I should be doing other work but I seriously couldn't give a toss. Never mind about my test tomorrow, I wanna do this.

The Jellicles play in the snow

A year in the life of the black and white toms

Chapter 6

Snow

Days came and days went, the time flew by for Munk and Alonzo. That is how it is when you fall in love though, time seems to become irrelevant and all that matters is being with the one you care most for. Their relationship was getting stronger day by day which was quite surprising to the both of them. They had thought that they couldn't possibly become friendlier than they already were yet there they stood falling more and more in love. They enjoyed this time as it had a certain naughtiness about it and Munk liked being able to let his guard down for once. He in particular got incredibly excited whenever he and Alonzo might sneak off for a private moment leaving the other Jellicles wondering where they'd gotten to. Alonzo enjoyed watching his new boyfriend react in the way that he did as it was certainly out of character for him. He was surprised when Munk would push the envelope – so to speak – by suggesting they do something that even Alonzo wouldn't have thought of. Such things included sneaking out into the middle of the junkyard when no one was around and making out, just for the sheer thrill of being caught. Alonzo had outright refused when Munk had first asked him to do it but his curiousness and desire to encourage Munk's new behaviour eventually made him go. It felt so wrong to be doing such a thing but it thrilled them beyond all belief. They had returned to Alonzo's den later and had fallen over each other laughing. Alonzo was a little bit shocked that Munk of all cats had convinced him to do that but he was enjoying the exploits too much to care. Munk was pleased with himself as he explored this naughty new world and was proud that he would actually allow his mind to run away with him. From time to time he felt the nagging voice of pomp and circumstance tell him to behave but he was having a great time telling his modestly to shut up. He was having fun and he didn't care!

The first week of December arrived and with it came a thick blanket of snow. It was quite a treat for the kittens as some of them had never seen snow before. Pounce in particular emerged from the den where he lived and fell face down into a mound of the frosty white powder. He looked up, surprised at the sudden change in the junkyard and began to look around. Everything was completely covered in snow and he couldn't make out any particular features that he had come to know. He jumped up and began trudging through it finding it hard to gain any considerable speed. It dragged on his legs as he tried to run and many times he fell down again. He eventually made his way to the other kitten's homes and enticed them to come outside to see the wonderland. The group – consisting of Pouncival, Tumblebrutus, George, Etcetera, Victoria and Mistoffelees – made their way into the centre of the clearing and examined the new material. Victoria and Misto – being the eldest of the kittens and nearly adult cats themselves – watched as their younger companions discovered the snow. It was cute and it reminded them of when they had first seen it. Quietly they both picked up little pawfuls of snow and packed it tightly. With a silent nod from Misto they threw the snowballs at the kittens and went down to make more. Pounce and Tumble didn't know what had hit them and they puffed up in reflex. As they turned to look little lumps of snow thrown by the older kits hit them a second time and they charged away to get out of range. They began to giggle and follow suit as Electra and Etcetera joined them. The four youngest kittens banded together and started to throw snowballs back and pretty soon they were all having a great time in their little snow war. Munk – disturbed by the ruckus – charged out of Alonzo's den and looked around thinking they were under attack; in some ways they were. He didn't have long to look around before he was met with a snowball to the face. He stumbled back and wiped at his face with his paws to clear the blinding white snow. Once he could see again he focused on a cheeky looking Tumble who was certainly the owner of the missile. He smiled at their little game and bent down to pick up some snow himself.

