#oc-icle ball

[theimpossiblescheme]

Queens About Town

I was paired up with @mister-meowoffelees and her OC Virsilia for @mybonesohno‘s OC-icle Ball, and since I’m no great artist, I wanted to write a short and sweet fic about Virsilia’s relationships with both her mate Demeter and her friend Bustopher Jones!  I hope I’ve done this wonderful OC justice, and I hope you all enjoy this story!

“I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to come and visit,” Demeter laughed unsteadily, leaning on her mate’s arm as they approached the great red canopy reading FOX’S.  “I figured I’d stick out like a sore thumb at these clubs.”

Virsilia merely shook her head before leaning it against Demeter’s to nuzzle her gently.  “Oh, don’t be silly… they’ll love you here, I’m sure of it.”  In truth, even if this was as far as they got—even if Demeter panicked at the last moment and wanted to stay outside or even turn back around and go home—Virsilia was still so proud of her.  She knew how nerve-wracking long trips outside of the Junkyard could be for her, and it took a great deal of persuasion on her part to get her to agree to come.  And Heaviside only knew how many cats were scared to death of Bustopher’s clubs on principle.  But she would be there every step of the way.  When Demeter gave her a shy smile in return, Virsilia squeezed her paw and led her through one of the open windows at the very end.

On the other side was a wide room, warmly lit by the sunlight streaming across the chestnut-colored walls and multicolored bookcases that lined them.  All around them were chairs and little sofas, and each one of them was occupied by a Man and his cat.  Long-haired pudgy cats who were content to sit in someone’s lap and purr, wiry long-legged cats who were looking for something to scratch and summarily getting scolded for it, adolescent kittens who were chatting up their neighbors… all shapes and sizes of feline guests.  Two of them—a fluffy white queen and an imperious-looking gray tom—were looking down at Demeter with heavy, scrutinizing eyes as she passed, but Virsilia just patted her paw and led her away.  Franz and Duchess could judge all they pleased… they weren’t the ones she was here to see.

At the end of a room was a very well-stocked bar and a barkeep in a white apron currently pouring two drinks into a mixer and shaking it vigorously.  Demeter paused for a moment to watch him, rising up slightly on her hind legs and cocking her head curiously.  “What is that… do you know?”

Squinting up at the barkeep, Virsilia watched him pour out a bright orange liquid into a glass and garnish the rim with an orange slice.  “I believe that’s a vodka screwdriver… but you mustn’t quote me on that.”

Demeter gave her a bemused look.  “Why would they call it a screwdriver, though?  It doesn’t look anything like one.”

Virsilia simply shrugged. “Who knows why humans do anything? They have a hard enough time giving us names most of the time.”  That got a smirk and a tiny laugh out of Demeter, so she considered it a small victory.

The barkeep passed the drink over to a heavyset, white-mustachioed man in a thick grey coat sitting at the bar, and Virsilia’s face broke into a wide grin.  “There’s our host… come on, love!”  Beckoning Demeter with her tail, she ran to the base of the man’s chair and stood up against the leg, looking up into his lap and giving its occupant a more gently sardonic smile.  “Are you going to come and greet your guests, or shall I have to show my mate around myself?”

At first there was only a hearty laugh in answer.  Then the man’s lap stirred, and a familiar, similarly heavyset tuxedo cat heaved himself off of the chair and down onto the ground.  “And hello to you as well, my dear,” Bustopher Jones replied, adjusting his monocle with one paw as he gave Virsilia’s a fond shake with the other.  Then he turned around.  “Are my eyes finally going in my age… or is that really young Demeter?”

Demeter laughed, shaking her head slightly.  “I’m not that young anymore, Mr. Jones—I have mates and children now.  And we met at the last Ball, you must remember…”

“Oh, I do.  But I don’t remember seeing you at any of my clubs before.” He lifted her paw and gave it a gallant kiss.  “Welcome to Fox’s, my dear.  And please, friends call me Bustopher.”

