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The One Where Victoria Is In Denial

Summary: Angst and fluff. Lots of pining. Mungotoria aplenty. They drive Rumpleteazer crackers.

Warnings: discussion of past abuse (emotional and physical) and manipulation, discussion of betrayal, injury (not too detailed),

Apologies in advance to the Plato lovers.

“You’re staring at him again,” Rumpleteazer said.

“I am not,” Victoria replied, “Simply gazed over in a direction and he was there.”

“Then why was The Look on your face again?”

“What look?” Victoria looked at her childhood friend in puzzlement. 

“You get a certain expression on your face when you see him,” Rumple informed her from her place next to her on their favourite perch, an old couch about 6 tail lengths above the ground. The sun was shining and it was an unusually warm spring day. All around the Junkyard cats were basking in the heat. “You look at him and it’s like you’re staring at the moon.”

“I do not. And so what if I did?”

Rumple looked at her paws and shuffled them awkwardly. Victoria fell into a contemplative quiet.

She could remember the first time she saw Mungojerrie. He and Rumple had been standing in the middle of the Junkyard with their ears flat and their tails between their legs. Victoria had been awoken from her peaceful dozing by the commotion that had arisen after Alonzo and Admetus brought them to the home of the tribe. She still remembered how he wasn’t afraid to stand tall and protectively by his sister’s side. 

But she’d always found him irrationally annoying. Oh, she found him charming sometimes —there was no doubt about that— like when he helped her down a step, or when he danced, or when he assumed a protective stance over Rumple, but other times he was just downright annoying. It was absurd. Mungo never did anything to explicitly annoy her, he was just dumb and cute and good and it annoyed her to no end. 

But after the disaster that had been her relationship with Plato, Victoria was scared. She was scared to give her heart to somecat else. 

But… she did know he would make a wonderful father someday. He was kind, mischievous, patient, careful, protective— stop that! She huffed in irritation. Everlasting cat, she was starting to sound like Tugger talking about Misto! 

A giggle from Rumple brought her out of her thoughts abruptly. Victoria glared at her once she realised what the calico queenkitten was laughing at. “I am not staring at your brother.”

“You’ve got The Look on your face again, though.”

“Maybe I was thinking about the moon,” Victoria sniffed with great dignity.

“Or maybe you were thinking about my oh-so-dreamy brother,” Rumple muttered, not unkindly. The two queenkittens fell silent once more and Victoria focused on the scene below her.

Mungojerrie was chatting animatedly with Rum Tum Tugger about something. His paws were gesturing wildly (Which was something he did a lot. Not that she’d noticed, of course) and he was grinning. Victoria's chest tightened as she took in the way his green eyes sparkled with enthusiasm in the sunlight. By the Heaviside Layer… 

Victoria let out a sigh and glanced at her best friend. Did Rumple really have to bring that up right now? She’d been hoping to nap, but now she knew she wouldn’t be able to until she’d set her head somewhat straight. Everlasting cat.

Rumpleteazer was right. Victoria does love the moon. (As a kitten she had once sworn to follow wherever it went, which led to one worried half to death Munkustrap and an annoyed and worried Alonzo finding her nearly halfway across London on one foggy Wednesday dawn, but that was a story for another day). She loved the way it made her coat shine, the way she knew it made her eyes sparkle and her heart feel light. The moon made her feel beautiful, enchanting, and invigorated.

She’d thought Plato had made her feel the same way the moon did —entranced— but he’d mislead her. He had made her feel like the dirt under his paws. He’d been manipulative and controlling and she knew that he’d damaged her ability to be able to trust any cat with her heart ever again. 

Victoria wanted to be able to trust Mungo with her heart, her vulnerabilities. Everlasting cat, he was different to Plato, and she knew this. He’s a good cat. But the painful truth was that Victoria was too frightened of her heart being broken again. 

Then again… she was tired of being afraid, of always looking over her shoulder for Plato, of denying her heart what it wanted. I should listen to my heart, she realised.

Victoria let out another sigh, a happier one. 

“So you’ve finally admitted it to yourself, then?” Rumpleteazer asked quietly. Victoria looked at her wearily.

