((AN: Time for a bit of a surprise; a new addition to this collection! Yeah, at first I thought it was complete, but then lately another cute idea came to me and I had to put it down, answering the question of just how some of the tribe might have reacted to Munk and Demeter getting together, in my headcanon world anyway. x3

Hope it's enjoyed! For those who are watching me for other stories, I'm also getting ready to continue my BatIM fanfic; I know, I left it on a very long cliffhanger, but I always intended and planned to end that story. x3 Plus for the Cats fans there are a few more ideas on the way as well. ^^ Thanks for reading, and don't be shy to leave a comment if you liked it!))

Are You Sure?

"You seem to enjoy aiming rather high, dear."

Demeter stopped her idle grooming and opened her eyes, having been snapped out of her own thoughts by the sudden voice of another queen. She glanced up to see Cassandra sitting nearby and above her on a discarded shelf, also taking a moment to clean one of her paws.

It was the start of the early evening, and most of the cats of the yard had taken their naps and were getting a fresh start on their schedules. The mysterious and proper Burmese didn't visit the Jellicles' junkyard too often; if she was, it was mostly a visit to see Alonzo, though she would also indulge in conversations with the other cats if she were ever so inclined. The two of them were seated within an alcove that faced the center clearing, where they could watch some of the youngsters run around. Demeter had thought for a while that she was the only one there...but it seemed that the sleek queen had somehow quietly entered of her own volition.

The tortie never talked much with Cassandra on her own; Bombalurina was more acquainted with her, and as was often the case, Demeter was just there on the sidelines listening to conversations. She didn't quite know what to make of the purebred...only that she gave her the same kind of vibe as the psychic twins, every so often. Like there was an old soul hidden within a prim and proper, and very often snobby, older queen.

"I beg your pardon?" Demeter inquired casually, while finishing on picking out a tiny piece of dirt from between her claws.

"You and the Guardian," she hummed back, her ropy tail flicking as she dusted off a part of the shelf to lie on it. Her bluish-green eyes, almost always half-lidded and looking down on whomever she conversed with, stared with a strange mix of intensity and aloofness. "Almost ever since you came here, the two of you have been quite close. Not that I imagine it any of my business..." she hummed and brushed a paw over one of her ears, "It is just...fascinating."

The gold queen sighed...it was a week now after the Jellicle Ball, and sometimes she and Munkustrap were still getting teased over their being so close; though not as much anymore, as everyone now seemed to be used to the thought. "What is so fascinating about it?" Demeter asked curiously, her brow raised to the aloof brown Burmese. "I have heard that from the others, at times. And what exactly did you mean with that 'aiming high' comment, as well?"

Cassandra raised her nose a little. "Surely you know that the Guardian is not just a protector. He has the mantle of the Jellicle Leader to take someday, when Old Deuteronomy sees fit to pass it on. It is his destiny to walk higher than all of us, a prince in all but name."

"I know that," Demeter nodded, trying not to become frustrated as she puzzled the older queen's words. "Surely you don't believe I mean any disrespect by him, becoming so familiar. He, in fact, is the one that started wanting to be closer to me."

"Yes, and that is the fascination," the brown queen hummed. "For as long as I have known him, he solely cared about his duties to the tribe."

"He cares for all of you," Demeter argued. "He has cared for all of you, even before I came."

"Cared as family and subjects, yes," Cassandra calmly continued. "But...cared for like he would a prospective mate? His heart, at least to an observer who did not know him, always seemed so unattainable. Until you." She rested her chin on an upraised paw, as if scrutinizing, with the corner of her lip quirked up. "What must he see in you?"

Demeter was struck silent at that, and she had to avert her gaze in thought. I've wondered that, myself...her inner doubt started to pick at her mind. What has made me so special to him, when he's had an entire tribe of cats that needed him as much as I did? When he's had queens that were closer to his own status to choose from...?

"Well...he knew me when we were both kittens...before I ran and became lost," Demeter pointed out with uncertainty in her voice, after a patient beat. "We were friends. I know that at first he may have been...chasing after that familiarity."

"Mmm...familiar once, yes...but, you were broken when you came back," Cassandra observed. "A stray. A street queen, of Macavity's thrall, no less."

