Crazy for You

Lion-O busied himself in his study. After his routine trip to Third Earth, he left a lot of work behind on Thundera. That was waiting for him when he got back, and he spent the past day and a half catching up. No one ever said being Lord of the ThunderCats was easy.


He didn't even have time to spend with his friends. Everyone understood and respected that he couldn't associate with his friends as much as he used to. Thundera was reformed and the people were returning to their home planet. Though the ThunderCats understood this, Cheetara was the one getting restless and annoyed about it.


Ever since Third Earth, she had a crush on Lion-O. That crush soon gave away to love. Cheetara even found it hard for herself to admit, but she was hopelessly, shamefully, crazily in love with the man. She knew he was busy, but couldn't he take five minutes to say hello? They weren't a couple but still! She missed him a lot. Just the sound of his voice or seeing his face would make her day.


Only Pumyra knew about this. It wasn't Cheetara who told her. She had to find out herself. Cheetara was caught staring at Lion-O at dinner one night. Pumyra became suspicious, but it wasn't confirmed until a lioness kissed him on the cheek at a city opening. Cheetara was seeing red with anger and jealously. If Pumyra didn't know any better, she could've sworn Cheetara would've attacked the poor lioness.


After getting her to admit to it, Cheetara opened up more and more. Pumyra pitied her and often tried to encourage Cheetara to make the first move but the cheetah was so bent on Lion-O making the first move since he was the man, and she was very shy, afraid Lion-O didn't feel anything more than friendship.


“He’s been back for two days and he hasn't address me with a simple hello, Pumyra. I just don’t know what to do,” Cheetara said entering the library. She was returning a load of books she had read and Pumyra decided to give her a hand in putting it up.


They both sat the books on the nearest table. “He is a busy man, Cheetara.”


At that, Lion-O ears perked up from the stack of paperwork left for him. He had it made that his work-study was next to the library so he would have an adjacent door and go in whenever he needed to. On this day, the door was partially open to relieve the room of stuffiness.


What was that Pumyra said—Cheetara and a busy man? Was she dating someone? He hadn't really seen her in weeks. He didn't know what was going with her life. The thought of Cheetara being with a man made his stomach tie in knots, and his fist balled tightly. He wanted to know everything about this man. He wanted to know how he and Cheetara got together, but more importantly, he wanted to pound in his flesh. How dare this man take Cheetara from him? She was his. His! Well, not exactly. He hadn't got the courage to ask her out. He was madly in love with her, but his feelings and the fact he was unsure of her feelings made him doubt himself and not build the courage to ask her out on a date.


He got up from his seat, turned the lights low in his study and closed the door small enough to hear the conversation.


“I know, but I miss him,” Cheetara whined putting the books up on the respected shelves.


“He looks the same as he did as he left,” Pumyra confirmed nonchalantly.


At that, Cheetara grabbed Pumyra by the shoulders. You've seen him and you haven't told me? How could you do that? You're my friend, Pumyra. You're the only one who knows about my crush on him. You know how restless I've been since I haven't had my Lion-O fix.”


Lion-O fix? She likes me? I'm her crush? Lion-O asked himself and continues to listen.


“Calm down, Cheetara.” Pumyra said breaking away from her. “I only saw him last night when he was going to bed.”


“How did you know he was going to bed?” Cheetara growled. “You better answer me.”


“I was going to the bathroom when I saw him.” Pumyra said and took a step back from the cheetah. “Yeesh. You really are crazy about him.”


Cheetara took a deep breath to gather herself. You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just,” she sighed at a lost for words.


“In love.” Pumyra smiled. “With the most clueless man on the face of the planet.”


Cheetara in love with me? Lion-O thought. I can't believe it. Hey, I'm not clueless!


Cheetara laughed at that. “Yeah, and I had to fall for him. I tell you, Pumyra, I bet I could stroll around naked and he wouldn't notice.”


Wanna bet?


“Well, someone would notice, particularly an orange tiger.” Pumyra teased.


That be the last thing he'll see. Lion-O growled.


“I meant strolling around in front of Lion-O naked where no one could see, like for instance, his study, or his bedroom or his…”


“Bathroom,” Pumyra interjected.


Cheetara laughed again. “No. I wouldn't be there unless there was a wedding ring on my finger.”


Rats!


“I have an idea. Why don't you dress in skirts for a change instead of those leotard suits you always wear?”


"That's my ThunderCat uniform, Pumyra. That idea sounds as crazy as you wearing those lingerie for Bengali.”


“My husband likes those outfits thank you very much and besides we are trying to have a baby. I sometimes need something besides me to get him in the mood.”


