A/N: Sorry for the long wait! This chapter skips ahead a few years, and yes I originally planned this. Thing is, everything that does happen in that gap is explained later so none of you are left wondering what happened. It does get a little cheesy near the end, so bear with me. This is also the final chapter of Unlikely Love. I appreciate every one of my readers and reviewers! Thank you so much! Enjoy!

Mistoffelees reluctantly pried his tired eyes open the next morning. Today was the day he would decide the fate of Victoria's secret relationship with Plato. The tuxedoed tom-kit lay in his nest for a few minutes, debating with himself. "Is it worth it? Plato's not hurting Vicky. In fact, he's doing the exact opposite: he's making her happy. Why should I intrude and break them up? For my own satisfaction of winning Victoria? She is not a trophy and she deserves to be with the tom that makes her the happiest. That tom obviously isn't me. It's that rotten Plato." He argued with himself, accepting the pang of jealousy that usually accompanied thoughts of Plato.

The black and white tom-kit sighed heavily and sat up. From this viewpoint, he could see light at the entrance of his den, suggesting a sunny morning. He crawled towards it and stood up once he was outside. It was indeed a sunny day, with a few clouds in the azure sky. Misto noticed Electra and Etcetera fawning over the Rum Tum Tugger as he walked by the TSE-1 where they were sunning. He rolled his eyes and began walking down a random path, not really caring where he ended up. Misto needed to think and he required silence to do so.

Eventually, he walked into a small clearing and sat down on a broken dresser. One of its drawers was sticking out, so that made a suitable seat for the tom-kit. "So do I tell Munkustrap or don't I?" Misto resumed his internal deliberation, "If I just stay friends with Vicky, Plato won't do anything to her. If I try anything, we both get hurt. That much I know, of course. The best thing to do then is to stay out of it. Sounds easy enough, but there's one tiny problem with that: I'm in love with Victoria. But if Plato's the best choice for her, why can't I just move on and find someone else? Being in love sucks sometimes…" He let out another sigh, this one much longer. He dropped his head in his paws and massaged his temples, as if that would help him make up his mind.

Mistoffelees pricked his ears as a strange sound entered them. He quickly realized it was coming from his stomach. During his contemplation, he had unconsciously skipped breakfast. The tuxedoed tom-kit sniffed the air for rodents, but he didn't catch the scent of any. He silently strode out of the clearing and onto the main path in hopes that there would be some food for him there. His search took him to the center clearing where he finally snatched a rogue mouse at the mouth of it. When the satiated tom-kit finished licking his paws clean, he observed that Electra and Etcy had been replaced by Plato and Victoria on the TSE-1 during his little stroll. The pair was laughing and chatting animatedly, but Misto was too far away to determine the subject. He glanced the other way, towards the path of dens, only to have his heart skip a beat. Munkustrap was striding in his direction, whistling a tune.

The magical tom-kit was in full view of the Jellicle Protector, so if he dove for cover or disappeared now, he would know something was up. Misto groaned inwardly as Munkustrap came up to him. If Victoria's father asked for an update on his daughter, what was he going to say? Misto didn't want to lie, but he didn't want to tell the truth that much, either.

The adult silver tabby dipped his head in greeting towards his nephew, but furrowed his brow as he noticed the younger tom's slightly distressed countenance. "Good morning, Mistoffelees. You seem anxious about something. What's the matter?" Munk queried with concern in his voice.

Misto shook his head, but ended up holding it with both paws as if he was suffering from a sudden headache. Come to think of it, he did feel sort of unwell now that the moment of truth had arrived. "N-nothing, Sir. Everything's…everything is f-fine. I'm just tired, is all. I had a rough night, you know? Couldn't sleep a wink…" He explained feebly. Well, that wasn't exactly lying. It was beating around the bush, though. The small tom-kit glanced at Victoria and Plato to see if he had drawn their attention to him yet, and sure enough they were discreetly watching him, whispering to each other. He could feel Victoria's unease from all the way across the clearing. Misto also immediately regretted his wayward glance.

Munkustrap's green eyes flitted to the young pair on the TSE-1 for a moment, and then back to Mistoffelees. It didn't take long for him to put two and two together. "You know, I haven't heard anything about my daughter for a while. She seems happier now, compared to last week. Maybe she's moved on from Plato, do you think?" He pondered aloud, but his tone had a slight edge to it that Misto picked up on quite easily.

"Well…," the black and white tom-kit bit his lip, "I wouldn't say she's happier because she's gotten over Plato…"

The Jellicle Protector cocked his head. "How do you mean?" He questioned with narrowed eyes.

