Work, Family, and Love Stay Secret

by BabyCalves

Summary:

Munkustrap struggles with his secret relationship with Alonzo. Being gay wasn't common.

His work was hard as protector and he couldn't stay his duties with his partner.

On top of it, his family secrets must stay hidden and that is another of the many things he can't tell anyone. (Takes place after the musical)

AKA: Munkustrap works too much, has family drama, and is secretly gay.

Chapter 1

Munkustrap felt the kisses move down his chest as his lover trailed down. He moaned as the other cat licked over sensitive skin and slightly tangled fur. He opened his mouth, but tried keeping silent for the time being.

He breathed heavily and moved his tail to try and get movement out, not daring to let a single noise of his moans.

His paw found the back of the other cats head, toying with the ears and fur. He gripped and hitched his leg up, pinned against the wall to his office den. He breathed heavier, almost panting.

"Lonz, I have work to do. Someone will see us."

"You worry too much, precious. You never let me love on you for longer than a few minutes."

"Well, we could be caught ANY minute."

Alonzo pulled back from the touching and the kissing. "Okay, but you are coming back to my place tonight. No excuses." The tabby was pulled into another passionate kiss, this time against his mouth and he was able to moan and lean into it.

Alonzo broke the kiss, knowing how important work was to his boyfriend. "Don't overwork yourself, sweet cheeks."

"I never could anyways." Munkustrap smiled at the patchwork cat as he left. He then sat at his desk to get back to work on planning the next ball. It had only been about three months, but he knew if he didn't start he would forget something later.

Not to mention the last ball was an utter disaster. With Macavity showing up, and Grizabella as the Jellicle choice, he knew people would still be livid at this upcoming ball.

He put a paw over his mouth, contemplating on how to make everything work without too many complaints. He heard the rustling on the fabric at his den door, seeing his father enter.

"Father! I wasn't expecting you til later today."

"Well, I figured I would come earlier since I do walk pretty slowly. Also, this ball has to be better than the last."

"Right so I was thinking-"

"You should take over."

"Uh, pardon?"

"You are my second born son. Macavity left and you know Tugger can't lead himself home, let alone the Jellicles. I know you enjoy being Protector, but one day you will take over in my position."

"I thought it would still go to Tugger, because I'm-"

"You are my son. No matter what your mother did. You may not share a mother with your brothers, but you are mine. You are more worthy than Macavity, and will lead much better than Tugger could."

Munkustrap nodded. "I'm not ready."

"I know, but this upcoming ball, I want to announce you as my heir. You can remain Protector for a while longer, but I need the Jellicles to know who will succeed me."

"I understand, father." Old Deuteronomy smiled. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me." The older cat patted the Tabby's back. "Have you started plans for the next ball?"

"Yes."

"Good, I will leave you to it then." The old cat took his leave from the den and Munkustrap felt like he could feel himself breath again.

There was a bunch of work to sort out and do.

----

After getting the design plans, partial decoration ideas brainstorm, placements, and theme done, he felt like he was worthy to take a small break. As he left his den, he realized it was almost night time, and that meant it he was supposed to head to Alonzo's den for the night.

He almost cursed to himself when he ran into one of the last people he wanted to see.

"Hey Munk, you look cheery for a guy who worked all day."

"And you look like a cat who needs to start minding his own business, Tugger."

"Oh come on. I know you've been busy since the last ball, but you should come to my den. Me and some girls have a stash of catnip, which I am willing to share."

"Generous offer, but I'm busy tonight."

"With work?"

"You could say that." 

Tugger pouted. "You never let loose. I'll save some nip for you when you want it then."

"Thanks Tugger, but you don't have to go out of your way."

"I insist you at least take some. Might help you relax, and maybe loosen up enough a queen can look past your workload. Maybe Demeter could-"

"Maybe later, thanks again." Munkustrap left and headed towards the direction of Alonzo's den.

Once he arrived, he pulled back the opening to Alonzo's place and smiled. Alonzo was fast asleep, laying on his back., limbs spread out all over the cot. Munkustrap slowly crept in and laid next to the monochrome cat. Munkustrap was on his side, facing the other tom.

