(Thundercats 2011)

A/N - So here is chapter 21. I got a whole lot less reviews last chapter, so I hope this one is better. I did get a few, so that's at least something. Some of the best have been from guests, so I thank all of those who did review, fave, and follow.

ANYWAY, the former friends try to bury the hatchet in this one. Hope you enjoy! Thanks so much for staying with me and my story!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Thundercats or have any affiliation with the creators, producers, etc., nor do I receive any compensation for this work.

Chapter 21- Reconciliation

The next day, Leia was sitting in the dining hall, enjoying a midday meal. She really was impressed with the palace cook. Everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. The meat was so tender, so flavorful. She found herself even more excited that soon this would be her new home.

The only downside was that both clans whose daughters were not chosen would also be in attendance at her mating ceremony. She had no desire to see the two lionesses that had caused her so much dismay.

Lately though it was Eva, the Black Mane candidate, who was the problem. Ever since she was chosen, Leia had gotten nothing but contempt from her, sometimes veiled while other times very obvious. Eva was especially bold in the presence of members of her house.

From dirty looks, to inappropriate comments, things were getting bad. Eva had really shown herself to be of very ill temper. Thundera was lucky that this would not be her future queen.

She thought about talking with Lion-O or Inca about it, but Leia wanted to solve this problem herself. She wanted to show her new family and Thundera that they would be gaining a queen who could do more than just sit prettily at Lion-O's side.

Leia was very smart, having been highly educated as well as possessing common sense, and she knew that she could figure out something to rectify the situation.

As if her thoughts had summoned her, Leia spied Eva coming in with her entourage, some of her friends and retainers from her house. She closed her eyes briefly, steeling herself for what she, being alone, was sure to endure.

"Well, look what we have here," Eva sniped. "…if it isn't the lioness from the piss mane clan!" Snickers and guffaws followed, as they passed by, seating themselves at a large table. Leia shook her head, determined not to let her temper get a hold of her.

It was obvious that Eva felt slighted by not being chosen, especially since the family who would be so fortunate was the biggest rival of her own. Leia was sure she had gotten lots of grief for not securing Lion-O's interest. Now the anger was rolling downhill to flow over her.

"I really don't see what Lion-O sees in her," Eva continued as she broke her bread, speaking unnecessarily loud so she'd be overheard. "She's such a slight thing, no real interest or talent. Her family's wealth is nothing compared to ours, and neither is their stock."

Leia just continued to eat even though the pleasure she had felt had been dampened. Just ignore her…she thought tensely. She had an image to maintain now. And it would not be that of a short-tempered shrew.

For the moment, things seemed to quiet as Eva and her group focused on their food. Leia breathed sigh of relief. She was nearly finished with her meal when she saw Inca walk in, Drogo accompanying her.

They sure were spending a lot of time together of late. Leia wasn't jealous per se. She just missed her friend. Lately, it seemed Inca was putting some space between them. Perhaps it was due to Leia's impending bond with Lion-O.

Whatever the reason, Leia was a little lonely without her right hand with her. Lion-O had made an effort to see her as much as possible, but he was the heir and had a significant amount of duties that took him away from her. He still needed to learn all that came with being a king.

She would bear it as best she could, and hope for more time together later. Meanwhile, she wanted some girl time while she could get it. Inca had spotted her, and she and Drogo made their way over to Leia's table.

The jaguaress sat down, a bright smile on her face. Drogo sat down as well, situating his large form a little closer than was appropriate in public, earning a chastising gaze from Inca. He simply smirked at her and stayed right where he was.

"Good morning, Leia," Inca huffed, turning back to her charge. "What are you having? I'm starving." She looked around for a kitchen maid so she could order something.

The lioness grinned at her. "I'll just bet you are," she said. Inca blushed while the smirk stayed glued to Drogo's face. "What are you smiling about," Leia muttered jealously, annoyed at the lion's mirth.

"You look so pleased with yourself. Aren't you a Cleric?" She waved her hand around for effect. "Shouldn't you be somewhere Cleric-ing?"

"Leia!" Inca said, affronted. She saw no reason for her friend to dislike Drogo or to act so bratty and rude. "What is wrong with you?"

"No, it's okay," Drogo said calmly. "My lady, I do my job, and quite well. But when I am not, like now, since I'm free, I spend as much of that time with Inca as I can."

