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the-clockwork-three · 4 months

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My gift for @professional-sand-eater. Hope you enjoy, I tried to work as many of your headcanons in as I could :D Thank you @bees-in-a-davidbowie-shirt for hosting the event.

Summary: When the Rum Tum Tugger sees Mistoffelees slipping through the window of an elegant building, he gets led on an adventure through the stories told in the ballet.

Tumblr version below the cut should you prefer it.

The Magic of the Ballet

The Rum Tum Tugger was not unfamiliar with wandering London at night. There was an allure to the freedom that only the stars granted him. He could chase rats, or meet friends, or cause chaos, or do whatever the hell he wanted. And when he got cold he could always return to one of his many bunkers to receive treats and pets and adoring coos. Overall, nighttime was heaven in his opinion.

He had left that fashionable Soho flat in a fit of boredom (or had he been kicked out?) and allowed the breeze to pull him where it will. However, three hours later he was cold, damp, and more than a little miserable. Every half-reasonable creature had hidden themself away in their home and he was the only fool still out and about. It was only by the grace of his thick fur that he had not frozen to death.

Returning to Katie’s flat with his tail between his legs was beginning to look like his best option when he saw two familiar figures. Mistoffelees and Victoria sat on a balustrade to a large building, tucked against a pillar to protect themselves from the wind. They were talking far too quietly for Tugger to hear. Victoria peeled herself from her brother’s side after passing along a small package. Only after watching Victoria disappear into the dark did Mistoffelees climb up a drainage pipe and slip through a window that had been left open a crack.

Hmmm, mysterious. Of course it was nothing too out of the ordinary for those reclusive twins. However, when had the Rum Tum Tugger ever not indulged his curiosity?

Well he had nothing better to do.

He scrambled up the building and hopped through the window to follow Mistoffelees. Tugger found himself in a blank and boring hallway, grey on all sides broken only by the occasional door. The one flash of movement was the tip of Mistoffelees’s tail whipping around a corner. Tugger followed him without a second thought.

He was led through an endless maze of identical hallways. The only sign that they were making any progress was that with every step the halls seemed to get colder. Mistoffelees trotted through an open door, completely unaware that he had been followed for nearly five minutes. Tugger waited a few moments before he ducked through.

A weight landed atop of him. He was pinned to the ground by something far too big and far too heavy. Half a second later, teeth pressed into his neck, the bite against his skin dulled by his fur. He did not risk turning his head, but he could see white paws leading up to black legs in front of him.

Chill, it's just me he said in Cat-Tongue.

Mistoffelees took a moment to recognise him, but he slowly lifted his mouth. Tugger rolled his head, trying to banish the ghost of Mistoffelees’ teeth around his throat. Once again he was glad for the dense fur that kept him safe. The weight above him shuffled enough that he could wiggle his way out.

Tugger sighed as he looked around the dark room. It was filled with shelves and tables, and densely packed with fabric of every colour and texture. He had been pinned by a huge mass of white feathers that probably fell from one of those tables. The only thing out of place was Mistoffelees glaring at him from a cautious distance away, his eyes glowing gold.

What was that about? Tugger asked.

“I don’t appreciate being followed. Daisy was just helping,” Mistoffelees replied in Human-Tongue.

Tugger scowled. He did not understand Mistoffelees’ complete refusal to use Cat-Tongue. He had never spoken to any of the Jellicles in their most intuitive language, even as a kitten.

Daisy? You mean this pile of feathers?

He batted at the mass to make his point. However, it shifted. His paw hit the floor instead.

Huh.

He tried again, and this time he pinned some of the fabric with his claw. His triumph was short-lived, however, when the monster raised its head. And it pecked him.

Ow! What the hell?!

“You got what you deserved.”

Tugger scoffed. However he did give Daisy space as she stumbled to her feet. She was as tall as a human, but much broader and with huge limbs. Under Tugger’s very eyes she shrank until she was no larger than him. Her body rounded out, leaving him staring at a very normal, if slightly too intelligent, chicken. When she stopped shrinking, she cocked her head towards Mistoffelees.

“It would be my pleasure to lead you back home.”

She gave a deep cluck in response.

Why are you speaking in Human-Tongue?

“Why are you insisting on speaking in Cat-Tongue?” Mistoffelees sniffed, put out. “It's not like anyone is around to hear us.”

