Unwanted Entrapment

Part Four

“And how is the beautiful mother-to-be?”

“Lousy,” Cheetara gripe to Tygra as she entered the kitchen. She sat at the table rubbing her stomach. Cursed morning sickness. Cheetara saw Tygra holding a plate of eggs and bacon and groaned.

Tygra looked at his plate and then at her. “The smells getting to you?”

“What do you think?” she growled.

Tygra rolled his eyes. Guess he would have to get use to her moody behavior now that she was pregnant. He wondered how Lion-O took her mood swings when she shot it at him.

Cheetara looked at him puzzled. “Why are you eating so late anyway? It’s past breakfast time.”

“I was working in the lab and skipped breakfast.” He took a bite of his egg. “What about you? Are you just now getting up?”

“I’ve been up since six and I couldn’t get back to sleep,” Cheetara groaned feeling her stomach act up. “Lion-O stayed with me until he left at eight.” Cheetara stood up and slowly made her way to refrigerator. She opened the door and closed it just as fast. The variety of smells hit her strongly. “I knew it was a bad idea coming in here.” She left the room. Tygra put his empty plate in the sink and followed her.

Tygra put an arm around her. “Come on. Let me help you back to bed.”

Cheetara was too weak to argue. After Tygra helped her back to bed, she expected Tygra to leave. Instead he pulled up a chair beside her bed. He looked around the room, noticing most of Cheetara’s things. It didn’t take long for her to move in. Pictures of Lion-O and Cheetara from their wedding were on the dresser and Lion-O’s chest. There weren’t individual pictures of them which prompted Tygra to question Cheetara about her marriage to Lion-O.

“Must be difficult to go through this with Lion-O gone so much,” Tygra commented.

“I’ll manage,” Cheetara said throwing the covers over her. “Besides, he can’t shirk his responsibilities as Lord of the ThunderCats because I’m going through morning sickness.”

“True, but a husband has to decide what’s important and what’s not.”

Cheetara looked at him warily. “Lion-O ruler of this planet. He’s out there everyday helping with the rebuilding and he’s prepping for a conference meeting with all the Clan Elders tomorrow. Something that hasn’t happened since his father ruled Thundera. That is more important than my morning sickness.”

Ready to defend her husband Tygra realized. “Speaking of Lion-O, how is married life treating you? Is Lion-O worshipping the ground you walk on or is he driving you crazy?”

Cheetara smiled but there weren’t any warmth in it. “I’m not saying anything bad about my husband. He’s been nothing but kind and supportive to me. What you see with Lion-O is what you get.” It was she that was wrong in their relationship and she wasn’t going to tell Tygra that.

“I’m just amazed at how quickly you two got together. Were you bothered with all the women Lion-O dated before you and he became involve?”

Cursed Tygra and his curiosity. She had to throw him off. “I was bothered with all the women Lion-O dated before he and I became involve. I am human, but it doesn’t matter now that we are together. We’re very happy.”

But Tygra wouldn‘t stop. “You know, Cheetara, if Lion-O wasn’t dating anyone three months before you got pregnant, I would believe that act you and Lion-O put on, but as you know, I’m a lot smarter than that.” He sat back in his chair. “I know you and Lion-O are hiding something and I think it has to do with that child you’re carrying.”

On natural instinct, Cheetara placed a hand on her stomach. “Tygra, I don’t know what you’re insinuating but our coming together happened as Lion-O said.”

Tygra scoffed. “Cheetara, I know you better than that. No way would you get involve with someone who dated so many women as frequently as Lion-O.”

“And how would you know what type of man I like?” Cheetara shot back.

“I know what type of man you don’t like and the Lion-O before you married wasn’t the type of man you’d fall for. You want a man who is committed to a relationship and not one who after two or three dates decides it’s not working. To be honest, I’m surprise you and Lion-O are still together but there is a child to be considered here.”

“Get out,” Cheetara snarled. She was angrier than Tygra had ever seen.

He hit a nerve. Lion-O and Cheetara’s being together was all due to the child Cheetara was carrying. There was no whirlwind courtship. More than likely, Lion-O and Cheetara had a one night stand which resulted in Cheetara getting pregnant. Lion-O decided to clean up his act of being a playboy and be a man and take responsibility for his actions. It made a lot of sense but why would Cheetara agree to such an act?

Lion-O obviously was the seducer in their tryst. He probably dated those women for one thing and decided to add Cheetara to his list. When Cheetara discovered she was pregnant, Lion-O decided to marry her so he wouldn’t look like a jerk. The thought seethed Tygra. When Tygra gathered all his evidence, he was going to make Lion-O sorry for what he did to Cheetara.