He leaned in towards Leia conspiratorially. "You see, I'm quite taken with your friend here." He looked over at a frowning Inca, his hand up by his face as if divulging a great secret. "Now, I'm trying to get her just as taken…with me."

He pulled back, looking down at Inca with smoldering eyes. It was getting quite awkward for Leia at the table. She felt a blush heat her cheeks as her mind thought about how, maybe one day soon, Lion-O would look at her just like that.

They'd only shared kisses and gropes so far. But when they finally consummated their bond… Leia's blush deepened.

Inca shared her blush, holding Drogo's gaze for a moment before rolling her eyes and blowing it off with a chuckle. Drogo just continued to stare intently at her. Apparently, he was serious.

Her reverie was broken when Eva and her friends concluded their meal and were making their noisy way back past their table. She was hoping the Black Mane would simply walk by and not start anything.

It was not to be. Leia could tell from the look on her face that Eva was determined to make some kind of clever comment on her departure.

She stopped by Leia, leaning in to speak with her though her voice was loud enough for her entourage to hear. "When you and Lion-O are mated, and he inevitably finds you unable to satisfy him, tell him to contact me," she said, a saccharine sweet smile on her face.

"We both know you're of no use to him. You're pathetic. I saw you crying when you thought Lion-O had chosen the White one, with your sad, pathetic face. Aw…" she said, an expression of mock sympathy on her features.

Leia kept her head faced forward, trying to maintain control. She was getting angry, but she had to behave differently, better than others now. Even if she was tempted to react, she couldn't. A future queen is better than that!

"Maybe you should keep it moving," Inca growled, standing. "Before you get yourself…" she cast a quick look at Eva's group. "…and your friends, hurt." Inca was an accomplished fighter, and it would be no trifle to her to take down the lioness and her entire group.

She felt the familiar excitement at the thought of administering a righteous beating. Oh, I do hope she keeps talking, she thought viciously. A ferocious growl began to work its way from her chest.

"Well, look at this," Eva said. "Instead of fighting your own battles, you have this refuse do it for you!" Her friends stayed quiet, some of them brave enough to smirk despite being faced with an angry jaguar in their midst.

"That's enough." It was Drogo who finally said something. He stood, placing a placating hand on Inca's shoulder. She stepped back, but refused to sit. "You are not only disgracing yourself with this behavior, Eva. You are making our whole clan look like fools!"

Eva was undaunted, irked at being gainsaid by Leia's friends. "I'm not the one disgracing our clan, cousin. Look at you. An accomplished, cultured son of our people, and here you are, fraternizing with this street trash."

She gave Inca the onceover before looking back to him. "Her scent is all over you, Drogo. Oh, how low you have fallen!"

Eva had barely uttered her last sentence when she was suddenly caught with a right cross to her face. No one had even seen Leia move, so focused on the two arguing lions were they.

The lioness had had enough. It was one thing to insult her, but to do so to her best friend, someone who was like a sister to her, was too much to stand for.

Eva sputtered as she straightened from her bent position, her nose bleeding. "How…how dare you?!" Leia just stared at her with cold eyes, a slow growl growing in her breast. Her temper would not last much more of this bitch.

"No, how dare you?" said a calm male voice. Everyone looked up to see Lion-O striding purposefully towards them. He had seen some of the exchange, and it was obvious he was not pleased. Onlookers tried to look busy while still discreetly watching the drama unfolding in the dining hall.

Everyone, including Leia and her friends, bowed as the crown prince stepped in between the two groups. He looked at Leia with pride. He had no idea the girl could throw such a well-executed punch!

He placed a gentle hand on her back, shaking his head at her when she looked up. She would never bow to him again. When she stood straight again, he took her hand, facing Eva and her friends as they completed their obeisance.

"Your Highness," Eva said. "Please allow me to say how honored I am to be in your pres—"

"Save it, Eva," Lion-O interjected. "We all know this is not your true self. I have seen you disrespect me firsthand."

"You, Highness? But I would never disrespect you! You, who are the most honorable, and deserving of the highest respect and consideration." She smiled, trying to curry favor with the prince, who was steadily scowling at her. She had been caught, yet she refused to stay her tongue.

Lion-O was becoming angry. "In disrespecting Leia, whom I have chosen as my consort, you have disrespected me. I will tolerate no further incidences. You and your friends leave, now. And if I ever catch you showing such insolence to Leia or her family and friends again, you and your family will be punished severely. Am I understood?"

