"Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer," The two looked up from where they were sitting and chatting with the twins, as Munkustrap came to stand beside them, smiling.
"Old Deuteronomy wishes to speak with you," Munkustrap told them formally. The two exchanged nervous looks before getting to their feet and following the silver Protector.
"W-What does 'e want ta talk about?" Rumpleteazer asked nervously. Munkustrap gave a small shrug as they approached the leader's den.
"I am not sure," Munkustrap told them as he paused outside of the den. He turned and looked at them, giving them a reassuring smile.
"Do not be afraid," He told them gently. "My father is a kind Tom, unless you give him reason to be otherwise," The siblings exchanged looks at that.
"I will announce you, wait here," Munkustrap murmured before he stepped into the den.
"I don't like this," Mungojerrie murmured nervously as he rubbed his arm. Rumpleteazer nodded in agreement.
"Why does 'e want ta talk to us?" She whispered. Mungo scoffed.
"Probably wants us ta leave now." He muttered. They looked back at the door when Munkustrap walked back out, smiling.
"Old Deuteronomy will see you now," Munkustrap announced formally, stepping aside to allow the siblings to enter. Munkustrap followed them into the den, close behind them.
"Old Deuteronomy, this is Mungojerrie," Munkustrap indicated to the tiger-striped Tom. "And Rumpleteazer," He indicated to the Queen who was clutching onto her brother's arm, hiding behind him slightly. Deuteronomy smiled warmly at the duo.
"Please, sit down," Deuteronomy smiled as he gestured to the cushions in front of him. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer did so, and Deuteronomy looked to Munkustrap, giving him a small nod.
"Thank you, Munkustrap," Deuteronomy murmured. "I'm sure a certain kitten will be looking for you," Munkustrap smiled and inclined his head before he turned and left the den, leaving the two nervous calicos on the cushions. Deuteronomy waited until Munkustrap had left before he turned his attention to the two in front of him.
"I have heard quite a bit about you two, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer," Deuteronomy said softly. "Especially that you have stolen from members of our tribe," Deuteronomy watched the two fidget nervously, looking somewhat ashamed.
"However, my son seems to see something in you two and he has quite the remarkable judge of character," He continued, smiling. "And that is the reason why I called you here today, so we can discuss your future living arrangements."
"Shift over," Munkustrap glanced up from where he had been watching the kittens and grinned, shifting over slightly on the rocking chair so Tantomile could squeeze in next to him.
"How are you feeling?" Munkustrap asked, concerned, as he looked at the pale Queen. Tantomile gave a small smile as she leaned into Munkustrap's side. Munkustrap wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close and keeping her warm. Tantomile purred thankfully as she curled in close.
"I am feeling slightly better," She answered. "Jenny has been forcing that vile medicine down my throat." Munkustrap chuckled at that.
"You never were one to take your medicine without fuss," Munkustrap mused as he remembered when they were kittens, not so far back into the past.
"That stuff is vile," Tantomile protested. "It makes one even more sick than before,"
"No, Tants, that's just you," Munkus teased. He gave a small yelp as he was poked in the ribs for his trouble. Tantomile smirked as she settled back down as Munkustrap rubbed his side, pouting slightly at her.
"I hear your father is talking to the visitors," Tantomile murmured. Munkustrap gave a nod.
"I wonder if they will accept his offer," Tantomile continued thoughtfully. Munkustrap looked at her and saw she was looking side-ways at him, trying to bait him into asking. Munkustrap sighed, smiling.
"Alright, Tants, what have you heard?" Munkustrap asked, watching as Tantomile grinned.
"Well," Tantomile paused, coughing into her paw. Munkustrap gently rubbed her back. She flashed him a thankful smile before continuing.
"I was resting before, so I was trying to strengthen my mental powers," She started to explain. Munkustrap nodded.
"When I cast my mind out, I came across your father's thoughts," Tantomile looked sheepishly at Munkustrap at that.
"It was accidental," She murmured. "I do not know what I will pick up when I do that."
"I understand, Tants," Munkustrap reassured her. He did understand, while Tantomile and Coricopat were quite attuned with their powers, they did what they could to strengthen them to make sure they could control them and give the abilities sharp. Occasionally when they did that there were some side effects, such as trespassing on one's thoughts or sending off a few sparks here and there.
"Your father was thinking about Mungo and Teazer," Tantomile continued.
"Mungo and Teazer?" Munkustrap interrupted, a small smile tugging on the corner of his lips. Tantomile smiled.
"Cori and I did talk to them for a fair while, while you were talking with Quaxo," Tantomile told him. "They are quite lovely, though a bit…" Tantomile paused, thinking of the right word to describe them.
"…loud," She finally answered, causing Munkustrap to laugh. "And very talkative,"
"Oh, how was Rumpleteazer with your brother?" Munkus teased. Tantomile laughed softly as she leaned against him, her eyes starting to close tiredly.
