#tugger is a little cat at heart to me

[emimii]

who’s the tom and the queen in the relationsh- WRONG WHO’S THE LITTLE CAT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BCUZ ITS NOT MISTOFFELEES

[shima-draws]

Suddenly got the inexplicable urge to watch the Cats musical again. And then I remembered this ask I answered on my sideblog and giggled like an idiot

[naturepointstheway]

Should You Boop That CATS Cat?

Munkustrap: Depends: is he in the middle of a stressful play renactment a la Pekes and Pollicles? No. Is he taking a rare break and cuddling the kittens? Sure. He might even boop you back (we all want a boop from Munk, don't lie.) Rum Tum Tugger: Hell yeah, boop the Tugger! Mistoffelees: All Mistos are boopable Mistos. Macavity: YOU WANT DEATH? Old Deuteronomy: Yes. It is law. You must boop the Old Doot. Skimbleshanks: All train dads are boopable train dads. Yes. Boop the Skimble. Alonzo: You are welcome to try. Victoria: Yes. Absolutely. Plato: He might be a little confused by it, but sure. Boop the Plato. Especially 1998 Plato. Bustopher Jones: I beg your pardon? What is the meaning of this "boop" nonsense? Gus: He's too dignified and important for a boop, he will decline your offer. Coricopat: He'll just stare at you like what are you doing. Unless it's 1998!Coricopat, because he is VERY boopable. Tantomile: She will back away from you, staring into your soul the whole time. Best not push it. Asparagus Jr: He'll ask what the heck you're doing. But he'll tolerate a boopo. Pouncival: He'll keep pouncing out of reach, so you have to work for the privilege to catch him long enough to boop him. Tumblebrutus: He's a big boy, boops are for *kittens*. Mungojerrie: What's a boop? Can I steal that? Rumpleteazer: She welcomes all the boops! Boop the Teazer! Grizabella: Maybe wait till the very end of the show. A boop to take with her to the Heaviside Layer. George: Yes. He is very boopable. Even as the Rumpus Cat. Electra: Yes. Absolutely. Boop! Etcetera: She'll start a boop war with you and she'll be giggling her heart out the whole time. Demeter: She's likely touch averse and might be startled by it. Once you explain, she might let you. Bombalurina: She's too good for you, she will decline a boop, thank you. JennyAnyDots: She'll tolerate a boop. Just one boop. Jellylorum: Like Jenny, she'll tolerate a boop. She might even give you one back if you ask nicely. Jemima/Sillabub: IT IS THE 11TH COMMANDMENT. MOSES TOLD ME HIMSELF. THOU SHALT BOOP THE JEMIMA/SILLABUB.

[naamahdarling]

Do you have a favorite musical?

If so, what are your favorite lyrics from it, and why?

ALW's CATS.

Is it a surreal mess? Yes! But I love it before everything else.

The lyrics are silly but very clever. Most are at least partly by TS Eliot, drawn from a wonderfully nonsensical book of poems.

I think my favorite song is the Invitation to the Jellicle Ball, neck and neck with Mr Mistoffelees.

My favorite cat is Mistoffelees by a lot, followed by the Rum Tum Tugger. They are in love.

But the part that makes me feel the most in my heart is Grizabella. The only cat I relate to is Grizabella.

Memory is the big number that everyone knows and I do absolutely love it, it's one of my favorite songs and probably the best in the musical as it was before CATS 2019 introduced a new song, but I feel that out of context it simply doesn't have punch. It gets trotted out to showcase a singer's skill, as a bit of a tearjerker if you're a sentimental person. It is so much more than that.

I didn't understand Grizabella properly until I was well and truly an adult and had taken in multiple cats off the street, and lived near a colony, and watched my own cats become frail, which are all painful things in many ways; AND until I had begun to really feel the weight of my marginalization as a disabled person and an ill person, which means confronting almost daily the fact that I am unlikely to come to the sort of end I would like.

Hold on because I'm going to be unhinged about this cat for a minute.

Grizabella is an aged stray, once welcomed, now abandoned and unloved, considered ugly even by others like her (who are shown to supposedly accept differences and value, or at least respect, most everyone...but not her).

She lives in a haunted, lonely state unacknowledged by anyone except to be driven away. She can no longer care for herself, she is filthy and matted and scarred and probably in a lot of pain, she is starving, and she has nothing but her memories of better times, and every single dawn is both a gift and a miserable curse. She gets to remember. She has to remember.

If you watch, Grizabella is onstage a LOT, she's just off in the background, usually poorly lit, where she tries to mirror the dances happening on the main part of the stage, dances she knows because that was once her, there in the spotlight, shining. But now she's in too much pain to dance and her body isn't working right anymore. I have no doubt Grizabella is dying. The question is whether she will get to do that well, comforted and with dignity, or do it badly and alone.

I cannot HANDLE Grizabella.

If you have even the tiniest inkling of love for cats, if you believe every cat's life is worth something, her story should destroy you.

The legendary Jennifer Hudson's performance in the movie brought a really angry and confrontational turn to her, and it was flat out amazing. A rebuke of a performance. It really hurts to watch but it's what the role has always needed. She isn't just weak and sad, she clings to the tatters of her dignity and is angry that the others don't see her as a whole person. Just a miserable shadow to be avoided. A cautionary tale. We are never told what terrible thing she did to deserve her fall, and given that most of the Jellicles are young, I don't know that any of them really remember.

I will physically fight anyone who says she should not have been selected to ascend to a new life. She was the only choice. Even Gus. Even him. He can have his turn next year. Grizabella does not have another year in her.

And I'm going to make some folks mad but I love the 2019 movie (it's bad) and the new song, Beautiful Ghosts, is amazing, and I DO prefer Taylor Swift's version as the movie version is a little more timid (fitting the role and musical way better) but TS fucking BELTS IT and I get chills every time.

The lyrics are incredible and the song is gorgeous, gorgeous. And strung together with Grizabella's song, it finishes the musical in a way that it was a bit unfinished before. It uses an actual full song to connect Grizabella to the Ball and the Choice more directly than any choreography ever did or could:

Victoria, the White Cat and viewpoint character, still almost a kitten, has been dumped in the street and into a terrifying and beautiful new life.

After being swept up into its wonder, she sees Grizabella, utterly rejected, hissed at, made fun of, despised, and aches with the injustice of it -- Victoria was snatched right up by the other cats the instant her paws hit the ground, but nobody will take in Grizabella. Not even her own kind.

Victoria sees how strangely similar they are and feels a kinship that has no pity in it at all, but wonder and respect.

So Victoria sings this new song expressing the first admiration Grizabella has heard in god alone knows how long, reminding her she has had an amazing life worth envy and renown, and she pulls this horrible decrepit old mess of a cat into the Jellicle Ball, where she is FINALLY relieved of her pain.

