[Open] Enemy From Within

[Applejack]

Vitani's eyes seemed to shimmer as she looked up at him. She softly rested her head in his smooth mane, sighing gently. "You're too kind," she murmered softly. "As I have found what I've been searching for, too. Someone who can tame me. Someone who can make me feel like I belong.. like I matter. You make me feel safe and comfortable." She looked up at him, nuzzling herself into his mane. "So, you mean... you.. L.." she found herself unable to say the word. "Are attached to me?"

[MaxMike01]

Haij looked over at Vitani and the new male. He couldn't help it, but laugh a little, but it was quietly.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara smiled. "Yes I am. No lioness could take your place in my heart. You and you alone belong there," he said.

[Applejack]

Vitani looked closer, using a paw to turn his muzzle to hers. She looked deep in his eyes and saw the truth in his words. With a purr, albiet soft, she leaned forward and nuzzled him genuinely, lovingly. "You are the sweet lion who has stolen mine," she said softly. "I just pray to the Great Kings above that you take care of it."

[KingKovu44]

Hakara smiled. "Oh Vitani, nothing could ever take your heart from me. Nothing in this world," he said with a chuckle.

[MaxMike01]

He smiled softly, giggling. "I guess love has found, Vitani," he said softly. "She says it's weak, but now look at her. She's turning weak." He looked back at Kiara, and looked down a little. "I just wish I knew the way to admit it myself."

[Applejack]

Vitani closed her eyes for a moment. "It feels right, being with you like this. Maybe you're right. Maybe you can crack my tough exterior." She chuckled softly. "You wouldn't like that, though. This is still me in my shell. No one's ever broken through it before." Her head turned to Haij, and she hissed softly. "Can it," she said. "It.." she trailed off, sighing, and relaxed back into Hakara's mane. "It makes you everything but weak," she said softly. "Love makes you strong."

[KingKovu44]

Hakara nodded. "It's like my father told me: love will save you, not condemn you," he said.

[Applejack]

"Love," Vitani echoed. "What do you feel for me, Hakara?" She ventured, looking into his eyes once again. "Surely it can't be love... no one could feel that for me." She was also afraid to admit that she loved him. She was afraid he'd see her as too easily attached. The truth was, he was the second lion she'd dared attach to, and the first one had been killed by Zira.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara looked into her eyes. "I do feel love for you, Vitani. I want nothing else in this world other than to be with you," he said.