Tygra left Cheetara’s room a determined man. He wouldn’t get any answers now but at least Cheetara knew he was on to her and it wouldn’t be long before he found out her and Lion-O’s secret.

Once Tygra left, Cheetara went into the bathroom and turned on the water in the tub. She soaked herself in the tub for an hour, hoping her sore stomach will be ease by a bath. Her conversation with Tygra filled her thoughts. He was onto her. He was a smart man and it was a matter of time before Tygra discovered her secret. The very thought of it made the pain double in her stomach. No matter what, she couldn’t let Tygra find out her secret.

Cheetara was able to do some work before retiring to her room. Morning sickness took all her energy. Lion-O returned to Cat’s Lair that evening. Having learn of Cheetara’s condition from Snarf, he brought her a light dinner and ate his with her. After dinner, the two talked about Lion-O’s meeting with the Elders tomorrow and Cheetara listened to Lion-O’s speech giving critiques and suggestions. He looked so tired, Cheetara noticed, and he yet he spent most of the night taking care of her.

****

It wasn’t dawn when Cheetara awakened. The guilt over the situation with Lion-O and Tygra’s suspicions caused her another night’s sleep. Cheetara stared at Lion-O sleeping soundly. It wasn’t fair he could sleep without a care in the world while she couldn’t. Then again, it was. Her losing sleep was just the punishment she deserve for what she was doing to Lion-O. He was too kind to her.

Cheetara groaned and buried her head under her pillow as the nausea grew. Then suddenly, it hit her at full force. Tossing the covers and pillow aside, Cheetara made a dash for the bathroom and buried her head in the toilet.

Morning sickness wasn’t the proper name for it, Cheetara decided as she washed her mouth out with water several minutes later. It was morning torture. She rather face Mumm-Ra than go through this everyday.

“Cheetara?” Lion-O enquired sleepily as he stood in the doorway.

Embarrassed at her appearance, Cheetara made no response as a strong bout of nausea hit her and she buried her head in the toilet vomiting loudly. She felt Lion-O pulling her hair back and rubbing her back gently.

When she finished being sick, Lion-O handed her a cup of water to clean out her mouth. Afterwards, Cheetara pushed him aside and sat on the edge of the tub clutching her stomach, rocking back and forth. She never felt so miserable in her life. Worse, Lion-O witnessed the awful scene. How awful she must look to him now.

Lion-O sat beside her, his concern for her apparent. “How long have you been up?”

“Half an hour maybe…” She dashed for the toilet again as sickness overtook her again. Tears stung her eyes at the pain of retching for endless moments.

When the cramps subsided, Lion-O was kneeling beside her. “Is it this bad every day?” Although his demeanor was calm, Cheetara could see the worry on his face.

“Never this bad,” Cheetara moaned as she vomit again.

“I’m getting Pumyra.” Lion-O left the room quickly. He ran to Pumyra’s room, knocking rapidly on her door.

When Lion-O and Pumyra returned, Cheetara sat on the floor by the toilet clutching her side. Pumyra asked Cheetara what she had eaten, when and if there were any other pains she’d been having besides strong bouts of morning sickness. Both Lion-O and Pumyra were surprise to learn the dinner Lion-O gave Cheetara was the only meal she had yesterday.

“Cheetara, how can you not eat?” Pumyra gasped. “You’re pregnant.”

“The mere thought of food leaves me nauseas,” Cheetara explained.

“Still, you have to eat,” Pumyra voiced strongly. “I think this and stress are causing the strong nausea. I have something for you to calm the retching, but.” She looked to Lion-O. “I think it’s best you take Cheetara to her obstetrician in the morning.”

Cheetara was appalled by the idea. “But Lion-O has an assembly with all the Elders of each Cat Clan today.”

“You’re more important,” Lion-O gently argued.

“But--”

“This conversation is finished,” Lion-O said, his tone had anger in it. He looked to Pumyra to aid Cheetara. Pumyra swabbed alcohol on Cheetara’s arm and administered the shot. Lion-O carried Cheetara to bed. Within minutes, she fell asleep.

When Cheetara awakened, sunlight flooded in the bedroom. Lion-O was sitting at his desk talking to a monitor. Cheetara raised her head to see who was on the monitor and saw a Tiger Elder talking to Lion-O. Cheetara fell back on the bed relieved. Even though he wasn’t there in person, he was having his meeting after all. At least she didn’t ruin that for him.

