Caring, Bright, Self-Regarding @ask-skimbleshanks - Tumblr Blog

Skimbleshanks was poorly hidden behind a blanket that had been propped up high to shield him. Knowing that it was a terrible hiding spot, he moved out from behind it, “Perhaps you have a secret admirer.” He purred, knowing full well he had left those lovely flowers and rubbed against Jenny’s face, “Good morning, love.”

grizabella was much more brighter in recent weeks and she looked particularly overjoyed when she walked over to skimbleshanks. "can we talk?" she asked lightly. ( ask--grizabella )

Skimbleshanks had been reading a book Exotica had loaned him, reclining on top of his den in the sun. The dark metal of the gutted oven made for an excellent place to sit and be warm. Happy to see her bright and out and about, the yellow tabby moved over with a smile, patting a spot next to him, “A-course! Care ta join me?” She had seemed to blossom recently and he was glad to see her looking so well.

@ask–grizabella

grizabella took a seat next to skimble, she felt so . . charmed recently, her mind had been on an older tom, one that she couldn’t help but think of all the time. “i . . i’ve fallen in love.” she insisted, her paws gripped at the fur near her chest with a smile on her face. “with a handsome tom . .” she added. she was still surprised at who it was . . she was sure skimbleshanks would be too, but she was sure he’d be okay! it was all a fascinating subject for her. love, she hadn’t felt it in so long. she had been touched but she hadn’t been loved. there was a sparkle in her eyes. “his . . name is uh — ” she was nervous before speaking in a small voice, as if she was a kitten. “growltiger.” a pirate, of course she had. she was always so dreamy about them as a kitten.

Love! Of course, that would be it. Skimbleshanks hung on her words, eager to hear who the lucky tom was. It was about time the tribe started to get over themselves. An excited smiled was plastered on his face. Until it wasn’t. There wasn’t much that could trip up Skimbleshanks, but hearing a dead legendary cat’s name was one of them. Slowly, he tilted his head, “I think I misheard you. Did you say Growltiger? Were his parents fans of the story?” Tumblebrutus’ name came from one of his shipmates, if Skimbleshanks recalled correctly, but it was unusual to hear the name of the pirate himself. Most assumed it would be disrespectful to the pirate’s particular name. Which could only mean one thing… One thing that would very hard to believe.

“he made the stories.” she corrected and gave skimble a smile. she knew it was growltiger. “he’s missing an eye, one of his ears are gone. it’s growltiger! i know it is.” she insisted and her eyes were on skimble. they were bright and still full of love from the older pirate. he was romantic . . she thought he was s o romantic - charmed to simply speak to him. she thought about how he kissed her hand, and he called her beautiful! she could only imagine it in her head now. “and he’s romantic.” she added on and her face was leaning in on her paws. her eyes closed to imagine it all again. love! she’d never gone through it. she always assumed she missed her chance but . . she hadn’t! she knew she hadn’t. especially with how growltiger was sweet on her. it was different for her now. she could finally have . . a life. be together for the rest of time. she was obviously getting too far ahead herself but . . no one could stop her from dreaming.

If Skimbleshanks had been drinking tea, he would have spat it out. Instead, he settled for resting a paw to his forehead and running the tips of fingers up it as he felt an oncoming headache. On second though, he could go for that tea. He needed something to wet his whistle. He shook his head slowly, “Part of me wants to tell ya it can’t be him, but ya came back from the Heaviside yaself. Though, I doubt he ever even saw the Heaviside…” Skimbleshanks had never found the tale of Growltiger a pleasing one. It was hard to know a man and if love really changed him through verses and song. The yellow tabby tucked his book under his arm, “Let’s head into my den. We’ll have some tea and talk more on. How about that?”

“well, if you stopped me, why would i listen?” she chuckled cheekily and smiled at skimble and wrapped her arm around his free one. “if i am to be in love i can’t listen to reason. i listen to my heart! thank you.” she giggled and lead him over to his den, looking over at him as they walked. “what’s the point of finding happiness if i’m stopped?” she also brought up. she was starting to find her smile again, she was cleaned up and felt better. she was no longer messy or limping as much and her scar had been properly cleaned finally, it all felt clearer from now on. and she found a tom that made her heart warm absolutely so much — even if it had been growltiger, as he claimed. she believed him, there was no way it could be anyone but him! especially with how he looked. “he was kind to me.” she added on, maybe a small bit of reassurance for her friend.

He patted her arm and sighed, “I’m not goin’ ta stop ya, I just want ta talk.” Still, it was nice to see her smiling and if this Growltiger made her happy… well, first and foremost, he wanted to make sure she was safe. He lead her to a seat in his den and began to make them both tea. For awhile, he stared at the whiskey on his shelf. Despite the fact that he usually didn’t like to drink in moments like these, he had a feeling he would need it. He hummed as he waited for the kettle, “You’ll have to bring this Growltiger to meet us… You know that Victoria is part Siamese, correct?” Part of him wanted to doubt it was the pirate, but that would make the other cat a liar and not suitable for Grizabella at all.