Embarrassed, Eva bowed low. "Yes, Highness. My apologies for offending." She turned, making quick steps out of the dining hall, her entourage on her heels.

Leia smiled as Lion-O watched them go and turned back around to her, his hand still holding hers. He returned her smile, amusement written on his once serious face.

"Well," he said, wiping a hand across his forehead dramatically. "I'm definitely glad I didn't pick her!"

They all laughed as they sat down to finish breakfast, their prince joining them.

Talli and Cheetara were going over ideas for the ceremony, like how Cheetara's hair would be styled and other minor details. Talli had become the unofficial stylist, given her gift for manipulating the Clerics tresses, which were often unruly.

As the lynx was putting forth her ideas, she noticed that her friend was distracted, merely nodding or answering absently to her suggestions.

"Cheetara," Talli said. "Is something wrong?" Cheetara seemed to snap out of her dull state. She smiled reassuringly at Talli.

"Oh I'm sorry about that, Talli. Nothing is wrong. I just have a lot on my mind is all." The young Cleric looked far from convinced.

She sat down next to the cat that had become, over time, more like a sister than her mentor. "You know, you can talk to me about anything, Cheetara. If there is something weighing on your mind or heart, feel free to use me. You always said I was a good listener, remember?"

Cheetara smiled, grateful for her young friend. "Well, there is one thing. I saw Tessa in the market the other day, and she tried to talk to me."

Mild shock registered on Talli's face. She remembered the scary tigress well. She stayed quiet however, and continued to listen to her friend.

"I didn't let her talk with me, and it's bothering me more than ever. She seemed so sincere, like she really needed me to hear her out. And I just left her there in the market. I didn't let her talk to me at all." Cheetara sighed.

Talli waited until she knew Cheetara was finished for sure before speaking. "With all that's happened between you two and what she did to you, your reaction is justified. I don't see anything wrong with avoiding someone who had caused you so much strife. I know I would."

It was honest input, and Cheetara was grateful to the little Cleric for her words. "But I haven't been able to stop thinking about her since then," she said. "I feel like it would be good karma to clear this obstacle between us. Maybe it will bring good luck to heal old wounds, you know?"

"If you really feel that way," Talli replied. "Maybe you should speak with her. It sounds like you want to anyway. And it would most certainly help you to focus on your special day."

"The only problem is that I promised Tygra I wouldn't." She sighed again. She didn't want to break her promise, but the situation was nagging at her constantly, and she felt in her heart that she needed to speak with Tessa soon.

Talli interrupted her. "Well, Cheetara, who says Tygra has to know?" Cheetara looked up to see Talli with a very matter of fact expression on her face. She considered the young one's words for a moment.

Should she really go and see Tessa in secret? Could she really keep this from Tygra, effectively lying to him? Cheetara was not one to be dishonest, especially with her loved ones. And she loved Tygra deeply and wholly.

But Tessa…

She had seemed so desperate to speak with her. Could she really leave her that way? Looking at Cheetara, Talli felt sympathy for her, seeing as she was being pulled in different directions.

Tessa and Cheetara had been friends for years, before she and Tygra had formed such a tight bond. But Tygra was her future, the father of her cub. It was understandable to be at a loss as to what to do.

"I think that Tygra will understand," Talli continued. "Just see Tessa, talk with her, and then reveal everything to Tygra. If you tell him about it, it wouldn't be something you were keeping secret. You're just telling him after the fact." She seemed so sure of her plan.

"I didn't realize you were so cunning, Talli," Cheetara said playfully. The lynx just shrugged. "There are ways around these things, usually."

"I think I will try your way," the blonde declared. "I will find out where she is staying and we will talk."

"I knew you'd see things my way," Talli replied happily. She smiled, and the sight of her bright face reassured the cheetah.

Surely this was the right thing to do…right?

The next day, Cheetara took the opportunity to ask around the many inns located within Thundera. Surely Tessa had to be utilizing one of them. The first three yielded nothing, and the Cleric was quite discouraged as she approached a fourth, located quite a distance from the one she had just checked.

She tried to think positively, that all the walking was great exercise, and would benefit her and her baby. Still, she was getting tired and thought of the possibility that she may have to continue the search tomorrow. Surely she hasn't left..?

As she walked up to the next inn, she spied the innkeeper outside, tending to some of the decorative plants used to spruce up the exterior of the inn. The Cleric called out to her, and the two engaged in conversation, Cheetara asking if she had any tenants fitting Tessa's description.