Like? I'm crying right now?

It isn't a serious musical, but Grizabella's story runs through it like a cold current, something real and terrible, surrounded by absolute ridiculousness. Her numbers are deadly serious, never played for laughs. And ultimately it is her story that turns out to be the most important one, the truest one, and it is dark, and it is hopeful but only in only the most painful and grief-stricken way. She isn't brought back into a comfortable life with other cats to be happy and surrounded by love. She essentially...dies and goes to cat heaven. She embodies hope itself to the others, and her ascension represents a deeply humbling lesson in humility and grace. Her suffering and her ascent represent the possible future of every one of them, and now they have to confront that, and their treatment of her. She was rewarded, and for all their beauty and charm they were not.

Anyway I'm not normal about it.

The lyrics from Beautiful Ghosts that I love are:

Perilous night, their voices calling. A flicker of light, before the dawning. Out here the wild ones are taming the fear within me. Scared to call them my friends and be broken again. Is this hope just a mystical dream?

and

And so maybe my home Isn't what I had known, what I thought it would be. But I feel so alive With these phantoms of night, and I know that this life isn't safe but it's wild and it's free!

Like, come on. It's a lovely song and it took my breath away in the theater.

Ugh this musical touched me as a feral cat girl of 10 and it touches me again as a sad catguy in their 40s. Truly a very stupid work of weirdly meaningful art and one for the ages.

There are much better musicals, but none of them are part of me.

[absolutefilthimsosorry]

Spoilers for DnP Incohearent!!!!

I’m having so much fun trying to solve these that I made a list to keep track! Message if you can help me fill in any I’m missing or if I’ve got any wrong!!!

Also lmk if you see any I’ve missed!! I’m going to keep updating this and have it unrebloggable but you can reblog this post to have a link to it!

These are all gathered from this post and this post so check the notes on those first to try to solve them then look here if you need answers!

Sow march cheer ray = so much cherry

Wee nay urn for uke oye yer tub = we’ve never fucked on youtube?

Ta fold in fig = the golden pig

Feed hay hid eho = vday video

Tat he won ape hit morse him he = daddy want a bit more simmy

Watt ken ice hay = what can I say

North key bus teabag king = naughty busty baking

Fool tie enter nit hobo / fall tie mint her nepo moe / fault aye mint earn are ohm owe/ foul thyme inch hermit hole mold = full time internet homo

Cumin mile aid deed or = come in my ladydoor

Hum hay zinc tan = amazingdan

Elven ower fug sedge own = eleven hour fuck session

An berry moth ribeye adam stir = and every month we buy a hamster

March rest array = Manchester eye

Cyst herding yell = sister daniel

Add a ding teps = editing tips

Cop dubai khaki luna = topped by kakuna

Late eat tore = ladydoor

Half tugger etch two eggs cyst = have the courage to exist

Perish she end wink = Parisian twink

Coal ten big/ goal then pick = golden pig

Cyst ordain yell = sister daniel

Train youth inks = try new things

Gay mean moss/ gain ink mass = gamingmas

Soften need = soft and neat

A wools lied = owl slide

Topper bought them hill = top or bottom Phil

Coat fit firenze = golf with friends???

Few ours pig meow fits = viewers pick my outfits

Read less tar = red lester

Eye eight soup igloo = I ate super glue

Insight youth era too walls = inside you there are two wolves

Mine amy stan = my name is Dan

Clap hella = glabella

Hiss teeth rent = hits different

Eel eyes apron kay kiss = Eliza pancakes

See pram haze ink bra jet = super amazing project

Feels lie yawn = phils lion

Fuel ease snot dawn fair = Phil is not on fire

Jaw shush ear son = josh hutcherson

Ball bull him tour food = bauble in your foot?

Sure eck = shrek

High ate dust = hiatus

Add a dink deps = editing tips

Ga hay shoom air age = gay shoe marriage

Pope eat plate aim = poppy playtime

Eat aches stu = it takes two

Goo gal few ed = google feud

Baze ick lee eye meg ay = basically I’m gay

Ko min yout ti ew = coming out to you

Ender knit subvert grew oop = internet support group

Phylis turn yar a sheen yes = PHIL LESTER YOU’RE A GENIUS

With Audi intern yet wean ed brr wood halve mat = without the internet we never would have met

Gum ban yins drool I’ve = companions through life

Reed sons wide answer flail = reasons why dans a fail

Ewan dam ah some are reed = you and Dan are so married

Denver sis fill/ Denver cis full = Dan vs Phil

Or lawn huffing = all or nothing

Dunk rye core raft = don’t cry craft

Mortal jester roam and thick/ Morph adjust row antic = more than just romantic

So wall how debris poll light = swallow to be polite???

Oar hinge art = orange heart

Foray virgo em = forever home

Chai reel loop/ share real oob = cherry lube

Cad boyd anne = cat boy dan

Far turf ill lip = father philip

Tess lit hen ink = the slittening

Forth house indie rolled or touches = four thousand year old tortoises

Hey moth swish roundup floating = a month without uploading

Jam march let pet tea an farms = Je mange les petit enfants

Day lion howl tour = Dalien Howlter

Ima let all kit = I’m a little kit

Feel pearl lays shell ter = Phil plays shelter

Fewer blue key app ending = viewer spooky happenings

Hell low iam tour reel = hello I am Toriel

Laugh tuh gey mile kuh = left to get milk

Villas eek wreck why vuh = Phil’s secret wife

Footy strain gin said dent = ___ strange incident????

Snow core play sum = snokoplasm

Nope puts cereal sleeping mage innit = no but seriously imagine it

Tear rip pulling flu hence = terrible influence

Jeff why eye aisle hike vague liner = fyi I like vagina

Eggs intense all cry cis = existential crisis

List of contributors

@fletthewreck @dandp @deadandphilgames @manchesterau @thephouseplants @awrfhi @jonsaremembers @rachosaurusrex @dapgolf @dan-whoell @dnphobe @dreamingalto @steveandscraggy @phanbeats @danandfuckingjonlmao @pepper-pastry @yonpote @un-interactive-introvert @spaniel-trowel @sisterdanieldyke @queerdnp @morganadelacour @amid-fandoms @spectral-kitkat @goingpheral @angelzonearth @wdapteo @2009phan @dansevilpianotea

[coricoping]

CATS: The Jellicle Ball Summary

Sourced from my (admittedly imperfect) memory. I love this production, and this is an abridged summary of my memory of the events of the show. Specific/detailed character thoughts will be saved for their own posts, same with thematic deep dives. If there is any character/theme/question y'all want my thoughts on first, I can move them to the top of my queue of thoughts. That being said: on with the show!