“If I say no, will you just leave it be?” 

“Victoria.”

“Fine,” the white cat sighed. “Yes, everlasting cat, yes, I have feelings for your brother. Confusing, overwhelming feelings that are much, much too soon.”

Rumpleteazer flicked her tail, not without an element of satisfaction. “That’s all I wanted to hear. Though I didn’t mean to upset you.” 

Victoria, who was well used to her friend’s odd ways, just let out another sigh.

~~~

Rumpleteazer flicked her tail again. Phase One of her simple, simple plan was complete— get Victoria to admit her feelings for Mungo to herself. Time for Phase Two, Double Whammy: Get her dumb brother to realise his feelings for her best friend while simultaneously making the white cat jealous. 

She glanced over at her companion, who was sound asleep. Perfect. Maybe even purrfect. The calico queenkitten cackled quietly to herself as she stood up before quietly stepping over her sleeping friend and making her way quickly and carefully down the rubbish heap their perch was on. 

She reached the bottom and immediately began her search for her latest partner in crime. “Cettie?” Rumple hissed. “Etcetera!” 

Munkustrap glanced up sleepily from where he was dozing on his favourite car boot with Alonzo and narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “You’d better not be getting up to mischief, Rumple. It’s far too warm today to be dealing with your shenanigans.”

The queenkitten gave her best angelic smile. “Trust me, o wise leader, you’ll thank me for this specific piece of mischief,” She replied before scampering off. (Munk put his head in his paws despairingly, eliciting a sympathetic pat from a sleepy Alonzo.)

Rumple eventually located Etcetera visiting in the nursery. “Feeling nostalgic?” She teased. 

Etcetera stuck out her tongue. “What do you want, anyway?”

Rumple grinned. “Operation: Mungotoria is underway. Phase One is complete.”

The other queenkitten’s jaw dropped. “By the Heaviside Layer! Vic actually admitted it then?” 

The calico nodded. “Witnessed it myself. Phase Two is a-go.”

A wide grin spread across Etcetera’s face. 

~~~

Now, Victoria didn’t consider herself to be a stupid cat, but she could not for the life of her figure out what was going on. 

She did know she didn’t like it, though.

The queenkitten found herself tracking every little movement Etcetera made— every giggle, every time her lips turned up at the corner, every time she batted her eyelashes— at Mungojerrie. 

Victoria was utterly confused. Cettie, who’d never shown even the smallest hint of interest in Mungojerrie— Everlasting cat, she’d called him an idiot many times (but was it affectionate? Victoria was questioning all their interactions now)— Cettie was flirting with Mungojerrie.

And the white cat did not like it one bit. But she decided to play it cool. Pretend you don’t even notice, she told herself, act totally unbothered. 

She thought she was doing a pretty good job of seeming unbothered, but Mistoffelees had always been able to see through her. He stretched out beside her on the tire she was currently lying moodily on and followed her gaze to where Etcetera was still flirting with Mungojerrie.

“A few cats other than myself can tell you’re jealous,” Misto told her quietly. Victoria looked at him.

“Am I at least doing a good job of not looking like it?” She asked him grouchily, not trying to deny it. Her adopted brother would call her out on the lie before she could finish the sentence.

Misto tilted his head thoughtfully, keeping his gaze trained on the cats on the other side of the Junkyard. “A cat who knew you well could tell.”

Victoria sighed and looked back towards Mungojerrie and Etcetera again, “Great, that means Rumpleteazer can tell.”

Misto chuckled. “So can Munkustrap and Alonzo,” he informed her, looking over to his left. Victoria craned her neck around him and caught sight of the two toms watching them. Victoria groaned. 

“Is Munk worried?” The grey tabby was overprotective on a good day. Since her disastrous relationship with Plato, he was worse than ever and while she knew he only wanted her to be safe and happy, she wasn’t a kitten anymore— nor was she fragile enough for Plato to break her.

“I think Mungo is too far away to tell though,” Misto said with mock disappointment, shaking his head — but she didn’t miss that he ignored the question. She swatted at his ears, causing him to duck away laughing. 

