[Private: KiarasMate & SimbasMate] A Secret

[SimbasMate]

Kovu wadded out of The Waterhole, following his friend. He lied down in the patch of warm grass next to Simba. Kovu was feeling a bit cold from the water, and he was relived to get out of it. He streatched out his body, and cuddled up next to Simba. He gave Simba a smile, and licked his friend's fur gently.

"Of course I will be there to help you out Simba. I will always be here for you, and we will be buddies forever!"

Kovu scowled at himself for saying that. Still, he knew with every nerve in his body that he was telling yet another cold lie to his best friend. A part of him said it was OK, since Simba didn't know. The other part felt as if it were beating Kovu to a pulp, asking him why he would dare let another lie slip out of his muzzle. Kovu then shook the thoughts out of his head, and gave Simba another lick on his golden yellow colored pelt.

"Sounds like a plan, Simba! And I don't think my parents will mind at all! When do you want to go ask your father?"

Kovu asked Simba, trying to sound happy, and hiding his real feelings deep inside of him. He hoped that Simba wouldn't find out on how he was truly feeling, because that would mean that he would have to tell him the truth.

[KiarasMate]

Letting lighthearted chuckles leave his muzzle as he felt Kovu's tongue running over his damp fur, Simba curled himself closer to his best friend as the two cubs lounged beneath the hot sun above them. Looking quite the image of innocence at its rawest, Simba returned Kovu's friendly ministrations with small licks of his own over the top of his best friend's head. Tilting his ears and cocking his head to one side as the brown furred cub inquired about when they should go speak with Mufasa, Simba let out a casual sounding yawn before replying to Kovu's question while lazily running his fore paws over and through his own wet fur.

”Let's go talk to my dad after we're nice and dry, okay buddy? Do we also need to stop by your den so you can ask your mom or dad if you can sleep over at my den tonight too?”

Knowing that it would be a little while longer before their pelts were dry enough, Simba remained stationed next to his best friend as he thought about their future plans. Star gazing did sound like it would be fun and spending a whole night with Kovu was a rare opportunity as it seemed as though either his parents or Kovu's always seemed to be slightly hesitant about letting their cubs be together. Simba himself didn't know why this was, nor did he even have any inclinations about what his best friend had been taught to believe however, this day seemed hopeful in Simba's eyes and keeping in high spirits, the golden furred cub prayed that everything would go accordingly. Rolling onto his belly now that his front half had been warmed from the scorching rays of the sun, Simba rested his head upon his fore paws as he nonchalantly addressed Kovu once more.

”Hey Kovu, do you want to get something to eat before we go star gazing tonight? I'm sure The Hunting Party caught something yummy to eat today, since I smelled something good before I left the den, cause I was in a hurry to find you buddy.”

[SimbasMate]

Kovu twitched his tail in the dirt, not caring that he was about to get dirty again. The water dripping off his fur, was making him feel warm and hot all over again, but he didn't mind. Kovu turned over on his back, letting his belly fur dry in the blazing, baking heat from the sun, he closed his eyes, shielding them from the bright orb in the sky. He gave a teensy smirk at Simba's question. Like his parents would really care, if he slept over Simba's place. If his mother found out, she'd be oh so happy, because that would mean Kovu would be getting so close to killing Mufasa.

"Nope, my parents won't mind at all, Simba. I don't think they would anyways. It's all good."

Kovu then switched is position, onto his side, is paws and hinds out in front of his growing cubby body. He was feeling a lot better now that he was warmer, but not so well at the same time. Kovu had made a descion. He was going to tell Simba about what he was destined to do. He was planning on just telling him now, but Kovu needed time to think about the words, and choose them carefully, of what he was going to tell Simba. Nodding at Simba's other question, Kovu actually did want something to eat. He was just noticing his own hunger. Kovu liked the sound of the ideas. Eating, then going to star gaze, and falling asleep with his best friend at his den. Kovu was also hoping that tonight would go as the two cubs planned. For it would probably be the last night that Simba would want to spend with him.

"Oh, that sounds like a great idea, Simba. I am hungry, all that swimming has made me tired and famished!"

Kovu cuddled up next to his buddy again. He opened his eyes, for the sun was setting, and it was dusk. Kovu loved sunsets. They were so beautiful, and the colors reminded him of peace, and a place where there wasn't a care in the world.