"Run for your lives!" Tumble screamed happily as he saw the protector getting ready to retaliate. The other kittens laughed and started to throw snow in Munk's direction while Misto and Victoria went over to help the silver tabby. Munk had great aim and managed to send a small snow projectile right into the chest of a unsuspecting Pounce. The kitten retaliated by sending a wave of snowballs he had made back at the opposing team. Mere minutes passed and the conflict escalated as more cats came to join in. Everyone was having a great time save for some of the older cats who chose to stay away from the cold. Bomba and Tugger had arrived and begun to participate in the fight. The maned tom had at first wanted to stay away to prevent his fur from getting messed up but that didn't last long as Bomba climbed up the junk and sent a small avalanche in his direction. He fell down buried in snow and began to pout as he tried to get up. His inhibitions were soon forgotten as he swore revenge on the red queen and started throwing snow at her. They merged into the larger fight along with Demeter, Jemima and Victor and soon everyone had fallen down from fatigue and laughter. It was a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season and everyone felt the excitement that hung in the air. Munk picked himself up and gathered a little more snow into his paws. He tiptoed back towards Alonzo's warm den where he knew his boyfriend was still sleeping. He quickly made sure the tom was completely unaware before he sent a snowball flying at him. Alonzo flinched at the sudden freezing feeling and nearly hit the ceiling as he jumped up. His tail poofed up to many times it's normal size and he violently looked back and forth to try and find out what was going on. Munk found his reaction hilarious and nearly fell down cracking up. Alonzo was not best pleased and he jumped on his tom,

"You suck! You know that?" he said playfully pinning his tom down

"I was just saying good morning" replied Munk surrendering to Alonzo

"Well don't ever say it that way again or there'll be hell to pay"

"Oh really? What are you gonna do, Alonzo?" asked Munk with a smirk

"Wouldn't you like to know" responded the patched tom with an evil grin

They pecked quickly and rubbed affectionately before getting up off of the floor.

"There's snow outside" said Munk brightly

"You know what? I think I could have guessed"

"Wanna come out?"

"Okay, but no more ambushes"

"No promises" replied Munk

The two exited the den to find the cats helping each other to gather snow in the centre of the clearing. Tugger was directing the formation of a snowman – or rather a snowcat – and seemed very authoritative in the process. Christmas always brought out his inner-kitten and he could be quite bossy when it came to such matters. Munk and Alonzo went to join in and surrendered to Tugger's demands for perfection. They and the other cats exchanged smiles and quiet comments about him being adorable and sniggered privately at the joke. Tugger wasn't aware of any of this as he chastised Mistoffelees for accidentally melting some of the snow with his magic. He had only been trying to speed up the process but found his magic didn't always mix with the frozen flakes. He tried to argue his case with the bigger tom but eventually conceded as he knew he couldn't win. As time went on a large structure of several snow segments was formed in the clearing and Tugger began to demand accessories for his creation. He had ordered the cats to find him several items including a scarf, a hat and some pebbles to finish off the look. As some dispersed he went about moulding some snow into ears for his snowcat and smiled crazily as he got the shape right. Munk chuckled as he watched and pulled Alonzo close to share the warmth.

"He's so silly" said Alonzo as he snuggled into Munk's fur

"I know. He always puts on this big, sexy façade but when it comes down to the bottom of it all he's just one big kitten"

"He's always been like that, ever since he was young" a voice came from behind them. The pair looked round to be greeted by the appearance of Old Deuteronomy. They smiled as their leader came closer and hugged his son.

"Good morning, sir" said Munk slipping back into his usual, official character. Old Deuteronomy tilted his head forward and locked eyes with his son and smiled. He didn't need to vocalise what he was trying to say,

"Dad" Munk surrendered after a moment

"And good morning to you, Munkustrap. Hello, Alonzo" the leader said turning to the patched tom. Alonzo bowed in return.

"What brings you here, Old Deuteronomy?" he asked

"I saw the snow and I thought it would be nice to make an appearance. It's not everyday the junkyard looks as nice as this so I thought I'd come and see it whilst visiting you all"

"It's very gracious of you" Alonzo said trying to be as formal as possible

"Thank you. Now, what news have you for me, Munkustrap?"

Munk stopped for a moment, what news did he have? The only thing he'd really been paying attention to in the last month or so had been Alonzo and as such he was all he could think of.

"Umm, business as usual, I suppose…" Munk said trying to divert the topic

"You suppose?" asked Old Deuteronomy

"Well, yes…"

"Is something going on, son?"