"Oh," said the innkeeper. "You mean someone like her?" Cheetara's eyes followed the direction in which she pointed.

There, seated at a table at a café across the lane from the inn, was Tessa, who had been watching her since she had first seen the cheetah on her way to speak with the innkeeper.

She gave Cheetara an uncharacteristically shy little wave, a hopeful look on her face. She hadn't known what to think when she had seen the Cleric walking up. It had been like her thoughts had taken shape and appeared right before her.

Cheetara thanked the innkeeper, making haste to go and speak with Tessa. When she made it to the café, she stared at the tigress, voicelessly asking if she could sit, to which Tessa nodded.

"I've come," Cheetara said evenly. "…because I want to hear what you have to say, to finally end this." Tessa nodded, looking pleased.

The first few moments were awkward, but when conversation finally started between the two cats, it was like water, flowing smoothly and at length.

Tessa took a deep breath, steeling her resolve. Gone was the proud, smug tigress that once bore the standard of the Clerics. In her place was a remorseful fraction of that cat, one who had much to atone for.

She knew the only way to fix this was to be honest and careful.

"I was jealous," the tigress began. Cheetara rolled her eyes at the understatement. Tessa hurried on, desperate not to be interrupted, lest her courage give out and rob her of her words.

"But it was not about what you think it was. Yes, Tygra and I had a past, but there was no love lost between us, not really. Our split was not overly traumatic to me, for I had fallen for Hadrian, truly.

"What I was jealous of, was that Tygra, who had made it all but impossible for Hadrian to remain in Thundera, was able to achieve the love he wanted, while I was forced to endure my own unhappiness caused by the absence of the one I loved."

Cheetara huffed. "And that gave you the right to torment and malign me, to tamper with my self confidence and hope, to nearly lose me my cub?" She tried to stay calm at the thought that the life inside her would have been destroyed due to something as petty as jealousy.

"Let me finish, please," Tessa said. She could feel her own defensive anger trying to rear its head, but she subdued it. Cheetara had a right to be angry.

"I am not saying I was right. I'm just saying that my jealousy was not based on a need to be with Tygra. I made comments to him that may have made it seem so, but it was mostly to hurt him, to cast negativity on his relationship, as he had with mine."

Tessa paused to take a sip of her tea. "You were not to blame for any of my sorrows, but I still placed you in the middle of it. I regret this more than you know. I am truly sorry."

The cheetah's face had softened a degree, but suspicion still clouded her expression. "What prompted this sudden need to apologize?" she finally asked.

"It has been weeks since you're departure, and now, days before my joining with Tygra, you magically appear, saying how regretful you are. Forgive me if it seems a bit dubious."

"I know it's hard to believe," Tessa pleaded, looking at her hands clutching her teacup. "But I promise you I am genuine. I no longer have that bitterness now that I have Hadrian back in my life. He was there that night, and I have been with him ever since.

She fastened her solemn gaze back into Cheetara's. "He is who I wanted Cheetara, not Tygra. It was my loneliness that made me so upset when I saw you and Tygra were together. I know it's no excuse, but that was where I was at the time."

"You are right, Tessa," Cheetara said softly. "It is no excuse. Your actions…nearly cost me something very precious. But as you see, I am fine, thankfully." She tried to empathize. "But I also can understand being heartsick for someone you love and angry with the one that supposedly caused that person's loss."

Tessa's face lit up by a degree, hoping her redemption with Cheetara was near. She shifted her chair an unsure inch closer, hoping not to elicit a negative reaction from her. "Do you…forgive me, Cheetara?"

The Cleric searched Tessa's face, trying to ascertain her true feelings. "Is it really that important to you, Tessa? Are you so dependent on my forgiveness?"

"I am," she answered. "I came back purely for that. I saw you would be mated soon, and I wanted to clear things between us, and to give you these." She held up two parcels wrapped in colored fabric.

Cheetara's eyes slid from the gifts in Tessa's hands to the tigress' eyes, ever searching. She saw no obvious dishonesty. "Then I forgive you," she finally said after taking a deep breath.

Tessa closed her eyes with a sigh, feeling the weight and strife of the conflict leave her shoulders as Cheetara's words resonated in her ears. It felt so good not to have that guilt on her heart anymore. She pressed forward to embrace her once Sister, but was repelled when Cheetara held up a hand.

