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Tau had it easy. As a prominent leader of the strongest pride in the region, he had everything he could ask for. None of the nearby lion prides dared challenge the burly lion's authority. He had a prosperous pride, and a respectable harem of beautiful lionesses beneath him. There was one major hitch, however: a shapely young otter.

It started when Tau set eyes upon the otter while scouting the herds one evening. The otter hadn't noticed him for some time, allowing Tau to observe as he bathed in the river. It wasn't until he was finished that the lutrine had noticed the fearsome predator spying on him. He'd thought to run, but knew better of it. A healthy feline could easily outrun him.

Much to his surprise, though, he quickly discovered that Tau was more interested in romance than food. The pair quickly developed a clandestine relationship, which put Tau in a precarious situation. If his love-interest was discovered, he could be cast out from his own pride. Inter-species mingling was strictly forbidden, as it jeopardized the strength of the pride. Ironically, it was a rule that Tau himself enforced.

Despite the inherent danger, Tau and the otter frequently met up, under the guise of tracking the herds. The other lions didn't question Tau, knowing better of it. The first meetings were casual, the pair occasionally cuddling up and exchanging brief kisses. Their relationship quickly grew more physical, however, with some trysts leaving surrounding wildlife quite startled at the lewd moans rising from the brush.

After a close call with a hunting lioness, however, Tau decided it best to limit how often he visited the handsome young male. He'd nearly been caught in the act by one of his closest friends, something that gave the lion a harsh dose of reality. The possibility of breaking off his relationship with the otter weighed heavily on Tau's mind, something that began to reflect in his outward appearance.

The evening of a nearly-full moon was no exception. The lion was restless as ever. Despite multiple attempts, he couldn't sleep or find a comfortable position to rest. His friend had taken notice, and decided to investigate.

Hearing someone moving toward him, Tau lifted his head. He smiled softly as his close friend, Leandra, approached him. She dipped her head down and lightly bumped her forehead against the muscled lion's in greeting.

"What's wrong, Tau? You've been awfully withdrawn lately."

The lion sighed heavily. He remained silent for several seconds as he carefully considered how to respond to the question without further piquing suspicion. The lion had entrusted Leandra with a fair number of secrets in his lifetime, but this was one that he felt he shouldn't part with.

"Just concerned with the migration. Moving the pride is always a huge undertaking."

The lioness chuckled softly as she cuddled up to the large male. "You always get yourself all worked up over it. It's always gone on without a hitch; every single time."

"I still worry that something will happen," he replied quietly as a soft breeze rustled the grass. He was relieved that she'd bought his reply.

"I'm sure it will be fine, just like it always has been," she reassured. She lightly slipped an arm around the lion's waist and leaned up to kiss his cheek.

Tau remained silent as his thoughts dwelled on the otter. If he was lucky, the migration of the herds would carry him away from the male and his problem would solve itself. That also meant abandoning the otter that he had grown so fond of. The thought weighed heavily on him.

"Is there something else?" Leandra asked gently, breaking the prolonged silence.

The lion opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again and shook his head. He eased himself away from Leandra and stood up, sighing heavily. She gave in inquisitive look as she watched him move away from his bed and reach for a small leather pouch.

"What's really wrong, Tau?" she asked softly.

"I can't sleep. I'm going to go out for a bit."

"Could I come with you? You seem like you could use the company."

"No," Tau replied coldly. "I want to be alone."

The lioness's ears flattened as she watched Tau step out of the tribal tent. "Something's gotten into you lately, Tau. You haven't been acting like yourself."

Leandra's words made Tau's blood run cold. He paused and looked back at her, meeting a concerned gaze. Sighing heavily, he turned away and made a hasty retreat. He periodically peered over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't being followed as he left camp. Fortunately, Leandra didn't pursue him. She knew better of it. He moved swiftly through the tall grass, abandoning stealth to speed. He wanted to put distance between himself and his pride's encampment quickly.

The lioness's words weighed heavily on Tau. He wanted to spend more time with his forbidden lover, but had a sense of duty to his pride to fulfill. He was torn between the two. Tau knew he would eventually have to make a decision; life in exile with the otter he had fallen for, or sever ties with the otter and remain as the pride's loyal leader. He couldn't have both.

Tau eventually found himself standing at the top of a familiar location. A tall hill not far from the encampment offered an ideal scouting position. It was his favorite place to go when he needed to follow the herds; or get away from his people. A heavy sigh escaped the lion as he crouched, fixing his eyes on the plains below. The moonlight lit up the ground, giving the lion a clear view of his surroundings.

A soft breeze rustled the grass as Tau watched the herds graze. He only had a moment to observe before a new scent caught his attention, however. The lion sat up and sniffed at the air as another rush of wind carried the scent toward him. It was a familiar one. The lion gazed around, surveying his surroundings. For the moment, though, he couldn't spot anyone.

Taking several rapid breaths through his nose, Tau realized why the scent was familiar. His suspicion was confirmed moments later when a thick, tapered tail poked up through the grass. The motion was deliberate, the tail waving lightly as if taunting the mighty feline. Turning, tau chuckled and readied himself to pounce. He crept closer until he was at an ideal range, then leapt forward onto his intended target.

A shriek rang out as the lion landed on top of a chocolate-brown otter, pinning him to the ground on his belly. Instead of struggling for his life, however, a chorus of giggles erupted as the lutrine wiggled beneath Tau's heavy paws. The lion leaned close and licked the otter between the ears, then spoke softly to him.