This was a fight Tugger was never going to win. So he switched tactics.

“Where are we?”

“The Royal Opera House,” Mistoffelees puffed up with pride as he picked a direction, seemingly at random, and started walking.

“And you live here?”

“In a way, yes.”

“‘In a way’. Why do you talk like that? Just answer the question,” Tugger followed him, easily keeping pace even as Daisy sprinted after them.

“Let me ask you a question Mr. Rum Tum Tugger: Where do you live?”

“Here and there. Wherever the will takes me.”

Mistoffelees gave him a look.

“They’re different.”

“Sure. Well I live and work in The Royal Opera House. Sort of.”

“And what would an opera house need for a cat?”

“You are looking at a Royal Ballet Corps de Ballet member. I am an essential part of the team.”

“...”

“If Gus can do it, so can I.” Tugger’s silence had offended him as he whipped his head to look over his shoulder.

“Gus exclusively plays parts written for cats. I’m not sure if they're equivalent.”

“Okay fine, I spend more time haunting the costume storage room than on stage, but I still have a part to play.”

They turned a corner to reveal several other costumes exactly like how Daisy had originally been. She chirped excitedly as she shuffled towards them. With each step she grew and grew until she was as tall as the other white masses.

“Goodnight Daisy. Thank you for coming to help me.”

The chicken-demon clucked before settling with its brethren. Mistoffelees let out a low whistle, and whatever life the chicken had drained from it, leaving it slumped and motionless.

Mistoffelees’ eyes had lost their glow but he still looked over at Daisy and her ilk with unmeasurable fondness. When was the last time anyone had looked at Tugger in that way? Perhaps it was time he found a new family to worm his way into the heart of.

He grimaced and turned away from the scene. A flash of movement caught his eye, and he gasped as he spotted a mirror tucked in a corner. Tugger rushed over to it, preening as he saw that not a single tuft of fur was out of place.

“Oh my one true love, tell me I am beautiful.”

Tugger hid his smile when Mistoffelees huffed from where he had been frozen in thought. He felt Mistoffelees stop behind him, but he did not turn his gaze from his own face.

“Are you coming with me as I check out the rest of the costumes?”

“Mhm, just give me a moment.”

“Tugger I’m too busy to entertain your Hottest Cat in London, Six Years Running schtick.”

Tugger dragged his eyes away from himself, making eye-contact with Mistoffelees through the mirror. “You think I’m hot?”

The reaction was immediate as Mistoffelees’ ears plastered themselves to his head. However he took a deep breath, and settled his shoulders. Those eyes, one gold one blue, glinted with determination.

“You certainly act like I do.”

“Dodging the question.”

“I have eyes don’t I?” he muttered under his breath as he turned around. “You can get lost for all I care.”

“Misty no! I’m sorry! Don’t abandon me in this dark scary costume room,” he teased as he jogged after him.

Without Daisy slowing them down, the two cats wove easily through the tiny spaces between shelves and under tables. Not for the first time Tugger could appreciate how every movement Mistoffelees made could be a dance. He was eternally graceful, but he easily matched Tugger’s natural pace and rhythm. Their winding and running were as natural as breathing for the both of them.

The mindless wandering gave Tugger’s mind space to think. He knew Mistoffelees had magic before this, more so than the other Jellicle cats anyways. There was magic woven into the very existence of music and dance, and all it took was a steady paw and stubborn mind to twist that magic into a more usable form. Tugger had never met a cat more determined towards artistic perfection than Mistoffelees. Neither did it surprise him that some costumes took on personalities of their own. Afterall where is there a higher concentration of music and dance than an opera house?

They stopped in front of a box full of masks. Mistoffelees did not pause before he dived in. After a minute of shuffling, he emerged with a white mask between his teeth. As Tugger examined it he found the mask was plain white with cat ears on the top.

“Is this Victoria?”

“No, Tori is a real cat. Missy, and her husband Boots, were the first spirits I ever animated. The first I animated on purpose at least.”

“Friend or foe?”

“Friend. Although she can be a pain in my side with her tendency towards catty -”

“Heh.”

“- remarks. Shut up.”

“You wound me so.”

Mistoffelees rose until he was standing on his hind legs, and then lifted one leg off the ground. He closed his eyes, and then suddenly slapped his front paw down onto his raised leg. Even through his closed lids, Tugger could see that his eyes were glowing.

