On the Outside and Looking in at You
Friday, 11 June 2021 18:30![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
walkyourownwayTitle: On the Outside and Looking in at You
Fandom: Cats the Musical
Main Character(s): Rum Tum Tugger, Munkustrap
Minor Character(s): Macavity, Old Deuteronomy, Mr. Mistoffelees/Quaxo, Alonzo, Plato
Genre: General, slight angst?
Rating: G
Disclaimers: Cats the Musical © Andrew Lloyd Webber; Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats © T. S. Eliot.
Notes: some violence, some blood and injuries. Yet another fandom I never expected to write for. But I got interested after watching Sideways' video about Cats on YouTube, and then another channel put up the entire 1998 film for a limited time, and I kept listening to a couple songs because they're too damn catchy, and then I started reading fics, and now here I am. I ended up with a lot of feelings about Rum Tum Tugger in particular, especially with popular fanon about him, Munkustrap, and Macavity being brothers, and them being Old Deuteronomy's sons. And yes, I am also Tuggoffelees trash.
But I found myself wanting to do a Brothers fic, specifically with Macavity. I've read different interpretations of him, and I wondered how to write him as brotherly while still being...well, himself. So I experimented with it, and while I had a couple scenes in mind the story kind of ran away from me and took on a life of its own. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the ending, but I didn't think I could really mess with it any more.
Just a few things to note: I kind of headcanon that not all dogs are Pollicles, kind of like how not all cats are Jellicles; it doesn't really come up but I treat Mr. Mistoffelees as more of a stage name, so he's referred to as Quaxo throughout the fic; I also imagine the cats as literal cats, but kind of like how cats are in the Studio Ghibli movie, "The Cat Returns". So they can stand and walk on their hind legs and hold stuff with their paws when humans aren't looking, but they're still very much cats.
The title is based on a lyric from the song "Manipulate" by NateWantstoBattle.
Summary: One good deed wasn't always enough to turn an entire life around. It's just enough to really confuse the heck out of others, though.
The Rum Tum Tugger was in trouble.
The day had started innocently enough. He had satiated his curiosities - for the meantime, at least - after spending most of the morning prowling about town for a meal or to find something of interest before moving on to the next thing. As he was returning to the Junkyard in the late afternoon, however, he had spotted a massive dog sniffing around the entrance.
It didn't seem to be a Pollicle; while the groups were always a bit wary of one another, Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats had something of a truce between them, and an understanding to leave the members of their groups be. For a dog to be so close to the Junkyard - to be hunting, judging by the predatory set of its body as it picked up the scent of cats - meant that it was certainly not a dog that could be trusted.
Without a second thought, Tugger leapt at the dog, his claws digging into skin as he landed on the canine's back. It howled and staggered, but he vaulted off before it could try to throw him, and with a warning hiss he took off at a run. He heard the dog snarl and growl in a low voice as it gave chase after him down the street. His only intention was to lead it away; let it chase him for a reasonable amount of time so it would hopefully forget about the Junkyard and the possibility of other cats, and once they'd gone a fair bit of distance he would give the dog the slip.
But the dog was quicker than he'd anticipated, always right on his tail. Even as he weaved around corners, getting farther and farther away from the others and anyone who might be able to help, the dog was just a few steps behind him. In a blind rush he turned a corner and suddenly found himself in a closed-off alley; no fence, no ledges to scale the building walls, the garbage bins and other trash not high enough to reach the roofs. He'd run into a dead-end.
And with the dog blocking the only way out, he was trapped.
But the Rum Tum Tugger was nothing if not a fighter; he met the dog rushing at him with claws out and fangs bared, and he made sure that the dog would not leave from the brawl untouched. He ripped at whatever fur and skin he found, his teeth sinking deep into flesh, his claws raking across the menacing face. Yet for all his size and strength, the dog was easily twice, or even three times his size. As much damage as he inflicted, there would be no mistaking the victor.
What seemed to last for several hours really only happened in a matter of moments, their struggle in the alley ending as a few of the garbage bins were knocked over, and Tugger was pinned to the ground with the canine looming over him. Black lined the edges of his vision, tunneling in on the wall of teeth just inches away. The dog growled deeply, its hot, wet breath stinging his face, and while his mind raced and struggled to keep fighting, his body would not listen.
Then suddenly, the dog was gone with a loud yelp, following a rush of heat that passed over him. He took a breath, despite the way the air felt like the dog's teeth puncturing his lungs, and he forced himself to lift his head despite the way his muscles screamed in protest for moving even that much. His vision blurred, making it difficult to see, but the shape of what must have been the dog was rolling around on the ground, the alley echoing with agonized yowls as it was surrounded by a reddish-yellow light.
Tugger's ear twitched and swiveled towards a sound close by, somehow still heard over the dog's cries. As the canine fled from the alley, another figure sauntered into his line of view. Despite the haze clouding his mind and eyes, he could still see the outline of a cat in the ginger shape that stood before him.
And when the figure turned, and he could make out sharp golden orbs set deep within sunken eyes, what little hope he had quickly faded.
"M...M-Mac...avity..."
Everlasting Cat, this day was only getting worse.
"Well, well," said the Mystery Cat, as if striking up a casual conversation after running into each other on the street, "quite the predicament you're in, isn't it, brother? But then, you've always had a penchant for getting into trouble."
As Macavity drew closer, Tugger automatically tried to curl back, but hissed as his body tensed, refusing to cooperate. His legs shook as he tried to push himself up, but Macavity was soon over him, and he bit back a cry as a paw landed on his chest, digging into one of the wounds there as he was pushed back down.
"Don't move," Macavity ordered, the earlier nonchalance gone from his tone.
Tugger tried to growl, but it came out softer and weaker than he wished. He refused to give up, though, and he still tried to glare up at the other cat, the figure distorted as his vision continued to swim together. "Whatever you want...y-you won't -"
His words were cut off, turned into a sharp cry as the paw on his chest tightened, sending a painful flare throughout his body. "You hardly know what I want," Macavity retorted.
Before he could try to come up with a response through the muddle of his mind, he hissed as the ginger cat leaned forward, adding weight onto the paw bearing down on his chest. Holding up his free paw, Macavity then blew a powdery substance into Tugger's face.
Tugger winced, trying to shake his head to clear the powder. But as soon as it touched his eyes it seemed that whatever remaining strength he had was drained out of him. He suddenly felt like he was falling, and the last thing he could see were those sharp golden eyes burning into him like molten fire.
Then his own eyes slid shut, and the darkness swallowed him whole.
* * *
Something was very, very wrong.
It was the only thought that Munkustrap was able to settle on, even as he could see nothing to indicate such from his position watching over the rest of the clan. He watched cats going about their business, and his eyes told him that everything was fine...but his tail lashed back and forth irritably as the feeling of apprehension still settled deep in his chest.
At first he assumed it had been due to the earlier scare. Some of the older queens had heard a dog near the entrance of the Junkyard, and while there had been none when Alonzo and he went to investigate, the dog's scent was still fresh enough that everyone was instructed to stay inside for the time being. But several hours had passed since then, and when the canine made no other appearance the cats had returned to their regular activities out and about the yard.
And yet, despite the calm atmosphere that settled over the Junkyard as the sun slowly disappeared from the sky, something still did not sit right with the Guardian. It was as if he was waiting for something to happen, though what exactly that was and why he felt so was unclear.
His ear flicked slightly as a sound caught his attention, the soft landing of a presence joining him. A glance, then he turned a bit as Quaxo approached him, noting the frown on the younger tom's face.
"Quaxo," Munkustrap greeted. "Is there something I can do for you?"
The tuxedo cat hesitated for a moment, his tail curling around him as he sat. "Have you seen Tugger?" he asked at last. "We had plans to meet tonight."
It was Munkustrap's turn to frown, his ears flitting against his head as he tried to recall when he'd last seen his younger brother. "Not since early this morning. I believe he said something about exploring around town."
Quaxo sighed. "Bothersome tom."
Despite the irritation in the otherwise casual tone, Munkustrap could detect Quaxo's unease as well, a feeling that only added to his own. Tugger could be irresponsible, surely, and his contrary ways made it difficult to hold him at his words at times. But at the very least, his loyalty to the others in the tribe could be counted on to show when promising to meet, especially if such an arrangement was made with Quaxo of all cats.
Whatever response he was about to give faded as a rumble passed through the Junkyard, causing loose pieces of clutter to rattle against each other. The two toms rose to their paws in alarm, and the Guardian looked out as confused and worried cries rose up from the cats below.
Then as quickly as it happened, the rumbling stopped, and the Junkyard was still once more. But he barely had a moment to process the strangeness of it all when he heard Alonzo call out, "Munkustrap!"
His head snapped up, and as he looked to where he'd last seen the other tom his body tensed when he saw a different figure, sitting atop a pile of junk in the distance.
