I'm sorry this wasn't up for a while. D: I was sort of unsatisfied with how this chapter came out, but I couldn't work on it without frustrating myself, so don't bash if it's really bleh. Because I already know it is. xD I'm definitely coming back in the next chapter, so keep reading please! And please review, I love to hear your thoughts, and I'm really appreciative of everyone who has faithfully taken time to read and give me their honest opinion. I take constructive criticism to heart, so tell me what you think. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own cats or the title song. ;]

Munkustrap sat quietly at the top of a tall hill overlooking the field nearby the Jellicles' Junkyard. He had wandered around the field after Demeter's rescue for hours, returning only to eat a small mouse, and then heading back to think. Everlasting Cat, did he have a lot to think about.

Demeter had been so frail and untrusting, and not only did he take advantage of her weakness in order to drag her away, he further destroyed whatever amount of trust had been established between them by snapping at her. But still, even with bloody scars and bruises, a shredded right ear tip and snagged claws from being unable to even groom herself properly, she had fought for herself. That kind of thing blew Munkustrap's mind. Stubborn, hotheaded, short fused? Yes, those were certainly a few ways to describe the pretty, gold and white queen. But to find her, in her state, still able to fight back; Macavity didn't know what he was getting his paws into, for sure.

The slightest snap of a twig behind him alerted Munkustrap of Demeter's presence before he even sniffed her. Any other cat would have been able to stalk up in silence but Demeter, with her injured leg. He heard her paws hit the ground unevenly as she limped over slowly, and finally lowered herself down beside him.

They sat in awkward silence, watching the clouds in different shades of grey drift past the moon. Demeter repeatedly darted her gaze to Munkustrap and then back to the sky uneasily. "Thank you," she said suddenly.

Her voice was so quiet that Munkustrap barely heard her, and he was surprised at her sober tone. He dipped his head in response, not sure what to say. Neither of them spoke, the crickets and bullfrogs in the distance filled the silence.

"You hate me," Munkustrap mused, staring down at the field as a cool breeze ruffled each blade of grass.

Demeter fiddled with the long stem of a daffodil nearby her knee. "You work too much," she said finally, dodging the blunt statement without making eye contact.

Munkustrap shrugged to himself and leaned back on his elbows. "Maybe, it keeps me from thinking too much," he replied.

Demeter narrowed her eyes but still refused to look at him. "Think about what?"

"I dunno. Macavity? He's an obvious threat to the Tribe right now," he said, noticing the slight twitch at the corner of Demeter's eye when he spoke his older half-brother's name. Demeter sat quietly for a moment. The tension between them was obvious, and Munkustrap pleaded inwardly that she'd say something. Just as a single lightning bug zipped past their faces like an orange ember, she spoke.

"The rumors - when we were all kits; Etcy and Electra told me them when we were a lot younger. I was never scared when they told me about him, you know? It was like they were trying to scare me. I didn't believe any other cat, except Mistoffolees, had abilities like that until I witnessed... what he could do. When did he... develop them?" she asked, avoiding Macavity's name.

Munkustrap visibly cringed at the subject, and Demeter could tell he wasn't comfortable talking about it. He kneaded the ground with his claws, churning up rocks and grass. "He was born with them, I guess. He lost them all when... before he was banished," he said hastily.

Demeter noticed Munkustrap's abrupt change of thought, but she said nothing except, "I'm kind of freaked out to start hanging around with Quaxo again, especially when he's Misto..."

Surprisingly, Munk cracked a smile. Demeter smiled halfheartedly back, and took the risk of leaning back beside him. Both cats watched the sky as fireflies darted frenetically around them. Their soft orange glow filled Munkustrap with warmth, and he took his chance to roll over onto his side. Demeter looked at him, puzzled, as he gazed down at her.

"Do you hate me?" he questioned quietly. Demeter's heart pounded hard as she stared up at him; his eyes were dark, almost black, without any light to reflect against them. She bit her lip slightly and took a quick, steadying breath.

"No."

Suddenly, Munk's lips crashed down onto hers, and she couldn't breath. He wrapped his left arm around her, cradling her gently, and she slowly melted into him. She brushed her hand through his head fur.

At the same time, both of them slowly pulled back. Munkustrap blinked down at her, as if he were surprised at what had just happened. But a cocky grin slowly made its way to his face, and Demeter couldn't help but grin back.

That was when she noticed just how similar he and Macavity looked. The smoldering eyes and the satisfied grin caused her heart to jolt, and Demeter sharply pulled away from him.

"What, did I do something wrong?" Munkustrap asked, puzzled. He sat up straight, as Demeter wrapped her arms tightly around her knees. He leaned forward to reach for her, but Demeter moved further away.

Slowly, she turned to look at him, her eyes wide and filled with sorrow. "Munk, I can't. I really, really can't." she said, her voice breaking at the end.

Munkustrap's expression suddenly went from bewildered and concerned to one of disappointed understanding. His ears and whiskers drooped, and his eyes were steely as he stood up slowly. "Right, well... I'm going back to my den. Bye," he said, turning away.

"Munk... I'm sorry!" Demeter pleaded. She felt the all-too familiar feeling of tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over, and she silently cursed at herself.

Munkustrap's ear flicked as he acknowledged her and slowly padded off, heading back to the direction of the Junkyard. Demeter felt a claw rake her heart as she saw his tail, usually held proudly, literally dragging behind him.

"Dammit!" Demeter whispered furiously, punching the ground. With a trembling lower lip, she pushed herself off the ground, and ran as fast as she could with her injured leg back to the Junkyard. She needed advice from her big sister, desperately.