“My lovely pest, why have you woken me?” the mask said, voice coming from the space where a human mouth would sit if it was being worn.

“I have brought a gift from my sister, Missy.”

She hummed, the eyes of the mask blinking slowly. However she quickly changed her tune when Mistoffelees brought out the string of delicate white pearls.

“Oh will you weave that into my wig for me?”

Mistoffelees grumbled at how quickly she gave him chores.

“Now now magician. If you just thought to wake my entire body I could have done it myself.”

“I cannot do that because your tutu is undergoing repairs. And you know it.”

Tugger could hear the frown in her voice despite her lack of a mouth as she said “Yes, it's rather unpleasant. Not that you would know, you brat.”

I see why you don’t like her Tugger said.

Don’t be rude Missy warned him, switching to Cat-Tongue as easily as he had. I’m a cat like yourself.

“Missy. Tugger. Don’t fight please,” Mistoffelees sighed. “I’ll find your wig. Don’t expect a work of art.”

“Good lad. Please wake me when the repairs have been completed. And wake Boots, I miss him. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Yes Missy. Goodnight.”

Missy closed her eyes as Mistoffelees released the magic he had been holding to animate her. The moment the light faded from his eyes, the holes in the mask returned to their natural open state.

“Why do you humour her?” Tugger asked as Mistoffelees dropped Missy’s mask back into the box.

“She’s as much my family as Jellylorum is. She raised me when… when mum couldn’t. Even if mum is much nicer about it.”

Tugger hummed, and allowed himself to be led again. He was still lost in thought when they arrived in the wig storage section and Mistoffelees wove pearls through Missy’s hair. They toured the entire costume storage warehouse, stopping occasionally for Mistoffelees to dance and animate a spirit. Sometimes the costumes just wanted a quick chat, but most of them had errands they needed running.

“Okay, one last one for the night,” Mistoffelees sighed as he rubbed his head from being attacked by the mouse king for the third time in five minutes.

“Where could we possibly go that we have not been already? I swear we’ve been all over this room twice doing your chores.”

Mistoffelees laughed, “This last one is not for a costume piece. It’s for a prop.”

“There’s more? I had just decided that your magic was working by pulling the characters from their ballets.”

Mistoffelees shifted a little under his gaze. “That's about right. Although it is more difficult for props to have enough of a personality in their source ballet to develop a soul, there are some that do.”

“Lead the way, genius magician.”

Mistoffelees did not preen at the compliment like he normally would have. His tail sat low as he slipped out a door to the warehouse. Tugger tried to lift his spirits with jokes and prods, but it took far too long for him to cajole Mistoffelees into taking the bait.

“Okay,” Mistoffelees was a bit breathless from laughing, and Tugger found himself quite the same. “So these are the flamingos.”

“I can see that.” six long pink birds lay beside each other on a shelf.

“Shush. The flamingos like to play football and usually you can just sit back and watch them. However sometimes they get… a little overexcited. And then you have to herd them back to their shelf.”

“Football?”

“It's the closest I can get to the weird game of croquet they play in the ballet.”

“Croquet??”

“Don’t worry about it. You ready?”

Tugger took a moment to admire how excitement brought life to Mistoffelees’ mismatched eyes before he nodded. As he hummed, Mistoffelees raised one of his front paws over his head.

And the flamingos raised their heads, taking in the room around them. They hopped off the shelf onto the floor.They squawked, gently bumping their necks against them both. Mistoffelees released a ball into their midst. The birds immediately turned away from the cats in favour of butting the ball around with their heads.

“And now we wait.”

And indeed this was one of the more boring tasks. All Tugger had to do was bare his teeth at the occasional attempt by one particularly brave bird to escape into the storeroom. However, that gave him far too much time to think. To think about the warmth radiating from his chest. To think about the warm bed he left behind. To think about Katie.

God he needed to find a new family to join his rotation so he never had to return to her.

However, to Tugger’s horror, Mistoffelees suddenly stiffened at his side. His eyes widened and his fur bristled. He dropped his magic instantly, all the flamingos dropped to the ground like dead weights.

Hide! he hissed in Cat-Tongue.

Tugger did as he was told and dove under a shelf, Mistoffelees joining him in unison. They huddled to the very centre of cover. Tugger strained his ears to catch a hint of what had scared Mistoffelees so much.