"Macavity!" he hissed.
The Mystery Cat cackled, his distinctive laugh echoing throughout the clearing and causing the cats below to scatter in fright. Then he disappeared down the other side of the pile, and Munkustrap shot off after him, vaguely aware that Quaxo and Alonzo were right behind him.
The three were joined by some of the other toms as they crested the junk pile, but Munkustrap came to a quick stop when he could not find Macavity. With a frustrated growl, he slowly made his way down, keeping a watch out for the ginger cat. From the corner of his eye he could see Quaxo come up beside him, and then the tuxedo cat lifted his head and said, "There!"
He followed the other's gaze to where Macavity stood at the entrance to the Junkyard, and he growled as Macavity sneered at him, taunting him before slinking away from the gate.
Munkustrap moved to follow him, but was stopped as Alonzo held him back. "What are you doing?" the black and white tom said. "He's trying to lead you out of the Junkyard! With you away, who knows what he'll do?"
It was a very good point, but Munkustrap didn't have a lot of time to consider. The same anxious feeling that had been troubling him all afternoon was worse than ever, raising his hackles and baring his claws as he flexed his paws. He didn't want to leave the tribe unprotected, but there was something to Macavity's appearance now, and he needed to know what.
He turned to the group, his tone leaving no room for argument as he instructed, "Alonzo, you and the others stay here. Make sure everyone stays in their dens and keep an eye out. Quaxo and Plato, you're with me."
Both of the younger toms exchanged surprised looks, and he understood how odd it might seem. But he needed Alonzo to remain in case Macavity did return while they were gone. And while he couldn't explain why, he had a feeling that he needed Quaxo with him this time, and he could only trust his instincts.
The others did too, it seemed, as they didn't question him outright. And other than an exasperated look from Alonzo he didn't respond either, motioning for the other toms to follow him back to the main area of the Junkyard.
With that, Munkustrap turned and headed out with Quaxo and Plato, the three cats running on all paws in the direction that Macavity had left. As they rounded a corner, he worried that they had lost the ginger cat, especially when he wasn't immediately in sight. But then, further down the street, he spotted him, watching them from the curb as if he was just...waiting.
There was something peculiar about Macavity, more so than normal, even from what he could tell from that distance, and it was enough for Munkustrap to hesitate for a moment. But as soon as the other disappeared around that corner, he bounded after him, Quaxo and Plato close behind.
Things only continued to grow more unusual as they followed after Macavity; every time he thought they had lost track of him, the Mystery Cat would appear some distance away, around some corner or behind some building, something expectant in his burning gaze whenever their eyes met. It was how he was able to lead them further and further away from the Junkyard, keeping several steps ahead of them.
"This has to be a trap!" Plato exclaimed as they turned another corner that Macavity vanished behind. "Why else would he be leading us so far away?"
Munkustrap flicked an ear but said nothing as they continued to give chase. A part of him was growing increasingly suspicious as well, but...the thought of just giving up and turning back somehow left him feeling even more agitated.
Even so, he slowed down just a bit as he spotted Macavity slink into an alleyway between two buildings. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he glanced at the two other toms, who looked back at him and waited for his lead. His tail sharply swishing from side to side, he started forward, his steps light and careful as he approached the mouth of the alley.
And just as he reached it, he froze. While the alley looked empty, it was heavy with Macavity's scent, as well as something fainter...the dog's scent that he'd picked up earlier at the Junkyard also hung in the air. But it was the sharp smell of blood that stopped him, mingling with another that left him suddenly cold.
"Tugger!" he called, the unmistakable scent of his younger brother pulling him deeper into the alley. "Tugger, are you here?" He felt Plato and Quaxo coming up on either side of him, the latter in particular listening with ears drawn forward, his black coat starting to sparkle with nervous energy.
There was a cardboard box at the furthest wall in the back of the alley, beside some toppled over trashcans, its opening facing the wall. Rushing forward, he turned the box around some and slowly lifted one of the flaps.
And immediately Munkustrap felt his heart stop.
Rum Tum Tugger was lying on his side in the box, the cardboard underneath him stained and crinkled from drying blood. Several portions of his fur had been ripped out, revealing the torn and bleeding skin underneath - deep jagged lines or punctures that welled up with crimson, matting down whatever fur still remained as it started spilling down his body.
And he was so still, more still than Munkustrap had ever seen his younger brother in his life...Everlasting, he was so still...
"Everlasting," Plato breathed out, echoing his own thoughts. "I-Is...Is he...?"
Munkustrap knew what he was asking, and he knew he had to check, but he just couldn't bring himself to move. He could only stare, fear and rage gripping his chest at the thought of having to confirm if Tugger...if his brother was...
He startled a little when a paw touched his arm, and he met Quaxo's eyes, seeing the understanding look that the smaller tom gave him. Guilt and relief warred in him as Quaxo then moved forward, bending down to the - so still, unmoving - body, one ear hovering close.
The seconds seemed to drag on for hours, but then Quaxo's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he released a soft if shaky sigh. "Breathing," he confirmed at last. "He's alive."
Munkustrap remembered how to breathe himself then, as he and Plato both exhaled slowly. Reassured now, he quickly took back charge, using the familiar role to mask his lingering tension. "We need to get him back to the Junkyard," he said, looking at Quaxo. "Can you take him there directly?"
He knew it was a lot to ask; though the Magical Cat's abilities have only continued to develop since conjuring back Old Deuteronomy during the last ball, he could only imagine how much power it would take to transport two grown toms such a distance.
Quaxo seemed willing to try, though, his eyes ticking back and forth, calculating. Then his expression tightened, his ears pinning back against his head. "I...I don't know," he admitted. "With his injuries, I...I don't want to risk it."
Though he was slightly frustrated and disappointed, he nodded all the same. There was no telling what could happen, and the fear that Quaxo would only be able to make it part of the way was enough for him to let it go. "Understood. The old-fashioned way it is, then." He hesitated, sparing a glance back towards his brother - still unmoving, but what else did he expect? - before looking at Quaxo once more. "Go on ahead, if you can. Let Jenny know and have her get things ready for him, and bring some of the others to meet us along the way."
Quaxo frowned, reluctant, clearly unhappy about the thought of leaving Tugger's side. But eventually he nodded, and in the blink of an eye he teleported away.
Once the tuxedo cat was gone he instructed Plato to help get Tugger onto his back, and it took all of his strength to remain calm as they carefully lifted him; even though Quaxo had already confirmed that Tugger was still alive, feeling how cold his body was left him doubting for just a moment.
As he was making sure Tugger was secure behind him, a sharp feeling buzzed in the back of his head. He didn’t know what compelled him to look up, but as he did he found Macavity stretched out on his side on the roof above, his paws folded as he looked down into the alley. He met the piercing golden gaze for a moment, but was distracted with Plato saying something beside him. He glanced away to answer, but when he looked back he knew what he would see.
Macavity was no longer there.
* * *
...Everything hurt.
It was that, the ache stretching throughout his entire body, that roused Tugger's mind from the blissful numbness of oblivion. He kept his eyes closed, hoping to bring it back, even as the pain seemed to sweep every part of him.
Trying to find something, anything, else to focus on, he soon realized that he was lying on something soft, and a warm, gentle weight was pressed against his back. His mind struggled to recall what happened, but even without looking around he knew that he was no longer in the alley that he'd been in before. It felt warm, and familiar...safe.
Something light touched the top of his head, moving in a gentle rhythm. His ear flicked a little as the touch passed over it, causing whatever it was to pull away, and the presence behind him drew back. Then it moved over him, and he couldn't help tensing slightly, causing his body to spasm and pulling a weak hiss from his throat.
"...Tugger?" a voice whispered.
Quaxo.
He forced his eyes to open then, but his vision wouldn't focus. He could only make out a blur of black and white hovering above him, even as the other tom bent low to press his forehead against his.
"Thank the Everlasting Cat," he heard Quaxo murmur, gently rubbing his cheek against him.
He wanted to return the gesture, or even just to say something, but his muscles seized up when he tried to lift his head, and the throbbing at the base of his skull made coming up with words difficult.
"Lie still," the tuxedo cat said, his words echoing with something soothing...almost hypnotic. "Rest now...you'll be all right."
He could feel the darkness pressing in around him again, and his eyes slowly slid closed once more. As his consciousness began to drift, a flash of intense golden eyes passed through his mind, before that too faded and he fell back asleep.
* * *
When he woke again, it was to the sound of voices.
They were hushed, almost a bit distant, but he picked up on them all the same. This time it was a little easier to open his eyes, and after a moment his surroundings became clearer. It was as he'd thought before; he was no longer in the alleyway but rather back in his den at the Junkyard. But when...?