He slowly drifted off into slumber.

 

----

The silver tabby woke up to see his father standing in the doorway of Alonzo's den, glaring down at him.

Chapter 2

The silver tabby woke up to see his father standing in the doorway of Alonzo's den, glaring down at him

"Father! I was just-" but Old Deuteronomy raised his hand up. 

"I understand. Alonzo is your second and will be protector once you take my place and you have had a lot to work on recently. You came to him to help you I assume?"

Munkustrap nodded, almost trembling while Alonzo slept. The patchwork Tom was out cold and basically dead to the world. "I came to him to ask for help and I fell asleep here on accident, it won't happen again Father I-"

"Son. I know, Alonzo and you both work very hard. And I know you have your eyes set on a pretty queen."

"Pardon?" 

"Demeter. You and her are close. I see how you look at each other."

Munkustrap was frozen. If he told his father he liked Demeter, it would take suspicion off him and Alonzo being together. On the other hand of that, his father might start meddling in his love life and set him up with her.

"Of course, she is very pretty. Her fur is wonderful too." Munkustrap lied while making a side ways look at Alonzo to make sure he was still asleep.

"I approve of her, son. She is good. So when will you tell her."

"The next ball."

"You mean this ball?"

Munkustrap thought for a moment.

"Yes, Old Deuteronomy."

"Good. Very good. I can't wait to see you two together, hopefully dancing. She has no reason to object." Deuteronomy smiled, unaware of the fact the tom laying next to his son shifted his hand placements.

Munkustrap almost jumped when he felt Alonzo's hand fall on his thigh. "Well, I should go prepare for the ball and I'm sure you are busy today too."

"Ah yes, I have a meeting with Jellylorum. Good day, Munkustrap."

"Good day." As soon as the old cat left, Munkustrap moved Alonzo's hand and shook him to wake up. The lazing tom looked up at him with a miserable look. "Why are you waking me up so early, dear?"

"We have work to do, also my father just stopped by and we almost got caught this time."

"Well we didn't." Alonzo shifted off of the bed and started combing his fur to be less tangled. One thing that bothered Munkustrap about his lover is he would only brush his fur out to look okay and not actually work on the knots.

If it were up to Munkustrap, he would brush it for him, but Alonzo said it made himself look much hotter and Munkustrap didn't have time to mess with the rat nest forming on the other tom. Munkustrap hopped up and hugged Alonzo from behind.

"Can you actually brush through your mane today? You are starting to look like my brother."

"Maybe I'm the new curious cat~" Alonzo shook his hips, mocking the ginger cat. Munkustrap let out an annoyed groan. Alonzo has really been hanging out with Tugger too much.

"Who knows, the queens already love my wild hair."

"I doubt it... Speaking of queens, my dad wants me to ask out Demeter."

Alonzo stopped and made a 180° to look at his boyfriend. "You can't be serious."

"I'm very serious." 

"Well, you can tell him you will then just say she rejected you or something."

"I plan on it."

Alonzo put his arms around Munkustrap's shoulders, while Munkustrap moved his to the other's waist, as they did a little swaying motion together. 

Munkustrap smiled at his lover. Even a moment to forget everything and be with his lover were the best he could cherish. Although he still loved to work, even if it was a lot.

"You father is right about you working too much though. He won't stop you on it, but if I start seeing your eyes get all sunken in, I'm intervening."

"Well, I was thinking about giving you more tasks so it wouldn't be as hard. You were complaining you had nothing to do and I have too much after all." Alonzo looked puzzled at the tabby. 

"You will get to see me while I work and I won't kick you out unless you are doing something you shouldn't."

"Deal."

Munkustrap combed through his fur, and was about to head to his office den until something caught his eyes.

He saw Tugger looking down and flirting with a smaller black cat. Tugger was blocking most the view of the other cat except their tail and ankles. It looked like he was towering over the poor thing.