"No" Munk said with widened eyes. He quickly flicked to Alonzo who was looking a little confused. Why was Munk so on edge?

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Nothing at all has changed"

Alonzo cleared his throat whilst looking at Munk, then at Old Deuteronomy, then back at Munk as if trying to tell him to speak up. Munk looked away almost ashamedly.

"Well, when you're ready to tell me I'll be waiting" said Old Deuteronomy. He knew his son all too well, after all the younger tom did try and imitate him as much as possible. It was true that the likeliest of his successors was going to be Munk and he found it somewhat flattering that he tried to be as much like him as he could. Then again he'd always tried to impress his father, he seemed to think it was his place in the world. Of course it was all due to his becoming protector at such a young age and Old Deuteronomy had always felt sorry that he'd had that burden for almost his entire life. Hopefully he would be rewarded in some way one day. Little did he know that his son was already being rewarded with Alonzo.

That very cat had dragged Munk away and out of earshot from the others and then had begun grilling him over his objection to tell his father the news about them.

"What was that?" the patched tom asked

"What?"

"You didn't tell your dad about us"

"Well…no"

"Why not?"

"I don't know"

"Then go back and tell him"

"I can't" said Munk looking ashamed

"Why not?" asked Alonzo feeling put out. Did he embarrass Munk?

"It's just…I don't know, he's my father"

"You'll have to tell him"

"Why?" asked Munk immediately regretting his question

"'Why?' Are you ashamed of me?" asked Alonzo annoyed at Munk's desire for secrecy

"No, no! Of course not!"

"Then tell him!"

"I just can't"

"Do you expect us to keep it a secret from him our whole lives?"

"No" said Munk awkwardly

"So when do you plan on telling him?"

"I don't know!"

"I thought you said you loved me" Alonzo said. He really wanted Munk to be open with his father about their relationship and he wasn't afraid to stoop to devious tactics such as questioning his love.

"I do love you"

"Then please tell him"

"'Lonz, you don't understand." Munk was caught between a rock and a hard place.

"What don't I understand, Munk?"

The silver tabby sighed. He took a moment to think of what to say and eventually spoke delicately,

"I have a duty, 'Lonz. If he thought I was slacking then he'd be disappointed and I couldn't bear that"

Alonzo didn't know how to feel, was Munk telling him his duty came before him? Was he saying he didn't want his father to know about them so he wouldn't be disappointed? Or was he really saying that Old Deuteronomy would be disappointed in his choice of future mate? Alonzo felt a pang of sadness at that last thought and it was accompanied with a little pain.

"So what are you saying?" he asked trying not to let his emotion show

Munk put his arms on Alonzo's and pulled him a little closer, "I'm just asking you to wait for a while until I can figure how to tell him"

"He'd understand, Munk. He's always wanted you to be happy so why would you ever think he wouldn't understand what it is that's bringing you joy?"

"My duty is important, 'Lonz. It's the most important thing." He kicked himself again for saying the wrong words. Alonzo pulled away from him and looked at him with hurt,

"And I suppose more important then me. Munk we love each other, you can't say that your duty is more important than that"

"I'm not saying that 'Lonz"

"So you're duty isn't more important?"

"I'm not saying that either"

"Forget it" said Alonzo as he went to storm off. Munk caught him and pleaded for him to stay,

"Please don't go, 'Lonz. I don't want us to fight"

"When you've figured out what's more important you know where to find me." He shook Munk off and left for his den. Munk was left standing in the snow, what had he just done? He had angered his mate by a slip of the tongue and somehow he needed to fix it. He knew that Alonzo knew how important he was to him but it seemed it was necessary to remind him of that. Of course, he knew that he needed to sort out his priorities before that could happen. He kicked a snow-covered pile of junk sending its contents scattering around and sat down moping. Why was he so inept at being romantic? He spoke aloud the words he was trying to drum into his memory,

"Alonzo first, duty second"

He repeated himself over and over until he was sure he'd got it stuck.