Whistling. And human footsteps.

Those footsteps continued easily down the walkway, passing them without a second thought. Then they paused.

“What are you doing down here?”

A hand reached down and caught the lifeless body of one of the flamingos by the head. One by one he returned the props to their place. The whistling picked up again as the footsteps faded into the distance.

Does he work here? Tugger asked when he was fairly certain Cat-Tongue could no longer be heard.

Yes!

Mistoffelees’ mewl was garbled, like a kitten speaking around a full mouth. Mistoffelees glowered at himself, and tried again. And again. And again. None of his attempts were anything but a clumsy attempt at a simple sound.

Is this why you always use Human-Tongue?

Go Away! He replied. His hiss said he meant something a bit stronger, but there was no heat in it.

You’re cute

Mistoffelees did not reply, instead just shoving against him as he led the way to the door. They darted from under one shelf to the next as they raced to safety from this person who most certainly would not be pleased to find two cats wandering around.

Hide! Mistoffelees warned again.

Tugger flattened himself against the floor. However instead of joining him, Mistoffelees threw himself out into the aisle. A hollow thunk drew the prop-master to where Mistoffelees now lay.

“Oh there you are. I swear you get lost five times as often as anything else,” the human said as he scooped Mistoffelees up.

Tugger followed close behind. He could not allow those shoes to disappear from his sight for fear of losing them both.

The man led them to the very corner of the prop storage room. He set the cat down on a desk with another hollow thunk. From his hiding place Tugger could see the desk. Mistoffelees sat stiffly, with his ears perked up and his tail curled elegantly. His two blue eyes stared straight forward. When the human ran his hand over his head he did not move an inch. Even his fur did not shift.

“Okay you troublesome kitty, stay put. I need to do some repairs on you.”

The man walked away, leaving Mistoffelees alone on the desk. Tugger waited until the footsteps disappeared before pulling himself out of his hiding spot. He easily jumped until he was level with his friend.

Come on, let's go, he said.

Mistoffelees did not react.

Tugger batted his paw against Mistoffelees’ side and flinched when what he hit was as hard as stone. He patted him again and it was still like touching one of the lions in Trafalgar Square. He rubbed up against Mistoffelees’ cold hard body that was frozen in time.

But slowly the hardness melted away. It started with his fur. As Tugger brushed against him, it moved minutely, then stiffly, then freely. Warmth slowly spread into his shoulders, being returned with equal fervour as he was giving it. Finally that right eye of his darkened to gold.

Let's leave.

Yes!

Tugger led them both out of the prop storage room. He had spotted an exit not far from them. Not a second after they padded into the hallway did the man’s voice chase after them.

“Where did that cat go?”

Mistoffelees let out a shaky breath as he said “Pick a direction and let’s go. Doesn’t matter which one.”

Tugger nodded and they started running. At every intersection he made a random decision, and Mistoffelees followed him without question.

The breath was torn out of Tugger’s lungs when the next door led them to the wings of the main stage. Mistoffelees looked around for a second before he recognised where he was.

“Wait a second while I get the light.”

Mistoffelees closed his eyes, and began glowing slightly. There was a resounding clunk, and a spotlight flooded the stage. Tugger did not need any encouragement to run to the centre of the light. The stage warmed up quickly, and he felt like basking.

Mistoffelees joined him with easy grace, but he flopped over a few feet away. His gaze had sharpened in the time they had been running and he was no longer so worryingly stiff. He cleared his throat as he thought of something, anything, to talk about that was not the proproom.

“So Tugger. Why are you here?”

“Just wanted to see what you were up to, sneaking into such fancy buildings. Wanted to make sure you haven’t picked up any unsavoury habits from my siblings.”

“Jerrie and Teazer wish they could teach me anything. But why were you out?”

“Oh, you know. A bit of this, a bit of that. Wherever the wind took me.”

Mistoffelees narrowed his eyes. “Dodging the question.”

Damn this tom.

“A trade. I tell you this and you talk about whatever the hell happened back there.”

Those gold and blue eyes were without hesitation, “Sure.”

Tugger could not drag the words out of his throat. Every time he tried his voice failed him. He hated showing weakness, hated how pity clouded Mistoffelees’ face.

“Tugger, you don’t have to tell me anything if you really don’t want to. But if you do, I’ll explain all this to the best of my ability.”