"She is attracted to him," She murmured tiredly. "He is rather taken-aback by the attention," Munkustrap gently drew the tired Queen into his arms, holding her close, as he gently nuzzled her ears.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay, Tanto?" Munkustrap asked softly as he nosed through her head-fur. Tantomile gave a small nod.
"I am okay, Munku," She replied quietly. "Just tired," Munkustrap cuddled her close, resting his head against hers, as he began purring. Tantomile purred back as she turned, wrapping her arms loosely around his middle, and cuddling close.
Munkustrap's green eyes scanned the yard once more, seeing it was still peaceful, before he looked back down at the Queen in his arms, smiling when he saw she was sleeping peacefully. He smiled as he rested his head against hers, her purrs vibrating through him and calming him, as his heavy eyes finally closed.
Deuteronomy walked back into the clearing, the two surprised calico's close behind him. He paused as he reached the edge of the clearing, eyes searching. Deuteronomy smiled warmly when he finally spotted Munkustrap.
Munkustrap was sitting on the rocking chair, curled up with Tantomile, who was in his arms and cuddling close with him as she slept.
"They're adorable, aren't they?" Deuteronomy glanced to his side and smiled at Jenny and Jelly.
"They are," He admitted, chuckling.
"It's good to see Munkus is getting some much needed sleep…even if he is cuddling my sister," Cori added as he approached, smiling. Deuteronomy ears twitched as he heard a slight giggle behind him, followed by a deep sigh.
"Ah, yes, that reminds me," Deuteronomy murmured. "Coricopat, will you help Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer find a den?" He asked.
"Sir?" Jenny asked, surprised. Deuteronomy turned to the two older Queens.
"I have had a discussion with our two visitors, and I have asked them to stay, which they have agreed to, with some terms of course," He explained. "Such as not stealing from other Jellicles," Mungo and Teazer looked at him sheepishly. Jenny smiled as she turned to them.
"Welcome to the Jellicles," She greeted warmly, hugging them tightly and surprising them. Cori chuckled.
"Mum, don't scare them," He laughed as he playfully swatted at her arms. Jenny let go of the siblings before she quickly pulled Coricopat into a tight hug.
"Oh, scaring them, was I?" She laughed, before grooming his cheek.
"Aw, Mum, can't breathe!" Cori gasped, wriggling slightly in embarrassment as Jenny continued to groom his face. Jenny finally relented and released him. Cori straightened up, looking at his adoptive mother and smiling as she grinned back at him.
There was a giggle.
Cori looked at Rumpleteazer, finding she was looking at him, paw over her mouth as she tried not to giggle again. Mungo had a smirk on his lips. Cori frowned and looked down; sighing when he found his fur was messed up and on ends in places.
"Oh, Cori," Jenny laughed as she looked at him, Jelly laughing beside her. Cori gave a small pout at Jenny before he smiled and quickly fixed his fur up.
"Come on, I'll help you find a den," Cori told the siblings once he had finished. Mungojerrie and Teazer nodded, following after the mystic.
Deuteronomy frowned, a sense of unease settling over him, as he turned his eyes back to watch Munkustrap.
Munkustrap suddenly startled, his eyes shooting open, and jerking back as a nightmare consumed him. Tantomile's eyes snapped open, startled awake by Munkustrap's sudden movement, just in time to see Munkustrap lose his footing and slip off of the rocking chair.
"Munkus!" She cried out fearfully as she heard a loud thump, leaping to the edge of the rocking chair and looking down.
Munkustrap groaned as he sat up, rubbing his sore back.
"That was one hell of a landing,"
"Shut up, Tugger," Munkustrap groaned as he got to his feet, wincing as pain tore through his rear and back, which had taken the brunt of the fall.
"Munkus, are you okay?" Tantomile asked worriedly as she nimbly leapt down from the rocking chair, coming to stand beside him. Munkustrap nodded as he stretched out his back, blushing slightly in embarrassment.
"Munkustrap, are you okay?!" Jenny gasped worriedly as she came up beside him, starting to check him over for any serious injuries.
"I'm fine, Jenny," Munkustrap tried to reassure her. "I think the landing just jarred a few bones, my pride is more bruised," Jenny frowned as she continued to closely examine his back.
"Munkus…"
"I'm fine, Dad, really," Munkustrap interrupted before his dad could ask. Deuteronomy sighed, giving a small nod as he looked at his son, concerned.
"What caused you to fall?" Deuteronomy asked. Tugger and Tantomile looked to Munkustrap at that, both interested in the answer.
"I just got startled and woke up," Munkustrap answered simply, as he focused on his paws, not wanting to look at anyone.
"What caused you to startle so?" Deuteronomy pressed gently.