“well, did you ever listen to the song? it says he hates persians but then he’s with griddlebone, a persian! he obviously doesn’t feel that way anymore.” she said, she knew every word to the song, every note. she always loved it, she found it heartbreaking, she loved the tune and the story. “that’s what i remember, don’t you? i know you never quite liked the song, but i know every word!” she said simply and gave skimble a grin. he looked over at skimbleshanks with a stubborn expression. “and, if he hated foreign cats . . i’m abyssinian.” she acknowledged too. she didn’t understand how skimbleshanks couldn’t realize any of this. she guessed he was being protective, she was lucky she remembered. she looked for the best in people, she wanted to see people grow, and she felt as if she saw it every ball with that song. she also . . had always found the pirate story quite . . intriguing!

The kettle whistled and Skimbleshanks poured its contents into two cups, adding a bit of whiskey to his. He put the the bottle next to Grizabella to add as she liked. The queen was not Rumpleteazer– as much as he might like to, he wasn’t about to control how strong she made her drink. A soft sigh escaped her, “That’s not actually in the song you know. The legends say she was Persian… And Gus’ theater loves to embellish.” The yellow tabby had gone as far as to read a written version of the song the legend came from. If this was Growltiger she was seeing, it did make him nervous. Cats of foreign race, indeed. He shook his head, “I’m just worried about ya. Ya’ve been healin’ up really nice, I’d hate to see someone…ruin that. Will ya put this old cat’s mind at ease and let him meet this so-called Growltiger?”

“she was a persian, i asked.” grizabella stated. she made sure to be able to get all the answers she was looking for. “embellish, maybe . . but he did tell me she was a persian.” she added, looking at skimble as she started to sip at her tea. “of course, he said he wanted to meet my . . well, i called you family.” she laughed, it was embarrassing to admit out loud. she didn’t want to tell him that but . . she would, she hoped skimble wouldn’t get upset by the notion. “he . . he doesn’t know me, or my past, or the song i . . i like it that way.” she insisted. her past was twists and turns and an embarrassing song that rung in her ears and reminded her of everything. when demeter sung it . . she felt the care coming off of her, she felt warmed . . when everyone joined in . . it felt, demeaning and cold.

“Of course you did,” mused Skimbleshanks, shaking his head slightly. He took a very long sip of his tea before looking at her, a bit tiredly, “I can’t say I’m not pleased you called me family.” As far as he was concerned, he was her family and so was Jenny and their kits. And Griz’s kits. Their little brood would always keep their glamour cat safe. Skimbleshanks reached an paw over and rubbed her arm gently, “And I can see how it would be. But let me meet him. Give ‘em the old once over. Just to be safe.”

monstersmemes

Halloween starters!

Send a symbol for a starter for our muses!

Please specify a muse if one or the other is a multimuse blog :)

tame

🎃 - your muse and mine go trick-or-treating

🔮 - your muse and mine visit a fortune-teller (outcome up to muns!)

🌩️ - your muse and mine stay in as a storm kicks up

🍿 - your muse and mine watch a scary movie together

🕸️ - your muse and mine go to a pumpkin patch

spooky

🦇 - your muse and mine are a vampire and their prey (can be real or pretend)

👻 - your muse and mine get creeped out by a ghost

🕯️ - your muse and mine tell each other scary stories

🗡️ - your muse and/or mine get chased by a monster/killer (both can be chased or one can be the chaser!)

👽 - your muse and mine see / get abducted by a UFO

smutty

🍬 - your muse and mine stay home handing out candy, getting frisky between knocks at the door

⚰️ - your muse and mine have a romantic interlude in a graveyard

🏚️ - your muse and mine go to a haunted house, and one is turned-on by how the other clings to them when they’re scared

🍭 - your muse and mine use the leftover candy for some festive food play

😈 - your muse and/or mine make a deal with a horny demon

#rp prompts

grizabella was much more brighter in recent weeks and she looked particularly overjoyed when she walked over to skimbleshanks. "can we talk?" she asked lightly. ( ask--grizabella )

@ask–grizabella

The kettle whistled and Skimbleshanks poured its contents into two cups, adding a bit of whiskey to his. He put the the bottle next to Grizabella to add as she liked. The queen was not Rumpleteazer-- as much as he might like to, he wasn’t about to control how strong she made her drink. A soft sigh escaped her, “That’s not actually in the song you know. The legends say she was Persian... And Gus’ theater loves to embellish.” The yellow tabby had gone as far as to read a written version of the song the legend came from. If this was Growltiger she was seeing, it did make him nervous. Cats of foreign race, indeed. He shook his head, “I’m just worried about ya. Ya’ve been healin’ up really nice, I’d hate to see someone...ruin that. Will ya put this old cat’s mind at ease and let him meet this so-called Growltiger?”

grizabella was much more brighter in recent weeks and she looked particularly overjoyed when she walked over to skimbleshanks. "can we talk?" she asked lightly. ( ask--grizabella )

@ask–grizabella

He patted her arm and sighed, “I’m not goin’ ta stop ya, I just want ta talk.” Still, it was nice to see her smiling and if this Growltiger made her happy... well, first and foremost, he wanted to make sure she was safe. He lead her to a seat in his den and began to make them both tea. For awhile, he stared at the whiskey on his shelf. Despite the fact that he usually didn’t like to drink in moments like these, he had a feeling he would need it. He hummed as he waited for the kettle, “You’ll have to bring this Growltiger to meet us... You know that Victoria is part Siamese, correct?” Part of him wanted to doubt it was the pirate, but that would make the other cat a liar and not suitable for Grizabella at all.

grizabella was much more brighter in recent weeks and she looked particularly overjoyed when she walked over to skimbleshanks. "can we talk?" she asked lightly. ( ask--grizabella )

