I am soooooo sorry for not updating! I had to finish this chapter, fight writer's block and finally decide not to split this chapter up. This is my LONGEST ever. Please, bear with me. I am very happy with the results and I think you will be too.
Disclaimer: I created the kits, Misto and Vicky's nicknames for each other and the plot. The rest belongs to Andrew, Thomas and RUG.
A Beautiful silver and white tabby flew down the hallways of the hospital. Her patient's heart rate had increased and that concerned her greatly. The patient condition was critical and any fluctuation in her status could prove life threatening. She zoomed pass the waiting area and nearly ran into a black and gold, leopard spotted tom. She called out an apology as she rushed by, but did not stop and look back. She avoided hitting other nurses, doctors and staff, but kept her quick pace. Soon, she came to her patient's door. She could hear the swift beeping of the machine and ascertained that the door was shut and the patient may have had a visitor. She peered through the small crack below the blinds and a knowing smile quickly graced her beautiful features. Her patient was fine and there was a very good reason for an increased heart rate.
"What's up? Something wrong, nurse?" A smooth and concerned voice asked her, the owner was known as the Rum Tum Tugger.
"No, see for yourself," she answered politely, gesturing to the blinds before walking off.
Tugger was always known as the Curious Cat. He would stick his nose into everything. This, of course, was no different matter. He peeked through the blinds and a smirk immediately appeared. The scene before him was not surprising. Mr. Mistoffelees was kissing Victoria deeply, carefully straddling her. Way to go, Lover-boy, Tugger contemplated impishly. He chuckled to himself and his brows went up when the lights turned off. They were tired already? Such mates! He thought to himself with another laugh. Speaking of which… he mused and exited the hall and the hospital. Bombalurina, Demeter and Munkustrap had promised to meet him at the hospital and they were late. He was going to make sure that they all saw that Victoria and Mistoffelees were together. Even though it won't last long, Tugger thought, dismally. He quickly shook the feeling. Nothing was going to get in the way of his jovial mood! Besides, the Everlasting Cat has performed a miracle by putting those two back together!
Mistoffelees stretched groggily. That was the greatest sleep he had had in five months! It was so good, he was tempted to sleep more, but he pushed that thought aside. He needed to talk to Victoria's doctor. After tenderly looking at his sleeping mate, moving a paw down the length of her body and kissing her forehead, he gingerly removed himself from the bed (And thus Vicky from his body.) He made certain that she did not stir, stretched luxuriously once more and proceeded to groom himself a bit. No need to appear as though he had just woken up. When he felt he was adequate, he crept over to the door and exited the room quietly. He glanced around to see if someone could help him find the whereabouts of his mate's doctor and his eyes met with another cat's, a nurse. She was a silver and white tabby and had an odd, knowing look on her face when she saw him. He brushed that fact aside and asked her where Victoria's doctor was.
"One moment, sir," she answered him, politely, "I'll call him here,"
"Thank you," Mistoffelees replied as the nurse picked up a phone.
She called the doctor and explained that the patient's mate would like to speak to the aforementioned specialist. Misto's eyes went wide when she stated that he was Victoria's mate. How did the hospital staff know? The nurse perceived his look and answered whilst hanging up the phone.
"I looked in earlier and could tell you were mates by the way you were together. Try not to raise her heartbeat too much, Hunk. It gave me a scare," the nurse said, winking, "The doctor will be here soon,"
Mistoffelees blushed self-consciously. He thought the blinds were fully down. Then again, he was wrapped up in the presence of his mate and did not really notice these things fully. He thanked the nurse and waited patiently for the doctor. He did not wait long. After five minutes, a tall cream colored muscular tom with gray, black and brown patches came into view and approached him. Their eyes met and recognition registered on the other cats face.
"Mr. Mistoffelees?" the doctor questioned.
"Yes?" Misto asked awkwardly, for he had never seen the tom before.
"My name is Augustus. Doctor Augustus actually, though I really don't prefer that title. I am a younger son of Old Deuteronomy, your grandfather. Your Uncles, Munk and Tugger, are my half-brothers," Augustus said, smiling genuinely.
