I told my sweet reviewer from the first chapter of my others Cats fic, Demeterfan, that I had been itching to write some Demeter/Munkustrap, and thought, what would be more heartwarming for one of my favorite Cats pairings than to have them welcome kits into the world the night before Christmas? Clichéd? Absolutely. Overdone? Most certainly. I should be ashamed of myself, but regardless, I really hope you enjoy!

Also, I sort of felt like I didn't give Bomba much of a chance in my other story, so here, she and Tugger are an item, while Misto has his eyes on someone else... So in a way, everyone wins, kind of? 'Kay I'm gonna be quiet now and let you get to the story.

Disclaimer: The only cats I own in this fic are the furry bundles of joy born in the second part, though technically they belong to their parents. Oh, and the farm cat. I own him too. But no one else.

Not Just One of Your Holiday Games

"Are you sure you don't want to dance, sweetheart?"

Munkustrap had just finished leading the majority of the tribe in an elaborate group dance, a portion of which consisted of the assembled cats joining paws and weaving around each other, queens traveling clockwise and toms counterclockwise in a great circle through a series of pull-bies, while the ones not up to dancing watched and clapped. Laughter filled the air as most of the Jellicles dispersed from the center of the floor to converse amongst each other once the dance was over.

They were all gathered for the Jellicle Holiday Gala. It was very similar to the Jellicle Ball, as both were annual events involving numerous dances and a performance put on for Old Deuteronomy. But unlike the Ball, it was a more relaxed occasion, somewhat, and it was tradition that it always take place outside of the junkyard. Its location always varied from year to year. This year it was taking place inside a colossal barn belonging to a farmer who lived just on the edge of the countryside, not terribly far from the junkyard, an hour's trek at the most.

It was here that Munkustrap met the farmer's pet cat, an elderly calico tom named Devereaux, or as the farmer had named him, Flecks. When the tabby explained what he was requesting to use the barn for, the calico informed Munkustrap that he was in luck; the farmer was away visiting his children, as he did every year, and wouldn't be home during Christmas. This meant there would be no disturbances from humans, aside from the farmer's nephew, but he only stopped in during the early morning hours to feed the livestock. So it was safe to proceed with whatever plans the tabby had for his little party with his friends, so long as it didn't disturb the other animals.

Once given permission by Devereaux, Munkustrap, with assistance from several older cats in the tribe, went right to work at decorating the interior of the barn. They strung lights from the lofty rafters (which is easier than one would think given how simple climbing walls is for a Jellicle), they draped garland over the loft railing, placed holly wreaths fixed up with assorted bows on the hooks lining the walls, hooks that were originally meant for tools rope and other various farm equipment.

Munkustrap made a mental note that he'd have to thank Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer later for their generous contributions. Without the decorative treasures purloined and brought back by the cat burglars, they wouldn't have any elegant decorations to use.

He and the others were quite pleased with the outcome, deeming it a definite success. All the effort they put into it had paid off. They had turned a once drab, weathered old barn into a festive environment fit for a Jellicle event.

Tonight, the gala was in full swing. And after having danced along with the crowd for two or three songs, Munkustrap was more than happy to rest for a bit, opting to sit with his mate, Demeter. He felt guilty that he had been spinning and leaping alongside the others while the black and gold queen sat on the square hay bale and watched everyone else have fun.

"We don't have to anything too fast or complex," he tried a second time, placing a paw on her shoulder. "You and I can just slow dance for a while."

With an apologetic smile, Demeter shook her head. "Any other time you know I'd love to…but my sense of balance isn't the greatest right now."

"You can lean against me," Munkustrap persisted, grasping both her paws, interlacing their fingers, his thumbs sliding over the tops of her knuckles. He felt her pull away in slight unease but still he tried to persuade her. "I'll support you completely, we can just sway back and forth."

"Oh Everlasting Cat, just let Deme rest, Munk," snapped a female voice.