If it wasn't the name itself that made a jolt of anger rush through Demeter's hackles right then, it was the sneering way that it was spoken...as if her experiences had made her a cat that was beneath all others. "An unwilling one, I assure you," she growled back. "And unwilling as much to be a street cat. Be grateful that your humans keep you."

Cassandra didn't seem fazed by that comment; but she did close her eyes and give a nod. "My apologies...that was a bit rude of me. I try not to judge another cat's worth by their status."

Demeter nodded back, her brow still furrowed. "Apology accepted...but you would do well to learn from Munkustrap. He does not look down on others...he helps us all equally." She took a deep breath, now feeling like she had to defend him as well as herself. "And he was always just...being helpful to me, as well."

"Ah, but still, the way you interact with one another," she hummed curiously again, giving that scrutinizing grin, "It is telling. Is it that you are smitten...and he is being kind?"

"It is not like that!" Demeter shot, hunching and giving the haughty queen a rather venomous stare. "Again, it was he who said it first...yes, I do fancy him, very much, and he..." But does he too? Yes, he's said so! "He feels the same." She gave a wince at herself, at the quiet way she said that, as if she didn't believe it herself...all of a sudden she felt pitiful, unable to justify why they were together...or why they would be.

The Burmese queen, still unfazed by the anger cast at her, shook her head with a chuckle. "I believe you. It's just strange, is all...you above all queens..."

"I do believe you've said enough, Cassandra."

The tense moment was then interrupted by a third voice, and this time one more familiar and comforting for Demeter to hear: that of Bombalurina. The red tabby hopped from behind the shelf and stood just a little higher than the brown queen, on the top of a refrigerator. Her smile was genial, but her eyes were intense and brow raised, as if waiting for a challenge.

Cassandra sat up after a beat and bowed her head; to her credit, showing respect to a head queen. "Bombalurina...my apologies, I hadn't heard you coming."

"You wouldn't have...I've been hiding, listening to a good part of this conversation. And I am sure you know that I do not take kindly to anyone speaking down to my sister, nor about her in such a manner. She can love whomever she wishes...and I know that the Guardian sees more in her than he must see in you."

The usually-poised queen had her eyes widen at that, looking for a moment to argue...but instead, as if knowing which battles that she would lose, she gave a huff and stood. She turned her back, flicking her tail dismissively. Without another word, the Burmese calmly strode off.

With that, Bombalurina proudly threw her nose up in the air and hopped down from her perch to join Demeter at her side. "She is jealous...don't listen to her." She waved off. "I like her, but still, the attitudes of some of these purebreds...she thinks that she must have her choice of the best toms. She already has Alonzo wrapped around her paw...but we all know that Munkustrap is yours."

"...Is he, though?"

The red queen blinked, head tilted in concern. "Well, I certainly would hope so, the way I've been helping you two come together," she pointed out, placing a paw on her shoulder. "You've seen and heard how fiercely he cares for you, and from his own words. Cats who care about status do not matter...you matter to him."

That made Demeter's mood lift just a little, and she gave her older sister a slight smile. "I know, Bomba. Thank you. I do not know why I let her get to me."

Bombalurina gave her a gentle bump of the head. "Wherever would you be if I weren't here to set you straight, hm? Now, forget Cassandra; tell me about the rest of your day. I had a particularly fun one, myself..."

Demeter tried to shove the worries in her mind to the side as she walked along with the red queen...but still, always gnawing away would be that little shade of doubt that took Cassandra's words to heart.

Is it really...that strange? Improper? Surely not...

"Oh, there you are, Munkustrap; I've been looking all over for you!"

In another part of the yard, the silver tabby glanced up from his work in rummaging around the piles, to the sound of Jennyanydots and her concerned, ever-matronly voice.

He blinked and turned to stand, leaving his work for a moment as he bowed his head. "Jenny, good evening...you were expecting me?"

"Well, of course I was!" she huffed. "Do you not remember, you promised to help me search for the sewing machine that my humans threw out? Can't ever figure out why, it's still in perfect working order, just needs a new threader...anyway, I was waiting for you to come through on your usual rounds so that I might intercept, and...you didn't!" She peered at him with narrowed eyes. "I take this to mean that you weren't on your usual rounds?"

