[PRP] This Isn't Awkward At All (Kiwi'lan & Nawiri)

[Uta]

So it was official. She had decided upon Kiwi'lan as her mate, or at least as the King. Fidgeting within her den, the young female felt a surge of excitement and insecurity. On the one hand, the pride would be pleased to know there was a new King in their midsts. On the other hand, this meant that her friend was now . . . was supposed to be . . . something more.

Her mate.

On the one hand, they could always just be friends. He had accepted because he was loyal and faithful to the pride, not because he desired to be her companion. It was the right thing to do, it was . . . duty, obligation. Love and affection wasn't something she could afford to wait for. Not only were he options limited when it came to prospects but . . . love wasn't something she could wait for. She had a duty to bring peace and security amongst her pride. Already she had gone too long without a King and without choosing an heiress . . . .

Oh dear. The problem for Nawiri'chiwa was that she liked Kiwi'lan. She cared about her friend and his kindness. When he fell ill, she worried about him immensely. She had feelings for him, but there would be no way to express them now. Kiwi was just her friend. . . only her friend . . .

And now he was her mate. Heaving a sigh, Nawiri paced within the heart of her den. She was feeling ill with anxiety, unsure how this was going to work. She'd never had a mate before, and while she was secretly grateful that he was willing to take on such a role, she also feared how they might get along. This was just . . .business. For the sake of the pride, for the health of the Kitwana'antara.

Kiwi'lan was meant to arrive this evening. Exactly what would come of it, she was unsure. This was the start of her new life with her chosen King, and the duel-eyed female was completely petrified.
 

[Nuxaz]

There was one word, among many, that Kiwilan chose to describe his feelings for the day. Joyous. There was hardly a thing that could disrupt his happy mood, not even the argument he had with his avian companion. Not very often did you get to live with your dream girl or get to call her your mate. Kiwi was a lucky lion, that much was sure.

The candy colored male wore a grin upon his maw as he trotted up to the entrance with only a pretty yellow flower in his jaws. He didn't have many possessions and of what he did have, well he had decided they were not worth taking with him. He was starting a new chapter in his life and he wanted a clean slate for it.

Trotting right up to her he placed the flower at her feet, dipping his head in a bow at the same time. "For you my lady," he told her looking up. He stepped backwards, suddenly embarrassed before sheepishly saying, "I thought it fitting to bring you a gift?"

Of course he would go and make it more formal than necessary.  

[Uta]

Nawiri's ears twitched as she hard the sound of someone approaching. The large, brightly-coated male was very difficult not to notice, and the young queen felt her spirits rise with anticipation and excitement, but swiftly sink with anxiety.

There he was, her friend, her . . .well . . mate. She still struggled wrapping the term around her head, and she had to remember that he was only here out of a sense of loyalty and duty. He cared about her, that much she knew, but it wasn't out of any sense of affection, care, or love. They were solely friends, and that was it.

But to see him there, to know that this was his new den now, this was a new life that they would share. . . Well. . . . Nawiri'chiwa had never had a mate before. Yes, she had a royal escort once, and while she'd grown fond of the young male, he had passed away before they had been able to experiment with their relationship. And now here was Kiwilan, standing before her and offering her a flower.

Was he as anxious as she was? He didn't seem shy or uptight. Yes, he was acting rather formal, but wasn't he always respectful? Forcing a smile, the dual eyed female looked down to study the pretty flower, admiring its color. "It's very pretty, and is a sweet gesture, Kiwilan. But you know, you needn't act so formal. I may be the Queen, but you are now the King. Nawiri's fine. . . unless you want me to start calling you 'my lord'." She relaxed a little as she spoke, her smile becoming more sincere as she teased him.

Maybe she was getting uptight for nothing. They could just be friends, no problem, right? Right. It was just an adjustment. "Here. If you could be so kind, could you perhaps tuck the flower behind my ear? I think it would look much nicer to be shown off here than tucked away in my den." Besides, it would mean he'd have to get close to her, and she could relax when he didn't shy away.