Tumblr decided to post early, so this is just Act 1. I will add Act 2 as a reblog when I finish it

Pre-Show

The set for this show is really well done. Talked to one of the workers during intermission, and the whole thing (seating, stage, and all) is completely modular and movable. Floor levels are also all adjustable. It really inclines itself to audience interaction, both with the runway structure and the individual tables at the cabaret level seats.

Junior Labeija handles the pre-show announcements (put your phones away once you've googled me, cheer your heart out, don't film, etc)

Overture

Hearing this live for the first time made me cry

The DJ's introduction is great, he has a collection of queer and black artists' vinyls that he pulls out, followed by a Cats vinyl filled with glitter

The eyes (projected up onto the back wall/window panel) have the white cat solo animated inside of them

Shadow outline of a dancer (I think Primo/Tumble on the night I saw) starting out w/ ears and a tail doing classic Cats-style choreo blending into a removal of the ears/tail and a shift to ballroom choreo

Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats

Did the thing I love for this song where there are clear and well-timed spotlights on every cat as they sing their line, w/ everyone else in darkness

Cast appears throughout the audience (Tugger was behind me at his start, I think) before gathering into the area around the stage

Get onto stage for the Mystical Divinity section

The group catwalk is absolutely gorgeous, this show has great choreo

The Naming of Cats

The perfection of this song for a queer viewing of Cats cannot be overstated, and will likely be its own post eventually

Munk as an MC leading this number is lovely to me

"Man over there" is given to Macavity, as the first clear indication to his altered role in this version

There are spotlights on every cat whose name gets said in the song, not just Bombalurina, which makes me happy

White Cat Solo

Gets its own segment because Baby is that good. She is dance captain for this show and you can see why

The white outfit here is gorgeous, kinda sad she changes out of it later

Pink lighting is doing good work making this section feel ethereal

Was way closer to the vibes of the original than I was expecting from a vogue choreo. There were a couple moves I saw as clear references to the original

Invitation

Emcee Munk continues to be amazing, the rhythm of this was very satisfying

"COME OUT tonight"

They bring in guest judges to sit until Old Deut arrives

Gumbie Cat

Jenny is a tired single mother of three kids who cannot for the life of them get organized

Puerto Rican drag queen Jennyanydots has my heart, as does her stylist

The "sits and sits and sits" line here is not used to imply that Jenny is lazy, it is very explicitly saying that she has a lot of sex (as acted out jokingly by her choreo)

Cassandra is adorable here, both while dancing and after she realizes she's won

Category Is: Virgin Vogue. A category for people in their first year of doing vogue (or similar). Won by Cassandra of House Dots, other competitors are Tumblebrutus of House Dots, Electra 007, and someone I am currently forgetting

The Rum Tum Tugger

I think I've made my love for this setup for Tugger clear before, and will continue to do so in the future, so this is gonna be little moments I liked/noticed

There are some line/blocking switch ups. Bomba gets the "terrible bore" line (said reclined on the stage as Tugger leans over her) along with her standard. Victoria is the girl flirting with Tugger on his "No" drop

Tugger flirts with everyone here. His competition, the other cats, the audience, etc.

Everyone but Misto, who is off to the side mocking his riffs

Sillabub is the one to faint during the ending bit

Category Is: Realness. Ability to pass as a (in this case) a cishet man in a variety of categories (pretty boy, thug, schoolboy, executive, etc). Won by Tugger, other competitors are Tumblebrutus and Mungojerrie

Grizzabella the Glamour Cat

I really like the interpretation of the Jellicles' relationship with Grizz in this show. They aren't angry at her, more...distressed? It seems like her being around is making everyone worried both about her and for her, so they react differently

Munk tries to give her money, she refuses

She comes in holding a trophy that is clearly old, showing that her glory days were a while ago. She also looks like she's likely been homeless.

Demeter's voice is gorgeous here, and she looks really conflicted about Grizz

There is a Demelurina vibe to this whole show, which I started noticing here

I have a lot of thoughts on Grizz and her relationships with the Jellicles here, which will probably be a post pretty soon after this one.

Grizz tries and fails to convince the judges to allow her to compete, and is far more determined/steely in this first appearance than usual.

Sillabub. Making them a giant Grizzabella fan was such a good choice. This is one of the most sweet and genuine through-lines of the musical. They're so genuinely remorseful and excited to see Grizz, but still back off when Demeter warns them.

Bustopher Jones

I know I gave Jenny my heart earlier, but it's been stolen. Nonbinary Bustopher Jones as played by Nora Schell is, I think, the ideal Bustopher. This is what this character was meant to be, for me

Oh gods the costumes. Tugger has a sparkly leopard print jockstrap. Bustopher has a full bustier situation covered in a bedazzled Union Jack. Mistoffelees and Demeter both have lovely sheer situations going on. This is amazing, and I've been informed is even better if you're bi

Nora Shell has pipes, y'all. Their voice is so strong and clear

This number has almost no true choreography, it's just the competitors showing off how hot they are (posing, strutting, stripping, grabbing their asses and shaking them at the judges, etc)

The amount of offense Tugger takes to losing is hilarious to me

Category Is: Body. Usually divided into Femme Queen and Butch Queen, but competed as an Open-to-All for this show. How good does your body look, and how well can you show it off? Won by Bustopher Jones, other competitors are Tugger, Demeter, and Mistoffelees.

Macavity Scare 1

Flashing lights and sirens

Demeter is so done with this. I have rarely heard a clearer "bitch really?" tone than I did in her calling Macavity's name here

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer

Making them come from Jersey is amazing, top tier choice paired with some amazing accent work

Costumes are again amazing, Mungoteazer have a lime green/neon pink color scheme going on here

They spend a long time behind some changing racks, and I spent that whole time watching Munk as he got more and more annoyed with every passing second

I really love the dancing in this song, they get very up in each other's faces

Y'all, they steal the trophy when they lose. It's perfect

Category Is: Tag Team Performance. Vogue performance done as a pair. Won by Victoria and Tumblebrutus, stolen by Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer.

Old Deuteronomy

Munkustrap: a professional, on his shit, announcing his House Father right

Tugger: unprepared, eating a snack, oh god why is he giving me the mic

I love the setup for the duet here, Tugger is so surprised to be picked and is both nervous and honored. They sing into the same mic y'all

Andre De Shields, what more do I need to say?