"Tugger, can you-" As soon as Tugger turned, he removed his hand from the neck of the other cat and he saw the smaller cat was Mistoffelees, fur much more out of place than usual. "Nevermind, I'm just gonna go..."

"Wait, Munk, it's not what you think. I was helping Mistoffelees try out a new magic trick." Mistoffelees nodded, smiling at Munkustrap.

"Okay, well, good luck with it, Mist. Stop harassing him Tugger."

"I was helping him!" Tugger said as Munkustrap just continued his walk to his office.

Chapter 3

The day was tiring. Munkustrap finished a lot of the planning so far, and the ball was still pretty far away. He did put some more responsibilities on Alonzo, even if the cat works slower than him, they both always get it done right.

Alonzo only had a few things left, and by the looks of progress, they would have most things in preparation for the ball early this year. This would be better after last year's disaster.

He sighed, and got up, ready to see his father for their meeting about what all needs done different or still need to put some thought into. He headed for the old cat's den, seeing Tugger and Mistoffelees laughing as Bombalurina got annoyed with their antics. 

That was when Munkustrap ran into someone and knocked them over as he was worried about Rum and Mist. He looked down and helped Demeter up off the ground.

"Demeter, I'm so sorry, I've just been so distracted lately."

"I know you have, Munk. You haven't stopped working on the ball planning. You never do." She gave him a sad smile.

"I just want everything to be perfect this year. Last year was-"

"Unexpected?"

"For lack of better words, yes. I want to show my father that I can do it."

"Well, if you work yourself to death, you won't prove anything to him. I know you are worried about more than just the ball. You used to talk to me about everything and it seems you are working and avoiding the rest of the world. You can talk to me, Munk." 

Munkustrap looked at the ginger queen for a moment. What was there to say? Tell her that he is worried about becoming the leader, Tugger still thinks he will be leader, the ball, Alonzo and himself being found out, Macavity still being missing, his father's approval, and how the next years will be.

All of it seemed easier when he could just plan and not deal with his own family drama, which were 90% of his problems, with the ball taking the rest.

He  The ball has to be perfect.

"I'm fine, Demeter. Just had a few more things come up."

"Your father said you wanted to talk to me about something. Something about the ball? Did you need help?"

Munkustrap froze. Right. Asking her to the ball.

"I- will you- can you go to the ball with me?" He knew he sounded pathetic. His facial expression probably didn't make it better.

"Sure, Munkustrap. Is it as a date or friends?"

"Uh, whatever you want?" God, he was just making everything worse for the poor queen.

"Let's go as friends and see how the ball goes."

He could finally breathe. At least it was a start to get his father off his back. And Alonzo will hopefully not look too jealous and stare the whole time.

Now to move on to all the rest of his problems. This was going to be fun. Time for this meeting.

 

----

 

A ginger cat, fur like fire and patterns of a tiger, made his way through the paths of the junkyard. He ran til he found a den, holding his father and his two younger brothers. One of his brothers looked just like himself, the other looked different. 

The littlest and oldest brothers were ginger, patterns eccentric like predator cats. The middle brother had silver metallic fur, no ounce or hint of red on the tabby patterned cat.

"Father, mother needs you." He gave a sideways glare at the silver tabby as their father left to talk to the ginger queen. Once their father left, he hissed and scratched the silver tabby as the youngest gasped.

The silver tabby remained silent, a small trail of blood running down his cheek.

"Vity, you hit Munk! He didn't even do anything this time!"

"He was born. He is hardly our brother and he looks nothing like us. If I were father, I would have thrown the gray stray out a long time ago." 

The oldest brother spat on the ground, his gaze cutting through the very soul of the tabby kitten. 

"You aren't father, Macavity, and you never will be." The silver tabby saw a other hand head straight towards his eye.

 

---

 

Munkustrap woke up, sitting up and sweating underneath the blankets in his own den. He steadied his breathing, and relaxed his muscles again before laying back down. 

He tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before drifting back off into sleep.

Chapter 4

Notes:

WARNING: I know nothing about how to write dance or choreography, if you do, please do not criticize this too much 😭 I know some dance, but I could never put it into words so here this is.