He was her mate now. They would have to act as one while out in the pride, to show that there is stability amongst its leaders. But if he had reservations, there was a chance their rule had the possibility of upset and awkwardness. And that was something Nawiri wanted to dismiss right away.

She didn't realize just how happy Kiwi was. . . she was too anxious.
 

[Nuxaz]

His smile faltered slightly when he saw her forced smile. "Am I doing something wrong?" He asked, his brow furrowing as he pressed his lips into a thin line. He thought he had been thoughtful, perhaps evening loving but she did not seem terribly pleased. His tense posture however seemed to relax as her smile became more sincere. "No, no," he shook his head, smile returning. "While I may now be king Nawiri, you will always be my queen," he told her honestly.

A part of him wanted to scream to the whole world that he loved her, that he had always loved her and that he would always love her but the professional part of him, the one that made everything about duty prevented him from doing such. She picked you because you are the best choice, not because she has any feelings other than friendship for you, he reminded himself.

At her suggestion he nodded, gingerly picking the flower up in his jaws. He seemed to hesitate for a second before moving close to her with ease. Carefully he placed it behind her ear and as he pulled away he whispered in her ear, "beautiful as always."  

[Uta]

Nawiri almost bit her lip when she saw Kiwi's expression falter, and he question her about his behavior. Oh dear. She hadn't meant to cause him concern or distress. Maybe she really was over reacting. Giving a shake of her head, the female was quick to respond.

"No, no! You're . . . you're perfect." And she truly did mean that. It amazed her that she hadn't ever had a chance to think much about the vibrant coated male. Oh, she had always known of him, since they were about the same age. But she hadn't really grown to know him until after her reign as queen. He had been so loyal, so true tot he pride. Of course, before her rise to power, she had just been the heiress. Her mother and the rest of the pride had struggled and she had been betrothed. Most of her attentions had gone on the young male, her Escort.

But now . . . now she stood before a new lion, a different face, but one she had found herself growing quite fond of. Glancing away, not wanting to make things any more awkward than they were, she added softly, "I guess I just worry that things between us might change. I don't want to drive you away or have you grow to resent me because of this new . . .situation. Furthermore, I've never had a mate before." She almost stumbled over the word. "This is one area that not even my mother or sister could guide me." She hated admitting insecurity, but she had to. While she could keep a composed and confident face in front of all within the Kitwana'antara, she couldn't keep Kiwi at a distance too.

They were partners now, for better or worse. Facades and masks wouldn't work. She needed to trust him and she needed to know just how honest she could be in front of him. Because sometimes even Nawiri needed a shoulder to cry upon, but up until tonight, there had been none. Even then, she wasn't entirely sure she wanted Kiwi to see her during her more fragile moments.

But he was her mate now, her King. Their relationship was brand new and entirely different. But just how different, she wasn't sure.

Dual eyes did capture his own when he whispered his words, the compliment rather surprising for the female. She almost felt herself flush, both to his close proximity and his comment. Her? Beautiful? She cracked a self-deprecating grin and gave a shake of her head in denial. "Surely you jest, though I do appreciate the flattery." It wasn't that she didn't think herself pretty, she just knew it . . . well. . . didn't matter. She had learned long ago that thinking too highly of oneself was looked upon poorly, especially as an heiress. Her role was to be selfless, to put her pride and its members first before all else. Nawiri'chiwa had learned those lessons well. Furthermore, not many had the gall to speak to her with such pretty words. Most treated her with reverence and respect, but also a bit of distance.

She TRIED to get them to look at her as an equal, but it was not to be. She was the queen. And as Kiwilan had just spoke, she would always be the queen. At least for now. "I . . . hope this transition won't be too awkward. I really am glad you're here." She smiled at him, wishing that somehow, somewhere, he might truly know her feelings.

Who knew? Perhaps with time he'd grow to care. Perhaps someday he'd realize she hadn't picked him just out of duty.
 

[Nuxaz]

He wanted to argue with her, tell her he was anything but perfect. That he was really no good, because when it all came down to it he wasn't. In fact he was probably the farthest thing from perfect as possible but he bit his tongue and said nothing about it. He refused to ruin this semi-joyous moment with something unnecessary...unimportant. For now.