“I bet,” Cheetara rolled her eyes. I'm not going to do that to Lion-O.”


“What do you plan to do, Cheetara? Hope Lion-O get some sense in his head and say ‘I love you.’ Face it. Your only chance is to be direct with Lion-O. Just take the risk. He's not the type to hurt anyone, knowing it or not.”


“I know. I love him for that, even though he is an idiot.”


“And his firm backside.” Pumyra added.


“Hey! I'm the only one to say he has a beautiful backside.”


Pumyra said. “Okay. Okay. Besides, Bengali is the finest man on Thundera. Speaking of which, I need to find him. I think I'm ovulating. Bye.”


Cheetara gave a slight wave and muttered as soon as Pumyra left. "That's something I didn't need to hear.” Cheetara finished putting the books up and left the room.


Lion-O let everything settle in. Cheetara was in love with and scared of admitting her feelings as much as he. Hmm, this could come to his advantage. Maybe he would tease her so much that she will have to admit his feelings for him. Maybe Cheetara would want to see how ‘dense’ he really is.

****

“Hey, Cheetara, no time no see!” Lion-O said joyfully lifting Cheetara up and giving her a bear hug. “How have you been? I haven't seen you in weeks!”


Cheetara was so caught off guard by the hug that she didn't know how to react. She hadn't ever been this close to him before. Her body softens as she relaxed against him and a lazy smile appeared on her face. She loved the feel of him, his hard muscle tone body firmly aligned with her soft body, which was melting at each passing second.


“Cheetara?”


“Hmm?” She asked lazily.


"Aren't you going to say anything?”


“Mmm..” she pulled away and smiled goofily at him.


“Why do you have that goofy look on your face?” Lion-O asked curiously. He was anxious to see Cheetara talk her way out of this one.


“Um, er, ah, I'm happy to see you. I've not seen you in two weeks and I'm happy to see you.”


“Oh, good.” Ah, I’ll get you another way. I'm been so busy lately, I think I deserve a break. How about we go driving in the Thundertank? We can stop by Leopard Valley on the drive.”


Leopard Valley? As in make out valley? Was Lion-O really thinking what she was thinking? No. Lion-O was dense when it came to love and relationships.


Maybe I better explain that to him. “Um, Leopard Valley is also known as ‘Make out valley’ to the teenagers. I don't think we should go there.”


“Aw, come on, Cheetara. Leopard Valley has an incredible view of the city and the stars. Why would kids make out when they can see the city lights and the wonderful stars above?” He laughs. "You're funny, Cheetara. We’ll go there tonight.”


“Tonight! But it’s Friday. Tons of kids will be there.”


Lion-O laughed again. “Cheetara, you are a riot. I have some work to do. I’ll see you tonight.” He stops and turns back to her. “Oh, and wear something besides your uniform. You’ll be off-duty, you know.”

****

“He asked you out and he’s taking you to make out valley?” Pumyra questioned incredulously.


As soon as Lion-O left, Cheetara rushed to find Pumyra. Not wanting any noisy ears to hear the conversation, Cheetara brought Pumyra to her room.


“Well, not in those words. He said we should go driving, we’ll stop by Leopard Valley and wear something that’s not part of work.”

“Still in his slow way, he’s asking you out. That’s good. I'm going to help you seduce him, Cheetara.” Pumyra said cheerfully.


“I don't want to seduce him. I want to take it slow.”


“You take it slow and it won’t get anywhere.” Pumyra went to Cheetara’s closet and opened the door. “Hmm. Let’s see. How about this?”


Pumyra waved a tube top and skirt in front of her. “I can pick out my own clothes, Pumyra.”


“Yes, but you will dress conservative. You have to dress sexy and classy. That way you won’t make a fool of yourself in case Lion-O is just being his naïve self.”


“Sexy and classy huh, but still going on a drive?” Cheetara thought for a moment. “I can do that.”


“Just don't wear pants or anything to cover your legs.”


“Yes, mother,” Cheetara rolled her eyes. As Pumyra was heading for the door, she called out, “Hey, baby yet?”


Pumyra frowned. “No,” she smiled. “Of course there’s always tonight.”


After five different outfits, she settled on a white halter shirt that tied around her neck and a purple floral print skirt with a high split to her mid thigh on her left leg and white sandals. Sexy and classy Cheetara thought.


The knocking at the door told Cheetara Lion-O was ready. She mentally prepared herself. Guys usually compliment women on their outfits. If Lion-O meant for it to be serious, he would do so. She opened the drawer and saw how Lion-O was dressed. Her mouth fell open in shock.