Carefully trying to push himself up, he sucked in a sharp breath as the dull ache in his whole body flared back to life. His limbs trembled, but he still somehow managed to get into a sitting position, even as spots started dancing across his vision. Then he took a few moments just to breathe, his heart pounding in his chest.
As everything began to settle, his ears swiveled towards the entrance of his den, and though he couldn't quite catch the words exactly, he could make out the voices a bit better. So when the conversation outside came to an end, he wasn't at all surprised when Munkustrap stepped inside.
The same, however, could not be said about his brother, who froze at the entrance, tail raised in shock and eyes wide as he stared.
Tugger tried to grin, but the smile felt more tired and thinner than he wanted. "H-Hey, Straps," he rasped.
That seemed to snap his brother out of his daze, and the silver tom was by his side in an instant. "Everlasting, Tugger...! Don't you ever scare us like that again!" Munkustrap ground out, the tremble in his voice belying the otherwise sharp tone. He leaned in to brush their heads together, and Tugger could almost feel his brother's anxiety, the need for reassurance that he was alive and well.
And while he would normally respond with some smart comeback, he found that he couldn’t muster up the energy. Plus, if he were being honest, he didn’t really mind the comforting gesture either, and he lightly bumped his head against his brother's in return.
They stayed that way for what felt like a good while, simply taking in each other's presence, before at length Munkustrap sat back a little, his eyes still filled with concern as he looked him over. Reaching down, he picked up a cup filled with water, and Tugger finally realized how just how thirsty he actually was.
He bit back a hiss as he raised his paws, and he couldn't quite keep them from shaking as he tried to take the cup. But Munkustrap's paws gently rested over his, helping to keep his hold steady as lifted the cup to his lips, the water cooling the burning dryness in the back of his throat.
It took more effort than it should have just to drink, and he almost dropped the cup when he'd finished, but Munkustrap quickly caught it and placed it aside. "How are you feeling?" the silver tom finally asked.
"Been better," Tugger replied, the words coming out easier now that his voice was cleared. "How...long have I been out?"
"Almost two days." Munkustrap frowned, his worry mixing with confusion as he settled beside Tugger. "How were you even injured so badly in the first place? What happened?"
"Ah..." He started kneading at the blankets under his paw, feeling oddly self-conscious about it suddenly. "I may have...gotten into a fight with a dog."
"A dog?" Munkustrap stiffened slightly. "The other day...We picked up a dog's scent around the entrance of the Junkyard, but we never saw one. Did you run into it on your way back?"
"That is...one way of putting it."
The Guardian's eyes narrowed a bit, catching something in his tone. "Tugger."
Tugger bit back a groan, not ready to deal with the lecture he knew would come as he answered, "I jumped on its back and made it chase me."
Predictably, his brother was not pleased with the admission.
"You what?!" Munkustrap snarled, his fur bristling and his tail lashing behind him as he surged to his feet. Tugger could almost hear his brother's mind working; given the extent of his injuries, it wouldn't be difficult to guess that the dog must have been a fair bit larger than he was, and the thought of that only made the silver tabby angrier. "You - What is wrong with you?! How could you do something so stupid! What were you thinking?!"
"Wasn't much time to think," Tugger replied idly, inspecting the missing patches of his fur to keep his eyes averted. It would take a while for his fur to even out after this. "The dog had already picked up on the fact that the others were there when I got to the Junkyard. There wasn't a lot of time, so I led it away."
He could feel Munkustrap glowering at him as his brother growled deep in his throat. "Of all the brash, careless...!" He finally glanced up as the older tom began to pace a little, before he rounded back to Tugger. "You could have died! We thought you had! If we hadn't gotten to you when we did...!"
The anger seemed to rush out from the Guardian suddenly and all at once, leaving only a tired, distraught cat. Tugger couldn't remember a time he had ever seen his brother so shaken. And while he didn't regret what he did to protect the clan, he wished he could ease the look on his face.
"Straps," he said softly.
Munkustrap met his gaze, and seemed to try to retain some of his anger but not quite managing. Tugger held up a paw, despite his body's protests, and the little bit of fight faded as his brother gently grasped it with his own, offering no resistance as he was tugged back down onto the nest of blankets.
"Seriously, Tugger," Munkustrap said when he could find his voice again. "Do you have any idea how...how frightened I was? When we found you like that..."
Tugger had a little bit of an idea; even putting aside his brother's earlier outburst, the fact that Munkustrap would even admit to being scared was a testament to how much it had affected him. But he couldn't help thinking back to his bout with the dog, and his mind was more than ready to supply him with images of any of the others trying to hold their own against it. It was enough that he felt certain he would do it all over again, go paw to paw with it or any other dog even if the result ended up the same, if it meant keeping everyone safe. Still, his ears lowered just a bit, because he could also understand the other side of it - visualizing his brother in such a situation, finding him afterwards, having to worry if he would survive or not...just the thought of it felt heavy in his chest.
"Well..." he finally said after a long moment. "In my defense, I didn't mean for things to happen like that exactly, and I can assure you I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon." He managed a small smile at Straps' exasperated expression, but it faded as another thought occurred to him, his ears flicking curiously as he looked at his brother. "But how did you find me? I thought for sure that I'd led the dog a good distance from the Junkyard."
He watched Munkustrap tense slightly, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth. "...you did," the older tom agreed, still none too happy about it. "We probably wouldn't have found you, if not for..."
Tugger frowned as his brother trailed off and glanced to the side. "For what?"
Munkustrap remained silent for a moment, long enough that Tugger was about to ask again when his brother finally said, "Did...anything strange happen that day? After you encountered the dog?"
He frowned, but bit back a sarcastic remark as golden eyes flashed across his memories. "Actually, yeah...When the dog had me pinned down, someone...showed up."
Munkustrap studied him for a moment. "...Was it Macavity?"
Tugger flinched back, ears raised in surprise. "How did - ?"
"He turned up here as well," Munkustrap explained, his own expression tight as he recalled. "We followed him out of the Junkyard and ended up chasing after him across town."
Tugger snorted, and immediately regretted it as it sent a stab of pain through his body. "And you think I’m reckless? He could have been leading you into a trap!"
"That had been a concern, but...no." Munkustrap looked down at their paws, gathering his words together. "Something felt...off with him that day."
"You mean more so than usual?"
The silver tabby ignored him, though he hesitated before pressing on, "I think...I think he was leading us to you."
Tugger's eyes narrowed a little. "...why would he?"
A sad sort of smile ghosted across Munkustrap's face. "...I suppose it would be too much to hope that it was simply because he was our brother."
"You of all cats should know that that means nothing, given what happened at the last ball," he retorted, but there was a catch in his tone even as he spoke the words and he hated himself for it. "He must have had something else in mind, for saving me."
When he glanced back up again, he found Munkustrap looking at him with an expression he couldn't quite read. "He saved you?"
With a small sigh, Tugger nodded as he glanced away, his ears folding back. "Yeah...I don't really remember much about the fight, but it...didn't last very long. He showed up before the dog could finish me off, and chased it out of the alley. Then he blew some stuff in my face and I was out. Next thing I knew, I was back here."
Silence settled over them for a moment, the words hanging in the air around them. Munkustrap shifted a little, pressing their shoulders together. "...you were in a box when we found you."
Tugger blinked at him. "What?"
"When we followed Macavity and arrived at the alley, you were in a cardboard box at the back, out of sight. If I hadn't caught your scent, I never would have given it a second thought."
He wrinkled his nose; that was only more confusing. "But I hadn't been - "
"I figured, from what you'd said. And I didn't think much about it at the time, but..." The tip of Munkustrap's tail flicked back and forth as he thought. "There was so much going on after we found you, but I remember thinking afterwards how Macavity's scent was heavy over you. And Jennyanydots had commented later that it was fortunate that your wounds had been cleaned, even before she'd done anything, and it would help you recover that much sooner."
Tugger could only stare at his brother for a moment, the implication of his words twisting something inside him. "That...That doesn't make any sense." It was one thing for his estranged brother to come across him, chase off a dog because he just happened to be in the area, and possibly gloat about it later. But...for him to have taken the time to tend to his injuries, then move him somewhere hidden in order to lead Munkustrap to him...It wasn't at all like the Macavity as he knew him now.
More like...too much like the brother he had known growing up.
Munkustrap met his gaze, something hopeful and wary at the same time on his face, and Tugger wondered if he looked the same. He suddenly felt very tired, Macavity's bewildering actions in this whole thing leaving him conflicted and unsure. As if sensing this, Munkustrap gently bumped his shoulder. "You should get some more rest. We can talk about this later, when you're feeling stronger."
"Oh yes, because I'm going to sleep so well after this conversation," Tugger shot back, but didn't protest as the silver tom helped him lie back down. He rested on his side, wincing just a little as he stretched out a bit, and while he didn't argue as Munkustrap helped get him comfortable, he was surprised when his brother settled in behind him.