"Your scent gave you away, D'Nath. Never approach a lion when he's downwind."

The otter twisted himself around when Tau let up, rolling onto his back. A pink tongue poked out at the feline as the slender lutrine giggled. "Well, I'm not the master prowler here. That's your job."

The lion dipped down to lick fondly over the bridge of the otter's muzzle. "What are you doing up here, hun? It's not safe for an otter out here."

The brown lutrine smiled brightly. "I thought I'd surprise you. I figured you'd be up here sooner or later, since it's almost a full moon and this is your favorite lookout."

"You're going to get me in trouble one of these days," Tau commented quietly. He brushed his large paws over the otter's waist, making the smaller male squirm lightly and bat at his hands.

"I made sure you were alone first," the otter replied. He nuzzled fondly into the lion's thick mane, his webbed fingers brushing over the feline's broad chest.

"And what if I wasn't?" the lion observed. "If you'd approached the same way, one of the lionesses might have mistaken you for a late-night snack."

D'Nath scoffed quietly. "Always such a pessimist. You should lighten up, Tau."

"I wouldn't be the leader of my pride, if I didn't think of important details like that." Tau frowned as he moved off of D'Nath, letting him sit up properly.

The otter suspected something was up. Tau was generally cheery and playful when they had met up in the past. This evening, he seemed rather distant and a bit standoffish. He slid over and looped his arms around the lion's waist, giving him a friendly hug. "Is something bothering you, hun? You're acting differently tonight."

Tau gave the same answer he'd given earlier to that question. "The migration of the herds will be happening soon. Very soon. Moving the pride to follow the migration path is not an easy undertaking."

"Tau, the fearless leader who rules the strongest lion pride on the Savannah, is concerned about the migration."

The lion growled softly at the otter's words. "It's not easy, keeping my pride safe while following the herds. We've been ambushed in the past."

D'Nath could detect growing hostility in the cat's voice. He decided it would be best to choose his words a bit more carefully. "Well, how soon will it happen?"

"The herds have already begun to move," the lion replied quietly. He gestured with a paw, explaining the progression of the herds to the otter while he pointed out the path. "They generally follow the same route each year, though it can deviate if the season has been unusually wet or dry."

The otter perked up as Tau explained the likeliest direction. "That will take you right past my village!" A knot formed in Tau's stomach immediately. "We won't have to trek so far to meet," D'Nath continued cheerily.

"I see," Tau replied, a hushed tone in his voice. The lion's tail flicked through the grass with mild agitation. This greatly increased the chances of his secret being discovered. Having his little tryst exposed while moving the pride could be a disaster, for both Tau and the pride itself.

"I can't wait," the otter giggled, rubbing his paws along Tau's waist. "We don't get to meet nearly as often as I'd like."

When the otter's paws began to roam, Tau squirmed anxiously. He needed some time alone to think. The otter's observation posed a serious problem. He attempted to stand, but D'Nath pulled him back down. The otter's thick tail wagged playfully as he pulled himself into Tau's lap and draped his arms around the lion's neck.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked quietly. His hips wiggled in Tau's lap, sliding his streamlined frame close to the handsome feline.

Tau opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself. He gazed deep into the otter's brown eyes, taking in the warmth that he'd grown so fond of. They glistened with mischief as D'Nath wiggled again, making Tau shift beneath him. The lion growled softly, but this time with affection instead of frustration. Giving in to his partner's seduction, Tau allowed his mind to ease. He pushed away his concerns and focused on the slender male in his lap, hugging the otter's body firmly against his own. His paws ventured down to the otter's rump and gave a firm squeeze as he grinned.

"Okay, hun. You win. I'll stay here and keep you company."

A giggling shriek followed as Tau pounced forward, pinning the otter on his back in the cool grass. The moon glowed brightly over the two lovers as the minutes passed. The night sky was peppered with soft giggling that faded into quiet gasps, and eventually the muffled moans of two lovers sharing themselves with one another...

* * * * * * * * * *

Tau was careful to keep quiet as he returned to his tent. He pushed the flap aside and stepped inside, silently slipping his leather satchel off. He paused when he gazed to his bed, where a familiar lioness had taken residence. Leandra was sleeping soundly, undisturbed by the leader's hushed entrance. Tau sighed quietly and looked to Leandra's usual bed, which was unoccupied. He was tempted to take it.

As Tau gazed back to the peaceful lioness, their earlier exchanged replayed in his mind. Feeling guilty that he'd been so cold, he eventually decided to join her. He cautiously pulled away the fur blanket and slid in next to her. The lioness's arm draped over his waist almost immediately. A surprised grunt escaped the lion's throat as she embraced him firmly and nuzzled his thick mane.

"About time you got back," she whispered softly to him.

Tau fidgeted nervously. She hadn't been asleep at all. His mind scrambled to find something to say, but words never came.

"I was hoping you'd get back before I fell asleep," she continued quietly. "I've been worried about you, Tau."

"I'm fine," the lion reassured quietly. "I just needed to unwind."

As the lioness nuzzled through Tau's mane, she could detect a familiar musk in his fur. She couldn't help but grin lightly to herself, wondering what sort of "unwinding" the lion had been up to. As she continued to take in the pleasant scent, a new aroma caught her attention. Curious, she began to sniff at Tau's fur a bit more intently. She picked up the scent of another male on his pelt, detecting a subtle fishiness in it.

