Eraman, I sure would like to see Demeter take Tugger down! It might be amusing. As for Munkustrap, he's keeping his cool... for now. Thanks for reading! jelliclesoul635, I really loved writing chapter three, so I'm glad you liked it so much :) I did, in fact, take your advice and make Munkustrap's thoughts open to the reader. I'm glad you've been enjoying this story so much. Thanks for your support!

Four

Munkustrap looked around and noticed that most of the other cats had already chosen a mate. He watched Alonzo slink away with Bombalurina, a pleased smirk plastered on his face. Some of the younger cats, who were experiencing the Ball for the first time, were holding back, feeling a bit shy. Munkustrap sighed. He had nothing against any of the younger cats, but he had been hoping for a queen who was a bit more mature. But he decided to make himself satisfied with what he was given. He padded over to Victoria, a pretty white Persian, who was shyly sitting off to the side. Munkustrap bowed slightly and offered her a warm smile.

"You were dancing beautifully," he said to her. "It was very impressive for this being your first Ball."

Victoria blushed and turned her head away from the silver tabby in embarrassment. "Thank you Munkustrap. I'm very passionate about dancing."

"So I've heard," Munkustrap replied with a nod. "Jenny tells me all the time what a wonderful dancer you are. Your name is actually quite famous amongst the older cats. You should be proud."

Victoria looked back at him, her cheeks still a bit warm, but a pleased smile on her face. "You're not much older than I am, Munk. You shouldn't really refer to yourself as one of 'the older cats'."

Munkustrap let out a chuckle. "You flatter me, Victoria." He bowed to her again and then extended one of his paws to her. "Care to join me?" he asked. Victoria looked shocked. Munkustrap figured that she thought he was only coming over for a friendly chat. But she placed her smaller, white paw on his, allowing him to help her to her feet. Then the two of them joined the other cats that had already chosen mates.

Munkustrap looked past the large group of cats, up to his father, who was sitting off to the side, observing the younger cats' actions. He met Munkustrap's eyes and smiled. When Munkustrap placed a paw on Victoria's shoulder, Old Deuteronomy's smile widened and he gave his eldest son a nod of approval.

"He looks so proud," Victoria whispered noticing Munkustrap and the old Jellicle leader's gaze exchange.

"I would certainly hope he is," Munkustrap replied. "I try my hardest to please him." He sighed, thinking about how hard he worked to make his father proud. As the future Jellicle leader, he had a lot of responsibilities that had been thrust onto his shoulders. But he didn't mind too much. He had accepted his position a long time ago and vowed to himself that he would do everything needed of him. Victoria gave him a quick hug, hoping it would raise his spirits a bit. It was a simple gesture, but it warmed Munkustrap's heart.

"Shall we go find somewhere to rest?" Munkustrap asked, suppressing a yawn. "I believe that the sun will be rising soon." He glanced up at the sky and yawned, caught off guard and unable to stifle it. Victoria blushed at the thought of sleeping with the silver tom, but she nodded meekly and reached out for Munkustrap's paw. He took her small paw in his and then led her back to his den.

"It's a bit of a mess, so I apologize," he said, kicking aside a few blankets that were scattered around the ground.

"It's wonderful, Munk," she reassured him. "It's very cozy."

The den had been created by carefully arranging scraps of old cars. A discarded curtain was placed in front of the den to act as a door. Many pillows and blankets littered the ground in piles. It was small and a little shabby, Munkustrap was comfortable. It was his home.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Munkustrap said, motioning toward a pile of pillows. "Is there anything I can get for you?"

Victoria shook his head. She could tell that he was nervous about her being there and she wished he would just relax. "Come sit with me," she said, as she lay down on a large body pillow. Munkustrap gave her a shy smile and lay down next to her. He draped his arm over her back and she snuggled into him.

They fell into a comfortable silence and Victoria began to purr with contentment. Munkustrap smiled at her. She was adorable and looked so cute as she slept. He felt his eyelids starting to droop and he snuggled closer to his pillow. Before he knew it, sleep overtook him.

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