Nawiri needed someone strong to stand by her side, someone who was level headed and could make the right decision under pressure. Kiwi was determined to be that male. His heart was hers and to have her be his, even if only out of duty, that was more than the pink furred male could have asked for.

"Regardless of your feelings for me, I will always be here for you Nawiri," he told her very seriously. "My view, my feelings and my opinion of you will never change, you will always be my queen who I will follow to the ends of the earth and back. Nothing could ever make me resent you." The words flowed from his lips easily because they were the truth. He was hopelessly in love with the neutral colored lioness and he knew it would never change.

You didn't spend your entire life loving someone for no reason.

"Do not worry my queen, everything will be fine," he assured her.  

[Uta]

Nawiri'chiwa listened to Kiwi express his devotion to her, reiterating what she already knew. He had always been faithful to both the Kitwana'antara as well as herself. He had always been friendly and amicable, she had known him since she was a cub, but . . . that's what made this so upsetting. She found her heart raced and skipped a beat when she looked at him, when he grew close. She didn't want him just to be loyal to her because she was the queen - she wanted him to be loyal because he felt something more for her. That he looked at her as a mate and not just the queen.

O well.

Maybe she was expecting too much. Perhaps their relationship would change, but it would take time, if it even happened at all. The grey lioness would hope for the best, but she knew that her hope could very likely be in vain. At least Kiwi'lan was a solid lion, intelligent, cool-headed. Hopefully he'd do her proud when he did begin his duties and taking his place firmly at the head of the pride.

Swallowing hard at his words, the female gave him a smile before she averted her gaze, almost coyly. "Thanks you Kiwi. You truly are an asset to myself and the pride. I don't think I could think of a better King to help lead." So formal, forever formal.

But now what? This was his new den, and she wanted to make him feel comfortable. But she also wanted to have some sort of contact with him, considering he would be the father of her future children. Now that there was a King, she knew what came next, what was needed. She wouldn't rush it, but someday soon they'd have to have cubs all their own. And that meant. . .

Well. . .

Even above all that, she wanted to it appear as if they had a close relationship. The more tight knit the Queen and King, the better for the pride. She didn't want things to be awkward when they made rounds together, or when ceremonies and official events occurred. "Well then, welcome home, Kiwi. I want you to make yourself comfortable and . . . and I think we need to discuss our roles here. I don't want this to be awkward, but I do want to start treating you like my . . . my mate." She hurried the words, feeling her ears flush.

This was just getting awkward.

"So I think we need to get comfortable around each other. Physically, that is. I mean, are you okay with little signs of affection now and then?" Her eyes went wide, hoping that he wouldn't be terribly upset by the idea. Leading the pride was so much simpler when she didn't have to worry about a King and mate! "We don't have to rush in to anything, I'm not suggesting that, I just . . . want us to get comfortable with one another, if. . .if that's okay."

 

[Nuxaz]

The pink lion wanted nothing more than to express his deep love and affection for his monochromatic queen but he held himself back. Now was not the time, nor the place to be making such declarations, especially when the lion in question had convinced himself that his queen felt nothing more than friendship for him. Oh how he would have laughed had he known the truth, or weep for joy. It could not be certain as he gazed upon her as she spoke to him, his love evident to any passerby.

"I can only hope to live up to the expectations that have been placed upon me," he replied in a good-nature tone. He fell silent quickly as she progressed into the topic of business. His grin faltered slightly as he considered the idea that they would not be physically comfortable with each other. He doubted it. "I do not think it will be a problem," he responded with a firm nod. "After all, it is only as awkward as we make it right?"

He had hoped to reassure her that he was comfortable with any decision she made, to assure her that he was behind her 100%. "I am as comfortable as you are," he told her stepping towards her to nuzzle her neck lightly. "You are my queen and mate, and I am honored to treat you as such," he whispered.  