"Don't you have to go watch out and make sure everyone's safe or something?" he remarked, looking over his shoulder at him.
Though Munkustrap's face was mostly neutral, he could just make out something soft in his brother's eyes. "That's what I'm doing," the Guardian answered.
With a lazy smile, Tugger settled back down, resting his head on his paws. A paw lightly rested on his back, and his eyes started to grow heavy as his brother gently began to groom his fur, the rhythmic rasping of the tongue over his head and ears relaxing him and helping him drift off again.
* * *
There was a silent agreement between the two brothers to leave out Macavity's involvement when telling the others about what happened. Of course everyone had seen or heard Macavity at the Junkyard that day, and had known about Munkustrap and the others taking off after him. But Munkustrap never spoke of his thoughts of the Mystery Cat's intentions, and likewise Tugger never mentioned Macavity showing up when talking about his fight with the dog.
There were only a few others who possibly knew; Quaxo hadn't sensed anything magical lingering around Tugger when they had asked him to check (and, after making sure Tugger was well enough, had lightly zapped him for putting himself in so much danger), and while Jennyanydots seemed to have some suspicions, she never said anything outright about it. But not wanting to worry everyone, Tugger mostly avoided talking about it when he was strong enough to receive visitors, claiming that the details of the fight were pretty fuzzy.
It was a bit surprising, especially to his fan club who wished to hear about how their hero had saved everyone by bravely leading the dog away from the Junkyard. But while it would have been easy to exaggerate what had happened, and in any other circumstance he normally would have, this time Tugger just didn't want to talk about it. The idea that Macavity had saved him at all lingered in the back of his mind, and while he was mostly dubious about the ginger cat's motives for helping him, there was still a small part of him - deep, deep down - that was starting to hope for his eldest brother.
It was a feeling that he hadn't felt in so long, and he didn't like it one bit.
So it was simply easier not to think about. He mostly just slept while recovering anyway, and would find different things to talk about when others came to visit in his den. Quaxo was a constant presence in the days that followed, but fortunately the tuxedo cat seemed to understand that the topic made him uncomfortable and didn't push for the moment. And surprisingly, Munkustrap didn't bring the subject up again either, since that first day they had talked about it.
It was strange, but Tugger wasn't willing to bring it up either, so he didn't question it. It wasn't until a few days later that he realized why; after Quaxo had just left, and Munkustrap had come to see him. This wasn’t unusual in itself, his brother dropping by often to check on him when he wasn’t attending to his other duties as Guardian. But what Tugger hadn't expected was for the silver tom to be assisting Old Deuteronomy into the den.
Tugger sat up a bit straighter in surprise under the warm smile his father gave him. "Rum Tum Tugger," the patriarch rumbled. "I'm glad to see that you're recovering well."
"Uh..." Caught off guard, it took a while for Tugger to formulate a response. "Thanks. I didn't...know you were here."
The elder cat gestured to Munkustrap, who was still assisting him as they entered further into the den. Tugger was vaguely surprised that he even fit inside, though their father wasn't that much bigger than either of them. Perhaps it was just that Old Deuteronomy's presence had always seemed larger than life, that any den in the Junkyard didn't seem enough to contain him.
"I just arrived today. Your brother sent word to me that you had been injured," Old Deuteronomy explained as Munkustrap retrieved a seat for him to sit down easier. "I only regret that I could not be here sooner."
Tugger glanced at his older brother, who met his gaze evenly. "Nothing much to be done about it now," he finally replied, shrugging one shoulder. "I should be fine pretty soon."
Old Deuteronomy smiled, but there was something knowing in his eyes that had Tugger shift a little like he was a kitten again, though he tried his best not to. "I know," the elder cat said softly. "You have always been strong, and I have no doubt that you will bounce back quickly. But Munkustrap has indicated that there is something that we must discuss. And I suspect that it is this that troubles you now."
Tugger tried not to wince, but before he could argue Old Deuteronomy continued, "I could sense it as soon as I walked in, this feeling of heaviness surrounding you. And many of the others have also mentioned such, when they had relayed your condition." The elder cat held out his paw, and after hesitating for a moment, Tugger reached out and held it in his own. "Please...tell me what happened."
Tugger shared another look with Munkustrap, who came around to sit with him, so they were both seated before their father. And after a long moment, they began to explain the day of the incident, giving their sides of the story and Macavity's appearance and actions each time. Old Deuteronomy listened to their accounts, his expression solemn but otherwise unreadable. He remained silent even as they finished, a distant expression in his eyes as he considered everything he heard.
The brothers exchanged another look, one of concern, before Munkustrap slowly ventured, "...Father? Do you suppose - I mean, is it possible that Macavity...?" Tugger could hear the slight catch in his brother's voice as the words trailed off, unusually hesitant and uncertain. Though honestly, Tugger couldn't really blame him. It was difficult to put into words, as though saying it out loud would be admitting to holding on to something that they thought had been gone so long ago.
Still, Old Deuteronomy didn't answer immediately. It was a while yet before he sighed, a sound that somehow seemed to carry the weight of his many years of his many lives. "It would be difficult to say," he said at last. "Macavity's actions have always been his own. We cannot assume his intentions either way."
Tugger was a bit surprised by his father's answer. Old Deuteronomy had always held the belief that their brother could return to them one day, long after either Munkustrap or he had given up, and even now he could see the familiar flicker of hope in his eyes. But their patriarch was as practical as he was forgiving; even if he could believe that Macavity could come back to them at some point, he would never put the clan's safety or welfare at risk.
And one good deed wasn't always enough to turn an entire life around.
"So what happens now?" Tugger finally asked. "Suppose he comes around demanding some sort of favor? Saying I owe him for saving my life." To be honest, that sounded much more like something Macavity would do, and it was easier to deal with than the alternative.
"We will take care of that if or when it comes to pass," Old Deuteronomy said. "For the time being, you need only to focus on the rest of your healing."
"But - "
"We cannot assume his intentions either way," the elder cat repeated patiently. "Whether he had acted for good or for ill, it will be of no use to worry about it now. All we can do is wait to see what will happen..." Meeting his eyes, Deuteronomy smiled. "And be grateful that you are still alive, regardless of the circumstances."
Sucking in a breath, Tugger glanced from his father to his brother, noticing the same sort of relief on their faces at those words. He was silent for a moment, and when Old Deuteronomy reached over and let his large paw rest on the scruff of his neck - an old, familiar gesture of comfort from when he was kitten - he had to swallow the growing lump in his throat. "...Right."
* * *
It had taken some time, but things were starting to finally feel normal again.
At least it seemed that way, though Munkustrap couldn't help continuing to keep watch for any sign of trouble. He would do so regardless, as Protector of the Jellicles, but he'd especially looked for any more signs of Macavity.
He hadn't considered the possibility until Tugger mentioned it, the day they were speaking with Old Deuteronomy, and he wondered how he didn't think of it before. Since then, he'd grown increasingly concerned that their elder brother would devise some sort of debt to be paid, as if Tugger had to compensate him somehow for being saved. So he'd kept a closer eye on Tugger while he was still recovering, in case Macavity ever made another appearance.
At times, there were moments when he had thought so. Times when he felt as though he was being observed, the sensation of eyes burning into the back of his skull. But no matter where he looked, there was never any sign of the Mystery Cat to be found.
And Munkustrap couldn't help feeling relieved because, quite honestly, he wasn't quite sure what he would do if such a confrontation were to take place. If Macavity appeared asking to be given some favor for helping Tugger...would he repay it? Of course it heavily depended on whatever he would be asking for, but the fact remained that he had saved Tugger's life. Even if asking for something in exchange was a callous thing to do, he couldn't say how he would respond to any such request.
Because, as much as he hated to admit, he was grateful to Macavity. No matter what he planned on doing after this, Tugger was still alive thanks to him. And now, after a few weeks, his younger brother was out and around the Junkyard again, much to the delight of his fan club. His body was largely healed, and though his fur was still growing back and a little uneven it was hardly noticeable with the right grooming. Even if he would never say so out loud, he was glad to see the Rum Tum Tugger back to his usual self.
...For the most part. Because there were times, under his watchful eyes, when he would catch his brother looking about a bit warily, moments when the other thought no one was watching him. And Munkustrap knew that, despite their father's words, a part of Tugger was still expecting something to happen as well, for Macavity to appear and finally make his objectives known. And try as he might, as much as he wanted to, there was only so much the Guardian could do to ease his brother’s peace of mind. Their father had been right; until they knew for sure, they could only wait and see what happened.
Munkustrap sighed. Oddly enough, it would be just like Macavity to do something like this...to leave them wondering and doubting. Only he could twist something to give them hope, just to hurt them with it later.
