Was it true to say that love required risks? Most certainly; perhaps it was best to think as love as a leap of faith, a blindfolded journey into the abyss of the unknown. One could never but sure of everything, even anything, and sometimes the only way to know was to take the plunge.
Kimuli exhaled softly.
A cool, morning wreath of mist blew from out of her maw with a puff before it dispersed into the air. Her eyes tiredly strained, adjusting to the morning light that filtered through the seaside boughs above. Against the brisk morning breeze the warmth of the sun was comforting. Its warmth began to spread along her fur, rejuvenating her senses as it penetrated down into her skin. Swiveling her head to the side, Kimuli’muli smiled as she glanced toward to the mass of fur and limbs that was heaped beside her.
Although he was a wild adrenaline junkie and thick skulled, there was a part of Heenalu that she adored. He was no doubt reckless, eccentric in his mannerism, yet he was witty, charming, engaging, endearing even. Granted, Nalu would always be Nalu; the beach bumming, surf loving lion— her eternal companion.
Heenalu grunted with a snort through his nostrils as his body rolled onto his side. He was still bound by slumbers grasp. His ears flicked, in taking the morning sounds but with little interest. As a member of the so-called ‘Dawn Patrol’ and swell seekers it would appear that the large oaf felt no shame in taking his time to get that morning jump start to the pending day. It could be that Nalu was taking his time to prepare for the new day but Kimuli herself convinced that it was laziness.
“Lazy bum,” she mumbled.
Kimuli rose up onto her paws as a yawn escaped from out of her maw. The warmth of the sun against her fur was pleasant and already the surf seemed lively as sets of waves rolled into the shore; waves crashing against the breakers, foamy fingers tugging at the sandy shoreline. It was soothing. With each thrumming roar the ocean unleashed the black lioness swore as if she could hear her very soul sing alongside its’ chorusing call.
Kimulu crouched down slightly as tension conjured within her back legs. Suddenly she sprang toward the burly, black male and toppled over him. An audible ‘ooof’ escaped from beneath. Fumbling atop her mate's back, Muli repositioned herself and planted her rump upon his neck-- her tail playfully smacked against his forehead and tickled his nose.
She chuckled. “Get up!”
That tickling sensation that seized his face caused Nalu's muzzle to bunch slightly and be accompanied by a low rumble which emitted from out of his chest. He swayed his head from side to side but it seemed near impossible to escape. Heenalu opened his eyes slightly and narrowed them towards the tail that hung in front of his face. Without warning, the burly, black male clamped his maw around the tail and gave a good tug.
“What could this beeeeee,” he chuckled, somewhat groggy.
Kimuli shrieked, "Heenalu!"She quickly pivoted and began batting him with her front, right paw. Unfortunately her effort seemed thwarted due to his disheveled, thick, mess of mane which only entangled her paw.
The burly, black male gave another firm tug before releasing Kimuli's tail. He exhaled deeply from out of his nostrils and yawned sluggishly. Aside from the unexpected massage that reluctantly began loosening his stiff shoulder, Heenalu Muku casually glanced around the surrounding scenery. No doubt the Bahari'mtoto was a lively paradise with lush foliage and a colorful array of flowers and blossoms. Against the fragrant aroma that wafted against the gentle breeze, the pungent smell of salty seas remained prominent. It was a sickly sweet smell and yet, at the same time, it was comforting.
Muku tilted his head back and smirked. "You know, food often does wonders for getting a lazy lion out of bed."
"Is that so?"
“Best way to a dudes stomach is through his heart,” Heenalu grinned.
Kimuli eyed him. "Well from what I can tell you certainly haven't needed any help with that." Jumping off from atop of him, the lioness, turned toward the male and prodded his side. "You got some chub, chubs."
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! This?" Muku stumbled onto his paws and sat upon his haunches. He shook his head and directed both paws to his stomach. "This is all muscle- legit muscle. All of it." Heenalu never was a touchy individual but when it came to his 'stature' that seemed to be a different story; he was somewhat obsessed with keeping a good figure, so to speak. But that wasn't to say that he was a petite eater-- he still bore an appetite that was as formidable as a black hole, and nor would he refuse a free meal, but he was conscious about people calling him 'chubby' or 'flabby'. Even in spite of the banter, Heenalu mustered a grin to broaden along his maw.
"Hopeless and hungry," Kimuli laughed, settling next to him. She nuzzled deep into his fur and inhaled his scent and let it waft about her nostrils. She leaned into him.
A warm smile spread across Muku's maw as he tenderly nipped at her ear. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
She could feel herself almost melting next to him, laughing softly as she curled her tail around his and nipped at his cheek fur. “You do know you're stuck with me forever, right?” Pele questioned, grinning as she then pawed at his face. “Eternity is a long time.”
"So I suppose returns aren't accepted, huh?"
"Unfortunately, no."
Muku pursed his lips thoughtfully and turned his head toward her. "We'll make it work," he winked.
The two stretched their front paws outward and similtaneously yawned. It was strange to think that the pair was different in their own ways yet, all the while, they were alike in many ways. Kimuli glanced toward him and narrowed her eyes. Without warning she suddenly leaped onto her paws and began sprinting towards the old, well-worn path that led from the beach out towards the thick of the jungle.
"Last one to the waterfalls has to hunt for lunch!" Kimuli yelled.
As sand sprayed from the unexpected race, Muku barreled up to his paws and tailed right behind her.