"That explains the fur pattern," Misto mused, looking at the patches that resembled the ones Old Deuteronomy was coated in.
"Yes, quite. Was there a reason you wished to see me?" The doctor asked, fully interested to know why he was summoned.
Mistoffelees nodded. He wanted his blood-type tested and he needed a doctor for that. Tugger had told him that every queen and Pouncival (for he was younger and smaller still) had tested to see if their blood type matched Victoria's, but none of them did. It was Misto's turn to find out and he was determined.
"I want my blood-type tested. If it matches, I want to give her one of my kidneys," Mistoffelees said resolutely.
The doctor's eyes widened. He was quite taken aback by what the little tom said. He did not quite know how to respond.
"Well, there, um… You won't be very happy with the results. No one has matched so far. There is basically a one-twelfth of a chance," Augustus warned him, making sure Mistoffelees did not set himself up for disappointment.
"I know, but I have to try," Misto answered, eyes and heart downcast.
"Very well," the doctor replied seriously.
Augustus led Mistoffelees down the hallway, explaining what the procedure for testing blood entailed. He warned him it would be somewhat painful and leave a bruise, but that did not deter Mistoffelees in the least. He would save his mate or die trying!
Meanwhile, Tugger was dragging Bombalurina by the arm, Munkustrap and Demeter following quickly behind. Bomba complained that Tugger was hurting her, but he did not slow down his pace.
"Mr. Mistoffelees is with Victoria, I promise! They are back together!" Tugger exclaimed, quite upset that no one believed him.
"Yeah, when Pollicles fly!" the crimson queen snapped, freeing her arm from Tugger's grasp with a yank.
They entered the hallway and walked to Victoria's room. Tugger had a cocky smirk on his face as he gestured to the door and told them, "look for yourselves." Munkustrap opened the door and found Victoria to be waking in her hospital bed, but there was no sign of Mistoffelees.
"Oh, really, Tugger?" Bomba simpered, walking in and turning on the lights.
He stood there, mouth agape in disbelief. But Misto had been right there! He kept gawking in astonishment as everyone else entered the room because Misto had vanished and he appeared to be a liar.
"How are you feeling, Vicky?" Munkustrap asked her, standing beside her bed and taking a paw.
"Almost the same as when you last saw me," Victoria sighed, smiling wearily.
He nodded, not surprised. Bomba and Demeter came to her bedside and touched their paws to hers in a soft greeting. Tugger felt so upset because they did not believe him in the slightest. He decided to make things just. They would believe him!
"Tell them he was her, Vicky!" he demanded, hurt beyond belief.
Victoria was perplexed by this statement. Who was he referring to? And where was Mistoffelees, her dearest darling? Once she thought about Misto, she understood who Tugger was referring to. None of the other Jellicles were aware that she and Misto were back together.
"Oh, right," she laughed, softly, "Mistoffelees was here. I didn't know he left,"
Bombalurina looked at her in sympathy, then glared at Tugger. Taking advantage of a sick, delusional cat was insufferable!
"Dreaming again, dear?" Demeter asked, thinking along the same lines as Bombalurina.
Victoria shook her head weakly. Why was it so hard to believe that Misto had been there? They had been separated for five months, that was true. Why couldn't they accept that she and Misto could resolve their dispute?
"No, Misto is here. I wasn't dreaming! Look, he left magic dust on the bed!" she stated stubbornly, hoping they would believe her.
"That's not possible, hon," Munkustrap chided her gently.
"Oh? And why not?" A voice said behind them.
Everyone turned to see Mistoffelees in the entry way, an eyebrow arched in agitation. He was clearly offended that no one believed it possible for him to be there. Why would he not be with his dying mate in the hospital?
"Mistoffelees?" Bombalurina asked in shock, and then her features and voice turned to anger, "What do you want here? Come to ruin Victoria's final days?"
"Bomba!" Victoria called weakly, trying to stop the scarlet queen from fighting with her husband.