“Lion-O, why aren’t you dressed?”


“I am dressed.” Lion-O said.


“No, you’re wearing your ThunderCat uniform.”


“I know.”


“But you told me to dress differently.”


“Right. I told you it’s your night off and you should dress casual. I'm always on duty. I have to dress in uniform. Ready?” He held his arm out.


Cheetara couldn’t believe him. He misled her. He completely misled her and what was worse, Lion-O didn't know it. Sexy and classy right. Pumyra’s idea was stupid.


“Yeah, I'm ready.”


Bingo! She fell for it. Lion-O wished he had a camera to take a picture of Cheetara’s face when she saw him still dressed in his ThunderCat uniform. If she thought that was something, wait until later tonight.


Lion-O and Cheetara drove around Thundera. They took a black sports car on their drive to remain incognito. They talk idly about the things going on in the world, his trip to Third Earth and the work Cheetara was doing while he was gone. Much to Cheetara’s dismay, Lion-O drove up to Leopard’s Valley. When they got there, they saw many Thunderian cars parked on the valley. Cheetara lowered herself in her seat and cringe. She did not want to be here. She was feeling so embarrass—all these teenagers here, necking and she and Lion-O there were to look at the city lights and the stars.


“Whoops. Looks crowded.”


“I told you,” Cheetara said. “Can we go now?”


“No, I want to see the stars. They won’t mind. Besides, we’re going to go on top of the hill. It’s too rocky for those drivers cars to go through and I don't think they have the hovers attached to it.” Lion-O said and switches to hover control. The car floated and flew to the top of the hill. It gave out an even better view of the city and stars. Lion-O lowered the top of the vehicle.


“Amazing view, isn’t it, Cheetara?” Lion-O said looking at the stars in the sky. The full moon was out brightly, bringing light to the dark sky.


“Yes, it is.”


“Still it’s hot tonight, even with the top down,” Lion-O commented.


“It’s summer, Lion-O. The weatherman said it was 105 degrees today.”


“Well, the sun is down and it still feels over a hundred degrees,” Lion-O commented and pulled off his shirt. He shot a look at Cheetara whose mouth was gaping open, as she looked at Lion-O topless. He reached over and closed Cheetara’s mouth with his fingers. “If you keep your mouth open, you’ll get flies in it. Why did you do that anyway?”


“Do what?” Cheetara whispered. Her heart was beating faster than she could think. She tried to keep her eyes away from Lion-O, but her body wouldn't allow it.


“Open your mouth when I took off my shirt.”


“Oh, I was just surprised you did that, that’s all.” Cheetara said. Whoo, she was getting hot. Why did it have to be so hot tonight?


Lion-O shrugs his shoulders. “Let’s get in the back seat. It’s much comfortable.”


Backseat? Where it’s more comfortable? Cheetara doesn’t know if she could take being in the backseat with Lion-O, but she didn't have a choice. Lion-O had already gotten in the backseat and was waiting for her.


“You know, this is too open.” Lion-O said once Cheetara was in the back. Lion leaned over the front seat. He turns the ignition and let the top ride up again. He looked in the rearview mirror and saw Cheetara staring at his rear. He smiled to himself. He wondered if Cheetara would make a move on him. He's already topless and her eyes nearly bulge out when she saw him take off his shirt. He leaned over a little more and let the sunroof open up. He sat back and saw Cheetara’s cheeks were a shade of pink. “Are you warm?”


Warm? She was hot! And Lion-O was the cause of it. If only he knew how he made her feel. “Uh, yeah. I'm kind of warm.”


“Then do like I did—take off your shirt.”


Cheetara’s eyes widen. Did he say what she thought he said? “Lion-O, I can't take off my shirt, and I don't think I need to elaborate on that.”


“No, I guess not.” Lion-O said. Even he didn't think Cheetara would take off her shirt. If she did, he wasn't sure he would be able to control himself. “The stars look nice, don't you think?”


“Um, yes, they do.” Cheetara said looking up. If she kept her eyes on the stars, then she wouldn't have to look at Lion-O. She felt him stretch his arms out across the backseat, his right arm resting behind her. The touch was exciting.


Keep cool, Cheetara. Keep cool.


“How long are we going to be here?”


Lion-O looked at Cheetara. “I don't know. Why do you want to go?”


Yes! No! Her mind screamed. “I don't know.”


“Then why did you ask?” Lion-O asked, his full attention on her. Come on. Say it. Say you want me.


“I—I, just making conversation.”