[Uta]

Nawiri'chiwa still couldn't help but feel terribly torn. On the the one hand, he really was her mate, and they were now officially a couple. He was the new king of the Kitwana'antara, and would someday even be the father of her own cubs. But that seemed like such a long ways off. She knew him only as her friend, as a pride mate, nothing more. He had never courted her, had never shown any interest in her outside of their friendship. . . . but then . . . . why would he?

Up until recently, she'd had an escort! Plans had already been made, she had been betrothed to another. Unfortunately though, the spirits claimed him just before her mother sacrificed herself, leaving her no time to properly find another. She had waited, had put it off, and put it off, but for the sake of the prides he had pushed aside her ideals of love and romance. Thankfully though, in a sad sort of way, Kiwi'lan had succumbed to the disease late in life. . . .

So here they were, together. But she knew not how much he adored her, just as he was oblivious to her own feelings and the yearning deep within her heart. "Well then," she murmured, giving a small smile. "I will do my best not to make things awkward. With time we should settle comfortably with one another, right?" As he stepped forward and nuzzled her neck, the young queen couldn't help but feel her ears burn and her face go flush. Where was her sister when she needed her most? She really was quite young and naive and didn't know how to best handle her situation with the male.

She utterly adored him and yet . . . .how could she express it? Well. If she couldn't tell him, maybe she could show him through her actions. He was her mate now and . . . he was King. He had a role an obligation to fulfil. All Nawiri could hope was he wasn't yearning for another female. There was enough dramatics between Jozo, Eppie and Gerda. . . she didn't want to keep Kiwi'lan trapped as her mate, but as King, there was very little allowance for such matters.

They were a team. They couldn't afford a public rift.

"And I'm honored to have such a king for my mate." She added softly, hiding her flushed expression and worry by lightly burying her head into his mane an shoulder. Maybe, just maybe, things would be all right. Resting against him, though unusual for such an independent queen, she took comfort in his close proximity. Even if he never did love her, he at least cared for her as a friend. And maybe that would be enough to get them through. At the very least, she could pretend.

 

[Nuxaz]

One day Kiwi was certain that he would share his feelings with his queen. One day he would tell her that he loved her, that he had loved her since they had been cubs. It had been tragic fate that had taken her betrothed from her but it had allowed him to step in and fill those pawprints. For that he was grateful.

"A king is only as good as his queen and I am lucky enough to have the best queen," he complimented her sweetly. His words were flattering and he hoped that she would pick up on the subtle hints he'd continue to leave in his words about his feelings for her. Of course, she could always believe that he was simply saying what he thought she wanted to hear but he hoped that would not be the case. He could never be less than truthful to Nawiri...about nearly everything.

Somethings he would never be able to bring himself to tell her.

He settled his chin on the back of her neck as she leaned upon him, a blissful look upon his features as closed his eyes. "Would you mind if we just stayed like this for a little?" He just wanted to be near her.  

[Uta]

The lioness felt her ears burn as Kiwi'lan complimented her. She wasn't insecure about her position, but it certainly wasn't a role for the weak of heart. When an entire pride depended upon her for their very livelihood and her every action could have an adverse affect on many lives, it . .. could be overwhelming. Especially when those she loved the most suffered from a terrible and wasting disease!

Still, it was nice to know that the pink coated lion thought so highly of her. "You flatter me so," she admitted with a small chuckle, giving her tail a small flip. Still, she wasn't going to argue with him about the matter. No, she'd take his words and enjoy them, just as she did his company.

Her ears pricked lightly as he requested to say just as they were, though her heart almost jumped to her throat in surprise. Could they stay like this? "Certainly. I'm in no rush to leave," she shyly admitted, glad to feel his chin upon her neck. It really was bliss to have this opportunity. While she was still unsure about where he stood outside of friendship and obligation, she was enjoying his close proximity and secretly cherishing it.

He was a good deal larger than she, and for once she felt like she could lean upon him, physically and emotionally. She was such an independent female that it was a little disconcerting. . . but. . . . she hoped this was the start of something wonderful. She'd take whatever Kiwi'lan would give and, at the very least, no matter what their relationship was like, he would give his all to the pride.
 

