Chapter 5! Yay!
Munk and Alonzo talk about their situation.
I'm not sure if outside the UK the phrase 'going out with someone' has any relevance. I tried looking it up on the internet but it wasn't very helpful. If that phrase doesn't work outside British English then it has the same meaning as 'dating someone'.
Disclaimer: I do not own cats and I don't intend to make any money off of this so please don't ask me for any.
A year in the life of the black and white toms
Chapter 5
Talking
November can be a very varied month depending on where you are. For some it is full of clear blue skies and ice-cold mornings or copious amounts of rain and thick covers of cloud. For others it is full of sunshine and the time when it starts to feel rather warm. This certainly has a profound effect on one's mood and outlook, some may even change their entire view of the world as the seasons continue to change. In London, November is usually rather a wet month. It is the month in which temperatures begin their decent to the wintry conditions of December and in a way they provide a little snippet of what's to come. Some may find beauty in the changing season, some may just find disappointment. For two particular tomcats the month of November was a rather defining time in their lives. It came with an ineffable variety of emotions and feelings which not a day ago might have caused them deeper strife than what would be expected in a normal cat. Today though, they couldn't care less for what they had been so up in arms about.
Alonzo stirred gently from his peaceful sleep. Crisp morning light poured into his den from an opening in the doorway and seemed to tickle his fur as it touched him. He snuggled into the warmth that was encircling him and revelled in the feeling of happiness he experienced within while his morning drowsiness slowly dissipated. As he lay he began to look around, his den seemed brighter than it had been in the last few weeks and he liked the look of it. He flicked his ears slightly as he heard the distant chorus of birdsong and thought it strange that it could still be encountered at this time of year. He didn't protest as it was a beautiful sound to listen to. Another sound however muffled the singing and was accompanied by a hot feeling on the back of his neck. He turned his ears again and listened to the faint breathing of another form, as he did this he looked down and saw a silver and black arm wrapped around his midsection. The events of the previous night returned to him in a flash and elation set in. He could barely contain the feeling of ecstasy as he remained on the blankets but did so as not to ruin the perfect moment of stillness. He remembered how Munk had picked him up in his big strong arms and carried him over to Jenny. She – looking very surprised – had examined him for injury upon his saviour's request who had then taken him back to his den and placed him down. Alonzo had taken his paws in his and brought the tom down to his level so they were both sat facing each other. They had both stayed still for a while gazing into each other's eyes and letting the feeling of giddiness wash over them. Their smiles had grown bigger and bigger and giggles broke out between them. They had been so overjoyed at suddenly belonging to one another that they couldn't help but laugh from the glee. As they calmed down they had continued to gaze and eventually their faces had come together. They had kissed gently and it felt amazing, much better than any kiss either of them had ever had before. They had parted after a moment to take in the experience, savouring the tingle they both still felt on their lips. The silver tabby – usually incredibly in control of himself – didn't hesitate to clasp Alonzo's cheeks and go in for more. Alonzo had been slightly astounded at his friend's eagerness and enjoyment and eventually melted into his soft mouth. Their passion had slowly grown stronger and soon enough Munk had pushed against the patched tom making him fall backwards. The silver tabby then gently lowered himself over the other tom and they had resumed their kissing with soft moans of pleasure eliciting from both of them. Alonzo had grasped the tabby's head fur in his paw and rubbed gently at the soft coat. He pulled Munk even closer and their lips had been locked firmly together. Munk had slid his hands behind Alonzo and had made him arch his back and grind their midriffs together. They then paused and Alonzo put his head to the side of Munk's and pulled him close; the feeling of closeness and safety they had both felt was incredible and they remained embracing whilst loving the feel of each other's body. Alonzo marvelled at the sheer strength of the tabby and felt something stir within him as he took in the tom's sculpted arms and chest. Munk also explored Alonzo's beautiful body and gently stroked the tom's defined lines and delicate yet still very masculine muscles. Both tom's were very lithe and they both felt so lucky to each have been brought to such a good-looking cat. They had kissed a little while more before Munk had rolled to the side and begun spooning Alonzo's back. He had kissed his neck a few times before whispering into his ear,
"I love you, Alonzo"
The patched tom whispered back,
"I love you too"
They didn't make love that night, they simply enjoyed each other's company and cuddled tenderly in each other's warm embrace. Alonzo had quickly drifted off into a dream-filled sleep yet Munk had stayed awake for a while. He gazed at the back of Alonzo's head and traced the line where the black fur met the white with his eyes. He thought about his friend and all the things they had gone through together in their lives and then what had happened in the last hour. He smiled as he had held him and gently pulled the sleeping tom closer. He had listened to the cat's soft breathing and snuggled into his neck as the wonderful feeling of comfort wrapped around him. A short while later he had surrendered to sleep as well and the two toms – now openly in love with each other – stayed close the entire night.