Lion-O shrugged and looked at the stars. “Do you see that one?”


Cheetara’s eyes went upward. “Which one?”


He pointed his hand upward. “That one next to the dipper. If you look at the stars together, you’ll see it makes the Cat’s Eye.”


Cheetara shook her head as she tried to look. “I don't see it.”


“Maybe this will help you,” he said and before Cheetara could protest, he put Cheetara on his lap and put his arms around her waist. “Do you see it now?”


See? All she could do was feel Lion-O’s hands around her waist. The bad thing about it was Lion-O didn't know how this was affecting her. Nothing would please her more than to just tackle Lion-O and make out with him, but he wouldn't understand her actions. The best thing to do was to easily slide from his grasp and back on her seat.


“Did you see it?” Lion-O asked when Cheetara was in her seat.


“Um, yes.”


Lion-O stared at Cheetara. She didn't know what was flowing through his mind. She remained still as he moved closer and took her hand in his. Was this it? Was this the moment Lion-O would tell Cheetara how he felt.


“Cheetara?” Lion-O asked softly.


“Yes, Lion-O?” Her heart was beating so loud she could hear it in her ears.


“Do you think I'm fat?”


“What?!” Cheetara shrieked pulling away from Lion-O.


“Do you think I'm fat?” He repeated.


“What makes you think you’re fat?”


“I’ve been on nothing but Snarf’s food and fast food lately.”


“Yes, but you work out vigorously for two hours everyday.”


No one knew Lion-O workout that much everyday. He always does his exercise when everyone was asleep or so he thought. Cheetara must really be crazy about him to get up early and watch him.


She must have been watching me from the cameras of the control room. Heh. Heh. I must have given her amazing dreams to have her looking so flush in the morning. Well, this will really get her heart racing.


He grabbed her hands and put them on his chest. “Feel my chest for any fat.”


Cheetara tried to pull her hand away but Lion-O wouldn't let her. He couldn’t be serious. If she rubs her hands on his chest, she may consider other things to do.


Will power, Cheetara. Will power.


Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, Lion-O thought as her hands ran across his chest. Her hands were like hot fire and tempting him more and more to pull Cheetara in her arms and kiss her.


“Well?” his voice rumbled huskily.


Cheetara looked into his eyes and saw friendship and innocence. He wasn't feeling the things that were running through her mind. “I don't feel anything but muscles.”


“Great. It’s getting late,” Lion-O said pulling away and pulling on his shirt. “Let’s go home.” Before I do something crazy and jump you.

****

“See you tomorrow, Cheetara,” Lion-O said as they entered the lair. “We should do this again.”


“Um, sure, Lion-O.” Cheetara said nervously. She watches Lion-O head up the stairs. Once he was gone, she raced to her room. She only had a moment to recollect what happened before she heard a knock from her door. “Come in.” Please don't be Lion-O.


It wasn't. It was Pumyra. “How did it go?”


“Were you waiting for me to show up?” Cheetara asked.


“Well, yeah. Bengali fell asleep after the sex so what else was I to do. I wondered what happened.” She explained. “So what happened? Did he make his move?” She asked excitedly.


“He was so far from making a move I thought I was on some ridiculous candid camera show.”


“What?” Pumyra asked puzzled.


“That man is the most naïve person I have ever met!” Cheetara shouted frustrated. “Can you believe he pulled off his shirt and wanted me to feel his chest for fat?”


Outside her door, Lion-O listened with a glass place to his ear. He had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.


“Hey, Lion-O, what are you doing?” Bengali asked.


“Shh!” Lion-O shushed him. I'm listening to Cheetara talk to Pumyra.”


“Why?”


Lion-O quickly explained his plan to Bengali.


“Wow,” Bengali said taking it all in. “And to think all this time, we all thought you were so dense.”


Lion-O eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”


“We all thought you were like that. I mean it was so obvious.”


Lion-O sighed. “Whatever. Just don't tell anyone about this.”


Bengali shrugged his shoulders. “I don't even understand it. It would be easier to tell her how you feel.”


“Maybe, but this is more fun!” Lion-O said wickedly. “Oh, Pumyra is leaving.” Lion-O removed the glass and took off down the hall. The door open and Pumyra stepped out. She was surprised at first but smiled.


“Bengali, what are you doing out here?”


“Looking for you, what else?”


I'm here now,” Pumyra said taking her arm in his.


“Why were you in Cheetara’s room?”


“You wouldn't believe me if I told you.”

****

“Don’t ask any question, Snarf. Just do it!”


“But Lion-O—,” Snarf begin to protest.