Mistoffelees was quite taken aback by Bombalurina's hostility. He did not recall doing anything to anger or upset her. That comment was too harsh to take! Did she really think he was so heartless?
"I came to see Victoria, that a problem?" he said, an edge to his voice.
Bombalurina stalked over and stood before him. She then slapped him across the face. Claws in of course for she did not want the hospital staff coming in and seeing there had been a disagreement. He stood there, head reeling from the blow. Why did Bomba think he came to make Victoria miserable? Why did she think that he was trying to hurt Vicky when he was so very much in love with her? A tear slipped down his cheek.
"What?" he asked with a defeated voice, turning his head to face her.
"How dare you come here when she needs to be surrounded by friends and loved ones? Do you mock her, even now? You are such a jerk!" Bombalurina spat at him, fury still burning in her eyes and voice.
"But, I do love her," he whispered, looking to Victoria with sad eyes as tears fell down his cheeks, "I love her very much,"
"Bomba!" Vicky called disapprovingly, stretching a paw towards Misto, beckoning him to her.
Misto obeyed her wish and sat upon her bed, stroking a paw down her cheek. He wiped his tears away, but more fell. He was in such an emotionally ragged state, especially after his time with the doctor. Had no one noticed the gauze around his right arm? Why did they not trust him?
"What?" Bomba asked in annoyance.
"Mistoffelees came to me much earlier today. He came to apologize for his past behavior! He has not threatened me or hurt me in any fashion! Why would you hurt him so?" Victoria demanded, fuming. No one hurt her Mistoffelees and got away with it.
Bomba was baffled by what Victoria said. Misto had apologized? She looked to each of the pair. They had to have worked things out the way they caressed and fondly looked at each other. They looked like newlyweds, but the love in their eyes went much deeper. She also noticed the disapproving looks of her sister, Tugger and Munkus.
"What?" she asked again, feeling foolish to have caused such unnecessary grief.
Her sister, her mate and his brother stared at her in condemnation. She felt like a naughty kitten being scolded for an honest mistake.
"Is that what you all think? That I came to gloat over her?" Mistoffelees asked, wiping his tears away fully this time.
"No, just Bomba," Dem said, coming to Mistoffelees and sweeping a paw over his headfur, "She's just so upset with you for hurting Vicky,"
"I regretted doing so once I awoke the next day after our argument," he answered simply, taking Victoria's paw into his and brushing his cheek over it.
The room fell to silence. Everyone felt so odd to be together after so long. Neither Munk, nor Dem, nor Bomba had seen Misto in five entire months! It was bizarre to finally see him under the present circumstances. After an awkward period of time, Munk, Dem Bomba and Tugger decided to leave for lunch. They promised to bring Victoria and Mistoffelees something. Mistoffelees came to sit beside her, leaning his head upon hers while she traced his bowtie spot, just like she used to. The two sat there for a few moments until Victoria broke the silence.
"I suppose it's good they've gone," Victoria mused with a sigh.
"Why?" Mistoffelees asked playfully, sitting up to make eye contact with her, "so Bomba won't slap me again or because you want to be alone with me?"
Victoria tried to give him a firm and scolding look, but she smiled. He was always so hard to disapprove of, no matter what antics he decided to pull. For the first time, she saw the bandage over Misto's arm and became curious. Before she could ask about it, however, she needed to converse with him about a very serious matter.
"It has nothing to do with Bomba," she sighed, knowing how much Bombalurina's anger had hurt him.
"Good," Mistoffelees answered bluntly, settling beside her once more as he traced his nose down her neck.
That immediately sent shivers down Victoria's spine, but she had to ignore them. No matter how distracting and enticing he was trying to be, it would not dissuade her from the serious discussion with him.
"Ruffles, do stop," she whispered, breathlessly, "Not here, not now,"
A disappointed look shot across his features, but he nodded. Whatever she wished, he would do. He was here to make her final days… but he would not dwell on that. Misto settled with stroking her headfur, for he had to show her his affection in some way. He had been removed from her for so long, he could not resist touching her. Her presence was quite intoxicating.
