I've been a huge fan of CATS ever since I saw it this past March. I fell in love with the music, chereography, and of course the characters. I've been reading a lot of Cats fanfiction lately and I've had this idea for a while now. I really should be focusing on my story, Decode right now but I just really feel like this idea is going to plague me unless I write it down. And for those of you who are reading Decode, don't worry, I'm not going to stop updating. This is just another side project that I've been wanting to write. So here it is. I hope someone out there reads this and likes it.

Before I began, since I am relatively new to the Cats fandom, I'll give you a brief description of the setting and what to expect.

This story is going to take place about a year after the previous Jellicle Ball where Grizabella was sent up to the Heavyside Lair. As you can see by the summary, this is going to be a Plato/Jemima fic. Why you might ask? Because I simply love this couple and just the characters in general. I have absolutely nothing against Victoria or her and Plato as a couple. I just wanted to try something different since people seem to always pair Victoria with either Plato or Mistofelees. FYI just because this is a Plato/Jem fic doesn't mean that this going to be a Vicky/Misto fic. I'm sorry but I just don't like them as a couple. I prefer them as siblings and so that is how it shall be. Lets see, I should also mention that Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are also siblings and not a couple in this story. Not to worry though, I'll try to see to it that all the cats get love. So I believe thats it then. The relationships between the cats will be explained within the story. So without further a do, my first and possibly only Cats fanfiction. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Cats. Cats belongs to T.S Eliot and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Chapter 1

It was a normal, sunny day in the junkyard. The Jellicles were going about there usual business. The adult toms and queens were sunbathing, talking amongst themselves and spending quality time with their mates while discussing their kits. The said kittens were probably out playing amongst themselves, they thought, having fun and not a care in the world. This was going to be an eventful year for some proud parents and their children. At this upcoming ball, the teenage cats Pouncival, Tumblebrutus, Etcetera, Electra, and Jemima, would become adult toms and queens. While their parents were excited for them, like any other good parent would be, they were also worried and distraught in thinking that their children were going to be all grown up. The couples were primarly focusing on their own kittens. Jellyorum and Asparagus were keeping a close watch on their youngest son, Pouncival and daughter Electra, while Jennyanydots and Skimble were watching over their son Tumblebrutus and their daughter Etcetera. Since each of their kittens had grown up together, they were all good friends with each other and their parents had secretly hoped that they would find mates amongst each other as well, as it was tradition for the Jellicles to choose a mate as they become adults. While everyone was focusing on their own children, most of the tribe also had their eyes on one particular young queen. That was none other than the beautiful calico, Jemima, daughter of Munkustrap and Demeter. As the daugher of the Jellicle protector, this was an especially big year for the young queen. Many had high expectations of her while some found it hard to believe that she was becoming an adult because she was so small and the youngest of all the kits. Those who knew who well knew that although she was small, she was quite bright and mature for her age. Her parents, particulary her father, Munkustrap, were both excited and nervous for her. Mostly nervous.

"Oh, I just can't believe it's already happening! Our little kittens are growing up! Soon they'll choose their mates, have their own dens, and have their own kittens! Then they'll forget all about me!", sobbed Jenny

"There, there, dear. Now stop sobbing. We knew this would happen someday. We just have to let them their own lives now. They won't forget us.", said Skimble, trying to comfort his sobbing mate.

"He's right, Jenny. No need to worry. Besides, the kittens aren't full grown yet. They still need to complete their right of passage and that won't happen until the next Jellicle ball.", said Asparagus.

"Yes, but the ball is soon approaching. We must start making the preparations soon.", stated Jellyorum who was now looking worried.

"Don't worry, Jelly. ", chimed in Demeter. "We have plenty of time and I know that this ball will be even better than the last, right dear?", she asked her mate who was staring off into space.

"Munkustrap?" The silver tabby shook his head back into reality and turned his attention to Demeter.

"I'm sorry, darling. What was that?", he asked.

Demeter playfully scratched his arm and rolled her eyes. "I said, this year the Jellicle ball will be even better than the last won't it?"

"Oh, yes. Yes, of course. I'll make sure of it.", he quickly returned to his thoughts and Demeter just smiled and rolled her eyes. She knew that her mate was most likely thinking of their daughter. She knew how overprotective he was of her.

"It's hard to believe that your little Jemima will become an adult queen this year isn't it?" asked Jelly.

Demeter nodded. "Yes, we are a bit uneasy about it. She's our little girl, but we couldn't be more proud of her.", said Demeter.

"You should be. She is beoming a fine young queen.", said Jenny.

"Thank you, Jenny. I'm sure you must be very proud of Tumblebrutus and Etcetera as well.", replied Demeter.

"Oh, we are. We certainly are.", replied Skimble and Jenny nodded while sniffling.

"We're also very proud of Pouncival and Electra. Soon they'll be adults, just like brother. It's hard to believe that they've grown up so fast.", said Asparagus.