The next morning Munk had awoken before Alonzo. He stayed completely still not wanting to rouse the sleeping tom and waited him for come to life on his own. He brightened as Alonzo stirred gently and took in the world around him.
Alonzo was still looking down after he had finished replaying the memories and stroked the arm holding him with his paw. The arm in question reached up and begun to rub his chest. Alonzo took it as a sign that Munk was awake and slowly turned to face him. The two remained in silence as they gazed dreamily and eventually their lips met to greet each other good morning. Munk was to first to speak once they parted,
"Good morning"
"Good morning to you" replied the patched tom. They continued to speak slowly and quietly,
"Interesting night last night, huh?"
"To say the least"
"It's lovely to wake up holding you, though" Munk smiled wider
"Would you ever have guessed it would be?" they kissed again
"So what are we?"
"What do you mean?"
"You and I. I love you and you love me…so what are we?"
"What would you like us to be?" giggled Alonzo
"I don't know, do you think we could be mates?."
Alonzo kissed Munk again before answering,
"Yes. I think we could"
"You? Alonzo the suave bravado? You would actually be tied down?"
"I said I would mate if the right tom came along"
"I must be the right tom then"
"Don't flatter yourself"
"Hey" Munk said as he was teased. Alonzo kissed him on the nose before snuggling into the crook of his neck,
"You know I love you really"
"I do now" said Munk closing his eyes and loving his new lover's warmth.
They stayed there for perhaps half an hour more before deciding to rise and step out into the junkyard. The process was interrupted several times when one or the other snuck in to steal a kiss and the gesture escalated into more making out.
Pouncival scattered around the junkyard as usual, it seemed that the kitten never slept. He was quite a tyke to handle and as he grew was learning to circumvent the grown-ups' attention. Some of the Jellicles - namely the toms – thought his growing into a fine hunter was incredibly admirable and yet others – namely Jenny – found it quite exasperating when trying to keep tabs on the hyperactive kit. This morning he was chasing a mouse he had noticed shortly after he'd awoken from a few hours of sleep. He jumped and ducked around junk and flew after the little creature determined to make his kill. He rounded a corner and entered the main clearing in the yard, he had nearly landed on his prey when an interesting sight stopped him. He looked up to the entrance of Alonzo's den and watched as he and Munk emerged paw in paw. He stood staring as the two kissed thinking no one could see them and puzzled at the situation. He knew that sometimes adult cats kissed but found it strange that these two particular toms were engaged in such an activity. Munk was the protector, he didn't kiss other cats, he just sat on his perch and watched over them making sure they were safe. Pouncival also found it weird to see the deputy leader wrapped around another tom, least of all Alonzo. His gazing and puzzlement allowed him to be seen by the infatuated toms and they hastily pulled apart as they noticed Pounce look upon their activities. Alonzo muttered something to Munk that was inaudible to the kitten and they looked at him as they did so. He watched as they linked paws again and began to walk towards him. He debated whether or not to run off but in the end stayed still. Munk and Alonzo passed Pouncival and swung their joined paws above him as they went.
"Good morning, Pounce" Munk said as they passed.
Pounce stayed where he was and followed them with his eyes as they disappeared from his vision. He stood puzzling for a little while longer before he decided to run off again. He couldn't quite make sense of the fact that Munk would be doing those sorts of things with Alonzo. What did it mean for the rest of the Jellicles? Would they have to be more careful now if Munk wasn't going to look out for them as much? What would happen if he got into trouble and Munk wasn't around to help him out of it? These questions clouded the little cat's mind as he carried on with his playing.
"Did you see the way he was looking at us?" Alonzo asked Munk as they walked in the early morning light. He and Munk had decided to take a little excursion and discuss their situation.
"Yes I did. You know what he's like though, that kitten has done far stranger things"
"Do you think he understands?"
"Understands what?"