"A nightmare, a flash-back," Munkustrap admitted grudgingly. Deuteronomy sighed sadly as he gently laid his paw on Munkustrap's shoulder.
"Munkus, look at me," Munkustrap reluctantly raised his green eyes, meeting Deuteronomy's worried brown ones.
"You still haven't been sleeping well, have you?" Deuteronomy questioned him. Munkustrap shook his head.
"No," He admitted softly. "I-I still can't…" Deuteronomy nodded as he pulled Munkustrap into his arms, holding him close. Munkustrap relaxed into his hug.
"Munk, until you're getting decent sleep again, I'm taking you off Protector duties,"
"But, Dad!" Munkustrap protested, eyes widening in shock. Deuteronomy shook his head.
"I'm not punishing you, Munkus," He said softly as he rubbed Munkustrap's cheek. "I'm worried about you and I don't want you to get hurt,"
"But…"
"You come first, Munkustrap," Deuteronomy murmured in his ear. "Your health first," Munkustrap sighed and gave a nod, resting his head tiredly against his dad's shoulder. Deuteronomy smiled softly as he held his son, just revelling in the fact that Munkustrap still wanted hugs, even though he was growing up.
"Now, my boy, I want you to go relax and calm your mind, take care of yourself," Deuteronomy instructed him, smiling. "Go spend some time with Quaxo and the kittens, or with Coricopat and Tantomile," He suggested. Munkustrap gave a nod, looking at Tantomile, who smiled back at him. She took his paw, pulling him away and towards the tyre.
They leapt up and settled down on the top, stretching out in the sun.
Tantomile looked at Munkustrap as his green eyes watched the kittens play happily, his expression calm, but Tantomile could see the emotions he was trying to mask in his emerald green eyes.
"Munk," She murmured as she gently nuzzled his cheek. "Don't be sad,"
"I feel like a disappointment, Tants," Munkustrap mumbled as he watched his dad go sit with Jenny, Jelly, Asp and Skimble.
"You're not, Munkus, not at all!" Tantomile told him firmly. "Your dad is doing this because he knows you would still do your duties, no matter how much you were struggling." Munkustrap just sighed as he rested his head on his paws.
"Munk, listen to me," Tantomile murmured, gently nuzzling his cheek. "You are the most amazing Tom and you do so much for everyone, but you don't take care of yourself enough," Tantomile placed her paw over Munkustrap's mouth as he went to interrupt.
"Listen to me," She whispered to him. "You do take care of yourself, to a certain degree, you eat, you groom yourself to perfection, you keep yourself fit and healthy…but you do not take care of yourself here," Tantomile tapped his forehead. "You've been through much more than any of us could ever realise, and yet, you continue on every day like it's nothing,"
"It's best not to dwell on it," Munkustrap murmured.
"That is true, but it is not wise to repress it, it just causes all of the hurt and pain to fester over time until it just…erupts," Tantomile continued. "You need to take care of yourself mentally, to deal with all of the hurts and pains, and we will be here to support you, always." Munkustrap looked at Tantomile at that.
"I don't want to burden you with it," He admitted. Tantomile sighed as she nuzzled against him, rubbing her cheek against his, causing him to purr and nuzzle back.
"We love you, Munk, you are not a burden," She whispered. Munkustrap smiled as he burrowed his nose into her ears again.
"Thank you, Tanti," He murmured. Tantomile purred, before gently kissing his cheek, surprising the silver Tabby. Munkustrap felt heat rising into his cheeks as he kneaded awkwardly at the tyre as Tantomile smiled knowingly and settled down beside him.
Munkustrap slowly lay back out again, smiling slightly as Tantomile leaned against him, curling close.
"You're being more affectionate than usual," Munkustrap murmured as he curled closer to her. Tantomile blushed.
"Well…I…um," She stammered. Munkustrap grinned.
That was a first for Tantomile. She had never been speechless before, she always had something to say.
Munkustrap felt nervous, though it was in a good way. He had never felt this way before, having butterflies in his stomach and blushing.
"Hey, uh, Tants?"
"Mm?" Tantomile murmured, her alluring green-gold eyes turning to look at him.
"W-Will you be my d-date to the d-dance next week?" He stammered as her warm eyes stared at him. Tantomile's eyes widened in surprise as a warm blush appeared in her cheeks.
Slowly, she nodded, a small smile forming on her delicate lips.
"I would love to, Munkus," Tantomile murmured, turning so she could nuzzle her face into his neck, purring. Munkus curled closer to Tantomile, smiling, as he turned his eyes back out to the yard, watching the happy occupants.
Yes, he knew now life would get better.
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Hopefully I haven't made you wait too long ;)
Am doing my best to write quickly, but sometimes it takes a bit to get my thoughts in order!
Thanks for the reviews!
Please read and review!
Love,
HGP!