"Tau, did you have a little run-in with someone while you were out there?"

Tau froze at the direct question as a chill rushed over his body. He knew that remaining silent would be admitting guilt. He inhaled deeply to calm his nerves, then spoke up. "I did, yes. Was interrupted by an otter while I was watching the herds. Nothing to be too concerned about, though."

It was the truth, though he omitted the circumstances regarding his "run-in" with D'Nath. A soft yawn escaped Leandra's lips, accompanied by a nod. "Mmh, glad it turned out all right."

"Yeah, so am I," Tau said quietly. In truth, it wasn't okay at all. He'd forgotten to bathe before he returned home, putting himself at risk. He was lucky that Leandra didn't seem to question further.

Leandra mumbled something, but when Tau asked her to repeat it she didn't respond. He peered over his shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief when he realized she was sleeping soundly. He lightly hugged her arms against his body as he relaxed, content that she wouldn't be asking him any further questions. Exhausted from his outing, Tau was quick to join her in sleep. The male slept restlessly, his dreams flooded with vivid images of his forbidden lover.

The next morning, Tau gathered the pride to address them. The time to pack up the encampment and move out was drawing close. Tau did his best to maintain a confident demeanor, despite his mind dwelling on the precarious situation he was in. He tried not to look too guilty as he explained the route they would be taking.

When Tau finished giving instructions to his pride, he quietly excused himself. The lion had an important decision to make, and he wanted to be alone to contemplate. He periodically looked over his shoulder to ensure he wasn't being followed as he made his way up to the hill he frequented. The sun was burning brightly in the sky, giving the lion an impressive view of the savannah. He lightly sniffed at the air as he scanned for intruders, relieved to find none. The otter's scent still lingered in the grass, however, reminding him of the previous night's romp.

Tau sighed heavily and slumped forward. "Ugh, what am I going to do?" he wondered aloud. The lion was torn between his decisions. His proud role as leader prevented him from simply running off with the young otter that had captured his interest. He was in an enviable position. On the other hand, he'd never felt this strongly for someone before, much less someone outside of his own species. He dwelled silently on the matter for several minutes before the distinct rustling of footsteps in the grass caught his attention. Tau growled softly to warn the potential intruder as he turned. He was surprised to find Leandra approaching.

"What are you doing up here, Leandra?" Tau asked quietly. "You're supposed to be assisting the pride."

"Tau, I've seen the look in your eyes. Others may be fooled, but I'm not," she replied firmly. "You're keeping something to yourself. Whatever it is, you need to let it go."

The male lion looked stunned. He remained silent for several seconds, pondering how he should respond to her demand. Perhaps it would be best to admit his situation. "I have a difficult decision to make, Leandra," he finally admitted. "One that could significantly change the future of the pride."

The lioness looked rather taken aback by Tau's response. It certainly wasn't an answer she had been anticipating. "What are you planning, Tau?"

The male shook his head lightly. "I can't tell you that right now, Leandra. I trust you more than anyone, but this is a decision that I alone can make."

Leandra opened her mouth to protest, but stopped. She knew better. Nodding softly, she eased her arms around Tau's waist and hugged him. "Very well. I'll leave it at that, Tau. I trust you to do what's best for the pride."

The words felt like a dagger twisting in Tau's side. He nodded to Leandra and leaned down to nuzzle her forehead. "I promise, I will. Now, return to the pride and help get things ready for the move. They need you."

As Leandra turned and began to step away, she paused. Glancing over her shoulder, she gazed intently at Tau. "Your pride needs you as well, Tau. More than they need me."

The lion's stomach turned as Leandra departed, her words echoing in his mind. It had been a harsh slap to the face, but she was absolutely right. The lion sighed heavily. As badly as he wanted to be with his secret lover, he knew what he should do. It wouldn't be an easy task, one way or another. Tau focused his attention on the grazing herds as he pondered how to handle the situation. He didn't want to just abandon the lutrine without a word.

Tau's brow furrowed as he pored over the possibilities of how he would handle the situation. Leandra's words haunted the lion as he began to form a plan. Minutes passed as he developed an idea of how he could part ways with the otter, until he ran into a hitch and was forced to start over. Tau repeated this process several times, growing increasingly frustrated with each version. Some plans seemed better than others, but inevitably the lion threw them out.

The lion's thought process was eventually interrupted by a deep groan from his belly. Snapped from his plotting, Tau lifted a paw to gently stroke his midsection. It occurred to him that he'd been so preoccupied with the otter that he hadn't eaten in quite a while. The lionesses wouldn't set out hunt until sunset, however. Perhaps he could find something to tide himself over in the meantime.

When Tau's stomach growled angrily a second time, a bolt of inspiration struck the lion. There was a sound method that Tau could employ to solve the issue for good. It was something he'd done in the past to reliably rid himself of troublesome rivals. As he stroked his empty gut to soothe it, he frowned. Could he actually bring himself to do it again, much less to someone he loved?

** * * * * * * * *

While generally calm and collected, Tau was currently nervous as ever. His mind was a blur as he paced back and forth. Currently alone, he was waiting less-than-patiently for his illicit lover to arrive. Tau had tracked him down earlier that day, much to D'Nath's excitement. Despite the otter's usual over-eagerness to flirt, Tau convinced him to meet under the full moon. The lion had been there since sundown, giving him plenty of time to second-guess himself.