Mistoffelees threw one more glance at Victoria to see her sitting up straight, eyes boring into him. He took a deep breath and murmured, "It's really the opposite. Vicky is still together with Plato, even though you forbade them to have a romantic relationship. I saw them last night in a clearing dancing together, and then spending the night there. That's why Vicky seems so cheerful, it's like your ban never happened." When he saw Munk's hackles rise and his ears flatten he hastily added, "In all honesty, Sir, Plato wasn't doing anything to harm your daughter. I saw them dancing and-and they were mesmerizing. I didn't want to tell you because they just seemed so innocent and happy when they were alone! I beg you, please don't break them up! They're fragile enough as it is…"

The silver tabby tom's hackles lowered and the anger in his eyes faded. After a minute of contemplation he said, "I believe you, Misto. But that doesn't erase the fact that my daughter went behind my back and deliberately disobeyed me. That goes for Plato as well. Tell you what; I realize that this spying I had you do for me is too stressful, so I won't make you do it anymore. Plus, I have all the information I need." He rubbed his temples for a moment and then resumed with a sigh, "I don't know what I'm going to do with Victoria now. I can plainly see that Plato makes her happy, but I still don't trust him after what he did to my little queen, not to mention you. Hmm…If Plato is such a positive influence on my daughter and he managed to get her out of her rut, perhaps I should reconsider and give him a second chance? He clearly appears to be behaving himself."

Misto couldn't help but feel a pang of envy in his stomach, but it faded away more quickly than the others. It took a lot of pushing his pride and feelings toward Victoria aside just to nod and say, "Yes, I agree with you. Plato should at least have a chance to redeem himself." His tone was almost robotic, but that was only because of the sheer effort he had to make to say those words.

"I know this is hard for you, Mistoffelees. I admire your selflessness, and I'm sure Victoria will, too. Well, what do you know? Here she comes right now!" Munk smiled as said queen-kit and her tomfriend strode up to him and Misto. They had concerned looks on their faces.

Victoria nervously fiddled with her paws as she inquired, "Good morning Misto. Umm…may I ask what you two are talking about? I saw my dad get angry and I'm wondering why."

Munkustrap answered for the tuxedoed tom-kit. "Misto was just telling me about yours and Plato's little get-together last night-"

"Misto! How could you? I thought we were friends!" Vicky screeched accusingly, but Munk held up a paw to stop any further insults.

"Let me finish, honey. As I was saying, I'm very disappointed that you went against my wishes like this, but I've been talking with Misto and he convinced me to give you two a second chance. He's told me how Plato has gotten better at handling himself around you and that you're a beautiful pair when it comes to dancing. That's why I've decided to lift my ban and let you continue your relationship with Plato." Victoria's father concluded with a smile directed at both his daughter and Plato.

The young pair was speechless for a moment, but then the white queen-kit let out a squeal of joy as she flung her forelegs around her father's neck and Plato patted Misto on the back, but it was more like a thump that made the smaller tom stumble forward. Mistoffelees guessed that the red and white tom-kit was happy about being back together with Vicky, but still a bit ticked off that he had spied on them. It was the best of both worlds, supposedly.

Plato leaned in close and whispered in Misto's ear, "I guess this ends the competition between you and me, huh? You won't try to steal 'Tory away from me anymore?"

The black and white tom-kit shook his head and murmured back, "I suppose so. You're the lover and I'm the best friend. Take care of Vicky, alright? You're really lucky to have her as your queenfriend."

Plato nodded in agreement and went to shake Munk's paw. The silver tabby looked sternly at the younger patched tom-kit. "I think you've redeemed yourself quite well, Plato. However, if I catch even one incident where my Victoria is hurt or unhappy, I will-"

"He knows, Dad! You don't need to lecture him!" Victoria giggled from her place beside Plato. She went over and gave Misto a tight hug and peck on the cheek, which caused him to blush a bit. "Thanks to you, too. Will you be okay?" The ivory queen-kit asked gently.

Mistoffelees smiled and replied wholeheartedly, "Seeing you happy makes me happy. I'll be fine, so don't worry. Have fun with Plato, and remember I'll always be there if you need someone to talk to. That's what friends do, right?"

Victoria embraced her best friend one more time, said goodbye to her father, and left with Plato. Misto didn't feel any regret at all as he watched them stroll in the direction of their secret clearing.

Three years later

A few changes had occurred since Plato and Victoria had gotten back together. They stayed that way, and Misto never got another queenfriend. They were all going to turn eighteen now, since the Jellicle Ball was coming up in a few months. That meant they would all be able to choose a mate. Misto wanted to remain single for now, even though he was eligible. His brother Alonzo had mated with Cassandra the previous year, and the happy couple was going to try for a kitten soon. Victoria and Plato had moved in with each other and had their own den, while Misto still had his in the drain pipe.