Alonzo climbed back over the junk in a huff and walked across the clearing looking flustered. Old Deuteronomy saw him and wondered what had gone on. Alonzo and Munk had gone off behind the junk to talk and now the patched tom was coming back his way in a state. He spoke as the tom neared him,

"Is everything alright, Alonzo?" The tom had to stifle his annoyance in order not to snap at Old Deuteronomy,

"I'm fine, sir" he said stiffly

"You don't look fine, are you sure nothing's wrong?"

"I just need to be alone right now" Alonzo said wanting to go

"You know, a problem shared is a problem halved, will you walk with me?"

Alonzo was having trouble handling the situation. He certainly didn't want to be with the leader right now as it was him he wanted to tell Munk's secret to even though he knew it wasn't his place. He felt he might slip up if he went with him and really didn't want to go. It was rude to refuse though, and he did love Old Deuteronomy like all of the other Jellicles.

"Alright" he said reluctantly and took Old Deuteronomy's paw as he led him away. The older tom was doddery and slow but they managed to make their way from the clearing where Tugger was keeping everyone as far away as possible from his snowcat. It seemed he would fight anyone to the death in order to protect his work.

The old tom and the young tom made their way down one of the junkyard's many trails and were eventually out of sight from everyone else. They walked along making idle chitchat until they were completely out of earshot, it was then that Old Deuteronomy addressed the topic at hand,

"Now, Munkustrap certainly seems on edge today, I don't suppose you know what's going on with him?" he said in his deep baritone as they sauntered along.

"I would like to say, sir, but I don't think it's at all my place" replied Alonzo. He himself was extremely on edge.

"I see. It must be rather a big issue if it's only he who can tell me. Do you expect he will confide anything any time soon?"

"I don't imagine he will. He seems embarrassed by the matter and stubborn to mend it"

"Nothing to do with his health, I hope"

"No, just his pride" spat Alonzo

The leader chuckled a little, "He's always been so desperate not to look foolish, he doesn't realise that by trying too hard he succeeds in doing just that"

"Tell me about it" replied Alonzo. He felt comfortable talking to the leader despite the respect he commanded from the younger tom.

"I hope his problem isn't having too detrimental an effect upon you, Alonzo"

"I'm sorry to say it is, sir, but it's not really my problem. I feel more like a side note in this particular dilemma"

"You mean it's something he's struggling with and his decision affects you?"

"Yes, sir"

"And you're - of course - not happy by his refusal to tell me the issue?"

"No, sir"

Old Deuteronomy just nodded and looked at the tom with a twinkle in his eye. He then chose to drop the bombshell,

"It wouldn't have anything to do with you and he now being an item, would it?"

Alonzo stopped and spluttered at the shocking words. How on earth had Old Deuteronomy figured it out so quickly? He was certainly wise but his intelligence – it seemed - was unbeatable. Alonzo tried to speak from his jelly-like state but he was simply dumbfounded. Old Deuteronomy watched him and laughed at having figured the younger tom out. Alonzo blushed visibly through his white face fur and just wanted to die. He was mortified that he'd been skirting around the issue the whole time while Old Deuteronomy had just pretended to be ignorant. He continued to attempt to speak but still came up with nothing.

"Would you like a moment to gather yourself?" asked the Jellicle leader

Alonzo looked up and formed one word, "How?"

Old Deuteronomy looked at him kindly and smiled widely,

"Rum Tum Tugger"

Alonzo felt anger bubble up inside him, why was that jerk always telling cats things it wasn't his place to tell? Now a different feeling washed over him, it was worry. What if Old Deuteronomy didn't approve of him? He suddenly felt incredibly small and wondered what was going to happen. He looked up feebly and spoke quietly,

"I'm sorry, sir"

"Why would you be sorry?"

"For not telling you straight away. I just thought that perhaps Munk should tell you, being your son and all"

The older tom smiled, "It's quite alright, Alonzo. I know what he's like"

"I hope I'm, you know…good enough" he said both hopefully and worriedly

"Good enough?"