His presence, his voice, the note he held for a solid 30 seconds, he deserves that throne

Jellicle Ball

Macavity again! In his dressing gown, with his bags of stolen stuff, looking like a deer in headlights when the spotlight catches him

The dancing continues to be absolutely gorgeous

Grizzabella is up on an audience balcony for this number looking tragic

The Jellicle Moon is a disco ball and it brought me so much joy

Munk has a killer egyptian look, including full-size wings

There are giant complicated cat face wigs and a giant hat made of hair

Category Is: Bizarre. Fashion category judged on the quality and strangeness of the outfit. Munkustrap was the only competitor, and Old Deut chopped him

Category Is: Hair. Not a category I actually know, but clearly in this show is judging based on the size, design, and quality of wigs. Won by the House of Dots, as sole competitors

Probably other categories I didn't notice clearly enough to remember

Memory

Grizzabella comes on and everyone walks off annoyed, except for Old Deut who comes and hides behind a riser. He's right in front of me, so I'm watching this number over his shoulder

Grizz recreating her dance moves is painful for my heart, as usual

Tempress has a gorgeous voice

Sillabub re-enters and looks so starstruck, then runs off again

Comes back with a sparkly dress to offer to Grizz

Grizz sees the dress, starts crying, and runs away. She grabs her coat, but leaves her scarf

We go to intermission on the image of Sillabub holding the scarf to their face and crying

[demelzathemer]

Tuggofelees The Greatest Showman AU

I'm just gonna dump my thoughts because I'm currently having a spout of insanity about these cats. And YOU KNOW A Million Dreams is a kitten Misto song. He's had this deep inner world since he was tiny, discovering his magical powers and all that he can do. He didn't have anyone who could understand what he was going through so he'd spent his nights alone in the world of his own, wondering and dreaming about the day he could help everyone with his abilities.

Other cats notice he's different so he's becoming ostracized after growing up. There are magical cats beside him and they have formed a circus of their own, still Jellicle cats but different. Misto joins them to hone his skills but can't find anyone to relate to even amongst them.

Then there's Mr. Popular "I do what I want" Rum Tum Tugger who has a high social standing to maintain but does so more out of vanity than necessity. (Maybe they were friends as kittens, A Million Dreams is a duet after all. Maybe he wonders where's that little tuxedo had disappeared into and goes to look for him.) He discovers Misto's powers by accident after sneaking in while he was practising and is instantly captivated by the sight. Misto is so fine after all!! Beautiful from the top of his ears to the tip of his tail!!

Misto doesn't like that the arrogant celebrity is stalking him, he's used to his own space by now but there's no stopping the curious cat once he's gotten something in his head. They circle around each other for a while, where we end up in Rewrite the Stars. It sounds romantic but the lyrics are actually pretty brazen which is so much like Tugger!! "I know you want me" damn that's direct.

"So who can stop me if I decide you're my destiny?"

No one, that is. Tugger goes into a monologue in his Rum Tum Tugger manner about hell, I like you and you like me so what's the problem?? ("Say you were made to be mine"..)

"You're the one I was meant to find," because Rum Tum Tugger only likes what he finds for himself.

But Misto is reluctant and scared about dragging Tugger down with him. He admits it works when they're alone but it's different in front of the others. What if Tugger becomes ostracized as well because of him? Misto doesn't want that.

He's also understandably worried about the loyalty of the known womanizer. His heart would break if Tugger changed his mind again like he does, and loses interest in him.

"How can you say you'll be mine?"

In the end Misto rejects him and goes back to his solitary life.

Then Old Deuteronomy is gone and Tugger goes back to find Mistoffelees. He's the one who believes in Misto more than anyone. He convinces him to try one of his most ambitious conjurings to save Old Deuteronomy and earn the approval of the other cats.

Rum Tum Tugger has no doubt that Mistoffelees can do it. He will even support him through it and make sure that everyone knows just how amazing and phenomenal Mistoffelees is!! So there goes the song and of course Misto is breathtaking in the spotlight and loving every second of it. The plan is perfect because when Misto believes in himself, his magic can't fail. With the power of Tugger's unshaking love backing him up he can easily conjure the beloved leader back to them.

After the spectacle Mistoffelees is a celebrated member of the Jellicle cats and there's no one who doesn't adore him. Rum Tum Tugger sweeps him off his feet to show off his love and there's nothing stopping them from being togerher anymore.

I might add more thoughts later but that's all for now I just made myself happy thinking about them

[cillyscribbles]

🎁 and 🔥 for the ask game!

thanks so much for writing in and an even bigger thanks for coming up with the game, it's great fun sending out questions and writing answers :))) gratitude all around!!!

🎁 If you could give any of the ensemble cats a song, who would it be? What would it be about?

ooph, hard to decide! i think i'd like to hear from jellylorum or asparagus jr - i mostly headcanon them as a member of gus' family somewhere, so i think it'd be fun to hear what it's like maybe trying to live up to your relative's greatness, or managing adoring kittens, or just overall being gray little cats that run the show without having spotlight on themselves, you know? like jellylorum in particular is there all the time, singing for jennyanydots, singing for gus, singing bewares for grizabella - what's that like? is she happy with her small role? does she feel like it's rewarding? this would totally throw off the whole groove of the musical but i'd love to hear a post-ball song with jellylorum ushering away kittens, telling mistoffelees to put away the sparkles, telling munk and tugger to quit running around and sit with old deut because she's got this handled and has run cleanup on more jellicle balls than most of them have attended combined, hahah. great question!

🔥Share one (1) hot take/opinion about the show/fandom/etc

ooh! you know, i think i can share a thing i learned in adaptation theory! it'll definitely make it into that essay i'm working on (one of its main points, actually) but my Hot Take(tm) is that a lot of folks don't realize the grip that nostalgia can have on them when they're looking at adapted media (cats, cats the book, cats the movie, cats the insert production here). this is by no means meant to be a criticism because it's not something you can unlearn or avoid - i feel it, you feel it, most folks feel it, it's often the default! it's just something you can become aware of and consider on purpose, and i believe that it's very important when criticizing (and trying to be objective, of course - anything goes when it comes to subjective opinions and that's good!) this sort of media. you need to separate where you believe a change (be it reduction or addition) to be ill-fitting because it doesn't work for the purpose of the media, and where you believe a change to be ill-fitting because you have seen The Thing done differently and believe that was a better/more fun/more impactful way to do it.

to take an example, whenever i hear about a cats production where cats aren't Actual Cats, i feel less inclined to seek it out because the animal element is what i particularly enjoy about the musical. that being said, changing this element to better suit the purpose of an adaptation can be an important or even necessary choice for what the production is trying to achieve! it's all about the Purpose. you'd be shocked how many things are about the Purpose. this doesn't change my inclination to enjoy cats!cats More, but recognizing this subjective-objective separation can in fact help me enjoy not-cats!cats adaptations More because i know what the nagging ">:(" feeling is and so can discard it as source supremacy sinking its long sharp nails into my heart, lol. i hope that makes sense!

[pinksilvace]

Hey fern, what if you dropped a top 10 favorite cats the musical characters list

omg 😳😳😳 maybe we could find out 😳😳😳

1: Alonzo

Surprise, surprise, I know. Silly little vain/uncertain/bravado guy. What is he doing. I just know he's so full of anxiety but he's also probably emotionally illiterate. He's SUCH a big bro figure in my brain in a number of ways, but mostly because I think he'd be the kind of guy to try and fix problems, fail, and dejectedly call for mom's help after the fact.