"Sorry, Tessa, but I don't know that I will ever trust you as fully as I once did," Cheetara stated, her voice firm. "…maybe with time. However, you may consider the matter settled between us."

Tessa once again motioned towards the gifts she had purchased. "I brought these for you, both for the occasion and in apology. I hope you will accept them along with my good will.

She gave the tigress a small half-smile and stood, nodding toward the gifts. "You may bring those with you to the ceremony. You are invited. Give them to us there." She made to leave, but turned back.

"You spoke of Hadrian, Tygra's old friend. He has come with you?" At Tessa's nod, she continued. "Bring your Hadrian to the gazebo on the palace grounds this evening. I expect he and Tygra will need to talk, and I prefer it occur before our ceremony."

Tessa nodded again. "I will do that. Thank you, Cheetara. This means so much…to both of us."

"I will speak with the guards and let them know to expect you," she said.

With that, Cheetara gave her a curt nod before turning on her heel to continue her day. She had to admit that it felt so much better to be done with all this. Now, she just had to come clean with Tygra, and hope he would follow suit with Hadrian. That would prove most interesting.

Tessa hurried to find Hadrian, her great relief and jubilation at being forgiven guiding her steps. She felt as if a constriction had been removed from her chest, such was her relief. As she made it to their room at the inn, she was dismayed to find he was not there.

Where could he have gone? she thought, her brow furrowing. She was bursting with the need to tell him the happenings of the day, but it looked like she would have to wait. Unable to keep still, Tessa decided to start preparing something to eat for Hadrian when he returned.

She hoped it would be soon. She didn't know if her enthusiasm could stay bottled up for long.

Hadrian had been trying to locate Tygra shortly after Tessa had left to do her own business. He had had to rouse himself from the room while his motivation to get this unpleasant conversation over with was still high. So far, he hadn't had any luck.

He had checked the soldier's barracks and practice area, which had taken more time than he had planned. Many of his former Soldiers had stopped him to have conversations with him.

He had been loved by many of them, and they were wondering about his wellbeing and the circumstances by which he had left so abruptly. A good number of them had been quite concerned when he had gone.

Though he could not tell the Soldiers the specific details, Hadrian assured them that all was well, and that he had left due to "important business." He had to admit, he hoped to see more of them soon. He missed working with troops. It was a station he had really enjoyed.

When he had loitered around the castle gates without success, and earning suspicious looks from the guards, Hadrian finally decided to quit for the day and turned back for the inn they were calling home for the moment. He hoped Tessa had had a better time of it.

Arriving, he heard her movements inside their room, so he knocked. She quickly opened it, her eyes bright. "Hey," she said cheerfully. "I'm glad you've come back. I talked with Cheetara today. And may I add that she came to find me!" She turned around, walking back across the room to tend to the meal she had made them.

"So what happened?" Hadrian inquired as he closed the door behind him. Judging by her upbeat demeanor it had to have been something good. Tessa wrapped up the preparations and walked over with their meals.

"She happened upon me while I was sitting at the café across the street. She told me that she had been hoping to finish our conversation; that she was sorry about not letting me finish before. After I explained everything, she told me I was forgiven! And she invited me to her mating ceremony in a few days!"

Hadrian took a mouthful of his soup, which was delicious as always. Who would have guessed Tessa was such a great cook? "Just you, hmm?" he asked, a mock slighted expression on his face.

"Well…no," Tessa answered uncertainly. "Seeing as you have not spoken with Tygra yet…" He shook his head in confirmation at her inquiring look. "…you would have to do that first." She ate a few mouthfuls of her soup before continuing.

"She asked me to bring you to the gazebo on the palace grounds this evening. That's where she will bring Tygra."

Hadrian looked at her thoughtfully. "I wish her good luck," he said, doubtful. "Tygra can be quite stubborn when he wants to be."

Tessa agreed. She remembered that much about him. "Maybe, but I'm sure he knows how important this is, if not to him, at least to Cheetara. He will act accordingly for her sake."

Hadrian hummed in response, determined to enjoy his supper before he was fed to the dogs, or more like to the tiger. The two lapsed into companionable silence, both with ideas on how things would transpire.

Tygra was pleasantly surprised when he was informed by a servant that Cheetara had come to visit him. He had been speaking with a tailor in the study, making sure his colors matched the garment she would wear for their ceremony.

He quickly dismissed the retainer, asking him to conceal his wares as he passed the Cleric. The tailor nodded respectfully to her as he exited.