The couple turned their heads to see Bombalurina approach, holding a small teacup filled with milk in each paw. She handed one to Demeter, set her own down, and took seat beside her best friend, securely wrapping her arms around the golden queen's shoulders and nuzzling her face. Bombalurina pressed her cheek to Demeter's and gave Munkustrap a stern look. "Dancing might make her dizzy, or nauseous. And the poor thing's already worn out as it is, carrying around your little Christmas gifts in the making."

Demeter simply smiled at her scarlet furred friend as she began gently rubbing over the prominent swell of her belly. Two months ago marked the day she and the silver tabby had finally become mates. To celebrate, the couple spent the entire night, and most of the next day, inside their den, and made a memory of it neither of them would ever forget.

It was now Christmas Eve, and Demeter was due to give birth to their first litter in a matter of days. They both remembered the day she first found out vividly. Upon receiving the news that his dearest Deme was expecting, he'd been overcome with elation. Moments after she'd told him, he'd picked her up and twirled her around. And before setting her back down, he'd speckled kisses all over her face to express his excitement.

Munkustrap had been looking forward to becoming a father for years and couldn't imagine anything bringing him more happiness than raising kits with the queen he loved with all his heart.

It came as no surprise to any of the Jellicles that as Demeter's pregnancy progressed, the tabby had practically become glued to her side. She was barely allowed to take a step unless he was right there beside her, his paw to the small of her back to support her.

Jennyanydots and Bombalurina often stopped by their den, popping in to see how she was doing and would always ask if she needed anything. The Gumbie cat gave her regular check-ups to ensure she and the kits were healthy. Jenny informed the couple, after performing a thorough examination on Demeter, who had been three weeks along or so at the time, that four tiny little balls of fluff would soon be joining the tribe.

While Munkustrap couldn't have been happier about the kittens, troubling thoughts still lurked in the corners of his mind. Would all the kittens come out normal, with two ears, two eyes and one tail? Would he be able to keep them all safe from the imminent dangers of the world?

Would he be a good father?

He quelled his worries for the time being by encircling his arms around Demeter's stomach and nuzzling her affectionately, eliciting a soft purr from the expectant queen.

"You should be getting back out there Munk. Go, go dance, have a good time," she urged, nudging him underneath his chin with the tip of her muzzle.

"But I feel guilty that you're over here all alone." He frowned, not willing to up and leave yet. He'd only just sat down and got all cozy.

"I'm having a great time watching you all though," said Demeter, a warm grin brightening her features.

"And she's not alone," Bombalurina reminded him. "I'm here, I'll keep her company."

"You should be out there too Bomba, with everyone else," Demeter told her, giving her friend a smirk as she elbowed her lightly. "I couldn't help noticing a certain maned tom keeps glancing in our direction. Someone's got him distracted this evening, and I know for a fact that that someone is definitely not me."

Bombalurina's emerald eyes cut to the center of the floor where Tugger was dancing with a group of his giggling admirers. He swiveled his hips, grabbing the nearest queen, which happened to be Jemima, and twirled her around. The doe-eyed kitten was beside herself as he pulled her to his chest, and looked like she was on the verge of swooning. The carefree Maine Coon turned his head, his amber eyes meeting the scarlet queen's. A crooked grin appeared on his face and he winked at her.

Mirroring his expression, Bombalurina looked at him from beneath her lashes before she blushed, turning away and biting her lower lip.

Demeter and Munkustrap exchanged glances, both looking like they wanted to snort and roll their eyes.

"When are you two going to stop this kittenish flirting and admit to harboring true romantic interest in one another?" Munkustrap asked, chuckling. "Are you ever?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, the scarlet queen watched Tugger dance, his glorious mane splaying out in all directions as he twisted about, entertaining his fanatical audience of mewing kittens and adolescent cats. "Yes," she answered, a defensive edge lacing her tone. "We will. When we're ready. I don't wanna rush into anything is all. And neither does he. I just want him to have his fun for now. And then, when the time is right, he'll ask me to be his mate. I'm sure of it." Bombalurina's lips curled up in a contented smile at the thought of being Tugger's one and only at long last.