There's not much I can say about Alonzo that I haven't already said:

Here's where I ranted about his adjectives.

Here's where I ranted about his design for the Egg Cracker Bracket.

Goodness knows I've probably ranted across many many many tags as well. Idk man he's just so Gender to me and I think he's really funny and I love that he's a bit of a loser depending on how much the actor plays up the "uncertain" part of his character (the one that prominently comes to mind is here during Grizabella, the Mac scares, the end of M&R, and the IMMEDIATE change in demeanor during the Song of the Jellicles). I LOVEEEE that he's often shown to despise Tugger; it's such a funny dynamic. I love that different productions have him looking to Munkustrap, Skimbleshanks, and Cassandra for guidance. I love that fics make him a bit of an ass sometimes. For whatever gripes I have with Broadway revival choreo, I also love that it gave him some more character moments than he used to :D.

Every depiction of Alonzo I see gives me a new, interesting look at the character. I have yet to find one I dislike.

Aghhhh we've reached the point where this ranking gets really hard 😭😭😭 LMAO

2: Demeter

She was my favorite when I first got Really into cats circa 13 years old. I'll forever be bitter that she had no presence in 2019. She's LITERALLY the second most important character for the sake of the plot and they just LEFT HER OUT??? Just because she's hard to recognize after only a single watch or two??? hhhhhhhhhhhhh

The way actors portray her is ALWAYS entrancing. If cats is Subtext: The Musical, Demeter is Subtext: The Character. The Macavity number??? Come ON. The fact that she opens the show? Her reactions to literally everything??? Oughhhh sometimes she makes me want to chew on concrete.

Sometimes, there are portrayals of Demeter that I dislike, though. I guess it makes sense for a character whose words are skittish/cautious/paranoid, but sometimes, those traits seem to supercede her personality, which is always a shame. I particularly enjoy her interactions with Munkustrap and Bombalurina, of course, so when those are overshadowed by just how scared she is, I think it tends to weaken stuff overall. After all, those relationships thrive on how they interact and curb that fear.

I don't spend nearly enough time thinking about Demeter and it's an absolute travesty. Ma'am you are the heart and soul of the show to me. You keep everything thematically linked together. I love you

3: Munkustrap

I think that Munkustrap might be the definition of a comfort character for me. His mental health is rock solid. He's so dad-coded it's unreal. I desperately need to watch a production of Cats and only focus on Munkustrap, because his interactions with everybody are spectacular. There is so much character fit into this guy. He's also entertaining to me because I would NOT guess his adjectives, ever; they always come across as a characterization secondary to his role, and I like that quite a lot.

And oh my gosh, his DESIGN!!! I think Munkustrap has some of the prettiest makeup in the show, and his whole look is pleasingly cohesive. There's so much happening on his face, but when it's good, it's PHENOMENAL.

COME ONNNNNNNN, the HIGHLIGHTS on those WHISKERS??? The gradients on the cheeks and nose??? oooohhhhhhh it pleases me IMMENSELY. I also really like how the makeup blends into the wig, and the shape of the wig is also one of my favorites in the show - especially when it's a bit droopy, like Michael Gruber's in '98.

let's not forget about the collar

Anyway YEAH!!! He's one of my favorites to see actually moving onstage, consistently has a beautiful voice, and has some of my favorite relationships in the whole show :D

4: Admetus

This is a bit of a cheat listing. I really don't think about Admetus that much, but I would REALLY like to think about him more. I want to know what his deal is. Like Munkustrap, I think he has some fascinating relationships onstage that all present very differently - his time spent with Tumble/Pounce, Victoria, and Alonzo come to mind.

But also

THE MAKEUP

THIS LOOK WITH THE BIG LOWER LASHES??? GIRL HELP YOUR CAT IS GNC AS HELL. EASILY my favorite cats makeup look EVER. I know it's just because they have to slather on Mac's stuff later but I love that most of the face is left plain so they went absolutely ham with the eyes. It's the opposite of Munkustrap's. Brilliant.

anyway yeah he looks cool and I think his role in the tribe is in a really interesting flux stage

5&6: Pouncival and Tumblebrutus

They are a pair... do not separate

okay okay OKAY I know I often talk about my favorite characters in terms of how funny they are, and these guys??? Absolute clowns. The product is exactly what's written on the tin; they sure do pounce and tumble!!! Even a few weeks ago, they probably wouldn't have been so high on the list, but writing CFP and forcing myself to learn more about their characters as a result has skyrocketed the amount of love in my heart for them. If I had to choose, I'd probably say that I like Pouncival just a tiiiiny bit more since I think he's more memorable and I prefer his design, but the way they both look up to almost everybody else in the show is intoxicating to watch.

My favorite moments of these two are, of course, Pounce here (2:35 onward) and Tumble here (2:14:25 onward). I just think they're neat.

7: John Partridge The Rum Tum Tugger

(Okay, but, like, John Partridge is the ultimate here. My second favorite is probably Zach Bravo since his take on the character is so different, but there might never be a Tugger as suave as Partridge ever again.)

Going back to his antagonistic relationship with Alonzo, I think it's interesting that they share "vain" as a descriptor. I also think that Tugger's relationships are interesting in that a lot of them aren't necessarily dissimilar with one another (they're all quite teasing, whether romantic or platonic), but they are unique to him. The dynamism of his character is probably what makes me like him the most; I love how he code switches between his own number, Old Deuteronomy, and Mr. Mistoffelees.

Aside from all that, come on. The swagger is magnetic. (I'd write more but my fingers are starting to hurt)

8: Bombalurina

women <3

(I do have additional thoughts about her character! She's intelligent, generous, and flirtatious, and though she's always seeking romantic/sexual attention, those interactions are always secondary to her relationship with Demeter, which is something that I really like. Depending on the performer, she can easily come across as one of the strongest characters.

...but yeah. women <3)

9: Skimbleshanks

(swings microphone around) I am once again answering on the basis of "I just think they're funny"

Seriously though, at this point, there are so many characters that could make it onto this list. I think Skimble juuuuust made it here because EVERYBODY loves him, and that just makes me love him more. He and Mistoffelees definitely seem like the most popular choices for fanart from folks outside of the fandom, 2019 or otherwise.

Also, whenever I need an answer in Quiplash and can't think of anything, I put in Skimbleshanks, and without fail, somebody always votes for it, even if they have no idea who (or, in their mind, what) Skimbleshanks is.

There's not a single thing I dislike about this cat or his number; I couldn't possibly begin to list everything here. I just haven't thought particularly hard about him as a character yet.

10: Electra

I must admit that I've barely spent any time at all thinking about Electra. HOWEVER, her interactions with Munkustrap are adorable, and the single father alonzo fic has irreparably changed my brain chemistry, and for those reasons alone, she's earned her place here. I also think the unitard design is really unique and beautiful :D

Honorable Mention: Tantomile. She was my favorite when I watched Cats '98 as a young'in :).