"Oh, Cat..." Munkustrap cursed in frustration, rubbing his brow. "I'm terribly sorry, Jenny, really, it slipped my mind for just a moment...but you know how it is, I always have a lot to think about already. But, I can certainly make time to help look now."

"Good, thank you," the ginger spotted tabby sighed as she turned to start walking, making sure the Guardian was following. "It simply surprised me is all, today, as you are usually quite diligent."

"Ah, well...like I said, it may have slipped my mind; not an impossible thing to happen," Munkustrap pointed out as he kept up. A little smile quirked his whiskers. "I was just looking for something for Demeter, for her den. Had a lovely conversation just a few moments ago as well."

"Ahaaa...Demeter," the older queen hummed a chuckle. "I might have known. She and you have been spending a lot of time together...I've never seen you quite so taken with someone."

The tom had a soft smile on his face as he replied. "I can't really explain it either, to tell the truth...she was so lost when she came here, and I so wanted to help her, especially as one who used to be familiar to me...and inexplicably, she just...captured my heart along the way. Not a day goes by that I don't think about her."

"Mmm, well, as sweet as this all is," Jenny started, her tone suddenly rather serious, "Do you really think that it is a good idea to let her distract you so much?"

That brought him to a stop, arching his brow at this sudden question. "What do you mean? I don't let her distract me."

"Do you not?" she turned to face him, her own brow raised. "Today you briefly forgot about your prior promised engagement, because of her...and how many other times has that happened?"

"None," he insistently answered with a huff. "Honest."

"Perhaps...but you've still altered your ever-meticulous timely patrols to talk to her every day. Even so much as to let her join you most times. Now, don't get me wrong, dear, she is a sweetheart, I'm sure she doesn't mean any trouble...but be honest, is she distracting you?"

His jaw hung briefly, before his head shook. "Jenny, I don't believe you! I mean, I do not wish to get into an argument with you, but you knew Demeter before, as a kitten! She is as much a part of the tribe as anyone, and as with anyone, I will take time to help her."

"Yes, I knew her, but then she was gone, for months! She grew up, and she changed, dear." She looked at him insistently. "For Heaviside's sake...she was one of Macavity's..." she stopped to find a good word, "...liasons. For all you know, it may be her intent to distract you, if she aimed to return your feelings..."

She was stopped by the very insulted glare on his face. "...You say that word as if you were about to say 'harlots'. Jenny, for Cat's sake, Macavity used her, hurt her; you've seen how scared she was when she arrived, and how long it took for her to even talk to one of the others, let alone me...you think she would do such a thing on purpose?"

"Now don't you raise your voice to me, young tom!" she snarled, making him jerk back, if just a step. "I don't mean at all to insult her. If that was what you gathered from it, I apologize. You know how concerned I get...I just want to make sure that you aren't, even if unwittingly, starting to ignore your duties to the tribe, is all."

He took a deep breath to quell his temper and gather his words. "I know my duties to the tribe. I know who I must become, how I must act. It's all I've known. It's all I've done. And it's what I still want to do...it's what I've been doing when I acted to help Demeter. And I will tell you right now, it is I who chose to spend what little time I had in my day with her, and I who choose to still...because she brings something new to my life, something different; she comforts me when I am frustrated at my day, or discouraged, and when there is no one else to come to. She makes me laugh, and chases away the monotony...lifts me when I am too grounded. She makes me happy, Jenny."

His paw rose to his heart, and his gaze dropped. "I have always respected you and your advice...you helped raise me when nobody else was there. But if you are going to say that being a Guardian, and a leader for the future, means that I cannot be happy...fall in love...well..." he took a breath and looked her in the eyes again, his expression neutral and matter-of-fact, "...Then I feel you are wrong."

Jennyanydots was struck silent right then, letting out a short gasp as she regarded him with shock. Her jaw moved as if there were words that wanted to come out, but her eyes showed that she was thinking on them, and refining them.