"I need to speak with you, darling," Victoria spoke gently, taking a hold of both of his paws.
"Yes, anything you wish," he answered, giving her paws a squeeze.
Victoria paused for a moment. There was no easy way to say what she wanted, needed, to say. She loved Mistoffelees exceedingly, but her time was growing short. She needed to put plans into place before she passed on.
"I want to talk about the kits," she began hesitantly, but continued after his approving nod, "You are their father, so I want you to take them once I die,"
Mistoffelees eyes grew wide, taken aback by the subject, and he shook his head furiously. She could not die, she would not. He prayed so fervently, he cried so abundantly. Surely the Everlasting Cat heard his pleas and would honor them. Victoria was one of the few things left in his life. She was of great importance to him. In fact, she was of the upmost importance. Victoria was much more important than he ever was, on his scale.
"You're not going to die," he answered her, resolutely.
She looked into his eyes, doubt evident in her own. Victoria was fully aware that denial could not help in this situation and Mistoffelees needed to come to terms with her death before it ever occurred. She cradled his cheek in her paw.
"Mistoffelees, it will happen. They have no cure for me, no donor. I can feel my life ebbing away-"
"Don't say that!" Misto interrupted her, shutting his eyes and shaking his head feverishly.
"But it's the truth," Vicky told him simply.
"But it isn't fair! You can't die!" he exclaimed, voice breaking and tears flowing from his closed eyes.
Victoria wrapped her arms delicately around his neck and weakly pulled him to her. Mistoffelees sobbed into her shoulder as she stroked his back. Tears formed and leaked from Victoria's eyes as well.
"This is just the way it is, Misto. I don't want to die, but if the Everlasting Cat planned my life this way, then so be it. He is Creator, I cannot argue," she whispered into Mistoffelees ear.
Misto lifted his head from her shoulder to answer her. He really did not want to let her go, he was adamant on that point. After all they had worked through, this was the end? He could not accept that.
"But, I don't want you to. I love you so much. I can't loose you again. I lost you twice, already. I'm not strong enough to live through a third and final time. I can't bear to loose you again," he whispered into her ear, tears flowing faster.
He sat up and pulled her into him, kissing her as passionately as he could muster. Before they had become mates, Victoria was always uncertain about Mistoffelees feelings towards her. Misto learned that he had to open up his heart and emotions to her completely. Whether he wound up emotionally wounded or not was irrelevant. Honesty was a key part of their mateship. He had let it slip and the miscommunication had caused them to hurt each other and separate. Mistoffelees was trying to make up for lost time, knowing full well that it was limited. The kiss drifted from passion and sadness to urgency and Vicky melted from under Misto's sparking touch. She gladly welcomed his affections, for she also knew her time with him was restricted and therefore more precious than ever. All too soon, she pulled away from him, gasping for breath as if she had surfaced from being long underwater. Mistoffelees nuzzled his muzzle into the side of her face and kissed her cheek. Victoria smiled at him, exhaustion clearly etched into her physiognomy. All traces of tears had vanished.
An unexpected knock sounded at the door. Mistoffelees got up and opened the door to see Augustus gasping for breath, clipboard in paw.
"Yes?" Mistoffelees enquired.
"Can I have a word with you, Mistoffelees?" The doctor cat asked breathlessly.
He looked like he had run the entire way. Misto nodded, curious and somewhat concerned about what information the doctor could have. By the looks of things it seemed very pressing. The doctor sat upon the bench outside of Victoria's room and asked Mistoffelees to take a seat. Misto did so, shutting Victoria's room door behind him. If it was bad news, Misto wanted to shelter Victoria from it as long as possible. Augustus took a moment to regain his breath.
"We have the results of your blood work," he explained, somewhat more reserved.
A knot formed in Misto's stomach. Were the results positive or negative? Did Victoria have a fighting chance? If he was negative, he would search every cat in London for a match. He had to save her life, he couldn't live without her. Augustus drew out his clipboard.
"Your blood types match," he said with an elated, though astounded, smile.
