Part II
Title: Lex Talionis
Synopsis: If you love me, I'll always be in your heart…If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind.
Disclaimer: Written as a sequel to 'Quid Pro Quo'. I do not own them. The characters belong to the Disney Co. This is written for pure entertainment purposes only.
Author's note: I want to explore the psychology between these two lion brothers. In my opinion there is too little of it and I hope I do a good job. Warning, this will have some slash. You have been warned. I don't do fluff. I like things that are out of most people's comfort zones. It helps me develop as a writer. I like complex themes. Hope you enjoy! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to review or PM me. Kisses.
Scar's acid green eyes scanned the small crack at the corner. He hissed in frustration. The mouse had gotten more clever when it came to its 'room mate's' habits such as when he would be awake and when would be a good time to safely travel but lately, he had had these awful mood swings. The mouse got fed up with Scar's loud snoring and the lion got tired of its feet tapping incessantly in a staccato.
It was time for a permanent eviction.
"I swear, vermin. One day, I will be the death of you!" The dusk toned lion growled as he waited for the rodent to step out and see if it was safe. If he could do it once, he could surely do it again. It would have to come out at some point, for food or water. Whatever it took, Scar could wait. He had gone more than a week without a proper meal and he was getting restless.
"Are you ever going to leave that poor mouse alone?" A loud voice boomed and broke Scar's concentration.
Him.
Of all them why did it have to be him? What exactly did the brute want? If there was one thing that the thin lion despised was having his privacy invaded. Of course he knew that someone like Mufasa had no understanding of the concept. Whatever happened within the Pride Lands came directly to him and that included his brother's habits. Scar tried to recap the last week's events. He fed, he rested, rested by the shade, verbally vituperated some hyenas, rested some more... Unless Mufasa somehow found out about what Zira…..no, he couldn't know about that.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, brother?" Scar purred deeply, turning his attention from his previous transgression to his older brother in a mincing and condescending manner. He did it without directly looking at him. Wherever Mufasa stood, he shone like a beacon of light even in the most shadowy of places. One could not help but focus their attention onto him. Scar hated that. He was like the sun destroying that perfect shady spot and he was trying to rest. Even if he was silent, he demanded focus and respect and because Scar was in no mood for reprimands as he turned to face his brother. Scar wanted to make it clear that he was giving Mufasa permission. He was not acknowledging his presence. It was one thing to owe respect to a ruler who thought that he walked on water. It was another thing entirely when you gave them your precious time.
Don't bow. Don't let that idiot think he can dominate everything he can touch.
~Let's see where this goes.~
No bow. Typical.
~You are not here for respect. You are here as family. Do not push him away. Do not lose him again.~
"I have not seen you in days. I was beginning to worry." Mufasa said in the most diplomatic voice he could muster. He wanted to create that bridge. There he stood over him, looking every inch a fine king. Proud, imperial, and imposing. It was little wonder as to why he was chosen as the leader of the pride. Everything about him suggested refinement and dignity and yet, there was also something savage and wonderfully wild about him. Mufasa was all muscle while Scar was all skin and bones. He hated being reminded of that weakness. Mufasa was blessed where he was lacking. It was then that Scar noticed something. He noticed that his brother had something next to his feet.
"It's very hard to leave the comforts of these corridors to greet faces who only have eyes for one." Scar said sharply.
Is that a zebra leg?
There he goes again with that inferior complex. Some things never change.
"Have you….tried speaking to them?" Mufasa said in a calm and gentle voice. Honey not salt water, he thought.
Scar laid down. Mufasa walked down from the top and sauntered towards his little brother. Perhaps he would behave if he could see him eye to eye. Mufasa knew that he would have to peel back layers if he wanted to speak to Scar. He hated having to show anything but control. However, when it came to some, there was only one language they spoke. There was only one way you could connect with them.
This was not going to be a fight. This was not going to be a fight.
