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Old Deuteronomy sat on his tyre, looking out over the Junkyard. It was a rare occasion that every single member of the tribe was there at the one time; it only really happened when the Jellicle Ball rolled around. It was the morning after the most recent one, and the sun was bright and warm overhead. Gus had ascended to the Heaviside Layer, and his own son had danced a pas-de-deux and been accepted by the Everlasting Cat.
Said son was currently loafing off to the side, contentedly watching the goings-on, his fluffy tail wrapped tightly around a barely-visible ball of black fur. Mistoffelees – his boy’s new mate. He had almost wept with joy when Tugger had come to ask for his permission to dance a pas-de-deux, to present himself and Mistoffelees to the Everlasting Cat as mates. He had allowed it, of course, it had been obvious from the get go that this would happen. Thankfully, no one had needed rescuing via teleportation this year, but Mistoffelees had still used a fair bit of magic in setting up the night’s protective barriers, and then managing all the lights, as well as fantastical displays for the Kittens, so it was no surprise that he was still curled in a ball fast asleep, warmed by the sun and Tugger’s fur.
His other son, Munkustrap, was sitting by his own mate, Demeter, watching their Kitten, Jemima. Old Deuteronomy bit back a chuckle. Munkustrap was desperately trying to pretend like he wasn’t falling asleep sitting up, to the amusement of Demeter, who kept brushing him with her tail and making him jump when his eyelids fluttered. He would tell him later to get some rest, although he doubted Demeter wouldn’t beat him to it. His boy always seemed to forget he needed sleep.
His grandbaby Jemima was playing some sort of rough and tumble game with the other Kittens. It looked like they were all trying to do Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer’s double-cartwheel move, but only George and Electra seemed to be having any luck in recreating it at all. Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Jemima, and Etcetera were in a tangled heap on the floor, giggling like mad. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer themselves seemed not to be involved in this. Rumpleteazer was curled into Skimbleshanks’ side and dozing. It made him glad to see; the calico twins had adopted Skimbleshanks as a sort of father figure, and he had really helped them find their place in the Junkyard. Mungojerrie, on the other paw, was over on top of the oven, chatting animatedly to Coricopat. Old Deuteronomy suppressed a smile at the sight – the normally-serene Coricopat looked quite delighted by the interaction. Even if those two couldn’t sense it yet, he got the feeling they’d be seeing another pas-de-deux soon.
Tantomile, less fond of excessive chatter, was lounging comfortably in the shade next to Cassandra and Tica. From a distance, Old Deuteronomy couldn’t tell whether they were actually talking, or just enjoying each others’ quiet disposition.
Victoria and Plato, last year’s mated pair, seemed to be doing the bulk of keeping an eye on the Kittens, when they could take their eyes off of each other, that was. Thankfully, Bombalurina was also nearby, one eye on them, one on the rest of the adults, who were surrounding Jellylorum and Asparagus.
Jellylorum herself was slightly puffy-eyed, but looked to be trying to smile. Asparagus kept zoning out from where he was tucked into his partner Skimbleshanks’ other side. Old Deuteronomy sympathised, for as much as a loved one being the Jellicle Choice was an honour, it could be hard for those left behind, and Jellylorum and Asparagus, as well as being his daughter and son, had been Gus’ main caretakers this past year. To keep them company, Bustopher Jones had opted to stay for a few days, and was making quiet conversation. Alonzo and Jennyanydots had taken up position on either side of Jellylorum. Jennyanydots was her partner, and Alonzo looked up to her almost as a mother.
Their father was gone, but they were surrounded by their tribe now, supported by their extended family who would be there through thick and thin. Old Deuteronomy could not be more proud of his tribe, his family.