She let out a harsh sigh, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. "I would never say that you should not be happy, Munkustrap. Goodness knows, Old Deuteronomy has had his fair share of romantic endeavors. I suppose I'm...I confess, I've imagined myself in your position, when you were first told, and what I would do, and that's how I expected you to be...but you are your own cat now, and perhaps that isn't the best way to see things. Even I could be wrong, yes." She reached up and placed her paw comfortingly on his shoulder, her smile soft. "I am proud of you. You've come into your own, and you do so much for the tribe, more than expected...of course, I cannot stop you from falling in love. But just tell me the truth..." her head tilted. "Are you sure about her?"

Munkustrap took a deep breath, and nodded. "I've never felt more sure. Of course, we are still taking it apace...she was more afraid of what it meant to fall in love than I was, and maybe is still. But, we care about each other...she actually helps to keep me on track if I do lose sight of it. If anything, I become distracted on my own, considering that she's the first queen for whom I've felt so much...I try to balance it out as best I can, though. We will grow from it together, I think."

Jenny smiled a little wider, stroking his cheek with her paw in a comforting manner. "Well then, I can be very happy for you, my little dear. Well, not-so-little any more." She smoothed out the tuft of fur on his brow and straightened his collar before standing up to resume their walk. "The only thing I wonder about now though is what Old Deuteronomy would think of your choice. Again, I don't mean to insult her at all, but...well, were this tribe more strict on social rules, she would be quite low in status. The leader normally just had a preference for someone closer to the head queens' standing."

...That IS a good question. What WOULD you think of her, Father? I know you've welcomed her with open arms, treated her as much family as anyone, despite her circumstances...but would you approve of us together? Munkustrap thought of that for a long pause, before letting out a sigh. "I do not believe that he would object...I just know that I don't see status. I don't believe anybody as below me...and to be quite honest, she has a lot of my respect for her courage, having lived through what she has, and how she fights through her problems now. Had she stayed here, I think that even without someone like Bombalurina to help, she'd have become one of the head queens anyway, or close to it."

"Hm, I do agree with that...the poor dear has shown to have some remarkable tenacity...not to mention her senses, how she detected Macavity before any of us!" Jenny hummed with a smile. "Well, Munkustrap, if he does object, I would not put it past you to still follow your own thoughts. I mean, you just told me that I was wrong. That shows a leader's audacity...not to mention your ability to see potential instead of status. Very becoming."

Munkustrap chuckled shyly. "I suppose so. But now...back to the matter at hand, since we've begun to walk again. Where do you think your humans dumped the sewing machine?"

She rolled her eyes. "Ugh, hard to say...I just knew they put it here somewhere. Quite possibly just threw it over the fence! Why, I ask you, could they not have placed it in the basement like anything else they wouldn't think to use any longer? I could have used it to teach the mice to mend their little scarves. Autumn will be around the corner, after all."

"Can't have anyone going without scarves," he chuckled with agreement. "Let us scour the smaller piles on the street-side; I am sure we'll come across it."

A few hours later, as the sun was leaving the last moments of its warmth before beginning to set, Demeter lay on the front hood of the car that marked the entrance to her den. Legs drawn to her body, paws beneath her chest, she sat collecting the rays while contemplating things, fully back into her own reverie.

That was stupid...letting Cassandra's words get to me all day, the tortie berated herself. So what if SHE thinks we aren't right...it is right by ME...by US. Munkustrap doesn't see it that way. I know he doesn't.

A small shudder passed through her body, and the doubt crept back into her mind, as always a voracious, gnawing force that she could never seem to be rid of. Still...what if he...has regrets? Not now, but later...where will I be then? But...that is the risk I face when I decide to let someone into my heart again. I cannot think that he will leave it broken. And then there are the others...

Outside of her warring mind, the gold queen heard the sound of someone jumping through the junk piles surrounding her clearing. She had only just opened her eyes before hearing a familiar voice announcing himself. "Demeter? It's me...may I come in?"

She gave a little gasp and immediately sat up straight, spotting the silver form of the Guardian waiting to jump into her space. "Munkustrap! I-I wasn't expecting to see you yet...yes, of course, please do."

The tabby gave a gentle chuckle as he nabbed something in his teeth—something wrapped within an elaborate blanket or tapestry of sorts—and carried it down with him. He sat it by the car before jumping up next to her. "I didn't spook you, did I? You haven't stuttered when talking to me for a long time...and you rarely use my full name anymore, either."