The person I have been staying with quite a bit wanted to get me microchipped. I disagreed, and we fought. So that’s - what - like the fifth bridge I’ve burned completely in the past year. And I know all the other humans I could go to are either getting bored of me, or getting too close to wanting to be the only ones to own me.

Warm fur pressed against his shoulder.

“Oh Tugger, I’m so sorry. I know you treasure your freedom.”

And then in Cat-Tongue he said Sad! Sorry!

Mistoffelees rubbed his head all over Tugger’s body, bringing softness to every inch of him. Only when Tugger was leaning back into him easily and without tension did he stop. Tugger whined from being without something he wanted. Mistoffelees rolled his eyes, but he relented and leaned his shoulder, twining their tails together.

“I am one of the props used in the ballet, although a bit more alive than the other spirits,” Mistoffelees started.

No shit.

“Hush. I first woke up in the workshop for new props a few years ago. I was just a kitten, so I did as kittens do and wandered away looking for my mum. And one found me. And she raised me as her own alongside Tori. Jellylorum had a fright when I first returned to my true form.” He laughed. “And it's really not that bad. Yes, I cannot leave the Opera House for more than a few days, or go too far from it. And I have to be present for performances that call for me. Otherwise I am a normal cat that turns to wood when he sleeps. And can do incredible magic tricks.”

Don’t you hate it? Don’t you resent that you are stuck here and probably will be for the rest of your life?

“Sometimes. But I do really love the spirits that haunt this place. They’re like family,” and he added in a quiet voice, “They’re like the Jellicles. I love the ballet too. I love the music and the dance. I love just sitting on stage beside the dancers or being cradled in their arms as they stand in the back of the stage. I dream of doing so much more, of course. I am not without ambition, unlike those damn hawks, but if I must stay like this forever it would not be the worst fate. And as much as I was hiding today, the people who maintain the costumes and props have been nothing but kind to me and mine.”

Mistoffelees’ words were animated, his voice so different from his usual steady and gentle flow. His eyes were full of life, and his blue eye sparkled just as much as his gold one.

“And why do you never talk with this much passion at the Junkyard?”

“Nobody has given me reason to. Besides, my throat was not made with Cat-Tongue in mind.”

“But they did make it so you could speak Human-Tongue?”

He received a bat on his head for that, but Tugger did not mind. Mistoffelees was resplendent under the stage lights, even without magic lighting up his eyes he seemed to glow.

“I am not sure what made me. Was I made on purpose by another magician like myself? Or did the magic that flows through music and dance just concentrate on a random prop one day and I am lucky to be alive? I may never know.”

Mistoffelees rose to his feet and began to sway, just like he had to summon the spirits. Tugger followed him, straining his ears to hear the music that he knew only haunted Mistoffelees.

“To bring a ballet prop or costume to life I have to be able to do their entire dance, you know? I have to be able to perform the magic that makes up their soul. I wonder if I have a dance, something I, and only I, am meant to perform.”

Mistoffelees moved over the stage, his paws landing lightly and elegantly as he marked a dance he knew well. Tugger shadowed him, chasing the warmth each step left on the stage. He knew well the draw of the limelight, the pride that came from every eye being drawn to you.

He knew too well what Mistoffelees’ gaze meant, drinking in the adoration even from an audience of one. And he knew his expression matched perfectly.

And all too soon their dance came to an end. Not for the first time that evening they were both breathless, but this time something deep in Tugger’s stomach was sated.

“You can stay here. If you must.” Mistoffelees avoided eye-contact, turning his head away from the intensity that had been shared between them just a moment before.

“Oh Mistyyyyyy, thank you!”

Tugger tackled him, playfully nipping at his ear. He let his weight crush Mistoffelees who yowled and fought below him. If he was taking revenge for the ambush earlier, he would not say a word.

“Come,” Mistoffelees said as he extracted himself from Rum Tum Tugger’s (very warm and soft) trap. “I’ll show you my favourite nap spot.”

“A bold proposition, but I won’t say no.”

Mistoffelees clicked his tongue in annoyance. Tugger could have sworn a threatening cluck echoed through the halls as he hurried after Mistoffelees.

And if one of the costume staff found two cats, one real and the other carved from wood, curled around each other between the layers of a tutu tree when she arrived at work the next day, she did not say a word.