To them, he could do nothing crueler than to act as if he was their brother again.
Fandom: Cats the Musical
Main Character(s): Rum Tum Tugger, Munkustrap
Minor Character(s): Macavity, Old Deuteronomy, Mr. Mistoffelees/Quaxo, Alonzo, Plato
Genre: General, slight angst?
Rating: G
Disclaimers: Cats the Musical © Andrew Lloyd Webber; Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats © T. S. Eliot.
Notes: some violence, some blood and injuries. Yet another fandom I never expected to write for. But I got interested after watching Sideways' video about Cats on YouTube, and then another channel put up the entire 1998 film for a limited time, and I kept listening to a couple songs because they're too damn catchy, and then I started reading fics, and now here I am. I ended up with a lot of feelings about Rum Tum Tugger in particular, especially with popular fanon about him, Munkustrap, and Macavity being brothers, and them being Old Deuteronomy's sons. And yes, I am also Tuggoffelees trash.
But I found myself wanting to do a Brothers fic, specifically with Macavity. I've read different interpretations of him, and I wondered how to write him as brotherly while still being...well, himself. So I experimented with it, and while I had a couple scenes in mind the story kind of ran away from me and took on a life of its own. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the ending, but I didn't think I could really mess with it any more.
Just a few things to note: I kind of headcanon that not all dogs are Pollicles, kind of like how not all cats are Jellicles; it doesn't really come up but I treat Mr. Mistoffelees as more of a stage name, so he's referred to as Quaxo throughout the fic; I also imagine the cats as literal cats, but kind of like how cats are in the Studio Ghibli movie, "The Cat Returns". So they can stand and walk on their hind legs and hold stuff with their paws when humans aren't looking, but they're still very much cats.
The title is based on a lyric from the song "Manipulate" by NateWantstoBattle.
Summary: One good deed wasn't always enough to turn an entire life around. It's just enough to really confuse the heck out of others, though.
The Rum Tum Tugger was in trouble.
The day had started innocently enough. He had satiated his curiosities - for the meantime, at least - after spending most of the morning prowling about town for a meal or to find something of interest before moving on to the next thing. As he was returning to the Junkyard in the late afternoon, however, he had spotted a massive dog sniffing around the entrance.
It didn't seem to be a Pollicle; while the groups were always a bit wary of one another, Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats had something of a truce between them, and an understanding to leave the members of their groups be. For a dog to be so close to the Junkyard - to be hunting, judging by the predatory set of its body as it picked up the scent of cats - meant that it was certainly not a dog that could be trusted.
Without a second thought, Tugger leapt at the dog, his claws digging into skin as he landed on the canine's back. It howled and staggered, but he vaulted off before it could try to throw him, and with a warning hiss he took off at a run. He heard the dog snarl and growl in a low voice as it gave chase after him down the street. His only intention was to lead it away; let it chase him for a reasonable amount of time so it would hopefully forget about the Junkyard and the possibility of other cats, and once they'd gone a fair bit of distance he would give the dog the slip.
But the dog was quicker than he'd anticipated, always right on his tail. Even as he weaved around corners, getting farther and farther away from the others and anyone who might be able to help, the dog was just a few steps behind him. In a blind rush he turned a corner and suddenly found himself in a closed-off alley; no fence, no ledges to scale the building walls, the garbage bins and other trash not high enough to reach the roofs. He'd run into a dead-end.
And with the dog blocking the only way out, he was trapped.
But the Rum Tum Tugger was nothing if not a fighter; he met the dog rushing at him with claws out and fangs bared, and he made sure that the dog would not leave from the brawl untouched. He ripped at whatever fur and skin he found, his teeth sinking deep into flesh, his claws raking across the menacing face. Yet for all his size and strength, the dog was easily twice, or even three times his size. As much damage as he inflicted, there would be no mistaking the victor.
What seemed to last for several hours really only happened in a matter of moments, their struggle in the alley ending as a few of the garbage bins were knocked over, and Tugger was pinned to the ground with the canine looming over him. Black lined the edges of his vision, tunneling in on the wall of teeth just inches away. The dog growled deeply, its hot, wet breath stinging his face, and while his mind raced and struggled to keep fighting, his body would not listen.
Then suddenly, the dog was gone with a loud yelp, following a rush of heat that passed over him. He took a breath, despite the way the air felt like the dog's teeth puncturing his lungs, and he forced himself to lift his head despite the way his muscles screamed in protest for moving even that much. His vision blurred, making it difficult to see, but the shape of what must have been the dog was rolling around on the ground, the alley echoing with agonized yowls as it was surrounded by a reddish-yellow light.
Tugger's ear twitched and swiveled towards a sound close by, somehow still heard over the dog's cries. As the canine fled from the alley, another figure sauntered into his line of view. Despite the haze clouding his mind and eyes, he could still see the outline of a cat in the ginger shape that stood before him.
And when the figure turned, and he could make out sharp golden orbs set deep within sunken eyes, what little hope he had quickly faded.
"M...M-Mac...avity..."
Everlasting Cat, this day was only getting worse.
"Well, well," said the Mystery Cat, as if striking up a casual conversation after running into each other on the street, "quite the predicament you're in, isn't it, brother? But then, you've always had a penchant for getting into trouble."
As Macavity drew closer, Tugger automatically tried to curl back, but hissed as his body tensed, refusing to cooperate. His legs shook as he tried to push himself up, but Macavity was soon over him, and he bit back a cry as a paw landed on his chest, digging into one of the wounds there as he was pushed back down.
"Don't move," Macavity ordered, the earlier nonchalance gone from his tone.
Tugger tried to growl, but it came out softer and weaker than he wished. He refused to give up, though, and he still tried to glare up at the other cat, the figure distorted as his vision continued to swim together. "Whatever you want...y-you won't -"
His words were cut off, turned into a sharp cry as the paw on his chest tightened, sending a painful flare throughout his body. "You hardly know what I want," Macavity retorted.
Before he could try to come up with a response through the muddle of his mind, he hissed as the ginger cat leaned forward, adding weight onto the paw bearing down on his chest. Holding up his free paw, Macavity then blew a powdery substance into Tugger's face.
Tugger winced, trying to shake his head to clear the powder. But as soon as it touched his eyes it seemed that whatever remaining strength he had was drained out of him. He suddenly felt like he was falling, and the last thing he could see were those sharp golden eyes burning into him like molten fire.
Then his own eyes slid shut, and the darkness swallowed him whole.
* * *
Something was very, very wrong.
It was the only thought that Munkustrap was able to settle on, even as he could see nothing to indicate such from his position watching over the rest of the clan. He watched cats going about their business, and his eyes told him that everything was fine...but his tail lashed back and forth irritably as the feeling of apprehension still settled deep in his chest.
At first he assumed it had been due to the earlier scare. Some of the older queens had heard a dog near the entrance of the Junkyard, and while there had been none when Alonzo and he went to investigate, the dog's scent was still fresh enough that everyone was instructed to stay inside for the time being. But several hours had passed since then, and when the canine made no other appearance the cats had returned to their regular activities out and about the yard.
And yet, despite the calm atmosphere that settled over the Junkyard as the sun slowly disappeared from the sky, something still did not sit right with the Guardian. It was as if he was waiting for something to happen, though what exactly that was and why he felt so was unclear.
His ear flicked slightly as a sound caught his attention, the soft landing of a presence joining him. A glance, then he turned a bit as Quaxo approached him, noting the frown on the younger tom's face.
"Quaxo," Munkustrap greeted. "Is there something I can do for you?"
The tuxedo cat hesitated for a moment, his tail curling around him as he sat. "Have you seen Tugger?" he asked at last. "We had plans to meet tonight."
It was Munkustrap's turn to frown, his ears flitting against his head as he tried to recall when he'd last seen his younger brother. "Not since early this morning. I believe he said something about exploring around town."
Quaxo sighed. "Bothersome tom."
Despite the irritation in the otherwise casual tone, Munkustrap could detect Quaxo's unease as well, a feeling that only added to his own. Tugger could be irresponsible, surely, and his contrary ways made it difficult to hold him at his words at times. But at the very least, his loyalty to the others in the tribe could be counted on to show when promising to meet, especially if such an arrangement was made with Quaxo of all cats.
Whatever response he was about to give faded as a rumble passed through the Junkyard, causing loose pieces of clutter to rattle against each other. The two toms rose to their paws in alarm, and the Guardian looked out as confused and worried cries rose up from the cats below.
Then as quickly as it happened, the rumbling stopped, and the Junkyard was still once more. But he barely had a moment to process the strangeness of it all when he heard Alonzo call out, "Munkustrap!"
His head snapped up, and as he looked to where he'd last seen the other tom his body tensed when he saw a different figure, sitting atop a pile of junk in the distance.
"Macavity!" he hissed.