Misto's eyes met with his in shock. This was far too good to be true. He could save his darling mate. He silently thanked the Everlasting Cat for such an outcome.
"I could give her one of my kidneys?" he asked, looking hopeful.
The doctor nodded slowly.
"You could, because you are a petite tom. But, surgery is very dangerous, especially for a cat. I want you to think its over-" Augustus began, but Mistoffelees interrupted him.
"I'll do it," he answered simply, not looking from the doctor's eyes.
"You could die on the operating table! You have not yet considered all of the consequences-"
"Do you have a mate, doctor?" Mistoffelees asked him suddenly, interrupting him once more.
"Yes, I do," the doctor answered, taken aback.
"What would you do if you were in my situation?" Misto asked, pointedly.
The doctor smiled gently, understanding and accepting his point. Empathy overcame the doctor and he nodded. This was normal behavior for a tom who loved his mate. It was clear how much Mistoffelees loved Victoria.
"The same thing you're doing. Alright, I'll begin the scheduling. We must do this as soon as possible,"
"Thank you doctor, for everything," Misto said, stretching out a paw to his.
The doctor shook it and exited down the hall, calling a word of encouragement over his shoulder. Mistoffelees waved to him and could not contain his elation. He felt so giddy, he could float. With that odd feeling in mind, he looked to the ground and saw he was levitating slightly. He quickly stopped the process from happening further and entered his mate's room once more, ignoring the countless stares from staff, patients and visitors alike. His eyes met with the lovely and curious eyes of Victoria.
"What did he say? What was that about?" she asked hurriedly.
"Now, don't get your IV in a knot!" Mistoffelees laughed, sitting beside her.
Victoria crossed her arms in a slight pout. She knew it was not ladylike, but he was withholding information from her as well as poking fun at her. She had to know what was going on. He could not treat her like a kit for she was a full grown female, after all.
"What did the doctor say? And why do you have a bandage? I forgot to ask about that earlier," she stated, remembering the gauze on Misto's right arm.
Mistoffelees tried to look calm and collected, but his smile and joy was uncontainable. He couldn't help from beaming. Overjoyed was an understatement.
"I had blood work done earlier," he explained, nuzzling into her neck.
"Which explains why you would be smiling because getting stabbed with needles is such a joy. Why have blood work done?" she asked suspiciously, pulling back from his ever invading, and therefore distracting, presence.
"Because I needed to know my blood type," he answered, pulling her close to him.
"So that?" she asked, not having all of the information she fully desired.
"So that I can give you one of my kidneys," he clarified, looking into her eyes.
Victoria's eyes widened in surprise and she covered her mouth with her paws as the impact of his words sank in. Mistoffelees would do that, for her? Why had she ever doubted his love for her! She was shocked, but everything made transparent sense.
"You mean, the doctor came to tell you that our blood types match?" she asked slowly, making sure she was not mistaken.
"Yes, miraculously," Misto replied, tears coming to surface once more.
"Oh, Misto!" Victoria shrieked in euphoria, tears of utter joy and gratitude running down her cheeks.
Mistoffelees wrapped his arms about her and squeezed her tightly, his tears pattering onto her and the bed. He rocked her back and forth, snuggling his cheek into her neck. He then held her at an arms length to view her face fully.
"Live with me again?" he asked her, searching her eyes.
"Yes," she whispered ecstatically.
"Forgive me for my stupidity?" he begged.
"Yes, of course. We already discussed this. And you do forgive me for leaving?" she asked, biting her lip.
"You did what you had to do. I deserved it. Of course I forgive you. Can I be a part of my kit's lives now?"
"Absolutely. Single parenting is difficult and unfair. They are yours too. You helped create them," she giggled, nuzzling her nose to his.
"I remember that night, very well. Which reminds me," he drifted off thoughtfully.
"Yes, Misto?" Victoria asked, curiously.
He brought his face to hers and gently brushed his lips against hers a few times before pulling back to look into her eyes.
"Sleep beside me every night?" he asked, his eyes tender and soft.
She embraced him once more and snuggled her cheek into his neck.
