A/N A little action in this chapter. I'm going to leave the rating at T, because there is only mention of sex and no actual "acts". However-some topics are a little racy, and if anyone feels the rating should be raised then I will raise it. I'm hoping we can be realistic and mature :D

I don't know their real age difference, so I made it up. Four-five years seems good to me ;D Just enough for Tygra to be better at everything. Also, the flash back of them as kids seems to be 3-5 years. So meh. I'll fix it if we get any cannon.

This chapter is much longer. I actually moved the original end of this chapter to the beginning of the next one ;) Trust me, the story flows better that way.

Tygra made mental notes of their new supplies as he packed them with the rest of their supplies. Most of the food provisions were rice, beans and other things he suspected would hold for a long period with out spoiling. A few clean clothes, blankets and two tents. And hunting equipment. "These traps will be great, Panthro. I have to admit, shooting at fribbits with my gun wasn't my shining moment."

"Yeah, should be nice eating fresh meat for once," Came Panthro's gruff reply from under the thunder tank. "Hey, Mind giving me a hand down here?"

Tygra jumped down, "Sure, I just finished organizing our supplies." He bent over the legs protruding from under the tank, "What can I help with?"

A clawed hand emerged, "Hand me a wrench." For the next few hours Tygra assisted Panthro however he could. It was a nice distraction from Lion-O for the first thirty minutes.

"You know, Tygra, your brother handled himself well." Tygra couldn't hold back a snort. If Lion-O had done well then he wouldn't be injured. Panthro continued, " He showed more restraint than normal and actually thought things through. Plus, he managed to keep his identity hidden." His hand appeared from under the tank, "15mm socket."

Tygra found the tool and handed it to the panther. "So, the cats you two freed have no idea who you two are?"

"They probably suspect, I'd think. My handsome face is pretty well known." He laughed at his own joke. "Lion-O didn't use the sword and kept his hood up, but they'll probably put two and two together. At the very least they'd think we're both from the army." He held his hand out and asked for another tool. "He's growing up Tygra. I can see you're struggling to let him, but he will be alright." Tygra didn't respond and just handed him the next tool asked for.

Was he really struggling with letting his little brother grow up? He didn't think that was it. He'd always pushed him to grow up faster, to be the best future king he could be. But now… now Lion-O was king. And Tygra was still just a prince. No, not just a prince. He wouldn't dwell on such thoughts. His focus needed to stay on Lion-O. How should he approach his brother? There was so much he'd done wrong, so much he wished he could erase. So many things he did to protect Lion-O, and for which Lion-O hated him for.

Their biggest fights always revolved around love interests. Tygra would always tease his brother, boasting about how many cats he had fawning over him. Lion-O had never been the best with the ladies, and he bathed in any affections sent his way. When Lion-O turned sixteen he had his first serious romantic interest. Tygra could still picture her perfectly. Aemele was her name. She was a noble cat Tygra's age, and he immediately became suspicious when she started showing interest in his much younger brother. Lion-O was oblivious as usual,; a gorgeous twenty year old cat was meowing at him and he was enthralled. Tygra kept his overprotective eye on the pair. One day he crossed paths with her talking to some of the other noble cats. Long story short, he discovered her only intention was to marry Lion-O, then sleep around with "better cats". She thought he would fall for her because of his naivety and propose with in the year. Lion-O was sixteen, and now of legal age. Thundarian custom dictated that once a royal was wed, there was no way to nullify it. There was a story in the history books about a King who divorced his wives after they started to age. He had about twenty wives during his rule. This lead to some national security nightmares: Hell hath no fury like a woman told she looks old.

Tygra knew such news would devastate his brother, and doubted Lion-O would believe him anyway. So he devised a plan to "steal" Aemele from him. She wasn't even his type, too frail and much to thin. Definitely not future queen material. Sex with her was amazing though. He almost laughed when she told him Lion-O hadn't made a move on her in the two months they had been dating. But he kept his game face on. He set up his ruse so Lion-O would find out, and he needed everything to line up.

Lion-O didn't talk to him for months. Tygra suspected Lion-O was behind the rash he had that summer. But eventually they reconciled. They always did. He never told Lion-O why he did it, nor did Lion-O ever bring it up. Aemele and her family kept to themselves after that.

If there was one thing he was missing the most right now, it was Thundara's abundant female population. Sure, Cheetara was attractive. Well, more than attractive. But Lion-O had made it clear to him the morning before he and Panthro left that she was off limits. He sighed. There was only so much a man could take. Sneaking off behind the bushes to "take care of himself" was nearly impossible while they traveled. Suddenly he had an idea. With Lion-O's injuries their travel would be hindered slightly, they may even stay in this area.