As she stared at Lion-O from behind, she recalled what happened earlier. Cheetara buried her head under the pillow. How mortifying to have him witness her at her worst.

Lion-O turned a sympathetic glance her way. He turned back to the monitor, saying something about resuming the meeting at a later time and thanking everyone for coming. He turned the monitor off, left his chair and got in bed with her. “Feeling better?”

Cheetara rolled over to look at Lion-O. “I think so.” She ran a self conscious hand through her hair. He looked so handsome and she…ugh she didn’t want to think how she looked. “Was that normal morning sickness?”

“No. I called the doctor as soon as you feel asleep. He said stress and fatigue you’ve been under compounded your morning sickness.” He touched her cheek. “Your lack of eating adds to it as well. No matter how much you don’t want to eat, you have to eat and never let your stomach get too empty in the first trimester.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll do better,” Cheetara looked away feeling foolish. She wanted to have this baby so bad and now she was doing things that could cause her to lose it.

“I know you will because I’m going to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner with you. Dr. Gorma said you should eat and drink small amounts of food frequently. You can start with the crackers by the bed.” Cheetara turned around and saw crackers on a plate on the nightstand. She turned back to Lion-O and he said, “It’s suppose to help with morning sickness as well as soda drinks.”

Cheetara sat up in bed and nibbled on the crackers. Might as well get started. “What time is it anyway?”

“Going on twelve,” Lion-O answered. “Combined with the shot and lack of sleep you’ve been getting, you were really knocked out. You slept through my entire meeting.”

“How’d it go?”

“Very well, but I rather not talk about that now,” Lion-O responded as he stared at her, making sure she was eating. “I want to talk about you and this stress. Is it the marriage?” When Cheetara didn’t responded, he got his answer. “It is, isn’t it?” He didn’t like that thought. Lion-O sat up and put an arm around Cheetara. “Cheetara, you can always talk to me about it and anything else that is troubling you. I only ask you give us a chance. It’s too soon to think this marriage will fail. Please, give it a try. If not for us, then for our child.” His right hand fell to her stomach and the other tilted her chin upward to meet his soft eyes. “Please.”

He’s done so much for her. She didn’t deserve him. Tenderness flowed through her and her eyes misted at Lion-O’s caring for her. In that instant, she could almost forget about her betrayal and trapping him in this marriage. Almost. “I’ll try, Lion-O.”

Lion-O grinned. “That’s all I can ask for.”

****

Cheetara awoke with a start one morning. The pregnancy was making her sleep late longer and longer all the time. When she went to bed early the night before, she thought she wouldn’t sleep late but she did anyway. She looked over to Lion-O’s side and found him gone. She knew it was bad if she was sleeping longer than Lion-O.

She heard a noise in the bathroom and smiled. Maybe not that much longer. Lion-O stepped out of the bathroom but he wasn’t dressed in his ThunderCat uniform. He was dressed down in casual pants and a long sleeve unbuttoned shirt.

“Why are you dressed like that?”

“We’re going on our honeymoon today.” Lion-O walked to the bed and ran a hand over the swell of Cheetara’s stomach. “Good morning, baby. It’s Daddy.”

Cheetara smiled, touched at Lion-O’s love for their baby. Even though she was nearly five months along, she knew the child could hear the love of its father’s voice. She could watch Lion-O for hours, talking with the baby but what he said brought her mind to attention. “What do you mean we’re going on our honeymoon?”

“We never had one and it’s long overdue,” Lion-O said as he buttoned his shirt. “We’ve been working nonstop since our wedding. It’s time for a break.”

“Where are we going?”

“Third Earth. It’s so peaceful with Mumm-Ra, the Mutants and Lunatacs gone. We can relax and see our friends.”

It sounded like a good idea but the fact Lion-O did this behind her back irked her. “You could’ve told me this,” Cheetara grumbled as she got out of bed.

Lion-O grinned mischievously. “What fun would the surprise be?”

“Let me pack,” Cheetara said heading for her closet.

“No need,” Lion-O said holding up Cheetara’s bag. “I packed while you slept.”

Cheetara couldn’t help but be irritated by the thought. She wasn’t comfortable of him going through her things. “You thought of everything, haven’t you?”

“If I thought of everything, this would be a normal marriage,” he shot back aware of her Cheetara’s attitude towards him.

Cheetara bit her lip, refusing to say more. Lion-O was right. It wasn’t a normal marriage and she was to blame for that. It hasn’t been since that talk with Lion-O the morning after their wedding. “I’m going to take a shower and I’ll be ready to go.”

