A/N: Hey all! Chapter Twenty-One is here! I'm surprised some of you actually got a chance to read this during the holidays! Well, thanks anyways! Oh, and even though it felt nice when you guys told me 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy Holidays', just to let you know, I don't celebrate Christmas….I'm Muslim. Muslims have different holidays, but thanks anyways! You guys are the greatest!

Rhiannon Aurorafai: I know how you feel about wanting long chapters. However, after a while I get kinda tired of typing so I purposely made my chapters a little short. Sorry, but I hope you and everyone else still enjoys it!

Now, on with the story…

Chapter Twenty-One: Strange Emotions

The day flew by as the two walked, but a bit slower than usual, due to Kovu's wound. Every now and then he would stop to rest it-suggested by Kiara. He acted stubborn and wanted to continue even though he knew she was right.

Night soon fell and a bright full moon illuminated the sky. All was so peaceful that the two couldn't help but lie on their back upon the stubby grass and star-gaze.

''Great view, huh?'' asked Kiara, smiling.

''Yeah…it is kinda nice…'' Kovu agreed, his eyes looking at each sparkling star.

''My family and I did this often back at home. My dad would tell me how the great kings of the past are up there. He said that when a good, honest king passes, his soul belongs to the heavens,'' Kiara said. She didn't even realize what she was talking about until she actually finished. What was she thinking? What if Kovu doesn't even care?

''I guess I don't belong up there then,'' he murmured, almost to himself. But she heard him, clearly. Her heart softened for him.

She moved closer to him and said, ''Kovu, you do belong up there, whether you're a king or not. At least, I think so. After all this time your mother held me hostage, deep inside, you did care for me. I just didn't want to see it before. You had the courage to disobey her and help me escape and to lie to her-but to do the right thing. You're more of a friend now than you were when I first met you, and I mean that. To go against an elder to do the right thing is a brave act. No matter what my family says about you, I still think you have a good heart.''

Kovu was speechless. All he could do stare into her eyes, which suddenly seemed to mesmerize him. Her words moved him deeply; no one had ever spoken of him in such a way. She really thought much of him. Not only that, but she saw his intentions. He did care for her. All the while she was held prisoner, he felt incredibly guilty. But he couldn't find a way to tell her back then. So the least he could do was free her.

For a few passive moments they were silent, continuing to star-gaze. Kiara was the first to speak up when she saw it.

''Look!'' she exclaimed elatedly.

Kovu followed her gaze until he saw it too. A bright, twinkling light shot across the sky, dust sparkles trailing after it. It was a shooting star.

''Whoa…'' he said in awe. The sight amazed him; he'd never done this before.

He looked at Kiara, smiling now. She always knew how to have fun and did the most astounding things.

''So beautiful,'' she breathed.

''You're beautiful,'' Kovu said without thinking.

Kiara turned her eyes from the sky to Kovu. Did she hear correctly? She was quiet for a few seconds, only looking Kovu straight in the eye. He looked right back at her, taking in every part of her lovely face. It was like looking at her for the first time.

Once again it was a silent but tender moment as the two to stare into the eyes of one another. Kovu made the first move and slid his body close enough to hers so that their noses touched. Kiara's heart thudded against her rib cage as she felt his warm breath on her face. She didn't know whether she should pull away or lie still.

What came next happened so suddenly that it took a minute for Kiara to come out of her stupor. Kovu gently nuzzled the soft fur of her neck with his nose then, in one swift motion, licked her jaw in an affectionate kiss. Her face immediately grew hot and her insides even warmer. All she could think of saying was, ''What was that for?''

Kovu only smiled and settled down beside her. He couldn't help it; it was too tempting. Her kind words and lovely face made it hard not to kiss her. And he enjoyed it.

''I promise not to let anymore harm come to you, Princess,'' he said.

Kiara could only return the smile and snuggle closer to him. She now had new respect for him-and maybe even new feelings.

A/N: Man…that's….kinda corny. Oh well, if you guys enjoyed this, then I'm happy. Please review! Next chappie coming soon!