"Hey, love. What an unexpected pleasure." He grinned at her flirtatiously.

Cheetara made her way into the room. "I hope I'm not intruding," she said.

"Of course not; I always have time for you." He took her by the hand, bringing her into his body for a quick squeeze and peck on her lips in greeting. "So what brings you hear today? Soon we won't be able to see each other until the ceremony…you know, for good luck."

Cheetara chuckled at him. "Of course, but while I am still able to see you, I wanted to take care of something, something I feel is very important to us and our future."

Sensing how serious she was, Tygra fixed his attention on her. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

She eased her hands out of his, wringing them together nervously. She turned her body partially away from him while she thought of the best way to tell him.

"Uh, Tygra…" she started, turning herself back to face him. He's going to be so mad at me, but here goes. "I went to talk to Tessa today."

"What?!" Tygra exclaimed. He dropped his arms limply to his sides, his eyes showing his exasperation. "Why would you..?"

"I went to the inn where she was staying, and we sat down together and just…talked," Cheetara blurted before she lost her nerve. She was not one to go back on her word, so this was difficult for her.

"You mean to tell me that you not only went against my express wishes, you did so behind my back? And alone? Cheetara, you promised!" He glared at her.

"I know! I know, okay?" She moved to sit in one of the chairs, her guilt riding her. "But Tygra, this was important. It was such a weight on my heart, and I needed to do this. Please understand."

It was quiet for a moment, and Cheetara gazed at her hands while silence stretched between them. Then, Tygra spoke.

"Well, I guess I understand. I mean, it's easier to say you're sorry than ask permission, right?" She looked up to find him gazing at her, his expression somewhat playful. "I should have known you would seek a way to solve the problem. You always do."

"I'm so sorry, Tygra. I really am. I hated breaking my promise to you, and I didn't do so lightly. That's why I came over here right afterward to confess. I hope you understand."

Seeing her forlorn expression, and hearing her heartfelt words, Tygra could not stay mad at her. Even if she did not look so ashamed, he could not do so. He was so in love with her, it just didn't matter.

He went to her where she sat and stooped down in front of her. "My love, if you felt like it was the right thing to do, how can I fault you? Of course I understand. I was just afraid for you…" he placed a hand on her abdomen, already swelling with life. "…and our little one."

"Well, there was nothing to fear. Tessa was contrite, completely repentant. I have never seen her so in all the years I have known her. I think she truly means it, Tygra." She smiled at him.

"If you believe her, then I guess I do too," he finally agreed. "I guess all is well then." Standing up, he grabbed her hand to usher her to her feet. He brought them to a settee along one of the walls, situating them so she sat between his legs.

"Uh, not quite," Cheetara said, her insecurity rising again. "Tessa mentioned she had brought your old friend Hadrian with her. Maybe you and he could…"

"No," Tygra said simply. "I have absolutely no intention of meeting up with that bastard!" Cheetara had tried to bring the matter up gently, but it had mattered not.

He instantly bristled, the resonation of his growl rumbling up her back as she reclined against him. He had started rubbing her slightly-swollen tummy fondly, the both of them enjoying this tiny bit of private time to themselves.

"But Tygra," Cheetara pleaded. "They have both journeyed so far, and I honestly believe they want to make things right. Won't you give Hadrian this chance? You may not get another."

"Nor do I need one," Tygra muttered. "I have lost not a single night of sleep fretting over whether the air was cleared between him and me. Why should I start now?" He brushed his lips against the top of her head, pulling her closer into his embrace.

"What if I said that I wanted you to do it," Cheetara asked, hopeful. "I want all the ill and regretful feelings off of us before we are mated. I feel like this will bring luck, to us and our baby."

She felt his arms grow slack as he sighed. "You just had to pull that card, didn't you? I mean, it's not like all of that would be on you and me. It is they who wronged us after all."

When Cheetara turned to look at him, an eyebrow raised, he relented. "Alright," he said, beaten. "But I make no promises. We didn't exactly part on good terms, if you remember. And if he angers me…"

She snuggled down against him, her arm resting on his thigh. "Of course I remember, love. That's all the more reason to talk with each other. Don't you think?"

"Yes dear," he said jokingly. He figured he'd get his practice saying that in now. Then he basked in the feel of her within the circle of his legs. He loved the smell of her hair, her head laid back against him.

In just a few days time, she'll be mine, he thought. He couldn't wait for her to see what he had planned for them. It would be familiar yet new. He hoped she would like it.