"Oh, and what shall I say? What is it like to stalk an antelope for three days and fail miserably? I don't lactate. Should I start asking them nursing tips?" Scar sneered. Mufasa let out a laugh.
"Don't underestimate them, Scar. They are formidable. It is because of them, we get to feast and not starve." Mufasa looked down at the zebra leg by his side. "I brought you a little something."
"So I see. Come to boast about your best piece?" Scar grunted.
"Actually, it is for you." Mufasa replied. He set the piece of zebra leg in front of Scar. The smaller lion glanced at the meal curiously. Now this was intriguing, but Scar was not one to ignore a gift horse without some vigorous investigation. There had to be a reason for this. Mufasa being generous was not something he handed freely. At least not to him. Whether it was allegiance, tribute or respect, Mufasa always expected something back, even if he was not verbal about it.
"It is a peace offering," he said finally.
"Well, I do declare, brother. You are full of surprises." Scar said as he inspected the piece of zebra flesh. It was a good size too. Firm texture, soft flesh. It was fresh.
"Enjoy it," Mufasa replied.
He was not going to get off that easy. Scar wanted to know what caused this sudden change in his brother for he had not spoken to him in a few full moons and when they did, it was short and prompt. It was almost automatic. They were usually orders or short messages. There was never any actual familial connection in them. Communication was something else. They never really communicated as adults save for when Scar would respond in kind via nonverbal replies, rolling his eyes, feigning submission or weakness, ignoring his requests. Now, all of a sudden Mufasa wants to act like nothing happened. He noticed that the stupid bird was nowhere near him. Perhaps now would be a good time to see if the lion was true to his word or if something else was going on. He wanted to see if there was more to this surprise visit.
"Do what do I owe you the occasion, dear brother?" Scar said in his most sardonic tone. He was not about to eat the meal just yet for while his stomach was empty, his mind was craving something else.
"Nothing,but proper nourishment for you. You may not be the best hunter or the most patient but Simba loves you and you are my brother. That in itself is enough." The King said in a calm tone.
"You said this was a peace offering?" Scar prodded on, still inspecting the juicy cut of leg.
"Yes, I did." The older lion nodded.
"A peace for what? I don't recall misbehaving as of late brother, save for my belatedness at the hairball's debut ball." The thinner lion said in a bored drawl.
"I just wanted to let you know that I was not ignoring you. Let's call an end to this. Truce." Mufasa said in a magnanimous way. He was willing to put this as water under the crossings. If he wanted to get what he wanted then he would have to get a taste of humility. He was doing it little by little and he was careful to do it in a gentle manner so as Scar would not suspect a thing.
Scar arched his brows. Not out of defensiveness but because he was genuinely curious. It also gave him a bit of pleasure knowing that Mufasa was willing to go out of way and do this. Seeing the King graciously bow down and put himself down a notch was something that…fascinated the younger lion. But if the King thought he was going to be off the hook if he just said a quick sorry then he had forgotten who he was dealing with. Scar was not interested in letting the game finish this quickly. He wanted to see how far he could take Mufasa. He wanted to see if he was serious about this self imposed atonement. Was he willing to revisit that moment when he crossed the line? Was he willing to revisit that moment that caused this silent rivalry?
Was he willing to acknowledge that personal moment that caused his fall which in turn created this?
"I am willing to put a little end to this cold war if you would do one thing," Scar said snidely.
Mufasa took a deep breath. He was willing to hear what Scar had to offer. If it meant letting bygones be bygones he would do it. He would go the distance and back for his brother.
On any given day, he would have ignored Scar. Most assuredly, he COULD have. He could have gone on his merry way and enjoy the company of the lionesses and rest on his laurels. He could have enjoyed the zebra leg on his own and let Scar starve.
But that's not who he was.
As King, he had to solve problems. As ruler, he had to seek solutions. This meant that he had to be considerate and listen to others. Even if those requests were made by someone who tested his tolerance and patience to the highest degree.
"I am listening, Scar."
End of Part II-
TBC….
The quote at the top comes from Shakespeare.