@ask–grizabella

If Skimbleshanks had been drinking tea, he would have spat it out. Instead, he settled for resting a paw to his forehead and running the tips of fingers up it as he felt an oncoming headache. On second though, he could go for that tea. He needed something to wet his whistle. He shook his head slowly, “Part of me wants to tell ya it can’t be him, but ya came back from the Heaviside yaself. Though, I doubt he ever even saw the Heaviside...” Skimbleshanks had never found the tale of Growltiger a pleasing one. It was hard to know a man and if love really changed him through verses and song. The yellow tabby tucked his book under his arm, “Let’s head into my den. We’ll have some tea and talk more on. How about that?”

grizabella was much more brighter in recent weeks and she looked particularly overjoyed when she walked over to skimbleshanks. "can we talk?" she asked lightly. ( ask--grizabella )

@ask–grizabella

“You make every day worth living.” (-ask-skimbleshanks)

“I feel the same exact way dear, you mean the absolute world to me. I don’t know where I would be right now without you. You are truly a gift and I love you with every piece of my heart.”.

@ask-skimbleshanks

Skimbleshanks couldn’t help his prideful smile and little blush. She always knew how to give him the old butterflies in his stomach. His chest puffed up a little from her words of love; she really did make every day worth living. From behind his back, he pulled out a small, but lovely bouquet of bright red roses that were tied with a silky ribbon, “Picked these for ya. Ya’ll want to put them in water soon though.”

Jennyanydots eyes light up, she takes the flowers and embraces him “They’re lovely thank you so much, i’ll put them in water as soon as I can find a vase! Would you like to possibly go for a walk? Of course we don’t have too though.” Jenny asks while letting go of him with a smile.

As they hugged, he moved aside a little to press an affection kiss to her cheek. His smile went practically ear to ear, “I’d love to.” He offered her his arm so that they could walk with them looped. It reminded him of when they were young and they would go walk by the parks and down the cobbled streets of Londontown. Everything seemed so much safer then, before Macavity. Yet, he could never feel more safe than when he was with her– when he was with her, all the dangers of the world seemed to melt away.

A blush creeps onto her face as she loops her arm around his, “Wonderful.” She sets the roses down on a small table and lays her head on his shoulder also holding onto his arm as they leave the house. She give him a small peck on the shoulder with a smile that probably won’t leave for days.

He chuckled and patted her hand gently once they were looped arm in arm. A contented sigh escaped him, unable still to stop smiling warmly. What a lucky cat he was! As they started on their walk, out into the garden heading toward the road, he couldn’t help but sneak glances at her. They were mates and had been for years, but sometimes it was nice to pretend that he wasn’t allowed to stare and bask in all she was. It made things a little more exciting. But, oh, how he loved to look at her in all she was– golden furred with each tabby stripe and leopard spot glinting in the sun. Jennyanydots always took his breath away.

Oh Everlasting she feels like the luckiest cat in the world, what on earth did she do to get someone as wonderful as him. She sneaks a glance at him and sees him look away “You know we’re not kittens anymore you don’t have too look away, I know i sound hypocritical because i do it all the time but i cant help but to look at the most handsome tom Europe has ever been graced with.” .

He patted her hand and chuckled lightly, “I know… But it makes me feel young.” Now, he do look to stare at her, to bask in her and all she was. His chest was puffed up with pride. Oh, she still thought he was handsome, “To think the most beautiful queen in the whole world thinks I’m handsome.” A gentle paw reached out to touch her cheek. His tail twined with hers, his cheeks flushing. She made him feel young.

A blush creeps onto her cheeks, gosh does she feel young again. As she places her paw on his cheek she looks into his beautiful green eyes, if she could she would look in them forever. “I love you honey, I really truly do.”. She says with the biggest smile on her face.

A blush had always suited her so well. He sighed and gave her a chaste peck, a smile brimming from his face. He moved his paws and took her hands, pulling her off the path, “Dance with me, luv.” Carefully, he spun her, one paw gently wrapping around her waist. He felt as though being with her would send them back in time. His heart felt as though it would burst.

She gave a quick kiss back and followed skimble. As she was spun she swore she was flying, or at least close too it. She holds him close and Dances with him, her arms around his neck and swaying. She takes one of his paws into her own, turns out, and then spins back into his arms. If the heaviside layer was on earth she was certainly in it.

He kept their clasped paws out as he began to careful steps back and forward and sides, all the simple steps he knew. Under his breath, he hummed a soft little tune, staring at her her. Sunlight caught on her pelt as though she were an angel. Skimbleshanks would be tempted to say he could die happy right there, but that’d be a lie. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, for as long as they had and he wouldn’t dare go before her. Kits or no kits to take care of them, tribe or no tribe, he did not want her to ever be alone, even if it would break his spirit so completely to be without her. He sighed gently, “Do you remember our first Jellicle Ball?”

“Of course! I remember it like it was yesterday, I was so nervous but it all worked out in the end huh. I mean after all we have each other now.” If she wasn’t standing she would have thought this was all a dream. Everything is perfect, the way he shines in the sun, the way they were both dancing in harmony it was all just simply perfect. “When did you know that it was me you wanted too be with at the Ball ?”

