Unwanted Entrapment

Part Three

Thanks to the Snarfs’ help, planning Lion-O and Cheetara’s wedding was relatively easy. They got everything done within a week of Lion-O and Cheetara’s announcement. It was a lot of work, but the Snarfs found it a privilege to be working on something that was significant to Thundera’s future. Even Snarf was warming up to the idea of Lion-O and Cheetara marrying. Still, that didn’t stop Snarf from keeping an eye on the two and sleeping in Lion-O’s room so he and Cheetara couldn’t engage in activities meant for married couples.

The ceremony was as small as it could be for the Lord of the ThunderCats. Besides Clan Elders, which were the bulk of the guests, friends from Third Earth--RoBear Bill and Belle, Willa and Nayda-- and the ThunderCats themselves were the only guests. Cheetara wore a simple, yet elegant dress that wasn’t too fitting as she was concealing her pregnancy. Though her figure was still hourglass perfect, she was paranoid something would appear out of place. Lion-O wanted to wait until after the marriage to announce her pregnancy publicly. He didn’t want others thinking it was a shotgun wedding even though in a sense it was.

Cheetara secretly admitted to herself Lion-O dressed very handsomely in his dark suit. While part of her was proud to walk around the room with him on her arm, another part of her felt another woman should be on his arm. A woman who didn’t deceive him into impregnating her. Her guilt heightened when she saw some of the women Lion-O dated at the reception. They were all huddled together giving her the evil eye. It wasn’t Lion-O’s choice to invite them but he did date several of the Elders’ daughters. Sometimes it wasn’t him who initiate the date. Elders threw their daughters at Lion-O for a chance to marry them off and attain higher power for their clan. Cheetara didn’t need telepathy to read their minds.

Lion-O noticed the women, looked at Cheetara then at the women again. He put an arm around Cheetara and lead her to the dance floor.

“I’m sorry,” Cheetara apologized again.

“Don’t be. If I’d picked one of them, the women would be jealous of each other. It’s not you. They all saw each other as competition and told me unflattering things about each other. It was one of reasons I ended it so soon with them.”

“What were the other reasons?”

Lion-O smiled widely as if he knew a really big secret and wasn’t ready yet to tell. Instead, he captured her lips with his own. He pulled away, a wicked grin on his face. “Ask me that question again sometime.”

Cheetara moved closer into Lion-O’s arms. What he said about the women were correct but it didn’t comfort her. As Lion-O held her tighter, she suddenly felt warm. She was getting hot and her head was starting to feel heavy. Lion-O’s words were fading in and out as a terrible wave of nausea rising in her.

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

Lion-O quickly escorted her off the dance floor. He gave her some water but her eyes told him she wasn’t getting better. He said goodnight to the guests, saying he and Cheetara wanted to retire early. This caused a few Elders to smile slyly at Lion-O and laughed like the dirty old men most of them were. If Cheetara wasn’t so sick, she would actually care what they were saying. But all she wanted now was to get out of there.

Once out of the reception hall, Lion-O picked up Cheetara up and carried her to his bedroom. No, Cheetara reminded herself. It was their room now. “You don’t have to do this,” Cheetara said once they entered their room.

“I’m your husband now. It’s my duty to take care of you.” Placing Cheetara on her feet, he added, “You’re my wife and I don’t mean that in name only. Our coming together isn’t normal, but I can’t imagine any other woman as my wife.”

The words surprised her. “Really?”

“Yes.” He placed her on the bed. “How do you feel now? Better?”

“I just had to get out of that room,” Cheetara said, taking off her veil and crown. “It was too warm in there.” She placed a hand on her stomach, trying to will away the nausea. “I think the baby was ready to leave, too.”

“That dress looks too warm,” Lion-O commented and placed a hand on the zipper on her back.

Cheetara jumped away. “What are you doing?”

“Helping you undress,” Lion-O said and catching Cheetara’s look. “I don’t mean that. You said you were warm.”

