Chapter 5: A new beginning.

Jerry opened his eyes and felt warm, hearing a heartbeat. He sat up and was laying on Tom's chest, curious as to how he got there. He sat back and wondered how long he'd been out, rubbing his sore head. That was when he saw the bandages, remembering everything. Tom had made it in the nick of time, saving him before Butch could cut him down. Tom fought for him, protected him. Jerry saw Tom slowly open his eyes, freezing where he sat.

Tom sat up and Jerry slid down his chest to his lap, seeming dazed. Tom picked him up and set him on the bed, leaving to get him some food. He returned and gave Jerry a chunk of cheese, hoping the mouse would see he wanted to help. Jerry slowly reached out and took the cheese, not sure if this wasn't one of Tom's tricks. Taking the cheese, being urged to do so with a smile from Tom. With wide eyes he stared up at Tom, seeing his green eyes full of trust and love.

"Tom," said Jerry softly.

"Jerry," added Tom with a grin.

"Y-you came back."

"I came home."

"But I thought you left for good, would never come back. You'll probably leave once I'm better, I'm sure." Jerry turned from Tom, feeling his heart ache at the very thought of seeing him go again. "I don't blame you either."

"I'm not going anywhere, least not whiteout you." Tom saw Jerry slowly turn, eyes welling with tears, a single tear rolled down his cheek. "I think I'm here to stay. The mistress was really worried for me. I saw the missing picture and thought it was time for me to come back-"

Jerry threw the cheese aside and hugged Tom, tears running down his face. He was so scared, so worried about the cat's well being that he wanted to hold him close and never let him go. Tom was moved as well hugging the mouse tightly, glad to see he was okay and well. The idea Jerry would die, would not be in life made his heart skip a beat. Jerry, the mouse who managed to steal not only food, but possible Tom's heart as well.

Jerry:
"Our future is uncertain, the road ahead is long,"
Tom:
"I'm not worried, as long as you stick by my side,"
Both:
"We'll let our families know, that our union's here to stay,
No matter what they say, I want it this way,
I want you by my side, along this crazy ride,
Through the curves and loop de loops,
A cat and mouse duo we will stay,"

I grew up hating you, never knew it could change,
How life could rearrange, this enemy thing we had,
I'm glad it's put to bed, for my head hurts,
We'll walk paw in paw, for we want it this way,
I want you by my side, along this crazy ride,
Through the curves and loop de loops,
A cat and mouse duo we will stay,
No one has to approve, or we'll get up and move,
Can't we just be happy,
A cat and mouse duo we will stay."

The pair couldn't have been happier, spending even more time together. They went out and shared to the news with Spike, who was just happy the pair stopped fighting. No longer would he have to worry for his son getting hurt during their chases. The cat and mouse stood, Spike smiling from one to the other.

"I'm not surprised, I always knew the two of ya had a thing goin' on between ya," laughed Spike. "At least when I let Tom watch Tike, I know ye'll be around to keep an eye on him too, Jerry."

Tom rolled his eyes, while Jerry only smiled. Tyke went over and licked Jerry, then nuzzled Tom, showing he supported them.

"Even my boy is happy for ya. The real question is how will yer family react to the two of ya?"

Tom and Jerry never really thought about their families yet, as they were talking their relationship slow and steady. They knew if they were to remain a couple they would have to face their families, but for now, they put it off.

"Well, if ya two decide to get hitched I better be someone's best male," said Spike.

The two nodded, knowing if they were to get married they'd invite several they knew. However, the two still fought here and there. Only after a fight one or the other would apologize for it and they'd make up with a hug. Tom didn't see the gang as much, though he'd receive a letter from Toodles. He kept in touch, writing back and letting her know he and Jerry were together. She of course was happy and wished him the best of luck, telling him Butch and the other were glad, though they wouldn't admit it ot his face.

One day, Tom decided to get Jerry a gift, as it was their three month anniversary. The fact they stayed together month was a miracle in itself, but three, that was just amazing. Tom walked down the street when he felt he was being watched, sensing he was being followed. He turned and before he could react, several paws grabbed him from the side and drug him into an alley.

Tom swung a fist to get whoever had him to let go, seeing there were three of them. They were brown/dark brown male cats, who had yellow-green eyes, wearing bandit outfits for some off reason. Tom wasn't one to back down, even when he was outnumbered. He held his fits up, keeping light on his feet. One went for him, only to be struck and sent to the side. The pair moved on either side of Tom, seeing him turn from one to the other. Tome saw a flash and went to punch the one to his right, only to feel a kick in the gut. He was sent back, feeling an arm wrap around his check. The other one locked around his neck, keeping him in place as one approached with a bag.

Before he could go forward, a bag was over his head he was knocked out. When he awoke he was tied to a chair, and he could hardly move. He wen to lift the chair and when he did so, it toppled over, leaving him face first on the ground. He saw he was left in an abandoned barn, the wood was old and weathered. Rays of light shown through holes in the roof, giving the dreary place some color.

"Oh my, what happened here," said a cool calm voice. "Dear me, Tin, Pan and Allery were rather rough on you, so sorry."

Tom saw a well-dressed cat, who had a collective and pompous air about him. Tom wasn't one to judge, but he could tell this cat was from a wealthy family, which made him wonder why he was brought to him. Him, a simple house cat.

"I know you have many questions, and I would be glad to answer them all, Thomas." Tom's eyes widened as he never met the cat before, yet he knew his name. "Yes, I know your name, where you live and who you live with. A woman, her pet bulldog Spike and his son Tike. Oh, and I believe there is a mouse, Jerry?"

Tom frowned not liking how much he knew, thinking this was the guy Butch had warned him about. Tom saw the three cats stand by their boss, walking over to him. They set the chair back up and moved as one, in very creepy fashion. Tom wallowed a few times, seeing them slink back to their boss's side.

"Thomas, I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to hurt those you care for, but I am here to warn you. You seem close with the mouse, something that is viewed as bad. Think about it, throughout history mice have feared cats, cats have chased mice. If you upset the balance of life, you could very well throw us into chaos, anarchy. Are you ready to ruin that?" asked the cat smoothly. "If you continue this, I'm afraid we'll have no choice but to intervene, and I doubt you want that."

Tom sat and figured the guy probably knew more then just the three, able to get an entire army for all he knew. While he only met the guy once, he got the feeling he was the Godfather among cats and could easily get rid of someone should he want to to. Tom knew his feelings for Jerry could cost them all their lives, along with their friends, even family.

He'd heard of some cat organization, a legendary group who went back centuries. It was said they were older then the pyramids the humans built, dating back to the very beginning. Only a few and very special could b apart of the group. They made sure felines behaved as fit, least by their standards. IA group who would do whatever it took to keep things in order, including anyone like Tom. One's who could be rebels so to speak. Tom looked up when the cat spoke again.

"You don't say much, but your actions speak for you. Unless you want to end up with some cement shoes, I suggest you take your place as the hunter predator you are. Watch your back, and do be careful."

Tom sat up, but again was wacked on the head, blacking out. He felt coldness, opening his eyes. He sat up and looked around, finding himself in the alley. He stood and spun about, wondering how long he'd been out, seeing the sun was close to setting. With the day coming to an end, he walked back home, dazed, frightened and uncertain what to do about being with Jerry.