[Private] Love Will Tear Us Apart

[YFWE]

"More persuasive? Is that what you think I need to be?" whispered Ari. She laughed under her breath once more. "Come now, Kito. Don't be jealous that I actually have a good relationship with my mother. If I had known you were so keen on getting out of there, I'd have kept our conversation to a minimum."

As the two lions strolled away from Pride Rock, Ari was taken aback by Kito dashing ahead suddenly, knocking her to the ground as he did so.

Ari swore as she brushed herself off, watching as Kito took off, yelling his taunt back at her as he did so. She leaped to all fours and began to trot behind the lion. She knew she would not be able to beat him even if he tried--if there was one thing Kito was truly better than her at, it was running--and so she was resigned to throw out her own taunts at the lion, loud enough that he could hear clearly.

"Zazu's mate, eh, Kito? Sounds much better than, I dunno, your mate. At least Zazu doesn't look like a baboon's ass!" she called playfully as she kept pace behind him.

-------------

Kweli listened to Hiroshi's long talk about feelings and could not help but think of his talk with Ari earlier. Slumping to the ground, head on his paws, he realized that, at least so it seemed, Hiroshi wanted Ari to tell him her feelings if she had them. And yet, Kweli harkened back to his own advice to Ari and how he felt they should take things slow, just in case things did not work out. He chuckled to himself, however, when he heard Hiroshi mention that he, Kweli, should say something if he had feelings for Ari. He certainly had not expected, after his comments, for Hiroshi to think that that was the reason he had said anything!

"Oh no, Hiro," Kweli laughed, "trust me, Ari's a fantastic lioness and I'm very, very grateful for her friendship. But that's all we are--friends. Nothing more right now and nothing more forever. She's kinda out of my league anyway, even if I did want her," he added.

"Anyway though, I hope she finds the right lion too, you're right. Someone special. I'm sure it's someone here, too. Not that I know anything on the subject but... I know she's had her eye on a few. She's young, though. We all are. We've got ages before we have to actually find someone, eh?"

As Kweli finished speaking, Kito came rushing into their den, announcing his defeat of Ari in an apparent race they had undertaken on the way back to the cave.

Ari came in shortly thereafter, panting slightly, but still with a grin. "I should hope so, Kito. You had a huge head start, anyway. I guess if that's what you need to beat me, go right ahead." She turned to Hiroshi. "My mother's good with me staying!" She announced, beaming.

[KiarasMate]

Fortunately for Kweli, Hiroshi’s attention had already been stolen by the movement outside the cave, resulting in him only partially hearing what his friend had said. Had he actually picked up on the last portion of what Kweli had stated, Hiroshi might have questioned him further in regards to Ari’s feelings but having almost been trampled by Kito’s sudden entrance, his mind was averted from the subject at paw. Spotting Ari arriving shortly there after and hearing her fantastic news, Hiro almost jumped for joy as he nuzzled her in a friendly manner and exclaimed in an excited voice.

”That’s awesome Ari! I’m really happy that Nafsi said you could stay with us. Did you have to leave out the fact that Kito was staying with us too?”

Hearing Ari’s remarks from their unofficial race, Kito couldn’t help but to snicker as he took up a suave looking stance and shot Ari a sarcastic smile as he stated in a confident manner.

”Head start? Not even. It’s not my fault that you fell over from my pure epicness at the start. That’s your clumsy ways Tomcat.”

Flashing Kweli a smile as things just seemed to be as normal as they always were, Hiroshi ignored his friends playful argument as he stretched out his tired frame and let out an exhausted sounding yawn before he made his way back to the center of the den. Lying down upon the smooth surface of the cave floor, Hiroshi glanced up at his trio of feline companions as he spoke up quietly.

”Well, I don’t know about you three but I think I’m going to call it a night. If I stay up any later, I’ll probably end up sleeping the entire day away and I don’t think that Ari will feel like forgiving me two days in a row for breaking our plans now, would you Ari?” Hiroshi stated, adopting an innocent looking grin as he winked at his golden furred friend before resting his head comfortably upon his fore paws and closed his hazel eyes.

Nodding in agreement to Hiroshi’s comment, Kito found a spot a few paces away from where his friend was laying, making sure to give his spot a quick dusting with his fore paw before he flopped himself down upon the den floor, making sure to leave enough room for Ari, as he expected that she’d want to lay next to Hiroshi, as was the usual case whenever the friend’s slept together. It was nothing out of the ordinary for them, seeing as the night’s were getting colder and having a few warm bodies to snuggle up to was more than a welcoming sight. Stretching his legs out in a lazy manner, Kito yawned and closed his emerald eyes as well, calling over to everyone in a playful voice.