“Just the same, I prefer to undress myself.” Cheetara stood and stumbled. Lion-O caught her and sat her down on the bed again. Lion-O left for the bathroom and returned seconds later with a cup of water in his hand. He gave it to Cheetara. She drank the water, greedily. “I’m all right. Just dizzy and a bit queasy.”

Without waiting for a response, Lion-O unzipped her dress and helped Cheetara out of it. She was too out of it to argue this time. Lion-O put up her dress and Cheetara felt embarrassed standing in a thin slip, Lion-O said nothing. He covered Cheetara in his thick, black robe and promptly left the room. Cheetara had no idea where Lion-O went so she crawled into bed and waited for his return. Lion-O returned with a bowl of soup and crackers.

“Sit up,” he gently ordered. “I‘ve brought chicken soup and crackers. Pumyra told me that will settle a queasy stomach.”

He was doing this for her? Lion-O was far more mature than Cheetara gave him credit for. She expected him to complain about not being ready for fatherhood, to gripe at her for getting sick on their wedding day but he took to his responsibilities as if it was the most normal thing to do.

Cheetara obediently ate the food and her stomach settled down. Afterwards, she watched Lion-O undressed and slip in bed besides her. Naturally, he’d want her to perform marital duties tonight. That must’ve been why he was so quick to settle her queasy stomach.

“Feeling better?” Lion-O asked.

Cheetara nodded. “Yes. Thank you.” He did settle her stomach. Giving herself to him on their wedding night would be the reasonable thing to do. Still, she couldn’t help but be angry Lion-O settled her stomach so she would sleep with him.

“Get some rest,” Lion-O told her and gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. “Good night.”

Lion-O laid his head on the pillow and closed his eyes. Cheetara stared at him dumbfounded. Lion-O wasn’t going to force her to perform marital duties? He did all that: helping her undress and bringing her food just to make her well again? He was willing to put aside what he wanted to take care of her?

Great. She married a saint. Lying in bed, Cheetara thought over Lion-O’s actions since learning he was going to be a father. The guilt inside her grew. Lion-O was deliriously happy about being a father and he wanted to marry her, not only for his sake but hers. He didn’t want Cheetara to be a single mother. He wanted a part in his child’s life. He didn‘t he was giving Cheetara a child for her own selfish reasons.

The guilt she was feeling left Cheetara tossing and turning into the night. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was just past midnight. She rolled over to see Lion-O sleeping without a care in the world. He was the cause of her guilt and there was only one way to ease it.

Cheetara shook Lion-O gently. “Lion-O,” she whispered. “Lion-O.” Lion-O mumbled something and rolled on his side, his back to her. Typical male. Dead to the world as usual when they slept. Cheetara shook him a little harder. “Lion-O. Lion-O, wake up.”

Lion-O rolled over again, facing her. His eyes were slightly open and unfocused. She wasn’t even sure he was looking at her. Then there was some recognition in his eyes as he cast them downward. Cheetara followed, noticing Lion-O’s robe she wore to bed came loose and the way she was leaning over him, gave Lion-O an inviting sight down her slip.

It wouldn’t be hard to seduce him, Cheetara thought as she kissed him. She pulled away when she felt him respond. Lion-O’s eyes were full of wonder. “Cheetara?”

Cheetara pulled the covers back and allowed the robe to fall off her. She pose seductively for him. “Aren’t you going to help me consummate our vows?”

Lion-O sat up, still sleepy. “Aren’t you ill?”

“I’m fine thanks to you.” Cheetara kissed him again, allowing her hands to roam over his body.

Lion-O pulled away once more, searching her eyes. “Are you sure? We don’t have to rush this. We’re married now and we can do this some other night.”

They could but Cheetara knew Lion-O would be bothered they weren‘t together on this night. She couldn’t even sleep with the guilt that was racking her. “I’m sure,” Cheetara said, moving to kiss him again.