Also, I know it isn't the choreography from most versions of the musical, but I like to think they dance different every year for the ball ...

4 months.

Only four months since the last ball, and still eight more til the next. Everything for the preparation parts were done already. Munkustrap started practicing his turns, his foot work, his precision.

Alonzo watched him from a nearby rock, admiring the tabby doing the same move over and over again. When he moved fast enough, the tom looked like a silver prince to the patched cat.

He smiled, watching his lover move and get frustrated when he couldn't do it right.

"You should take a break, you look fine to me." Alonzo said, slowly moving off the rock and to the older tom.

"No, I can't get my leg high enough and bring it back down slow enough."

"That's because you are rushing it. Come on, one more time and let me help you." Munkustrap relented, doing a fast turn raising his leg straight, and as he was about to bring it down, Alonzo held the leg in one hand up with his other arm around the tabby's waist.

Munkustrap let out a silent moan, Alonzo positioned behind him slowly putting his leg back down. "Slow down. You are getting upset you can't do it right, so then you try doing it faster, which makes it worse."

As Munk's foot touched the ground, he smiled at his lover but then started to chuckle. "I wasn't expecting you to grab me like that."

"Me neither."

"Show me. The move." Alonzo grinned at his boyfriend's request, turning twice fast before raising his leg, holding position and then bringing it back down slowly, almost to perfection. "See. Stop rushing when it comes to the leg raise, start slow and then build up as you practice."

Alonzo was always more graceful.

"Show off."

"You asked me to show you, precious. Don't get so distraught yet." Alonzo wrapped his arms around the other tom's shoulders, Munkustrap putting his hands on Alonzo's hips by instinct.

"We shouldn't be doing this out here, anyone could see us." 

"Well then they are welcome." Alonzo said swaying while looking into Munkustrap's eyes. Munkustrap couldn't help to smile from ear to ear, leaning into his boyfriend to nuzzle up against him, forgetting the rest of the world.

He purred against the white and black cat for a moment before kissing him. Alonzo hummed and kissed back. They two stayed there on each other for a moment longer, just savoring the feeling of it all.

When Munkustrap opened his eyes, he saw his younger brother staring at him with his mouth agape.

"Tugger! We were just-"

"Oh, I see how it is. You got onto me and Sparkles the other day and now you are having a full make out secession with Patches. I can't believe you."

Munkustrap closed his mouth before taking a moment to let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine, just don't tell father. I know he wants me to get with Demeter, but I don't feel that way about her."

"And father lately has told me to stop stealing Bombalurina's food, and that's not gonna happen. Your dirty little secret is safe with me."

Munkustrap stared at the ginger. "You want something else don't you?"

"I want you to come and have some nip with me, you, your boyfriend, and Mist. You need to relax and what better way to do so."

"Fine, later today, I will come to your den and we can get into the catnip, Alonzo?" 

"Fine by me, precious. What about Quax?" 

"I'm sure I can convince him one way or another~" Rum said while doing a small shoulder shimmy and swaying his tail back and forth. Munkustrap looked disgusted while Alonzo almost laughed at the movements.

"Later Straps, Patches."

"Bye Tugger." Alonzo said while waving goodbye.

"Bye, asshole." Was all Munkustrap had to say while attempting to rub the migraine out of his forehead.

----

After Munkustrap fighting and almost losing to the never ending battle with Alonzo and his near matted fur, they headed over to his brother's den.

Munkustrap opened the door first to see Mistoffelees, laying out some food for them. "Hey guys, Tugger said you guys were coming?"

"Yeah, he invited us to part take in some... Nip."

"Right, well, make yourself at home, Tugger will be back in a few short minutes. He went to go pick something up from Bomb."

They both nodded and sat on some of the makeshift seats. "So, you and my brother are...?"

"Yeah. It's complicated." Mistoffelees kept straightening up Tugger's den, which looked much better than usual. It was definitely the small tuxedo cat's doing, since the ginger knew nothing of cleanliness.