"What we're doing"
"How can he understand if we don't?" said Munk smiling
"Do you think we don't understand what we're up to?" asked Alonzo smirking back
"Why don't you tell me"
"Well if you don't know then maybe I'm wasting my time"
Munk scowled playfully - a rare word to be applied to him.
"Alright, Stripes. What do you think we are?" asked Alonzo
"I wouldn't like to say too much"
"You haven't said anything yet"
"Is this what our entire relationship is going to amount to? You and I dancing around every subject?"
Alonzo laughed, he always knew how to wind up his friend – if he could be called that anymore. "Okay, okay, I'll start. I love you"
"I love you too"
"Good, we're half way there"
Munk smiled. Alonzo continued,
"I'd really like to spend more time with you"
"How can we spend more time together than we already do?" asked Munk as they entered a small park near the junkyard.
"I mean more time…you know"
Munk looked puzzled, "No, I'm afraid I don't"
"Romantically"
"Oh" said Munk blushing a little, he'd never been asked to be romantic with anyone before. It was a strange thought to him.
"Does that not sound good?"
"No, that sounds nice"
"I know it's not much, Munk" said Alonzo, "but I've realised I love you an awful lot, it just took time for me to realise it."
"Have you been in love with me for a while?"
They stopped and stared at an icy pond as the sun scattered on it's surface.
"I think I have but I never knew it. What's more I never knew how much either. Had you ever thought about me like that?"
"I haven't had the best time dealing with it these past few weeks" replied Munk, "I mean, I knew I loved you but I didn't think you'd love me back. I actually thought you'd hate me if I confessed it. Why do you think I stayed home all that time?"
Alonzo hugged his companion, "How could you ever think I'd hate you?" Munk relaxed in the patched tom's embrace.
"Stupid, I know"
"You are daft. It's nice to hear you say it though"
"Say what?"
Alonzo leaned back, "That you love me"
Munk smiled and leaned forward to kiss the tom before him. They carried on walking through the park.
"So shall give ourselves a label?" asked Munk
"What do you mean?" giggling internally at his friend's naivety in the subject
"Well, cats are going to ask so what shall we tell them?"
Alonzo thought for a moment, "Mates?"
Munk looked at him, "Are you ready to have a mate?"
"Doesn't seem to fit to me does it? Well…I love you, Munk. I don't want anyone else in my life, just you. I think I would be happily mated to you"
Munk's heart leapt in his chest but he tried to keep his cool, "I'd love to be your mate, Alonzo, if you'll have me"
Alonzo suddenly felt a wave of something wash over him. It wasn't a sad emotion and not overwhelming so he didn't cry. It was more of a feeling of completion. He turned to Munk and spoke gently, "Of course I will, as long as you'll have me in return"
Munk beamed, "I will". They kissed sweetly to seal their commitment to each other. It was a wonderful moment, very private and incredibly romantic. The two toms had made a decision to be mates but this would soon change as the day went on. They carried on their walk feeling giddy with happiness and simply enjoyed being together. They talked a little more and decided they would break the official news to the Jellicles as soon as they had gathered that day. They felt nothing could go wrong now, it was a shame that their plans would be skewed merely hours later.
Back in the junkyard Jenny had awoken at the sound of crashes and the scattering of small items. She groaned as she was roused from her lazy slumber and she knew of only one likely cause. She slowly rose up with her body protesting – she usually wasn't so active in the daytime, the night was her time to bustle about. She was careful not to wake her mate, Skimbleshanks – a ginger tabby tom – as she lifted her body from the bed they shared. She quietly left the den and squinted through the sun's rays to search for the one and only Pouncival. No other cat could make such atrocious noise at such a strange time.
"Pouncival" she called hoping he would appear. She was answered by a clattering of metal and a few small tins rolling away from a indentation in the junk. She waddled over and peered into the mouth of this cave-like structure. Inside she saw the brown and white form of the kitten and yanked on his tail which was hanging behind him. He fell back with a "oof" and looked up happily at the annoyed queen. Like a mother she spoke delicately but firmly,
"Pouncival, why are you making such a racket?"
"I want some milk" he blabbered
"First of all, how are we meant to say that?"
"I'd like some milk, please" he corrected
"Good boy. Now why on earth are you looking through the junk for some?"
Pounce studied his behaviour for a moment before shrugging at Jenny,
"Seemed as good a place as any" he smiled
Jenny rolled her eyes and pulled him out of the hole. She trotted him over to her den and told him to wait outside. A few moments later she re-emerged with a small bottle of milk which she gave to him. He happily started to scamper away with his drink before stopping mid-stride and turning back. Jenny wondered what had gotten into him as he approached her with confusion on his face.