****

Lion-O’s arms were still around her when Cheetara awakened the next morning. Lion-O was clearly content with last night but she wasn’t. She slept with him again. She gave him what he deserve and it made Cheetara feel cheap. Mating with a spouse the night of their marriage was tradition but Cheetara knew they were far from being a normal couple. She tried to think of something else during the act, hoping not to enjoy it but that idea went out the window as soon as Lion-O responded to her seductions.

Cheetara rolled on her stomach and turned away from him. Sunlight was just peeking over the horizon. Cheetara knew Lion-O love his sleep. A clear trait of a member from the lion clan. She thought she had a good twenty minutes to brood before Lion-O awoke but that thought went out the window when she felt Lion-O’s fingers crawling up and down her back. The action caused her to shiver under his touch. She held back a sigh when she felt him nibble her shoulders.

“I know you’re awake, Cheetara.”

Cheetara groaned. Why did he had to wake up so soon? “How come nights are so short and days are so long?”

Lion-O chuckled as he sensually traced a hand up and down her bare back. “If we do in the day what we do at night, then the days wouldn’t be so long.”

Cheetara buried her head under the pillow. “I’m not even half awake and I understood that.”

Lion-O gently rolled Cheetara on her back, exposing her to his eyes. Cheetara pulled the sheet to cover herself but Lion-O stopped her. Cheetara looked at him suspiciously. Just what was he thinking? He stared at her curiously, making Cheetara feel self-conscious. His eyes roam over her body from head to toe.

His eyes met hers again. “You know, I’ve never seen a naked woman before besides you.”

As Lion-O trailed a hand over her body, Cheetara began to understand what Lion-O was doing. He was curiously exploring her, viewing what a female look like exposed. He never had this opportunity to observe before. He touched her stomach, caressing the area where their child was developing. “How do you feel?”

“I’m fine, Lion-O. Why do you keep asking that?”

“You’re pregnant. I know women go through unpleasant symptoms.” When his hand dipped too low, Cheetara smacked his hand away. Lion-O looked at her, surprised. “What’s the matter?” He gaze at her sexily. “Can’t I do what I want with you now?”

“I don’t like the way that sounds,” Cheetara said angrily. Suddenly, Lion-O’s exploring of her didn’t sound like a good idea.

Lion-O looked in her eyes, apologetic. “I didn’t mean anything bad. I’m new to being married. I thought married couples were free to express themselves, which meant you’re free to touch me whenever you want just as I can with you.”

“Yes. No. It’s not like that,” Cheetara said frustrated. How was she to explain this? “At the right time, we can touch each other. Meaning when we’re alone. You can’t just grab my butt whenever and wherever you feel like.”

“Oh, I know that, but at times like this, when we’re here alone, can’t we touch each other? I won’t have any qualms if you touch me.” He grinned mischievously.

Cheetara felt the head spread over her face and down her neck. She knew exactly where he’d like her to touch him.

Lion-O chuckled. “You know, Cheetara, you’re gonna have to get over this blushing. We’re married now. We’re going to see each a lot of each other.”

He had a point but she wasn’t ready for this. Ironic how he’s younger than her and was more mature about the situation than she. “You’re not only my wife, but my closest friend. I trust you.”

“I thought Snarf was your closest friend.”

Lion-O shook his head, grinning. “Nah. You wouldn’t believe the things I kept from him. I never told him about that incident on the mountain where Tygra and Panthro were trapped in the mountain with Slithe and Monkian.”

Cheetara laughed, “He still doesn’t know?”

Lion-O nodded, laughing. “Nope. So, you see, he’s not my closest friend. You are.”

Cheetara warmed at the thought and pushed aside the nagging guilt wanting to ruin the moment. “So, what else have you not told Snarf?”

“Digging dirt on me?”

“Just getting to know you better.”

“Snarf never found out who put shaving cream in his toothpaste. Panthro still thinks the kittens put candy fruit in the Thundertank’s exhaust pipe. Tygra never found out who put the puddle of water in his bed while he slept.”

Cheetara laughed. Lion-O was always a prankster even as a kid. Sometimes that prankster side would come out as an adult. Funny, how Lion-O pulled a prank on everyone except her. Cheetara always thought she was too clever for Lion-O’s pranks. Now she was seeing the true reason.

