whisper in her roar 💞 [tiifu x zuri] the lion guard TLK

Chapter #3. Secrets & Sudden Encounters

This was it. Finally I had mustered the confidence to bear confessing to Zuri how I felt. I might lose a friend. This was scary. But I could do it! I knew I could! I drew in a breath and strolled towards the flowers. But before I could get too close I noticed a figure. Malaika. A female cub. She rarely left home mainly because she was a bit younger than us other cubs and her mother was very protective. No one knew much about her. She had a creamy blonde coat of fur and a pair of deep, mysterious, shimmery green eyes. Her nose was a pastel pink. She laid down in the middle of the flowers. What was she doing here today? I approached Malaika. "Hey!" I said. "Oh. Hi!" Malaika rose to her feet and I became aware of heart shaped, brown markings on her forehead. "I'm Malaika. You're Tiifu, right?" she asked. "Yep! Um... can I ask what you're doing here? I've never seen you here before." "Oh! My mom told me that I was allowed to actually go outside in public areas starting today. She never wanted me to go far without her guidance. My dad convinced her that my exploration of the pridelands is essential for my growth and health. It's my birthday so now I'm old enough!" exclaimed the young lioness. "Ah! Cool. I hope we can be friends." I said, intrigued and excited for a fresh face. "Yeah! I've never really had friends except for some birds. Speaking of which, don't you actually have a friend you're usually with? Zari?"I giggled in response. "Zuri. She's meeting me here soon." I responded. Oh no... how would I confess with Malaika right here? Just then, a pair of silky, little paws tackled me from behind. I ended up in a giggling ball rolling in the flowers as Zuri and I play-fought. I lifted my head and we both chuckled. "Hey! Wait... who's this?" Zuri asked, noticing the other new cub, her ears alert, her eyes examining Malaika with curiosity. Malaika introduced herself. "Nice to meet you, Zuri." she spoke. "You too." Zuri replied. Malaika blinked her shamrock green eyes. "I'm gonna go explore a bit on my own for the first time." she said, her tone high as she scampered off joyously. Once she had disappeared I realized I still had plenty of time to talk to Zuri. Perfect. Better start now. "I know this is a bit sudden but. Zuri. There's actually something I'd like to talk to you about." I began, shuffling my paws anxiously. Zuri seemed taken aback. "Okay..." "I... um. I know you might not feel the same way but I've been thinking and," I felt my eagerness and fright jumbling with each other. I sighed and quickly spoke. "I want you as a mate. So I just wanted you to know if-" "Me too!" Zuri said. I shot my spinning head up in shock. I met Zuri's gaze. She wore a smirk and her blue eyes widely twinkled jubilantly. "Wow... I was nervous you'd never feel the same way about me! I can't believe you're telling me this!" Zuri exclaimed and sprung up. "Really? You mean it? You mean it!" I couldn't contain my excitement. Zuri nodded, her eyes now wide with glee. I pounced onto her and we rolled around like we had earlier, giggles spewing out. "You like me!" I called. "I know!" Zuri responded. She rolled over and pinned me down. We both giggled. Zuri leaned in to give my nose a shy touch. My face burned in embarrassment. We both sat up and gave into what we'd been craving for a while now. Each other. Nuzzling one another, rubbing our pelts. This was a truly relieving, heavenly moment. I had a mate... wow.