Well, it was at least worth asking. "Hey, Panthro. Can I ask you something?" If he was going to discus such things, he'd rather it be with the hardened warrior. He would know of such things from his long campaigns with the army and wouldn't judge.

"Yep. Just gimmi a sec….almost…GOT IT" There was a clunk. Panthro pulled himself out from under the tank. "That should fix 'er." He sat on the ground, leaning against the side of the tank and took a few big gulps of water. He looked at Tygra expectantly.

Tygra quickly made sure the others were not in hearing range. "I was wondering if there were any…er…brothels in the town you two went to." He felt a blush creep up, and couldn't look Panthro in the eye. Damnit, why was he blushing!

Panthro regarded him silently for a few moments. "There was. But, first, its not the kind of place you'd want to patron. From the way the rest of the town looked I wouldn't be surprised if the people in the brothel were slaves. And second, there is no way any cat is going to that town."

Tygra ran a hand over his face. Great. He was stuck in his current situation. He had heard of men who went crazy during wars from lack of physical release. Before he always laughed at such claims.

"During times of war, when we were far from home ,and farther from a warm bed, soldiers sometimes formed "warrior ties." Panthro didn't seem the least bit phased by the topic. "It wasn't discussed after we returned home. But it saved a lot of us from going mad- myself included." Tygra felt the panther's gaze on him and looked up from the leaf he was inspecting. "I would not be against such things again. It keeps us sane."

Tygra looked away. It made sense. Cheetara was off limits to him. The kittens were far to young. And Lion-O…Lion-O was his brother. He had to wonder if Panthro and Grune had…ties. The thought made him shudder. Having sex with someone who was plotting to destroy everything you stood for was nauseating. He briefly wondered if Grune's betrayal effected Panthro even deeper because of it. Tygra was not unfamiliar with having a male partner and the idea didn't repulse him. Same gender romances, while not forbidden in Thundara, were strongly discouraged. The cat's strength relied on the numbers of their army. Couples were encouraged to have children.

He recalled another love interest he took from Lion-O. All of his thoughts went back to Lion-O. It was about a year after Aemele. Lion-O was seventeen and was late for his duties. Again. Tygra was sent to retrieve his wayward brother and found him in the back of an apple grove. Lion-O wasn't alone, he was sucking face with someone. Tygra remembered being relieved his brother wasn't tinkering in his workshop. But when he made his presence known, and the two disengaged, he realized the cat in his brother's arms was male. Tygra himself had experimented, but it had been a one night stand. Not this…this…open display of affections. Lion-O was next in line for the thrown, he had certain responsibilities. One of which was producing an heir. He confronted Lion-O about it later that night. Tygra told him to end it. He regretted some of the things he said that night, he inferred Lion-O was unfit to be king. Lion-O begged Tygra not to tell their father, for surly Claudius would punish not only Lion-O but his lover as well. Tygra didn't relent, the future of the kingdom was more important than one cat's happiness. He regretted telling Lion-O that. All he wanted was for his brother to be happy, but the cost would have been too high had he continued that romance.

A dark grey hand in front of his face brings him out of his thoughts. They had really ran away from him. "Sorry, I was…"

Panthro smiles knowingly. "Its okay. Think on it a bit."

"No, I-" He was cut off.

"FEEEEEEEEEED USSSSSSS!" Kit and Kat are running towards them, "FOOOOOOOOOD!"

Panthro laughed, "We'll talk more later. Sounds like we'll have a full out revolt on our hands if the kids don't get some lunch."

The kittens halted in front of them, "What's for lunch? Lion-O and Cheetara went for a walk. They said they were going to gather berries." Tygra doubted that, with Lion-O's leg still bandaged he wouldn't be able to walk too far. He suspected the pair went off to have a private moment. He was not jealous. Still, was it really lunch time already? Maybe Lion-O had cooled off enough to talk to.

Panthro stood up and put a large paw on each of the kitten's shoulders. "Well, how about you two help me try out our new hunting equipment? We'll cook up whatever we catch."

Wily Kit and Wily Kat sulked. "We have to catch something?" "Can't we just eat something from our supplies?"

Tygra laughed, pushing his worries about Lion-O to the back of his mind. "We cant waste our provisions when we have the time to catch something fresh." They were still giving him kitten eyes. He mentally wiped a hand over his face. "Besides, nothing beats fresh meat. And Panthro brought back some spices, so we can have a grand feast!"

