A/N: Chapter Fifteen. This one might be boring…I dunno, you guys are the judge. R&R!

Kiara32: Lol, you know I didn't copy you! I don't think I've even gotten to that chapter in your fic. But hey, great minds think alike, right?

Chapter Fifteen: Kind Words Spoken

Kiara turned to Kovu, who still lied on the muddy ground. His eyes were halfway closed and his breathing rapid.

''Kovu?'' said Kiara worriedly.

''They-they didn't hurt you at all?'' Kovu asked weakly.

''Just a little. Are-are you okay?'' Kiara replied, eying his injured left forearm. There was a large, deep gash going from the elbow to his paw. Dark blood stained his brown fur.

''I'm alright…it doesn't hurt too much,'' Kovu said, trying his best to sound strong, even though the pain was unbearable.

''Looks pretty bad to me,'' said Kiara, ''I don't think you can go any further like this.''

''Are you concerned about me?'' teased Kovu, a small smile playing on his lips.

''I-I'm just concerned about not having a guide to lead me home,'' snapped Kiara, blushing.

''I'll be okay,'' said Kovu, struggling to get up while trying not to put weight into his wounded limb. Without even thinking, Kiara helped him stand upright while placing her head to his side and pushing him upward.

''Thanks,'' said Kovu gratefully, yet surprised. Kiara silently turned away. She didn't want him to notice that she was actually relieved that he was alive, even if it was just so she could have an escort.

Walking in front of him, she led him over the tree she had been resting under earlier. She had to wait for Kovu before sitting in case he collapsed. He limped slowly and terribly toward her, practically dragging his impaired forearm. Soon as he reached the tree, he settled himself on the wet ground beside Kiara, who stared worriedly at him.

He can't possibly go on like this, he's too hurt and too weak, she thought.

''What?'' Kovu said when he noticed her gaping at him. Kiara blinked, slightly embarrassed. Why should she care so much about him? She wouldn't be bothered if the hyena did finish him off. He deserved whatever he got.

''Nothing…'' she said, diverting her eyes from him to the ground. Suddenly remembering the reason he left earlier, she spoke up again. ''So where's the food you were supposed to bring? You didn't find any did you?''

''In fact, I did. It's over there by that rock. I dropped it there when I saw that you were in trouble,'' Kovu answered.

Kiara trotted over to the large rock Kovu referred to and discovered a fairly large leg of an animal, maybe an antelope or an gnu, lying on the ground beside it. She was surprised at how he managed to find such an ample amount of food in the middle of nowhere. Picking it up in her mouth, she took it back to their resting spot and placed it next to Kovu's face. He looked from her to the meat in a puzzled way.

''Here, you eat first. Looks like you need it more than I do,'' Kiara offered.

''No thanks, I already ate, it's yours,'' Kovu rejected, using him muzzle to push it back to her.

Without even needing to be told twice, Kiara tore at the leg with her teeth, taking huge bites of fresh meat. Never had she eaten such good food in so long; it tasted so delicious at the moment. She savored every bite, down to the last piece. When she finished, she licked her lips and muzzle clean, her stomach finally satisfied.

''Someone must've been really hungry,'' said Kovu in a sort of teasing way, watching her lick her paw.

''Well after the way you've been feeding me, why shouldn't I be?'' Kiara retorted.

Kovu frowned, suddenly irritated. ''You know, for once why can't you thank me? I am helping you escape and wouldn't even have this wound if I didn't try to fight those hyenas for you.''

Kiara opened her mouth to argue, to say something ruthless, but thought twice and closed it. She couldn't deny that he was right, that he was betraying his own mother to help her get home. Not to mention that he did save her from those hyenas. He had merely kept her alive and she was repaying him by being stubborn and obnoxious. Maybe he does deserve some respect and a little kindness; especially now that he was hurt and was still taking her home.

She sighed heavily and said, ''You-you're right. I guess I'm sorry for being a brat. I do owe you one, for going against your mother and all. And I'm sorry you got hurt; what you did was very brave.''

Kovu lifted his head and gazed at her silently. He was surprised at her unexpected apology. He could even see it in her eyes that she really meant it. She suddenly looked to innocent that he couldn't help but accept it.

''I accept your apology,'' he said, resting his head back down on his right paw.

Relieved, Kiara lied down on the soft wet grass and yawned. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the night was quiet as the sky was clear. What she needed was a good night's sleep to reenergize her, knowing that they still had many miles to cover. Just before her eyelids closed, she looked up at Kovu, who's head rested peacefully upon his paw, his eyes closed.

''Kovu?'' Kiara said.

''Mmm?'' Kovu replied without opening his eyes.

''Thanks…for saving me,'' said Kiara softly. A small smile formed across Kovu's face; she never ceased to surprise him.

''Anytime,'' he replied before drifting off to sleep.

A/N: That's it for this one! I'd like to continue on my Spider Man fic, but I'm not sure how to start. Any ideas? Anyone? Opinions needed, please! Thanks!