A soft chuckle came as he thought of it. Skimbleshanks smiled, “Believe it or not, I was just tellin’ Victoria about it.” He turned them both carefully, leading her with ease. It helped that they were always so in sync with each other. It came with many years of love. He hummed gently, “I fell in love with ya the first time I got back from Scotland. Ya came right up to me so glad I was okay… Even though I had been so horrible to ya as a kit, causin’ trouble and pretendin’ to eat ya mice.” Another quiet chuckle came through as he remembered their kitten hood.

“Truly I didn’t realize i loved you until you left for the first time, how much I missed you being around, and not really having anyone to talk too that wasn’t Jelly. You weren’t horrible though, annoying ? Oh everlasting yes but it was a good annoying If anything i was probably annoying too but for totally different reasons.” Jenny says with a laugh while being turned. The setting sun made this absolutely beautiful, the golden light, the purple, pink and blue sky made this all a night to truly remember everything is just perfect.

“I couldn’t stand how doting you were. Now, I can’t imagine life without it,” he said, smiling. She looked sent from the Everlasting Cat himself haloed in the sunset’s light. He smiled as though he had caught a canary and moved his hands to either side of her waist, “I bet I can still lift you.” Wouldn’t that be wonderful? He remembered how he used to lift her when they dance. Their dance had not quite been the technical masterpiece that Victoria and Plato’s had, but it had been beautiful nonetheless.

Jenny smiled at the thought of their dance, it was absolutely beautiful every moment, every turn, and every lift was taken out right out of a story book. “I bet you can, of course it’ll definitely be harder now though i’m not as light as I used to be.” she says with a laugh.

Skimbleshanks laughed too, though a bit nervously. He had never found Jenny very light, but then again he was never very strong in his arms. His legs were another story. Still, he spun her carefully and then lifted her into the air a little, “Ya’d have to get a nice start for us to do the one we did for our dance… But I’m happy to do this if ya are. I suppose I’m just a wee bit too old.” A chuckle escaped him– it wasn’t often he admitted he was getting up there in years. It was only Jenny he’d ever say it to. He’d do anything to make her happy, though.

“You’re getting old ? I’m older than you how do you think i feel !?” she says with a laugh, of course she wasn’t so much older but sometimes she could definitely feel it. “Of course we could try, even when we did it for our dance it was a little risky and we wouldn’t want you falling over would we, honestly if we could do it now though that would be absolutely wonderful.”.

“You? Old? Ya haven’t aged a day since I met ya,” he lied, smiling. She had, but she had aged like a fine wine in the long days since their youth. Every day her beauty increased. Just being around her helped calm him. And, he’d do anything for her. He moved away from her waist and move backwards until he was a ways away, “Alright then.” He smirked, excited at the prospect.

“O-Oh we are doing it? alright then!” she says while walking back a foot. “Okay I hope you’re ready!” She prayed that this will work out and began running towards him, not at full speed but pretty fast every single scenario was playing in her head of course none of them bad, just them falling. She’s close to him now, with out a second thought She jumped into the air, hoping to be caught by his outstretched arms.

By some miracle, Skimbleshanks caught her. His hands were a little too high and he had to take a step backward, but he held up her up safely. He laughed, his nose crinkling up as he smiled, staring up at her, “I’ve still got it!” Still, he put her down gently before wrapping his arms around her tightly as he sighed contently, “I love ya.” He’d follow her to the ends of the earth. And he was certainly glad he hadn’t dropped her. The last thing he wanted was her getting hurt.

She was cought, She didn’t want to say she’s surprised but that would be a lie. She looks down at him smiling ear to ear, when he lets her down she gladly hugged him back. “I love you too!” she said just before she kissed his cheek and nuzzled into his neck.She honestly doesn’t know were she would be right now without him, nothing would be the same without him.

He pulled her close, his paws pressing tightly against the small of her back. Why did he feel like he might cry? Joyful tears managed to sting at his eyes. His father had been Scottish and Skimbleshanks had never been a stiff upper lipped British cat because of it. Then again, he wasn’t like his father much either. He laughed, “Thank ya for always makin’ me feel young.” After a moment, he smiled and took Jenny’s face into his paws before pressing a passionate kiss to her lips. Where would he be without her, he wondered. Certainly, worse off. Dear Everlasting, he the luckiest cat in the entire world.

grizabella was much more brighter in recent weeks and she looked particularly overjoyed when she walked over to skimbleshanks. "can we talk?" she asked lightly. ( ask--grizabella )

@ask--grizabella

dovingmemes

random sentence starters

random sentences for any / multiple scenario(s). change around as you see fit.

