Disclaimer: Last I checked, I still don't own Power Rangers Jungle Fury, nor am I making any profit by writing this.

A/N: Three guesses what episode this is based off of. I'll give you a hint; it's the same episode the past three chapters have been based off of. For those of you who have yet to see A Taste of Poison, I have some good news for you; I saw that it was on YouTube, so you should check it out. This chapter takes place after Closer (Chapter 6).

The Tiger and the Cheetah

Why?

"Hey, Lil. You planning on coming to work today or what?" Theo asked.

Casey and Theo scanned the loft, but didn't detect any signs of their teammate. However, Casey saw her engaged in a battle with Rantipede on one of the television monitors.

"Looks like she's already at work," Casey said.

Theo was soon standing beside Casey and saw exactly what he had meant by that last statement.

The two rangers exchanged glances with one another. No words were needed. They knew what needed to be done. They each grabbed a vine and swung out of the loft, morphing in the process.

"With the strength of a tiger—Jungle Fury, red ranger!"

"With the stealth of a jaguar—Jungle Fury, blue ranger!"

Casey and Theo ran to the beach as fast as their legs could carry them. Nobody said a word during the first part of the trek, but that was about to change.

"Why would Lily go off on her own like she did? What was she thinking?" Casey asked.

"I don't know for sure, but my guess is it's because of you," Theo said muttering the last part under his breath.

Casey stopped in his tracks, grabbed Theo by his shoulders, and spun him around so that they were face-to-face.

"Did I do something to upset you? You sound mad at me for some reason," Casey commented.

Out of nowhere, the blue ranger shoved the red ranger.

"Don't you ever do that to me again!" Theo shouted.

"What's your problem?" Casey screamed back.

"You are my problem, Casey!" Theo exclaimed.

Theo turned his back to Casey and stared at the ground. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Lily better be all right, because if she's not, I'll never forgive you," Theo stated.

"Why would Lily getting hurt be my fault?" Casey asked.

The blue ranger let out a deep sigh before responding, "You really do have the foresight of a lemming."

"What? How did you—"

"Don't change the subject."

"I didn't!"

An awkward silence filled the air. Neither knew what to say to the other, yet this was the longest conversation the two had since they met each other.

"I think Lily has a crush on you and that's why she's fighting Rantipede on her own," Theo said.

"Okay. That answers one of my questions. So why are you mad at me?"

"I can tell that you and Lily are getting closer, but I feel like it's at my expense. She's my best friend, and it's like I'm losing her."

Once again a silence filled the air, only this time, it wasn't quite as uncomfortable as the last time.

"Why didn't you just tell Lily or me you felt this way? You know, it's not healthy to keep your feelings bottled up inside of you. I'll tell you what; I'll have a talk with RJ and see if he can't rearrange our schedules so that you have some time off with your best friend."

"Thanks. Whether or not Lily actually has a thing for you, just promise me that you won't go there with her."

"Theo—"

"Case!"

"Okay. I promise."

"Good. Now let's go help Lily."

To Be Continued…

A/N: Aren't I cruel? For the record, this chapter was so much harder to write than any of the previous ones. Who knew 3rd person POV would be such a pain in the neck? Maybe it's because the first six were in 1st person POV. Got anything to say to me about my fic? Leave me a review. No flames please.