Demeter hunched in on herself shyly. "N-no, you didn't spook me...and I apologize, if you would rather I used your full name," she said, trying to keep her voice more even as she bowed her head to greet him.

His own head tilted for a moment, suddenly concerned; she was acting a little more like when they first met, when she couldn't fully trust him...or didn't want to.

Munkustrap took the liberty of moving forward to gently touch his brow to hers, making her shudder in surprise and open her eyes to him again. "You know you don't need to be at all formal with me," he reminded her softly. "And I never minded anyone shortening my name." He laid a paw on hers. "Is something wrong?"

The queen took in a deep breath and tried to relax, scooting closer to him as he sat down. "I...nothing's wrong. I just...it's stupid, but..." she shook her head, furrowing her brow. "I had a chat with Cassandra earlier today, and...she's said some things that...may have gotten it into my head that we shouldn't be together...because I am quite a ways beneath you in status."

Munkustrap let out a little growl, something that surprised her coming from him, and he scooted up to lean against her comfortingly. "Cassandra...seems like I might have to have a little talk with her..." he said with a bit of a sneer.

Demeter, despite herself, laughed a little and let herself lean back into him, her doubts beginning to crumble once again. "You don't have to...Bomba already did. It turns out that she might just be a tad jealous that you've been with me so much; that is how Bomba sees it, at least. I am trying not to let it get to me, but..." She heaved a sigh and frowned, her eyes closing as she felt his warmth, and let it comfort her. "...I couldn't help but start to think that I shouldn't be taking up so much of your time."

"Demeter, come now," he softly chastised. "You don't take up any more of my time than I want. And I'm going to tell you this right now," he said as he took both of her paws in his own, his gaze bearing into hers, "You are not beneath me. You are my equal, as is everyone in this tribe. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. And further more..." he smiled and nuzzled her paws, "You are very much worth my time, and I am not letting anyone tell me otherwise."

Well, who could ever be doubtful when you are told something like that? The tortie felt a rush of warmth from her heart, so sweetly that she could cry, and she had to giggle as she leaned forward to nuzzle beneath his chin. "Well, you certainly know how to make a queen feel wanted...I'm sorry for doubting you. It is just...too easy to let something like that get into my mind. I will always have a little voice saying that I don't deserve what I have."

He let out a soft, smitten sigh across her ears as he nuzzled back, pulling her closer and wrapping his paws around her shoulders...he wanted to be so close right then, so much that even he was a little surprised, heart racing...but at the same time, he knew that this felt very right.

"That little voice...I hear it too. Believe me, I know how it is to be surrounded with doubt. Listening to what everyone says about you and taking it to heart, and having it conflict with what you know about yourself. But lately, I've seen that everyone will say what they please...but that my happiness matters too. And I am happy with you, if you are with me."

She leaned closer into his warmth, letting herself bask in his tender affection. "Of course I am happy with you, silly tom...who wouldn't be?" She rumbled out a broken purr, as loudly as she could make it, before looking up into his eyes again. "But now, as you seem to be speaking out of experience; has someone told you that you should not be happy?"

She felt him take in a long breath and let it out with a small groan. "Not in so many words, no." He smoothed down the fur on her shoulder-blades before letting her go, and he proceeded to leap down off the car next to his little parcel. "It's quite a coincidence actually, that while you've had Cassandra question you, I've just come from a conversation with Jenny. She was worried that I was getting too distracted."

"Jenny?" Demeter's head tilted with curiosity as she followed him down. "She's always been very amiable with me...does she think that I trouble you?"

"No, nonono," he turned to her, shaking his head adamantly. "Nothing like that. She just wanted to make sure that I had my head on straight. And I told her that I do, and that I will allow nobody to tell me how I should live my life. After that, she told me that we—you—had her blessing."

"That is very good to know," the gold queen replied with a light smile of relief. "Still...it makes me wonder now...if you'd have Old Deuteronomy's blessing."

Munkustrap glanced up to her and blinked with surprise. "Well...I must confess...you've just hit upon the one thing I am worried about. He's always lived as many think a leader should...but...he's never said that he expects that of me. So, I would tell him the same thing I told Jenny: I do not see why I should not pursue my own happiness, as well as my duties."

Demeter snickered, ever heartened by his sincerity. "Perhaps we could run away together, if it comes to that."