[Nuxaz]

Kiwi had spent his entire life in the plagued pride watching as even his litter-mates succumbed to the disease while he himself remained untouched, a glowing beacon of healthiness. It was odd, being the sole cub in a litter with an appearance of being immune, it was assumed he had been given the gene while from his father while a sister inherited the carrier gene from their mother.

He couldn't remember what had happened to said sister. Or his parents.

But at this moment it didn't matter to him what had happened to his family, only what was happening, what was developing between him and his new family. It was a small one, consisting only of Nawiri, his new mate, and himself but he was happier than he had ever been. He didn't even care about being king, to him it was simply just a title and a role to fill because Nawiri trusted him to be king. He just wanted her.

But as king he had duties to fulfill, and announcements to make. "When should we official announce our...mateship?"  

[Uta]

Nawiri enjoyed the quiet of the den, and of course, Kiwi'lan's presence. Everything that was happening, everything that was changing between them had been a recent development. Not only because of the loss as her escort, but because only recently had she really begun to notice him. He had supported her from the very beginning, he had always been a good friend . . . . but now they were here, together. They were a pair and he would now have a say on the happenings of the pride.

Nawiri knew he was a good soul, and knew he was one of the more devout lions, but . . . would they be able to work together? Part of Nawiri hadn't had time to truly get to know him, to plan out their future as she had with her previous escort. Hopefully though, her worries would be soothed with time. She didn't doubt Kiwi'lan's ability, but . . . the future was always a risky thing. And secretly, with him so ill, she wondered if he might not pass on too soon.

The thought scared her, and she couldn't resist cuddling just a bit closer. The fate of the pridal leaders in the Kitwan'antara was never pretty. Her mother had suffered a fairly gruesome end, and while her father was still alive, he . . . was diseased and lived with much guilt and regret. The two kings before him had also passed away . . . As selfish as she knew it was, she didn't want Kiwi'lan to leave her so soon. Not when they were just touching on a new chapter of each others lives, not before she . . had time to spend with him and only him. Hopefully his illness would lessen, if only for a little while.

" . . . I suppose we should make an announcement soon. Tomorrow we can meet with the High Priestess, and I'm certain the Viziers would like to introduce themselves officially. The sooner, the better, if only to give the pride some hope." Though she knew very well what would come next. The pressure of finding a new King might be off, but next would be the demand for an heiress and . . . . cubs.

Ready or not, that would be the next awkward scenario. But for now, for this moment, it was just the two of them. And that was just as well for Nawiri'chiwa. This was a dream come true, and she wasn't going to waste the night be worry or future obligations. "The pride could use some good news. . "
 

[Nuxaz]

He knew the risks of living in their pride, of the disease that often threatened to wipe them out but for the moment he didn't care. He was content, all the bad things aside. "That sounds lovely," he murmured, closing his eyes as he leaned into the body of his new mate. "The pride could definitely use the good news, we've lost so many members lately," he lamented a sigh rumbling through his throat.

The pressure to find a king would be lifted from Nawiri, he knew but it would be replaced by...other needs. Ones that he had no problem fulfilling though he couldn't say the same for Nawiri. Their relationship, while fairly sturdy, was in the awkward stages as it became clear that neither knew how the other felt.

"We'll worry about everything else later, let's just enjoy what peace and quiet we have now," he whispered into her ear content to just stay like this forever if he could.  

[Uta]

Nawiri closed her eyes in a dream sort of content. She was more than comfortable cuddled against the bright lion, and wasn't ready for the moment to end. Right now, it was just him and her, and the world knew nothing of their little secret. He was officially her mate, and they would take on the world together, side by side. He wasn't just her mate, but her King and a friend. Honestly, life couldn't be better for the lioness and she thanks the goddess Amarat for this blessing.

There were no words that needed to be said. The initial anxiety of Kiwi'lan's new title and duties were fading fast. He didn't seem upset by this new position, and he certainly didn't seem to object to her close proximity. Maybe, just maybe, everything would work out all right in the end. For now, it was just the two of them . . .and she wouldn't change this moment for the world.

[Fin?]