Virsilia smiled at the two of them, watching an embarrassed, but pretty blush painting her mate’s cheeks and squeezing her paw again.  “When she told me she’d never been here before, I insisted she come with me to see you. I promised she’d have a wonderful time.”

“Is it always so crowded, though?” Demeter asked, eyes flitting anxiously around them at all the other cats.

“Not usually.  It will empty out soon enough around sundown—I can give you a proper tour then.  But first, you must be famished, coming all this way…”  Gesturing for them to follow, he lead them around the bar and underneath into a cozily dark area littered with pillows for seats and small carboard boxes for tables.  As Demeter and Virsilia took their seats at a box in the corner, Bustopher reached under his chosen pillow and pulled out three small notecards that had been printed with menus.

“Take your time ordering,” he said as he made himself comfortable across from them.  “There’s a particularly delightful array of steaks—I would wager say only the Globe is better.”

“Oh, I’ll probably just get something small,” Demeter said, reading over her menu with an apprehensive look on her face.  “I don’t want to eat too much… and I’m not even sure what half of these are…”

“Darling, you don’t have to be shy,” Virsilia reassured her.  “Cats eat here completely free—you can get whatever you want.  Besides,” she continued in a lower voice, “I know you didn’t eat very much today.”

Her mate’s gaze dropped guiltily into her lap.  “I certainly meant to… you know how it is sometimes… I just couldn’t work up the energy.”

“I know.  And that’s perfectly fine.  But this evening, Bustopher and I want to treat you… and you wouldn’t want to disappoint us, would you?”  She gave her an exaggerated pout, and that got another little laugh out of Demeter in spite of herself.  It always gave Virsilia a little thrill to hear her laugh… she did so seldomly, and it meant the world to her that she could still coax it out of her, even in her darkest moods.

Either not hearing the whole exchange or tactfully pretending not to, Bustopher clapped his paws into the air.  “Garçon!”  A thin brown tom with a towel around his waist came rushing over, and Bustopher gestured toward Demeter, holding out his paw for her to take so she could stand up. “Show our lovely guest some of our dinner trays, will you?  She deserves to know what she shall be served tonight.”

“Oh, that’s all right—I don’t want to leave the table—”

“Nonsense, dear girl. You go and educate yourself, and make some friends along the way.  I’m going to catch up a bit with your mate.”  He gave her a gently chiding look over his monocle, a look he must have given his nephews many times, and Demeter relented, letting go of his paw and turning to the waiter. And extending his arm gracefully, the waiter led her away down the dimly lit corridor formed between the bar and the wall.

Virsilia watched her go, nodding encouragingly until she was out of sight, before laying down her menu—she already had an idea what she wanted.  “Now before you ask, Bustopher, I won’t be treating all of your guests to a dance tonight.  I’m afraid I left my tap shoes back at the Junkyard.”

“The idea hadn’t even crossed my mind.”  Taking off his monocle and polishing it on his cravat, he squinted off in the direction Demeter and the waiter had left.  “But you must tell me… how did the two of you meet?”

For a moment, Virsilia wasn’t sure what to say… well, she was, but she had no idea how to condense it all.  Hers and Demeter’s story was such a long, emotionally taxing one, and no doubt most of it wouldn’t make for very good dinner conversation.  But she hadn’t seen her old friend in such a long time, and so much of her life had changed since then…  “We met shortly after she first returned to the Junkyard.  She had her little girl by then, and… well, she still wasn’t quite sure how to be a mother.  I stepped up to help her and teach her what I knew, and we spent so much time bonding together with little Jemima all the while.  I suppose it was only natural we would fall in love,” she added, unable to help a blush herself that she tried to hide with a paw on her cheek.

“I’d say you’ve been a good influence on her,” Bustopher replied, replacing his monocle.  “I could never have imagined the poor creature I met last year coming all this way, even with someone to lean on.  And I’d imagine that Jemima is no small help herself.”

