Firstly, I am so sorry I've been gone so long! I've just been so busy with work, I had a (very short) relationship, busy with Christmas and just writer's block…
I've also been attempting to write more of my novel…
So again, sorry for the long wait, and I'm so sorry that this is just a filler chapter just to tide things over!
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Munkustrap sighed as he stretched his sore limbs. He had been on cleaning duties for a week and it was starting to cause his muscles to tense up from all the kneeling and crouching.
"Munku, are you okay?" Munkustrap smiled at the chirp, looking over to Trinity who was sitting beside him on a blue cushion.
They had been sent back to their room earlier today. Something about Leo having important guests to attend to.
Finally he answered the small fluffy kitten. "I am fine, Trinity," he purred, nuzzling her and making her smile. "I am just a bit sore." Trinity climbed into his lap, nuzzling against his cheek as she snuggled against his broad chest. Munkustrap smiled and held her close.
"Munku?" her tiny voice spoke up hesitantly.
"Mm?" Munkustrap hummed, glancing up as the door to the room opened, the others beginning to trudge in.
"Could you sing me something please?" Trinity asked hopefully, her blues eyes wide. Munkustrap gave a small smile.
"What do you want me to sing about?" he asked her softly. The other Queens, and Kopa, had heard the exchange and had come closer, interested. Only a few stayed away. Trinity blinked, frowning as she thought.
"How about something you'd sing to Tantomile?" Dinah suggested gently with a small smile. "I'd love to hear what she'd be so lucky to hear." Munkustrap froze, heart skipping a beat in his chest as he thought about his love. Drawing in a ragged breath, he nodded.
He needed to do this.
With a sigh, he slowly began. His deep, gentle voice forming the words, making them soar, making the others feel each note and each word in their heart.
Can't say how the days will unfold,
Can't change what the future may hold,
But, I want you in it,
Every hour,
Every minute
This world can race by far too fast.
Hard to see while it's all rushing past.
But, it's clear now,
When you're standing here now,
I am meant to be wherever you are next to me.
All I want to do,
Is come running home to you,
Come running home to you,
And all my life I promise to,
Keep running home to you,
Keep running home,
To you.
And I could see it,
Right from the start,
Right from the start,
That you would be,
Be my light in the dark,
Light in the dark,
Oh, you gave me no other choice,
But to love you.
All I want to do,
Is come running home to you,
Come running home to you,
And all my life I promise to,
Keep running home to you,
Keep running home,
Home to you.
Can't say how the days will unfold,
Can't change what the future may hold,
But I want you in it,
Every hour,
Every minute.
Munkustrap sighed as he finished the last note. He could hear the Queens sniffling around him, but he paid it not attention at the moment.
All he could think of was how he was going to make that a promise. He was going to run home to Tantomile and he was going to sing her this song. He would hold her and never let her go again. There was a nudge at his shoulder and he glanced around, seeing Kopa staring at him with watering eyes.
"I'm gonna get you home to her, Munk," he promised him. Munkustrap just gave a small smile, looking back to the kitten nuzzling against his chest. He gently stroked her head fur, lulling her into a deep slumber, as he watched the Queens lying around him converse with one another or sleep.
"Have you figured out a way out yet?" Munkustrap startled and looked at the black, red and brown Queen beside him. Arianna smiled at him. Munkustrap gave a small shake of his head.
"No," he admitted, "I haven't figured out a way out yet." Arianna sighed sadly, leaning forward to nuzzle his cheek comfortingly.
She pulled back, looking at him with a small smile. "Munkus, if you find any chance, you take it." Munkustrap frowned, tilting his head in confusion. Arianna just smiled and continued. "I've been watching you this last week and I noticed how you kind you are to everyone, how you try and help you," Arianna sighed, looking at him seriously. "I know you won't escape if you couldn't get us all out because that's just not the kind of Tom you are."
Munkustrap sighed, shaking his head, as he looked to Trinity fast asleep in his arms. "How could I leave you all?" he asked her quietly. "I know he'd take his anger on all of you, on Trinity…" he trailed off. Arianna gently rested her paw on his arm.
"We'll take care of ourselves, we always have," she reassured him. Arianna looked at him with a critical eye before smiling. "Besides, I have the feeling after you escaped that we wouldn't be in here long."
"Oh?" Munkustrap asked, slightly confused.
"You'd get us help, I don't know from who," Arianna admitted, "but you'd free us, I know you will." Munkustrap nodded.
"I would come back for you all," he promised. "I know just the Tom who'd help me too…well, I hope he would," Munkustrap added hesitantly. Arianna settled down beside him, tilting her head.
"Oh? Why do you sound unsure?" she asked him curiously. Munkustrap gave a small breath of laughter.
"He's my brother, but things are…complicated." Munkustrap looked to Arianna, who was looking intrigued by this conversation. "My brother is Macavity, Arianna." Arianna's eyes opened wide in shock.
"You-you mean the Hidden Paw? That Macavity?!" Arianna stammered, shocked. Munkustrap chuckled but gave a small nod.
"Yes, that's him," Munkustrap murmured. Arianna looked at him amazement. She grabbed his paw, causing Munkustrap to look at her. "Okay, you have to tell me that story!" she begged. Munkustrap gave a small laugh and nodded.
So, he told her the story of how when he was adopted Macavity became his protector, to Munkustrap being named Protector and the fall-out, to Macavity leaving and the aftermath of it.
"It sounds like quite a life you've led," Arianna murmured, shocked. Munkustrap chuckled.
"Everyone seems to think that," he chuckled sadly. "I wish my life could have been ordinary." Arianna gave a sad, small smile.
"Don't we all, darling?" sighed Arianna, "don't we all?"
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So chapters may be shorter than usual if you'd like them up quicker, though I can't guarantee how long it will be until next update…
Thanks to everyone who has stuck with this so far!
Love,
HGP