Resting beside the lion's well-worn pacing trail was a small package, covered by a thin cloth. The contents shifted noisily now and then, accompanied by tiny voices. Tau growled when the shaking became especially loud, interrupting his thought process. He gave the cage a soft kick, causing a number of shrieks to rise from beneath the covering.

"Quiet down in there, or I'll eat the lot of you myself."

The lion's warning was effective. The rattling ceased immediately, leaving Tau in silence. He muttered softly as he gazed up at the bright moon and sighed. His tail lashed back and forth with silent agitation as he resumed pacing. His plans for the evening weighed heavily on his mind, as well as his heart. He wasn't sure if he could follow through with it. Part of him was tempted to leave a farewell note on the small bundle and flee before D'Nath could arrive. It would be easier on his emotions than what he was planning to do.

A soft rustle in the grass snapped Tau from his intense thought process. The lion froze in his tracks, ears erect as he listened intently. His eyes scanned his surroundings, the tip of his tail gently flicking back and forth. The lion's nostrils flared as he sniffed deeply, searching for a scent on the breeze. He couldn't detect anything unusual, however. Perhaps it had been some small rodent foraging for food.

Tau pushed it from his mind as he focused his attention on the valley below. He only had a moment to relax, though. A loud chirp rose from the grass immediately behind Tau. The lion turned just as a dark figure leapt at him. Caught completely off guard, Tau ended up flat on his back. His first instinct was to throw off his attacker and go on the offensive, but as his muscles tensed up, a familiar scent wafted across his nose.

Sporting a cheeky smirk, D'Nath leaned down and nuzzled the lion fondly. "Caught you."

The lion grumbled softly, but wrapped his arms around his lutrine friend. "How did you manage to sneak up on me?"

The otter smiled proudly. "I took your advice to heart. Don't approach when you're downwind."

"I'm sure the fact that I was distracted didn't hurt," the lion chuckled.

"Oh? What's on your mind, Tau?" The otter's fingers rubbed lightly through the lion's fur as he got comfortable on top of the large feline.

"Just...thinking about us," the lion said quietly. He was deliberately vague.

"Thinking about me?" the otter giggled. "That's so sweet."

Tau began to purr quietly as the otter's paws roamed over his chest. He allowed himself to be distracted by the otter's attention, pushing his earlier concern away. His own large paws stroked over the otter's back, smoothing out the oiled fur. The two lovers didn't say a word for several seconds as they embraced one another, sharing a quiet moment under the moonlight.

D'Nath's small, round ears perked up when he detected a soft rustling nearby. He gazed away from his feline companion and laid eyes upon the small, covered bundle that had accompanied Tau. Curious, the otter sat up and focused his attention on it. The tip of his tapered tail flicked slowly back and forth as he listened intently. He could hear muffled voices and soft whimpering rising from beneath the cloth.

The lion chuckled when he realized what had captured the otter's focus. He didn't prevent D'Nath from reaching for the small cage. The otter pulled off the drape, then giggled as he gazed at the contents of the small enclosure. Three tiny creatures were contained within, shrinking back with fear when the otter leaned toward them. They were all anthro like Tau and D'Nath, but stood only a few inches tall. Two of them were mice, and the other a white cheetah.

"Where did you find them?" D'Nath asked softly.

"They're rather elusive," Tau chuckled as he sat up. "I have a talent for sniffing them out, but I never divulge my secrets."

"They look so adorable," the otter giggled. He reached down and gave the cheetah a poke, causing the small feline to shriek and cower in fear.

"Well, don't get too attached," Tau purred. He slid in behind the otter and looped his arms around D'Nath's waist to embrace him, lightly tracing his paws over the otter's belly. "I got them as a gift for you, but they're meant to be snacks, not pets."

The otter grinned. "That's so sweet of you. I certainly wouldn't say no to a handful of little morsels like these." He reached for the cage latch, but Tau lightly slapped his paw away.

"Ah-ah, not so fast," the lion chuckled. "You just get comfy, hun. I want to spoil you tonight."

"Well, if you insist," D'Nath replied. When Tau sat down beside the small cage, he helped himself into the lion's lap and cuddled up to him. One of the lion's arms looped around his waist to hug him close while the other undid the latch on top of the cage. The three creatures inside shrunk back in fear as the door opened and an enormous feline paw reached in. A flurry of motion rattled the cage as the occupants darted quickly to avoid being snatched. Without much room to escape, however, it was easy for Tau to grab one.

"Close your eyes, hun," Tau instructed. He lightly squeezed his paw around the struggling mouse that he'd captured to ensure it didn't slip free.

When the otter closed his eyes, Tau lifted the small mouse to his own face. He licked his lips, grinning at the whimpering rodent. Without a word, Tau slipped the small creature into his mouth. A fearful shriek accompanied the hasty motion, though it was quickly muffled. Sealing his lips around the small morsel, Tau suckled lightly as he leaned toward his lutrine companion. The otter waited patiently, blushing when he felt the familiar warmth of Tau's breath on his face.

The otter squeaked in surprise when the lion's lips touched his in a loving kiss. He had been expecting a squirming snack, not this. A soft, pleased sigh escaped D'Nath as he leaned into Tau, his thick tail swishing contently. He wasn't yet aware of the morsel that was now struggling against Tau's tongue, but he would be soon enough.