"Was there something else?" she asked him
"Munk and 'Zo" he said quietly. Jenny wondered where this was going and remained silent for him to continue
"They look after us, right?"
"Of course"
"But last night they were…you know"
"They kissed?"
"Yeah"
Jenny tried to think of how to talk to the kitten as she barely knew what had happened herself. Munk and Alonzo had surprised everyone as they lay there on the ground and then spent the night together. She decided to ask him,
"What are you trying to find out, dear?"
"When grown-ups kiss they stay together right?" he asked innocently.
"Most of the time, yes" she replied not wanting to give the kit any Tugger-esque views of the world.
"Does that mean they won't be looking out for us anymore?"
"What do you mean?"
"If they're spending their time kissing then they won't be watching out for Macavity, will they?"
Jenny laughed to herself over Pounce's logic, he was just as a kitten should be: innocent and inappropriate. " I imagine they'll still be making sure we're all safe. It's very important to them, especially Munk. Now, we're all a little bit shaken by Macavity's showing up but I don't think you need to worry, you'll be okay as long as you stay inside the junkyard, alright?"
"I suppose so" said Pounce not really understanding but going along with the queen's wisdom.
"Drink your milk dear, you don't want it to get too warm"
He scuttled away again and this time remained out of sight. Jenny smiled as she thought about how the little tom was growing up and asking questions about life, although at the moment it seemed they all had the same questions such as what on earth was going on with Munk and Alonzo the previous night and what did it all mean?
Something caught her eye and she looked over towards the entrance of the junkyard. It was the very two toms that she had been wondering about returning from a morning walk. Seizing the opportunity she tottered over and intercepted them as they were walking through.
"Good morning, boys" she said mothering the two
"Hello, Jenny" smiled Alonzo
"May I talk to you two for a moment?" she asked with deeper meaning in her eyes. The two toms shuffled as they knew where she was aiming to take the conversation.
"…Alright"
"Lovely. Why don't you come into my den? I'll make us some tea, I'm sure Skimble will join us" she said marching back to her home.
The two toms awkwardly followed her after detaching paws and exchanging anxious glances. They were sure Jenny was going to grill them over their much-unexpected public display of affection. It was not going to be easy but they had decided they would tell the Jellicles about the stepping up of their relationship. With an unseen peck they assured each other and entered the den. Inside they found Jenny bustling about and Skimble pulling his head together after being awoken by the noise she created.
"Oh, morning gentlemen" said the sleepy tabby noticing them, "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Your mate invited us in for tea and a chat, we hope that's alright?"
"Oh, I see" replied Skimble realising what exact chat his wife was expecting to have. He himself was curious to discover the same information and simply looked at them inquisitively. It made Munk and Alonzo both feel a little more nervous to break the news.
"Here we are!" cried Jenny distracting them. She struggled with a large teapot and placed it down on an upturned butter tub in the middle of the den. The pot itself certainly wasn't large for a human but to a cat such items presented their carrier with difficulty. She produced four little thimbles from somewhere and began to pour the tea.
"I'm afraid I haven't any milk for the tea but I gave the last of what I had to Pouncival to stop him making so much noise"
"Really?" said Munk trying to be polite.
"Yes. He asked me quite an interesting question once I gave it him"
"What was that?" asked Alonzo feeling as if he were shrinking
"He was wondering if you two would be keeping as much of a watch for us now that you're romantically involved" she said dropping the subject on the table.
"I see" said Munk, "What did you tell him?"
"I said that our safety was of high priority to you both and he seemed to be satisfied. I, however, was wondering a little more. Now, you two, might I inquire as to the meaning of your affection last night?"
The two toms looked at each other and were suddenly lost for words. Munk tried to stutter something but it was incomprehensible. Jenny could see she had them by the gonads – so to speak – and probed a little deeper,
"How long have you two been so involved?" she asked with a smirk
With a big gulp Munk answered her, "Not long. We only really admitted it to each other last night."
"I see. So what are you both, friends? Friends with benefits – if you'll pardon the expression? Lovers?"
"Well…we talked this morning and we've decided to be mates" said Munk taking the shocked Alonzo's paw. Jenny's face fell a little at the revelation,
"Sorry, you said you admitted what to each other last night?"