"There is no-where else on earth I would rather be," she sighed contentedly.
He squeezed her tightly, bringing her as close to him as was possible. He brushed his tongue over her ear and nuzzled her head with his cheek.
"My bed was so cold without you," he mumbled into her ear.
"As was mine without you," she replied, stroking his back.
He rested his forehead against hers and their lips brushed once more. He was overwhelmed with feeling, but was glad of it. He was tired of feeling numb and hollow constantly.
Victoria was on cloud nine. She silently mused how well Misto was able to kiss. The first time they had ever kissed was quite comical, though it was at their mateship ceremony. Misto was so nervous that he had miscalculated and they had bumped noses. After they had recovered from that incident they tried again and Misto had slipped, causing the two of them to fall. He had sat straddling her and blushing wildly at the fox-whistles and chuckles from other junkyard toms. Finally, Rum Tum Tugger had stepped forward and coached the embarrassed tom on how to aim properly. A simple kiss was given and the Jellicles cheered in relief. Because of that simple accident of nerves, he was hesitant about kissing her during the beginning of their mateship. Nevertheless, after much practice and much encouragement from his mate, he was finally able to kiss her without fretting. Now, however, he was quite an experienced paw at it and maneuvered so well that Vicky was sure he could kiss her blindfolded. His kisses were beyond amazing.
"I was so lonely without you," Misto whispered, causing her to wake from her reverie.
"Me too, but I cheated because I had two darling kits to keep me company," Vicky stated, licking his neck.
Misto chuckled at that, but became serious once more.
"You know, every morning I would wake up and realize you weren't beside me. And every time I realized that, I knew I had pushed you away and it broke my heart," he murmured, his voice cracking, "Because I knew how ill I had treated you and that you doubted me because of that. And because I love you so much, but I knew you would never come back-"
His voice broke away and he buried his face into her shoulder, sobs racking his own shoulders. Victoria held him as tightly as she could and positioned him to rest his chin on her shoulder as tears swiveled down her cheeks once more. She felt his tears running down the length of her back, but she did not mind. She felt so much for him and if he cried, she cried. She also knew that this hospital stay had been very stressful to him. That, along with his repressed thoughts and emotions, was causing him to weep at every unpleasant thought, feeling and encounter. If actions do speak louder than words, which they often do, then he was truly sorry and loved her deeply. His tears and sobs expressed a loneliness, guilt and love that could never have possibly been spoken. His emotions were so haggard, she wished to comfort him.
"My heart ached for you," he whispered through his tears, "I yearned for you to be with me, to be beside me. Every night I dreamed of you and called for you, but you never did come back. I knew I had blown it, because you would have come back had I not hurt you so utterly. Oh, how I missed you so! I can't even express how much I missed you!"
"Shh, shh. Misto, it's alright. We're together now. I'm never leaving you again," Victoria cooed through tears of her own.
"I'm so sorry!" he barely choked out.
"I know. You've already told me," Vicky answered, stroking his back.
"I-I feel so guilty for hurting you, for putting my job before you and for not being able to find you and bring you home. I-I sh-should have shown you how m-much I love you," Mistoffelees sobbed, voice barely audible.
"I know you love me and I will never doubt you, or leave you again," she replied.
Victoria maneuvered herself to face him and caught his lips with hers. He moaned blissfully, dragging his paws down her side almost immediately. Her presence was such a comfort to him. He needed her by his side and, thankfully, she knew this. She tried to poor her compassion into the kiss as much as was possible. Though she was very exhausted, she knew that showing him her forgiveness was much more necessary than her resting. He had been so lonely without her and she could tell. Not only had he spoken it, but he also showed her with his tears, inability to keep from touching her and his numerous kisses. She was sure, as he pressed himself to her, that he needed her comfort and reassurance more than a simple "I forgive you." Besides, she needed him just as much as he needed her. After all, she had cried herself to sleep nearly every night over him. Their kiss would have furthered had the door not opened and a low whistle not sounded. They hastily parted.
"Dang, just can't keep your paws off, huh, lover-boy?" Tugger chuckled and entered the room, followed by Munk, Dem and Bomba.