Night Hiro. Night Kweli. Night Tomcat. See you all in the morning.”

[YFWE]

Ari laughed. "Of course I left Kito out of the picture, Hiroshi. Don't I always? Besides, she's probably under the impression that he sleeps with all of those lioness friends he supposedly has." Thinking that this was more than enough of a response to annoy Kito, Ari grinned, not even bothering to reply to his comment about their little race.

Kweli, in the meantime, was glad that his talk with Hiroshi had been interrupted by the arrival of Ari and Kito. He had run out of things to say, and he certainly did not want Hiroshi to get suspicious. He was all but sure that Hiroshi would forget about it in the morning, and he sure as hell would not be getting himself into any situations like that again. Hiroshi would not know about Ari's feelings for him until Ari saw fit to tell him. It was as simple as that.

As Hiroshi announced his plans to turn in for the evening, Ari looked over and smiled. She had nearly forgotten already of their plans for the following day, and the mere thought of it truly excited her. No one--not even Kito and his offhand comments--could ruin this for her. True, she probably would not practically give herself up to Hiroshi, but she was quite enthralled that she would be spending the day in his company. She planned on following Kweli's advice... at least for the most part.

Letting out a pronounced yawn, Ari sidled over to the vacant spot in between Hiroshi and Kito, though of course placing herself slightly closer to Hiroshi. As she left herself drift off to sleep, she let her head rest against Hiroshi, her right paw idly covering his left as she felt herself losing consciousness. "'Night..." she said softly, as she closed her eyes.

Kweli normally slept alone, so initially he was unsure where to sleep. But it certainly was cold out, and everyone else seemed to be huddled together, so, resignedly, he made his way over to the opposite side of Hiroshi, finally coming to a rest close to him. The lion closed his eyes without another word, content simply to be there.

[KiarasMate]

Already beginning to feel sleep’s gentle tug upon him, Hiroshi felt two warm bodies next to him. Not even having to open his eyes to realize just who was gently laying up against him, as he knew Ari’s scent probably better than even her own mother did, Hiroshi couldn’t resist a pleasant purr to leave his throat as his body relaxed and he gave into the days exhaustion, a few last words escaping his muzzle before he completely drifted off to dream land.

”Good night Ari. Sweet dreams.”

==========

As the early morning sunlight began to filter into their quaint little abode, Hiroshi gradually opened his eyes as the warmth from the bright rays started to ease him into consciousness. Lightly rubbing his eyes with his free fore paw, as his other was still being blanketed by Ari’s delicate fore paw, Hiroshi took a quick glance around their new home, noticing that Kito had already awoken and left it seemed. Turning his head now, Hiroshi’s hazel orbs rested softly upon the sight of Ari, who seemed to still be slumbering peacefully next to him. Seeing her beautiful face and the way she looked when she slept, Hiroshi found himself smiling as he appeared to be transfixed upon her gorgeous looks. It wasn’t until a rather loud thud at the entrance of the cave, snapped him back into reality as his eyes shot over towards the mouth of the den, spotting Kito making his return, dragging a large looking antelope carcass behind him as he huffed and dropped the lifeless creature in front of the dozing trio. Grinning as he panted and took a seat on the opposite side of the slain creature, Kito spoke in a rather loud voice, just to make sure that his presence would be known by the others and would surely wake Ari up in the most irritating of ways.

”Morning my lazy lions,” Kito stated, making sure to stare directly at Ari when he purposely left out the fact that she herself was a lioness. ”Time to rise and shine and fill your bellies with some delicious antelope, fresh off the kill, thanks to Fila, the ever so hot Nafsi, and yours truly, although I’m just the delivery lion, as hunting is SO way below me after all.”

Laughing openly from his best friend’s early morning attitude, Hiroshi carefully and lovingly moved Ari’s fore paw off of his and gently moved his warm frame out from between both Kweli and Ari, as not to disturb them from their slumber although it was pretty near impossible to sleep through Kito’s booming voice. Giving his achy body a much needed stretch, Hiroshi performed an exaggerated bow to his best friend as he responded in an appreciative tone.

”Well, this is most unexpected Kito. Thank you for looking out for us though. Must have taken some guts to bring this all the way here and hope that his majesty wouldn’t see.”

Looking quite proud of his own accomplishment, Kito let Hiroshi’s praise go straight to his head, as was always the case, lifting his fore paw and dusting it off on his chest as if to display that it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Keeping his mischievous grin plastered upon his muzzle, Kito replied in a nonchalant manner as he turned the kill so the back end of the fallen antelope was now facing Hiroshi.