Tau was careful to push the small mouse against the roof of his mouth, causing the morsel to squeak in protest. He held it in place as his lips brushed over his lover's in a passionate kiss. D'Nath cooed softly to him, parting his lips a bit to deepen the kiss. Seizing the opportunity, Tau rocked his tongue against the whimpering rodent and thrust his body forward. The slickened mouse slid smoothly from one maw to the other.

Feeling a squirming body pass over his lips, D'Nath blushed deeply. His tongue met Tau's briefly as the lion took the liberty of exploring a little before it pulled back. The taste of the small mouse on his tongue made D'Nath drool a bit. He pressed it against the roof of his mouth and suckled lightly, drawing out the flavor as he pressed more firmly against Tau's lips, his kiss becoming a bit more passionate.

A pleased coo escaped the otter's throat as Tau's tongue dove past his lips once more. The slippery appendage pressed itself against the small mouse and eased it deeper into the otter's maw. The rodent squeaked and tried to grab onto something as his body slid toward the dark pit at the back of the otter's throat. Tau's tongue was persistent, however. Thrusting it deeper into his lover's muzzle, he smoothly pushed the protesting mouse into D'Nath's gullet.

The otter's gullet squeezed reflexively when the whimpering mouse was introduced. The lion's tongue gave a push to help it along, lewdly brushing itself over D'Nath's own warm tongue in the process. Another deeper, more intentional swallow pulled the mouse the rest of the way in. The rodent's body disappeared swiftly, a small but noticeable bulge sliding along the otter's neck. It disappeared beneath the lutrine's ribcage as an efficient wave of motion pushed the helpless snack to his gut.

Even after the small mouse disappeared, Tau continued to brush his tongue along the otter's own silky appendage. D'Nath crooned sweetly into the deep kiss as the mouse settled into his belly, pushing and struggling futilely in the fleshy prison. One of Tau's paws rose up to rub softly over the otter's belly. Though he couldn't directly feel the small rodent's body inside, the faint struggling was detectable.

Somewhat reluctantly, Tau withdrew his tongue from the otter's muzzle and broke the kiss. A pleased sigh escaped his lover a moment later. D'Nath fondly nuzzled into the lion's thick mane and give him another kiss, stroking lightly over Tau's shoulders. The lion reached to the cage blindly and slipped a paw in, groping around for the next snack. His paw fumbled for a few seconds, following the fleeing creatures before he managed to snatch one.

Tau glanced down for a moment and chuckled. He'd captured the other rodent that remained, leaving the one feline in the cage. He snapped the lid shut to ensure that tiny cheetah wouldn't escape, then brought the small brown mouse to his lips. The otter's round ears perked up when he heard soft whimpering just above him. He lifted his gaze just in time to see the small rodent disappear between the lion's lips.

Smirking lightly, Tau placed his now-empty paw beneath the otter's chin. He leaned toward D'Nath as he tipped the otter's muzzle up and placed another loving kiss on his lips. This time, however, he kept the small mouse to himself for the time being. He pinned the rodent against the roof of his mouth firmly, ensuring that he wouldn't accidentally swallow it.

As the two kissed, Tau's paws began to roam over the otter's back. He kneaded downward gradually until he reached the thick base of D'Nath's tail. The soft touch made the otter squirm in Tau's lap with a soft, pleased groan. The lion knew it was a soft spot, and often enjoyed exploiting it to get the otter warmed up.

With a pleased whine, D'Nath lightly pushed his tongue against Tau's lips. The lion resisted him at first, teasing the otter with another soft grope at his tail. When the otter's tongue pushed more firmly against his lips, however, Tau allowed him inside. D'Nath immediately found the small rodent that was helplessly pinned against the roof of the lion's maw. The tip of his tongue pushed against it, threatening to pop the mouse free and send him sliding toward Tau's throat.

The lion was quick to react. The morsel was intended for the otter, not himself. His tongue arched up behind the mouse to prevent it from going down the wrong throat. Inching the whimpering snack forward, Tau carefully maneuvered it across D'Nath's tongue. The otter smiled lightly when he realized what Tau was up to and flattened his tongue to accept the mouse. With another soft push, the rodent passed to the otter's maw.

The tip of D'Nath's tongue curled, easing the small mouse toward the back of his throat. He could feel tiny paws scrambling to grab at something, anything to prevent the mouse's demise. The otter didn't leave him the chance to do so. As soon as the small rodent touched the back of his throat, he swallowed deeply. With a fading shriek, the snack disappeared down the otter's throat to join the first in his belly.

Tau eased a paw between himself and the otter to lightly rub D'Nath's belly once more. He squeezed and rolled it, making the otter croon softly at the attention. Each time the lion's digits pressed against his stomach, the struggling snacks insides would push back. One was distinctly more animated than the other. Tau grinned and lifted his paw away from his lover's belly as he gazed into the otter's eyes.

"Last one, sweetie. Make it count."

D'Nath nodded as he watched the lion's paw dip into the cage again. The small white feline darted to one end to avoid the lion's fingers, narrowly avoiding capture. Tau growled softly and quickly clapped his paw over the corner, pinning the cheetah in place. A series of loud shrieks and panicked chirping erupted from the feline as he struggled. He had a bit of trouble properly snaring the white cheetah, but Tau eventually managed to snag the cat's scruff. The cat's limbs scrambled futilely as Tau lifted him from the cage, letting him dangle from his fingers.