[KiarasMate]

Looking quite pleased that Kovu didn't seem to need to have to ask his parents for permission to do what he wanted, Simba nodded happily as he listened to his best friend's response to the question he had posed last. As if triggered by Kovu's reply, Simba's stomach let out a few noticeable growls to indicate just how hungry the golden furred cub was feeling. Grinning almost from ear to ear as he was becoming more and more excited about the plans they had just made, Simba waited until his fur was dry enough before he spoke up to his best friend in an eager voice.

”Well, I'm ready! How about we go and grab some grub buddy. C'mon.”

Giving Kovu's tail a playful tug with his fore paw to coax him onto all fours, Simba took lead as he trotted back down the path through the grasslands that would lead the two cubs back to Pride Rock. Licking over his muzzle lips in anticipation of filling his empty belly with meat, Simba made sure to keep his pace timed with Kovu's so the two of them stayed side by side as they walked along. Glancing over at the brown furred cub, Simba cheerfully addressed his best friend as they drew closer to the prominent figure of Pride Rock off in the distance.

”What's your favorite food anyways Kovu? Mine's zebra. I hope The Hunting Party caught one of those today.”

[SimbasMate]

Kovu trotted behind his best friend, who was leading him the way to his home. Kovu was a bit nervous, he wanted to make the best impression in front of Mufasa. But this was only because he knew that it would make Simba happy knowing that his best friend and father got a long well. Kovu's stomach growled more, and Kovu started to sprint, catching up with his best friend. Kovu thought about his friend's question, though he couldn't really answer that one because Kover never really cared about the food that tasted best. He just ate was was there.

"Hmm, I guess it would have to be Zebra too, Simba. I like them a lot, they're so tender!"

Kovu answered, getting himself even more hungry then he was before. Simba was really rubbing off on him because it wasn't until now that Kovu really cared about food. Being an Outlander, there was never really any big meals. They were lucky enough to even find a mouse.

[KiarasMate]

Simba smiled as he heard Kovu’s response to his question, happy in the fact that he and his best friend shared yet another thing in common in that they both loved zebra. Hoping even more so now, that the delicious smell he had scented before he had ran off to go find Kovu earlier, was from a freshly killed zebra, courtesy of The Hunting Party, Simba continued along the familiar trail as Pride Rock grew closer with each step the two friends made. After a short little sprint, the two cubs arrived at the base of the majestic structure, the tip of it looming over head and looked as though it pierced through the heavens itself from just how tall it was, at least, from a cub’s perspective anyways. Having no reason to stand and gawk at the awe inspiring landmark though, as he called Pride Rock home every single day of his natural born life, Simba wasted no time in ascending the slope that lead up to the main den, making sure once again to not get too far ahead of Kovu as he moved. Upon entering the dimly lit cave, Simba’s aspirations were delightfully fulfilled from the sight of a tasty looking zebra carcass that looked to have already been torn into at several spots upon the deceased animal’s body, which lay idly in the center of the den. Seeing no sign of his father however, and knowing that it was impolite to just start eating without having permission granted to him by his elders, Simba turned to face Kovu as the golden furred cub spoke up in a pleasant voice.

”Mmm, look at that Kovu. It’s zebra for dinner! Let’s hurry up and find my dad so we can eat.”

Fortunately for the young prince, Simba had a good hunch on where they could locate his missing father at. Motioning for the brown furred cub to follow him, Simba trotted out of the main den and hung a sharp right turn as soon as he exited the cave. Staying along the smooth surfaced path, their paws making little pitter-patter noises as they traveled along the hard ground, Simba happened upon Mufasa in the exact spot he had been expecting to find him at, as it was always the location that his father went to after he was done teaching him his lessons for the day. Dashing up to Mufasa’s side as the large lion king appeared to be lying peacefully upon the warm rock floor, Simba delivered a loving nuzzle to his father’s side before addressing him in a persuading tone.

”Hey Dad, do you mind if Kovu stays over for dinner and spends the night tonight? He already asked his mom and she said yes.” The young prince stated, knowing full well that this was far from the truth however, seeing no harm in telling a little white lie, Simba hoped that his father would be in a good enough mood to agree with his pleas.

[SimbasMate]

Kovu eyed the delicious Zebra. Oh, how he would love to just dig into it, and chew the tough meat in his maw! But Kovu was being mighty polite, for he was in presence of the King after all! Kovu smiled at Mufasa, who was now looking down at his son. He had a stern, look on his face, but it became soft and gentle when Simba had asked him his question.