”Meh, nothing’s too good for my friends and it just seemed like the thing to do to celebrate our new den. Go on Hiroshi, dig right in. I can see that you’re starving buddy. You’re practically drooling. You can have the back end, since it’s obvious that you enjoy kissing ass. How else would you have gotten this den after all.” Kito said, giving a playful wink towards his best friend just to ensure that his words wouldn’t be taken seriously.

This wasn’t a worry as Hiroshi was accustom to Kito’s sense of humor by now. It was true that he was quite famished from all the work he had done the previous day but always being the polite type, Hiroshi waited for both Kweli and Ari to wake up before he himself would even begin to think about feasting upon the delectable meal that Kito was so kind enough to fetch for them. Kito on the other paw, lacked such patients as he dove right in to the upper chest cavity of the deceased antelope, his razor sharp teeth making short work of the slain creature’s hide as his ravenous appetite showed clearly.

[YFWE]

The young lioness first felt herself being taken from her deep, comfortable sleep when she felt her paw being lifted gently by Hiroshi. Ari granted that this was nothing out of the ordinary and at first allowed herself to begin to drift off to sleep once more, until she heard Kito's loud, proud voice ringing through the walls of the den.

Her eyes fluttered open and she yawned briefly as she let the feeling return to her legs before she could arise. When she had finally come to, Ari noticed Hiroshi looking at her, flashed him a dainty smile, and glanced over at Kweli, who was still in the process of deciding whether he should awaken or not. Hoping to speed up the process a bit, Ari walked over and bumped the young lion with her paw. "C'mon, sleepyhead, if you don't wake up now, Kito might eat everything."

The lioness made her way over to the antelope, eying it approvingly. "The hunting party did well this morning," she remarked warmly. "And I suppose the delivery boy didn't do so bad himself." She took a seat opposite Kito, leaving room for Kweli when he arrived.

Kweli joined the gang a short time later, albeit groggily. He was used to sleeping a slight bit longer than this and had not had the most pleasant of sleeping engagements--it took him a while to become accustomed to a new sleeping arrangement--so he was still a bit tired. Nothing a nice breakfast couldn't cure.

"Moooooorning," Kweli stated mid-yawn. "I sure hope everyone slept well."

[KiarasMate]

”Good morning Ari and Kweli.” Hiroshi stated as he noted both of his friends now coming to life and joining himself and Kito at the antelope carcass.

Always being the polite one out of the group, Hiroshi quaintly moved aside so both Kweli and Ari could get themselves comfortably situated around the kill before he moved in and took up a spot next to his golden furred friend. Now that everyone was present around the proverbial breakfast table, Hiroshi began to indulge himself in the tasty meal, being as cleanly as possible as he never wished to look as though he had no manners in front of Ari. Saving the more savory sections of the antelope for Ari herself, Hiroshi ate in relative silence as it looked as though both Ari and Kweli were still trying to shake off last night’s sleep.

Kito on the other paw had no qualms in striking up a conversation whether his friends were up for one or not. Pulling his muzzle out from the savory antelope and licking over his crimson stained muzzle, Kito thought for a moment as his mind thought of something he was supposed to say, moments later, beginning to speak up in a mocking tone towards Ari.

”Oh yeah, that’s right. I was supposed to deliver a message to you from Nafsi, Tomcat. She said something about that you should eat something cause she’s worried that you’ll waste away to nothing and that’s probably why we were able to snag this whole antelope kill for ourselves. Is your mom trying to fatten you up or something, cause let’s face it, looks just aren’t on your side as is, so add being a fatty to the mix and that’ll just seal the deal for you never finding a mate.”

Sporting a toothy grin, Kito returned to stuffing his muzzle with more of the filling meat as he waited for a response from Ari, knowing that she’d never pass up an opportunity for a good early morning spat.

Feeling the need to come to his friend’s aid, seeing as it was still quite early and not wishing for Ari to be in a foul mood for their upcoming trip, Hiroshi intervened as he spoke up on behalf of his golden furred friend, shooting Kito a smug smile as he did so.

”Cool it Kit. Don’t you think it’s a bit early to be getting on Ari’s bad side? Besides, I think she looks just fine if you ask me. At least she gets out and gets some exercise from The Hunting Party , unlike someone I know.”

Pausing in mid chew, Kito scowled as he swallowed his mouth full of antelope meat before retorting in a sarcastic voice towards his best friend.

”Grr, don’t call me that Hiro and come on, you know I never miss an opportunity to mess with Ari, especially when it’s early in the morning and her mind is slooow!”