“Oh, she’s such a sweetheart!” Virsilia exclaimed, melting into a fond smile.  “She’s so much like her mother, so kind and patient… she’s been more help than she realizes.”  Seeing Demeter smile wider than she had in so long, hearing Jemima call the two of them her “moms”—there were few things the world that warmed her heart more.  “Really, all of those kittens there are so sweet. I have to admit, that might be my favorite thing in the Junkyard—just playing with them, spending time with them whenever their parents are busy.  It’s never boring, I can tell you that,” she added with a chuckle.

“I can imagine not.  I always mean to visit more than I have lately, but Old Henry is always milling about between establishments.  Not that I mind at all, you understand,” Bustopher put in quickly, “but I do miss the lot of you on Bristol or Dover days.”

“We’ll have to all take a special trip to come and visit you sometime,” Virsilia suggested.  “I’m sure Skimble knows a train line we can take… and I’m sure Pouncival will be able to behave himself.”  She gave him a mischievous smile across the table, knowing exactly what his answer would be.

And he didn’t disappoint, widening his eyes and giving a small huff of a laugh as if he’d choked on something.  “I say this with affection, my dear… but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that.”

Virsilia just laughed. “Oh, I promise he would be on his best behavior.  Especially if Demeter were there—she’s like a mother to him, too, and he adores her. It’s… really rather difficult not to,” she admitted softly, blushing even harder now and doggedly looking back down at her menu to hide it this time.

Bustopher only gave her a knowing look and smiled back at her.  “I can see that.”  He lifted his gaze above her, and his face unexpectedly lit up.  “Ah, speak of the devil!”

Looking up, Virsilia caught sight of Demeter being escorted back to their table by the same waiter and noted that she seemed a little more relaxed than she’d been before.  “Back so soon, love?”

“It wasn’t quite as complicated as I expected it to be,” Demeter said, nodding her thanks to the waiter before sliding back onto her pillow and brushing her shoulder against her mate’s as she picked up her menu.  “I think I know want I want now.”

The waiter looked expectantly over at Bustopher, who merely waved toward the two queens.  “Ladies first, my dears.  The night is yours.”

[mybonesohno]

JELLICLE CATS COME ONE, COME ALL! OCS COME TO THE OC-ICLE BALL!

We've had Queens month, we've had Munkustrap day, and now I present, the Oc-icle ball!

all right so heres the rundown! As y'all know, we aren't a very big fandom. But what we do have is a) amazingly talented people and b) a LOT of ocs. So here I present the OC-icle Ball. Sort of like one giant art trade or a small scale art fight, You will receive the ref of another person's oc (don't worry if you don't have a full ref - a clear pic will do just fine) and you will draw their oc while they draw yours in return! And I say draw, but we have some amazing writers here too - so if you'd rather write about someone else's oc, thats fine by me!

Thats the basic idea! If you'd like to participate, DM me and we'll get this jellicle show on the jellicle road - remember to tag your posts under #ocicle ball

[chunkecheeks]

i joined @mybonesohno‘s oc-icle ball and I got @thedragonchilde! So I drew their oc Aida, she’s super pretty and it was fun to draw her!! 

[jemcetera]

here's my piece for the OC-icle Ball, ft. @sugerbunnyart's lovely Azribell! She was absolutely wonderful to draw, this was super fun!!

(tumblr's gonna kill the quality on this, i already know, so make sure to open it for a better view!)

[storyweaverofgondor]

For @magical-marvelous-mistoffelees​ for @mybonesohno​‘s oc-icle ball art trade! I got their oc, Domoria. I hope you like it! She’s so cute and was a lot of fun to draw!

Bonus Pic:

I also drew her with her name and couldn’t decide which one i liked better. so here’s the other one!

[callicopat]

i was paired with @theimpossiblescheme for the OC-icle ball! here is her oc ulysses... i hope you like it!! ❤️

[therum-tum-misto]

I was paired up with @arrowparker for @mybonesohno 's OC-icle ball!

