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 Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 1:12 pm
Muroki had to admit, he'd been avoiding Johari, ever since the thrice cursed wolf decided she wanted to play matchmaker. As her lord and bonded, he'd made her stay in her den for a few hours like a naughty pup - spiteful perhaps be he was upset. He loved Kainda but why did she have to go and do that? Really? She had ruined everything! Everything!
Everything had been nice, really nice. Muroki had got the same feeling of warmth and goodness walking beside Johari talking about whatever came to mind as he did basking in the sun. Playing tag or chatting about old customs, or just sitting in companionable and comfortable silences...
Well those silences weren't comfortable at the moment. After his las visit to Kainda, Muroki had stayed mostly in his den area, contemplating the future. His bonded said the pride was counting on him and his old dreams had increased again. So he planned and considered, trying to think of how Johari had avoided looking at him.
But all lions have got to drink, even if a big meal can last them days. So he was forced to get up and go down to the nearest waterhole today.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:47 pm
It would turn out that another had already beaten him there, staring forlornly into the reflective surface of the water along with another young prince, a sand and slate blue colored juvenile, the heir to the Unity Walker's throne. She was trying, tiredly, to explain the situation to him after he'd pried the problem from her with penetrating questions. She couldn't fault him for it, it was his future duty as King to be there for his people. She couldn't help but feel proud, actually, that he cared so much. He'd make an excellent king some day, as she hoped she'd be able to see for herself.
"Jo, I don't understand." He growled. "If you like him he can't treat you that way, that's just not right!"
"No, Upepo, you don't understand... he doesn't.... he just doesn't know how I feel. He can't. Do you understand? I'm just a commoner... he's a prince."
The cub, well, near adolescent frowned, tilting his head a little.
"But, Johari, Vinaya was just a commoner too, and -she's- gonna be queen. So... what's the problem?"
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 2:55 pm
"Commoner?" He blurted out in disbelief.
Muroki had pulled up short and remained hidden when he'd realised who it was who was at the waterhole. He'd been intending to go back to his den or try the further waterhole but the Dawnwalker had overheard the last of the conversation. And suddenly wished two things - one being he coud keep his mouth shut and another than he'd told Kainda to stay in her stupid den for three whole weeks for this. What else had she told Johari?
"Sorry to intrude, but what?"
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 3:11 pm
Johari's surprise days ago was nothing to her surprise now. Completely startled the lioness shot to her paws, freezing on the spot as a sick knot twisted it's way into her stomach. How much had Muroki overheard?
Even Upepo, brash as he was, knew well enough to stay quiet for now and let Johari explain herself. Stepping to her side he simply placed himself beside one of her forepaws, watching Muroki almost expectantly silent.
"I.... I just meant..."
But she didn't know what to say, Muroki would never approve of her thinking lowly of herself, but she couldn't help it. Their class difference left her feeling just a bit humbled. She didn't know... what to say or do to fix any of this. She wanted to tell him how she felt but she was afraid that he just didn't feel the same.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 3:19 pm
"...I am one of three sons, born of a hunter father and a female spare-heir, and one of a large litter at that. If you're going by blood, I am a noble at best but really commoner. Barely royalty. It's only by disaster that some call me a prince. So, what's class? If it can be changed so easily by the paws of fate?" Muroki shrugged. Johari was right. He didn't like that she thought so little of herself. He was also hurt that she thought he'd care. Frankly my dear, he doesn't give a damn.
"There's full-blooded kings who are tyrants, of long and ancient lines.You're one of the most intelligent and kind lions I've ever met. You're beautiful inside, which is far more important, and out. And that makes you more noble than most to me." He looked down, sort of ashamed of the outburst in front of her friend, and for butting into their conversation. Besides, while he'd paid her small compliments before, they'd been as a friend only. Not as....as...as what? So confused.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:05 pm
"I'm sorry... I just..."
"Stop it, Johari. You can't help the way you feel." Upe cut in, looking at her, stern, but soft. "Don't apologize for your feelings, that is, unless you regret them."
Something he was starting to understand, thanks to knowing Vinaya. They were a lot alike... and hearing Muroki talk, he couldn't help but relate. He felt the same way about Vinaya. He should only be so bold as to tell her this himself!
Well, that little outburst certainly caught her attention. Looking a bit stricken, she immediately lowered her ears again. No, that wasn't how she felt. He was right though, she shouldn't be apologizing then, if she didn't regret the way her heart felt. She watched as Upepo gave Muroki one glance, a small nod, and then excused himself to let the two talk. They had many things in common, though Johari wasn't aware.
"... Muroki... the truth is, I have feelings for you. I was afraid to say anything... if you didn't feel that way. When I found out that you're the heir I... just... I...." She screwed her eyes shut. Damn it! Why couldn't she just spit it out?! "I know that you're not like that, I don't know why, I was afraid that things would change between us, and I didn't want to loose you as a friend!"
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:19 pm
Muroki bowed his head briefly at the departing lion and turned his attention back to Johari, his own ears flat against his skull. His stomach did a flip when he heard her say she liked him back as if he'd fallen a long way and found the landing soft. He decided to cast aside for a moment all this 'heir' business because who cared when Johari had just said she liked him!
"Things need to change. At the moment, it's unbearably awkward and I've missed you...but however things might change between us, I'd like to think we'll always be friends, Jo. I...I have feelings for you as well." He took a hesitant couple of steps forward and held out a paw.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:40 pm
"Muroki..." Johari looked to him again, opening her eyes as far as she could with them brimming lightly with tears as they did. She blinked them away and bounded forward, bypassing the paw and pouncing at him head on, her own forepaws going around his thick maned neck. It was with a short, childish laugh, nuzzling her head against his mane. By the time the laughter faded her heavy purring could be heard instead, her eyes closed as she savored the moment instead. "Muroki... I'm so glad to hear you say that."
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:48 pm
The offered paw and it's partner came up to wrap around Johari's shoulders in surprise, then settled there once he'd got over being pounced. It took a moment to take in the tears, laughing and the sudden embrace but once he'd caught up with her-! He purred and nuzzled back, before just resting his forehead against hers for a long moment. Now this w as something he could get used to.
"See? Some changes are good, dear one." His voice was teasing, trying to keep it light and carefree now. Should be so easy, when they both cared for the other.
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:55 pm
For a brief moment she opened her eyes to look up at him, then shut them again at the contact. The purring continued as their foreheads touched. How she would love to stay like this, so close in his warm embrace.
"I love you..."
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Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 5:58 pm
He didn't hesitant, didn't spend weeks working it out or worrying over it. Liking was different from loving, but...it felt right. He loved her. It was easy after all.
"As I love you."
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