That news lightened their spirit's a little. Wily Kat's stomach lurched, "I don't think I cant wait that long."

Panthro laughed again and steered the kittens toward the fire pit. He turned and winked at Tygra and motioned for him to grab some bread. "I guess we can have a light lunch before we head out." Panthro took the bread Tygra handed him. "Then we'll have all afternoon to catch the perfect dinner." Tygra joined them for the meager lunch. The Wily Kittens pouted about having two small meals in a row, but the prospect of a large feast for dinner kept their hopes up.

He decided not to join them on their hunt, he hoped to catch Lion-O when he returned. Hopefully his "walk" with Cheetara would improve his mood. Reluctantly he had to admit Lion-O had first choice of prospective mates. To start with, he was King. And there was no heir. Even with their current quest to destroy Mumm-ra, Lion-O still had duties as ruler of Thundara. First of which would be securing the royal blood line. Tygra also owed it to his brother to not interfere with his love life. He had already taken enough liberties to protect his brother.

And how could he continue to protect Lion-O if they were always fighting? It was clear Lion-O was still furious from their argument from a few days ago. Tygra ground his teeth at his stupidity.

Tygra watched as Lion-O leaned his head on Cheetra's shoulder. Silly little brother, she's a cleric, and clerics are sworn to protect the King and heirs. She wouldn't be so stupid as to risk being emotional compromised and unable to perform her task. After a few moments Cheetara left to help Panthro work on the thunder tank. The damn thing was always falling apart in some way. The kittens were still asleep on the other side of the camp.

"Lion-O."

He looked up at Tygra, stretching. "Yea?"

Careful to keep his voice low he began to reason with his brother. " Whatever is going on between you and Cheetara needs to end."

Lion-O tensed. "What are you talking about?"

How could he be so blind? "She is a cleric. Sworn to protect you. Romance should not be a factor between you two."

He could feel the shift in the lion's demeanor. Cold blue eyes bore into his, full of raw emotion. Anger, betrayal, and something Tygra could not name. Lion-O spoke slowly, each syllable enunciated with razor sharpness. "I suppose you think you'd make a better match for her?"

Tygra frowned, how had this conversation turned around so quickly? "Lion-O, she is off limits to me as well. I am your brother, and a prince of Thundara. She cannot-"

"There's were you're wrong." Tygra frowned, he didn't like where this conversation was going. "You are a prince, but not an heir. The clerics are pledged to protect the royal blood line, which you are not part of." That was a painful slap to the face. No, not a slap. More of a knife through his heart. How could his brother be so cruel? He doubted Lion-O knew just how affected he really was by that fact. He hid any anguish from his brother growing up-never told his brother of the torments he endured. But Lion-O wasn't done, he twisted he knife. "The clerics extended their protections to you out of respect for MY father." Why was he being so intentionally cruel? Did the only family he had left hate him that much? "Tygra, stop interfering with my life. You've already made it clear you're better than me in everything, including love. If I really want to pursue someone, don't you DARE meddle in my affairs."

Tygra was left speechless as Lion-O stalked off. All he wanted was to ensure his brother would be safe. Engaging in a romantic relationship with a cleric was reckless.

Tygra frowned at the memory. There was much he needed to discus with Lion-O. He needed the other cat to understand. He still didn't approve of Lion-O's relationship with the cleric, but he would support him in any decision he made. If it meant Tygra would have to fight harder then he would do so.

Lion-O was all he had left.

Perhaps Panthro's suggestion was something he should seriously consider. It would be a welcome distraction from constantly worrying about Lion-O. Panthro would be the only one of the group available to him anyway. Cheetara was being pursued by Lion-O. Lion-O was his brother, and the Wily kittens were far too young. He made a mental note to talk to the panther privately next time he had the chance. He had experience having sex with other males, but he himself had never been on the receiving end. There was a high chance he would be if he engaged in "warrior ties" with Panthro. He doubted the older, and larger cat, would take with out giving.

His thoughts were interrupted again by Lion-O and Cheetara coming back. By the looks of it they actually had gathered berries. The pair made their way to where Tygra sat. Lion-O grabbed some bread and stalked off to the log at the edge of camp. Cheetara shrugged and grabbed some bread herself and a smaller piece for a confused looking snarf.

Tygra decided now would be as good a time as any to approach his brother. The camp was quiet, and Cheetara wouldn't try to eavesdrop. He padded over to the Log Lion-O sat on and took a seat to the left of him. How should he approach this? A few minutes went by while Tygra tried to figure out how to bring up everything he wanted to say.