The Mystery Cat cackled, his distinctive laugh echoing throughout the clearing and causing the cats below to scatter in fright. Then he disappeared down the other side of the pile, and Munkustrap shot off after him, vaguely aware that Quaxo and Alonzo were right behind him.
The three were joined by some of the other toms as they crested the junk pile, but Munkustrap came to a quick stop when he could not find Macavity. With a frustrated growl, he slowly made his way down, keeping a watch out for the ginger cat. From the corner of his eye he could see Quaxo come up beside him, and then the tuxedo cat lifted his head and said, "There!"
He followed the other's gaze to where Macavity stood at the entrance to the Junkyard, and he growled as Macavity sneered at him, taunting him before slinking away from the gate.
Munkustrap moved to follow him, but was stopped as Alonzo held him back. "What are you doing?" the black and white tom said. "He's trying to lead you out of the Junkyard! With you away, who knows what he'll do?"
It was a very good point, but Munkustrap didn't have a lot of time to consider. The same anxious feeling that had been troubling him all afternoon was worse than ever, raising his hackles and baring his claws as he flexed his paws. He didn't want to leave the tribe unprotected, but there was something to Macavity's appearance now, and he needed to know what.
He turned to the group, his tone leaving no room for argument as he instructed, "Alonzo, you and the others stay here. Make sure everyone stays in their dens and keep an eye out. Quaxo and Plato, you're with me."
Both of the younger toms exchanged surprised looks, and he understood how odd it might seem. But he needed Alonzo to remain in case Macavity did return while they were gone. And while he couldn't explain why, he had a feeling that he needed Quaxo with him this time, and he could only trust his instincts.
The others did too, it seemed, as they didn't question him outright. And other than an exasperated look from Alonzo he didn't respond either, motioning for the other toms to follow him back to the main area of the Junkyard.
With that, Munkustrap turned and headed out with Quaxo and Plato, the three cats running on all paws in the direction that Macavity had left. As they rounded a corner, he worried that they had lost the ginger cat, especially when he wasn't immediately in sight. But then, further down the street, he spotted him, watching them from the curb as if he was just...waiting.
There was something peculiar about Macavity, more so than normal, even from what he could tell from that distance, and it was enough for Munkustrap to hesitate for a moment. But as soon as the other disappeared around that corner, he bounded after him, Quaxo and Plato close behind.
Things only continued to grow more unusual as they followed after Macavity; every time he thought they had lost track of him, the Mystery Cat would appear some distance away, around some corner or behind some building, something expectant in his burning gaze whenever their eyes met. It was how he was able to lead them further and further away from the Junkyard, keeping several steps ahead of them.
"This has to be a trap!" Plato exclaimed as they turned another corner that Macavity vanished behind. "Why else would he be leading us so far away?"
Munkustrap flicked an ear but said nothing as they continued to give chase. A part of him was growing increasingly suspicious as well, but...the thought of just giving up and turning back somehow left him feeling even more agitated.
Even so, he slowed down just a bit as he spotted Macavity slink into an alleyway between two buildings. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he glanced at the two other toms, who looked back at him and waited for his lead. His tail sharply swishing from side to side, he started forward, his steps light and careful as he approached the mouth of the alley.
And just as he reached it, he froze. While the alley looked empty, it was heavy with Macavity's scent, as well as something fainter...the dog's scent that he'd picked up earlier at the Junkyard also hung in the air. But it was the sharp smell of blood that stopped him, mingling with another that left him suddenly cold.
"Tugger!" he called, the unmistakable scent of his younger brother pulling him deeper into the alley. "Tugger, are you here?" He felt Plato and Quaxo coming up on either side of him, the latter in particular listening with ears drawn forward, his black coat starting to sparkle with nervous energy.
There was a cardboard box at the furthest wall in the back of the alley, beside some toppled over trashcans, its opening facing the wall. Rushing forward, he turned the box around some and slowly lifted one of the flaps.
And immediately Munkustrap felt his heart stop.
Rum Tum Tugger was lying on his side in the box, the cardboard underneath him stained and crinkled from drying blood. Several portions of his fur had been ripped out, revealing the torn and bleeding skin underneath - deep jagged lines or punctures that welled up with crimson, matting down whatever fur still remained as it started spilling down his body.
And he was so still, more still than Munkustrap had ever seen his younger brother in his life...Everlasting, he was so still...
"Everlasting," Plato breathed out, echoing his own thoughts. "I-Is...Is he...?"
Munkustrap knew what he was asking, and he knew he had to check, but he just couldn't bring himself to move. He could only stare, fear and rage gripping his chest at the thought of having to confirm if Tugger...if his brother was...
He startled a little when a paw touched his arm, and he met Quaxo's eyes, seeing the understanding look that the smaller tom gave him. Guilt and relief warred in him as Quaxo then moved forward, bending down to the - so still, unmoving - body, one ear hovering close.
The seconds seemed to drag on for hours, but then Quaxo's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he released a soft if shaky sigh. "Breathing," he confirmed at last. "He's alive."
Munkustrap remembered how to breathe himself then, as he and Plato both exhaled slowly. Reassured now, he quickly took back charge, using the familiar role to mask his lingering tension. "We need to get him back to the Junkyard," he said, looking at Quaxo. "Can you take him there directly?"
He knew it was a lot to ask; though the Magical Cat's abilities have only continued to develop since conjuring back Old Deuteronomy during the last ball, he could only imagine how much power it would take to transport two grown toms such a distance.
Quaxo seemed willing to try, though, his eyes ticking back and forth, calculating. Then his expression tightened, his ears pinning back against his head. "I...I don't know," he admitted. "With his injuries, I...I don't want to risk it."
Though he was slightly frustrated and disappointed, he nodded all the same. There was no telling what could happen, and the fear that Quaxo would only be able to make it part of the way was enough for him to let it go. "Understood. The old-fashioned way it is, then." He hesitated, sparing a glance back towards his brother - still unmoving, but what else did he expect? - before looking at Quaxo once more. "Go on ahead, if you can. Let Jenny know and have her get things ready for him, and bring some of the others to meet us along the way."
Quaxo frowned, reluctant, clearly unhappy about the thought of leaving Tugger's side. But eventually he nodded, and in the blink of an eye he teleported away.
Once the tuxedo cat was gone he instructed Plato to help get Tugger onto his back, and it took all of his strength to remain calm as they carefully lifted him; even though Quaxo had already confirmed that Tugger was still alive, feeling how cold his body was left him doubting for just a moment.
As he was making sure Tugger was secure behind him, a sharp feeling buzzed in the back of his head. He didn’t know what compelled him to look up, but as he did he found Macavity stretched out on his side on the roof above, his paws folded as he looked down into the alley. He met the piercing golden gaze for a moment, but was distracted with Plato saying something beside him. He glanced away to answer, but when he looked back he knew what he would see.
Macavity was no longer there.
* * *
...Everything hurt.
It was that, the ache stretching throughout his entire body, that roused Tugger's mind from the blissful numbness of oblivion. He kept his eyes closed, hoping to bring it back, even as the pain seemed to sweep every part of him.
Trying to find something, anything, else to focus on, he soon realized that he was lying on something soft, and a warm, gentle weight was pressed against his back. His mind struggled to recall what happened, but even without looking around he knew that he was no longer in the alley that he'd been in before. It felt warm, and familiar...safe.
Something light touched the top of his head, moving in a gentle rhythm. His ear flicked a little as the touch passed over it, causing whatever it was to pull away, and the presence behind him drew back. Then it moved over him, and he couldn't help tensing slightly, causing his body to spasm and pulling a weak hiss from his throat.
"...Tugger?" a voice whispered.
Quaxo.
He forced his eyes to open then, but his vision wouldn't focus. He could only make out a blur of black and white hovering above him, even as the other tom bent low to press his forehead against his.
"Thank the Everlasting Cat," he heard Quaxo murmur, gently rubbing his cheek against him.
He wanted to return the gesture, or even just to say something, but his muscles seized up when he tried to lift his head, and the throbbing at the base of his skull made coming up with words difficult.
"Lie still," the tuxedo cat said, his words echoing with something soothing...almost hypnotic. "Rest now...you'll be all right."
He could feel the darkness pressing in around him again, and his eyes slowly slid closed once more. As his consciousness began to drift, a flash of intense golden eyes passed through his mind, before that too faded and he fell back asleep.
* * *
When he woke again, it was to the sound of voices.
They were hushed, almost a bit distant, but he picked up on them all the same. This time it was a little easier to open his eyes, and after a moment his surroundings became clearer. It was as he'd thought before; he was no longer in the alleyway but rather back in his den at the Junkyard. But when...?
Carefully trying to push himself up, he sucked in a sharp breath as the dull ache in his whole body flared back to life. His limbs trembled, but he still somehow managed to get into a sitting position, even as spots started dancing across his vision. Then he took a few moments just to breathe, his heart pounding in his chest.