The three young cats had also changed physically in the past few years. Mistoffelees was now much more competent at magic, thanks to Tanto and Cori's instruction. He also grew a bit taller, and now matched Victoria in height. Thanks to dancing, his muscles were much leaner and stronger. He wasn't the only one who noticed, however. Misto had caught a couple queens like Electra and Etcy giving him a second glance. It felt uncomfortable that they looked at him a bit differently, but he got used to the little bit of extra attention, even enjoyed it. Victoria was more beautiful than ever, and Plato had gotten a bit taller, if that was possible.

As Plato had promised, he took the best care of his queenfriend. In fact, he had already proposed to her and they were going to be mated at the Jellicle Ball. Both families agreed and Old Deuteronomy even gave them the honour of leading The Mating Dance. Misto never saw Vicky frown once when she was with Plato, and he always felt that she was joyful. She gradually became more involved with Plato and forgot about her best friend, but Mistoffelees didn't mind too much. He knew what it was like to be in love and forget that everything else exists.

As the Jellicle Ball neared though, Misto felt Vicky's happiness fade more and more. He attempted to talk to the white queen about it, but she just brushed it off and said that she and Plato were having some arguments about their relationship. That day, Misto noticed a bruise on Vicky's left upper foreleg that hadn't been there the day before. He assumed she just fell doing some of her fouttés, but he also fell from doing those more times than he cared to remember. His black fur merely hid the bruises from that and other dance mishaps.

As the days went by, Victoria stopped smiling and grew quiet. The bruises also appeared more frequently. Even Munkustrap started to notice, but his daughter always told him that she had either gotten them climbing junk piles for sightseeing or from dancing. Misto had a nagging feeling it was something else entirely. One afternoon, he heard angry voices inside Victoria and Plato's den.

"We've been over this, Plato! We agreed to wait until the Jellicle Ball!" Victoria's furious voice reached Misto's ears. The tuxedoed tom never heard her get this angry, even when she was mad at her father a few years back.

"I know, but we're going to be mated anyway, why not tonight or tomorrow?" Plato's voice teetered between angry and pleading.

"It's against Jellicle tradition, that's why! What if I get pregnant before we're officially eighteen? Either one of us could be banished! Our parents would disown us! Everyone else would shun us!" The white queen countered, worry mixing in with her already fierce tone.

"Don't you see, 'Tory? I'm willing to prove my love to you, no matter what others might think. If one of us gets punished, we both do. Please, I can't wait forever." Plato's voice was gentler, but it still held a clear note of impatience in it.

"No, Plato. You have to wait until the Jellicle Ball. That's when we'll be truly able to prove our love to one another." Vicky stated sternly.

"Victoria, I respect you, but I'm the dominant one in this relationship. We both know that. So as the dominant partner, you'll do as I say. If you don't, the engagement is off and you can pack up and leave." The crimson-patched tom growled menacingly. Misto felt the malignant waves begin to emanate from Plato's mind.

"Well then, I guess I better get cracking." Vicky huffed indignantly. Mistoffelees heard some shuffling inside the den and he heard Victoria cry fearfully, "Plato, let me go!"

"You'll do no such thing. You belong to me." Plato hissed in a voice low enough that the tuxedoed tom could barely hear him. Then the sharp sound of skin striking skin was heard once before a dull thump followed. Misto gasped in horror, and he felt Plato's mind go into a panic. The black and white tom knew he had been found out, and sprinted straight to Munustrap's den. He didn't bother knocking as he burst through the entrance.

The silver tabby, Demeter, and Jemima were at the table eating lunch. They glanced up curiously at their panting guest. "What happened, Misto? You look like you've seen a ghost." Munk remarked with a serious voice. The comment did nothing to lighten the now tense atmosphere in the den.

Mistoffelees took a moment to catch his breath and then explained hurriedly, "I just heard Plato and Vicky arguing in their den and then I'm positive he hit Vicky."

"What? I can't believe it!" Munkustrap boomed furiously, standing up from his chair. Misto nodded fervently and the silver tabby only grew more upset. "We're going over there right now." He stated as he ushered Misto outside. The pair stalked to Plato and Victoria's den where Munk banged on the wall beside the entrance, which was covered by a blue curtain.

Plato answered, completely calm. "What's troubling you, Munkustrap? Why are you so angry?" He asked innocently. The red and white tom furrowed his brow at the sight of Mistoffelees standing behind Munk.

The Jellicle Protector hissed and demanded in a barely contained voice, "Don't play coy with me, Plato. What the hell did you do to my daughter?"

The patched tom cocked his head and replied in the same calm tone, "I didn't do anything to her. We just had a little tiff, that's all. 'Tory's taking a nap right now, if you want to see her." He moved aside to let the pair of toms in, and threw a smirk at Misto as he passed by.