"Lion-O" He cringed at how weak his voice sounded.

Lion-O swallowed a bite of bread, staring straight ahead. "I said we would talk after dinner."

"Please talk to me."

Maybe it was the vulnerability in his voice that made Lion-O turn to look at him. Tygra could feel his stare, but could not bring himself to look the other cat in the eye. "Tygra, there isn't anything to talk about." He felt the lion's gaze move off of him.

"There is more to talk about than we have time for, Lion-O. I honestly don't even know where to begin."

"Then don't begin. I don't have the energy for another fight."

"I'm sorry." Tygra cringed. He was usually more elegant with words.

"For what exactly?" Lion-O didn't sound impressed, he almost sounded bored.

Tygra laid a hand over Lion-O's. He couldn't force himself to look at his brother, so he hoped he could convey enough through the simple touch. "I'm sorry I've been a lousy brother."

He felt Lion-O pull his hand away. Would nothing fix the rift between them? Was their relationship beyond repair? He had royally screwed up. His little brother hated him, and nothing would ever fix it.

Tygra nearly jumped out of his fur when he felt Lion-O's hand cover his and give a little squeeze. Yellow eyes met blue, and he felt himself relax for the first time in weeks. Maybe there was hope. The malice was gone from his brother's eyes, replaced with something he couldn't quite name. He could have sworn he'd seen that look before, but could not place it. It was almost as if Lion-O was unsure of something, perhaps he was apprehensive about reconciling with Tygra. He felt a smile begin to tug at his mouth, and flipped his hand over and squeezed back.

Before he could register what was happening the strange light in Lion-O's eyes was replaced by cold indifference ,the warm hand was ripped from his own and Lion-O was standing. "You don't respect me." Where had that come from? "You'd do anything to get ahead, anything to better your chances of winning. Even lie to me."

"That doesn't even make sense, Lion-O! What would I have to gain from lying to you?" Now he was standing too.

Lion-O bristled. "Nothing I do ever makes sense to you. To you I'll always be the little kid who couldn't beat you in anything."

"And what am I to you?" Diplomacy be damned. No one accused him of not caring for his brother, especially not the brother in question.

"You are nothing." Lion-O narrowed his eyes and stalked off. His bandage made a full storm off impossible, and it would have been almost comical had Tygra actually seen it. The tiger stood where he was, not seeing anything around him.

Nothing. The only family he had thought of him as nothing. Maybe he deserved it for all of the cruel things he had done to protect Lion-O from the world. He stood, rooted to the ground for what felt like ages.

"Tygra." Cheetara placed a hand on his arm, breaking the downward spiral of thoughts. He snapped his head towards her. "Come, sit with me."

He let her guide him back down to the log. A quick glance around revealed Lion-O was laying down by the thunder tank. "How…How can I protect him if he keeps pushing me away?" He threw his head into his hands. "Has he mentioned anything to you? I need to know how I can fix this."

Cheetara blinked at him and smiled warmly. "I can not betray Lion-O's confidence in me. The things he has told me are his to tell. Perhaps you should ask him."

"I know I've messed up, but I want to, no I NEED to, be there for him. I'm his brother Cheetara."

"Tygra, is that all? I cant help but feel there is more to this. You two have always been at odds with each other, so why the sudden interest in fixing it?

"I know. But things are different now. We are the only family the other has left. Father is dead. I'm trying to make amends with him but he wont let me."

She shifted uncomfortably. "I probably am saying too much but…Lion-O is…confused. He needs reassurance that you care. And not just because you're his brother. He needs to know you'd still care even if you weren't."

"Of course I'd still care if we weren't brothers! He'd still be my king."

Cheetara frowned. "That's not what I meant. I suggest talking to him and telling him exactly how you feel and what you need."

She smiled at him and headed back to the center of camp. Tygra watched as she cleaned and prepared the berries her and Lion-O picked. Movement caught his eye and he turned in time to see Lion-O slip behind the bushes that lead to the latrine. The latrine was close enough to be safe yet far enough away to be private. It would be a good place to corner Lion-O and attempt another conversation. He counted down a minute then headed through the bushes. At the half way point he stopped to wait. Disturbing his privacy wouldn't win him any brownie points.

Two minutes. Five minutes. Just how long did it take him to piss? What if something happened? What if the lizards found their camp? Or one of the slavers had followed them back? Lion-O could be in danger while he just stood here! Tygra silently made his way forward, careful not to alert any enemies that may be nearby.