As everything began to settle, his ears swiveled towards the entrance of his den, and though he couldn't quite catch the words exactly, he could make out the voices a bit better. So when the conversation outside came to an end, he wasn't at all surprised when Munkustrap stepped inside.
The same, however, could not be said about his brother, who froze at the entrance, tail raised in shock and eyes wide as he stared.
Tugger tried to grin, but the smile felt more tired and thinner than he wanted. "H-Hey, Straps," he rasped.
That seemed to snap his brother out of his daze, and the silver tom was by his side in an instant. "Everlasting, Tugger...! Don't you ever scare us like that again!" Munkustrap ground out, the tremble in his voice belying the otherwise sharp tone. He leaned in to brush their heads together, and Tugger could almost feel his brother's anxiety, the need for reassurance that he was alive and well.
And while he would normally respond with some smart comeback, he found that he couldn’t muster up the energy. Plus, if he were being honest, he didn’t really mind the comforting gesture either, and he lightly bumped his head against his brother's in return.
They stayed that way for what felt like a good while, simply taking in each other's presence, before at length Munkustrap sat back a little, his eyes still filled with concern as he looked him over. Reaching down, he picked up a cup filled with water, and Tugger finally realized how just how thirsty he actually was.
He bit back a hiss as he raised his paws, and he couldn't quite keep them from shaking as he tried to take the cup. But Munkustrap's paws gently rested over his, helping to keep his hold steady as lifted the cup to his lips, the water cooling the burning dryness in the back of his throat.
It took more effort than it should have just to drink, and he almost dropped the cup when he'd finished, but Munkustrap quickly caught it and placed it aside. "How are you feeling?" the silver tom finally asked.
"Been better," Tugger replied, the words coming out easier now that his voice was cleared. "How...long have I been out?"
"Almost two days." Munkustrap frowned, his worry mixing with confusion as he settled beside Tugger. "How were you even injured so badly in the first place? What happened?"
"Ah..." He started kneading at the blankets under his paw, feeling oddly self-conscious about it suddenly. "I may have...gotten into a fight with a dog."
"A dog?" Munkustrap stiffened slightly. "The other day...We picked up a dog's scent around the entrance of the Junkyard, but we never saw one. Did you run into it on your way back?"
"That is...one way of putting it."
The Guardian's eyes narrowed a bit, catching something in his tone. "Tugger."
Tugger bit back a groan, not ready to deal with the lecture he knew would come as he answered, "I jumped on its back and made it chase me."
Predictably, his brother was not pleased with the admission.
"You what?!" Munkustrap snarled, his fur bristling and his tail lashing behind him as he surged to his feet. Tugger could almost hear his brother's mind working; given the extent of his injuries, it wouldn't be difficult to guess that the dog must have been a fair bit larger than he was, and the thought of that only made the silver tabby angrier. "You - What is wrong with you?! How could you do something so stupid! What were you thinking?!"
"Wasn't much time to think," Tugger replied idly, inspecting the missing patches of his fur to keep his eyes averted. It would take a while for his fur to even out after this. "The dog had already picked up on the fact that the others were there when I got to the Junkyard. There wasn't a lot of time, so I led it away."
He could feel Munkustrap glowering at him as his brother growled deep in his throat. "Of all the brash, careless...!" He finally glanced up as the older tom began to pace a little, before he rounded back to Tugger. "You could have died! We thought you had! If we hadn't gotten to you when we did...!"
The anger seemed to rush out from the Guardian suddenly and all at once, leaving only a tired, distraught cat. Tugger couldn't remember a time he had ever seen his brother so shaken. And while he didn't regret what he did to protect the clan, he wished he could ease the look on his face.
"Straps," he said softly.
Munkustrap met his gaze, and seemed to try to retain some of his anger but not quite managing. Tugger held up a paw, despite his body's protests, and the little bit of fight faded as his brother gently grasped it with his own, offering no resistance as he was tugged back down onto the nest of blankets.
"Seriously, Tugger," Munkustrap said when he could find his voice again. "Do you have any idea how...how frightened I was? When we found you like that..."
Tugger had a little bit of an idea; even putting aside his brother's earlier outburst, the fact that Munkustrap would even admit to being scared was a testament to how much it had affected him. But he couldn't help thinking back to his bout with the dog, and his mind was more than ready to supply him with images of any of the others trying to hold their own against it. It was enough that he felt certain he would do it all over again, go paw to paw with it or any other dog even if the result ended up the same, if it meant keeping everyone safe. Still, his ears lowered just a bit, because he could also understand the other side of it - visualizing his brother in such a situation, finding him afterwards, having to worry if he would survive or not...just the thought of it felt heavy in his chest.
"Well..." he finally said after a long moment. "In my defense, I didn't mean for things to happen like that exactly, and I can assure you I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon." He managed a small smile at Straps' exasperated expression, but it faded as another thought occurred to him, his ears flicking curiously as he looked at his brother. "But how did you find me? I thought for sure that I'd led the dog a good distance from the Junkyard."
He watched Munkustrap tense slightly, the tip of his tail twitching back and forth. "...you did," the older tom agreed, still none too happy about it. "We probably wouldn't have found you, if not for..."
Tugger frowned as his brother trailed off and glanced to the side. "For what?"
Munkustrap remained silent for a moment, long enough that Tugger was about to ask again when his brother finally said, "Did...anything strange happen that day? After you encountered the dog?"
He frowned, but bit back a sarcastic remark as golden eyes flashed across his memories. "Actually, yeah...When the dog had me pinned down, someone...showed up."
Munkustrap studied him for a moment. "...Was it Macavity?"
Tugger flinched back, ears raised in surprise. "How did - ?"
"He turned up here as well," Munkustrap explained, his own expression tight as he recalled. "We followed him out of the Junkyard and ended up chasing after him across town."
Tugger snorted, and immediately regretted it as it sent a stab of pain through his body. "And you think I’m reckless? He could have been leading you into a trap!"
"That had been a concern, but...no." Munkustrap looked down at their paws, gathering his words together. "Something felt...off with him that day."
"You mean more so than usual?"
The silver tabby ignored him, though he hesitated before pressing on, "I think...I think he was leading us to you."
Tugger's eyes narrowed a little. "...why would he?"
A sad sort of smile ghosted across Munkustrap's face. "...I suppose it would be too much to hope that it was simply because he was our brother."
"You of all cats should know that that means nothing, given what happened at the last ball," he retorted, but there was a catch in his tone even as he spoke the words and he hated himself for it. "He must have had something else in mind, for saving me."
When he glanced back up again, he found Munkustrap looking at him with an expression he couldn't quite read. "He saved you?"
With a small sigh, Tugger nodded as he glanced away, his ears folding back. "Yeah...I don't really remember much about the fight, but it...didn't last very long. He showed up before the dog could finish me off, and chased it out of the alley. Then he blew some stuff in my face and I was out. Next thing I knew, I was back here."
Silence settled over them for a moment, the words hanging in the air around them. Munkustrap shifted a little, pressing their shoulders together. "...you were in a box when we found you."
Tugger blinked at him. "What?"
"When we followed Macavity and arrived at the alley, you were in a cardboard box at the back, out of sight. If I hadn't caught your scent, I never would have given it a second thought."
He wrinkled his nose; that was only more confusing. "But I hadn't been - "
"I figured, from what you'd said. And I didn't think much about it at the time, but..." The tip of Munkustrap's tail flicked back and forth as he thought. "There was so much going on after we found you, but I remember thinking afterwards how Macavity's scent was heavy over you. And Jennyanydots had commented later that it was fortunate that your wounds had been cleaned, even before she'd done anything, and it would help you recover that much sooner."
Tugger could only stare at his brother for a moment, the implication of his words twisting something inside him. "That...That doesn't make any sense." It was one thing for his estranged brother to come across him, chase off a dog because he just happened to be in the area, and possibly gloat about it later. But...for him to have taken the time to tend to his injuries, then move him somewhere hidden in order to lead Munkustrap to him...It wasn't at all like the Macavity as he knew him now.
More like...too much like the brother he had known growing up.
Munkustrap met his gaze, something hopeful and wary at the same time on his face, and Tugger wondered if he looked the same. He suddenly felt very tired, Macavity's bewildering actions in this whole thing leaving him conflicted and unsure. As if sensing this, Munkustrap gently bumped his shoulder. "You should get some more rest. We can talk about this later, when you're feeling stronger."
"Oh yes, because I'm going to sleep so well after this conversation," Tugger shot back, but didn't protest as the silver tom helped him lie back down. He rested on his side, wincing just a little as he stretched out a bit, and while he didn't argue as Munkustrap helped get him comfortable, he was surprised when his brother settled in behind him.