He looked back towards Etcetera, who was currently giggling and swatting a playful paw at Mungojerrie and his brows furrowed with concern. “He seems rather uncomfortable.”

Victoria looked at Mungo in surprise. “Really?” The calico tom was too far away for her to tell, but Misto could sense emotions, she knew. 

“Yeah. Maybe we should—” Misto broke off as Electra appeared on the other side of the Junkyard. The queenkitten chatted to Mungo and Etcetera for a few moments before dragging the latter off, leaving Mungo behind. He shrugged and wandered off in the other direction. Misto and Victoria followed him with their eyes until he disappeared around a corner. 

“Well how about that,” Misto said after a few beats of silence, looking at her. Victoria said nothing, her eyes lingering on the spot where Mungo had disappeared. Misto shook his head and sighed at her. 

“I think you should give him a chance, Vic. He’s a good cat.” Unlike Plato was left unsaid. The white cat remained silent. 

“I’ll set Munk on you,” Misto joked, but still the queenkitten didn’t respond. Misto sighed again and dropped a swift kiss on her head before standing up.

“I wasn’t kidding, I am going to send Munkustrap over here,” he attempted one last time. Victoria just lowered her head onto her paws, still staring, seemingly lost in thought— but Misto knew better. She was trying not to cry. She listened to him leave, and if she strained her ears, she could catch a few words of a muffled conversation between him, Munkustrap and Alonzo. “Vic… Mungojerrie… fine… jealous… Plato again? …good cat, Munk… heart… protect her… I know… frightened…”

Victoria tuned them out. She continued gazing at the spot she’d last seen Mungo. Now she’d admitted her feelings to herself, she found herself constantly aware of his presence, and missing him when he wasn’t around. She was constantly keeping an eye and an ear out for him, content just to be in his vicinity and listen to his voice.  It was almost eerie how she was able to pick out his breathing and his footsteps from other cats. Her favourite part of acknowledging her feelings though— well, parts— were his laugh (it was her favourite sound) and how when their eyes met, her heart fluttered and her stomach leapt. 

Plato had never made her feel like that. Sure, her heart beat faster, and her tail tingled— but it wasn’t how Mungojerrie made her feel. It was… different. It paled in comparison to how she felt around Mungojerrie.

“Oh, Victoria,” Munkustrap’s gentle voice cut through her thoughts, startling her. She was half sitting up, lips pulled back in a snarl and claws out before she realised who it was. The grey tabby pulled back in alarm, paws up in surrender.

“I didn’t mean to startle you, Dove,” he told her. The use of the old nickname helped to relax her. Munk had begun calling her that when she first arrived as a kitten, and the nickname had stuck. When she eventually asked him why, he told her it was because she reminded him of a dove —sweet, pure, innocent— and of course, because of her white coat.

Her fur flattened and she settled back down. Munk lay down beside her, pressing against her side comfortingly.

“It's been a long time since you called me that,” Victoria said in wonder. Munkustrap smiled at her, and Victoria felt herself relax even more. Her father had always been able to bring her a sense of peace and safety unmatched by any other. 

“Well, to be perfectly honest, it just popped out,” he chuckled. Victoria chuckled along with him, but soon she found her eyes wandering to the spot where she’d last seen Mungo again. Munk, of course, noticed.

“Oh, Victoria,” he said again, nuzzling her head. She leaned into his touch. They so rarely spent time together anymore, when had that happened? 

“Help me sort my thoughts out, Dad,” she whispered. He’d always been so good at that. When she was very young and her head felt like it was exploding, when she was crying and banging her head on the wall or into her pillow and Demeter couldn’t get her to calm down, they’d wait until Munkustrap came home and he’d sit down cross-legged in front and talk her through her thoughts. If there were problems, they’d come up with solutions for them together. If there were worries, ones she considered silly or not, he’d reassure her they weren’t silly and discuss them seriously with her. She’d grown out of it as she got older— there was now no banging her head on walls— but sometimes her head was still a mess. Usually she could figure it out on her own, but this time…

“Always, Dove,” he replied quietly. He shifted their position slightly so he could look at her face more clearly. “Where do you want to start?”