“ who do you think you are? “

“ wait , did you just say you love me? “

“ please just … leave me alone. “

“ i’m so happy! “

“ is this a gift for me? “

“ hey! i’ve got something for you! wait right here! “

“ i love you. “

“ shut up! shut the fuck up! “

“ who told you that?! i didn’t say that! “

“ w — what? “

“ … i’m sorry. “

“ what? ME have a crush on YOU? whaaaaaat?! haha! what? pfft … shut up! “

“ bitch , guess what? “

“ oh my god … “

“ fuck you to fucking hell! “

“ man … go to hell. “

“ what did you just send me? “

“ what did you just say? “

“ they’re totally checking you out right now. “

“ jealous?! i’m not jealous! “

“ are you jealous? “

“ wow … you’re hot when you’re angry. “

“ wow … your smile is breathtaking. “

“ you’re so stupid. “

“ okay! that’s it! put your dukes up! “

“ you don’t want me. “

“ question , you’re not dating anyone , are you? “

“ let me take you out on a date. “

“ i swear to god i’m going to scream at the top of my lungs. “

“ no! don’t tickle me! “

“ i’m not good for you , trust me. “

“ no offense but i’m out of your league. “

“ so , how does it feel to know me? a blessing , isn’t it? “

“ … why does this card say ‘ happy 3rd birthday ‘? “

“ so what will it be tonight? “

“ please , let me listen to celine dion in the dark in peace. “

“ i don’t love you. “

“ you don’t love me. “

“ … is there something you want? “

“ you know , you’re really cute. “

“ god , just let me fucking love you , you idiot! “

“ shh … don’t cry. “

“ i just feel like everything is falling apart. “

“ DON’T YOU DARE! DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE! “

“ hello darkness my old friend … “

“ so … do i get a goodnight kiss? “

#ask meme

When Pouncival had given Skimbleshanks the collar, he was concerned that the kit had simply found it and taken he. He had seen Grizabella go up after all. How else could he have gotten it? Surely, the kit was deluding himself. Still, as he approached the alleyway that she had apparently taken up residence in, Skimbleshanks knew his old nose never lied. He swallowed hard. If she really hadn't gone up, this would be hard forever. He entered the alleyway and called out, "Grizabella?" (-skimbles)

grizabella sat by herself in the alleyway, for as long as she needed to. when she heard skimble’s voice, her head peaked up and she slowly made her way closer, only to truly check it was him. when she saw him she could feel anxious. she was ready for disappointment. that’s all she ever expected from the cats. she knew skimble the best but . . that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be upset with her. “skimble?” she mumbled. her voice was shaky. she hadnt eaten and her legs were rather shaky, but she peaked her head out to catch her sights on skimbleshanks. she held her hand to her head after. she was trying to remember more but it only hurt. she should’ve gotten help when she first got hurt. now it was too late, but she was feeling a bit happy when she saw skimble.

@ask-skimbleshanks

Curse his ever bleeding heart, she looked worse than she had the night of the ball. Skimbleshanks had ignored her cries for help once and he simply couldn’t do it again. He rushed to her side– she was younger than him, but one would have to go underneath so much hardship to find that youth. The railway cat slipped her arm over his shoulder and pulled her safely to her feet, “I got ya, lassie, I’ve got ya. No need ta fret.” Closer up, he could see the scar on her head. What had happened to the darling glamour cat he had known? In the back of his head, he thought of how he should have taken her to Scotland long ago. He never should have let her leave on her own accord. He shook his head, “This ain’t the Heaviside Layer, ya know? How did ya end up back here?” Carefully, he started walking with her. She was going straight to Jennyanydots and he didn’t give a damn what the rest of the tribe had to say about it.

she grabbed onto skimbleshanks once she was able to. looking up at the cat and giving him a smile. she limped slightly, she hadn’t gotten help in a long while. “i . . i couldn’t.” she simply whispered and looked at him with a saddened look. “i didn’t want to leave yet it . . it was too nice to be back home.” she admitted. the back of her paw pressed against her forehead as she leaned against the cat that she had always considered family. she sniffled slightly. “once the happiness faded i guess it was too late to leave. i just . . wanted to experience it more.” she admitted. she had loved being back home, the acceptance she got from all the cats around her. she felt selfish for wanting more of it. being smiled at and accepted. it was . . beautiful, nice. “i wasted my chance.” she coughed out and kept walking. she hadn’t moved much, her walking was rough and she wasn’t used to it being lighter out. it felt bright and her headache was worse. she wasn’t used to any of it. she felt dazed and confused but . . thankful for being with skimble.

Skimble rubbed her back gently, “No ya didn’t, dearie. They should-a picked Gus. Ya were too young to go. I know I wasn’t the only cat in the crowd who wanted more time with ya.” The yellow tabby hadn’t voiced his opinion, but he knew that Gus didn’t have much longer for this world. It would be a great gadgetry to watch one of their oldest members not get to go to the Heaviside after a good, long life. Despite her wealth of matted fur, Skimbleshanks could feel that she was really just skin and bones. It was breaking his heart to see her like this. Part of him blamed himself, though he knew he was hardly the only cat at fault. He kept her going, slowly, “We’ll get ya to Jenny’s den. We’ll let ya rest, get some food in ya, water, cream, maybe some tea.” Water she needed, but he didn’t know what other drinks she preferred. Cream was what he had always offered the kits, but she wasn’t a kit anymore. Not really. She hadn’t been for a long while. She’d feel happy again, thought Skimbleshanks, especially if he had anything to say in the matter.

“i . . i just wanted to be home.” she stuttered out to him. she wanted to be home and she wanted her friends and family back. “i . . i haven’t eaten in such a while, skimble. every rat i can find is too fast. i feel so tired.” she admitted with a sigh. she tried to do it all as best as she could. she tried to feed herself but she wasn’t doing well in the slightest. she struggled to move, to talk, and to think. “i wish i went to scotland with you.” she sniffled out. “would’ve been safe with my favorite cat.” she giggled softly, as much as she could without croaking out. “i wish i could’ve gotten . . everyone to accept me without dying. i knew that was unrealistic.” unrealistic if she was still alive. she felt as if she had been thrown aside so the cats didn’t have to deal with her. she understood it . . maybe it wasn’t even meant that way, but if it was? she understood it. she had been a damper on everything.

