Eraman, This story is a hot mess of twisted loves, but hopefully it will all work out. And I think Munk has to lose his cool eventually. You can only hold so much in for so long... CatsRock, Keep reading to find out what's going to happen to Demeter! I'm so happy that you're enjoying this story and I hope you continue to read! :)

Five

When he awoke in the morning, Munkustrap was slightly alarmed to see Victoria snuggled against him. But then the events that took place the previous night replayed in his head and he relaxed. As fond of Victoria as Munkustrap was, he couldn't help the pang of sadness that filled him when he thought of Tugger and Demeter together. He let out a small sigh and then lifted himself off the mess of blankets and pillows. Victoria stirred a little, but remained asleep. Munkustrap walked out of the den and sighed contently as the moonlight covered his body.

"Good evening, Munkustrap," a gentle voice from the silver tabby called out.

Munkustrap turned to face the cat who had addressed him. When he saw Jennyanydots tottering towards him, he smiled and bowed respectfully. "Good evening, Jenny. How are you tonight?"

"I'm just golden," Jenny replied. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" She looked up at the moon, her face so full of peace.

"It's gorgeous," Munkustrap agreed. The two cats fell into silence, enveloped by the radiance of the ivory moon.

"Something is troubling you, isn't it dear?" Jenny whispered just loudly enough to jerk the tom from his trance. "And don't try to lie to me. I've raised you sine you were a kitten, Munky."

Munkustrap chuckled at the use of his old nickname from his kitten days. Only Jenny had ever called him Munky and it was like a secret between the two of them because she used it if anyone else was around. Jenny and Munkustrap had always been very close and the silver tom truly treasured his bond with the older queen. She had been like a mother to him. She was the one maternal figure that had never left him. She was always there for him. He knew he could trust her with his thoughts and feelings.

"At the Ball last night, Demeter and Tugger became mates," Munkustrap explained with a sad sigh.

"Oh yes, I saw that," Jenny said with a nod. "I must say, I was shocked. In fact, Jellylorum and I were talking about this just a few minutes ago. I honestly thought Rum Tum Tugger would have gone for Bombalurina, not her younger sister. I mean, him and Bombalurina have been quite, shall we say, flirtatious for as long as I can remember. And as far as I know, Demeter has never really liked your brother much."

Munkustrap nodded. "But you know Tug always wants what he can't have." His tail flicked with annoyance. "And he's always looking for ways to get on my nerves."

Jenny placed a reassuring paw on the tom's shoulder. "Now, now… You mustn't think ill of him like that. He is your little brother after all. Brothers always get on each other's nerves and fight. Don't worry too much about it dear. It will all work out."

Munkustrap's eyes drooped and he sighed. "What if she falls in love with him Jenny?" He hated to sound so weak, but Munkustrap was in a position where he didn't know what to do. He felt helpless because he wasn't dealing with just a petty quarrel between two kittens that could be solved with a few wise words. This was a game being played on his heart and feelings.

Jenny placed a comforting paw on Munkustrap's shoulders. "Listen to me, Munkustrap. Just like I helped raise you, I helped raise Tugger and Demeter. So, I think it's safe to say that I know you three almost as well as I know myself. I believe that the chance of Demeter falling in love with Tugger is very slim. But, should it happen, then it was meant to be and there's no doing anything about it. Who knows, you could very well find love with Victoria. She's a very sweet and intelligent cat." Munkustrap nodded, but didn't say anything. "Don't stress yourself over it, Munky. You have enough to deal with as it is. Everything will work out for the best."

Munkustrap nodded again. "Thank you Jenny. You always know exactly what to say."

Jenny smiled and hugged the tom. "You know that I will always be here for you dear. But, I must be going now. The kittens and I have dance lessons to give to a particularly energetic group of mice."

Munkustrap chuckled. "Alright Jenny. Have a wonderful night. And thank you once again."

"Any time darling. Now… let's just hope that Etcetera isn't taking it upon herself to show those mice how to perform the perfect pelvic thrust or whatever it is she's so infatuated with." Jenny padded away, still muttering to herself about Tugger teaching the kittens to dance so outrageously.

Munkustrap did feel better after speaking with Jenny. She had always had such a way with words that she could make anyone feel reassured. Munkustrap had learned that quickly as a kitten. When he mother died while he was still at a young age, Jenny had swooped in and taken care of him while Old Deuteronomy grieved and took care of the tribe. Old Deuteronomy tried bringing a new queen into their lives to mother his sons, but she soon passed as well. And of course, Jenny was there to comfort the kittens and help care for them. The old leader went through nine mates before he finally gave up and promised he would no longer look for a new mother for the boys. But Jenny had always been the mother Munkustrap needed. He glanced back at his den, where Victoria was still sleeping.

"Who knows, you could very well find love with Victoria…" Jenny's words echoed through Munkustrap's mind. Could she be right? Munkustrap thought. Is it possible that Victoria and I could fall in love? Munkustrap shook his head. No… He couldn't think of himself being with the young Persian for the rest of his life.

But for right now, I guess I'll be ok…

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