He chuckled back, giving her a sly sideways glance as he turned back to mess with his bag. "I highly doubt it will. You know you would miss Bomba."

"Bomba, yes; Cassandra, no," she snorted.

Munkustrap shook his head with a smirk. "Don't be too angry with her; she means well, but is ruled by her upbringing. I confess that she has tried to flirt with me before—to no avail—I think she just likes the idea of having a choice of good toms. But I believe that she is happier with Alonzo. He's teaching her to be a little more conscientious."

The gold-flecked tortie sighed and rolled her eyes. "I shall wish them both the best of luck, then. And keep today's unpleasantness out of my mind." She gave him a smile as she changed topics. "Anything interesting happen today, other than your talk with Jenny?"

"Not very, Jenny took much of the day," he replied with a bit of a nervous chortle, as if talking about the older queen would summon her, "It turns out that her humans threw away a good sewing machine that she was hell-bent on finding again. Which, thank Cat, we did, in a timely manner. In return, she helped me with my own quest."

"A quest? How noble," Demeter grinned, her head curiously tilted. "What would that be?"

He gave her a bright smile as he unwrapped the parcel that he brought with him. "Something for you, actually." He pulled up the tapestry, which when he rolled it out appeared in an elaborate array of swirling black patterns against a backdrop of bright gold. "A decoration for your den, if you like it. It reminded me of you, with the colors."

She giggled, mirroring his smile as her eyes shone happily. "It's beautiful, Munk...how very kind. I shall definitely find a place for it." As she took the tapestry and started to fold it up, she laughed. "And look...it's silvery on the back, reminding me of you...it's absolutely perfect."

"I'm glad you think so," he shyly grinned, also presenting the thing that the tapestry had wrapped: a little plain cardboard box. "I also caught a couple of mice for us, if you happen to be hungry."

"...I am a little, actually," she answered with a chuckle and a shy smile as she picked out the mouse from the box. "Thank you...for all of this. But, are you sure that you aren't being kept from anything? I know you usually do not take a break from your patrols until well into dusk."

The silver tom shook his head as he took his share. "I was gratefully dismissed...at least by Jenny's word, since she needed my help so urgently...for the promise that I was to return to my due diligence for the night watch. And I will. But I wished to spend at least a little time with you, if milady does not mind," he grinned.

Demeter couldn't help but shyly duck her head at his wording, hiding another humming giggle behind her paw. "Most certainly not, my dear Guardian."

They leaped back onto the car with their little picnic, the tom giving her a playful nudge as they sat close against one another and ate, watching the sun's slow passing and the bright, hopeful colors that it left in its wake. Throughout this moment of small, satisfying bites and small talk, Demeter would feel her nagging doubt chased away by her racing heart and the rumble of gentle purring.

Over the next few days, Demeter would notice in her interactions with the other cats that any teasing or tensions over her (fairly new) relationship with Munkustrap had been toned down, if not eradicated altogether. She'd wondered if it was a combination of his and Bombalurina's influence (and then, she thought, Jenny's as well) that seemed to spread about it...but whatever it was, she was finding herself once again at ease...status never did matter with the Jellicles, after all. Despite what ranking she could have had, she was still a part of the family over all.

Cassandra, as with the other queens, she would still have amiable conversations with; although the Burmese would give her a sideways look every so often that was unreadable, even almost suspicious, which would make her somewhat nervous. There are dark secrets that I must keep to myself...but I wonder if some of them know, even if at a guess. Still...I haven't gotten any complaints against me. That, I will appreciate for now.

Some of the kittens found the whole thing especially precious. Jemima was one of those who would adamantly defend Demeter if the teasing was ever to wander in her direction (mostly from the juvenile toms); which made the gold queen feel both blessed and proud of the little red tortie.

The other toms would be polite and respectful of her, and though she'd still get a flirtatious wink from the audacious Rum Tum Tugger every now and again, he wouldn't act on anything. It made her wonder, humorously, if the toms just knew that it'd be a bad idea to try to contend with Munkustrap.

And still, while the couple were comfortably settling into their ever-loving and sweet dynamic...there was still just one opinion that they had yet to hear.