[falasta]

Matt Krzan is leaving the Asia tour to, of all things, get married. And of course we’re genuinely very happy for him!! But I am So Sad he is leaving, because he’s just *such* a wonderful Munkustrap.

Of course Matt’s been involved with Cats for many, many years – and for the last leg of this tour has been resident director and choreographer. Whether he will continue with Cats after this Tour – I guess we’ll just have to wait for the inevitable Farewell Post. One of many that are going make me cry buckets 😭

I’m sure everyone knows my feelings on the NuMakeup ALW forced on everyone, but my fears about Munkustrap’s makeup for the Asia Tour was completely assuaged by this professional. Look at how *gorgeous* he is!! I’m going to miss it *so much*.

Watching Matt as Munk was fascinating! He is, in many ways, a very aloof Munkstrap. Some of it was staging – he doesn’t join in sensuals, for example. During the pyramid he’s at least one entire Cat’s width away from everyone else (like Tugger, *cough cough*). And with Jo!Griz he was vicious. Never seen a Munk react like he did – lunging aggressively toward her with a terrifying hiss. Intimidating, angry, frustrated body posture – at her, at himself. There's a moment when he hisses at Grizabella that Electra cowers - with Munk turning toward her and curling into himself with shame. It’s *fascinating*. And while he’s gentle with the tribe, he doesn’t go out of his way to be cuddly with them

With one exception. Electra (as played by Sophie Middleton). I have lots of headcanons for Cats depending on the production – and in *this* production Electra is Baby and she is Munk’s Doter 😭. Electra is basically an onstage Swing in this production (I have *thoughts* about that, but Sophie created the world’s most adorable kitten in that role so XD). During Gumbi she doesn’t get to be a cockroach – instead she spends the time on the tire rocking out with Munkustrap (she gets to cuddle up in the JennySuit which Munk wraps around her). Mattstrap joins the tap on the tire *except* for the show when Sophie's family was watching- and then Electra got to join the tap! (and Girls Releve during the Ball).

It still kills me not to see Tugger and Munk in the Jellicle Ball when they are played by dancers. And I was so hoping Matt would jump in like he's done in the past. He didn’t, but we did get a little taste of Copeland when he joins in on the boot when the Ball starts! He’s a beautiful Munk, with the kind of controlled physicality I love seeing in this role, and wonderful to watch the few times he gets to actually dance.

I’m going to miss him So Much. I know the tour only has two more weeks, and my heart is going to break at the end of them. Best Wishes and Congratulations to Matt! Thank you for signing my program and for giving me a Paw Bump during the show. Once a Jellicle *always* a Jellicle.

Jellicles Now and Forever.

[uppastthejelliclemoon]

1, 6, 8 for the jellicle asks pleeeaaassssreeeee

Favorite swing(s)?

MY GIRL OLIVIA FROM THE 2012 CHINA PRODUCTION

favorite favorite favorite swing design ever, and i'm so biased bc she's my stage reference for Hestia

also UK tour my beloved she is also one of my favs, also because she gave me a stage reference for Iris, one of my other OCs!!

Favorite platonic headcanon?

Jellylorum, Jennyanydots, and Grizabella were THE trio when they were younger. They were best friends, and absolutely inseparable before Grizabella left

Plato and Victoria are Tugger's best friends in the entire world (Misto doesn't count lmao). They've been glued at the hip since they met, and the three of them + Tugger are the most codependent inseparable gorup of cats in the entire junkyard. Plato is basically Tugger's brother, and Victoria is Tugger's little sister

Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer are very close with Demeter and Bombalurina, mainly due to them having shared experiences with Macavity

Amunet and Skimbleshanks are best friends

Favorite makeup design?

i definitely have a few:

1998 Amunet's makeup design is one of my FAVORITES, i love how it just makes her look so gorgeous and elegant, and is so simple yet impactful

Kilworth Tugger my beloved, i love his makeup, specifically the lil heart on his cheek

Gotta be biased again and say my best guy Tumble, I love his patch SO much

[just-before-dawn]

i love how tuggoffelees is so normalized throughout the cats production, even the cast knows it too

i feel like before its been like "yeah...tugger and misto...there might be something there idk"

but now its just "TUGGOFFELEES HERE!! TUGGOFFELEES THERE!!!" and every incoming cast member playing tugger and misto are full onboard with this ship it makes me so happy

like the amount of content we get from simple selfies and small little stage moments, it melts my heart

[fluffytuffles]

Idk if this counts as a headcanon or not but I wanna say it anyways

that Sillabub actually seeks approval more then she lets on, (I can explain this in more depth but it’s based on my rewatch of the us Tour boot) like she doesn’t want to be considered annoying or trouble to the other older cats like Munkustrap, Jelly etc. cause she knows how stressed they are especially now with the ball happening and making sure everything runs smoothly with old Deuteronomy. Which is why she initially hesitates to join in on Tuggers song but she watches close by, {a specific moment I went off on is when she’s sitting on the steps near the tire she glances at Tugger then at Munkustrap and then hangs her head down quickly, a few moments later she shrugs and contemplates just joining as a sort of “what’s the worst that could happen?”} when she does eventually join she stays at a close distance to Munkustrap just so he has a clear vision of her and doesn’t have to worry about moving her away from Tugger again so he eventually lets it go.

she doesn’t work to annoy the older cats but more works around them to keep everyone happy. Which makes her later conflict when she sees how the Tribe treats Grizabella all the more worse cause in the end she knows it’s wrong she knows she wants to do something but can’t. Cause what would they think of her then?

Anyway Sillabub best cat girl 2023.

Sillabub being a people pleaser but still trying to gain a little independence and let herself experience her own desires and follow her own values is 100/10 to me and I love her. Being torn between what those around you believe and what you know in your heart to be true? Fundamental part of growing up and we love to see it.

[naturepointstheway]

Jacob Brent's Mistoffelees appreciation weekend

Because it's my blog and I can ;) (Also, his is probably my favourite Misto!) So enjoy a bunch of gifs of him being adorable as Misto.

First, the classic, and adorably soft "Presto!"

His jump of excitement during the Jellicle Ball dance at seeing his friends is super cute 11/10. He is seratonin personified! Feeling sad? Just look at this gif for a few seconds. See! You're smiling now! :D

The adorable smile he shares with Victoria is absolutely one of my fave little moments! Both their smiles are SO pretty and my bisexual heart is full at the adorableness and the pretty in one gif:

I still dream of one day seeing a special edition of the 1998 Cats film come out because his conjuring turns deserve to be SEEN (as do the whole of the Teazer and Jerrie song!)