Shaking his head in despair at his friend’s response, Hiroshi shifted the conversation as he replied in an excited tone.

”Well, I’d rather have her be in a pleasant mood for today’s events if you don’t mind Kito.”

Kito’s ears perked up from what his best friend had stated, causing an eager smile to work its way upon his muzzle as he asked in a curious voice.

”Oh? And just what are we doing today buddy, hmm?”

Now it was Hiroshi’s turn to stop what he was doing as he finished his current mouth full of food before placing a fore paw upon the back of his head in a nervous display before he answered back in an uncertain voice.

”Erm, well, I was sort of planning this just to be in regards to Ari and myself Kito.”

Rolling his eyes in a show of annoyance, yet being understanding for the most part, Kito merely huffed as he nodded and responded in a careless tone.

”Oh, okay then, whatever. You two have fun, I’m sure Kweli and myself can find something better to do anyways.”

[YFWE]

Kweli idly began to dig into the antelope, sleep still swimming in his eyes. Everyone seemed to be talking. Kito was making some sort of comment against Ari again. But he found himself unable to pay attention fully. It had been a long night.

Ari perked up at Kito's remark, about to say something to counter, but paused abruptly as Hiroshi took her turn to talk instead. She was grateful for that, and yet still she lingered upon Kito's words. Why had her mother mentioned such a thing? Granted Kito was telling the truth and Nafsi actually had said something along those lines, of course. It seemed slightly odd to her. She had always thought of herself as a pretty average-weighted lioness. At the very least, she was certainly around the same build as most of the other lionesses around. Was this a problem?

Then a thought hit her. Had her mother mentioned this because she really was trying to fatten her up? Ari revisited what her mother had said the night before, before she had left the den, about King Scar and the changing of his tastes. Did that have something to do with it? Was Nafsi trying to make Ari look less attractive to Scar, so that she would be saved from him in the long run? She assumed that she was taking things totally out of proportion and hoped she was... but still, the thought remained chronic in the back of her mind.

She heard Hiroshi mention their little "date" and smiled warmly at him. Nothing else mattered at that point; it could be driven away at least for the time being. She had a day to spend with Hiroshi, and that alone was enough to heighten her spirits.

Kweli blinked at the sound of his name. Kito had said it. They were going to be spending the day together.

Kweli sighed. Oh, what a day it would be.

[KiarasMate]

Silence seemed to fall over the group as they finished eating, each friend having their own thoughts to meld over. For Kito, it was about just what exactly Ari and Hiroshi were going to do together and why he wasn’t invited along. They had always done everything as a group it seemed and for this sudden change to take place, it bewildered him quite frankly. For Hiroshi, his thoughts were strictly upon his plans for the day with Ari. He had spent the night dreaming of how things would unfold and everything seemed to be perfect in his mind although things never worked out the exact way he planned but regardless of this fact, he would try his utmost to make this day as special for the both of them as was possible. After a short while passed and unable to stand the quietness that had taken over, Kito spoke up as he moved away from the kill now, his belly slightly bulging from just how much antelope he had consumed.

”Gawd, what’s with you three this morning? Everyone’s so quiet. C’mon, we should be happy and celebrating. This was our first official night spent together in our new den and aside from the ground being unbearably uncomfortable to sleep on, not to mention a tad bit dirty and still reeking of hyena ass, or either that or I was just smelling Ari, we should be happy!”

Holding back a fit of laughter from what Kito had mentioned, Hiroshi smiled and did his best to humor his friend as he casually wiped a fore paw upon the cave floor, inspecting it curiously before he piped up in a thoughtful voice.

”Hey, I was the one who got us this den. Never said I’d furnish it or anything. If we were kings and queens, maybe we’d have some nice, soft sleeping pelts to relax upon but only his royal highness has those and I doubt we’d be able to get our paws on any. Besides, we’re lucky that we even have a place to call our own that’s out of the rains and chilly night winds, so we really shouldn’t complain now, should we Kito?”

Kito seemed to react to what his best friend had stated about the sleeping pelts as the familiar mischievous glimmer made its way into his emerald eyes. Thinking for a moment, the sly male finally spoke up once again in a sneaky tone, flashing a suspicious looking smile towards Hiroshi as the words left his mouth.

”Ahh, yee of little faith Hiroshi. Maybe we can, but you just leave that up to me and Kweli. You go and have your little date with Tomcat.”

Blushing slightly from his best friend’s words, Hiroshi tried to shrug off Kito’s comment about his future plans with Ari as he too, moved away from the remaining antelope meat having had his fill as well, before stating in a reassuring voice.