"Don't you have to go watch out and make sure everyone's safe or something?" he remarked, looking over his shoulder at him.
Though Munkustrap's face was mostly neutral, he could just make out something soft in his brother's eyes. "That's what I'm doing," the Guardian answered.
With a lazy smile, Tugger settled back down, resting his head on his paws. A paw lightly rested on his back, and his eyes started to grow heavy as his brother gently began to groom his fur, the rhythmic rasping of the tongue over his head and ears relaxing him and helping him drift off again.
* * *
There was a silent agreement between the two brothers to leave out Macavity's involvement when telling the others about what happened. Of course everyone had seen or heard Macavity at the Junkyard that day, and had known about Munkustrap and the others taking off after him. But Munkustrap never spoke of his thoughts of the Mystery Cat's intentions, and likewise Tugger never mentioned Macavity showing up when talking about his fight with the dog.
There were only a few others who possibly knew; Quaxo hadn't sensed anything magical lingering around Tugger when they had asked him to check (and, after making sure Tugger was well enough, had lightly zapped him for putting himself in so much danger), and while Jennyanydots seemed to have some suspicions, she never said anything outright about it. But not wanting to worry everyone, Tugger mostly avoided talking about it when he was strong enough to receive visitors, claiming that the details of the fight were pretty fuzzy.
It was a bit surprising, especially to his fan club who wished to hear about how their hero had saved everyone by bravely leading the dog away from the Junkyard. But while it would have been easy to exaggerate what had happened, and in any other circumstance he normally would have, this time Tugger just didn't want to talk about it. The idea that Macavity had saved him at all lingered in the back of his mind, and while he was mostly dubious about the ginger cat's motives for helping him, there was still a small part of him - deep, deep down - that was starting to hope for his eldest brother.
It was a feeling that he hadn't felt in so long, and he didn't like it one bit.
So it was simply easier not to think about. He mostly just slept while recovering anyway, and would find different things to talk about when others came to visit in his den. Quaxo was a constant presence in the days that followed, but fortunately the tuxedo cat seemed to understand that the topic made him uncomfortable and didn't push for the moment. And surprisingly, Munkustrap didn't bring the subject up again either, since that first day they had talked about it.
It was strange, but Tugger wasn't willing to bring it up either, so he didn't question it. It wasn't until a few days later that he realized why; after Quaxo had just left, and Munkustrap had come to see him. This wasn’t unusual in itself, his brother dropping by often to check on him when he wasn’t attending to his other duties as Guardian. But what Tugger hadn't expected was for the silver tom to be assisting Old Deuteronomy into the den.
Tugger sat up a bit straighter in surprise under the warm smile his father gave him. "Rum Tum Tugger," the patriarch rumbled. "I'm glad to see that you're recovering well."
"Uh..." Caught off guard, it took a while for Tugger to formulate a response. "Thanks. I didn't...know you were here."
The elder cat gestured to Munkustrap, who was still assisting him as they entered further into the den. Tugger was vaguely surprised that he even fit inside, though their father wasn't that much bigger than either of them. Perhaps it was just that Old Deuteronomy's presence had always seemed larger than life, that any den in the Junkyard didn't seem enough to contain him.
"I just arrived today. Your brother sent word to me that you had been injured," Old Deuteronomy explained as Munkustrap retrieved a seat for him to sit down easier. "I only regret that I could not be here sooner."
Tugger glanced at his older brother, who met his gaze evenly. "Nothing much to be done about it now," he finally replied, shrugging one shoulder. "I should be fine pretty soon."
Old Deuteronomy smiled, but there was something knowing in his eyes that had Tugger shift a little like he was a kitten again, though he tried his best not to. "I know," the elder cat said softly. "You have always been strong, and I have no doubt that you will bounce back quickly. But Munkustrap has indicated that there is something that we must discuss. And I suspect that it is this that troubles you now."
Tugger tried not to wince, but before he could argue Old Deuteronomy continued, "I could sense it as soon as I walked in, this feeling of heaviness surrounding you. And many of the others have also mentioned such, when they had relayed your condition." The elder cat held out his paw, and after hesitating for a moment, Tugger reached out and held it in his own. "Please...tell me what happened."
Tugger shared another look with Munkustrap, who came around to sit with him, so they were both seated before their father. And after a long moment, they began to explain the day of the incident, giving their sides of the story and Macavity's appearance and actions each time. Old Deuteronomy listened to their accounts, his expression solemn but otherwise unreadable. He remained silent even as they finished, a distant expression in his eyes as he considered everything he heard.
The brothers exchanged another look, one of concern, before Munkustrap slowly ventured, "...Father? Do you suppose - I mean, is it possible that Macavity...?" Tugger could hear the slight catch in his brother's voice as the words trailed off, unusually hesitant and uncertain. Though honestly, Tugger couldn't really blame him. It was difficult to put into words, as though saying it out loud would be admitting to holding on to something that they thought had been gone so long ago.
Still, Old Deuteronomy didn't answer immediately. It was a while yet before he sighed, a sound that somehow seemed to carry the weight of his many years of his many lives. "It would be difficult to say," he said at last. "Macavity's actions have always been his own. We cannot assume his intentions either way."
Tugger was a bit surprised by his father's answer. Old Deuteronomy had always held the belief that their brother could return to them one day, long after either Munkustrap or he had given up, and even now he could see the familiar flicker of hope in his eyes. But their patriarch was as practical as he was forgiving; even if he could believe that Macavity could come back to them at some point, he would never put the clan's safety or welfare at risk.
And one good deed wasn't always enough to turn an entire life around.
"So what happens now?" Tugger finally asked. "Suppose he comes around demanding some sort of favor? Saying I owe him for saving my life." To be honest, that sounded much more like something Macavity would do, and it was easier to deal with than the alternative.
"We will take care of that if or when it comes to pass," Old Deuteronomy said. "For the time being, you need only to focus on the rest of your healing."
"But - "
"We cannot assume his intentions either way," the elder cat repeated patiently. "Whether he had acted for good or for ill, it will be of no use to worry about it now. All we can do is wait to see what will happen..." Meeting his eyes, Deuteronomy smiled. "And be grateful that you are still alive, regardless of the circumstances."
Sucking in a breath, Tugger glanced from his father to his brother, noticing the same sort of relief on their faces at those words. He was silent for a moment, and when Old Deuteronomy reached over and let his large paw rest on the scruff of his neck - an old, familiar gesture of comfort from when he was kitten - he had to swallow the growing lump in his throat. "...Right."
* * *
It had taken some time, but things were starting to finally feel normal again.
At least it seemed that way, though Munkustrap couldn't help continuing to keep watch for any sign of trouble. He would do so regardless, as Protector of the Jellicles, but he'd especially looked for any more signs of Macavity.
He hadn't considered the possibility until Tugger mentioned it, the day they were speaking with Old Deuteronomy, and he wondered how he didn't think of it before. Since then, he'd grown increasingly concerned that their elder brother would devise some sort of debt to be paid, as if Tugger had to compensate him somehow for being saved. So he'd kept a closer eye on Tugger while he was still recovering, in case Macavity ever made another appearance.
At times, there were moments when he had thought so. Times when he felt as though he was being observed, the sensation of eyes burning into the back of his skull. But no matter where he looked, there was never any sign of the Mystery Cat to be found.
And Munkustrap couldn't help feeling relieved because, quite honestly, he wasn't quite sure what he would do if such a confrontation were to take place. If Macavity appeared asking to be given some favor for helping Tugger...would he repay it? Of course it heavily depended on whatever he would be asking for, but the fact remained that he had saved Tugger's life. Even if asking for something in exchange was a callous thing to do, he couldn't say how he would respond to any such request.
Because, as much as he hated to admit, he was grateful to Macavity. No matter what he planned on doing after this, Tugger was still alive thanks to him. And now, after a few weeks, his younger brother was out and around the Junkyard again, much to the delight of his fan club. His body was largely healed, and though his fur was still growing back and a little uneven it was hardly noticeable with the right grooming. Even if he would never say so out loud, he was glad to see the Rum Tum Tugger back to his usual self.
...For the most part. Because there were times, under his watchful eyes, when he would catch his brother looking about a bit warily, moments when the other thought no one was watching him. And Munkustrap knew that, despite their father's words, a part of Tugger was still expecting something to happen as well, for Macavity to appear and finally make his objectives known. And try as he might, as much as he wanted to, there was only so much the Guardian could do to ease his brother’s peace of mind. Their father had been right; until they knew for sure, they could only wait and see what happened.
Munkustrap sighed. Oddly enough, it would be just like Macavity to do something like this...to leave them wondering and doubting. Only he could twist something to give them hope, just to hurt them with it later.
To them, he could do nothing crueler than to act as if he was their brother again.