Tresses of Cheetara’s blonde hair fell across her face. Lion-O pushed it behind her ear. He stared at her admiringly. “You’re so beautiful. I’ve been attracted to you for the longest time. You must’ve noticed that.”

“I did,” Cheetara admitted truthfully.

“When?” Lion-O asked eagerly.

“For a person who loves to sleep in, you really looked forward to our morning runs. You were always trying to help me out with anything, and spending time with me in the Control Room while I was stuck on monitor duty? That was a dead give away there.”

“I was that obvious?” He laughed at his behavior. “I actually miss our training runs. We should do that again after the baby’s born.”

Cheetara poke his chest playfully. “I’ll hold you to that.” She smiled coyly at him as she twirled her fingers in the sheets. “You know. I thought you’ve gotten over your crush on me. Ever since the returning to Thundera, things have been so professional between us and then you began dating those women….” She shrugged at a lost for words. “I don’t know. I thought you were over me.”

“You never knew why I dated so many women. Sure others might have said I was sowing my royal oats or taking advantage of my youth and looks by being a playboy, but really I was looking for a wife to settle down with and have a family.”

Cheetara lips parted, surprised at his words. “But you’re so young.”

“I’m only twenty-four and I’ve been through a lot in my lifetime. I’m young but I am aware of my own mortality.” He laid back on the bed, quietly thinking to get his words together. He never discussed this serious matter with anyone before until now. “I’ve come close to death several times, Cheetara. My run-ins with Mumm-Ra, the Lunatacs and Mutants have caused me to grow up a lot faster and sees things from new perspectives. I value every day I’m alive. I’m the last heir to my family’s line as Lord of the ThunderCats and if I die before I have an heir, Thundera will be in disarray.” He rolled on his side, staring at her. “I’ve been reading up on my family’s history. It’s very rare a Lord of the ThunderCats die of natural causes. In most cases, he dies in battle. That might be me one day.”

Cheetara grabbed him suddenly. “No!”

Lion-O didn’t react. He accepted his fate. “It’s possible it will happen with me, too. The Lunatacs and Mutants are defeated but there will be others and there‘s still Mumm-Ra. I can only dodge the hand of death so many times.” His eyes fell to her stomach. “Should I die, I want you to be taken care of.”

Cheetara’s eyes misted. She never thought Lion-O thought on such serious matters. She greatly underestimated his maturity and once more he was looking out for her. She was a fool, a selfish fool. All this time she thought of the child and what it would mean for her. Never once did she consider what it would mean for Lion-O. “Lion-O, I---”

Lion-O silenced her with a kiss. He stroke her cheek gently. “Don’t cry, Cheetara. It’s the way of life. As Tygra has said, ‘It’s best to be prepared.’” Lion-O rolled his eyes, realizing what he said. “Man, Tygra said that a lot. Every time we all wanted to do something together; whether it was swimming--‘Does everyone remember CPR? You never know what will happen. It’s best to be prepared.’ Or when we had a barbecue. ‘Everyone remember their fire safety skills when barbecuing. It’s best to be prepared.’ Or how about when we went skiing on Hook Mountain. ‘Don’t forget your snow gear. It’s best to be prepared.’” Lion-O groaned. “I swear sometimes Tygra pisses me off with that stuff.”

Cheetara laughed loudly. This was a side to Lion-O she never knew. He always listened to Tygra and said he valued his opinion. She never thought Lion-O would think Tygra was anal as she and Panthro thought. She laughed louder thinking of the talks she and Panthro would have of Tygra. Panthro thought about bringing Lion-O into their talk, but Cheetara was against it, thinking Lion-O wouldn’t be happy if we talked about other ThunderCats this way. How wrong she was!

“You know, Panthro always said if Tygra had one good night of lovin’, he wouldn’t be so anal.” Lion-O laughed and Cheetara added, “I think he has a crush on Willa.”

“Willa?” That threw Lion-O. “Why?”