“I’ll catch ya a big rat, don’t worry. And Alonzo caught some rabbits not long ago, they’ll still be good,” he hummed, holding her tight. A pang went through his heart. Her favorite cat? And how terribly he had failed her too. Guilt was wreaking havoc on him, but he kept strong for her. Skimbleshanks might have to been getting older every day, but he refused to let it keep him down. He’d jump and play with the kits, he’d dance his dance, and he’d carry this queen back where she belonged. He gave Grizabella a careful, comforting nuzzle, “Don’t let the kit here ya say that. He might think ya have forgotten about him. Laddie seemed quite taken with ya.” Young Pouncival and Tumblebrutus needed a good example anyway. He kept her going steady, taking on more of her weight as they walked, “I wish ya had gone to Scotland with me. I never should have let ya leave or let the tribe treat ya like that, but I’m goin’ to do my best to make things right. I swear to ya.” It wouldn’t be easy– no one had ever refused the Heaviside Layer before, but this was still Grizabella. She had been accepted back into the tribe whether the other members liked it or not.

she laughed softly and gave him a slight smile. “i’ll hold you to that.” she joked and patted his shoulder. she was very hungry, so she was obviously just joking with him. “i wish i went too . . maybe i’d look much better.” she laughed dryly. she wished that she got to see scotland before she left. she laughed about the mention of the kittens though. “i . . i failed one kitten, i won’t fail two more.” she assured him. she felt terrible for leaving her kitten. she might’ve been young but she had a hard time excusing it at all. she didn’t know how to be a mother but . . she could’ve learned. “demeter . . i remember back when she was a kitten. i took care of her the best i could then. i . . i feel terrible for everything that happened to her.” she admitted. she blamed herself for that too. she could’ve helped her, saved her in some way. she didn’t deserve the pain she just stood by during. not that she knew it happened. “and bombalurina, of course. it’s hard to see them now when i remember them being so different.” she admitted. bombalurina was always jumpy and soft, and demeter always yelled and was fairly excitable. she didn’t know what happened.

The yellow tabby sighed, “Ya didn’t fail him at all. Ya were too young and the tribe should have been able to pick up the slack without you havin’ to leave.” Jellicles usually raised the kittens as a close knit community anyway. While they usually stayed with parents, it was not unusual to have kits that were not your own in your den, even when you didn’t have kits. He’d kept watch over all of them, more than once. Skimbleshanks thought he might have a talk with Tugger. He knew that the young tom was sore, but Grizabella was as wounded on her heart as she was on the outside. He sighed and kept them both moving, “I’m sure there will be no hard feelin’s. Demeter seemed awfully fond of ya and Bomba will come ‘round.” To be honest, he couldn’t make that second promise. He didn’t know Bombalurina well, but she had still accepted Grizabella, just as she had once been accepted. He’d remind her of that if she gave any trouble.

“i know you’re right . . but i . . i still hurt him, and i feel terrible for it.” she sighed. she would blame herself till the day she died. unless she got to speak with him again . . she was too scared too. tugger was a very rowdy cat, she had noticed. she didn’t want to mess it all up. “i . . i always tried to keep those girls safe. they may be the reason for some scars but . . i’d be killed before i let a kitten get hurt.” she let herself get hurt for those queens. “i . . i was just happy demeter recognized me. i know . . i know she meant well.” grizabella could recognize that. even if she wasn’t used to the queen being so skittish and scared. “rina . . never really knew what i went through for her. she didn’t need to. as long as she was safe.” grizabella coughed violently before gripping onto skimble tightly. “i just . . oh, how i wish it was all simply easier.” she could dream it, but that doesn’t mean it would be true.

“We’ll talk to him. But for right now, we need to focus on getting you well,” he told her. Tugger could always be dealt with later. The curious cat was rough around the edges, but Skimbleshanks knew he’d come around eventually. He was as soft a newborn kit at heart, in his opinion. Why else would he take such an interest in quiet little Mistoffelees? He sighed and kept walking. They were nearing the Junkyard. It was quite far for a kit or an injured, hungry queen, but it was not really a far walk at all. Still, he had to hold on to her body tightly as she cough, “It will be. Once we get ya home, ya just plan on gettin’ better. Those two kits a-yas can mind themselves and help ya out. Heard them talkin’ about huntin’ for ya before I left.” Pouncival and Tumblebrutus would do well for her, he believed. Then again, Skimbleshanks felt like kits cured all ills when they were good and kind. The Jellicles certainly were blessed with a handful of sweet kits with just enough orney spark in them.

“glad i’ll get to see you and jenny again.” she smiled. jenny was a bit mean to her, she didn’t really expect it. she still loved jenny, though, she could never stay mad at the cat, even with how terribly she gossiped. grizabella remembered that all too well . . she was very kind about getting you through your problems though. “hunting? i hope they’ll be safe. i’d hate to see kittens in danger.” which is why she had gotten so close to demeter and bombalurina — she was just glad they seemed happy. “i wish i got this scar treated faster . . i . . i would be way better at everything again.” she sighed . . she didn’t think the scar would effect her so much, but it worked quite like a concussion . . but worse, it wasn’t healing. she felt it was infected and it hurt every time she touched it. “would’ve never had to worry if i listened to you for once in my life.” back when she was a . . mischievous, albeit sweet, kitten. she would never listen to him but she loved spending time around skimble. “but i . . i am sorry if i’m a hassle.”