Demeter scoffed. "I'm not sure I could ever have any real interest in a cat who loves himself as much as Tugger does," she muttered. "But truthfully, he does have his good days. I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into with that tom, should you two decide to get serious with each other."

Just then, Demeter gritted her teeth, giving a muffled groan as she shifted uncomfortably on the hay.

"Darling?" Munkustrap leaning closer, his heart rate picking up in his chest.

"Deme, are you alright?" the scarlet queen murmured, gripping her arm.

Demeter nodded, holding her paws out to them. "I'm fine. It's nothing, don't worry. My back's just aching a little. I'm ok though."

Without needing any further explanation, the tabby knelt behind his mate and began to massage her back, firmly pressing his paws into the sore muscles there. She moaned appreciatively as the pain soon subsided, her head dropping in a gradual motion as she was almost lulled to sleep by the tabby's strong paws massaging away the dull aches.

"Well," Bombalurina spoke up to break the silence that had fallen over them. She audibly cleared her throat. "I can see I'm clearly not needed anymore…"

Demeter opened one eye, peeking over at her friend and smiling at her. "Bomba you've been sitting with me all evening, and I really do appreciate it. But as much I love your company, I insist you enjoy yourself tonight." She gestured with her head toward Tugger and his group of fan-cats. "Now go dance with Tugger. I know you've been dying to since the gala began." Demeter pointed to the crowd of twirling Jellicles dispersed through the center of the barn "So go."

Looking from Demeter to the handsome fun-loving Tugger, then back to Demeter and the tabby still giving her a soothing backrub, she knew she couldn't deny how much she was craving some male attention herself. "Maybe...just one dance," Bombalurina finally decided. With a coy grin, her gaze fixated on Tugger, she inched off the hay bale. "I won't be long," she called over her shoulder, tail swishing as she sashayed up to the tom that drove her absolutely mad.

Munkustrap huffed. "Finally! I thought she'd never leave." He purred against his love's shoulder, gently pulling her into his lap.

"Munkus!" Demeter giggled softly. She hummed in contentment when he trailed kisses along on her neck.

"Does your back feel better?" he asked.

"Much," she replied, leaning against him. "Thank you."

He ran his paws over her swollen belly, cradling their unborn kits. "Are you hungry at all? Or cold? Is there anything you need?"

She smirked at how attentive he was to her needs, finding it endearing, but shook her head.

They both looked down when one of the kittens suddenly awoke and began nudging at Munkustrap's palm. "Well hello there," he crooned, laughing warmly at the active kitten as it moved around, waking the others in the process. "Your mother and I can't wait to meet you all."

"Won't be long now," Demeter murmured sweetly.

If only she knew how right she was about that.

Demeter nuzzled under Munkustrap's chin and closed her eyes, purring audibly. They both cherished little moments like this, when they could relax in peace together, cuddled up close. Soon peace and quiet would be a rarity in their lives.

From their spot on the hay bale, they watched Bombalurina twirl around Tugger, sliding her hip against his in a playful manner. He responded with obvious enthusiasm, snaking his arms around her torso and pulling her close. He nipped at her nose, bringing forth a flirtatious giggle from the lovestruck queen.

Off to the right of the extroverted couple, Electra and Etcetera had wandered over to plop down beside Jemima, Coricopat and Tantomile, all intently watching Mistoffelees as he prepared to astound them with his magic. Given the mischievous smirk on his muzzle, there was no telling what the little tux was up to.

Old Deuteronomy sat in one corner. Cassandra and Jellylorum were keeping him company. Tumblebrutus crept over from behind and made a move to swipe at Cassandra's tail, but she'd heard him sneak up and abruptly flicked it up and out of reach. Tumble poked his lip out in a pout and hugged Old Deuteronomy's leg. A chuckle rumbled through the Jellicle leader's chest and he reached down to pat the tom-kit on the head.

