Continued from MSN
Talbot chuckled inwardly as the cub shouted go. He pushed himself into a weak-hearted run, keeping his paws at a slow rhythm. Had he not been stretching out his legs this pace would be no more than a mere quick trot. But it allowed Nazih to get there a few seconds before he did, so it was good enough for Talbot.
When he reached the edge og the water he flopped over and panted like he'd been running at his full speed for several minutes. His chest heaved in a slower rhythm than he knew it would in a real scenario, but he didn't think there was too much difference.
"Wow!" He gave a breathy laugh. "You're quick!"
Nazih'Matata grinned as he flicked his hair out of his eyes, flicking his tail around. Kneeding his paws on the ground. Excitement ran through his body as he panted a little lightly. He looked at the Wild dog then nodded. He was slightly surprised that he beat the older creature, He really never played with older creatures other than his mother but he didn't know that they did things like slow down to let them win. "Thank you! Your pretty fast too!" He grinned as if to let him know it was okay that he lost." He looked around. He still knew where he was but in the back of his mind he was thinking about his mother waking up soon and worring of where he was.
Talbot rolled over onto his back and stretch out his body. "Thanks." He seemed a little more at ease now that he'd seen that the lion was just a playful youth.
Tilting his head he blinked at him. "Why ya lookin' around?" As if you were prey, Talbot finished the sentance in his head
Nazih grinned once more before continuing his gaze around the area. He looked back at Talbot when he heard him talk. "I'm sorry." He laughed slightly before lapping up some of the water in front of him and licking if off of his small chin before grinning at him once more. "I think I have to go, my mom might be waking up soon." He laughed slightly then streched himself as he stood up. "I think I'm gonna go." He looked a little upset that he had to go. He flicked his tail then sighed.
"Aw." Talbot frowned, rolling back to his belly. "I suppose Momma shouldn't be made mad." He grimaced slightly at the image that came to his mind; his caretaker getting mad for him being late and punishing him severely. "No, you should definitely go. So she doesn't worry herself sick." His voice shook a little as he fought to lock the memories away and stood. "I'll see you around, kay? Don't get into any trouble."
Nazih nodded to him. It wasn't his real mother but she had been rasing him as if he was his own and he was very happy because of that. He looked at the bigger creature then grinned ear to ear. "Thank you. and I'll make sure that I don't!" He turned toward the area that they came from. "Thank you Talbot! I hope to see you again!" He started to quickly head back to where he came from. The fun he had running through his mind. He loved playing.
Talbot nodded at the cub and flicked his tail, watching him go. What he would have given to have that sort of happiness at that age. He just hoped he'd someday give his own pups the loves and care they deserved.
Nazih... Cute kid. He'd have to keep in touch with him.
END :3