“Cheetara, wait,” Lion-O called out catching up with her at the bathroom door. “I’m sorry for that remark, but I don’t understand why you’re angry with me. I thought you would be happy to get away for a few days, but you’re upset and I don’t know why.”

Great. As if he couldn’t make her feel any more guilty of her actions. “I’m sorry, Lion-O. It’s me not you. I just wasn’t expecting this and you know how I don’t like surprises. It’s a good idea to get away, Lion-O.” She resisted the urge to touch him. She left him standing along as she turned her back on him and entered the bathroom.

****

Cheetara slept during the flight to Third Earth. It amazed her she slept that long but the baby had her doing strange things. She recall asking Lion-O to make odd snacks for her. Cheetara still couldn’t believe she ate them though they taste good.

Once they landed, Lion-O carried their bags to his old room. Afterwards, they visited the Berbils who were pleased Cheetara was expecting. They had a feast in their honor and celebration of their child. The following day, they visit Snow Knight on Hook Mountain. Lion-O wasn’t sure it was great idea taking Cheetara to cold region which can spark avalanches and snow storms at a moment’s notice but Cheetara argued she would well enough to go.

While Lion-O talked to Snow Knight, Cheetara spent her time with Snow Meow who was now acting as her personal bodyguard. Cheetara wasn’t sure if Lion-O told Snow Meow to watch her or if the large cat could pick up that she was carrying a child and acted as her personal guardian on his own.

Snow Knight’s kingdom had changed since the ThunderCats last visited the place. A small colony was developing where the residents lived peacefully under Snow Knight’s rule. Snow Knight himself had changed as he admitted to be in a courtship with one of his people. With threats from Mumm-Ra, the Mutants and Lunatacs over, Snow Knight felt more content to settle down to the more peaceful times.

It wasn’t just Snow Knight, Lion-O and Cheetara realized. Many of their friends were happier now with the deadly threats from Third Earth gone and it was all thanks to the ThunderCats. The Keeper of the Unicorns had a child with another one on the way. Wollos were populating as well and venturing more around the planet to see what else was outside their small village.

Visiting friend after friend and seeing how happy everyone were thanks to the good job the ThunderCats did made Cheetara happy as well. It also relaxed Cheetara around Lion-O and thawing the cold wall she built between them since that morning after the wedding.

On their last night on Third Earth, Cheetara smiled fondly remembering those early days on Third Earth. The fresh adventures, new friends and foes the ThunderCats faced. It was an exciting and almost a magical time. So many things happened. So many wonderful things happened between her and Lion-O.

It was here they discovered the intense attraction they had for one another. It was here they risked each other lives for their safety. It was here they fell in love. Cheetara tried to deny it but deep down she knew it was here on Third Earth that she fell in love with Lion-O and he with her.

And now they were married and neither of them admitted they love each other. Lion-O said as much but never forgetting the word ‘friend’ every time he said he loved her. He also said their love would grow. It was his way of hoping she would say she love him as much as her, but she didn’t and not initiating anything between them hadn’t helped either. Not making love since their wedding night, only created more tension between them.

Cheetara sat on her bed, frustrated. It was the last night of their so call honeymoon and nothing happened. Lion-O stepped out of the bathroom smelling so wonderful and wearing a towel around his waist. It stimulated her senses. Cheetara wondered if that was why he took a shower each night. Was he hoping she would give in to him? She couldn’t make love to him with the guilt of what she did in her mind. It would make things worse to sleep with him with Lion-O not knowing the truth.

Lion-O dropped the towel and slipped on his boxers. It was the last night of their honeymoon and Lion-O given up any chance of being with Cheetara as a husband wanted to be with his wife. They got along so great this week except when it came to intimacy. He expected Cheetara to be lying in bed asleep. She tired so easily lately, but instead he found her sitting on the edge of the bed with her hands on her stomach entranced.

“What is it?” Lion-O asked as he hurried to her side and knelt in front of her. “Is it the baby?”

Cheetara nodded, her hands moved slowly over her abdomen. “I’m not sure, but…” She looked at Lion-O, tears brimming around her eyes. “Lion-O, I think I felt the baby move!”

Joy filled him as he placed his hands on her abdomen, hoping to feel the child as well. Nothing. Another moment passed and there was still nothing. Lion-O was about to give up when he felt a flutter on the right side of Cheetara’s abdomen and suddenly on the left side a moment later.

“Wow. Frisky little kitten, isn’t he?”

