[PRIVATE: DGFone & Thewhistlerify]

[DGFone]

Umeme was nearly asleep herself when she heard Muroki whisper to her. "I love you too," she mumbled, and let him move his head over to hers. "Goodnight." She purred gently when she felt Muroki's head come to a rest next to hers, followed by the gentle warmth from his body that warmed her up. Smiling, Umeme too fell asleep, thinking of how good things were now.

[TheWhistlerify]

When Muroki opened his eyes the next morning he could tell the the sun was just beginning to rise. The training he and Delano went through and then the runs they went on in the mornings turned him into an early riser. He could sense Umeme's calm and quiet breaths and looked to see that his mate was still sleeping peacefully next to him. To him she was the most beautiful lioness in the world both from the inside and the outside, even when she was asleep and he couldn't see her dazzling eyes. He didn't know how long it'll take her to wake up, but he didn't mind staying by her side like that for hours after hours.

[DGFone]

Roughly around this time, Delano was also beginning to wake up. For a while, he lay with his eyes closed, afraid to open them and find himself in that dark cave. But when he finally did open his eyes and saw the den in the early morning light, a wave of warmth swept over him and he let out a relieved sigh. Next to him, Lina was still asleep, but it didn't stop Delano from wrapping a paw around her. He smiled as he looked over her.

Delano was certain hat if it weren't for Lina, he would have woken up much worse, most likely in agony again. But now she was with him, and he felt safe with her next to him.

[TheWhistlerify]

As if in perfect timing, Lina opened her eyes when Delano wrapped a paw around her. She was never in early riser, but she also didn't have a specific time of the morning during which she woke up every day. The amount of sleep she got usually depended on how tired she was and in what mood she was in. She wasn't sure whether Delano was already awake or whether he had only wrapped his paw around her in his sleep but she didn't care. She could lie there next to him all day.

[DGFone]

Delano noticed Lina open her eyes and he smiled at her. "'Morning, Lina," he whispered, reaching out and giving her a quick lick. "Want to go outside?" Even though he was feeling good this morning, he still wanted to be able to feel the freedom of not being inside a cave all the time. He released his hold on Lina so that they can start getting out of the den.

[TheWhistlerify]

Lina smiled when she heard Delano's voice. While she didn't mind lying close to him while he was asleep, it was always much better when he was awake. "Morning love." she said with a giggle, feeling somewhat excited at calling Delano 'her love'. Muroki looked at the two as they went outside but didn't say anything, not wanting to interrupt. Lina smiled as she sat down next to Delano outside. The air was cool, but not too cold. It always felt chilly in a good way like this during dawns.

[DGFone]

Delano grinned as he sat down next to Lina outside. He was slightly shocked when Lina called him 'love', but he enjoyed the sound of it. "I like it better out here," he explained why he wanted to be outside, "but it's only better with you here." He smiled and leaned over, nuzzling Lina. "I finally had my first good night in a long time," he whispered, "I think it was because of you."

Inside the den, Umeme was also starting to wake up. When she regained consciousness, she opened her eyes, and saw Muroki looking at her. "Hey Muroki," she grinned, finding his gaze cute. "Nice morning, right?"

[TheWhistlerify]

Lina wasn't surprised at Delano's explanation to why he preferred to be outside the den rather than inside it. After what he's been through, it was understandable. She wasn't certain as to whether him finally getting a good night's sleep was all thanks to her, but she wasn't going to refuse a compliment. "You can look forward to more of those, because I'm not going anywhere." she said with a smile, returning his nuzzle.

Muroki smiled when Umeme opened her eyes. Not that he would mind staring at her while she slept all day. "Nice morning?" he chuckled, "It's a beautiful morning." he nuzzled her, not really caring whether she got the reference or not.

[DGFone]

Delano grinned and leaned his head on Lina's. "It's good to be free again," he said after a short while, "and now I have the full day to spend with you..." He looked at Lina, staring into her eyes, which easily captured and held his gaze. "Any plans?" he asked, not looking away from her.

Umeme giggled and returned Muroki's nuzzle. "Well pardon me on my mistake," she replied playfully, "but you are right." She continued to nuzzle him, until eventually they stopped, and she was finally able to look around the den. "Where's Lina and Delano, already outside?" Before Muroki could answer, she eagerly rose to her feet. "Come on then! We can get to the waterhole sooner, like we planned!"

[TheWhistlerify]

Lina smiled as she stared into Delano's eyes. For once there was no fear or anxiety in his expression, and it was really a relief for her to finally see him calm for a change. She thought about what they could possibly do to spend the day, before suddenly remembering that they planned to spend the day with Muroki and Umeme. "Have you forgotten?" it wasn't surprising because she almost forgot so herself after all the mess that happened between them yesterday, "We said we'd spend the day with Umeme and Muroki at the waterhole." in the corner of her eye she could see the two coming outside. She was looking forward for today but she wouldn't have protested for a few more moments alone with Delano.