Victoria avoided looking him in the eye as she pondered the question, instead choosing to keep staring at that everlasting-damned spot. 

“I don’t know… ask me a question?” she responded unsurely. 

“Alright then. How did Plato make you feel?” 

Victoria winced. “Did you really have to start there?”

“I have always been a direct and straight to the point cat.” 

“That’s a lie and you know it.” She snorted.

Munk smiled. “Perhaps.”

She sighed. “How did Plato make me feel? Mostly entranced, I suppose. Excited. They were new, different feelings.” 

Munk nodded and prompted, “And how does Mungojerrie make you feel?”

Victoria let out another sigh, but this time it was a dreamy one. “Different. So, so different. Mungo makes me feel alive in a way only dancing under the Jellicle moon does. I— I can’t even begin to describe it. How I felt around Plato pales in comparison. I think— I think that was only attraction. Or mostly attraction, anyway. He was charming.”

“Too charming. It’s not your fault you fell for his tricks, Victoria. We all did. None of us suspected he was working with Macavity all along.” Munk broached the subject tentatively. None of them had really spoken about it. 

“But I should have,” Victoria whispered, “I should have. Everlasting, I was living with him.”

“He controlled you, Dove, it wasn’t your fault.”

Victoria felt the tears build up behind her eyes again. “How do you know? Maybe it was. It could have been. Maybe I’m working for Macavity.”

Munk turned her chin to force her to look him in the eye. “Dove, I trust you. I know you. You’d rather die than work for Macavity. I believe in you. What Plato did, any of it, it wasn’t your fault. I promise, and you know I’d never lie to you, Dove.”

“I’m so sorry, Dad!” Victoria whispered, tears leaking down her cheeks. “I’m so, so sorry!” Munk rubbed her back.

“It wasn’t your fault,” he repeated over and over, “You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have noticed. We all should have noticed that something was wrong, that we didn’t see you as often, and that when we did, you were acting differently. I’m sorry.”

Eventually Victoria pulled back and wiped her eyes. “By the Heaviside Layer, I had not expected to be talking about that when I woke up this morning,” She let out a shaky chuckle. Munk chuckled as well, drying his own eyes. The two sat in silence for a time, contemplating the situation. 

“Do you think it’s too soon for me to—” Victoria broke off, trying to find the words, “—take a chance on Mungo?”

Munk thought about the question. “I think the right time to ‘take a chance’ on Mungojerrie, as you put it, is whenever you’re ready.”

Victoria considered his answer, finding her eyes wandering to that spot again as she did so. “I’m scared, Dad,” she said finally. Munkustrap said nothing, a silent encouragement to keep going. 

“I’m frightened. I’m afraid my heart will be broken again. He’s different from Plato, I know. But he could break it in a different way.”

Munk mulled this over for a few moments before answering, “Or, he could love you with all his heart.” 

Victoria let out a despondent sigh. “I don’t even know if he feels the same way, Dad.”

“Do you love him?” 

Victoria hesitated. “I think so.”

“Then I think you should give him a chance. He’s a good cat,” Munkustrap said quietly.

“That's what everyone seems to be telling me,” Victoria murmured. 

“Well maybe ‘everyone’ is right,” he teased.