“Or she,” Cheetara replied back.

“Is this the first time?” Lion-O asked, hopeful that it was.

Cheetara nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Yes. Yes, it is. Oh, Lion-O, it’s incredible.” She threw her arms around him in a fierce, impulsive hug. “For the first time, I know this pregnancy is real. There’s a tiny life growing inside me.”

“Me, too,” Lion-O admitted and sat beside her on the bed. He put his arm around her shoulder and held her close. Cheetara hugged him back. Lion-O smiled. Ever since Lion-O suggested they take things slowly, this was the first time Cheetara initiated any physical contact. Before it was always him who initiated a kiss, holding hands and it frustrated Lion-O. Why was Cheetara holding back? He knew she had doubts about the marriage but her behavior didn’t make sense. She was attracted to him and yet she didn’t want to be with him. She wanted to raise the child on her own without any regard to his feelings. What was holding her back from giving herself to him fully?

Glancing down, Lion-O noticed a strap from Cheetara’s lacy gown had fallen across her arm. Her breasts were nearly spilling from her gown. Nice, he thought. Looking lower, he noticed how round her abdomen had become. Pride filled him once more as he thought of the child he help create growing inside her. Since that morning, they agreed not to make love until they were both ready and instead opted to court each other with long talks, walks around the lair, quiet dinners alone; things done when one dated. Lion-O was ready to make love to Cheetara since day one, but he knew Cheetara needed some time to grow into the role and waited for a signal from her.

With being married to her for nearly five months now, Lion-O was growing aware of Cheetara’s habits. He knew what she liked and seeing her now, her new pregnant form spilling out of her clothes ignited a desire in him he wasn’t willing to squelch. With the right touches and words, he knew he could seduce Cheetara into a night of lovemaking. Cheetara wouldn’t hesitate once he got her started but he wanted Cheetara to come to him on her own. Still, he was a man and not always a patient one at that. It’s been over three months. How much longer would he have to wait? Not anymore he decided.

“Do you know it’s been over three months since you? All of you?”

Cheetara knew what he meant. “Why do you say that? You’ve seen me.”

“Before the pregnancy had full affect on your body, not after.” He tug the other strap down. “I want to see you.” Cheetara looked away, heat filling her cheeks. “Are you ashamed of how you look?”

Cheetara sighed, still not looking at him. “I’m not perfect, Lion-O. I don’t have my hourglass figure anymore,” Cheetara admitted. “I don’t know why you’d want to see me.”

Lion-O cupped her face. “Because you’re my wife. Because I’m deeply attracted to you.” He smiled at her. “I know your body will change, but I want to see it.” He pulled her gown down, revealing her swelling breasts with no resistance from Cheetara. Cheetara closed her eyes, nervous as Lion-O continued to lower the gown, revealing more of her expanding figure. “You’re still beautiful to me.” He traced a finger over her stomach.

“You wouldn’t think that if you knew me,” Cheetara murmured.

“I already know you.”

“No, you don’t. You see me as this perfect woman, but I’m not. I make mistakes. I’ve done things I’m not proud of; things I will forever regret.” She should tell him now and get it over with. She wouldn’t get another moment like this. He would be angry but maybe he would understand once Cheetara explained everything to him.

“I know you’re not perfect,” Lion-O said. “None of us are. I know I’m not. I can be too prideful. I sometimes let my emotions run wild. I let my temper get the best of me. We’ve all done things we’re not proud of, but we move past it and try to better ourselves.”

Better ourselves? Cheetara’s eyes locked with Lion-O’s. She saw his love for her and for the first time, began to see things differently. Why should she ruin what they have over one little mistake? Lion-O admitted to her he’s attracted to her. She knew he love her but never admitted it because of her and she herself was attracted to Lion-O and love him, too. Cheetara wanted to be married and have children and she had that now. It wasn’t how she envisioned it but in the end she got what she wanted so why ruin it by telling Lion-O the truth? It wouldn’t do him any good and it wouldn’t do her any good. Plus with Lion-O on her side, they could deal with Tygra and put an end to his investigation.

“You’ll accept me no matter my faults?” Cheetara asked, hopeful, selfishly hiding the truth.

“No matter your faults,” Lion-O promised.

Cheetara smiled as she moved closer to kiss him. Lion-O eagerly responded as he captured Cheetara in his arms.

“I love you,” Cheetara whispered as Lion-O nibbled her neck.

Lion-O stopped and looked at her touched she admitted her feelings. “I love you, too,” he said and kissed her once more.