“Snarf!” Lion-O warned sternly.


Even Snarf knew he wouldn't get anything out of Lion-O when he used that tone of voice. “All right,” he sighed defeated and left the room.

Yes! In a few moments, Cheetara would get the shock of her life.

Why in the world Lion-O would want to talk to me in his bedroom? What could be so important?

She’ll find her answers soon enough. She knocked on his bedroom door.


“Lion-O?”


No answer. She knocked again.


“Lion-O?”


Still no answer. Cheetara opened his door and entered his room. It was empty, but wait, there was a sound coming from his bathroom. Was it water? From the shower?! Impure fantasies floated in her mind. She had to get out of there before she acted on them. She was nearly out when….


“Cheetara.”


Cheetara knew she would pay for it, but she looked anyway. Calm down, Cheetara. Calm down. Its just Lion-O in a towel. A wet, dripping towel, but it doesn’t mean anything. You can fight this. Control, girl. Control.


"That's me.” Did her voice had to sound so shrill?


“Were you trying to run out on me?” Lion-O asked.


Cheetara laughed nervously. “Of course not. Why would I do that?”


Lion-O shrugged his shoulders. “I don't know, but come on in. Don’t stand there by the door. I want you to look at these papers on the bed.”


Cheetara eyed the papers and not Lion-O as she walked to his bed. She kept her back to him as she looked at the papers. “These are flight plans.”


“Yeah.”


“To the jungle in Thundera which hasn't been explored yet,” Cheetara continued. She looked at him, realized he was mere inches from her and she quickly turned back. “What is all this for?”


“A trip for you, well more of an assignment to explore. We need more terrain to be checked out and I want you to do it.” Lion-O explained.


“Oh, well why didn't you explain this in the council room?”


“Why? What’s wrong with here?” Lion-O asked baffled.


Typical for the dolt to not understand. “This is your bedroom. It’s kind of personal.”


“Not to me. You're more than welcome in my bedroom, Cheetara. You can come in here anytime you want.”


Oh, if only he knew what he was doing to her. She felt him move closer to her. Her heart was racing. She knew it was over for her. She was at his mercy and willing to do anything he wanted. Man, she was pathetic.


“Who knows you could find Tarzan and be his Jane?”


Cheetara laughed. “What?”


“You know,” Lion said and picked Cheetara up, the papers scattering across the room as he threw her over his shoulder. “Tarzan.” He does his best Tarzan yell and pounds his chest with his fists.


Cheetara couldn’t help but laugh with him. “Lion-O, you’re crazy.”


Lion-O spun around, making Cheetara laugh and become dizzy. It all came to an abrupt stop when a towel fell to the floor. Cheetara’s mouth flew open as she saw the towel. Hanging upside down, her eyes slowly went up pass his calves, up, pass his thighs and then—oh my.


That was not a part of Lion-O’s plan. He hadn't expected that and now Cheetara was getting a full view of his backside. A quirky smile crossed his face. He hoped she was enjoying the view.


He sat Cheetara back down on her feet. “Well, I don't know about you, but I wasn't expecting that.” He kept his eye trained on her as he recovered his towel. Her eyes closed and opened when he told her it was okay.


“So, how about it?”


Cheetara opened her eyes. “What?”


“How about checking the area?”


“Oh, sure. No problem.” Cheetara said agreeing, unknowingly her eyes were slowly dripping away from his face to his chest.


“We could do it,” his voice came off soft and husky.


Cheetara shot her head to his face again. “What?” Was he asking what Cheetara wanted?


“Check out the jungle.”


“Oh,” Cheetara understood. He was wasn't talking about that ‘it.’ He was talking about exploring the jungle. Darn. She was disappointed and relieved.


Lion-O saw the look on her face. He knew what she was thinking. Today’s scheme didn't go off as plan but it was doing well. His last trick would really get her angry. She would have no choice but to confess her feelings. He’ll have to calculate it very carefully, make sure everything pulls off without a hitch.


Cheetara was looking rather flushed he noted. Hee. Hee. This would be a great opportunity to pretend to be ‘stupid.’


“Cheetara, are you all right?”


“Hmm?” Cheetara hoped he didn't catch her staring at him. How could she not? She was in love with him and he was standing before her half-naked. What natural bred woman wouldn't be having fantasies about him?


You're looking flush,” he stepped closer and placed a hand on her forehead. “By Thundera, you’re so warm! Cheetara, why didn't you tell me you were running a fever?!”