So here's his amazing oc Zack! In the process of looking for references I fell in love with this guy and his backstory... I love a good tragedy with a relatively happy ending.

[amberry-17]

I decided to do @mybonesohno ‘s Oc-icle ball, and got paired with @omikinz ‘s oc Afrodille!

She’s aboslutely beautiful, and she was so fun to draw!

I hope you like it!❤️❤️

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

Insomnia

I was paired with @jellicle-moggie and her OC, Delibub, for @mybonesohno‘s OC-icle Ball!

Delibub was the first Cats OC I fell in love with and read about, and her story was one of the biggest inspirations for me to create Hestia! So I was very excited to find that I’d be creating something for her!

Please check out her series on Ao3, Life of Delibub! I’ve taken inspiration from it, and this short does focus on one of the major events at the beginning of Delibub’s journey with the Jellicles!

I hope I’ve done her justice!

After Munkustrap left, Delibub remained on the cardboard box for quite some time, simply thinking and staring out at the mostly empty Junkyard. She was still shaken, the thought of nearly being eaten by Macavity’s followers settling a horrible chill in her bones. 

She had guessed that life on the streets would be much different from the cushy life of a house cat that she had known, but Delibub had never imagined it being so... terrifying. 

“Delibub?” The red queen jumped nearly a foot in the air at the voice, and she turned to see an apologetic-looking Quaxo behind her. “I’m sorry, I should have known better than to sneak up on you.”

Delibub took a breath, relaxing slightly. “It’s alright. Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” Quaxo replied, giving her a small grin, even though they both knew that Delibub was correct. The Junkyard was quiet, everyone in their own dens and homes, except for those patrolling the outskirts, keeping watch for Macavity. 

“I can’t sleep at all.” Delibub said quietly.

“That’s why I wanted to come and see how you were doing.” Quaxo said, concern in his eyes. “A run-in with Macavity, being taken over by his magic... that’s not something I’d wish on anyone.”

“I can’t tell you I’m okay, if that’s what you’re looking for.” Delibub replied, resting her head on her paws. “The feeling of being so helpless, and not being able to defend myself was terrifying. I never thought a cat could do that.”

Quaxo sat down beside her. “Macavity’s a troubled tom, Deli. It broke Old Deuteronomy’s heart when he saw Macavity fall apart because of his need for power and control. Munkustrap wouldn’t let anyone near him in the months after Macavity left.” Delibub felt her heart break for the silver tabby, and she found herself looking off in the direction that he had left. “Tugger was the only one Munkustrap would speak to. They get annoyed with each other, but they love each other more than anything.”

Delibub glanced at Quaxo. “Has Macavity ever done this to other Jellicles?”

“He’s tried.” Quaxo replied. “When he first left, he attempted it with Munkustrap, since they were so close, and he nearly succeeded.” Delibub’s eyes widened. 

“Really?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

Quaxo nodded with a sad look in his eyes. “Since then, Munkustrap’s been vigilant, trying his best to make sure that no one ever feels as helpless as he did.” He sighed, shaking his head. “You should have seen him when Tugger came barreling in here. I’ve never seen Tugger that terrified, and I’ve never seen Munkustrap move that fast.”

The red queen cocked her head in confusion. “How did Tugger know?”

“He was out for a walk.” Quaxo said. “Apparently he had heard voices that he recognized, and when he went to investigate and saw you with Macavity, he took off back here. He pretty much bowled Munkustrap right over.”

“I didn’t mean to worry anyone.” Delibub said apologetically.

Quaxo pressed against Delibub’s side comfortingly. “Deli, it’s okay! No one could have predicted what would happen. Munkustrap or I should have told you about Macavity in advance, so that way you wouldn’t have been blindsided by him.” The tom stood, nudging Delibub’s shoulder. “Now, you get to bed. Magic can be very draining, no matter if you use it or if it’s being used on you.”

