That evening, back in the sanctuary of Pride Rock, I visited Usiku in her cave to one side. She still preferred her own cave, something I couldn't deny her, and assumed that she liked the feeling of it, as if it were her own quarters like she had as a rogue. The cave always had the air of unwelcomeness about it, which I presumed Usiku wanted. She didn't seem too disheartened to see me though.
"Good evening, Simba," she greeted me regally, though not unkindly.
"Hello, Usiku," I said, resting back on my haunches near the mouth of the cave, looking inwards toward her. "How're things?"
She looked thoughtful, "Pretty well, in all honesty," she replied. I wasn't totally sure about the sincerity of her answer however.
"Getting along all right with Tani and company?"
"Yes, fine young cub he is. Sure knows how to get at me, though I try not to show it."
"Yeah," I smiled, "sounds like him, that does."
An awkward silence followed.
"He asked me about you this afternoon," I said.
"Me? What a privilege," she said, without expression. She wasn't going to give anything away.
"Yes. He notices you don't seem… totally - " I struggled for the word.
She sighed and looked at the floor saddened. "I know. I try, Simba, I do. But it's kind of difficult to shake off the past, and even more difficult to shake off the cold feeling of the rebel lionesses who leer at me day by day."
"I appreciate that," I said, "but you know you needn't fear my pride at any rate. Why, only today they were singing your praises in one of their gossiping sessions. They like you Usiku, and they appreciate you and what you're doing. Really they do."
She looked up, half-interested for a change. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," I replied with force. "And perhaps you should come and sleep in our cave. I mean, if you want to, that is. I think it'll help you feel closer and more accepted. Less threat from anyone else in there, if you see what I mean…"
"Yes," she looked thoughtful, "perhaps you are right. Maybe I'll try it. There's a first time for everything right?" She gave an infrequently seen friendly smile, and said "Thank You, King," before strolling past me and into the cave. I turned and watched her go, acutely aware of a rustling in the bush next to me.
Yes, it could be no other.
"Pfff,"
"Pfff…ha…oops…"
A wiggle of the bush again.
Slight bickering and more 'silent' laughter.
"Shh, Timon"
"Hey, you shhh!"
I lost patience. "Really guys, do you follow me everywhere?!"
Pumbaa stepped out slowly, looking suitably abashed (to be honest, he often did) but there was no such look with Timon.
"Oh c'mon Simba, where's all the fun gone in your life? It's all work and no play! You never do anything with your old mates."
I rolled my eyes to the sky and mumbled through gritted teeth, "I wonder why."
"Jeesh, lighten up Simba, just come and see us once in a while. Yeah, sure you have duties. But you look tired. You've lost that sparkle in your eye. You used to love life when you were with us – Hakuna Matata, no worries. Now look at you. Worrier, and about half the lion you used to be!"
"Half a lion's big enough for me," said Pumbaa, "still plenty to go around."
"Pumbaa, you are missing the point!" replied Timon. He doesn't share it around! He spends all his time with Nala or his new girl Watshername."
"And his son, Timon."
"Yeah, exactly! No time for us."
"But family's important."
"So am I….I mean we…. I mean… friends are important too."
Having finally settled on their argument, they looked at me. "So?"
"What do you want me to do or say?" I asked.
"Just promise you'll see us more often."
"I will, I promise. But the pride's got issues at the moment, can't you tell?"
"So it has. Big deal. Sometimes getting away from the problem makes it easier later. Ever think of that?" said Timon, getting quite emotional, and not being his usual light-hearted self. I was thinking that maybe I wouldn't fight this argument to make things better.
Timon stared at me. I looked to Pumbaa. He looked worried, and his eyes filled with tears, "Don't leave us," he squealed, and ran towards me, burying his head into my leg. I patted him on the back. "I won't. Promise."
Timon didn't look wholly satisfied.
I continued, "and I'm sorry guys. But it's kinda hard… you know?"
Timon broke off and dropped his fixated stare. We knew you'd come round. We'll see you tomorrow then, Simba, by the rock maze that Tanabi likes. For old times sake."
I didn't have a chance to argue, and the two of them broke off and went away. Didn't I have enough to worry about without that?