"Tugger," Misto grumbled, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red.
Vicky dabbed at her eyes self-consciously, removing her tears. Mr. Mistoffelees did so more discreetly by rubbing his paws over his eyes, as if from frustration. Tugger smirked cheekily and plopped a small brown paper bag onto Vicky's hospital bed. Mistoffelees grabbed the bag and riffled through its contents eagerly. This was the lunch that had previously been promised to him. There was only one problem.
"Tugger, there is only rubbish in here. Where is my food?" Misto questioned suspiciously.
Munk, Demeter and Bomba each shared a sheepish, knowing look.
"About that, honey-" Bomba began, but Tugger cut in.
"It was delicious," he replied and stifled a rather vulgar belch with his paw.
The tuxedo cat fixed the Maine coon with a highly insulted glare as his stomach rumbled in envy. His tail flicked angrily, lashing from side to side. Tugger merely smirked down at him.
"Aw, c'mon, Misto. I was hungry," Tugger chuckled, a look of mock innocence on his face.
"You had lunch twice!" Demeter hissed through gritted teeth.
"I have a high metabolism," Tugger grinned.
"But I haven't eaten yet!" Misto growled, his teeth barred.
He felt a gentle paw on his elbow and he became infinitely calmer. He turned to see Vicky smiling at him in sympathy and he placed his paw over hers. It was amazing how quickly she had always been able to comfort him. She gently pulled him forward and whispered into his ear.
"Perhaps, you should not eat before surgery anyway. Just in case," she murmured in his ear.
"Very well," he answered moodily.
"Feeling better?" she asked him, still in and undertone.
"I still feel a little distraught. And a little guilty," he admitted, quietly.
"Well, I wasn't nearly done comforting you," she replied, fingering his ruffles.
"Once they go, we will pick up where we left off," Misto smirked, tracing her jaw with a finger.
"Oooh, Misto!" she giggled teasingly.
A sudden cough interrupted their private conversation. They looked to see their visitors starring awkwardly at them. Tugger had been the one to cough.
"Hey! No mushy-gushy stuff! I know you don't have much time with Vicky, but really!" Tugger huffed in disgust.
"Tugger! Are you dense? You don't rub that in Misto's face!" Munkustrap cried, clearly frustrated with his brother's attitude and behavior.
"What? What'd I say?" Tugger asked, confused.
"Are you serious?" Demeter questioned him fiercely.
"What?" the rock star asked, still not realizing what he had done.
"You are so oblivious!" Bombalurina hissed, smacking Tugger across the chest, "You don't remind a tom that his mate is going to die!"
"Look who's talking!" Tugger called.
Suddenly, the party stopped their argument and turned to the couple in question. Instead of finding them gushing with tears, they simply looked offended. Yet, neither looked as upset as they should have been with the mention of Victoria's shortened time. Had they missed something?
"Why are you two looking at us like that?" Munkustrap questioned, for once curious and baffled.
"Like what?" Victoria asked.
"Like, upset, but not crying?" Bomba offered, quite forlorn.
"Why cry over something that isn't actually going to happen?" Misto questioned, an air of mystery in his voice.
Munk, Demi, Bomba and Tugger each shared a mystified glance with the other. Surely Mistoffelees was losing his mind? How else would he make such a ridiculous statement? Tugger was the first to point this out.
"Are you okay, Misto? Perhaps, a little removed from reality?" the Maine Coon questioned, coming to wave a paw in Misto's face.
"I am perfectly within the realm of sanity, thank you," Mistoffelees answered testily, batting Tugger paw away.
Munkustrap was thoughtful, to say the least. Mistoffelees, though he dealt with grief rather poorly, would not be so utterly delusional if the situation was so hopeless. An idea suddenly formulated through the synapse currents of Munkustrap's brain.
"What do you know that we don't, Misto?" Munk asked, a brow raised in hopeful suspicion.
Mistoffelees and Victoria shared a mutually sly smile. Misto knew that Munk was never for guessing games or funny business. But should he tell them the good news? He decided it was better than letting Tugger explode from uncertainty.