Tugger came in and kissed Mistoffelees on the cheek. "Sorry, I had to go make sure the coast was clear, and I brought back some fish bones." He set the bones on his dresser and shifted through the drawers.

"Who wants the first taste?"

Chapter 5

Tugger was right.

 

THE Rum Tum Tugger was right, and the Jellicle Protector was wrong, though he would never admit it. Even if he would, every muscle in his sore body was too relaxed. Him and Tugger were both lazing on the old and dirty couch while Alonzo and Mistoffelees seemed to be bouncing off the fucking walls.

It seemed like they would never stop talking.

"Is he usually like that when on nip?" Munk asked looking at the tuxedo cat jump up and down like crazy.

"Yeah, he's so cute, but cuddly and energetic." Tugger said rubbing his forehead for a moment. Alonzo was trying to now do a few of Mistoffelees' conjuring turns, but he just ended up falling before completing one.

"I think we had too much of it." Munk said, watching Alonzo paw at the ground like he was chasing a non-existent laser pointer. 

"Maybe, but you and Patches needed to relax or have some fun." Tugger said, standing up from the couch and almost falling over in the process. Once he steadied himself, Mistoffelees jumped up onto him anyways, making them both fall.

Mistoffelees kept nuzzling his head into Tugger's mane as the ginger just laid there and accepted his fate on the cold and nasty floor. Munk laughed at the sight until Alonzo jumped onto him and started talking a million miles per hour.

"Heymunk, heymunk, heymunk, soIwasThinkingweCouldtalkTothePinecones.'

The funniest part was how excited the black and white cat looked. His tail swung back and forth while straddling the tabby.

 

The four cats soon dozed off while Alonzo and Mistoffelees got drained of energy pretty fast. Tugger cradled the tuxedo into his arms and pet the fur on the back of his head. Alonzo was still sitting on Munkustrap's lap, humming into his shoulder. 

The catnip was starting to wear off and Munkustrap didn't feel like moving. He didn't know how much time had passed, but he was sure he had mostly everything ready for the ball until time got closer. All that he was thinking about was his lover on top of him, and his younger brother starting to snore.

He smiled and Alonzo moved to look at him. For the first time in a while, the tabby felt like he didn't need to work or stress out about life. All he needed was this right here. The people he loved.

He kissed Alonzo's cheek and Alonzo giggled.

"I love you, Munk."

"I- feel the same, Lonz." Alonzo was too drained to say much back, so he slowly rolled off Munkustrap and curled into the other cushion of the couch.

He has never said those three words to Alonzo yet. He knew he did, but he has never come to voice it. Alonzo was so easy to say it to him, but it felt wrong each time he wanted to say it back.

He desperately wanted to, but couldn't bring himself to do so.

 

----

It wasn't much longer before Munkustrap and Alonzo left the ginger cat's den. Once they reached Alonzo's den, the black and white cat kissed the tabby passionately. He pulled them both down onto the bed before breaking the heated kiss. 

"You are so handsome, Strap."

"Look in the mirror, Lonzie. I'm not the prettiest tom in the room." They both laughed and held each other close, enjoying the moment before they had to separate again.

When the two stopped holding each other, it was when they awoke the whole next day. 

For the first time in a long time,the Tabby made no haste to get out of his lover's arms. Instead, he listened to the other tom breathe and smiled to himself.

Maybe he could stay a few minutes longer than he had planned...

Chapter 6

Summary:

Time skip to one month til the ball, Munkustrap stressing over preparations and some more backstory on his family

One month. Everything was planned and ready to be executed. He has all the decorations, choreography, everyone had their parts (mostly) down, and morale was high. 

In turn, the tabby couldn't stop thinking about last year's ball. The first year Grizabella wouldn't visit or watch. Munkustrap's ears fell thinking on her. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he missed her a lot more than he thought he would.

 

----

 

"Why do you have to leave, mama?" The little silver kitten asked the Glamour cat. She gave him a sad smile. "I love you, dear, but there are things you will understand when you are older. You need to be here for your little brother who is coming."