“Have you ever noticed how his behavior changed after the bombardment with the Mutants?” Cheetara asked. “I used to think Tygra had camaraderie admiration for Willa because she saved his life with the geyser, but after the bombardment, he talked about her a lot, always volunteered when we went to the Treetop Kingdom.”

“You mean when he volunteered to become invisible with Nayda to free Willa from the Mutants?” Lion-O inquired.

“Yes. I bet he wishes it was Willa he was stuck to, but also think back at your anointment ceremony where he danced with Willa a lot, and he volunteered to go to Third Earth to bring Willa and the others to our wedding ceremony.”

When Cheetara said it like that, the evidence did add up. “I never thought of it like that.”

“You’re a man,” Cheetara pointed out. “You don’t think of things like that.”

Lion-O raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you calling me slow?”

Cheetara winked. “If the shoe fits, Handsome.” She shrieked as Lion-O pounced on her, attacking her with tickles and kisses.

Lion-O proclaimed victory when his body pinned her down. There was no modesty with Lion-O subtly moving against her. “This is an interesting position. Maybe I can interrogate you now.”

Uh-oh. Cheetara didn’t like this idea. She struggled against him but Lion-O held her at bay. “Remember, Cheetara, the more you keep struggling. The more my body is gonna react.” Cheetara stopped. “Good.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Tell me when were you attracted to me?”

He subtly rubbed against her and she held back a moan. He was his own truth serum on her. “I can’t pinpoint an exact moment but I worried about you a lot. I think my sixth sense was tune to you more than the ThunderCats. I’ve always thought you were handsome. As you grew more into a man, more into your role as Lord of the ThunderCats, you’ve matured, become wiser and a better leader than anyone imagine.”

Lion-O smiled, touched at her words. “I’m glad you saw me differently as I grew over the years.” He leaned closer and kissed her. Cheetara locked an arm around his neck returning the kiss. “This will work,” he vowed solemnly, planting kisses along her neck. “I promise.”

They heard a knock at the door and ignored it as they were too involved with themselves. “Lion-O? Cheetara? It’s Snarf. I know it’s the day after your wedding and all but it’s almost nine. It’s time for you to get up and start your day.”

Cheetara giggled at the irritated look on Lion-O’s face. “He pisses me off, too,” he said to her and to Snarf he yelled, “All right, Snarf. Give us another half hour.” He looked at Cheetara still annoyed with Snarf. “There goes our perfect morning. We should’ve went somewhere on our honeymoon.”

“There’s no time for one, but I think this morning went rather well.”

“That’s you, Cheetara. Always looking on the bright side.” He took Cheetara’s left hand in his own and kissed it. Linking their hands together, he stared at the diamond ring he gave her on their wedding day. His eyes turned to her and Cheetara could melt with the sincere love he had in his eyes for her. “No matter what happens…if we’re apart…or if one of us dies, I will always remember this morning.” He kissed her again and rolled off her. Sitting up in bed, he stared out the window, watching the morning sun fill the sky. He laughed.

Cheetara sat up and leaned on him. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. I was thinking. Our coming together was rather abrupt. I know you still have doubts. So let’s not force ourselves into anything we don’t want to do.”

Cheetara pulled away, looking at him, her nerves on its end. “What do you mean about that?”

Lion-O looked at her, very aware of her sudden pull. “You seem nervous when I was on top of you and I question your feelings for me. And last night, I got the feeling you wanted to be with me because you felt you should. We are both physically and mentally attracted to each other, Cheetara, but we were never a courting couple.” He took her hand in his once more, squeezing softly. “We’re going to be together for a long, long time. Let’s allow our happiness and love to grow naturally.”

When did Lion-O become so mature? There were many sides to the Lord of the ThunderCats. She always saw the mature, level headed leader in battle. Never the personal mature side of Lion-O. One she was increasingly becoming drawn, too. She smiled when he put an arm around her. “I couldn’t agree with you more.”

Aw! The first steps to love! Take me to Part Four!

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