Before Cheetara could say anything, she was lifted in Lion-O’s arms and carted off to his bathroom. For a guy, it was surprisingly clean. It would be nice if he cleaned it up because he expected her to come in there, but that was impossible. Lion-O was very naïve when it came to the opposite sex.


He placed her in the shower and turned the water on cold. It hit Cheetara then as cold, freezing water splayed all over her hair and down her body. She gasped and sputtered the water that was falling in her mouth. The water stop falling, and she felt Lion-O’s hand on her forehead.


“Well, the fever broke, but you’re so cold now. Looks like you got the chills.”


Lion-O helped her out of the shower and put a towel around her. Then his arms were wrapped around her body. His hands rubbed up and down her arm warming her quickly and himself. She was too close to him, Lion-O noted.


Talk Lion-O. That will keep your mind focus.


“How are you feeling?”


Like I'm in heaven. “A little better.”


“How did you get that fever suddenly?” He asked nonchalantly.


It wasn't a fever Cheetara knew, but she couldn’t tell Lion-O. How would he react to her telling him she was staring at his body and having a fantasy that wasn't rated PG?


“I—I don't know.” Don’t let go. Don’t ever let go. How can you not see this feels right, Lion-O?


Unknown to Cheetara, it was feeling right to Lion-O. More than right. His pace slowed and he felt Cheetara relaxed against him and lean against him more. No, this wasn't right. He had to pull himself away from Cheetara, not keep her close or he would lose control and kiss the sweet life out of her. But he couldn’t let go. He wanted to keep her there, near him as close as possible for as long as possible.


He loved her, more than he thought possible and he knew she cared about him, but he still felt scared to say what was in his heart. Lion-O felt himself losing control. As the minutes ticked by, the more his control evaporated.


They just stood there close, enjoying the moment between them until Lion-O lost complete control and Cheetara suddenly jerked away from him. She looked at Lion-O, but being a master at masking his feelings, Cheetara couldn’t tell what he was thinking or feeling.


He smiled. “Are you warm now?”

Cheetara nodded. Though she was tempted to look down, Cheetara was also too frightened to look down. “I guess I better go now.”


“Okay,” Lion-O said cheerfully. “I’ll see you when I see you.”


Cheetara nodded and left the room. Apparently, he didn't do it. It could be part of her imagination that she felt that. It’s not something that happens to her on a regular basis. She would have to talk to Pumyra about this just to be sure.

****

"He did what?!” Pumyra shouted.


“Shh!” Cheetara silenced her. “This is a library.”


“It’s not a public one, and no one is in here but us.” Pumyra told her. “Now back to the topic at hand. Are you sure he did that? You weren't imagining that he did that since you were so close?”


“I don't really know. I was just thinking about him and being in his arms, then my mind drifted for a moment. It’s possible that he didn't do that because he didn't say anything and his face didn't have any expressions of embarrassment or, or, excitement.”


“Did you look to see?”


Cheetara could feel her face burning. “No! I didn't look! I was too embarrassed to look. That’s what got me in trouble in the first place!”


“I still think you should’ve look to be sure. Just a quick glance. Lion-O’s too dumb to notice.” Pumyra stated.


“Maybe, or he’s the smartest man I have ever known.” Cheetara mumbled.

****

“No, Lion-O, I won’t do it.”


“Come on, it’ll be fun.” Lion-O pursued smoothly.


He was on the phone talking to his friend, Leela. They met when Lion-O welcome her and everyone on the spaceship back to Thundera. They’ve talked and been friends since. He told Leela about his plan for Cheetara, and Leela was vehemently against it.


“Why can't you tell her how you feel?”


“This is more fun,” Lion-O told her. “Besides, she called me stupid.”


“You are stupid,” Leela pointed out with his crazy plan.


“Come on, Leela, you’re the only one perfect for this job.”


“Why?”


“Because Cheetara was jealous of you when I introduced you two. The only reason you’re standing here now is because you absently mentioned your boyfriend, Chase.”


“Cheetara was jealous of me?”


“She looked that way to me, but I wasn't sure until Cheetara blurted to Pumyra her feelings for me and I started thinking back to every time she didn't seem herself, and I recall you two meeting. She was jealous all right.”



“I don't know why. You're not that good looking.”


Lion-O rolled his eyes. He knew how crazy Leela was about Chase and that she thinks he’s the handsomest man ever. “Fine. Can you do it? It’ll just be for the day. One day. I promise.”


“I want something out of this, if I have to pretend to be madly in love with you.” Leela said.


Lion-O sighed. “Fine. How about this? Panthro is going to Third Earth next month. I’ll let you and Chase take the Thundertank out for a drive but you have to promise not to damage it or do anything not normally done in the Thundertank, and you have to clean it out when you return it.”


