Harlow

Breeding prompt

Leaves and grass rustled underneath the paws of the dark furred lion. Giza, being Giza, was in a rush. It was unclear where he was rushing to, however the other members of the pride moved out of the way without a word regardless. All but one.

“Hey Giza, where’s the fire?” Harlow asked, barking out a slight laugh as she sauntered over to the dark furred lion and took a seat blocking his path.

“There’s no fire.” Giza muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed. “And besides, why do you care where I’m going?”

“What? So, I can’t care about my dearest friend?” Harlow asked, standing up again and rubbing her side against Giza’s. “You know I hate seeing you this stressed.” She stated, voice much softer than initially.

Giza sighed and shook his head. “I need to scout the forest again.” He finally announced. “There’s something that doesn’t feel right, and I want to make sure everyone is safe.”

“Oh, my darling Giza…” Whispered the orange furred lioness, pressing her head into Giza’s neck. “There’s nothing out there. I know you worry about the pride but going out too often will just tire you out. And if you tire yourself out then you’ll be hurting yourself and, as much as you won’t like hearing it, you won’t be able to protect the pride like you want.”

Giza winced visibly at the last part, looking down sadly at his paws. “I just want the pride to be safe.” He stated, lowering his voice slightly before adding more. “And I need you to be safe.”

The orange furred lioness gently pushed Giza back to the den, shaking her head slightly. “Giza, darling. I’m safer with you by my side. So please stay with me. You’ve already proven yourself to the pride. You can stop trying to prove yourself to them.”

“It’s not them, I’m trying to prove myself to.” Giza’s light eyes locked onto Harlow’s.

A soft smile formed on the lips of the lioness. “Prove yourself to me by taking a break when you need to. Rest when you need to. Look after yourself. If you really want to prove yourself to me, you can do that. Now come home with me.”

Giza let out a defeated sigh. “Fine.” He grumbled jokingly, supressing a loving grin. He began walking back home, staying close to Harlow, revelling in the feel of her fur against his. “Harlow?”

“Yeah, Giza?” Harlow asked, tilting her head slightly.

“I…I love you.” Giza announced, uttering those words from his lips for the first time. “I really do love you.”

Harlow smiled widely. “I love you too, Giza.” She said softly, leaning against the darker furred lion in a loving way. “I always have. It’s why I want you to be safe. I so scared that one day you’ll go scouting and…and maybe you won’t return.” Harlow choked out, tears threatening to fall.

“I’ll never leave you. I promise. I’ll do whatever it takes to come back to you. No matter what happens.” Giza promised, licking Harlow’s cheek and smiling reassuringly.

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