At that statement, Jenny began sobbing again, this time uncontrollably. Skimble and Jelly quicky put there arms her and tried to comfort her. Asparagus just shppk his head and Jelly nugded him with her elbow.

Demeter sighed and thought to herself. "I wonder where the kids are now?'

Meanwhile in another part of the junkyard the teenage cats were off hanging out with each other. The had found an old tennis ball and were playing with it, trying to get all the playing out of their systems before they became adults. Pouncival had just passed it to Etcetera and she proceeded to swish it back and forth with her paw before passing it to her brother, Tumblebrutus.

"I can't believe the way mom's been acting lately", she said. "She's been practically drooling all over us and treating us like we're newborn kittens."

"I know! It's humiliating!", exclaimed Tumblebrutus.

Pouncival merely snickered. "Shut up, you!", yelled Tumble and fiercely threw the ball at him.

"Hey! Calm down! I'm just messing around. Don't you think Letcy and I are are embaressed too? Our parents have been acting the same way."

"I know! We're not little kits anymore. It's ridiculous!", exclaimed Electra.

"They're just in denial.", said a voice.

The teenage cats turned around to see their older sibling and friends.

"Oh, hey, Addie. Hi Victoria. Hey Plato.", said Pouncival.

His older brother, Admetus, and his friends, Plato and Victoria had come to spend some time with his younger siblings and friends.

"Hi Vicky! Hi Plato!", Etcetera greeted excitedly.

Victoria smiled and waved. "Hey, Etcy. Hey Lectra, Pouce, Tumble."

They each greeted her and Plato. Plato smiled and waved to them. "Hey, guys.", he said. A confused look appeared on his face. "Where's Jem?"

They all turned and looked around. "She was just here a second ago.", said Etcetera.

Thats when Victoria noticed that she perchered on top of the old rocking chair, not too far from where they were, looking up at the sky with wide eyes. Typical Jemima. "There she is. She's so silly.", laughed Victoria.

"I'll go get her.", laughed Plato. Victoria nodded. "Tell her to get back over and hang out with the rest of us.", she smiled. Plato nodded and began walking over to her as the others continued their conversations.

As he grew nearer he could see that she was quitely humming to herself Plato smiled. She always did have such a lovely voice, even when she was just humming. Her wide brown eyes were staring at the sky in wonder. Her moment of peace was interrupted when she heard a cough. She slightly jumped startled. She looked down to see her friend smirking at her.

"Daydreaming again, I see.", he said.

"Plato, how long have you been sitting there?", she asked.

"Not long.", he replied.

"When did you get here?", she asked.

"Just got here with Vicky and Admetus. Everyone's waiting for you."

"Oh. Alright." She jumped off of the rocking chair and landed on her feet next to Plato. She gave him a friendly nuzzle. Then she playfully swiped his nose.

"Ouch!", he said, rubbing his nose. "What was that for?"

"For interrupting my quiet time.", she smiled.

"Oh, sorry.", he said sarcastically before pulling her into a loose headlock and rubbing his hands through her fur.

Jemima laughed. "Hey! Plato, stop! You're messing up my head fur."

"That's what you get fro scratching my nose.", he laughed as well then released his grip on her. She rose to her feet and tried to straight out her head fur

"Okay, now we're even.", he said.

"Fine.", she replied. "Race you back to the others?"

"It's not that far anyway.", he replied.

Jemima responded by turning on her heels and began running. Plato sighed and chased after her. Even though she got a headstart, it was Plato who made it back first.

"No fair, you cheated.", said Jemima.

"I didn't cheat. I'm just faster than you.", he said with a mock smugness.

She stuck her tongue out at him and he laughed. They always messed around with each other like this. Although Plato was older than Jemima, they had been friends since kittenhood. Best friends as a matter of fact. They always played together, and could tell each other anything. "Where were you Jemi?", asked Victoria.

"Yeah, you're missing out on all the fun.", said Etcetera.

Jemima shrugged. "I got bored and went to go look up at the sky to think."

Victoria laughed. "Of course you were." She walked over Jemima and gave her hug.

"Come now, join the others.", she said.

"Okay. What are we doing now?"

"We got tired of playing with the ball too so now we're talking about the upcoming ball.", said Electra.

"I'm so excited! I can't wait to be a queen! Maybe then Tugger will notice me!", exclaimed Etcetera.

Pouncival rolled his eyes. "Whatever. I just can't wait to be a full grown tom. Then the babes will be all over me. Maybe even Bomba.", he said, casually looking at Etcetera to see her reaction but she just laughed.

"I can't wait to be to be able to go hunting on my own and go on the late night trains with dad.", said Tumble

"I just want our parents to start treating us like equals and stop treating us like babies.", said Electra.

"Believe me. It's going to take them a while to fully take it in.", said Admetus.

