The Jellicle Ball had been going smoothly. Well, for the most part. Grizabella had shown up once or twice and Demeter kept saying Macavity had appeared, but no one really believed he would tonight. The Rum Tum Tugger on the other hand was having the time of his life. Queens were fawning over him, he got his rockin' solo number, and he got to annoy Munkustrap more so than usual with his bagpipes and toy gun, used for Munkustraps' plays of course. But the best thing of all was the view. No had expected The Rum Tum Tugger to sit on the side, as much as he did that night. Especially cuddled up next to his father, Old Deutoronomy. Well, it just so happened his father had the best seat in the house. From Old Ds' tire you could see all the Jellicles and their performances. And Tugger's eye was on a certain magical tuxedo tom. Tugger was madly in love with him, although he didn't know how to tell Mistoffelees. How could he be the most flirtatious cat in the junkyard, and get this worked up over a silly little crush? Because Mistoffelees was more than just a passing flirt. Tugger wanted whatever he told him to be meaningful. And it wasn't just a little crush. It was a huge one. Tugger could never get Mistoffelees off his mind no matter how hard he tried. They were best friends, so it wasn't like they never talked. Misto must've known about Tugger's feelings for him, right? He was such a nervous wreak around Misto that probably everyone knew how the Maine Coon felt about him. Well, except Munkustrap who genuinely thought they were just close friends. In all honesty, how could Tugger not fall for Mistoffelees? He was gorgeous, smart, funny, caring, magical, his eyes sparkled, and his fur was shiny, and-
"TUGGER!" Munkustrap yelled, shaking his little brother.
"What!" Tugger shouted back, scared. "I'm up!" He looked over at Munk, who rolled his eyes.
"Its your turn to dance." Munkustrap reminded. He looked where Tugger had been looking. "What were you looking at?"
Tugger couldn't believe he got so caught up in watching Misto dance, he forgot about his own dance for The Jellicle Ball. Misto's dancing really was mesmerizing.
After that had finished up, all the Jellicles listened to Gus and Skimbles songs, when a loud crash and laughter arose suddenly.
"Macavity!" Demeter shrieked.
And this time, it was. Macavity's henchcats ran in before Macavity could be seen himself. Munk and Alonzo, along with the other cats, began to fight them off. Tugger looked around frantically. He hated fighting. He could admit, he wasn't a good fighter, being the runt of his family. Sure, he was tall, but really couldn't take too much damage. In fear, he ran off, trying to hide. He knew he should've stuck around to help fend off the intruders, but he was terrified. He ran, and ran, until he heard a sharp cry and malicious growling. That cry and growl sounded familiar. He turned around hearing it again. Tugger heard a deep laugh, recognizing it as his brother, Macavity. Tugger's heart almost stopped he he recognized the voice that was with Macavity: Mistoffelees. Tugger ran as fast as he could to the noises, Mistos painful yowls only fueled him to go faster. He came across the two as Mistoffelees was pinned underneath Macavity. Without thinking, Tugger pounced on Macavity, knocking him off Misto. Misto stood up, attacking Macavity himself. He clawed and bit, and honestly they were somewhat affective. Tugger stood back. He had never realized how strong Misto was. That was hot. Macavity fought back of course, but Misto held his own well. That was until Tugger heard a high, loud shriek. He looked back at Misto who sat in a pool of blood. It looked like he had done something to Mistos back. Just as Macavity was about to slash Mistos face, Tugger jumped in. He held Macavity down, snapping at him and scratching him. Macavity got Tugger off by slashing him across the face. Tugger flew back, landing harshly a couple feet back. Macavity scurried off to deal with the rest of the tribe, spending more time here than he thought he would. Tugger opened his eyes, seeing Misto riving in pain, still surrounded by blood.
"Misto!" Tugger cried, rushing over.
"Tugger..." was all Misto could manage.
Tugger gave a small smile at the fact Misto was still alive.
"I'm sorry." Tugger said.
"For what?" Misto asked. "You saved me."
"No I didn't, look at us!" Tugger shouted. "I just made things worse!"
"It's not your fault, it's o-" Misto gave a scream, while sitting up, falling back down.
"Here, let me see." Tugger tried, helping Misto sit up.
Misto whined, then heard a large gasp from Tugger.
"Is it that bad?" Misto asked.
"Misto, your tail!" Tugger screamed. "It's gone!"
"What!?" Misto looked back and saw his long black and white tail, sitting behind him. Disconnected from the rest of him. "No, no, no, no-" He tried standing up, only hurting himself more.
He looked around frantically, searching for anything he could stop the blood with. He took his own hankerchief off his leg, and tied it around what was left of Mistos tail. Misto squirmed, crying a little.
"I'm sorry, I know it hurts." Tugger said sadly.
Misto nodded, as tears rolled down his face.
Tugger held him close, as Misto continued sobbing into his mane. Misto could still see his dismembered tail, just laying in blood. He gave a quick shudder and whimper at the sight.
"I-i can't believe it's gone..." Misto said quietly. "I'm gonna look more like a freak!"
"You don't look like a freak!" Tugger argued. "You've always looked great! A missing tail isn't gonna stop that."
"You wanna know why I think that? Because I'm in love with you, Misto! You're talented, and beautiful and I hate how much you overwork and put yourself down!"
Misto was silent. "No. You're messing with me-"
"I swear, I'm not!" Tugger protested.
"You're crazy-"
"For you, yes."
Tugger smiled at him, to assure Misto he was telling the truth. Misto wasn't buying a single word.
"You're all I think about, Misto."
Misto brought Tuggers head closer to him with his hands. Misto stared into Tuggers eyes, putting a hand on his chest.
"Admiring me?" Tugger asked, grinning
"No, I'm checking to see if you're a mirage Macavity's making me hallucinate." Misto answered. "No, you're real." He then began to stare back into Tugger's eyes, opening them for him.
"What are you doing?" Tugger giggled.
"Making sure that Macavity didn't put you under a trance or something." Misto answered. "Spouting off all that nonsense."
"Its the truth!" Tugger held Mistos hands. "Misto, I really am in love with you. And wish you could see how easy you are to love! You're not some horrible monster like you think you are, I promise!"
Misto looked down at his hands in Tugger's. "The Rum Tum Tugger is head over heels for me?"
"Pretty much." Tugger confessed.
There was a moment of silence, before Misto looked up, smiling, still crying. "I love you too, Tugs."
Tugger laughed, as Misto hugged him tightly. "Tugs, careful! My tail!"
"Oh, sorry!" Tugger apologized.
Misto cuddled into Tuggers mane. "I never thought you'd like me back." He reached up, giving Tugger a deep, passionate kiss.
Tugger smiled as Misto broke away. They both sat there for a while, just cuddling. It got darker and cold breeze went through the air. Tugger could feel Misto shaking against him.
"Let's go back, it's too cold." Tugger said.
Misto nodded, trying to stand up but couldn't. Before he could fall, Tugger scooped him up in his arms, holding him bridal styles.
"Here, I'll carry you." Tugger smirked, being wary of Mistos sensitive tail.
As they walked away, Misto looked back over Tuggers should, at his tail. There was no way they could reattach it. It was mangled. Misto sighed.
"I guess the one good part about not having my tail anymore, is that I won't trip over it anymore." Misto commented, with a small smile.
Tugger snorted. "Thats bound to make dancing easier."
"I am going miss it though." Misto said. "It just feels weird not having anything there."
"Maybe we can get you a new one." Tugger suggested. "Like but a ribbon there or something."
Misto giggled, leaning into Tugger's mane. I'd like that. You'll help me tie it on, I assume."