“What time should I be there, darling?” She purred.


Yes! It was going as plan. Now all he had to do was make everything work tomorrow.

*****

“So, what is it you wanted to tell us?” Panthro asked as the meeting came to an end.


The council meeting went off without a hitch. The special little thing he did in Cheetara’s room was ready. Now for the plan to go into action.


Lion-O stood and walked to the council doors. “I wanted to introduce everyone to my girlfriend, Leela.”


He opened the door and Leela stood, looking beautiful. Her red hair was perm, giving her red curls a glossy look. Her nails manicured, makeup done perfectly and she wore the sexiest outfit she would wear outside her home. Leela told Chase the whole plan the night before, and to her surprised, he was all for it and wanted her to look her best and even chose the outfit—a red tank top and matching mini skirt and high heels.


Lion-O kissed Leela on the cheek and looked at Cheetara. She was furious! Her eyes deadly aim at Leela as if she wanted to wring the lioness head off. He glanced at the others who were stunned. It took a while before anyone spoke.


“I thought you were going with Chase, Leela,” Tygra said.


“Yeah, but we broke up. He's not much a man as Lion-O is. Isn’t that right, baby?” she said silkily and kissed Lion-O on the cheek.


“You know me, babe. I aim to please,” he replied wickedly and looked at Cheetara from the corner on her eye. The woman was livid!


“When did this happen?” Pumyra asked.


“Oh, we have been secretly dating for a month, and now we’re ready to be open about it,” Leela explained. She looked at Cheetara. “Cheetara, don't you have anything to say?”


Cheetara glared at Leela. She had something to say all right, but there were young adults here, and she didn't want to be accused of being a murderer after she pound the living daylights out of Leela.


“Congratulations and excuse me.” Cheetara got up and left the room. Lion-O excused himself and followed her. Yep, she was going where he expected-her room.


“Cheetara, wait up!”


Cheetara stopped at her door and looked at Lion-O. “What is it, Lion-O?” She asked obviously annoyed.


“You can tell me why you have that attitude.”


“I don't know what you’re talking about.”


“We better talk in your room so no one will hear us.” Lion-O suggested.


“Hear what, Lion-O?” She asked, her anger rising.


“You look angry,” Lion-O said shoving her inside and closing the door behind her.


“Gee, why would I be angry?” Cheetara asked on the verge of losing it.


“I don't know. Why don't you tell me?”


Why doesn’t she tell him indeed? Who was he to say Leela was his girlfriend? She should have known something was going on. Chase was one-fourth the man Lion-O was and he always had women swooning for him. Of all the woman to get involve with, how could he get involve with her?


“How could you get involve with Leela and not tell me?!” She shouted.


She was angry all right. Piping hot! He had to play this carefully. “Why should I tell you who I'm going to get involve with?”


“You tell me everything. You said I was your friend.”


“You are. I wanted to surprise you. I thought you would like.” He looked at her baffled. “You mean to tell me it wasn't a good surprise?”


“You darn right it wasn't!”


“Would it make a difference?”


“Yes!”


“Why?!”


“Then I wouldn't be moping over you! I might have a chance to move on!” She blurted and suddenly covered her mouth.


Outside her room, Leela listened to the conversation with her ear pressed to the door. She stepped back and looked at the rest of the ThunderCats.


“Come on, guys. It’s time to go.”


“Why?” WilyKit asked.


“Cheetara just confessed. We should leave them alone.”


“Confess what?” WilyKat asked.


Leela explained everything to them and her part.


“You mean to tell me you’re still with Chase?” Tygra asked and when Leela answered yes, the tiger folded his arms. “And I thought I’d have a chance with Cheetara now that Lion-O was taken.”


“Tygra, you will never have a chance with Cheetara,” Panthro told him.


Lion-O raised an eyebrow. “What are you saying, Cheetara?”


“Nothing. I'm saying nothing,” she said walking to her door. “And I think you should leave.” She tried opening the door but it wouldn't. She tried again, but nothing happened. Unknown to her, Lion-O's surprise worked. “No. It can't be.” She looked at Lion-O. “We’re stuck in here. How can I be stuck in my room?”


Lion-O walked to her and pulled her away from the door. “We’re worry about that later. Right now, I want to talk about what you said.”


“I didn't say anything.”


“Yes, you did. You said you were moping over me. What did you mean?”


“What do you think I mean?” She asked back.


“I don't know. You tell me.”


That was that last thing she wanted to do and it would be too. She would never tell Lion-O how she felt. Never. Never. Never.