It was a pleasantly warm evening that soon appeared, which found Demeter once again peacefully overlooking the clearing from her hidden alcove in a tall rubbish pile above. Munkustrap was going to be spending that night with his humans, and so she was taking it upon herself to be an extra pair of eyes and ears to observe the youngsters. She could see Bombalurina lounging below on an old mattress, also keeping an eye out, but occasionally chatting with whomever of the toms passed by. As Alonzo was one of said toms, the tortie figured that the only other protectors with their attention on the yard's perimeter were the psychic twins, Tantomile and Coricopat.

There was a general air of calm over their home that day that she couldn't describe; it was perhaps just one of those days that felt good, and that gave everyone a pleasant demeanor and a smile that wouldn't leave. She wasn't even thinking too much at that moment, only concentrating on her side of the yard and occasionally grooming her paws, and casting a thoughtful gaze to the sky as the sunset colors disappeared and the lights of the city out and around them slowly turned on.

"Ahh...such a lovely night for a thoughtful stroll."

Demeter gasped and whipped herself around to where she heard the voice, one familiar to every Jellicle cat, her jaw agape. "Old Deuteronomy?"

The large, elderly Maine Coon was sitting on an adjacent ledge on the pile, just above her on the alcove, as imposing as a statue. He hummed a little laugh and, with a playful sparkle in his eye, hushed her. "Not so loud now, my dear, I am hiding too." He laid himself slowly onto the ledge with a bit of a groan, his legs wobbling a little as he did. "The cats always put up such a fuss when I am around...not that I do not love the attention from my dear family...but sometimes after a long journey back, I want to rest a moment first. Do pardon the intrusion, I hope I did not surprise you too badly, dear lady."

"Oh, not at all!" Demeter exclaimed in a bit of a hushed voice. She stood and turned to the smoke-patterned tom, her head bowed low. "If anything, I am afraid I may be the intrusion, my liege, if you want this spot."

"Ohhh, now, don't be silly," he said with a gentle smile cast her way, waving one of his large paws dismissively. "You are very welcome to sit where you please. And it is a fine view indeed, perfect for overlooking many of the others."

Demeter shyly chuckled, lowering herself back down again. "It is...it was Munkustrap who showed me the best places to hide while watching around the yard. Not that I would ever spy...it is just that I do not always like fuss and noise either."

"Quite understandable," Deuteronomy nodded with a gentle hum to his voice as he nestled onto his spot and curled his large, fluffy tail around himself. "And please, dispense with that 'liege' nonsense...you may just call me by my name. You too are as family, my dear Demeter...and to be honest, I haven't been able to talk to you very much, I believe, and I've spoken at length to everyone here by now."

The gold queen felt shy under his bright yellow gaze; but at the same time, she felt a sense of comfort, like a warm hand settling onto her back and a voice in the recesses of her mind saying that there was nothing to worry about. Even her little doubtful part seemed pushed into silence at the very presence and air about the ancient patriarch. "That is true..." she smiled apologetically. "I hope you don't think me rude, if I've ever avoided talking...it's just..."

But she was interrupted by a soft hum, and saw him shaking his head. "There is no need to explain yourself, my dear...I know why you shy away. Treated as you have been, you live by justifiable caution...but even now I see you valiantly overcoming that caution, and letting the others into your heart. There is admirable courage hidden in you...that is what my Guardian son says," he finished with a bit of a booming chortle, "But, I have, and do, see it too."

Demeter averted her gaze with a shy chuckle, feeling undeserving of such praise from the Jellicle Leader. "Well...I appreciate the thought," she managed to reply, "And the support...very much so. Munkustrap, he...he has been a great help in regaining my confidence. He makes me feel so safe, and welcomed...he is a wonderful Guardian. Surely you must be very proud of him."

He nodded agreeably, still with a gentle smile as his gaze briefly turned to the yard. "I have always been proud...of all of my kittens, really...but, I have known from the beginning that Munkustrap had the potential to be a great leader. I trust him when he says that he sees potential in others. But," he turned back to her, fixing her with a steady gaze, "Even if he did not see it in you...it seems that you make him quite happy as well."

Surprised at this turn of the conversation, the tortie's head rose up to meet his gaze, and suddenly she felt a little like she was under judgment. And yet still, his eyes were calm, his expression neutral, brow raised in simple inquiry.