"To be with your son" Alonzo said feeling as if the next words could shatter him. Old Deuteronomy could see how difficult this was for the younger tom and pulled him into a hug, It surprised Alonzo as he was off his guard but he gently relaxed into the older tom before they parted.

"My child, why on earth would you deem yourself not good enough?"

Alonzo felt uneasy at having to explain his reasoning, "Well…I'm not perfect like him. Besides he's the son of the leader, he should be with the best whereas I'm just…me." He felt like dirt as he suddenly realised what he thought of himself compared to Munk and he wondered why one earth the tom had chosen him anyway. He let out an unexpected sob and turned to try and drag his emotion back inside. Old Deuteronomy felt awful for him and put a paw on his shoulder.

"Alonzo, any Jellicle of such good virtue as you would only make me too happy to be my son's partner. Besides, Munkustrap is not perfect but I'm sure someone like you could bring him closer to it"

Alonzo felt like a huge weight had been lifted from him. He suddenly couldn't contain the emotion and let tears run down his face. He jumped forward and hugged the older tom feeling as if in some way they had just come closer to being family. In some ways they had. Old Deuteronomy hugged the tom back and was glad that he'd managed to perk up his current companion. Alonzo dried his eyes as he stepped back and smiled at the older tom.

"Tell me Alonzo, do you love Munkustrap?"

"Yes, sir. I really do."

"Then worry no more about what I think. You can be sure that my opinion of you two will always be positive"

"Don't you mind that Munk won't be providing any kittens?" asked Alonzo feeling he might be pushing the bar a little bit.

"I think Rum Tum Tugger will provide me with more than enough grandchildren. Any way I can reduce that number can only be a bonus."

Alonzo smiled, "Thank you, sir"

"For what, my boy?"

"For understanding. I thought this was going to be far more difficult"

"I may be old, Alonzo, but I understand my children more than they understand themselves. Don't worry about anything"

"Shall we go back?" asked Alonzo

"Yes, I'd like to talk with the other Jellicles"

They made their way back to the clearing slowly with Alonzo helping the leader as he went. They hadn't realised their conversation had been eavesdropped upon from behind a junk pile. The henchcat who had been watching the Jellicles the whole morning had followed the leader and Alonzo as they walked away. He was under orders from Macavity to find out any information he could about the patched and the striped tom and he had just happened upon something very valuable. He smiled as he bolted from the junkyard without being seen, he would surely be rewarded for finding such gold.

The two were shortly back at the centre of the junkyard where they saw Tugger being restrained by Bomba and Misto with a very frightened looking Pouncival on top of a pile of snow that had not five minutes ago been a snowcat. Alonzo hurried over to Jenny who had seen the incident happen and asked her what had been going on. She told him that the kitten hadn't been looking where he was going and had run straight into Tugger's creation. As soon as it happened he had pulled the kitten up and shaken him back and forth in anger at the his accident. He had been pulled back by his friends and was spewing some very angry warnings and death threats towards the kitten. Pounce scampered away hoping Tugger would soon calm down and decide not to kill him for ruining the snow sculpture. He really hadn't meant to destroy it.

Alonzo laughed at Tugger's childishness as he stormed back to his den in a rage. The other cats just looked on and began to mutter amongst themselves; Tugger certainly could be a baby when he wanted to be. After a moment or two Alonzo noticed Munk join the circle and look over to him with a sorry look in his eyes. Alonzo just smiled and made the tabby feel confused, what had prompted such a change in expression? He began to walk over to his boyfriend and Alonzo began to move towards him as well. As they neared, Munk was about to speak before Alonzo cut in before him,

"He knows. You can apologise whenever you're ready" he said before walking off towards his den. Munk spun around and glared at the tom in horror,

"You told him? Alonzo how could you?"

"I didn't, Tugger did" Alonzo said smugly

Munk growled, "Oh I really am gonna kill him this time!"

"That doesn't sound very nice, Munkustrap" came a deep voice. Munk spun around a second time and faced his father. He looked at him and then looked down to the ground with his ears flattened against his head. He felt stupid and angry with himself as well as Tugger.