#is mise an crann #cats the musical #mr mistoffelees #rum tum tugger #tugoffelees #egg skreev

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rudolphsb9 · 10 months

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My overall impression of the Rum Tum Tugger is "do ur magic babe I got ur flower"

#tugoffelees #the rum tum tugger #mr. mistoffelees #the fact that he TAKES MISTO'S COAT during the misto song lives in my brain rent free #and of all things to have that status #I could do worse

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olddeut · 2 months

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Based purely on my childhood fanfiction habits, I think these motherfuckers are why I'm gay, trans, and a furry.

#tugoffelees

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ima-ghost-art · 1 year

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CATS ships mating dances as my favourite strictly come dancing dances!!

That may or may not just be basically all of John and Johannes dances (pls dont judge me these are mostly mlm ships and I feel it best represents them plus they are all amazing!!)

(Inspired by this post!) Prepare bc ima dive head first into this and it will be long lol

There is no doubt in my mind now that tugoffelees would do a Rumba like This !!! Like the slow deliberate motions that were literally MADE to show eachother off while still taking their own places in the spotlight. A rumba isnt like either of their natural, preferred ways of dancing, but instead a dance that amplifies the emotions that are rarely ever seen infont of the tribe.

Tuggers deep caring side (that we see the moment after misto brings back old doot) is now fully on display for the tribe to see, showing how out of everything, this is who he found and he doesnt have eyes for anyone else, and this fact is something he knows he will never question.

On the other hand we see Mistoffelees, the dance displaying his talents perfectly, hes literally holding the spotlight on them as he shows the tribe that he can lean on Tugger, and without having to look, knows the other tom is right there, ready to support him and lead him if hes anxious, and vise versa.

NOT TO MENTION THE SONG!!! literally just them saying they are not together for popularity nor magical prowess bc they know they are more than that!

_____

Next up is a lil crazy one but hear me out- Misto x Macavity is hands down This Paso Doble and I will fight you on it! THE POWER in every movement, the dance playing out as a fight because that's what their relationship is, in the best way possible!!!

You have these two incredibly powerful cats, who have always and forever will be, even between lives, connected by the same erratic destructive beautiful force of nature, and as much as they clash and make chaos, always in a never ending fight to see who's the best, but its because of that that they cant help getting drawn to eachother.

In the dance they are constantly drawing the other closer while also pushing away. They mirror eachothers movements while also dancing as the others oposit, an ongoing to and through. They keep switching who's leading as if its battle to be the one in control!!!!

Not to mention THE LIGHTING ITS SELF!!!! A gorgeous show of their emotions crazed and all over the place while still keeping order (plus a fun lil misto glittersplosion at the end!)

_____

Okay this ones for the inspo of this post @afairytalestray and what I think for Coricojerries dance since their stuff basically convinced me this is arguably one of the best ships ever!!

Now I wasnt sure at first, like tugoffelees they are two very different people with very different dance style but when I tell you when i found this dance?? I became pretty sold I found it!!

First off the song?? When I think of coricojerrie my mind always thinks at how they are each one of a twin with vastly different life experiences yet they both still feel like lonely souls of london that found a home in eachother! Even with their sisters theres just something that separates them from the girls and the rest of the junkyard, but that didn't stop them from gaining an unquestioned place next to eachother!!

In the dance, they start off unsure, still a little lost but then the FIND eachother!!! In this uncanny contemporary dance that manages to mix in jerries acrobatics and acting into it, blending into something unconventional but THEM!!!!

They use each to get through life like they get through the dance, with the mix of physic powers and someone who had only really known a life of crime, the lead and lift eachother, and even if others think they are weird or annoying, they end heads held high and ready to support eachother!!

_____

Last but not least (for this post at least bc it's getting heckin long oops) ALONZOSTAP!!! I love these boys ma dudes okay and that why I cant deny my heart when i think of this show dance as their dance!

The sweet sweet mix between the tender I love you moments, to the fun showy bits that let's their personalities shine???? Them coming together at the beginning, letting how my they care for eachother come first, only to burst into something exiting and fun that's ever so slightly out of their comfort zones while still representing the laughter they bring to eachother!!

There is no denying that these two are both showmen at heart, just in different ways. Munk strives to tell the storys that teach the next generation, while Alonzo is more seeking the thrill of showing off and dancing because he knows he looks good because it feels good.