“Oh, shush.” 

~~~

Mungojerrie would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little relieved when Electra dragged Etcetera off. He didn’t have anything against the queenkitten, but by the Heaviside Layer, what in the name of the everlasting cat just happened? 

Shrugging, he made his way around the corner and wandered idly towards his crate. Queens are so odd. The thought turned his mind towards the young queen constantly on his mind since… well, a long time by now. 

Victoria. Etcetera was… a character, for sure, but she didn’t hold a candle to Victoria. Victoria, who was as gentle as she was graceful. Kind, beautiful (inside and out, might he add), Victoria, who didn’t deserve what that bastard Plato had done to her. 

Mungo’s head snapped up suddenly as he caught the scent of his sister. Rumple slinked around a rubbish heap towards him and he waved his tail in greeting. 

“Flirting with Etcetera, I see?” She said smoothly, falling into step beside him.

“Not even a ‘Hello, how are you?’ then?” Mungo huffed. Rumple smirked. 

“Hello, how are you? Flirting with Etcetera, I see?” 

Mungo rolled his eyes. “Is that what it was? I just thought she was being weird.” Rumple closed her eyes in frustration, but as even Mungo knew, walking with your eyes shut is never a good idea. 

“Ouch!” The queenkitten hissed, stubbing her toe on a stray rock. 

“You okay?” Mungo was a few paces ahead of her, looking back. She looked up from where she was examining her foot gingerly. 

“I’ll be fine.” They continued walking in companionable silence, but Mungojerrie could feel impatience radiating off her. He stopped again and stared at her.

“Just spit it out, Teaz.”

The young queen bit her lip, but then just couldn’t hold it in anymore. “You’re so oblivious, Mungo!” She exclaimed, arms flung out.

Mungo blinked at her. “Come again?”

Rumple exploded. “You’re oblivious! Couldn’t you tell Etcetera was flirting with you? Didn’t you realise that Vic was jealous out of her mind? Do you even know she’s head over tail for you? Isn't it obvious to you that you feel the same way? Even the rats and mice can tell!”

Mungo blinked again, in surprise. “What- you think Victoria feels the same way? About me?”

Rumple’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Wait, you've realised how you feel about Vic?”

Mungo chuckled and put his arm around Rumple’s shoulders and pulled her forward. “I’ve known how I feel about Victoria for a long time now, Teaz. I never said anything because, well, she never noticed me. She saw me as her best friend’s brother. In fact, I didn’t think she liked me very much. But then Plato happened and well… you know.”

Rumple snorted, ducking out from under his arm. “Vic’s been in denial the entire time. She stares at you, you know.”

“I thought she was thinking about her third name,” he said, head tilted in bafflement. 

Rumple sighed and shook her head. “No, my poor, sweet, oblivious brother. She was just plain staring, Jer.”

“...huh.”

“Yeah.” They continued walking in silence, until Rumple (predictably) broke it. 

“I think you should tell her.”

“Absolutely not!”

“But why?!” Mungo could tell his sister’s patience was wearing thin.

“Many reasons. Surely it’s too soon for her after Plato, right?”

Rumple stopped and closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Mungo, Mungo, Mungo. First of all, you do not get to make that decision for her. Maybe she’s ready, maybe she’s not. Second of all, don’t let your fears get in the way of something you truly want. Finally, believe me when I say that cat is head over tail for you.”

He was silent for a moment, considering. But I’m scared I’m not good enough for her. 

“Of course you’re good enough for her, you doofus!” Rumple exclaimed, and he realised he’d said that part out loud.

“But I’m not, Teaz,” He said, pained. “I worked for Macavity. Do you really think she needs me as a living reminder of what she suffered through with Plato?”

“So did I! Do you think she holds it against me?” Mungo opened his mouth to reply, but Rumple didn’t let him.

“No! No she doesn’t. So what would make it different for you?” So many things. I’m not good enough for her, she could reject me, I’d be scared to lose her, I don’t want to ruin the friendship we do have— 

Again, Rumple didn’t let him answer. “Please Mungo. Say you’ll tell her, please. For both of your sakes.” It was so rare he heard Rumpleteazer beg for anything, he almost immediately agreed. They stopped outside his den and leaned against it.

“I love her, you know,” he told her quietly, “I have for a long time. Since before Plato.” He leaned his head against the old oven and shut his eyes. “She’s so elegant and beautiful. When she smiles, I smile too. She’s quiet and shy, and she doesn’t laugh that often, but you can tell when she’s amused by the way her eyes sparkle and the left one crinkles as the corner of her lips turn up.” He chuckled, knowing Rumple was probably making a face of disgust at his sappiness. 3, 2, 1…

“Gross. All everlasting, you’re a pair of romantic saps. Practically perfect for each other.” There it is.

“Charming.” He said, opening his eyes and turning to look at her. As predicted, she looked unimpressed. 

“What have you got to lose in telling Vic you love her?”

“I could lose her.”

“ALL EVERLASTING, SHE LOVES YOU! SHE TOLD ME HERSELF! JUST TELL HER, YOU RIDICULOUS TOM!”

“But… are you sure?” Mungo asked quietly, nervously. Rumple’s eyes softened.

“Yes, Jer, I’m sure. I pawmise you.” She grinned at his subsequent groan. 

“Is now really the time for puns, Teaz?”

“It’s always the time for fur puns.”

He bit his lip. “Cats would talk. Cats do talk about us. I don’t want to bring Vic into that. The last thing I would want for her is the whispers, the mistrust.”

Rumple smiled sadly at him. “You forget she already went through that when Plato’s betrayal was exposed. The whispers, the looks, the mistrust, everything. She’s tougher than she looks, you know.”

“Knowing that they would talk about her like that makes me sick,” Mungo murmured, “She’s never been anything but loyal.”

“I know, I know,” She said, rubbing his shoulder comfortingly. “But cats talk. We all love a bit of gossip now and then.” 

Mungo chuckled. “That we do.” Maybe Rumple’s right. 