"Hi, dad" he said not making eye contact

"Hello again, son. Do you have a moment?"

"Of course, sir"

"Why did you think I wouldn't understand you wanting a relationship with someone?"

Munk sighed, "I thought you'd think I was not taking my responsibilities seriously" he admitted.

"Son, I know how hard you work. Please don't think I don't want you to find love"

"But I can't fail, father. I simply can't fail"

The father hugged his son, "Munkustrap, I don't ever expect you will fail. I know Alonzo will only make you stronger and you'd be foolish not to see that too"

Munk did feel stupid. He had succeeded in doing exactly what he wanted not to and that was make a wrong decision in front of his father. He talked a little while longer with him who told the silver tabby he was still fairly young and had a lot to learn. He told him that wisdom came with age and he was allowed to make many mistakes on the path to getting things right. Munk felt a little better but still a bit silly over making such a goof of himself. He excused himself shortly after this and went to find Alonzo to try and make up.

Alonzo sat patiently in his den, he was waiting for Munk to arrive and begin grovelling. It wasn't long before his tom slunk in and stood silently behind him. Alonzo turned his head to the side and spoke with a feeling of superiority,

"I believe you have something to say to me"

Munk slowly walked over to the sitting tom and placed his paws on Alonzo's shoulders. He squeezed gently and tried to think of some words,

"Tugger's always been an arsehole"

"Yes, he has" replied Alonzo

"I'm gonna have to give him a piece of my mind later"

"Do you really think there's a need to?"

Munk was about to say that there was as Tugger had told his father about Alonzo. He decided it was best not to rock the boat any more,

"I suppose not"

"Was there anything else you'd like to say?" asked Alonzo pressing on

"I love you" said Munk feeling awkward, he knew what the tom was getting at.

"And?"

Munk sighed, "Alright, I'm sorry"

"What for?" asked Alonzo making it as difficult as possible for the tabby

"For not saying that you are more important than my duty to protect everyone else"

"Am I more important?"

"Of course you are, you're everything to me, 'Lonz"

"So you're saying you'd save me before anyone else?"

"Yes"

"And you're saying that's because you love me?"

"Yes"

"And you're saying you think I'm more important than your responsibilities to the tribe."

Munk took in a deep breath, "Yes"

"Alright then" said Alonzo getting up and walking away

"Are we okay now?" asked Munk

"We'll see, maybe you need to get me a really nice Christmas present"

Munk sighed and gave in, "Alright, what do you want?"

"Surprise me" giggled the patched tom. He went to leave then den but placed a gentle kiss on Munk's lips before going.

Munk stayed in the den. How was it that Alonzo had always been able to run rings around him yet again?

In his lair, Macavity listened to the henchcat who had returned from the Jellicle junkyard relay his information.

"And you're sure he said he was in love with Munkustrap?" asked Macavity

"Yes, sir"

"I see, and do they seem like they're really devoted to each other?"

"I would say so, yes"

"Very good" said Macavity with an evil smile. His plan was starting to come together now. He leapt across the room and plucked an unseen rat from the floor. The poor creature barely had time to understand what was going on before the evil tom closed his jaws around it's head and bit it clean off. Blood ran down through Macavity's fur as he began to devour the still jerking rodent's body. He grinned as he did so.

"What do you plan to do, sir?" asked the henchcat from across the room

"Let's just say your little espionage mission has given me quite a good idea of how to really destroy that blasted Munkustrap" he said with a laugh. He threw the remaining rat carcass onto the floor and set about deciding exactly what he would do in the not too distant future.

It seems maybe we've reached a turning point. Munk and 'Zo keep bantering back and forth and Macavity's getting ready to cause havoc. Keep watching for more trouble!

I have decided in a few chapters time to change the plot direction and include some very dark themes so I want you all to prepare yourselves for a sharp contrast. Warnings will appear at the beginning of their respective chapters so you can skip them if you want.

Thanks for reading, your reviews are all wonderful and I'd love to keep reading them.