So together they are able to combine their loves if performing, dancing for the hell of it while also showing and teaching the younger cats what love is and how its supposed to make you feel! The intense moment where they show that the are the protectors of the tribe, that they are strong and that being who you are and loving someone intensely dosent take away your power but makes you stronger!!!

_____

Now that's finally out of my head hears a couple extra that I either cant explain/ make obvious sence lol

Dont ask but this gives me young and fresh new dads skimblegus and I live for it!!!

Also we all know this is like, canon Platora

Also also this is literally like a sceen from my royal tugoffelees au I'm writing lol!!

If anyone wants more weird strictly cats dance rants give me ships and I'll try and do another post for them :D

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zevte · 3 months

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Cats in grey voids

and one shitty cassandra doodle sorry girl you deserve better

#cats 1998 #cats musical #cats the musical #rum tum tugger #mr mistoffelees #the rum tum tugger #musical fanart #cats 1998 fanart #tugoffelees #my art #cats musical fanart #artists on tumblr #digital art

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themirokai · 1 year

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When I wrote Clever Cat last year I thought I had gotten Tugoffelees and Cats the Musical fan fiction out of my system. But then I held a raffle to get to know my new(ish) followers and offered to write a ficlet of any pairing I’ve previously written. One of the winners was @an-asuryampasya and to my surprise and delight she requested a Tugoffelees story that included some light angst about other cats putting down either Tugger or Mistoffelees to the other.

The resulting story is below and was heavily influenced by the time my family told me to break up with my then-boyfriend. We’ve now been married for over 10 years and they like him more than me.

This will get posted to AO3 eventually and may get cleaned up a little between now and then. If you see any typos or other errors I appreciate you letting me know (yes, I’m crowd-sourcing the beta read). Enjoy!

“Mistoffelees! Mistoffelees? Are you here, my boy?”

Mistoffelees immediately leapt up from where he had been lounging on the warm pavement and trotted briskly over to the entrance to the junkyard.

“Uncle Bustopher!” Mistoffelees beamed.

The rotund cat’s black coat was shining in the afternoon sun. “Good day, my lad. Come take a walk with me. I am on my way to Blimps.”

“It would be my pleasure, Uncle.” Mistoffelees fell into step with Bustopher’s stately pace.

They chatted for a bit about the weather and some nonsense Bustopher’s humans were up to with rearranging the furniture.

“Mistoffelees,” Bustopher said when those topics were exhausted, “there is something I wish to discuss with you.”

“What is it, Uncle?”

“It has come to my attention that you have… taken up with that scamp the Rum Tum Tugger.”

Mistoffelees nearly tripped over his own feet in his surprise. “I - um - well -”

“When the lovely Miss Anydots told me, I was certain that it must be a casual flirtation, but she assured me that you were… cohabitating as it were!” Bustopher gave a ‘haroomph.’

“Ye- yes. We’re living together at the junkyard,” Mistoffelees murmured.

“Now, I would have you know that my objection is not to the fact that you are cohabitating with a tom instead of a queen.”

“Your objection?”

“In fact I had quite a few pleasurable flirtations with toms in my day,” Bustoper continued.

Mistoffelees’s ears pricked up. “You did?”

“My objection,” Bustopher plowed past the question, “is to this particular tom. I realize that he’s Deuteronomy’s son, but he’s certainly not the respectable one!”

“You don’t like Tugger?” Mistoffelees asked, trying to wrap his mind around the conversation.

“Come now, my boy, the way he carries on and gets the young queens all riled up is quite unseemly. And those garish accoutrements he wears! What is that thing? A belt?”

Mistoffelees glanced down at Bustopher’s spats but held his tongue. His stomach was a swirling mess and he felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes.

“What I mean to say,” Bustopher forged ahead, “is that you can do so much better, my boy. You’ve always been such a good, upstanding cat. And now with your service to Deuteronomy, you’re held in quite high regard. I’m sure any number of cats - toms and queens both! - would be eager to… become better acquainted with you. And not just within the local tribe! Word of your magical feats has spread throughout the jellicle community. I’m certain you would have an easy time finding a more suitable mate.”

They arrived at Blimps then, and Bustopher finally turned to Mistoffelees and gave a harrumph, possibly because he had noticed Mistoffelees’s expression. Bustopher reached out to pat his shoulder.