"Well, Vicky has a donor-" Misto began slowly, but was cut off.
"What? Who?" Demeter questioned anxiously.
"Me," Misto answered simply, taking a hold of Victoria's paw.
Every eye went wide and every jaw dropped, save for Victoria and Misto's, of course. Had they heard him correctly? Did he just say that he was giving Victoria one of his kidneys.
"Wait a second, Hon. Did you just say that you are the donor?" Bomba asked, clearly doubtful.
"Yeah. Our blood-types match," he answered, giving Vicky and endearing look.
"And the doctor approved?" Demeter asked.
"Yes. Surgery starts as soon as possible," Misto answered seriously.
Everyone let the information sink in. They sat their in silence until a sudden sniff was heard. All eyes turned to Bombalurina, who began to cry. Demeter followed suit and they both began to cry. Their mates shared a concerned and bewildered glance.
"That's so incredibly sweet!" Bomba gushed, fanning at her face.
"You do truly love her!" Demeter bawled, holding onto Munkustrap.
"Of course. She's a part of me and I will do anything to save her," Misto answered humbly, blushing violently.
"Aww!" the two queens cried in unison.
Munkustrap and Tugger rolled their eyes. A thought suddenly occurred to Tugger.
"Hey, Vicky. After surgery, you will never be able to leave Misto again, because you will have a part of him with you always. Quite literally, too," the Curious cat smirked.
"Very funny," she answered with a glare and a blush.
"I think it's sweet!" Demeter exclaimed, trying to wipe away her tears.
"Beyond sweet! You're such a good guy, Misto. I'm sorry I ever doubted you," Bombalurina prattled, coming to Victoria's bedside and giving Misto a hug.
"It's ok. I wasn't exactly the best of mates to her," Misto replied, receiving Bomba's hug graciously, though reservedly.
"Well, you certainly are now!" Demeter squealed.
Munkustrap gave her a look of distress and she quickly apologized, saying he was just as wonderful as Misto was. That satisfied his ego immediately. However, Tugger was still dubious of the whole ordeal. He was unsure if Misto would actually follow through with this promise.
"You know, if you do this you can never top such a gift," The Rum Tum Tugger said coolly.
"I don't ever expect to," Misto replied, taking a paw of Victoria's in his.
"What are you going to give her for Christmas? Or on her birthday? 'Here's my liver sweetheart!', 'Have a lung, dear!' No, wait! "Here's my heart!'" Tugger cried, acting as if he was cutting his heart out and fell to his knees, paws outstretched before he fell over.
"Ha, ha, ha. Very funny," Misto replied, dry with sarcasm.
"Don't mind him, Misto. He's just jealous that he would be far too cowardly to do it for Bomba," Victoria said, rubbing Misto's arm.
"Oh, Honey. He wouldn't have an option," Bombalurina replied, a dangerous glint in her eye.
"Somehow, I should have expected her to say that," Tugger muttered darkly.
The door opened abruptly and Dr. Augustus walked in. he asked the couple if they were ready for surgery. Each nodded, though hesitantly, and he briefed them on the procedure. Thankfully, both were going to be sedated. After their questions, Victoria's bed was wheeled out of the room and Mistoffelees was ushered out with her. Munk, Tugger, Bomba and Demeter decided to return to the junkyard to share the good news and pray nothing went wrong.
That wasn't so painful was it? Happy endings do come! A big shout out to Gaaraluva15, GlassJellicle, Cettie The Mary-Sue Slayer, Licorice Mitski, styrie, Mistoffelees Fan-kit, SilentlyQuiet, and Victorious Penguins for reviewing. Thank you to elisabetrouge and Glassjellicle for favoriting. And to Victorious Penguins, Licorice Mitski, styrie, Gaaraluva15, GlassJellicle for alerting. You guys rock! Now, about the fact that I spent countless hours writing this chapter and about the little button at the bottom that you know you want to click because you want to review… Please, review! I need them! Well, no one is forcing you but a review or two would be nice :D