Munkustrap found himself awake before the sun had set once again.

It happened a lot more often with the lead up to the Jellicle Ball. Bustopher Jones and Gus had arrived the previous night with Skimbleshanks, both toms approving of the new space. Munkustrap had greeted them with the utmost respect, trying to pass himself off as an adult…but it was clear they only wanted to speak to Jenny, Jellylorum and Asparagus.

Bombalurina and Alonzo played with the infants, while Munkustrap ran around – making last minute preparations. It had him stressed beyond belief, and even when he had done everything, he was still looking for something else to do.

His list of jobs had gotten so redundant that it included trying to groom Tugger's mane, and rearranging the trash piles for a more pleasing aesthetic.

Jellylorum eventually had to force Munkustrap into his den and threatened to exclude him from the Ball if he left. Not even that could get him to relax enough to rest. He paced in his den, mentally ticking through everything he had to get ready for the ball over and over again, until Jellylorum finally let him out again.

But finally, it was the night of the ball.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Jellylorum asked, her eyes lifting to the skies as the sun started to set.

Munkustrap nodded, his heart pounding beneath his tiny chest, "Yes, of course…"

"Asparagus doesn't mind-"

"It's okay…" Munkustrap gave her a gentle smile, "I know I can do this…"

And Munkustrap did.

He introduced the Jellicles, before telling Jenny's story – the one he had started to make up in the tree. He sang songs and told stories, including the other cats and teaching them as he went, deciding to save his father's favourite for when he arrived. For once, the younger kittens were allowed to attend – Tumblebrutus mostly napped and stayed in Jenny's arms… but Tugger watched with wide eyes. It was his first ball, and his eyes never strayed from his brother.

The moon rose higher and higher, and Munkustrap started to get worried. Old Deuteronomy hadn't made an appearance yet.

At the moon's peak, it seemed like an ethereal glow took over the junkyard, and Cassandra rose to dance. The Jellicles watched, entranced, as she told the story of her life.

It wasn't a mandatory practice – a kitten didn't have to dance at the ball to come of age, but it was a ritual that most young queens liked to partake in. The toms were different – showing their age through their prowess…although some toms did like to show off for their fellow Jellicles.

As Cassandra's dance came to an end, and the glow over the junkyard seemed to fade, Munkustrap looked up and saw his father.

The huge tom stood at the entrance to the junkyard, a smile on his face as he watched Cassandra slink back to her place next to Alonzo.

Munkustrap cursed himself for getting lost in the magic, of not realising that Old Deuteronomy had arrived, and stood to address the gathered Jellicles.

"Jellicle Cats meet once a year," he started, capturing their attention, "And now – the Jellicle Leader is here!"

Wide eyes searched for their wise leader, exclaiming excitedly when they found him. The kittens rushed forward to greet him while the adults clung back for a moment, letting them have their moment.

Munkustrap wanted to wait as well – to greet him last…but he couldn't help himself, rushing forward and waiting his turn to wrap his arms around his father, laughing delightedly. He had done it. He'd made it to the Jellicle Ball.

Old Deuteronomy beamed proudly at his son. They'd all survived, and they were happy.

Munkustrap let the adults have their turn, and Old Deuteronomy called for a short break. The journey had been long, and the old cat was tired. Munkustrap eagerly lead his father to the throne they'd made for him out of an old tire, sitting by his side.

"You made it," he finally blurted, and Old Deuteronomy smiled.

"You thought otherwise?"

Munkustrap shrunk with a tiny blush, "I was worried," he admitted.

"And how have you been, my son?"

"Great!" he exclaimed, before he sighed under Old Deuteronomy's gaze, "Stressed… but coping."

"As long as you are coping," Old Deuteronomy nodded, "Stress and concern keep you attentive and alert. Without stress, I would think you didn't care..."

Munkustrap smiled shyly and nodded, taking the life lesson as a blessing. He'd missed the random tips and hints – never fully appreciating them when Old Deuteronomy had muttered them absently in the warehouse.

"Did you enjoy your trip?" Munkustrap asked, ever curious about his father's whereabouts.

"It was enlightening," he nodded sagely, his eyes almost distant. It was almost another hint- for Munkustrap to stop prying.

"Father?" Munkustrap asked after a moment, "Who will we lose this year?"

Old Deuteronomy didn't answer at first. Even though he had made the decision, it was a question that was weighing on his own mind. But finally, he shook his head.

"Lose?" Old Deuteronomy started softy, "My son, we do not lose a Jellicle to the Heavyside Layer." he admonished quietly, "But too many have been lost this year. To take another would be selfish. The Everlasting Cat will understand…"

Munkustrap paused, frowning slightly, before nodding, "Thank you…" he whispered softly, suddenly relieved.

He hadn't even known that not sending anyone was an option, and felt like a weight had been lifted from his chest. He gave a little shake, glancing around to their humble tribe, and smiling gently. Break-time was over, and with a flourish, he began with the famous story of the Pekes and the Pollicles.

Dawn arrived slowly for Munkustrap.

He had resorted to games, which had been an idea from Jellylorum. Tumblebrutus, Tugger and Plato had already collapsed in a heap by the adults, worn out from the whole experience, which allowed the older Jellicles to spar and play, perfecting their wrestling and stalking.

It was an unorthodox kind of year, but Old Deuteronomy found himself far from caring. His family was safe, and that was all that mattered.

Finally the junkyard started to light, and Munkustrap found himself yawning.

Old Deuteronomy looked up from the kittens resting at his side, and smiled down at his small tribe.

"This is usually the time when I make my decision," he said softly, so as not to disturb the sleeping kittens, "Tonight, I think I shall merely say well done. Well done for helping our tribe begin to recover, and well done to my son, for the performance tonight."

Munkustrap blushed, ducking his head to hide the enormous grin on his face. The other Jellicles who were still awake clapped – for Munkustrap and for each other.

"Will you leave immediately?" Jenny asked softly, and Munkustrap's gut twisted. He'd forgotten that Old Deuteronomy was going to leave him again.

"No…" Old Deuteronomy smiled, watching as Bustopher Jones prepared for departure, "There is still time…"

Munkustrap breathed.

It would be okay, for now.