Mufasa looked down at his son, and his friend Kovu. He smiled at the two. But Mufasa was wondering why Kovu was here. Kovu hardly ever came to Pride rock, it was a rare occasion. Mufasa felt a cool breeze come by, which painted his grin even bigger on his muzzle. He was thinking on if he really wanted to let Kovu stay for dinner and stay the night. Would his father let an outlander do this? Mufasa tried to think back, for all of this was deep in his memory. He couldn't quite remember, but Kovu was only a cub, and what harm could he really do? Mufasa nuzzled his son.

"Sure, Simba. If it's alright with his mother, then it's alright with me. You two just have to keep quiet at night, okay? And stay out of trouble, and, most importantly, have fun! Mufasa gave a light bow at his son, and his friend.

[KiarasMate]

Simba could barely contain his excitement as his father agreed to let Kovu stay for dinner, but more importantly, stay for the remainder of the night. Deep down, the young prince had a sneaking suspicion that his father was apprehensive about letting his best friend spend the night with him, yet this feeling was greatly overshadowed by the prospects of how much fun Kovu and him were going to have together. Moving in to give Mufasa another affectionate nuzzle to show just how appreciative he was for his father’s willingness to permit Kovu to stay over, Simba spoke up in an enthusiastic voice as his tail swished to and fro at a blurring pace.

”Thanks Dad! Don’t worry, we will.”

Turning and motioning to the brown furred cub to follow him now, Simba bounded off back down the path they had previously come, his happiness boiling over as he laughed freely, knowing that this was going to be an unforgettable night. Arriving back at the spot where the deceased zebra carcass still lay, the golden furred cub waited for his best friend to join him before the famished young prince started to help himself to the savory meat. Tearing off a sizable chunk of the tasty zebra flesh, Simba chewed contently before swallowing down his mouth full of food, licking over his newly stained muzzle lips with a satisfied look upon his countenance. Glancing over at Kovu to make sure that his friend was enjoying the meal just as much as he was, Simba piped up as he flashed the brown furred cub a cheeky looking grin.

”Mmm, that’s some good zebra, huh buddy? Bet I can eat more than you!”

[SimbasMate]

Kovu dug in as soon as his best friend it. He tore the fresh tender meat from the dead zebra's limbs. He chewed it happily, swallowing it, and enjoyed it going down his gullet as it filled his stomach. It tasted so good! Kovu knew that Simba was used to this kind of food, but he wasn't! Kovu tore another piece of meat from the carcass. He smirked at Simba, as he chewed his second mouthful of zebra.

"Oh yeah? I bet I am more hungry then you, Simba!"

Without swallowing the meat that was already in his mouth, Kovu tore another piece of meat, this time from the carcass's belly, just to show his best friend how hungry he was. Kovu chewed it as fast as he could, and then took more meat. Eating this delectable food, made Kovu forget about what tomorrow would have to bring. Kovu was still hungry, but he stopped for a few minutes to let his delicious supper settle in his stomach.

[KiarasMate]

Chuckling from the way Kovu immediately took him up on his challenge, Simba followed suit as he began to tear off larger chunks of zebra meat, trying his best to compete with his best friend’s ravenous appetite. This however, seemed like one contest that he was destine to lose, as his own hunger didn’t seem to be quite as ferocious as Kovu’s was. Perhaps it was the fact that he was used to eating meals like this and the taste of zebra, while being his favorite food, was nothing special for him other than being a delectable meal. Feeling the familiar twinges of fullness rapidly setting in, Simba’s pace slackened as his bites upon the zebra carcass grew fewer and far between. Giving it everything he had and eating until there was absolutely no wiggle room in his overly compacted belly, the golden furred cub surrendered as he rolled onto his back, his rounded stomach bulging noticeably from the sheer quantity of protein he had consumed. Flopping all four of his legs to his sides and letting out a rather long belch, Simba spoke up in a winded voice, his words being paired with light hic-ups accompanying them.

”Oh, I can’t eat anymore buddy. I’m way too full now. You win…this time!”

Flashing Kovu an upside down smile from where he was laying, Simba gave his swollen belly a few light taps with his fore paws before glancing over towards the entrance of the main den, spotting that it was beginning to grow dark enough where the stars began to dot the black canvas above. Rolling into a lazy looking position as he laid on his side, Simba allowed his best friend to have his fill of the plentiful zebra meat before forcing himself onto all fours again, his stomach grumbling in protest as he did so. Shaking off the full feeling as best he could, the golden furred prince trotted over to Kovu’s side before gesturing towards the entrance of the cave. Speaking up in an eager voice, Simba nudged the brown furred cub’s side to get him to budge before starting to make his own way outside the main den.

”Okay, let’s go find a good spot to stargaze at Buddy. You know of any good ones? I know of one, but it’s a little hard to get to.”