The otter admired the unusual spotted feline as he struggled. He'd never before seen a tiny cheetah, much less a white one. He felt privileged that it was being offered to him as a gift. D'Nath leaned toward the cheetah and pressed his large black nose against the whimpering cat. He inhaled deeply to take in the small creature's scent, much to the feline's displeasure. A tiny pair of paws pushed against his nose in an attempt to shoo the otter away. D'Nath was persistent, however. He took several more deep breaths, ruffling the cat's short fur.

A pink tongue flicked out and dragged slowly over the cat's body. The cheetah wrinkled his muzzle and turned away, eyed clenched tightly shut when the otter's tongue passed over his face. He protested loudly, but the language was unfamiliar to either of the larger creatures. D'Nath ignored his unintelligible shrieks and continued to lick at the small feline as Tau watched with a smirk.

"Open up and say 'ahh,' sweetie," the lion chuckled. He jiggled the cheetah lightly, eliciting more angry gibberish from the tiny cat.

D'Nath nodded with a playful smile. He crouched down a bit and tipped his muzzle up, parting his lips. His pink tongue lolled out, extending over his lower jaw. The cheetah's struggling strengthened considerably as Tau dangled him over the otter's open maw. Tau's intentions were clear, but he wasn't going to go without a fight. He continued to swat at the air, unable to reach Tau's fingers as he was lowered toward the patiently waiting tongue.

A soft growl escaped the otter's throat when the kicking paws met his tongue, bouncing against it harmlessly. Tau lowered the spotted cat into the otter's muzzle feet-first, admiring the sight. When the cat was waist-deep, the otter's lips snapped around his body. D'Nath caressed the cheetah's body with his tongue, soaking the poor feline in drool. The cheetah was quickly wearing himself down, but still put up a fight as the otter tasted him.

As the otter's tongue rolled over the small feline, Tau leaned toward his lover. His lips parted and slid smoothly over the cheetah's torso until he met D'Nath with a rather unusual kiss. A soft coo rose around the small cheetah as D'Nath leaned toward Tau, easing his tongue back to allow the lion access to the wiggling morsel. The cat pushed blindly at his surroundings as a pair of tongues groped at his body, trying to fend off the assault to no avail.

Tau was tempted to snatch the spotted snack from his lover as he licked at the cheetah's body. The small cat was surprisingly pleasant on his taste buds. He explored every inch of the cat's body he could reach, occasionally brushing over the otter's own tongue in the process. The rough feline tongue playfully wrestled with D'Nath for dominance, a challenge that the otter eagerly accepted.

When the otter's tongue thrust toward him, Tau relented. He allowed his lover to scoop the cheetah away from him, yielding to D'Nath's determination to claim his snack. The lion's tongue followed the squirming cat toward the otter's throat, giving gentle push to ease the cheetah in feet-first. A pair of tiny paws scrambled to catch Tau's tongue in an attempt to avoid the inevitable as a pleasant gulp whisked the cheetah down into the slippery passage. Tau fondly caressed over his lover's tongue as it eased back, listening to the soft slurps of the cheetah being whisked toward D'Nath's gut with the other two snacks.

Somewhat reluctantly, Tau freed his tongue from the otter's mouth. A happy sigh rose from D'Nath's throat as the kiss was broken, his eyes fluttering open. The lion gazed intently into his lover's brown eyes, his tail flicking slowly. D'Nath's eyes shined brightly in the moonlight, accompanied by a twinkle of mischief that gave away the otter's excitement. Tau knew what his lutrine partner wanted.

To remove any doubt, the otter's hips wagged lightly in Tau's lap. The motion was clearly deliberate, but it effectively conveyed the otter's wishes. The lion chuckled quietly and leaned in until his nose bumped D'Nath's. A moment later their lips met once more in a brief, but distinctly passionate kiss.

As Tau drew back, he gently placed his fingers beneath the otter's chin. He tipped it up to keep their gazes locked, offering D'Nath a warm smile that masked what he was planning to do. He did his best to maintain his calm, collected composure as he opened his mouth to speak. The words that flowed out were gentle, but tainted with guilt that he did his best to conceal.

"D'Nath, before we continue, I want to you know how special you are to me. I've never felt so strongly about someone in my life."

The flush that spread over the otter's cheeks was unmistakable. He opened his mouth to reply, but was so overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn't find words. The handsome lion smiled and gently touched a finger to his lips to silence him as he continued.

"No matter what happens, we'll always be together. You'll always be a part of my life, D'Nath."

Tau could see his lover's eyes growing wetter with each word. D'Nath was struggling to hold back the tears. The lion had expressed his feelings to him before, but never so powerfully. He opened his mouth to attempt to speak again, but the speechlessness persisted. He wanted to say something in response, but his mind could only focus on those loving words offered to him.

The expression on the otter's face made Tau's heart melt. Every word he had spoken was truth, despite his intentions. The emotion he felt caused him to become heavily conflicted. He knew what he needed to do, but he wasn't sure he could bring himself to it. He'd all but convinced himself earlier, when he was alone, but it was a different matter entirely now that his lover was seated in his lap. Tau could almost hear two voices in his head, arguing over what he should do: follow through with his plan, or turn tail and run.

