Fresh Revenge

Rating: K+ (PG)

Disclaimer: I do not own cats in any way and have no claim over them. (As much as I'd like to!)

Jennyanydots reacted like a bullet, and was by Mistoffelees' side within a heartbeat with a clean rag in her paw. With care the queen wiped away the blood that was around the magician's mouth. Mistoffelees stopped coughing but his breathing became shallower, if that was possible.

Jennyanydots handed the cloth to Victoria then turned to Munkustrap, who'd risen to his paws. "I don't know how long he's got left Munk. Could be days or hours depending on various factors."

"No, Misto's gonna be ok isn't he?" Victoria asked with fear and desperation clearly heard in her voice. "He's just got to make it."

Jennyanydots sat down and wrapped her arms around the white queen. "He's coughing blood dear, and that is not a good sign. One of his lungs was probably pierced when Macavity slashed his chest. There's nothing more I can do."

"No, Misto can't die. He just can't." Victoria burst into tears and buried her head in the magical cat's chest, wrapping her arms gently around him. "I can't lose him, not now, not ever!"

Rum Tum Tugger tried to comfort her and sat down beside her, placing his large paws on the little queen's shoulders.

"No one wants Mistoffelees to die," he said, failing to keep the grief from his own voice. "We all love the little tuxedo, but some things you can't prevent. Every feline, whether Jellicle or not, has a time and a place. Misto's time is now and here, surrounded by friends."

Tugger looked up and saw Munkustrap and Demeter looking at him like he'd grown another tail. Tugger himself was surprised he'd been able to find the right words. Maybe he was more like his father then he thought.

Victoria lifted her head from Mistoffelees' chest, her eyes red and still dripping with tears. "But he can't die, not until I …"

The white cat trailed off as she realized she'd said that aloud. Jennyanydots placed a paw softly under her chin and raised her head till they were eye level. "Until you what dear? Come on, your amongst friends here."

Sniffing, Victoria opened and closed her mouth a few times before saying softly. "Until I tell, until I tell him that, that …"

"It's ok Vic," Demeter said using the queen's nickname. "You can tell us."

Victoria brushed the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath and said in nothing more then a whisper. "He can't die until I tell him that I love him, and now he'll never know!"

She collapsed into Jennyanydots' fur, crying heavily. Rum Tum Tugger was a little shocked. Everyone knew that Mistoffelees and Victoria were the best of friends, treating each other like the family that they never knew, but love was a totally different thing altogether.

"I've waited so long to hear you say that." Said a faint voice that made Tugger's heart stop for about the hundredth time that day.

Mistoffelees' eyes were open, and his mouth curved into a slight, almost mocking smile. The car was silent for only a moment before Victoria squealed with delight and sprang to the tuxedo's side.

She embraced him, still crying but with joy. Mistoffelees tried to return the embrace but was too weak. After what seemed like eternity the white queen released Mistoffelees and looked into his eyes. "So you do love me?"

"Ever since I first laid my eyes upon you." Mistoffelees whispered quietly. Rum Tum Tugger had to admire the kid's style. Mistoffelees tried to say something else, but it was too quiet for any cat to hear.

Victoria leaned closer to listen. Mistoffelees gestured closer, then closer still, until Victoria's face was inches from his own.

Out of nowhere Mistoffelees pulled Victoria towards him and kissed her. Her sapphire eyes widened in surprise, but only for a moment. The white cat then returned the kiss, deepening it. They finally stopped when Mistoffelees felt another fit of coughs coming on.

Victoria helped him and wiped away the little blood the young tom coughed up, and then nuzzled his cheek lightly.

"Excuse me but a minute ago Mistoffelees was dying and now he's fine." Munkustrap spoiled the moment. Rum Tum Tugger made a note to talk to him about when it's appropriate to speak when romance is involved. Munkustrap always had to be serious. "How is that possible Jenny?"

Jennyanydots pondered the question as Victoria ran her paw affectionately along Mistoffelees' unscathed cheek. The only sound heard for a few seconds was the purr of the magical cat.

"It may be just a bruised lung," the queen said. "Not punctured. They sometimes bleed slightly, but they're also not usually life threatening."

"So Misto's going to be ok?" Victoria said delighted.

"Weak for the next week yes, but he should recover." Jennyanydots said with a smile. "I'm pretty sure your magic Misto is helping you to heal, for you do heal faster then any other cat here."

Mistoffelees didn't seem to hear her, for he was sharing another long kiss with Victoria. Shooting a glance at Munkustrap and Demeter, Tugger saw the tabby had his arm around the queen, with her head again resting on his shoulder. But what made him smirk was the fact that Demeter was purring quietly.

Figuring he'd leave the two couples alone, Rum Tum Tugger showed himself out, only to get a few view of Alonzo and Cassandra sharing a tender moment.

"Hey tiger." Bombalurina purred from nearby. "You getting this with Alonzo and Cassandra?"

"Guess it's in the water." Muttered Rum Tum Tugger before scooping the red queen into his arms and planting a kiss on her fine lips. She resisted at first, pulling away. Seeing he wasn't kidding around this time, she kissed him back.

Placing the fiery queen back down, the two made their way to a more private part of the junkyard before continuing.

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"I'm glad Misto's going to be ok." Demeter said quietly from Munkustrap's side. Once the tabby had been sure Mistoffelees was going to be fine, he and Demeter had returned to the box they shared.

"So am I Dem, so am I." Munkustrap replied quietly before trying to slow his breathing and turning to the black and gold queen. "Demeter, I was wondering if you, well, if you'd like to be my mate?"

She looked a little taken back, almost shocked. She stuttered. "Oh Munk it's just-"

"No, I understand." The silver tabby moved away, his head hung low. "I mean, I can't offer what other toms can and you need someone stronger to look after you."

Demeter's paw locked itself on his shoulder and spun his around. She then without any warning pulled him close and kissed him. Munkustrap did nothing for a split second, and then smiled as she pulled away.

"You didn't let me finish Munk," she said quietly. "I was going to say it's just that I was about to ask you the same thing."

Munkustrap suddenly felt like he was flying. "So you'll accept?"

Demeter kissed him again, giving him the answer he'd hoped for.

I'm in a rush at the moment so I won't say much. Next chapter is the last. (I thought i wrote 10 chapters but it was only nine, weird eh?) Anyway, parents are yelling at me to hurry up from the car so cya all next week!

Desert Thief