~~~

A few days later, Victoria’s tail was twitching nervously. The brief warmth of the last few days had dissipated, bringing the usual April rain. The Junkyard was mostly empty, but when she did see a cat, they were usually dashing from one place to another with their paws covering their heads, sheltering themselves from the seemingly neverending downpour. 

But apparently not Mungojerrie. Her tail twitched nervously again. No, he was hurrying towards her secluded little spot, nestled nicely into a junkpile so she was protected from the rain. Ever since Rumple had forced her to admit her feelings to herself, she’d been awkward in the tom’s presence. But why is he coming over to me now? He’s hardly coming to confront me about that right now. Shouldn’t he be sheltering somewhere like everycat else?

She watched him approach until he was in earshot. “What brings you out in this weather?” 

Mungo ducked into her nook and shook himself off hastily. Victoria huffed as some of the drops landed on her coat. “There isn’t really enough room in here for two, Mungo.” 

The calico tom looked her in the eye for the first time since he’d arrived. He looked uncharacteristically serious, she noted. She also noticed he didn’t sit down, and in fact seemed worried. “It’s Alonzo,” he said gravely, “He’s been injured. Munkustrap sent me to fetch you.” The next moment they were both out in the rain, rushing across the Junkyard. 

“What happened?” Victoria yelled to him over the sound of the steadily worsening downpour. 

“Macavity! Admetus and I were with him!” They skidded to a stop outside Alonzo’s crate. Victoria turned to Mungo and started checking him over frantically.

He gently caught her paws where they were patting down his chest desperately. “I’m fine, Vic. Alonzo and Admetus were the injured ones, not me.”

“Thank the Everlasting cat,” she exhaled. He looked surprised, but he pushed her towards the entrance to Alonzo’s crate gently.

“Go on, they need your help.” Victoria hesitated, looking into his eyes briefly before turning away and ducking through the entrance, leaving Mungo outside. 

“Is he stable?” She demanded, going straight into healer mode. Munkustrap looked up with relief in his eyes. He and Cassandra were sitting by Alonzo, who was unconscious in his nest of blankets.

“Yeah, he’ll be alright. Jenny patched him up. He’ll be ok.” Victoria sighed, the tension and fear lifting from her shoulders. Then she noticed the number of cats in the small space. 

“All Everlasting, how is he supposed to get any rest with all of you in here? Where’s Jenny and how come she didn’t shoo you all out?”

“She went to go get cleaned up. Admetus went with her. Few scratches, nothing serious,” Munk answered.

“Right, Cassandra and Munkustrap can stay, but the rest of you– out!” Tugger, Demeter, Sillabub, Jemima and Misto all filed out, the last sticking his tongue out at her teasingly. She turned her attention back to Munkustrap. “Do we know what exactly happened?” 

Munk nodded and turned back to look at Alonzo. “Mungo and Admetus told us. They split up on patrol —understandable, it’s utterly miserable out— and Macavity’s henchcats attacked Alonzo. Admetus was closest, he got to Alonzo before they could kill him. Vic…” Munkustrap looked her in the eye. “He said Plato was there.”

Victoria felt her stomach drop. She swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded at Munk to continue. The grey tom exchanged a look with Cassandra. “Mungo arrived after Admetus and Alonzo fought off the hench cats and helped Admetus carry Alonzo back.”