The internal conflict was beginning to show on the lion's face. The warm smile was gradually fading, something that D'Nath soon noticed. He reached up and gently rested a paw on Tau's cheek, snapping the lion from his mental turmoil.

"Is something wrong, Tau?" he asked gently. "You look worried."

Tau took a deep breath, then shook his head. "No, everything is going to be just fine."

The lion knew that if he didn't make his move now, he likely never would. His arms tightened around D'Nath's body as he lunged forward and pressed their lips together in a rather sloppy kiss. The otter tensed momentarily at the unexpected gesture, but melted quickly as the kiss continued. What he mistook as carnal passion was actually the beginning of a rather animalistic act. With a heavy heart, the lion deepened the kiss with his long-time partner in a rather unusual way.

D'Nath scarcely registered what was happening as the lion's lips spread over his snout. The emotion of Tau's words was still weighing heavily on his mind. He could feel the lion's powerful arms embracing his body, keeping him close. His thick tapered tail was almost wagging as he unconsciously nuzzled forward, unaware that the lion's advancing muzzle hinted at rather sinister intentions. The warmth surrounding his own muzzle made him chirp quietly and wiggle in Tau's lap.

It was difficult for Tau to push his emotions aside. He was still torn about his decision, but forced himself to continue. Tau knew that he couldn't afford to hesitate. His eyes clenched tightly as he lunged forward again, the motion accompanied by a determined growl. His teeth raked through D'Nath's sleek fur as a rough tongue pressed itself against his chin.

The otter had been surprisingly cooperative up to this point, but as the lion's jaws spread cleanly over his head he grew rather concerned. What had initially been interpreted as a rather unique, if not messy kiss was becoming decidedly hostile. The lion's grip tightened around him when he attempted to pull back, hindering a feeble attempt to escape. The response raised further alarm, causing D'Nath to whimper and tug back with increased vigor.

Drool leaked over the otter's cheeks as the lion suckled wetly on his head. A distinct fishy musk greeted Tau's taste buds, something that the lion had already grown quite fond of. It was a subtle flavor that rewarded the lion each time he nibbled or licked D'Nath during their romps. Tau's tongue lapped along the otter's cheeks and neck to bring out more of the desirable taste before a soft swallow whisked away the excess otter-tainted drool.

When D'Nath felt the lion's throat tug at his snout, full-blown panic set in. He tried to push against Tau, but his arms were all but pinned against his chest with the way his partner was hugging him. Despite the otter's struggling, the lion's jaws pushed farther down his neck until they met D'Nath's shoulders. Tau was grateful for the otter's slender build, something that allowed him to smoothly stretch over his lover's shoulders.

Muffled, panicked whimpers rose from the lion's throat as a frighteningly deep swallow jerked the otter's body inward. The lutrine's dull claws scratched harmlessly against Tau's chest as his entire head was coaxed into the slimy, sweltering passage. The futile attempts to deter Tau proved to be little more than an annoyance as another swallow eased the slickened jaws down D'Nath's chest, hindering his ability to use his arms.

The otter's thick tail lashed back and forth as Tau hunched over his lover-turned-meal, his paws possessively kneading the otter's body. His lips suckled around the otter's chest with lewd slurps, drawing out the distinctly fishy taste that Tau enjoyed so much. Even though it was an intimate lover that he was consuming, Tau couldn't help feeling a spark of guilty pleasure at the sensation of live prey fighting for its life. It was something that the lion had come to thoroughly enjoy in his time.

D'Nath could barely process what was happening. The flurry of emotions he felt had his mind in shambles. Fear, anxiety, panic and betrayal filled the otter's head as he struggled in Tau's arms. Each determined swallow pulled his body deeper, pushing more of his frame into the predatory cat's throat. He couldn't believe this was actually happening, much less at the hand of someone he loved so deeply. He tried to convince himself it was a horrible dream, hoping he would wake up, but the sharp tug of the lion's throat suggested otherwise.

Tau hunched forward over his lover as he crammed more of the thrashing otter into his gullet. A heavy swallow sent several inches of the lutrine's torso sliding away into the dark, slimy passage. The lion's throat displayed grotesquely large bulges that perfectly outlined the swimmer's slender frame as it descended. The lumps quivered and twitched wildly as the otter fought. The futile struggling was losing steam quickly, though; the otter's body was giving out. He was quickly expending his energy, but knew he couldn't give up until his muscles refused. Desperate whimpering and panicked chirps continued to rise from Tau's throat as he pulled the otter's hips toward his jaws.

Briefly pausing the slender swimmer's descent, Tau squeezed the otter's hips and hefted them out of his lap. The motion was accompanied by a shriek of protest, the otter's legs flailing helplessly in the air. Tau had to firmly grab the otter's tail to avoid getting smacked in the face as his jaws advanced smoothly over his lover's waist. The otter's weight was practically propelling him down the cat's throat, sending him deeper at a frightening pace. The lion needed to do little, gulping softly to guide his meal along as D'Nath's head found his stomach.

When the opening to the lion's gut gave way, D'Nath was greeted with a terrifying stench. The acidic odor stung his nose, making him wrinkle his muzzle in displeasure. He knew that he wouldn't last much longer if he didn't do something fast, but with the lion's jaws advancing effortlessly over his hips, there was little he could do. Even his powerful tail was quickly becoming pinned against his thighs, hindering its anxious waving.