"That we love each other" said Alonzo smiling at Munk and receiving one back
"And you've decided to be mates already?"
Alonzo looked at the queen, then at Skimble who was leaning forward just listening as his mate interrogated them, then back at Jenny, "Yes"
"Do you think that's wise?" she asked as gently as she could but still with inquisitiveness
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that you've only just told each other that you love each other and you've already jumped to being mates. It seems a tad fast, don't you think?"
The toms looked at each other again and suddenly doubted themselves, there was some truth in her words. Munk spoke up first,
"I've loved Alonzo for a while now, I know it's not infatuation" he said with assuredness.
"And I love Munk too. I've known it for weeks"
Jenny drew her lips thinly, "Not to be too intrusive but it all seems a bit too fast. Do you think maybe you should wait a little while before making a decision?"
"Why?" asked Alonzo, "We know we love each other and we don't want anyone else so why not be mates? We were planning on telling everyone later"
Jenny's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked with uncertainty, "Are you sure that would be wise? Think about what I've been saying, what if things go wrong in a little while?"
"And why would they go wrong?" asked Munk with a firm brow
"It's all so new, things might change without you realising"
"Jenny, I don't imagine they would" he said with a more annoyed voice
"Just think for a moment, though. Don't you think it would be a better idea to let your relationship grow before jumping straight to mates?" she said with concern. The toms looked at each other for a third time and didn't know quite what to say. Barely an hour ago they had found the one and now they were suddenly not so sure.
"I, uh…Maybe we should go and talk about this" Munk said meekly.
"Yes, maybe we should" replied Alonzo wanting to get away from the prying
Jenny.
"Will you excuse us please, Jenny, Skimble?" said Munk as he rose to leave with Alonzo in tow. They exited the den leaving the queen and tom to their tea.
"That was interesting" said Skimble finally piping up
"Indeed it was. Do you think those two being in a relationship is right?"
"What do you mean, love?"
"Well, they're both so integral to junkyard life, what if an accident happened and they weren't prepared to help?"
"Everyone deserves some, dear"
"I know, but those two of all combinations?"
"I know what you mean, it does seem a bit compromising"
"Do you think we should advise them otherwise?"
"Maybe. It depends if they last or not"
"Do you think they will?"
"Too early to say, we'll just have to keep an eye on them"
"How do you think the others will take the news?"
"I imagine the same as us, that is if it gets to them"
"Very true" she said sipping her tea.
In Alonzo's den the two new lovers were trying to discuss their relationship. It did seem that maybe they were going a bit fast but they knew what they had decided was exactly what they both wanted. They spoke back and forth for a long time but came no closer to a decision.
"I know I want to be with you" said Munk to the patched tom.
"And I want to be with you, but what Jenny said made sense, didn't it?"
"So you think we are rushing things?"
"I'm not sure"
"But you said you were ready to have me as a mate"
"I know and I still want you as one"
"So what do we do?"
"Maybe we should take the title away for a little while and just let it grow"
Munk felt uneasy about their status changing barely after it had been instated. He reluctantly spoke to his mate – now temporarily not called that,
"Well…alright. When will you be ready?"
"When will you be ready?"
"I thought I was"
"Me too"
They both sighed with disappointment,
"Let's just be in love for a little while before we make it official" said Alonzo
"Don't humans have a word for that?" asked Munk trying to remember what he'd listened to in the past.
"Is it boyfriends?" asked Alonzo
"Yes, that's the one"
"So we'll be boyfriends?" asked Alonzo attempting a smile.
"Alright" said Munk echoing the expression. They kissed quickly all the while they both felt a bit put out at the step down from mates. It was adequate though, they were still together but just at an intermediate stage between friendship and commitment. It would suffice for now.
"So what should we tell the others?" asked Alonzo
"I suppose exactly that. We'll tell them we're in love and we're taking it slowly" replied Munk.
"Okay" said the patched tom as he hugged Munk., "I still love you"
"I love you too" the silver tabby said softly in his boyfriend's ear. They decided to go back out and enjoy the day, after all it would help the Jellicles come to terms with their relationship and soften the blow when they finally decided to become proper mates.
The day turned out rather nicely. Munk and Alonzo sat atop the large tyre at the edge of the clearing displaying themselves to the rest of the Jellicles. It felt a bit awkward at times when they would get an odd look but they knew it was mostly confusion. From time to time they would kiss when they pretended they thought no one was looking, for the rest of the time Alonzo sat in front of Munk with his boyfriend wrapped around him. It was incredibly comfortable for both of them as they snuggled in the cold wintry air and bright sunshine. Not everyone was having a great day though, there was one particular cat hidden away from anyone's view.