Victoria sat down beside Cassandra. “I’m going to kill him,” she whispered. If he’d killed Alonzo… she shuddered.

“Normally I look down on murder, but this time I’ll turn a blind eye,” Cassandra muttered. “He deserves it, and not just because of what he did to Alonzo.” She looked at Victoria sympathetically. 

Munk opened his mouth to respond, but he was interrupted by a groan from a stirring Alonzo. The black and white tom opened his eyes and fixed them blearily on his best friend. “My ribs feel like they’re about to… I don’t know, burst out of my chest or something.”

“That would be because you’ve got a bone deep wound there, ‘Lonz,” Munk informed him drily. The other tom groaned. 

“Plato, that asshole,” he grumbled. “He knew I’d go straight for him because of what he did to Vic.” Munkustrap cleared his throat and Victoria leaned forward so she was in Alonzo’s line of vision.

“Next time I’d prefer if you didn’t almost get yourself killed on my behalf, ‘Zo.” 

The tom cracked a sheepish smile at her. “Hey, Tori. Patched me up, did you?” 

The white cat sniffed at him. “No, Jenny did. Mungo couldn’t find me fast enough, but Demeter found Jenny.”

“You’re lucky we could find either of them,” Cassandra said, leaning forward. “If it wasn’t for Jenny, you’d be a goner.” Alonzo seemed to smile even brighter when he saw his mate. 

“Don’t worry about me, Cass. I’m tougher than I look.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. “Not hard at the moment.” He pouted up at her. Victoria exchanged a look with Munkustrap. If Alonzo was able to flirt with his mate, he was definitely feeling much better than he looked. Then again, Alonzo probably flirted in his sleep. 

Munkustrap sighed. “Seriously Alonzo, you’ll need to work on keeping a clear head in future scuffles with Plato.” Victoria shifted uncomfortably. “What good are you to me —to the tribe— if you get yourself killed because you’re angry at him? You’re usually more careful than this!”

Alonzo frowned. “I know, but it’s just… the three of them attacked me anyway, so…” Munkustrap raised an eyebrow and Alonzo sighed. “Yes, I know that’s no excuse, no need to scold me. My temper got the better of me this time.” The two toms stared each other down before Alonzo eventually yielded. 

“Next time I’ll wait until Mungo and Admetus reach me before trying to rip his pelt off,” Alonzo grumbled, “It’s not worth the scolding I get from you, you mother-hen.” 

The white cat stood up and stretched, deciding that Alonzo was stable enough to no longer need the constant presence of a healer. “One cat should watch over him at all times, to make sure he doesn’t get feverish. If he does, come and get myself and Jenny immediately. That means an infection’s set in and no one’s going to get any sleep. I’ll sleep next door, Munk, is that okay?” The tabby tom nodded and she ducked out of Alonzo and Cassandra’s crate out back out into the rain. To her immense surprise, she found Mungojerrie waiting for her outside. 

“Mungo, what are you doing out here? You’ll catch a cold!” She ushered him into Munk’s den next door. The tom scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. 

“I was waiting for you.” Victoria felt her cheeks burn under her fur, and she busied herself by sitting down and beginning to dry her fur. “Is Alonzo alright?” he continued, sitting down opposite her and beginning to dry his own fur.

She sighed. “The next few hours will be crucial. An infection is almost inevitable. It’ll be a miracle if he manages not to get one, considering how serious that wound is. Since it’s so deep Jenny may not have been able to clean it all thoroughly, and with the timeframe— well, we’ll just have to wait and see.” 

“We just have to wait and see,” Mungo repeated in a murmur. They dried themselves in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Victoria was still wondering why Mungo had been waiting for her. Could he feel the same way? She wondered, then instantly felt guilty. Alonzo nearly died today— because of your ex mate!— and you’re here fussing over a tom, she scolded herself. 

Abruptly, she realised Mungo was just standing there awkwardly, having finished drying himself. Victoria laughed nervously and finished drying her foot.

“Sorry, I got lost in thought.”