That proud look while wiggling his fingers like that after bringing back Old Duet is SUCH a Misto moment:

As if he isn't already a super sparkly little cat, he has to go and pull a ribbon caked in glitter out of a bucket and I'm HERE for it:

Then there's this little hand wind thing he does and he's SO HAPPY:

There's something about the way he kitten crawls to the front of the stage that I love - it's so cat like and the little slide at the end is super cute:

Look, Misto just SUPER LOVES Bustopher Jones, okay?

"Tugger, I got this. Watch me."

[greenelectricsky]

OK, so we have overture ended and curtain falls on the scene. Munku and others appear one by one and sing their lines. Some of cats get curtain and take it away, what was cute. Of course everyone tries to get who is who, because non-replica and it's not so obvious. Vibrant colours, hypnotizing moves, smiles aimed at the audience. Actors work hard, it is a very energetic piece.

Naming of cats is magical. They have pieces of mirror, reflecting light on the audience. Cats move them all the time, and slowly start putting them into the mirror frame. They look into that, but what do they see? Their third name? Themselves as we see them? Themselves as they are? So many metaphors and meanings!

Victoria's solo is rather short but still graceful, ending with Alonzo's singing. As I said, Misto doesn't say a word and I mistake him with Alonzo, also because of that moment. ;)

Jennyanydot's number was really cool and probably the most accurate I've seen. Mice was cleaning the scene together with other cats, and she let them go only, when there wasn't even one spot! Jeanny had beautiful violet colours on herself. And that fluffy coat!!! Yup, Jennyanydot is on the left!

Tugger's song (on the right). I absolutely loved the big heart shaped lollipop as his guitar when he played in a frame of old broken telly! And in general a little different music here, more rocklike than usual. But he still was a full package, like always. With fangirls and fanboys doing everything to be with their idol for a short moment at last.

Later we had Grizabella. There was an absolutely wonderful moment when she walked in and everything seemed to be in slow motion!!! I think she was less ashamed of herself than usual but the rest of the cats were also more alarmed by her, closer to her, ready to strike in every moment.

Bustopher Jones appeared on the balcony, proud and round as usual. Cats were absolutely amazed by him, listening closely to every word. I loved the idea of soup tureen, smoking everywhere. I'm not a fan of that one moment when one of the cats (Victor? if I remember correctly) was hit by Bustopher for eating his soup and loudly burped. But I'm not a fan of that kind of humour in general...

Then Demeter shouted "Macavity" and before everyone ran away some girls singed a few lines of Macavity's song. It was very interesting and very very disturbing! Creepy even.

And now Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer! We have one of the girls, pushing a big safe. It was again more energetic, more interactions like pushing, pulling tails, gigging and all. Sisters or lovers? Vibes were both again. Here is one thing also, in Polish libretto we have boy and a girl singing this song and I have no idea why it wasn't changed, as we had two girls. Maybe it was impossible to change and sound good? Or maybe the whole song should be translated anew and there wasn't enough time? Thais or that way, it was strange to me...

Tugger and Munku's duet was wonderful as always, again with more playful energy than usual.

Here should be Pekes and Pollicles but nope.

Again Demeter warns everyone of Macavity and we have another group dance! And I don't remember Victoria's and Plato solo. Or it wasn't there or it could be Victoria and Alonzo again... Still, big bravo to dancers - they were amazing again.

Grizabella with Memory. I'm not a fan so well, it was memorable but that's all.

Jemima had a beautiful voice in the next song but it was her only one big moment.

And then Gus! Again the song is funny, Jellylorum does what she can and we have a red velvet curtain behind them. Gus becomes a... Rumpus Cat! Gus is a little pinkish - light lilac when young Gus is vibrant purple, with black-yellow cape. Pekes and Pellicles was sang by Munkustrap and Rumpus, which is great. But my favourite moment is when Old D. also sings and Rumpus is tapping his foot, clearly unhappy by this intrusion. And when Old D. finally gets it he is cutely embarrassed! It was so sweet and playful - old cat, and behave almost like a kitten! Also I'm sure I heard fragments of music from Growltiger in that number! I don't know how they do that but it was there for sure!

Skimbleshanks is the first and only number when Skimble actually dances. I don't know if it was an informed decision or maybe the actor wasn't in the best form, but still he usually was somewhere on the balcony or staircases, sometimes hanging with Munku or others. The choreography was wonderful! We didn't get a full train but it was funnier that way.

Oh and now Macavity!!! He is beautiful! And those nimble moves. And Old D. was kidnapped not with the net or something but Macavity's shadows hid him under a carton box! The box stays during Macavity's song.

Girls were utterly amazing in that. Some burlesque, some creepy vibes, old cans as stools... Sooooooooooooo coool!!!!!!!!!!!

When cats finally noticed the box and wanted to open it, looking - because of Old D's smell - their leader and they are frightened seeing there Macavity! Demeter tries to warn them but nobody listens to her!

Then is a fight - Alonzo is defeated fast and brutally, Macavity tries to kill him all the time. Demeter is covering poor tom with her own body and Munkustrap fights with Mac with swords from fish's bones. Like I said earlier, it was a little stiff but the idea was so so greeeeaaat! And when Munkustrap is seriously wounded and has no more strength to fight any longer Demeter, furious and frightened at the same time throws herself on Macavity, finally defeating him!!!!!

It's Misto turn! He is in the middle of the picture! We have fireworks, mute voo doo magician with top hat and a staff!! So graceful, so elegant and also mysterious, wild and nimble. Also we get some magic tricks with cloth, staff and flowers! Tugger tries to get attention but Misto is unresponsive to maine coon's charms. And believe me, Tugger does his best!

Old D. appears without any cloth and volunteers! It was nice!

And we have Memory in full blast! Grizabella wants to touch Jemima, who hides in Munkustrap's arms. He is very protective about her. Memory was performed incredibly, actresses give everything!

And finally it's Demeter who touches Grizabella!!! It is a really very emotional and beautiful moment, the actresses made it really touching! Again funny moment, when Munku also wants to touch Grizabella but Tugger is like "nope" and throws himself at Munku and pushes him away with quite a force! Their faces!

Windows disappeared, we have a full moon, Grizabella is going to a Heaviside layer and we have the last song. And Macavity!!!!! When all are near Old D. red magician appears on left balcony and slowly creep along it, then down on the staircase and behind everyone! The audience can easily spot him but cats have no idea he is here. He ran away in the moment when Old D. Sing you shouldn't shoo a cat. Everyone scattered in that moment on the scene and Macavity disappeared on the right side of the scene. And when the rest sing he steals something from the scene all the time. Wool ball, some cans... It's adorable!

Bows! Emotions! Truly magical night!

And a last part of my rambling! Ships!

1. Alonzo and Victoria.

2. Munkustrap and Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer - I don't know if it was both of them or only one but they were quite clingy to Munku.