Nobody could ever lie to the Jellicle Leader...it was as if she were facing a moment of truth. She took a breath and nodded, smiling as she thought of Munkustrap's sweet and caring gaze; somehow, it gave her a little more reassurance. "Well...I certainly try to...I care very much for him. He is always there for me...I always want to be there when he has downtrodden days, or needs help. To tell the truth, I have been falling in love with him for...even just not long after we'd met," she sighed. "As he has with me.

"Believe me though," she met his patient eyes again, "I know that our positions in the tribe are different as night and day. I know that he also cares about his duty...and I help him to keep it. There are some in the tribe who believe us to be too different...and believe me a mere distraction. But what I do know is that he wants to be happy with me...and I with him. Is that possible, Deuteronomy?" She asked with a little gulp. "What is it that you say?"

Deuteronomy let out a long, thoughtful hum as he stood up again, slowly, and stretched out each of his limbs. "Well...I must say that I appreciate your candor, my dear." He sat again, his tail curled around his feet as he observed the others of the yard below. "So many cats in all of my lifetimes believe status to be of importance...if it makes them comfortable, I allow them to believe it. But, if I were to rule it, nobody would see status—birthright, brute strength, charisma, what-have-you—as important. It is a cat's character, the heart, that makes their importance. It is part of how I choose who is most deserving of the Heaviside Layer."

He then stood again, and carefully, he lowered himself down to where Demeter perched. She quickly made room for him, sitting up at attention as he kept speaking. "That Munkustrap has no sight for petty things is also a trait worthy of leadership to me. He has always been a good, diligent tom...but I have wondered whether or not that his place in the tribe is all in life that he would see. It is, quite honestly, a surprise that he has found a queen that made him happier than anything...a pleasant surprise at that. I knew she would have to be a special one.

"And so for you," he said as he sat down again in front of her, an imposing wall of fur, "I see a queen who faced the world with tenacity, has endured its darkness and borne its scars, and still kept her compassion and strength of will. I can see you two being very happy together, if you try...he will heal you, and you will balance him. But above all, if you make each other happy, that is all that matters." With a warm smile, he raised his paw and placed it gingerly on her brow. "You certainly have my blessing, if none other."

At his touch and his words, Demeter felt a welling of great relief, a comforting warmth spreading out from her heart...just as she always felt with her Guardian. She valiantly held back any welling of tears threatening at her eyes as she nuzzled at his paw. "I feel very honored to hear you say that...Deuteronomy, thank you. And I know that Munkustrap will be very happy to hear it, too," she added with a little chuckle.

His own soft, booming chortle vibrated through his expansive and warm coat as he pulled her into a fatherly embrace with one paw. "Nothing to be thankful for, dear Demeter...if anything, I thank you for looking out for my boy." He met her eyes closely, and she saw a sparkle of meaning behind them. "Just as well, I know that you still have a few burdens that you carry upon you...but I trust that you will let them go when the time is right."

Ever surprised by his perceptiveness, she nodded sincerely. "I promise." When I will is another matter...but, I WILL, someday, prove my trust.

"Now," he smiled as he let her go, "I feel it is time to make myself known to the others, if you would be so kind in helping me down..."

"Oh! Certainly!" the gold-flecked queen quickly hopped up to nudge the old cat to his feet, leading him down the least steep part of the junk pile. "I'm afraid Munkustrap has opted to spend the night at the guardsman's house, or else he would be here to help as well..."

"Ah, no need to fret," Old Deuteronomy grinned, "I will see him tomorrow; I like to stay for a good few days when I visit, so that everyone gets a chance."

Once they were in sight of the yard, the cats all halted their activities once they spotted their mystical patriarch, and rushed forward to both greet him with enthusiasm and to help him the rest of the way down, with more than enough appreciative thanks directed at a happily grinning Demeter.

And as expected, Munkustrap was ecstatic, not only to see that his father had paid a visit to the tribe, but that he had banished both Demeter's fears and his own. He could spend his free time with her, alone, without worry of reproach...which he did later that evening under a bright sunset and with the bliss of hearing her purr, her paws in his own...and neither of them could think of anything happier.