“So… where are Demeter, Jemima and Sillabub?” Mungojerrie asked, trying to start a conversation to fill the awkward silence. 

“Oh, they probably went to stay with Bomba, Electra and Etcetera for the night, their den is bigger. I wouldn’t be surprised if Demeter wanted to get Jemima as far away from Alonzo as possible. They’re close, and Jemima is probably very upset. Electra and Etcetera will cheer her up in no time.” Victoria yawned and made her way over to Munkustrap and Demeter’s nest and sat, curling up comfortably. She eyed Mungo hovering awkwardly by the door, and made a sudden decision. She reached out a paw and patted the space next to her. 

“There’s plenty of room, if you don’t want to go back out in the rain. Besides, aren’t you tired?” she whispered shyly. The calico tom swallowed audibly and made his way over. He carefully, hesitantly lowered himself, as if he was afraid she’d suddenly change her mind and tell him to leave. She snuggled up next to him as soon as he got comfortable. He stiffened and she giggled. 

“Much better don’t you think?” She looked up at him happily. He closed his eyes and rested his head on hers. She’d never quite realised just how much bigger than her he actually was. 

“You’re going to kill me, Vic,” he whispered after a little while, eyes still closed. She looked at him in confusion and opened her mouth to respond but he shushed her.

“No, don’t. I’ve spent a few days trying to figure out how to say this the perfect way. But I think what makes it perfect is when you say it, if that makes sense. The moment makes it.” Victoria held her breath. 

“Since we came in here I’ve been trying to work up the courage to tell you, and fussing over the words I’d picked out in my head. But… everlasting cat Victoria, I’m sleepy, comfortable and relaxed. I don’t have the energy to be nervous or to overthink it anymore. Vic… I love you. I have for— for a long time, now. And everlasting cat, Teazer can and probably will tell you about my doubts and insecurities about not being good enough for you. She’ll have a great laugh while doing so, too.” He opened his eyes and looked down at her. His green eyes were brimming with love and adoration and nervousness. 

“I can’t find the words to express how happy it makes me to hear that,” Victoria said softly, brushing her nose against his, “but I’m going to try. Right now, I feel safer and happier than I ever have in my life. I love you so, so much. I denied that for a long time— drove Rumple crazy. But I was just so scared, after Plato. I was scared you’d break my heart, but now I know you won’t. And I’ve never felt happier.”

Mungo rested his head on hers once more. “We owe Teaz a care package,” He chuckled. The chuckle reverberated through Victoria, reminding her how close they were. It was the best feeling. She grinned and joined him in his laughter— her favourite sound in the world. 

“Yeah, we do.” She purred. They enjoyed the moment for a bit, purring happily, until Mungojerrie sighed heavily. 

“I should warn you, you’ll lose the favour of some cats if you were to ever become my mate,” He said, lifting his head. She shivered at the cold from the sudden loss of contact. “They’ll talk, you know. Some of the older ones. And they’ll be even worse after this attack. They’ll question how I came away unscathed while Alonzo nearly died.”

Victoria’s eyes flashed angrily. “If any of them so much as imply you’re working for Macavity I’ll skin them.”

Mungo chuckled lowly. “It’ll happen. And they’ll talk about you, too,” he paused awkwardly, one ear twitching.

“Just spit it out.” 

He sighed. “They’ll talk about how both of the mates you’ve had work for Macavity, or have in the past.” 

“I don’t care. I love you, and I’m on your side. You left Macavity a long time ago. Besides, I can talk to Munkustrap about dealing with cats who imply you —or me, or Rumple— work for Macavity. There are some perks to having your mate’s father be the head protector of the tribe,” She teased him. Truly, she knew it was a serious problem. But right now, she didn’t think anything could bring down her mood. She brushed her nose against his again. “Stop worrying and let’s get some sleep, okay?”

Mungo chuckled again. “I can’t help it, I have someone besides Rumpleteazer to worry about now.” Victoria stopped up short. While she had a large support network of cats who loved her and she was close to, Mungojerrie had only really ever had Rumpleteazer. Sure, there were cats he was friendly with, such as Tugger, but he was only close to Rumple. 

“Yes, you have me now. And I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”