He would bring her there and they would celebrate their union deep into the night. Cheetara would get no sleep as far as Tygra was concerned. He closed his eyes, picturing all he would enjoy with her.

"Well, Tygra…" Cheetara's teasing voice interrupted his musings. "It would seem your thoughts are not entirely clean." His body had reacted to his thoughts, and she had felt the evidence of it against her lower back.

She shifted forward, her bottom brushing sensuously against the hardening bulge in his breeches. "Now you know we can't do that until the night of the ceremony, right?"

He smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, babe," he said, trying to calm his body down. "I'm glad it's soon. I can't go much longer without having you." He felt like he would burst if he couldn't be inside her soon.

It must have shown on his face, because Cheetara shifted, turning her body around so she could set her legs over his, her arms rising to drape over his shoulders. He looked at her with anxious eyes.

"Well," she said. "We may not be able to do all we want, but maybe a little make out session wouldn't hurt?" She eased her hips closer to his to prove her point.

She leaned up, fusing their mouths together. Tygra eyes widened for a fraction of a second before closing, his arms slipping around the small of her back as he deepened the kiss.

Cheetara's hands caressed up over his shoulders, fastening around his neck. She cradled the his head, her tongue vying for dominance with his, little moans escaping her as her arousal began to spike.

Tygra suddenly broke the kiss, desperate not to have things get out of control. "If I can't go any further with you, I think we'd better stop," he said with a shaky voice. He never thought those words would ever leave his lips when it came to Cheetara.

Her breaths were slightly heavy, and she tried her best to bring her heart rate back down. "Perhaps you are right," she breathed, leaning forward to give him a quick hug before taking to her feet.

"Besides," she said as she saw the evening approaching. "We have a date to keep with old friends."

"Don't remind me," Tygra grumbled, rolling his eyes. "It's sure to be incredibly uncomfortable." He leveled a cynical look at Cheetara. "Thanks for that, by the way."

She giggled as they prepared to leave for the infirmary. "You know I do try, love."

When they arrived at the gazebo, Tessa and Hadrian were already there. Tessa was pacing, nervous for what Hadrian would face when her former lover arrived. Oh, I really hope they don't fight, she thought anxiously.

Hadrian sat still, the perfect picture of calm, even though he had his own reservations about this meeting. He knew Tygra almost better than anyone. The two had been best friends for years before their split. That tiger was not going to make this easy.

Tessa noticed the couple coming up the walkway. "They're here!" she whispered anxiously, motioning for Hadrian to stand. He did so, taking a deep breath before turning around to greet their company.

"Hello, Cheetara," he said politely before turning to his former friend. "Tygra." He gazed at the prince steadily. His blue eyes were carefully blank.

"Hadrian," Tygra said, his voice ice. "I never thought you would have the courage to show your face back here. You look just the same as you did when you betrayed me all that time ago." Cheetara gave him an admonishing glance, but he ignored her.

"And you haven't changed one bit," the lion muttered, annoyance an edge of his voice. The two glared at each other, and the two females glanced uneasily at one another.

"Um, perhaps we should all have a seat?" Cheetara asked. It seemed things were on the way to going very wrong. Here were two powerful males, each with their own pride to see past. "I could see if Ona is in. Perhaps she could make some of her wonderful tea."

Neither male acknowledged her words, maintaining their cold stare at one another, so Cheetara made her way over to the infirmary. Tessa ran to catch up to her, uncomfortable at the testosterone in the air. "I think I'll come with you," she murmured.

The Cleric nodded, understanding completely. "I don't blame you. I'm pretty sure neither of them are the least bit interested in tea. But I needed a reason to step away. If you had not come along, I would have come back for you, claiming I needed help. I think they need time alone."

"I agree," Tessa replied. The two made their way to the building, and Cheetara poked her head in, calling for the healer, who was in the back speaking with her stock boy. She came forward, surprised but happy to see her charge again.

When she spied Tessa in Cheetara's company, Ona was slightly astonished, but welcomed Tessa with a bright smile. Apparently the two were on good terms again, and this made the healer happy. It would definitely be one less conflict for the cheetah to stress over, especially in her condition.

Ona put on some tea, and the three females sat down to catch up. Cheetara and Tessa enjoyed themselves, but could not stop the feeling of unease about the two male cats outside.