The gray tom looked at her with sad eyes. "Is it because of me?"

Grizabella set her stuff on the ground. "Of course not, sweetheart. There are some things I want to do, but they are outside of the place. Far outside. Your father and Jellylorum are amazing, and they will take good care of you."

It was the middle of the night, clouds blocking the stars and the junkyard was quiet. No one else in sight or watching the two. No one else would know Grizabella was gone until the morning.

The kitten knew the Glamour cat wanted to pursue her fame, but he couldn't understand why he couldn't go with her, or why she wouldn't be able to return. 

 

Even being older, he still didn't understand. Munkustrap sighed. He got up and practiced his dance more. His father would announce him as the next leader. Macavity was still MIA. Tugger didn't know he would be the next leader, and also didn't know that Munkustrap wasn't Jellylorum's son. 

He kept dancing, putting more emotion in.

Tugger supported him and Alonzo, and Tugger has Mistoffelees. Alonzo was his boyfriend yet he still couldn't show his love. He couldn't even say it.

He sped up.

Grizabella was gone, and he had to accept it. Soon, Gus would be gone. More people would leave him as time went on. Eventually, his father, Jellylorum, and all the older cats who helped him.

He stopped when he felt his leg hit his desk, holding onto it as he slowly lowered himself into a crouch on the ground. He needed to keep his cool.

He needed things to stay the same. Before the last ball, before Macavity left, before Grizabella left. Mostly, he needed a time before he knew what loss was. To be a kitten with no fears.

He tried steadying his breathing before attempting to stand up. Once he got himself up, he noticed a certain gold queen in the entry way.

"Demeter, how are you? Do you need something?"

Demeter looked at him for a moment.

"I came to ask you about the ball, but it can wait."

"No no, I just, I'm fine nothing was-"

"Munkustrap. I know you better than a lot of cats here, but I can't help you if you won't let me in." She didn't want to say too much, she wanting to avoid overwhelming him.

She just needed him to know she was there for him. She sat him at his desk and moved the other cat to sit next to him.

"I'm worried. Not just about the ball, but what will happen after it. Old Deuteronomy wants me to lead after him, but I know I would disappoint him."

"Munk, you are one of the greatest cats to be able to take over, I'm sure he would-"

"I'm in love with Alonzo." He hurried out and slowly turned to look at the queen. Instead of seeing her angry and disgusted, she looked sympathetic as she put her arms around him.

"I know."

Admitting he loved the other tom out loud released a weight off his chest, and Demeter holding him close felt like a piece of himself returned to him. Like he could let go.

He stayed there in her arms for a while. He didn't know when exactly he started to cry, but he felt better doing so.

"I'm just, he is so amazing and he says how much he loves me but I can't say it back to him." The tabby let out in-between sobs. 

"He knows you love him without you saying it."

The gray tom let out the rest of his problems on the golden queen. His mother moving to the Heaviside, Macavity being gone, everything.

He doesn't know if he over shared, if his father would be mad he told her about his real mother, or about himself loving another tom. The thing was Demeter listened, not an ounce of judgement on her face. She held him and calmed him down.

"I love you, Munkustrap. You are my best friend in this whole world. But you need to stop holding yourself up to impossibly high standards, for once do something wrong, I'm begging you."

He laughed a bit. He knew she was joking, but it seemed to help in the moment.

The two cats sat there for a while longer in silence. Neither of them needed to say anything.

They both finally got up and Demeter left to go find out where Bombalurina was. Munkustrap wished her goodbye and left his office not long afterwards. He headed straight for Alonzo's den.

----

When he entered, he saw the black and white cat sitting on his couch, fiddling with a toy mouse. "Hey, Lonz, can we talk?"

"Yeah. Just get it over with." The black and white cat didn't meet his eyes, still staring blankly at the toy in his paws.

"What do you mean 'get it over with'?"

Alonzo sighed and looked at him. "I know you are breaking up with me. I just don't want you to beat around the bush or spare my feelings, Strap."

Munkustrap put his paws on Alonzo's face. He then pulled the other tom into a hug. "I love you. I love you so much, I don't want you to ever think differently."