Delibub nodded, and she accepted a brief nuzzle from Quaxo before he walked off towards his own den. She sighed and walked back towards the broken down car, surprised when she caught sight of the familiar silver tabby pacing outside. 

“Munkustrap?” she asked softly, not wanting to wake anyone else around her den who might have been sleeping. The tom turned and gave her a tired smile. 

“My apologies. I heard you talking to Quaxo, and wanted to make sure that you were alright.” he said, and Dellibub smiled slightly, looking down shyly. 

“I’m a bit better after spending some time with him.” she replied. “Are you alright? Facing your brother like that...”

Munkustrap shrugged. “I’ve faced him before when having to defend the tribe. I hate to say it, but I’m used to it.”

Delibub frowned. “That doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

“No, it’s not.” Munkustrap said bitterly. “But he’s a tom I barely recognize, so I assume should mean that it’s easier for me to fight against him, knowing that the brother I loved is gone.” He shook himself, letting out a sigh before focusing on Delibub. “If at any time you feel unsafe, I want you to know that my den is always open.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose.” Delibub replied, pawing at the ground nervously. 

The tom laughed slightly, placing a paw on top of hers, not noticing how the red queen flushed beneath her fur. “You wouldn’t be imposing, I promise. I’ve had many Jellicles visit my den on nights they’re unable to sleep, or if one of the kittens has a nightmare.”

After a moment, Delibub slowly nodded, and Munkustrap smiled warmly at her. 

“How are you so kind?" the queen blurted out. 

“I never had any control over what happened to Macavity.” Munkustrap said. “It was my father’s choice. I couldn’t stop Macavity from being corrupted. That’s what I tell myself every day, to keep from blaming myself.” Delibub’s heart ached for Munkustrap, not wanting to pity him, but at the same time feeling herself fill with admiration for the tom. “I could ask the same of you.”

“What?”

Munkustrap glanced around the Junkyard. “How are you so kind? Quaxo seems to have already adopted you as a sister, and from the way Tugger ran in here earlier, he’s already fond of you. You’ve already begun to cement a place for yourself in the tribe.”

Delibub looked away from Munkustrap. “I... I don’t know. It still hurts that my humans just left me, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to defend myself on the street, and I can’t help wondering if I had done something wrong.” She blinked back tears, angry at herself for getting upset, but Munkustrap simply looked at her with understanding. “It’s just like you said, though. I can’t do anything about what happened to me, so I can’t focus on the reasons as to why everything happened.”

“I think that’s a smart way of thinking.” Munkustrap said proudly. “I think you should focus on yourself, and discover who you are outside of a house cat.” He motioned towards the queen’s den, and around the Junkyard. “You’re a Jellicle now, Delibub, and you can create your own life now.”

“Thank you, Munkustrap.” Delibub said, her voice shaking with emotion. “For everything. For taking me in, for saving me from Macavity, just... thank you.”

Munkustrap’s eyes filled with an emotion that Delibub could not comprehend, and he simply gave her another smile. “You don’t need to thank me, Delibub.” Delibub opened her mouth to protest, but Munkustrap held up a paw. “I mean it. You were an innocent queen in need of assistance. I couldn’t let you be hurt.” He stood and shook out his fur, letting out a small noise as he stretched out. “Now, I’ve told you, and I’m sure Quaxo has told you, get some rest. You need to recover after the ordeal you had.”

Delibub couldn’t help but laugh quietly and nod. “I think you both are right.” In a burst of confidence, she leaned forward, nuzzling Munkustrap briefly. “Goodnight.”

“G-Goodnight.” Munkustrap stammered out, his eyes slightly wide as Delibub stepped back, walking into her den. 

The red queen let out a sigh as she curled up in her bed, surrounded by soft blankets. She could briefly smell the lingering scents of Quaxo and Munkustrap, both of whom had assisted her in bringing the blankets into her den, and the scents made her smile as she closed her eyes, finally allowing for her mind to go blank as sleep claimed her, completely unaware of the silver tabby remaining guard outside of her den, watching and protecting.