Munkustrap lay back on the pile of rags as Demeter curled up next to him. Subconsciously he stroked her head fur as she snuggled into his arm that supported her head, and her gold and black leg curled over his. His silver fur was shiny with sweat and his breathing was shallow, and it was peaceful just to lie back. Just as Munkustrap was drifting off to sleep a familiar voice called to him from outside.
"Strap…" Munkustrap ignored it. "Strap?" He eyes flicked open. "Strap!" Munkustrap sighed as Demeter moved next to him, disturbed by the voice. He grimaced, oh goody, his brother had decided he wanted a midnight chat. Carefully he disentangled himself from his golden mate and licked her forehead gently.
"Its Tugger, I'll be back." He whispered as her ear twitched, and she smiled and licked his cheek before rolling over. Munkustrap took a moment to just admire her, when;
"Strap!!" he grimaced and made his way out of the den to find an impatient Tugger waiting for him.
"What did you want that couldn't wait until morning?" Munkustrap said irritated. Tugger smiled deviously.
"Why, dragged you away from the clutches of Dem? I must say Strap, she seems to work you hard, you look knacker-"
"Okay Tugger, what?" Interrupted Munkustrap, suppressing a yawn. He really did need some sleep tonight.
"I need some help with Bomba." Said Tugger straightforwardly. Munkustrap blinked.
"Huh? But I thought…."
"Yeah yeah but, but, I dunno, I mean, does she want to or will she see me like or what would happen if…"
"Tugger?" Tugger turned towards his brother.
"You want honest advice?"
"Yeah."
"Even if it hurts?"
"Err, no."
"But you need advice, and would take it?"
"Yeah." Tugger now looked eagerly at his brother. "Go on Strap."
"Go back to your den, and come back to me in the morning." Tugger's face fell.
"Wha-"
"Tug, I'm tired. I promise I'll help you tomorrow." Tugger scowled and whipped his tail purposely across Munkustrap's legs as he got to his feet and slunk off. Munkustrap sighed and gritted his teeth.
"Munk, you alright?" He turned to find the black and white harlequin Alonzo standing and staring at him. Munkustrap shook his head.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just dealing with my brother. How come your out anyway?"
"Can't sleep. Cass's is getting impossible." Munkustrap smiled sympathetically.
"Good luck."
"Thanks Munk, night!"
"Goodnight Alonzo." As the black and white mix walked away Munkustrap headed back into the warm den. Finally, sleep.
The next afternoon Munkustrap sat leisurely on the tire watching the tribe, with Alonzo and Mistoffolees sitting with him. Every so often a puff of smoke or a ball of sparkles would appear as Mistoffolees lay on his back and practised his magic act. Alonzo was half asleep, avoiding the clutches of Cassandra, his sleek elegant mate, and Munkustrap just sat, his eyes half out of focus whilst his brain was switched off. It really, far to warm a day to be doing anything nearly as strenuous as thinking anyway. As the world went by the sun got lower, until Munkustrap was jolted out of his reverie by Tugger sitting down heavily next to him. By now both Alonzo and Mistoffolees were asleep.
"Oh, your talking to me now?" Said Munkustrap dryly. Tugger ignored him.
"Bomba wants to have kittens." Said Tugger, staring at his feet. Munkustrap sat stunned.
"Er…. guh… what?"
"That's what I said." Said Tugger sadly. "She took it the wrong way and threw me out last night." Munkustrap rested a hand on Tugger's shoulder.
"Do you want them?"
"Yeah I guess, at some point, but just, not right now, not when I'm still…."
"Young?" Provided Munkustrap. Tugger nodded glumly.
"Your older than him though?" Said Mistoffolees, who evidently wasn't as sleepy as was first assumed. "And Munk wants kits." Tugger stared, amused and amazed at his stripy brother, who under his fur had gone an attractive shade of hot pink.
"I, er…"
"Well well well," Said Tugger, enjoying his younger brother humiliation.
"Who'd have thought it. No wonder Dem was getting you in the hay!"
"Oh stop it Tugger, theres kittens present." Came a sultry voice. They all turned to find the curvaceous figure of the scarlet bombshell Bombalurina walking up to them, swaying her hips.
"Is this a guys meeting of can anyone join?" She asked, running her red finger nails across Tugger's shoulder fur and mane. He shivered, and looked up at her.
"No, we were discussing how Strap wants kits." Said Tugger, taking hold of her hand in his as she sat down.
"Oh, really Munk?" Munkustrap had gone beyond pink, and under his fur he looked like an oddly shaped aubergine.
"Deuteronomy needs an heir." He muttered. Bombalurina laughed loudly.
"Oh Everlasting cat! Trust you to blow this out of proportion." She said, nudging Tugger with her shoulder. He half smiled at her and raised his eyebrows.
"Moi?"
"Yes, tu!" He smiled at her and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Am I forgiven?" He murmured in her ear. She smiled.
"I suppose so."