The Pride Lands (Zeke, NM, kovu42, morri908)

[kovu42]

Bakari watched the two having a very sincere moment and almost felt a little bit jealous. They seemed to have a very special bond although it seemed kind of odd to see Zeke acting so romantic. "Well, since you two are clearly having fun togethor, I think I'll head outside and get a drink."

The old lion slowly padded outside, letting the still warm rays of sunlight heat his pelt. He padded down to a nearby pool of water, watching the gentle ripples and thinking about Zeke, Mila and his own pride. It was a long time ago that he got to be king, and it felt even longer since he had felt love, but in his old age, he didn't know if love would ever come again.

[morri908]

Taisaku was only finished with about 1/4 of the Zebra he had killed, but he was full, he had never eaten alot, which was part of why he was so much smaller then most lions. I am stuffed he thought, Maybe I should take this back to Mila, Zeke and Bakari. I'm sure they haven't eaten yet, at least not today, so maybe they will want it. Then again, Zeke doesn't exactly like me, so maybe I should just leave it, but that would be wasteful. Alright, screw it, I'm taking it back to them, if they don't want it, then I'll eat it later. Tai grabbed the zebra by the neck, and started to drag it off toward the cave that Zeke, Mila, and Bakari were currently at.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila watched as Bakari left, and felt Zeke's muzzle on her head. The way Zeke was acting towards Mila made her feelings for the lion skyrocket from a friendship into a major crush in a very short period of time. It was amazing what he was doing, it was almost as if someone else had taken him over, maybe a cupid arrow had struck him. This Zeke and the one that she had known before seemed like two different lions, this Zeke was much better for her and showed affection, not hiding it inside. She liked it very much so, and wished for it to never end. "When did you learn how to comfort so well? This is a big change from the Zeke I first met. Not that I'm complaining, please continue." Mila joked, and smiled at Zeke. She licked him back in a caring manner, hoping he didn't take it the wrong way. Maybe I'm doing this wrong. Obviously he likes me. I hope he does something about it... Mila thought. She then realized the risk she could be running by even hinting that she liked him back. It would be awkward, raising a cub with someone you like but are too afraid to show it to... and if somehow we became more than that, and something happened.... he would ditch me. Mila looked down to the ground at this thought, afraid of consequences that might occur if anything went further than what they were at now. It was obvious Zeke wanted to, but Mila? Mila was unsure about anything at this point. She decided that whatever Zeke wanted to do, she would go along with.

[Zeke]

Zeke closed his eyes and continued to rub his muzzle on the soft head under his chin. "Mila, I..." He paused and thought long and hard about what he was about to say. Should I say it? How would she take it if i told her? Does she just like me as a friend, or something more? He decided to say it anyway. Summing up all of his courage within him, he let the words flow out of his mouth. "Mila, I love you," Zeke paused and waited for a response, fearing what Mila's reaction would be. No! Why did I do that? What will she think? He wondered, scolding himself for what he had done and waiting in anticipation for Mila to speak once more.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila was not surprised at Zeke's words, but stumped. Why now... Mila thought as she decided what to do. If I run away, then it will just be awkward between us... but if I have a relationship, and it ends badly, he might leave me... Mila thought for a while. I like him. A lot. So I'm just going to have to go with the 2nd option and make sure nothing goes wrong. The long wait was probably killing Zeke inside, so she finally decided to act. "I, love you too, Zeke." Mila was a bit unsure of her words, but wanted to let Zeke know that she was, if not there already, almost to that point. She looked deep into Zeke's caring eyes, and expected something to happen as he looked back into her eyes.

[Zeke]

Zeke sat, dumbfounded at what Mila had just said. He stared long and hard into her shining blue eyes and searched for the truth. He saw her mixed emotions, but most of all he saw that she cared. Overcome with joy, Zeke embraced Mila and licked her muzzle. He had never felt so happy in his life; all of his emotions finally broke loose from their hard shell and nearly brought him to tears as he hugged the lioness.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila was still as Zeke embraced her, and when he did, she put her head to rest on him. She just stared at the ground, feeling and thinking more than seeing. Right then, the moment that happened, she felt it. There it was, the feeling of love. She couldn't resist cuddling up as close as possible to him. There was no need for words as the two silently yet happily embraced each other to understand what really happened. Mila knew that she would never forget this. Mila just waited, in the embrace of Zeke, waiting for something, anything, to happen. In the meanwhile, she just enjoyed the silence and the comfort of the lion she was currently using as a pillow in a way, and thought about what this event would mean for the events that would follow.

[Zeke]

Zeke spent what seemed like an eternity, clinging onto Mila, trying not to burst with emotion. He couldn't control himself; Zeke lifted his head from Mila until they were looking face to face again, and when she stared hard at him, he bent down and planted a kiss right on Mila's lips. He didn't care if he took it too far with that kiss, he just felt so overjoyed that he had found someone to care for him. He felt no remorse as he kissed Mila, for after all of those years caged up inside, he was finally free from his internal prison.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila was surprised at this. Zeke kissed her, and she could tell it was backed with so much passion, and emotion that she would have felt horrible if she broke it. She let Zeke kiss her for however long he felt like it. Mila was truly in love now. He was more than Mila ever thought he would be, caring, strong, good looking, supportive, and more. The overwhelming emotion behind the passion they both shared for each other had continued to build so much to the point where Mila started to cry, mid-kiss. She didn't let this stop her, however. She continued to kiss him while sobbing, with greater passion than before, showing the true feelings she now held inside. She didn't want to leave Zeke... not now, not ever.

[Zeke]

Zeke slowly pulled away and sit quietly, thinking about his recent actions. He was actually slightly embarrassed with what he had just done, but he hid it by burying his black nose in the nape of Mila's neck. He could find no words to explain his happiness as he lay silently next to Mila and hugged up against her velvet torso.