The patched cat hugged and held him back. "Are you sure? Your father might be-"

"I don't care. He needs to know and if he hates me for loving you, so be it. I don't want to keep lying to everyone. About us."

They purred and nuzzled into each other before heading out to find Old Deuteronomy.

Notes:

Last chapter was REALLY short and I didn't realize til posting so here is this

Chapter 7

Old Deuteronomy's den was humble for a leader. Small, but big enough to hold himself and a few others. He kept it nice and neat but full of old nostalgic junk from events.

Munkustrap opened back the scraps of cloth making the makeshift door. He held Alonzo's hand and they walked into the den together, seeing Old Deuteronomy look confused for a moment.

"Son, I thought most things were all ready for the upcoming ball, are you here on other business?" Munkustrap took in a shaky breath. His eyes were stuck to the floor.

"Not business, just a talk. Father, I know you want me to be the next Jellicle leader and that is an honor, but I don't think I can. Not without my love beside me in doing so." He let the old tom register what he was trying to convey.

"You are in love with Alonzo?"

"Yes, father. I don't see myself with anyone else." There was a silence and he looked up at his father expecting an angry face.

 

Instead he got a much different look.

"I'm so sorry son, I didn't realize you were in love with him. I could have sworn you liked Demeter but I guess I was wrong." The Maine Coon put his hand on the Jellicle Protector's shoulder.

"I want you to be happy and to love. Whether that is with a tom or a queen. Though I may not understand it, you are still my son. Your love for Alonzo doesn't change my view of you, Munkustrap."

The tabby could feel tears pricking into the corners of his eyes.

The three toms in the den were all silent as Old Deuteronomy brought his son into a tight embrace. "Your mother would be proud of you."

Munkustrap only realized he was crying tears of relief when he hugged the other cat back and felt the liquid fall down his cheeks. Deuteronomy extended an arm out to let Alonzo into the hug, to which the patched cat accepted after a bit of hesitation.

Maybe this ball wouldn't be quite a disaster.

 

----

"So your father knows you don't like me romantically?" Demeter asked.

"Yeah, and I told him about me and Alonzo. He said he approves and Alonzo is a good tom and all."

Demeter smiled. "I knew he would, did he say anything else?"

"He told me a story about my mother, how she loved another queen. I guess when I was younger I didn't realize she and Jellylorum were together with my father as well. Not just his wives, but each other's."

Demeter jaw dropped.

"Really? I would have never thought. I guess that makes sense why Jelly took it as hard as Old Deuteronomy when she left."

"Yeah."

"You seem happier, Munk." He looked at the queen and tilted his head to the side.

Demeter grinned, "Maybe it's because you don't have as much stress. We should have a Spa Day. You should invite Lonz too."

"Maybe after the ball, if it turns out good, we will treat ourselves." 

Chapter 8: The Ball

Notes:

⚠️ Homophobia Warning ⚠️

Munkustrap practiced his turns for once more. He had perfected them, and he was feeling a lot more relieved. He was ready to face this.

He waltzed in and saw Alonzo talking with Cassandra. Munkustrap walked up to the patchwork and he smiled. He then pulled Alonzo closer to himself by the waist. Cassandra saw this and quirked an eyebrow.

"I just need to borrow him for a few minutes." He dragged Alonzo away as they both giggled. "Are you ready for tonight?" Munkustrap asked his boyfriend.

"I think so, what about you? Does Tugger know?" 

Munkustrap frowned. "I am going to tell him, after tonight. Me being Grizabella's son doesn't change the fact he is my brother and I am his." Alonzo gave his boyfriend a soft smile.

They both glanced over at Tugger, who had Mistoffelees rolling his eyes at something the ginger said. Bombalurina laughed at them.

Most of the cats danced, some sang, and Gus was about to be chosen as the Jellicle choice. Everyone quieted down and listened to Old Deuteronomy.

The leader reached his hand out to the elderly cat and helped guide him to the Heaviside layer.