”It’s not a date Kito. Just two friends, going out together.”

Not looking the least bit convinced, Kito simply nodded as he mumbled in a sardonic fashion.

”That’s what a date is though stupid.”

Ignoring Kito’s last remark, Hiroshi turned his attention to Ari as he addressed her in a warm voice, playing off of Kito’s smug comment as he performed a respectful bow towards his golden furred friend before stating in a loving voice.

”Well, when you’re ready Sweetie, let’s be on our way. Don’t want to disappoint Kit after all, so we should get our date underway.”

[YFWE]

"He who smelt it, Kito, he who smelt it..." retorted Ari, throwing back her head in a laugh. She glanced over at Hiroshi as he began to speak in response to Kito. And as she watched what Hiroshi was saying register with Kito, her thoughts turned to slight dread. He was not really thinking of stealing some of Scar's pelts... was he? Did he not realize how dangerous that was? He had to be joking.

But before she could ask of his true intentions, Ari found herself looking into the eyes of Hiroshi, who then bowed to her. Though she knew full well he was playing along with Kito's comments, Ari could not help but blush--especially when he called her 'sweetie.' It was cute. It was romantic. Yes, it was over the top and maybe a little sarcastic due to Kito's comments, but Ari could not help but feel as if, in an underlying sense, Hiroshi had meant some of it. Still, wanting to continue in the tradition Hiroshi had already set forth, she, too, played along.

Ari gave a low bow herself, unable to suppress a slight grin. "Ah yes, take me away, my liege. Whisk me away to faraway lands, away from the common folk and away from the troubles of ordinary life. And most important, my liege, steal me away from this pompous ass known as Kito!"

[KiarasMate]

Laughing uproariously from how Ari was playing along with the joke that Kito himself had started, Hiroshi took the act one step further as he moved in close to the golden furred lioness, gently wrapping his fore legs around her, drawing her in close to his tawny body, his muzzle moving in dangerously close to hers as if the pair were about to engage in a passionate kiss, only to halt his muzzle lips a mere inch away from Ari’s before he grinned sheepishly and stated in a coy tone.

”As you wish Sweetie. Let us be off!

With that stated, Hiroshi gently released his grip from around his friend, letting her go softly as he flashed both Kito and Kweli a farewell smile before he began to make his way out of their cave, motioning with his tail for Ari to follow, all the while, Hiroshi still continued to chuckle to himself at his and Ari’s performance. Waiting out in the tall grass for his golden furred friend to join him, Hiroshi spoke up in a happy voice as the early morning sunlight beat down upon the pair, seemingly highlighting both their features in a warm, heavenly glow.

”Ahh, we got way too much enjoyment out of that one Ari. Let’s not get carried away now though. There’s still a long walk ahead of us before we reach this special place that I want to take you to.”

Knowing that there was no relative danger to be encountered where they were heading, Hiroshi started off at a leisurely pace, making sure that his strides were timed with Ari as the two friends traveled through the landscape ahead of them. Feeling extremely comfortable around Ari, seeing as the two had been friend’s for quite some time now and knowing how close she and her mother were and always had been, Hiroshi found himself inquiring about last night’s event as he spoke to her in a friendly manner.

”So, all joking aside Ari, did you feel comfortable being away from your mom last night? How do you think she’ll take to not having her baby girl spending her nights with her now? You know you can be honest with me, right Ari? I sort of felt like I dropped this bomb shell upon you and you might not have had time to actually think things over clearly before I had you go off and ask your mom for permission to stay with us. I know you and Nafsy are close and I don’t want to come between you and your mom, erm, since I know she’s the most important one in your life after all.”

==========

Watching as both Hiroshi and Ari departed, Kito found himself now alone with Kweli. It didn’t take long for the awkward silence to take hold as Kito himself, searched for the right words to say. It was obvious that the two never really had much time to themselves and although he did feel a bit uncomfortable around Kweli, Kito was going to try and make it a point to become friends with the smaller male, even if it was just for Hiroshi and Ari’s sake. Clearing his throat in an attempt to grab Kweli’s attention, Kito spoke to him in a casual manner as he lazily pawed at the left over antelope that still lay in the middle of the den.

”Well, guess the two love birds have flown the coop now. It’s just you and me Kweli, so what do you say that we try and set aside our differences and try and cut loose today. Please tell me you know how to do that at least? If not, this friendship is totally not going to work out, you know.” Kito stated, adding a hint of jest to his last words as he forced a smile and waited for Kweli’s response.