a better place though, into the waiting arms of the Everlasting Cat."

"I didn't know him very well," she said, "But, good for him anyways! I can not wait until next year; it's going to take so long. I wish that it was tomorrow."

"Patience is a virtue."

"One that I lack," she smiled. "Would you look at the sky? There are so many stars out tonight."

"Yeah," he nodded, sitting next to her, "It's a gorgeous night... There's a storm brewing though."

"How can you tell," she cocked her head to a side, "I never got it."

"'Are you tense when you sense there's a storm in the air?' You can feel it. There's just some sort of electricity that's in the air. It makes you tense; your fur beings to bristle; your skin feels all tingly."

"Really," she closed her eyes as the wind blew, "If I really concentrate it then I can kind of feel it."

"Can you smell it?"

Victoria turned, giving him an inquisitive look, "Smell it? What in the world does it smell like?"

"Uh... well, it's hard to describe," Mistoffelees said, scrunching up his nose. "It had this damp, murky, sweet smell to it."

"Sounds pretty," she nodded skeptically. "I don't smell it though."

"Eh - Misto, are you coming or not?"

Victoria looked over and saw Mungojerrie standing outside of his den while Rumpelteazer slipped inside. Misto turned to her and gave her a smile, "My hosts are waiting; I'll be seeing you tomorrow. Night"

"Night"

A/N: Okay, its Exam week... and the fire alarm at the school just went off. Dad's pager went off two minutes ago and I just heard the trucks leave the Hall (it's more or less next door). I'm not sure if it's a prank or if it's legit, I'll know once Dad gets home though. Although... there is a grey-ish cloud in the sky; maybe it's just my imagination. Looking too far into it, the school's filled with hooligans and morons who like to pull the alarm. He has been gone for a while...

Tiger Lily21 – of course you can stop. Heck, I did for a while. That's quite the goal – luck with it. I have one left... Thursday. Thanks for the vote of confidence

Mystitat – Maybe he's making the rounds and there's a lot of fangirls that come before you (guessing that he goes in alphabetical order). And no, that's not how you spell it. I couldn't remember how so I took a stab at it. It was wrong – Olé.

Mima-Love – Sorry it wasn't soon. As an apology, please accept this humble gift of Duck Cheese.

That shouldn't be a question mark – She yelled in furry – It should be a period.