Across town down several dark, dirty alleyways and through a hole in the wall at the rear of a derelict warehouse fumed a dangerous-looking cat. The reddish orange tom with striking black stripes sat wincing at the sting on top of his head. The ear that had been ripped from him he had crudely stitched back on with immense torment. He had done it with a nasty looking needle and some old thread and the feeling as he punctured his skin had been excruciating. He had started the process as soon as he'd arrived in his lair after his fight with Munk in the junkyard the previous night and he had been in a rage that he hadn't managed to cause havoc amongst the Jellicles. He hadn't been looking for any trouble in particular that night, it just so happened that he had seen Alonzo walking by and decided to take the opportunity. It was true that he had intended to kill the tom, after all what would cause more grief to the oh-so-happy tribe than a death? He had fought with Alonzo before at a Jellicle Ball he had decided to invade but had lost and had wanted to take revenge upon seeing him. The Jellicles had caused him some considerable damage during that incident and he had been holding onto the anger ever since. Now he was livid. He'd had that disgusting patched tom in his very paws and was seconds from sinking his claws into the cat's neck. He would have had his revenge had that bastard Munkustrap not shown up and mutilated him. The silver tabby had seemed so full of rage, far more than he would ever be expected to have. There was, however, something else in the tom's eyes and Macavity knew what it was. He was an evil and malicious tom and he was quick to find another cat's weakness; he had most definitely seen fear in the tabby, it was unmistakeable. It was specific though, he seemed to be scared for the patched tom's safety and it was as if he was fighting for him instead of for the rest of the cats. At the time he'd been distracted by his missing ear but he could still remember the obvious desperation Munk had to protect Alonzo. A dangerous brew of ideas began to formulate inside him, his rage was for all of the Jellicles but specifically Munkustrap. It was twice now that he'd been beaten by the Jellicle protector and he felt serious retribution was in order. He began to think as he looked at his now misshapen ear in a shard of mirror. He threw the fragment at the wall nearby where it shattered in his fury. He needed to hurt the Jellicle protector and he needed to hurt him bad. He then stopped and centred on one thought for a moment: Alonzo seemed special in some way to Munk, could it be that maybe it was more than friendship? If they were, say, lovers then the patched tom would be a prime target. If he could do something to Alonzo then he could certainly hurt Munk, but what to do? He toyed with the idea of murder but thought it too quick. He was an evil, twisted tom and he never did anything quickly or mercifully. His mind then wandered to far darker ideas and he smiled a sickening smile as he formulated his vendetta. He began to laugh low in his chest as the thoughts encircled him and made him lust for blood and screams of pain. He would, however, first need more information in order to plan to the exact details so he began to make plans for spying. It wasn't hard for him to think in this way as it wasn't the first time he had committed an atrocity on this level. He set about putting his plan into action as he nursed his still screaming wounds.
A few days passed and some cloud rolled in silently above the junkyard. The grey November skies weren't going to stay away forever and the Jellicles began to spend more of their time indoors to keep out of the cold and wet. The rain would soon turn to snow and create a wonderful playground for the kittens but for the next few weeks it would be rather miserable. This didn't bother Munk and Alonzo, they were more than happy to keep each other warm in the patched tom's den. Munk had started spending nights there now and some of the other cats began to grow more inquisitive of their relationship. One afternoon Munk was sitting alone on his perch just watching the junkyard as usual while his mate napped when his brother approached him. Approached may have been the wrong word, it was more of a dropping in from nowhere as Tugger jumped on his brother from behind.
"Hey, bro" he blurted as he plonked down next to the silver tabby.
"Hi" replied Munk, "How are you?"
"Can't complain. So I see you're getting some" said Tugger completely inappropriately
"Ever modest, aren't you Tug?" replied Munk, annoyed.
"Just making polite conversation"
"If that's what you call polite conversation then I dread to think of what you call dirty talk"
"If you need any tips for 'Lonzy, just ask"
"Tugger!" exclaimed Munk turning to him
"What?"
"We're not like that"
"So you're not going out?"
"Well, yes we are"
"So you are getting some" said Tugger smirking, he loved teasing his brother.
"Well…no. Not yet"
Tugger feigned remorse, "Sorry to hear that. Is he not putting out?"