3. Munkustrap and Alonzo - boys were hanging together quite often on the scene or balconies, looking at each other, touching and smiling.

4. Tugger and Alonzo - in Tugger's number we had that one delicious moment when Alonzo was dancing, happy and all and suddenly a wild Tugger appeared behind him and caught him. And Alonzo was surprised but liked it very much!

5. Munkustrap and Tugger - it was a funny dynamic, when in one moment they were hissing at each other and in second they were totally in sync, smiling at each other and looking adorably. Also they often looked at each other even without interactions.

6. Alonzo and Demeter - she was protecting him with her own body against Macavity's attacks, covering him

7. Munkustrap and Bombalurina - when Demeter was with Alonzo, Munkustrap was cheered on by Bombalurina, so both fighters had a girl with them.

8. Macavity and Demeter - yup, Bombalurina was clearly secondary in that version, Macavity carved for Demeter and only for her.

9. Bombalurina and Tugger - well, of course it was there, especially in Tugger's number, but probably only there.

10. Tugger and Misto - Misto was more occupied showing off his acrobatic skills than flirting, but Tugger was tireless in his advances, moving in the most sinful ways in the whole spectacle.

11. Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer and Coricopat & Tantomile - they often played together and had an absolutely adorable moment, when girls were on the balcony and boys layed on the floor below them and all four were exchanging paws, meows and silly faces.

12. Munkustrap and Skimbleshanks - yes, you could see them together a few times!

13. Bustopher Jones and Jeannyanydot! Confirmed if full force!

14. Bombalurina and Demeter - of course it was in Macavity's song!

14. The rest - I didn't see every interaction between everyone because it was impossible, also I don't remember everything so it is very very possible that if you like some ship it was there!

And this is the end of my rambling about a show. Probably it will be a little more in April if I muster enough time to see it again, because I'll be hyped again, but nothing as massive as this time, I promise!

Also because I can be back to rambling about my OCs ;)

Lovies! <3

<prev

[afairytalestray]

Day 27 of @storyweaverofgondor's cats-pril - background. I found this as a writing prompt incredibly challenging and I definitely went off piste, but I hope it was a fun read anyway! Also on Ao3 here.

..

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Misto laughed as Tugger, once again, called for a break, slumping down on a nearby rock. The forest around them chittered with life, but there definitely wasn’t another Cat for miles.

He did and he didn’t. Hiking was, undoubtedly, dreadful, and Tugger hated it. Walking was fine, but an endless uphill slog was not how he envisioned today going. He wasn’t unfit, not by a long shot, but it had been two hours and they still weren’t there!

“Of course!” he replied stubbornly. He did desperately want to get to the end of this hike. There, according to his research, was a beautiful hidden waterfall, which would make the perfect backdrop for what he had planned. The internet had made out like the path there was an easy stroll, not this Everest climb! But the plan was the plan, and Tugger had meticulously thought out every other detail.

“Do you want me to carry something for you?” Misto joked. He could and would actually do it though, Tugger thought. Being a principal dancer at the ballet meant his boyfriend was in god-like shape. Additionally, he actually enjoyed hiking.

“I’d say my heart, but you already have that,” Tugger said, blowing him a kiss. He received an eye-roll in return.

“You’re a terrible flirt,” Misto groaned, but he was definitely trying not to smile. “Come on.” He took Tugger’s paws and easily pulled him upright again. Tugger kept hold of one of them and swung it as they walked. It was worth it, really, to see Misto enjoy himself so much. He chatted mindlessly as they followed the forest trail further, telling Tugger all about his last rehearsal, the birds they saw in the trees, the cake Tugger baked last week… this, that, and everything, really. Tugger engaged as much as he could whilst trying to hide how much he was panting for breath. Misto only chattered uninhibitedly like this when he was completely comfortable with whoever he was around, and Tugger was insanely proud to tick that box.

Finally, FINALLY, after another 20 minutes that felt like 20 years, they rounded a bend and came face to face with the waterfall. Misto let out a little gasp, dropping Tugger’s paw as he darted over to the little pool beneath to get a closer look. Tugger gave as big a whoop as his strained lungs allowed, and dived into his backpack to pull out the massive camera and tripod he had brought. Misto looked back, and snorted at the sight.

“No wonder you’re exhausted, lugging all that around with you! What’s wrong with a couple of phone shots?”

“Oi! It’s a heck of an achievement I made it up here, I want high-quality evidence of this moment!”

This moment, that would hopefully be so much more than reaching the finish line. Tugger clicked everything into place, making sure the shot would be perfectly lined up, before tapping the record function.

“Sparkles! Take a photo with me!” he called, bounding round in front of the lens. From here, the camera would perfectly capture them, with the pretty waterfall in the background. Tugger may look slightly dishevelled, but Misto looked glorious, and there was nothing a touch of photoshop couldn’t fix!

Misto smiled, and came over to where Tugger now stood. He turned to face the camera, but Tugger manoeuvred him so they were facing each other, camera on the right, waterfall on the left.

“Trust me,” he murmured, seeing Misto’s quizzical look.

“I do, I just didn’t realise you were into photography all of a sudden. Not that that’s surprising, mind you.”

Tugger laughed. True, his interests and hobbies changed like the tides, all except one – the interest-turned-love he had for the Cat before him. The one and only Cat who had ever made him keen to settle down.

“Close your eyes,” he murmured, floating one paw over Misto’s eyes, the other over his own pocket.

“What are you up to?” Misto smiled, but closed his eyes anyway.

Oh, Everlasting, don’t get scared now!

Everything around them faded into the background. Tugger took a deep breath, and got down on one knee. He pulled the engagement collar box out of his pocket, and took Misto’s paw in his own.

“Open?” he said, trying to sound braver than he felt. A pause followed, in which Tugger was too nervous to look up.

“T- Tugger?”

“Marry me?” Tugger asked, gathering the nerve to look up into Misto’s eyes. A wide range of emotions crossed his face, from surprise, to amazement, and eventually to joy as he nodded furiously. He had teared up a bit, which seemed to be stopping him from actually saying anything, but his grip on Tugger’s paw was unbelievably tight. A lump rose in Tugger’s own throat as the weight lifted off his chest. He rose to his paws, grabbed his new fiancé, and lifted and twirled him in a circle, cheering all the while.

“Yes!” Misto managed to gasp, laughing at Tugger’s exuberant display of pure delight. He tugged the box to see the collar closer. “Put it on?”

Tugger did, and felt his own eyes get dangerously watery as he clasped it closed around Misto’s neck.

“How do I look?”

“So beautiful baby, you have no idea.”

Misto laughed, and pulled Tugger into a kiss.

Tugger hated hiking, but this was worth it. The camera should have caught every second of this perfect moment, and he doubted anything would ever sour his mood again! Not even realising he now had another two-and-a-half-hour trek back to civilisation.