Farther off in the distance, Victoria and Asparagus were attempting to waltz, both appearing frustrated with each other and struggling with certain steps. They waltzed in a small circle, but stopped when Victoria mewed in pain. Asparagus, having realized he'd accidentally stepped on her foot, mumbled an apology. Then they tried again.

"Asparagus must be excited," Demeter noted. "This is the first time he's gotten to play such an important role."

Munkustrap nodded. "And the Pollicle Prince is the main tom role, aside from the Rat King…" His lips became a tight line, the tabby exhaling sharply through his nostrils as he looked back at his brother. "I really hope Tugger doesn't plan on trying anything cute just to get a laugh. The king is a serious villain role, and if he makes a mockery of it in front of our father, so help me, I'll scratch his eyes out."

They were referring to their big holiday performance, one they put on for Old Deuteronomy each year at the gala, entitled "The Waltz of the Persimmon Persian and the Pollicle Prince." In many ways it was very similar to "The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles."

The story was a timeless tale among the Jellicles: there once lived a beautiful Persian queen said to have fur as soft as silk and white as snow. She was known as the Persimmon Persian, ruler of The Valley of Songbirds. Her favorite thing to eat was persimmons and she ate so many that the orange fruit eventually turned her fur partially orange. This is how she became known as the Persimmon Persian.

One day, she met the Pollicle Prince after he rescued her from the Rat King who had chased her deep into the forest, trying to obtain her jeweled collar that was said to hold mystical powers. A fight ensued between the prince and the evil king, which ended in the king's sword being knocked from his grasp, forcing the king to retreat. The Persian was impressed by his bravery and skill with the weapon he wielded. She was quite taken with the dog who had risked his own hide to protect her.

As time went on, the Prince and the Persian fell madly in love. But love between a Jellicle and a Pollicle was forbidden, something everyone knew and knew well. The two were found alone together in the gardens one summer's eve and it caused an uproar throughout the land, leading to a great battle between her family's royal army and his.

In the end, it was the Rat King who intervened during the great battle. He confronted the Persian herself, threatening to cause harm to the Prince she loved, turning him and everyone else to statues if she didn't relinquish her collar to him. She refused and he turned everyone to statues, just like he'd threatened. Overcome with sorrow, she collapsed at the feet of her beloved Prince, and sobbed. The tears she cried were tears of such deep-rooted emotion that they summoned the power of her collar and lifted the Rat King's spell, deflecting his dark powers back onto him and turning him and his rat army to stone.

It all came to a close with the two species putting their quarreling to rest once and for all, and the Persian and her Pollicle Prince were wed.

"I think he'll behave," said Demeter. "He knows how important this is to you."

"He'd better."

"My eyes will be drawn to the dashing narrator the entire time though," said Demeter.

He gave a grin and stroked her left ear. He was about to lean in for another kiss when their moment was interrupted by Victoria.

She approached the protector tentatively, ears folded down. "Munkustrap, sir?" she mumbled. "Um, could you go over the last two eight counts with us? Please? I-if it's not too much trouble I mean."

With a breathy chuckle, he got to his feet. "Of course Victoria." He let the ivory queen lead him across the room, but not before glancing over his shoulder and holding a claw up to Demeter, which was code for 'I'll be back in a minute, so don't go anywhere, and I mean it.'

Reviewing a couple of 8-counts, however, turned into a mini rehearsal, dialogue and all. And in all the jumble of laughter, conversation, and dance rehearsal, Demeter was able to slip outside for some fresh air without being noticed.

Crawling through a half-open window of a barn would have been a lot easier, were she not heavily pregnant, come to think of it. But she managed it anyhow.

The wind felt so nice, gusting against her fur. And how she enjoyed the quiet. She loved her Jellicle family, but every so often, she liked to get away, so she could be alone with her thoughts. With her worries and concerns...with her excitement...and her paralyzing fears that plagued her thoughts.

It didn't take long, as she predicted, for a cat to notice she was missing and come outside to check on her. But it wasn't the cat she was expecting.

"Dearie, come back inside, it's freezing out here!" Jenny's insistent tone was unmistakable, and brought a smile to Demeter's face. "You're going to end up catching a nasty cold."

She looked back in time to see the old queen hop down from the low window and amble over to her.

"I just came out to enjoy the quiet for a while Jenny, I promise I won't be out much longer," said the expecting queen. She wrapped her arms protectively around her midsection, eyes wandering back up to the stars that stretched on forever against a backdrop of black.

"Mmm, feeling restless with nothing to do but sit around at the gala?" assumed Jenny.

"Well no, not exactly, I love watching everyone having fun, I don't mind the inability to openly participate so much. It was just beginning to feel stuffy in there."

A laugh escaped Jenny's lips. "Understandable my dear." She slipped a comforting arm around Demeter. "That being said, I give that tabby two minutes at the most before he realizes you went missing and comes to drag you back inside himself!"

Demeter burst into a small giggle fit and leaned her head on Jenny's shoulder. "I don't doubt that. Over the past several weeks, he's taken the term 'protector' to a whole new level."

Jenny gave her a quick nuzzle. "Well it's only because he loves you and wants to make sure he's doing everything he can for his growing family. But I can see how it might make you feel the faintest bit smothered at the moment."

"I love him too," said Demeter, a paw idly rubbing her swollen belly. "There's no one else I'd rather have kittens with than him."

"You'll both make fine parents," Jenny commented with a nod.

"You think so?"

"Absolutely!" Jenny exclaimed. "You'll give them stability and love, both necessities in a kit's life. Munk will get to put his knack for storytelling to good use, exciting them with all kinds of tales before bedtime. And you Demeter, a queen so full of love patience and compassion. You have all the traits a great mother needs."

"But what…Jenny, what if something happens?" Her gaze dropped to her stomach. "Like one of them gets hurt…or sick, and…and I won't know how to take care of them?"

"You have us! You have me and Skimble and Jellylorum, and even Bomba. She may not know as much about caring for kits as us older cats do, but you know she'll never stray far from you, if you need the extra help. And besides, you will know what do when the time comes Demeter. It's maternal instinct, something all mothers have. Just trust me love, you'll be fine."

"Thank you," sighed Demeter, nuzzling against her fur. "I needed to hear that."

Jenny smiled and rubbed her shoulder. Then all of a sudden she lightly tapped her shoulder. "Demeter, look! It's snowing! And here I thought we wouldn't see any snowfall this year!" Jenny chortled in delight, walking up to the nearby fence and reaching out to try and catch a snowflake in her palm.

The younger queen failed to share in her excitement of the snow floating down and decorating the open air; she was too focused on something else that was happening.

"Oh," she breathed, paws on either side of her huge belly, cognizant of a sharp pain that radiated through her lower back and abdomen. "Oh," she said again, as the pain intensified.

Jenny gasped softly, no longer distracted by the falling snow. "Oh dear." She ran back over and swiftly wrapped an arm around the pained queen, taking hold of her paw. "Demeter sweetie, what is it? Are you…is it time?"

"I…I-I don't know," she answered, staring down at her stomach, fear crossing her features. The pain worsened surprisingly fast, and Demeter doubled over, her breath growing short. She squeezed the paw Jenny offered as a moan drifted from her lips.

Jenny felt of Demeter's stomach. It was clenched tightly, rigid beneath her fur. Definitely a contraction. That told Jenny all she needed to know. She steadied the young queen, holding her with a secure grip. "Come now dearie, let's get you back inside where it's warm."

This time, Demeter didn't protest, not that she had the strength to protest anyway. She could do little more than nod, staggering back to the barn's entrance, holding onto Jenny all the while.

When the two were back inside, Jenny spotted two toms, Pouncival and Admetus, tussling nearby. Snapping her fingers curtly, she beckoned them over and instructed them to close the half-opened window to block out the wind and snow. The tom-kits jumped up and did as they were told, but not before mumbling to each other as they watched Demeter stumble beside her, obviously in pain.

It wasn't long before the two approaching queens caught the attention of the rest of the assembled tribe as they were in the process of donning their costumes for "The Waltz of the Persimmon Persian and the Pollicle Prince." Victoria, who would be playing the Persian, was currently being dressed in exquisite fabrics of various hues of orange that would serve as her gown, while Asparagus was putting on his royal clothing. He was making faces at the odd feeling of having to wear clothes and Pollicle head attire. It all felt so strange, no matter how many times they dressed up to put on a show.

Munkustrap was speaking to Mungojerrie about the verbal cue he'd be given to lead the rat army in at the start of one scene and how imperative it was he remember it this time, when worried voices and small gasps filled his ears. With a slight frown, he turned to see his stricken mate, a paw to her belly as she leaned into Jenny.

His eyes wide as saucers and his heart stopping, he bolted in her direction, forgetting all about his conversation with Mungojerrie.

"Deme!" Munkustrap whispered.

Demeter peeked up at the alarmed tabby's voice, and once she'd lightly pushed away from Jenny, the black and gold queen nearly collapsed in his arms as she endured the last of the contraction, latching her paws around his neck.

Munkustrap immediately started stroking the fur between her ears while internally trying to keep himself calm as it set in that his mate was going into labor. His lips to her forehead, he murmured soothing words to her until the contraction ended. Afterward she slumped against him, grateful the pain was over but couldn't ignore the building apprehension at what was to come.

"Is she having the kittens?" Pouncival asked, he and Admetus having rejoined the concerned group now crowding around them.

Before the trio could respond in any way, Demeter gasped, and a sudden gush of liquid fell from between her legs, splattering onto the floor. She uttered an embarrassed mew, her cheeks heating up with a crimson flush of color, and she buried her face in Munkustrap's chest fur, wishing more than anything that she were alone with him in their den right now as opposed to surrounded by the whole tribe, feeling ill at ease from the countless eyes watching her every move.

"It would appear she is, dear, yes," Jenny answered, offering a smile to the young tom.

The once hushed murmurs morphed into full-blown chatter, both excited and sympathetic for the mother-to-be who was still looking positively mortified at having her water break in front of them all.

"What should we do Jenny?" the protector asked, his normally composed voice having increased an octave or two.

"Here. Let's lay her down here—" Jenny started to suggest, but Demeter was looking up at her mate with wide, pleading eyes, the golden queen frantically shaking her head. Give birth out here? In front of everyone?! Oh Everlasting Cat, no!

Munkustrap gave Jenny a look that seemed to say 'Help me, I don't know what to do.'

The Gumbie cat glanced around but was at a loss as well. As far as where to take her, their options were limited…

"Take her to the stalls in the back," spoke a male voice from above.

They all lifted their heads, eyes settling on the farmer's pet cat where he lounged on a shelf high overhead, his tail draped over the edge, the tip idly twitching. Devereaux leaped from the shelf and onto a barrel. And from there he jumped to the floor. The others couldn't help thinking that for a tom of his age, he was remarkably agile.

"Follow me," he told them.

Munkustrap carefully scooped Demeter up in his arms and followed after the timeworn calico, Jenny at their heels.

Arms linked around his neck, Demeter peered over her mate's shoulder, searching for her best friend. "Bomba!" she called.

Bombalurina had already weaved through the crowd and was rushing over. She gave her friend a loving smile and took hold of the trembling paw reaching out to her. "I'm here Deme," said the scarlet queen. "Don't worry, everything's going to be just fine, we'll take care of you."

Thanks for reading! I'll post the next part soon, either tomorrow or the day after. Happy Holidays!