“I learn if you pressure someone hard enough, you’ll get them to confess anything.”


Cheetara didn't like those words or the look Lion-O was giving her. It was determination and when that lion got determine, nothing would stop him. She was in trouble. She tried to run, but Lion-O easily caught her and backs her to a wall.


“What did you mean? Tell me, Cheetara. Trust me.”


Cheetara saw the honesty in his eyes and fell weak. “I…I can't,” she said weakly.


“Yes, you can.” He pursued gently. “I need you to say it. I need to hear you say it. Don’t you want the feelings inside you to be released?” He whispered softly.


Yes. “No.”


“Don’t lie to me, Cheetara? You want to release it as much as I do. Tell me, what I want to know. Tell me what you feel. How do you feel about me?”


When he looked at her like he cared about her and spoke so gently to her, Cheetara had no power over him.


“I love you. I love you. I love you! I LOVE YOU!” Cheetara screamed and pushed him away. “I’ve loved you ever since we were on Third Earth! I loved you and you never gave me any kind of attention! You have to be the densest, naïve person ever created! What does a woman have to do to get your attention?!”


A sly smile crept his face. “Saying ‘I love you’ is a start.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Her mouth opened up to him and then she pulled back. “What about Leela?”


“What about her?”


“You said you were going together.”


“Oh, that,” he laughed. “It was all a trick to get you to admit your feelings for me.”


“What?”


“Yeah, she’s still with Chase and they are very happy. I only have eyes for you and only you. I've loved you for as long as I can remember.”


He used Leela to get Cheetara to admit her feelings for him. He loved her. He used Leela to get Cheetara to admit her feelings for him?!


“You did what?!” Cheetara screamed and pushed Lion-O away. “How long have you known my feelings for you?”


“About a week. I heard you and Pumyra talking.” He smiled at her. “Oh, don't look so mad. Come here and kiss me.”


“Kiss this!” She shouted and slapped him. “You knew how I felt about you and you did this to me! You took me to Make out Valley to entice me, to make my feelings go crazy! You tempt me in your bedroom! You got, got,” she couldn’t even say the word, “hot on me! You sick man!”


“You called me stupid!” Lion-O shouted back.


“You did all this because I called you stupid?!”


“You also said I wouldn't noticed you even if you stroll around naked!”


“And you wouldn't, too!” Cheetara fired back.


“Oh, yeah. You want to try that! You’ll see how quickly you’ll be on that bed!”


Cheetara opened her mouth to shout something back, but closed her mouth. She didn't have a comeback for that. “You could've said how you felt.” She said softly.


Lion-O calmed down. “How could I? I was scared to tell you how I felt. You're so beautiful and mature, and I didn't think you would want to get involve with a younger man.”


Cheetara stepped to him. “Oh, I felt the same way. I was older and I thought you would want a younger girl, someone your age.”


“I only want you, Cheetara.”


“And I only want you, Lion-O.”


They slowly came together and kissed, all their feelings pouring into the kiss. Cheetara relaxed more as the kissed continued and as his hand traveled around her body and her hands mimic the same action to him. He gave her a response that reminded her of what happened in his bathroom and a promise of what was to come.

****

“So what happened?” An excited Pumyra asked in the lair lounge a week later. “You can't keep me in suspense. Besides, I told you I was pregnant.”


It was a week later. A glorious week after Cheetara and Lion-O declared their love for each other and Cheetara had not told Pumyra what happened between her and Lion-O in the bedroom.


“I told you. Lion-O and I talked and confessed our feelings.”


“Yeah, but you two were in there for hours and you weren't shouting. So spill. Did you or didn't you?”


“Why can't you guess?”


“Because I wouldn't know. Anything could have happened in there.” Pumyra explained. “You two actually could've talked for hours.”


Cheetara smiled wickedly. “Can you keep a secret?”


Pumyra nodded excitedly. “Yes.”


Cheetara laughed. “So can I.”


In the lair gym, Tygra and Panthro were asking the same thing.


“Come on, Lion-O. Guys can talk and you can't possibly tell us that you and Cheetara talked about your feelings for all those hours.”


“It’s possible, Panthro.” Tygra said.


Lion-O set the barbells on the floor. “Can you guys keep a secret?”


Panthro and Tygra nodded.


Lion-O laughed. “So can I.”

“This is more fun,” Lion-O told her. “Besides, she called me stupid.”

“You are stupid,” Leela pointed out with his crazy plan.

With lines like this, who wouldn't want to read more of Lady Thundera's stories?

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