Skimbleshanks didn’t know how Jenny would react. He still hadn’t talked to her about how she had acted toward the queen at the ball. When Grizabella was thought dead, it didn’t seem to matter. If anyone could talk sense into Jenny, though, it was him. Besides, she had probably just been trying to protect the kits. He reached over and gingerly ran a finger over her scar, “How did this happen?” She had had it the night of the ball and it was clearly a source of trouble for her. Part of him wondered if it was Macavity. He sighed and shook his head, “You’re not a hassle.” The Junkyard was in the distance, but at least it was in sight. Skimbleshanks would be happy to get her some rest and some food. And a bath, if he could somehow manage it. He doubted that a normal grooming would do her any good. Maybe he could convince Alonzo to help.

she sighed when the question was raised. “macavity found out who helped demeter and bombalurina. yeah?” she laughed lightly, coughing a small bit again. he didn’t like when he was deceived, she knew that well, but he wanted to get demeter out of there . . since she was pregnant. he was terrified at the concept of history repeating itself for her. so he helped them escape . . would’ve helped jerrie and teazer if they listened for once. “i’m not? you’re helping me limp back home and you’re going to have to baby me till i feel better. it’s a hassle. more of one then if i went to scotland with you.” she felt like a problem . . but she didn’t like realizing why. she didn’t like thinking about any of it. she wanted to be home . . she wanted it to not hurt when she remembered her past. she wanted . . to be safe again, not dying in an alleyway . . to be a distant memory to the jellicles forever. only to be forgotten one day.

“You’re not a hassle,” he affirmed, “Grizabella, you were accepted back– you’re a Jellicle. And even if no one had touched you that night if Pouncival came to me and gave me your collar, I’d still be here to help you. I’ve not done enough good by ya, lassie.” Things would get better for her even if Skimbleshanks would have to drive them both to the fires of hell. All the kits in the tribe were precious to him– even Grizabella, though she had long since grown. He sighed, “You are going home and you’re going to get well.” He cupped her cheek and then pulled her head to his and kissed her forehead warmly as though he would to any of his own kits.

she smiled at the affection and nuzzled his shoulder. in a familial way. “i . . i can’t get completely well.” she said, referring to her scar. it had started to heal. she couldn’t fix it anymore. it would hurt forever and it . . it pained her. “ l a s s i e, i missed your silly words.” she giggled. she sounded fairly kittenish, but it reminded him of when she was a kitten. she cared about him, and he cared about her. they were always family then. maybe it’ll happen again. she thought about it. “those . . twins, they got here?” she didn’t know that they were skimbleshanks’ kids, she was never told any of that. “i . . i knew them too, back when. i didn’t expect to see them.” she admitted.

It was hard to know that. Not because he blamed or felt she was broken– those thoughts had not even crossed Skimbleshank’s mind–but because he knew it was hurting her. He wished that he had been there. He sighed and told her, “Then we’ll get ya as well as ya can be. Nothin’ wrong with that.” It wasn’t unusual for cats to have injuries that would affect them the rest of their lives. Gus’ palsy had crippled his acting career and Skimbleshanks didn’t know how much longer he could pretend that he could still jump and frolic like a kit. The pretending was more for himself, though, anyway. He gave her a soft smile, “Jerrie and Teazer, ya mean? They’re mine and Jenny’s kits ya know.” Part of him hoped that would make her happy. While the reason she knew his kits was not ideal, they were working on that. Everything would be well soon.

she smiled when he told her, looking at him with a soft smile. “they . . they were as sweet as they could be. i would think if you’re watching them, they’re okay now. i d o see the resemblance, albeit slightly.” she teased with a chuckle. she should’ve realized, she knew that. it was just never a thought to cross her mind. “cats love to stare . . i wish they all wouldn’t simply stare when i came around. i know they will now. feels like a whole lot of eyes judging me and watching me but . . never saying a word.” she explained. it was fairly close to what was really saying, and she wished she didn’t have to deal with it, but if she were to keep her promise and . . come back home? it wouldn’t matter then. she didn’t care at that point.

“Took after their ma and that changin’ coat of her’s,” he said. The kits were most definitely theirs, but they resembled Jenny more. Skimbleshanks chuckled, “Probably for the best.” As if to emulate his point, he took his hand and rubbed under his chin before giving Grizabella a wink. He stopped at the entrance to the Junkyard as she spoke. In the distance, he could see a few cats milling about, but they had yet to be noticed. He shook his head, “I can’t stop ‘em from starin’. Not yet, anyway. Doesn’t matter what they think. This is your home. Ya ready?” If she wasn’t ready to face them, he’d give her a few more minutes. She desperately needed to get somewhere to lie down though. He refused to keep her out of the Junkyard for much longer. Grizabella not going to the Heaviside would be the talk of the tribe for some time that much he knew.

she took a breath and gave skimbleshanks a tight hug. holding it there for a moment and nuzzling her nose into his neck. she held herself there for a couple moments before standing back and wrapped her arm around his carefully. “i . . i think i can do it.” she gave skimbleshanks a smile before nuzzling into the side of his head and resting hers against his shoulder. she’d try not to look back at anyone. simply to look down at her feet and think. think about it all, think about why she hadn’t made it up to the heaviside layer . . she knew she’d have to explain. she had to get all her stories straight before they were all jumbled in her mind forever and she gave a wrong answer. she had to try as best as possible to think as she limped along. she would do her best for everything now, she wouldn’t leave again . . she’d stay and she promised she’d stay.