"What about you Jemi? Are you excited for the ball?", asked Victoria.

"Of course I am.", she smiled. "I guess I'm just a little nervous too."

"It's alright, Jem. you'll be fine. Nothing to be nervous about. ", said Plato

"Easy for you to say. You're already grown up and have a mate.", teased Tumble.

Victoria edged closer to Plato and he wrapped his arms around her. Jemima smiled at her two friends.

It was through Jemima, that Plato met Victoria. Victoria and her brother Mistofelees were new to the tribe and Jemima, with her sweet nature, was one of the first to greet them and become good friends with Victoria. Soon everyone began to take a liking to both Victoria and Misto and they started to fit right in. Many toms had taken a particular interest in Victoria for her dazzling all white fur and her graceful dancing skills. Victoria however was only interested in one tom, and that was none other than Plato. When Jemima noticed this, she quickly did what she could to see that her two friends spend more time together, alone. Soon Victoria was head over heels for Plato and he also like her very much. Jemima and many others were thrilled when the two became mates at the previous ball and Victoria was beyond grateful to her friend. Jemima was pleased that her two best friends had found each other and at the same time she couldn't help but be just a bit jealous. She two had longed to find a mate and becam a full fledged queen. As a matter of fact, many had thought that if Jemima were older and if Victoria had not come into the picture, that she and Plato would have became mates since they were so close. Alas, it seemed that it wasn't meant to be for Jemima. A huge downside for her, of being the only daughter of the Jellicle protector and soon to be leader, was that her mate be chosen for her. She knew that it had happened before and it had not turned out so bad. Jellyorum and Asparagus were chosen for each other as were her parents Demeter and Munkustrap, and both couples were very happy togther. At the same time, Jemima wished that she could find someone and fall in love like her friends would be able to when they came of age.

"Well I for one, am very excited!", shouted Etcetera

"You said that already Etcy.", laughed Electra.

"Well I am!", she saidwith an exagerrated claim.

Everyone laughed and continued to talk and joke about the ball until it the sun started to set. They all knew that they had to be home before it got dark or else their parents and human owners would worry. So they began to go their separate ways, saying their goodbyes. Jemima had been lucky enough to be adopted by a nice family who were friends of the family that owned Demeter and Munkustrap. Plus the families house wasn't too far away from the junkyard. Plato had offered to walk her home since Victoria had to go visit Mistofelees Plato and victoria became mates, she moved into his den so Misto was left alone. Walking Jemima home was just like old times for them. Plato used to walk Jemima home everyday when they were kittens. He was a stray so he didn't mind the walking distance to and from the junkyard.

"Is everything okay, Jem?, asked Plato, looking concerned. "You were unsually quiet today when we were hanging with everyone."

"I'm okay, really Plato. don't worry about me.", she replied, trying to soun convincing.

"C'mon, Jem. We've been friends for a long time. I know you better than that and I can something's bothering you."

Jemima sighed. He was right. "Well..", she hesitated. "I guess I'm just a little scared, about the ball."

"Why?"

"Because, my dad's the tribe protector and when Old Deuteronamy retires, he'll take over as the Jellicle leader. I don't know, I guess i just feel like all eyes on me, that everyone's expecting to be the perfect queen. What if I let everyone down?"

They both halted for a moment and Plato rested his paw on her shoulder.

"Jem, just relax, you'll be fine. You won't let everyone down. Besides, the most important thing is that you do what you think is right. Don't worry so much about what others think of you. And you're already an amazing queen so there's nothing to be scared about."

"Really?", she asked, trying to choke up the tears forming in her eyes.

Plato nodded and smiled. "Really. You can do it, Jem. I believe in you."

"Thanks, Plato.", she smiled.

They continued to walk until they finally approached her owners house.

"Well, thanks for walking me all this way, Plato. And for the pep talk. I really appreciate it.", she smiled.

"Anytime. You know I'm here for you, Jem."

"I know. You're a wonderful friend, Plato."

They smiled at each other for a moment. "Well, I should head back before gets worried.", he said.

"Yeah, right. Don't want to keep her waiting."

"See you tomorrow then?"

"You bet. "

"Right. Goodnight, Jem."

"Goodnight, Plato."

She watched as he walked back into the night. Funny, she began to feel unusually sad as he left, as if a great loneliness was creeping over her. She shook it off. She was just tired she thought to herself. She walked to the side of her humans house where they had a cat door. She went through the door to find her youngest owner in the kitchen.

"There you are, Iris. I was beginning to worry.', said the small human girl.

Jemima mewed and rubbed up against her leg, purring. The little girl smiled and picked her up. She went to sit on the couch in her living room and began to scratch behind Jemima's ears. 'That feels nice.', thought Jemima. She purred as the little girl began stroking her fur, making her feel very relaxed. Soon she drifted off to sleep, with hopes that tomorrow be a better day.

So what do you think? Please review and let me know! :)