“There’s a good lad, Mistoffelees. Nothing to worry about. We’ve all had our youthful indiscretions. This’ll pass soon enough.” He glanced at the door of the club. “Now I must be going, my boy. I’ll see you soon.”

Mistoffelees nodded, eyes downcast, and Bustopher bustled into the building.

Mistoffelees could hear Tugger singing as he approached their den. Did he have the girls in there? Was he giving a performance? Was Bustopher right? Mistoffelees’s coat bristled and he crossed his arms over his slim chest. Should he go in? Should he go to his humans’ house? His tail lashed back and forth, as he listened to the muffled singing. While he couldn’t make out the words, it was clearly only Tugger’s voice and he couldn’t hear any of the yowling that usually went along with Tugger’s performances for the kittens.

He took a breath and pushed past the curtain that served as their door.

“He’s got my soul and he’s got my heart. And when we move together it feels like art,” Tugger sang, then stopped and muttered to himself, “it’s making great art? No.”

Tugger was alone in the small den, his tail wrapped around one of his hands.

“Tugger?”

Tugger whirled around and his face lit up in a dazzling smile as he dropped his tail. “Clever cat! Where’ve you been? I was looking for you.” He stepped forward and pulled Mistoffelees into a kiss before he could respond.

“I was - uh, taking a walk with Bustopher,” Mistoffelees said when they parted.

“Nice time?” Tugger asked as he went to sit on a cushion.

Mistoffelees shrugged and dropped down next to him. “What were you doing?”

“Oh.” Tugger scratched one of his ears sheepishly. “Uh, I was composing actually.”

“Composing?”

“Yeah, um. I started working on my song for the next ball.”

Mistoffelees grinned. “Isn’t it a little early?”

Tugger shrugged and looked down. He twisted his tail between his fingers. “I uh, kinda hoped you might sing it with me. It’s about us, so I want it to be perfect.”

Mistoffelees’s breath caught in his throat. “The part you were singing when I walked in…”

“He’s got my soul and he’s got my heart,” Tugger crooned. “Do you like it?”

Mistoffelees grabbed a handful of Tugger’s mane and pulled him close. “Yeah,” he whispered. “Yeah, I like it.”

They kissed and Mistoffelees chased Tugger’s lips when the big cat sat back.

“I love you.” Mistoffelees stared into the gold of Tugger’s eyes.

Tugger’s grin was pleased but a bit confused. “I love you too, clever cat. Is something wrong?”

Mistoffelees scrunched up his face then quickly shook his head and leaned his forehead against Tugger’s chest. “No,” he said firmly. “Nothing’s wrong. I just need to finish my conversation with Bustopher tomorrow.”

Mistoffelees stood outside the garden gate at Bustopher’s humans’ house and forced himself to take a deep breath. He shook himself, straightened his posture, then leapt gracefully over the fence.

He found Bustopher lounging in the sun on a lawn chair, undoubtedly considering where he would be taking lunch.

“Uncle Bustopher?” Mistoffelees called as he approached.

Bustopher opened one eye and then the other, and rolled himself up to sitting. “Mistoffelees, my dear lad. Good to see you.”

“Uncle, I wanted to talk to you. About our conversation yesterday.” Mistoffelees realized he was wringing his hands and made himself stop.

“Oh, about the Rum Tum Tugger. Have you moved on?”

“I -” Mistoffelees ground his teeth. “No. I have not.”

“But my boy, surely you see that you can do better? I mean you yourself called him a ‘terrible bore’ at the ball!”

Mistoffelees bristled. “I was flirting with him, Uncle. I - I love Tugger! He is kind and patient and loving and gorgeous and he looks at me like I’m the only cat in the universe. I’m not leaving him. And I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks! There is no one better for me because we love each other!”

Bustopher drew back with a harumph. “Well, my boy, I must say-”

“No, Uncle,” Mistoffelees said firmly, “there’s nothing else to say.” He took a deep breath and gave Bustopher a nod. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

With that, Mistoffelees took himself back to the junkyard and back to Tugger.

#tugoffelees #cats the musical #cats 1998 #rum tum tugger #mr. mistoffelees #bustopher jones #bustopher is a bit of an ass in this #sorry bustopher #but I also made him bisexual so that's fun #no beta we die like the Growltiger song #but also I'm crowdsourcing the beta read so please tell me if I screwed something up #mirokai writes

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