The otter's head was spinning as his face was plunged into the slimy pit of Tau's belly. He was quickly growing dizzier with the combination of blood rushing to his head and the lack of good air in the lion's gut. It was beginning to have a noticeable effect on the otter's ability to struggle. This didn't faze Tau, however. He was determined as ever to finish what he had started. The lion's heavy swallows continued on as if D'Nath was still struggling for his life.

One of the lion's paws lazily drifted to his belly as the otter's slender body began to fill it out. He let out a muffled growl as the otter's thighs steadily slipped into his throat. Webbed feet feebly kicked in the air as they moved quickly toward Tau's open maw. The big cat's tongue extended over his lower lip and curled upward to gather up the waving feet. The otter's toes curled as the big cat's rough tongue flicked over his webbing, teasing the small otter a bit as his large feet were swept into Tau's maw.

The lion couldn't help the smile that crept over his muzzle when D'Nath squirmed, tickled by the lapping at his sensitive feet. There was little the otter could do about it, however. He was completely at Tau's mercy, forced to accept his fate while the lion's gullet squeezed his body.

Tau held his lover's feet in place for a moment to enjoy the last morsel. It was the last time he would get to enjoy his partner, and he wanted it to draw it out. Each time his tongue dipped between the webbed digits, a protesting squeak emerged from deep within Tau's belly. He ensured that every inch of the otter's paws had been covered by his tongue before he eventually resumed.

Somewhat reluctantly, Tau tipped his head back farther and closed his eyes. With a deep, satisfying gulp that rolled over the otter's frame, the lion whisked his lover's paws away from his tongue. The twitching feet slipped back until they dipped into Tau's throat and disappeared. The lewd bulges in the lion's torso moved smoothly to his belly, causing his middle to swell outward as his ill-fated lover slipped away.

Normally D'Nath was grateful for being as limber and flexible as he was, but this time it clearly worked against him. His slender frame effortlessly curled against itself as more of his body was forced into the lion's swelling belly. His legs were the only thing that lingered in the lion's throat, something that Tau's determined swallows were quick to remedy.

As the rest of the otter was tucked away, his surroundings were growing increasingly hostile. In addition to the ever-present smell of acid that was beginning to sting his nose, the warmth that surrounded his body was intense, almost suffocating. He gave a half-hearted push, attempting to avoid contact with the slimy walls as best possible, but the muscled chamber possessively squeezed over D'Nath's body in return. He could feel the lion's paws rubbing at him through the stretched flesh as well, adding insult to injury.

A final swallow tucked the otter's feet, as well as the rapidly-flicking tip of his tail into Tau's stomach. The thick, tapered appendage wrapped possessively around D'Nath's middle as if to protect him from his inevitable demise. He whimpered loudly, his head swimming as the air around him grew stale. He was struggling to keep awake now. D'Nath could feel himself threatening to slip away at any moment.

Tau exhaled deeply, a blissful sigh escaping his lips as he reclined back in the grass. As the animalistic mentality slowly faded, the weight of the situation began to catch up to Tau. He licked his lips and swallowed a few times, whisking away the lingering traces of his lutrine partner that was now shifting weakly in his gut. The lion stared intently at his twitching belly, immediately lamenting what he'd done.

Had he really just devoured his cherished partner?

The lion's paw caressed gently over his belly, tracing along the vague outlines that twitched now and then. The otter's movements were becoming less frequent already, indicating that he wouldn't last much longer in the predatory cat's belly. Soft whimpers could be heard from deep within as the otter's paws pushed outward, outlined perfectly for a moment before the imprints moved elsewhere.

Tau pondered whether or not he'd made the right decision as he bent down to tenderly nuzzle at his lover's frame. The otter was barely moving now, quickly succumbing to the hostile surroundings. Pressing his snout against what he believed was D'Nath's cheek, Tau nuzzled firmly against his lover through the stretched pelt and sighed heavily. Was the decision to protect his standing worth the life of his lover?

Despite having convinced himself to carry out the act, Tau was still filled with regret. His heart felt like a lead weight. He wrapped both arms around his swollen middle and cradled his lover, burying his cheek against the otter. A faint whimper could be heard from within as Tau squeezed him, indicating that there was still some life left in the smaller male. The lion's eyes closed as the corners began to moisten. Turning his head, Tau opened his mouth to reassure him.

"Just relax and let go," the lion said quietly.

He knew that it was unlikely that D'Nath would hear or understand him, but those words were enough to keep the proud lion from crying bitterly. He took a deep, shaky breath before he continued.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way, D'Nath. I've always loved you, and I always will. You'll always be with me now; a part of me."

As Tau finished speaking, he hugged his stomach once more. The otter had fallen still. The lion kneaded over the male's body and nuzzled him, leaving a wet smear on his pelt as he struggled to hold back tears. Even as he continued to rub and caress his gut, the otter didn't move.

It was over.

Letting out a shaky sigh, Tau tilted his head down and kissed the otter through his stretched gut. He carefully rolled onto his side and curled up in the cool grass as a breeze whisked over him. The lion curled around his belly and hugged it possessively, cradling his late partner's bulge as a mother lioness would protect her cub. He offered D'Nath one more kiss as he closed his eyes again, hoping that sleep would come quickly tonight.

"Rest well, love. We'll never be separate now..."