Tygra and Hadrian continued to glower at each other. Both of them were cats possessing great pride and stubbornness, and this conversation would prove that fact.

"Well," Tygra began. "Was there something you had to say to me? Since you've come back for whatever reason, it's obvious you lack sense enough to just stay away." He crossed his large arms together.

Hadrian was equally annoyed with the condescending tone the tiger was using with him. "I was never officially banished, Tygra. I came mainly at Tessa's behest. It was she who insisted we come back to make things right. I must say you are not making it easy for us."

Tygra snorted. "Were you expecting I would? Your betrayal was a heavy blow for me, and the way Tessa treated Cheetara could have done insurmountable damage. Were it not for her, you and Tessa would still be banished if not imprisoned."

"I say again, friend, that neither of us was officially banished. We both left of our own volition, I because you made it all but impossible for me to stay! You disgraced me before everyone, most notably my Soldiers!" He turned away from Tygra, looking out onto the gardens around the gazebo.

"How could I have looked them in the face? How could I have been their leader when their prince's anger was known throughout every corner of Thundera? My name, my accomplishments, meant nothing in the face of your scorn!"

"I never revealed what had actually happened," Tygra said defensively.

"That did not matter! I had incurred the wrath of the royal family, somehow, and that's all it took!" He tried to calm himself before addressing Tygra again.

He looked at the prince. "We are here now as a consideration for the both of you, to make amends. It would be nice if you would show a little appreciation instead of being arrogant!"

Tygra was livid. "And it would be nice if you showed a little remorse for what you did! How can you come here with such insolence, knowing that our whole falling out was due to your treachery!"

"Yet here I am!" Hadrian exclaimed, throwing his arms up tiredly. "I am here, trying to apologize, and instead of listening…instead of acting like an adult, you're having a tantrum!"

Tygra stopped to take a deep breath and think for a moment on Hadrian's words. Perhaps he was making this harder than it needed to be. Truth be told, Hadrian's presence had opened the memory of old wounds, for both of them, but the situation had ended for the best.

He did have Cheetara now. And nothing could be better than that.

It would appear that all had ended the way it should for all involved. And she wanted him to put the past behind him. Maybe it was best.

"Then talk," Tygra finally said, resigned. "I will listen."

A ghost of a smile appeared on Hadrian's handsome face. "Thank you."

The two cats finally sat down to have the talk that was years overdue.

"Well, I'm glad to see you are both getting along again. It's a vast deal different from what happened the last time you were in each other's company," Ona said. They were nearly finished with their tea, and she had been told everything.

Tessa looked somewhat pensive about the comment, but Cheetara patted her shoulder with a light smile. "Yes it is, and I'm glad that now we can move forward. I hope Tygra and Hadrian can say the same." She noticed that quite a bit of time had passed since she last saw the two.

Just then, Tygra strode through the door, Hadrian not far behind. He moved to Cheetara's side and placed his arm around her waist, his hand settling on her belly as was his habit nowadays.

Hadrian stood next to Tessa, giving her a reassuring grin before kissing her on the forehead. The tension that had been such a factor before was now gone for the most part.

Of course, the two couples were not completely at ease with each other given their pasts, but at least the potential for rekindled friendship was there now.

Ona decided she would take it. It was better than fearing a fight would break out in her infirmary. A shiver ran through her at the disastrous thought.

"We talked," Tygra began. "And Hadrian and I were able to come to some reconciliation." He looked at Tessa and Hadrian. "You may now both consider everything square between us."

He hugged Cheetara closer to his chest. "Seeing how agreeable our situations are now, there is no need for any remaining hard feelings." She leaned in closer to him, proud that her lover had finally let all the anger and pain go.

When she looked up at him pointedly, he remembered another detail. "And…you are both welcomed to attend our ceremony three days hence at Cleric hall. We look forward to seeing you there."

Tessa was grinning joyfully. Though she still had no desire to return to the Clerics, she was sure she could find work somewhere within the city. It would be nice to be around other Thunderians again.

And she would get to see Cheetara and the other Clerics more often, hopefully. They were still dear to her, despite everything. She kept it in the back of her mind that she would have to apologize to Jaga sometime soon as well.

But for now, having everyone together, and drinking Ona's delightful tea made their problems fade into the background for a little while. And that was good enough.

A/N - It will probably be a while before my next update. I want to cover all my bases, especially with the ceremony. I have so many ideas on what to do with the whole shabang, so we'll see. Thanks for being patient! *^-^*