He peered into the small clearing where they dug the latrine. At first he didn't see anything, or anyone. His hear gave a lurch. He failed to protect Lion-O! How could he- A muffled sound came from behind a tree to his left.

"Hnng"

Was Lion-O injured? No!

He quickly made his way towards the sound. Lion-O was leaning against a tree. He didn't seem injured. Thank the Great Roar! But then Tygra heard a muffled whimper escape from the lion. He leaned forward to get a better look around the tree.

What he saw shocked him. If he was being completely objective he would have called the other cat beautiful. His head lazed back against the tree's trunk, bottom lip between his small fangs, a slight blush showing through his pale fur. When Tygra felt his body begin to react on its own accord he snapped back to reality. Was he just enjoying the sight of his younger brother…touching himself… He filed it away under "things he would never tell Lion-O about."

Tygra backtracked to the front of the clearing. He gathered his wits and started walking back towards the tree. This time he knew there were no enemies that could hear him, and he made as much noise as he could. By the time he walked back to the tree, Lion-O was standing and was just finishing tying his trousers.

Playing it like he just stumbled across the lion Tygra looked him over and raised an eyebrow. "Sorry to interrupt."

Lion-O scowled, "Cant a guy get a little privacy?"

"Not when that guy is King and is a strange land full of people who want him dead."

Lion-O's eyes flashed dangerously. "So now I can't even wank without a babysitter?"

Tygra found himself unable to respond. He just blinked at the flushed cat in front of him.

"Do us both a favor and stop pretending so hard." He turned to leave.

"I told you I wanted to talk to you. I didn't get a chance to say what I needed to earlier."

"Fine, spit it out." Lion-O faced him again and crossed his good arm across his chest.

Tygra faltered, how did he say this? How could he put words to what he felt with out losing Lion-O's respect. He had to be the strong one, the independent big brother.

"That's what I thought." Lion-O uncrossed his arm and started to turn away.

Tygra grabbed Lion-O's arm to stop him. His voice was barley a whisper, "Lion-O, I need you."

The grip on Lion-O's arm was weak. If he wanted to leave then he wouldn't stop him. He felt blue eyes boring into him again. He didn't know if he could meet those eyes again, didn't know what his own would reveal. Would Lion-O see how brittle he was? Would Lion-O be laughing at his weakness? The need to know won out over self preservation. Lion-O's eyes bore into his own, and he saw the same emotion from before burning deep.

The lack of ridicule from the lion gave Tygra some nerve to continue. "I need you to stop pulling away from me. How can I protect you if you keep pushing me away?"

Lion-O suddenly ripped his arm away. "ARUGH. I don't need you to protect me!" Disgust flashed in the younger cat's eyes.

"But that's what brothers do, Lion-O."

He glared. "Well, MAYBE I don't want you by my side."

"Even if you don't want or need me, I'll be by your side."

Lion-O glared but softened slightly.

Tygra ran a hand through his mane. He needed Lion-O to understand. Maybe the nightmare was still effecting him, but he knew he had to reach Lion-O. "I don't want to start another argument, but-"

"Then don't say it." He turned to leave, "lets just end this conversation on neutral terms"

Tygra flinched when Lion-O bumped his shoulder against his. How had he failed so miserably? He glanced at the sky. He expected Panthro would be back shortly with their dinner. It wouldn't be a good idea to head back to camp in his current state. Without noticing he had begun pacing. Great, now he was losing control over his body. Apparently it wasn't only his legs. Months without physical contact must have been messing with his hormones more than he originally thought. Catching Lion-O pleasuring himself was only a coincidence and had nothing to do with his current state of arousal.

The tiger shrugged and sat down against the tree. Physical release would go a long way towards clearing his head and calming his frayed nerves. If he thought of Lion-O while doing it, well, then, it was because it was the only sexual image he'd had for months.

When he returned to camp he discovered Panthro and the kittens had already retuned with a large animal. Cheetara was showing the kittens how to properly prepare the meat. "Cant we just throw it on the fire?" "This is gross!"

Panthro was entertaining Lion-O and snarf by the thunder tank.

There wasn't anything for him to do. No one needed him. Before his thoughts spiraled out of control again he called out to Cheetara. "I'm going to take a nap before dinner since I have first watch. Could you please wake me?"

"Sure thing Tygra."

AN: I ship TxL and PxC. See where this is going?

Please review? I need constant reassurances that this doesn't suck D: