Cats Always

Chapter 7. Rumpleteazer's confession.

With not long to go before the calico queen Rumpleteazer was to become a mother, she spent most of her days lounging around with her family and also extended 'family'. Teazer enjoyed surrounding herself with plenty of loved ones. Since birth of course she had her brother and partner in crime Mungojerrie. The two of them were practically raised by Skimbleshanks and Jennyanydots, then Rumpleteazer also had her mate Pouncival, altogether they were her immediate family. But over the years her extended family had grown slightly. There was Caligo, the once stranger cat to the tribe who had essentially become almost an older sibling to the calico twins (what with her constantly teasing Mungojerrie with her magic), and surprisingly there was also Blizzard. The queen could tell that this younger addition to their extended family was pretty sweet on Mungojerrie, and in fact it seemed that Jerrie was also somewhat sweet on Blizzard. But both were either too shy to say anything or perhaps Rumpleteazer had completely misinterpreted the situation. Who knew?

Now, the queen's due date was incredibly close, so Jennyanydots had instructed the expectant mother to take it easy and rest. But for Rumpleteazer, rest didn't come easy.

She was currently pacing the den she shared with her mate Pouncival, rubbing her belly and practicing the breathing techniques Jelly had drilled into her head. Though excited about becoming a mother and meeting her very first kitten, Teazer was also anxious about the birth and and was willing to listen to any advice thrown at her. Jenny had advised to follow all the nesting instincts which the calico had and in the last two weeks her den had completely transformed. Rumpleteazer had sent Mungojerrie out to "find" new blankets and pillows, as soft and as luxurious as he could get, and she had arranged them accordingly around the den. A nice partition had been made down the centre of their den to make "rooms" for their home. One living area and the other for sleeping and other activities suited to that room. Blankets had been pinned against walls, there was an abundance of pillows to sit on and lounge with and overall the place had become rather cosy.

Pouncival, the father to be, popped his head between the curtain and glanced to the pacing queen with mild concern knitting his bushy brows together. "Are you in labor?" He asked.

"No." Rumpleteazer grumbled. "I'm bored and the kitten wont sit still, I swear to you Pounce, it feels like they've got a dance partner in there."

The tom emerged from the sleeping area and strode over to his mate, taking her into his arms. Pouncival's smile was soft and it made his precious little dimples appear, which Teazer adored. "Jenny and Jelly said you need to rest." He gently placed his paw on her grown stomach, what felt like the kitten's tiny feet kicked back and he chuckled. "Maybe if you lay down for a bit they will calm down too?"

Rumpleteazer pouted and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I want to be up though, I don't like being cooped up." She leaned forwards and pecked his nose. "I just feel like I've got to move, alright?"

"Alright Teaze, if that's what's going to make you most comfortable. How about we go out for some fresh air?" The queen nodded in response to his suggestion and took hold of Pouncival's arm for support as they slowly walked outside. As the pair of them stepped into the spring sunlight, a smile crossed Rumpleteazer's face. Together they walked to the clearing where several cats milled around contently, kittens racing back and forth, the season of new life and rejuvenation obviously whipping them up more so than normal. From a distance it could be seen that the elder queens Jennyanydots and Jellylorum were perched on the large tire, knitting. A short squeak escaped Rumple's lips and she abruptly turned around much to Pouncival's dismay. "T-Teazer?" She began to hurriedly walk away and he jogged after his mate, though she had not actually managed to waddle far.

"I'm sorry, as much as I love them I just did not fancy another lecture from Jenny or Jelly." Grunted the queen, leaning against and old side turned nightstand. "I think I know how to breathe by now."