This fanfic is going to be so much fun to write because I love CATS so much! I'm really excited for it. This story takes place a year before the movie/play is set and is based on my own interpretations of the production. Therefore, pairings and relations between the cats are purely my own opinion. I'm completely open to criticism, so please feel free to make suggestions on what I should change and how I can make this better. I live to please! Please review! I really do want to know what you think. And the sooner you review, the sooner I update! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own CATS (sadly...) Everything belongs to T.S. Elliot and Andrew Lloyd Webber :)

One

Munkustrap yawned, bored with just sitting on top of the large dresser, watching over the junkyard. Sure, he took his job very seriously, but he couldn't help but wish that his shift was over so he could return to where the other cats were mingling. He looked up at the bright moon and sighed. He shouldn't have much longer until he was relieved.

"Hey there," a sweet voice from below him called out, making his ears prick up.

Munkustrap grinned and peered over the edge of the dresser. "Well, hello to you too. May I help you?" he asked the queen who was sitting at the foot of the dresser. He watched her jump up onto other piles of junk until she could reach the top of the dresser. She sat down next to him and smiled.

"You looked a little lonely, so I thought I'd keep you company." She cocked her head, making the moonlight hit her in a way that caused the gold in her fur to glow. She was so beautiful, Munkustrap had to contain a purr of pleasure at the sight of her. "Besides, I know that you get off soon and I was hoping we could spend a bit of time together."

"I would really like that," Munkustrap replied. "Thank you for thinking about me."

"You know I'm always thinking about you," she whispered, staring up at the moon so that she didn't have to look at him.

Munkustrap turned to her, caught off guard by what she had said. He tried to think of some way to respond, but all he could manage was her name. "Demeter…"

She sighed and finally met his eyes. "You're my best friend Munk. Of course I would be thinking of you." She smiled warmly, as if to reassure him that there was no hidden meaning behind her comment. Of course she had only been referring to their friendship… Munkustrap nodded with understanding and the pair fell into a comfortable silence, watching over the junkyard together.

A few minutes later, Skimbleshanks jumped up onto the dresser to relieve Munkustrap. Munkustrap and Demeter said farewell and leaped down from the dresser. They walked around the junkyard a bit, making small talk and saying hello to the other cats they passed by. As they were making their way back to Demeter's den, they were approached by Etcetera.

"Demeter! Munkustrap! Are you guys excited for the Jellicle Ball tomorrow? I just can't wait until I get to go to my first Ball! Oh I bet you're both going to have so much fun!" She jumped around as she spoke, her voice quick and excited. "Jenny says that next year I will finally be old enough to attend the Ball! Isn't that just so exciting?"

Demeter and Munkustrap laughed at the kitten's enthusiasim. "It certainly is a lot of fun and I know you will really enjoy yourself next year when you attend," Munkustrap said.

"I can't wait for the moment when we all get to choose a mate! I'm gunning for the Tugger! He and I are meant to be!" She sighed, lost in her fantasies. Munkustrap chuckled and Demeter just rolled her eyes.

"Don't you think he's a bit old for you?" Demeter asked. "You are still a kitten after all."

Etcetera's tail twitched angrily and she frowned at the older cat. "Of course he's not too old for me! True love knows no boundaries!" She smiled serenely, once again wrapped up in her imaginations.

Munkustrap and Demeter said goodbye and continued toward Demeter's den. They walked the rest of the way in silence, but neither of them were uncomfortable with the lack of communication. They were both wrapped up in their own thoughts, mostly about the Jellicle Ball. When they finally reached the entrance to her den, a large, pipe that led to a space under a large pile of junk, Demeter pulled Munkustrap into a hug.

"Have a goodnight Munk," she said with a smile. "Get plenty of rest for the Ball tomorrow. Something tells me that this year, something outstanding is going to happen." She winked and then slipped into her den before the tabby could reply.

I'm really interested in what you have to say and what you think will happen. Also, suggestions are always welcome! Please, tell me what you think! The more reviews I get, the sooner I'll update. Hooray! ;) Thanks for reading!

Mew Painappuru