"Tugger!"
"Hey, come on. We can talk about this, right?"
"No"
"Why not?"
"It's not something I talk about" said Munk feeling slightly embarrassed
"Oh come on, Munk. We're brothers so we should be able to discuss this easily"
"I'm not so comfortable with that"
"Just tell me what's going on in the bedroom"
"No" said Munk firmly
"Why not? Please!" said Tugger playfully, "Is he not that good? Nah, I bet he's a firecracker. It must be you, do you suck in bed? Pun intended of course"
"Shut up Tugger!"
"Oh I see" Tugger said with a knowing tone, "You're not getting any at all, are you?"
Munk was silent and didn't look at his younger yet ironically taller brother.
"It's okay, Munk. Maybe you just need to stoke the fire a little" he said smirking
"You're disgusting" responded Munk at his brother's euphemisms
"Hey, if there's one thing I know how to do it's loving."
"Please just shut up"
"Come on, I know what I'm talking about and I bet I can be more creative with the thought of that sexy best in my mind" said Tugger and motioned with his head towards Alonzo's den. He smiled,
"Why aren't you shutting up?" said an exasperated Munk
"Do you think he's big, you know, down there?" continued Tugger stooping to a much seedier level
"Okay, that's it. No Tugger, we haven't had sex yet and I don't think we mean to until we're ready. I don't know when that will be but don't think I'd tell you anyway"
"When you're ready? What are you, a queen?" said Tugger surprised at his brother's – in his mind – wimpy attitude towards sex, "Just grow up, get in there and do him!"
"Tugger we've only been together a few days! It may surprise you but normal cats don't just jump into the sack within the first five minutes"
He smirked wickedly, Munk had given an opportunity for Tugger to make him really mad. He shuffled away a little before he spoke,
"Alonzo certainly used to"
Munk's head spun around and Tugger saw anger bubble within him. The tabby tried to swipe at his brother's face but he missed as Tugger jumped out of the way laughing.
"I'm gonna kill you, Tugger!" shouted Munk as his fury mixed with the embarrassment and slight hurt his brother had made him feel.
"You know it's tru-" Tugger said before being cut off by an arm snaking around his neck.
"That wasn't very kind" a silky voice said into his ear as the arm drew tighter. Tugger struggled but the attacker wasn't going anywhere. He looked down to see red and black fur covering the arm and forcing him to do as it's owner pleased. He knew the arm all too well, it belonged to Bomba.
"I think perhaps you ought to apologise to your brother" the red queen said as she held him in place.
"It was only a bit of fun" Tugger struggled
"It was totally uncalled for" she said strongly, "I don't think I like hearing you talk about Alonzo in that way anyway"
"Why? Is he your boyfrie-" Tugger began before stopping himself as she grabbed him in his most sensitive area
"Apologise or I'm gonna start squeezing" she threatened
"Alright, alright, alright! Sorry, Munk, for calling your boyfriend a slut"
Munk got ready to smack his brother before Tugger yelled sharply
"Properly" Bomba said as she began to tighten her grip
"Okay! Sorry, Munk!"
"What for?" she asked
"For being…I dunno…for saying that about Alonzo"
"Do you accept, Munk?" she asked the silver tabby
"I may as well, I imagine it's as good as I'll get from him"
"Alright then" she said as she released Tugger's private area. He stomped off in a huff mumbling things about not letting her get anywhere near him again and things of similar merit. She didn't care, she knew she had him wrapped around her little finger.
"Thanks, Bomba" said Munk, "did you hear what we were saying?"
"Some of it, I was just coming over to talk to you"
"Well I've got all the time in the world until Alonzo wakes up. What do you wanna talk about?"
"Well, you and he really"
"Oh" said Munk, "Well I'm glad someone's finally coming to talk instead of gawking from afar"
"Yes. Cats have been doing that a lot these past few days"
"Well I think it's best they get used to the idea of me and 'Lonz being together"
"So you are together then?"
"Yes. I can happily say that we are" Munk said baring his teeth in a smile
"How together are you?"
"There's no simple way of asking that is there? Well, we thought about being mates but decided maybe it was a bit too fast to go straight there, so we're boyfriends"
"Boyfriends?"
"I know what it sounds like, strange word huh?"
"Do you plan on becoming mates?"
"Eventually, I suppose"
Bomba smiled and rubbed at the tom affectionately as he gave her the news.
