He was much larger now. With his first birthday steadily approaching, Hector had taken it upon himself to damn near disappear from the territory whenever he could. There was simply something that felt wrong about living with lions that he would never be able to shake regardless of how kind they were to him. That, and he simply just didn't fit in anywhere. All the cubs had other cubs to play with and there didn't seem to be many teenagers willing to converse with him, so the antisocial boy had morphed into an antisocial young man. He came by periodically to say hello to his mother, but he could tell there was a distance between them now -- one he had put there, he knew, but surely she would understand how difficult his life had been. Right? That seemed like a solid excuse for being absent. Just.. having a hard life. Struggling.

Hector sighed and tiptoed back across the borders, hoping no one new had joined the pride who might take offense to his presence.

Kian has grown since he and Hector had huddled around for a bedtime story last. He hasn't forgotten him, with his pale pelt, banded with bold black stripes that aren't present on any of the other kids' pelts. He's different, and not only that, but the boy keeps mostly to himself. In Kian's young mind, he had at some point simply conjectured that the young tiger cub had returned to the stars from whence he came. Kian had been perfectly content playing with the other cubs, and when he did see Hector, there seemed... to be some sort of invisible wall surrounding him. Now that he's slightly older, he knows better, but the best course of action still seemed to just leave him alone. Hearing another's approach, he crouches down, keen on pouncing what he assumes to be a potentially lost little critter... but then Hector's form emerges, distinctly bigger than his own. Seems he's done some growing of his own. "Oh." He brings out, rising back to his full height in surprise. "Heya, Blunder." Realizing his mistake, his irises reduce to pinpricks, and he quickly corrects himself, remembering how Ghyslaine had chastised him for the nickname once before. "Uh, Hector. I-- I meant Hector."

@Hector

ART BY YUMPY, CODE BY LARS

He preferred the shadows. Hector still couldn't figure out why anyone would willingly subject themselves to the group lifestyle; it was too many damn faces to keep track of and how the fuck was a leader supposed to keep everyone happy? Hector was in charge of his own happiness, thank you, and yes that was why he never seemed to actually be happy. He wasn't exactly miserable, just.. apathetic. Not much really excited him and Ghyslaine's company could only provide him with so much stimulation.

Good thing there were little kids around to bully?

He scowled as @Kian butchered his name, then corrected himself. The pale tiger rolled his eyes. "Never gets old." But it did and it definitely had. "But hi."

Now what?

Well, this is awkward. Hector couldn't be more frigid if he'd been at the top of Mount Everest. For the first time, Kian notices how big the other actually is-- bigger than him or any of his other siblings. They're all alone out here, and acutely he begins to feel very nervous. "Sorry. I know your name isn't actually Blunder. It's just... I haven't really seen you around much. I get all... mixed up." With some considerable effort, he keeps himself from glancing back over his shoulder. How many steps is he currently removed from safety? Is there even anybody else close by? "Sooo..." He tries, striving to appear casual, though he uneasily glances away before expectantly drawing his gaze back to the white cub. "Hector. Do you... maybe wanna hang out?" He looks a trifle worried. Hector seems intimidating at best, but what else is he supposed to say?

@Hector

ART BY YUMPY, CODE BY LARS

If he knew his name wasn't Blunder, why the hell did he keep calling him that? Hector quirked a brow as he watched the lion, somewhat amused that the younger cub seemed intimidated. He knew damn well that he was going to be an impressive hunk of man when he was full grown, but now? He was nothing more than a gangly adolescent.

It's not too fun to hang out with others when they make fun of you for being different and call you names like blunder, he replied with a snort. Can't imagine why I'd make myself scarce. The sarcasm was heavy, but it was his only defense.

The offer to hang out made him pause, but he'd be lying if there wasn't a timid smile behind his stony mask. Are you gonna make fun of me the whole time? He asked, frowning as his cupped ears gently flattened against his head. Hims was a sad boi deep down.

He casts his gaze downward as the other makes his sentiments known, ears folding backwards. He'd never thought of it that way. He realizes hadn't really seen another cub in Hector-- he just looked too different. Instead, he'd given him some stupid name like he'd been some kind of exotic pet. He hadn't thought anything of it then, but now that he laid out like that, he could see how it had been wrong and hurtful. Even if he does look undeniably different, Hector is still a sentient being with feelings. A knot of guilt lodges in his stomach, but what can he do to change it now?

He drops his head in embarrassment, unable to say anything to defend himself. At Hector's final question, he suddenly jerks his head upward, light gleaming in his eyes. "No! I swear!" He jumps up, taking a couple of hops toward him. "Okay, how about this? What if you think of a dumb name for me, too? Then we're even." He sits, tail flicking excitedly behind him. He's smiling, seemingly pleased with the prospect of probably getting thoroughly roasted. "Go ahead. And don't hold back. Nothing's off limits."

@Hector

ART BY YUMPY, CODE BY LARS

If nothing else, he kinda liked seeing the kid squirm. It had never been his intention to become a recluse and hide away from all the others around his age, but Hector was a sensitive kitten when it came to his appearance. Not in the way most would assume, however, as he thought himself to be quite brilliant and handsome. It was the lions he pitied for their appearance, so when one of them had the audacity to mock him.. well, that was just horribly infuriating. They had it all wrong. Tigers were better than lions.

A single eyebrow quirked at the olive branch the boy extended. Nah. I don't like insulting anyone's appearance because it's not like they can help it. He shrugged. If you promise you won't make fun of me, we can hang out. I like to swim, do you? Hector wouldn't mind taking a dip.

Part of him regrets the offer as soon as he extends it. Nobody likes being called names, but since he bestowed Hector with a particularly unsavory one, it seems only fair he grants him the chance to do the same unto him. Something like surprise dawns in his eyes when the other ejects his offer outright. Relief floods him, and following right on the heels of that, he feels suddenly very stupid. The guy has shown character, and that's more than Kian can say for himself. He seems to hesitate momentarily, shifting his weight from one front paw to the other. "I dunno... that's a pretty big promise..." While some self-reflection would certainly not be out of place, it's not like he hasn't caught onto Hector's timid little smile. A smile of his own is slowly overtaking his countenance, and easily burying the hatchet as perhaps only children can, he jumps up, bopping Hector on his nose as he gives himself a head start toward the creek. "Just kidding. Last one to the creek is a smelly stinkbird!"

@Hector

ART BY YUMPY, CODE BY LARS

Hector was seconds away from slamming his head against a tree. It was a big promise? Being nice was a big promise? Not even being nice! Just.. not being a dick! That was all Hector wanted, damnit, and it looked like the brief flicker of faith that he had ignited was snuffed out before it could even catch fire. He sucked in a breath and lifted a paw to rub his temple, debating whether or not he should sock the younger guy or just walk away.

The answer was neither, apparently.

His ears drew forward as @Kian took off. Although he had immediately relapsed from his name-calling sobriety, Hector was happy enough to kick up his heels and see whether or not a tiger could outrun a lion.

Because he wasn't going to be the smelly stinkbird.

possible fadey exit?