Inside the den was Victoria lying on a small, hole-riddled sofa. A blanket was covering her body and her countenance was blank. Her face also showed no signs of injury, not even a tiny bit of redness that suggested someone had struck her across the face. Munk inspected his daughter visually and his anger gradually diminished as he found nothing of concern. He turned to Plato and apologized, "I'm sorry I got angry with you and overreacted. It looks like nothing's wrong with her. We'll leave you two be."

The red and white tom dipped his head respectfully and said, "I accept your apology, and I admire your love and concern for your daughter. Maybe someone should think about what they heard before they go over-exaggerating everything and ratting on their friends, hmm?" He directed the last comment at Misto, whose upper lip began to curl back. Before he could deny anything, Munk guided him out of the den. As Misto threw one last glance at Victoria, he noticed she had turned over and there were tiny spots of white, almost powder-like, on the blanket covering her. Then he noticed the open can of baby powder everyone usually used during performances on the dinner table.

Munk gave the tuxedoed tom a disapproving glance and then wordlessly left to go finish lunch with his family. Misto stood there for a minute, completely speechless. He finally let out a desperate whimper and muttured to himself, "But…but…I heard Plato, then Vicky…Oh, what's the use? Munk won't believe me and Plato's too good of a liar." He spent the rest of the day mulling over the events of that afternoon and how he could make Munk believe him, but by bedtime he couldn't come up with anything. It took him a long while to get to sleep that night.

In the early hours of the morning, just after midnight, the black and white tom was woken from his fitful sleep by the faint sound of paws on metal. As the noise became louder, he forced himself to open his eyes and see what the source of the disturbance was. He had to blink a few times to clear his vision. Misto frowned as a tear-streaked, shaky white queen became visible in his den.

"Vicky…? Why aren't you with Plato…?" The tuxedoed tom queried sluggishly, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

Victoria shook her head, causing a couple of tears to fall on the metal floor of the den. "I-I couldn't…after we m-moved in t-t-together, he just g-got more violent. I d-don't why…What d-d-did I-I do, Misto?" She sobbed as she wiped the tears away, only to have more fall.

The listless tom opened his arms and he was surprised at the speed with which Victoria accepted the invitation to be embraced. She burrowed her head in his short fur, letting out a couple of choked sobs. He let her cry for a minute before replying, "You didn't do anything, Vicky. It's Plato who chose to be abusive. Never think for an instant that it was your fault he acted this way. Why didn't you tell anyone? We could have stopped it before he hurt you so much." His voice was more coherent now that he was a bit more alert.

Victoria refused to lift to head as she mumbled, "Plato s-said I belonged to-to him, and that if I-I told anyone, h-he would e-e-end everything. We w-worked so hard to be t-together, it was pointless t-to throw it away…"

"You're not anyone's property," Mistoffelees stated firmly, "especially not Plato's. I understand you went through a lot because I was there, but if he hurt you then he doesn't deserve you. You should be with someone that makes you feel happiness, not pain."

The snowy queen finally looked up with a small smile on her lips. "Well…I feel happy right now, with you." She sniffled with a quiet giggle.

A grin slowly spread across Misto's face as the meaning of those words sunk in. "You don't know how long I've been waiting to hear those words. But…what about Plato?" Although Vicky had declared she wanted to be with him, that didn't make the problem of Plato disappear.

"We'll solve that in the morning…Right now it's just you and me. I'm sorry I took you for granted, Misto. I was just so caught up with my relationship with Plato that I kind of pushed you aside. You don't hate me for neglecting you?" Victoria asked as she and Misto settled down in the nest.

The tuxedoed tom chuckled in reply, "It's alright, and I don't blame you for being in love. I was always there, but you never really seemed to need me. Now that you do, I swear I'll do my best to protect you, forever and always." He finished on a serious note.

"You're so cheesy!" Victoria laughed, "But I believe you. Let's get some sleep, okay? I know we're both exhausted." She snuggled against Misto, who draped the blanket over them. After a moment the white queen murmured contentedly, "Hmm…Forever and always…I like the sound of that. You're not so scrawny anymore, are you?"

Mistoffelees smiled as he closed his eyes and heard Vicky's soft purr beside him. "I guess not. Sweet dreams, Victoria. I love you." He didn't get a verbal reply because the snowy queen was already asleep, but he could feel the emotions of affection, bliss, and joy emanating from her. That was enough of a confirmation that she loved him, too. He was more than happy that she had chosen the tom who she trusted, instead of the one she was infatuated with. All that waiting had paid off, now that Victoria had finally realized her mistake and was safe in his arms.

The End