Munkustrap smiled. He deserved to be able to live another life, one where he can do what he loves again. Almost every cat cheered, clapped, and hollered for Gus.

After Gus had ascended, they all cheered and Old Deuteronomy announced he wanted to make an announcement. 

"Jellicle cats, it is with great honor I will announce that by second born son, Munkustrap, shall be my heir and next leader of the Jellicles." Everyone cheered and clapped for him as he held Alonzo close. Tugger came up and hugged him.

"Congratulations bro, this just means Alonzo is going to have to be the busy one now." He lightly hit the black and white cat's arm as Alonzo giggled.

"You aren't upset you won't be leader?" 

"Nah, leading isn't my style, I like leading my own path, plus, you will need a problem Jellicle and I will gladly take that role." Mistoffelees softly hit the back of Tugger's head. "Don't worry, Munku. I will keep this one on a leash." Tugger turned red.

The old Maine Coon came up to the four younger toms.

"I am proud of you son, and Alonzo," the black and white cat straightened up his back at the sound of his name.

"You will make an excellent Protector, and I take you will stand by my son's side?"

"Absolutely sir, anything he needs, I will provide." He bowed, but the main coon made him stand up straight again.

"There is no need for formalities, you are family now too." Alonzo smiled at the old tom.

He turned to look behind himself, "You too, Mistoffelees." 

The tuxedo's face flushed. Tugger began to hastily form words. "You knew this whole time?!?"

The old cat laughed. "You were never subtle, Rum."

Munkustrap giggled and Alonzo almost rolled on the floor.

All the cats celebrated the ball until a loud roar came from the sky. 

Macavity. 

The lights all went out and it was pitch black. Mistoffelees generated light from his paws which went out quickly as he was tackled to the ground.

Munkustrap stayed on alert, but he couldn't see anything.

He felt useless.

He could hear breathing from several cats trying not to panic. 

Everything was suddenly red and Macavity appeared, smiling maniacally.

"Congratulations on leader. You know your mother might have been proud of you."

"Macavity, not tonight. I don't want to have to fight you." Munkustrap started walking towards the tiger striped cat. 

Alonzo cautious stepped away from Munkustrap, circling to the other side of Macavity. He was ready for a fight.

"Listen, I'm not here to cause too much trouble. I just wanted to talk to my little brother." He turned over to Tugger, who was helping Mistoffelees off the ground. 

"I see you have a tom for yourself. It's disgusting, but you are still better than him." Tugger growled.

"You stay away from us." The ginger tom rose up, and bared his teeth at Macavity. 

"I just came to see you, Tug. And a little family secret." He looked over at Munkustrap, who shook his head, almost pleading for Macavity not to say anything.

"He is not your brother Tugger, not like how I am. He is the son of Grizabella, and he lied to you all these years." Macavity's tail flicked and swayed.

Other cats at the ball looked shocked, others looked in disbelief.

"It doesn't matter, he was and always will be more of a brother to me than you ever will. He was here." Tugger hissed at him.

Macavity was about to strike for Tugger when Alonzo jumped on his back and brought him down. Munkustrap went for Macavity and helped Alonzo get him down.

Munkustrap's claws hit Macavity on the chest while Macavity's struck Alonzo harshly on the face. He winced but kept going, both forcing Macavity to flee.

Alonzo took most of the beating.

After he left, Munkustrap assisted with the three claw mark now over Alonzo's eye.

"Hey, I got you, let's go get that cleaned up. He won't return tonight." He helped him stand as Alonzo held the side of his face.

He walked him over to the infirmary section of the junkyard, and Tugger followed.

"Munkustrap, let me help." 

He got on the other side of Alonzo and took his other arm to help him walk better. His balance was off, his leg taking a hit and his eye dripping with blood.

 

----

Once they got Alonzo patched up as best as they could, Munkustrap told him to get some rest.

Him and Tugger sat in silence as Alonzo was half asleep.

"Tugger, I-"

"I know. I don't care, you are still my brother."

It was silent again, but less tense.

They were going to work this out, and everything was going to be fine.