"It's nice to see the both of you having found someone" she said
"Yeah. Who'd have thought it would be each other?"
"Is he treating you nicely?"
"Oh yes. He's cheeky but I like that about him"
"You know, he was really torn up before you two talked. I thought he was having a breakdown"
"You two talked about us?"
"Yeah. He had all these feelings and didn't know what to do. He needed to talk to someone but you weren't available obviously"
"Really?" said Munk
"Yep"
"So why did he talk to you?"
"I suppose I was the next best cat"
"What did you say?"
"Oh nothing much" said Bomba hoping he wouldn't find out it was her that suggested Alonzo go on a date to distract himself from thoughts of Munk.
"Well, thank you Bomba. If you did anything to encourage him to talk to me then thank you. It's turned out really well"
Bomba smiled as she remembered her coarse words that she had said to Alonzo that night. They seemed to have done some good after all; it was quite a relief in actuality. Munk began to giggle and it eventually turned into proper laughter.
"What's got you so happy?" asked Bomba smiling
"That's just it, I'm happy. Really, really happy! Things were so bad but now they're awesome! I've got a boyfriend, Bomba!" Munk elated. The red queen was surprised to see him like this, it was completely out of character for him to express himself too strongly in any way. It was nice to see their protector in a new light. Some cats just surprised you from time to time and now it was Munk's turn. The two cats continued to talk about he and Alonzo for a while and didn't notice an irate Tugger sneaking into Alonzo's den.
Alonzo was napping peacefully on his bed and was curled up hugging a cushion. Tugger – feeling frustrated that he'd been embarrassed so – snuck in through the doorway to cause some trouble. It was in his very nature to be awfully annoying and there was nothing he enjoyed more than a horrible muddle. He slunk over to the sleeping form of Alonzo and sat down gently beside him. He looked at the quiet tom breath gently and liked the delicate features of his face. He reached out his paw and began to gently rub the patched tom's cheek as he slept and he smirked when he elicited a gentle moan from him. Alonzo shuffled gently and slowly blinked his eyes open. He awoke expecting to see his new lover caressing him but was surprised to see the Rum Tum Tugger gazing down lustfully.
"Hey, 'Lonzy" said the maned tom
"Tugger, what are you doing?" asked Alonzo with frustration as he sat up and attempted to shake the sleep from his head
"Just watching you sleep. You know you're incredibly cute when you're napping"
"Get out, Tug" commanded Alonzo feeling his privacy invaded.
"Oh, come on, babe. Let me stay a while"
"Why?"
"I could make it worth your while" Tugger said winking
"Do you ever turn it off?" Alonzo asked exasperatedly
"It doesn't have an off switch" said Tugger as he looped his thumbs into his belt and motioned towards his crotch.
"For Everlasting's sake, Tugger! I'm dating your brother!"
"He doesn't have to know. Come on, I won't tell him"
Alonzo shoved him off of the bed and went to remove him from the den. Tugger didn't protest, he just smirked some more and went towards where Alonzo was pushing him.
"As I've said before, the offer's still there" Tugger said with a wink as he left the den.
Alonzo remained inside feeling somewhat violated. Tugger had entered while he was sleeping and had propositioned him like it was everyday chitchat. How was he meant to feel? Angry? Flattered? Disgusted? He decided to try and put it out of his mind, after all it was just Tugger being a jerk. Still, he was incredibly sexy. Never mind, he'd gotten the right brother. A few minutes later he left the den himself and went to find Munk for some smooching.
Macavity had assembled many of his henchcats to inform them of his evil plans. They were all jet-black toms with wild fur and they all had a look about them which said danger. Macavity was specific in who he chose to do his bidding, he needed to convey the right kind of image so others would be scared of him. As he spoke he told them what he wanted; he needed information on two toms: Munkustrap and Alonzo. He needed to know what kind of relationship they had and how much they meant to each other. He needed to know any weaknesses and of any opportunities there might be for him to strike. Most of all he needed to know how bad it would be for Munkustrap to lose this particular tom and what lengths he would go to in order to save him. Macavity dispersed them after he had given them orders and sat back to wait. It would take time – a lot of time – but one way or another he would make Munk's life hell.
Wow that was long, about 7,500 words in fact. Can you see why it's taking so long for me to update, I mean 3-4 days between chapters? Madness! Lol. The next one will be up fairly soon, keep looking out for it.
Thanks for reading, reviews are most welcome.