He took her weight onto his shoulders again, keeping her weak body held up as best that he could. Sometimes, it came in handy that he did what he could to keep himself feeling young. It meant he was stronger than other cats his age. He smiled at her nuzzle and began to help her move forward into the Junkyard. Skimbleshanks was looking around for Pouncival or Tumblebrutus to help him. While Pouncival said it was supposed to be a secret, the yellow doubted that the other would be able to hide the exciting prospect of a new mother from his littermate for long. They’d be good for each other, he thought. While the two kits were young, they had always been very independent– the kind of kits Grizabella could manage while she got well and who could always be trusted to take care of her when they got older. She had been a very lucky queen to be found by that kit.

she looked around and then back at skimble. she could feel the eyes on her, she could hear the words. she wasn’t sure what was good and what wasn’t. “skimble, i . . i’m not sure they’re happy. i can’t see them.” she mumbled. she was scared but she tried to keep her head high. she was smiling but she was terrified. her paws shaking as she continued to herself hold onto the railway cat beside her. she knew she was safe. she was scared, she was terrified of what would happen. she felt her legs shake roughly. she was hungry and she was only doubling down on the stares around her. she was usually better with this all. she was usually okay with everything, she was usually able to sit through it all, but now she was too scared to even think of it all. “do you think they’re be upset with me?” she asked lightly. she didn’t want them to be upset with her but she would

Skimbleshanks squeezed her shoulder, “Don’t worry about what they’re staying. They don’t have a right to tell ya can’t be here.” Especially with me around, he thought. He might not have been the strongest Jellicle or the smartest, but he would never go down without a fight. He’d keep her safe. He hummed slightly, keeping her shaking legs up. Jenny’s den was going to be too far. They would have to go to his, “If they are, they’ll get over it soon enough.” They accepted her back. No one knew that you couldn’t say no to going to the Heaviside Layer. It would be new to them, but as long as Old Deutronomy was in their corner, the tribe would let it go eventually. Besides, Grizabella already had plenty of family at her back.

“You make every day worth living.” (-ask-skimbleshanks)

“I feel the same exact way dear, you mean the absolute world to me. I don’t know where I would be right now without you. You are truly a gift and I love you with every piece of my heart.”.

@ask-skimbleshanks

“You make every day worth living.” (-ask-skimbleshanks)

“I feel the same exact way dear, you mean the absolute world to me. I don’t know where I would be right now without you. You are truly a gift and I love you with every piece of my heart.”.

@ask-skimbleshanks

“You make every day worth living.” (-ask-skimbleshanks)

“I feel the same exact way dear, you mean the absolute world to me. I don’t know where I would be right now without you. You are truly a gift and I love you with every piece of my heart.”.

@ask-skimbleshanks

Skimbleshanks laughed too, though a bit nervously. He had never found Jenny very light, but then again he was never very strong in his arms. His legs were another story. Still, he spun her carefully and then lifted her into the air a little, “Ya’d have to get a nice start for us to do the one we did for our dance... But I’m happy to do this if ya are. I suppose I’m just a wee bit too old.” A chuckle escaped him-- it wasn’t often he admitted he was getting up there in years. It was only Jenny he’d ever say it to. He’d do anything to make her happy, though.

“You make every day worth living.” (-ask-skimbleshanks)

“I feel the same exact way dear, you mean the absolute world to me. I don’t know where I would be right now without you. You are truly a gift and I love you with every piece of my heart.”.

@ask-skimbleshanks

"I couldn't stand how doting you were. Now, I can't imagine life without it," he said, smiling. She looked sent from the Everlasting Cat himself haloed in the sunset's light. He smiled as though he had caught a canary and moved his hands to either side of her waist, "I bet I can still lift you." Wouldn't that be wonderful? He remembered how he used to lift her when they dance. Their dance had not quite been the technical masterpiece that Victoria and Plato's had, but it had been beautiful nonetheless.

#ask catmom #ask jennyanydots

“You make every day worth living.” (-ask-skimbleshanks)

“I feel the same exact way dear, you mean the absolute world to me. I don’t know where I would be right now without you. You are truly a gift and I love you with every piece of my heart.”.

@ask-skimbleshanks

A soft chuckle came as he thought of it. Skimbleshanks smiled, "Believe it or not, I was just tellin' Victoria about it." He turned them both carefully, leading her with ease. It helped that they were always so in sync with each other. It came with many years of love. He hummed gently, "I fell in love with ya the first time I got back from Scotland. Ya came right up to me so glad I was okay... Even though I had been so horrible to ya as a kit, causin' trouble and pretendin' to eat ya mice." Another quiet chuckle came through as he remembered their kitten hood.

@ask-skimbleshanks

He took her weight onto his shoulders again, keeping her weak body held up as best that he could. Sometimes, it came in handy that he did what he could to keep himself feeling young. It meant he was stronger than other cats his age. He smiled at her nuzzle and began to help her move forward into the Junkyard. Skimbleshanks was looking around for Pouncival or Tumblebrutus to help him. While Pouncival said it was supposed to be a secret, the yellow doubted that the other would be able to hide the exciting prospect of a new mother from his littermate for long. They’d be good for each other, he thought. While the two kits were young, they had always been very independent-- the kind of kits Grizabella could manage while she got well and who could always be trusted to take care of her when they got older. She had been a very lucky queen to be found by that kit.