By now it was a month and Kion fully trusted the Night Pride but still wouldn't say any names. He was also completely healed but not ready to go back or otherwise he would probably be attacked by old enemies and he couldn't make the journey without help. Kion had assisted in training and protecting the Tree of Life when called upon to do so. Kion and Rani were beginning to feel something for each other but both refused to admit it and just kept it to themselves. Right now, he was with Rani and Baliyo.
Kion: So what should we do today?
Baliyo: Wrestle. It is a good way to get stronger and train.
Kion: Okay.
Rani: I'll judge, you two wrestle.
Baliyo: If you insist.
Rani: Remember, no biting hard and no claws.
Kion: I know that. I trained with others before although some were obstacle courses.
Rani: Go.
Kion and Baliyo circled one another before lunging at each other. Rani kept her eyes on them though her mind was elsewhere and by elsewhere, I mean on Kion.
Rani's thought: He is so strong, muscular, and handsome. I just wish he would stay here forever but he has talked about going home when he is ready but when will that be? If I tell him how I feel, he would probably avoid me and never talk to me again. Or does he feel the same way?
Rani shook herself out of it as she concentrated on judging. They both ended up rolling down a hill and Kion had him pinned.
Rani: Kion wins.
Kion: You've improved.
Baliyo: I guess that's good for starters. I'm gonna go rest, you two can hang out.
Rani: Suite yourself. Bye, Baliyo.
Kion: Bye Baliyo.
Baliyo: Bye guys.
Baliyo left Kion and Rani alone and all 3 were close to being teens but not quite there yet. Kion and Rani had gone on a walk together when Rani surprised Kion by pinning him on his back.
Rani: Surprised?
Kion: No fair. You did that when I wasn't paying attention.
Kion looked up at her and thought. She looks so beautiful in the sun and maturing nicely. The one lioness who can help me feel relaxed and at peace.
Kion pushed his thoughts back and started trying to get out from underneath Rani but before he could fully move out from underneath her, he received a kiss on the cheek from her. Kion looked back at her, surprised and noticed her blushing. Kion put his paws gently behind her head and pulled her into a kiss on the lips. While surprised, Rani fell into it. They both didn't want that moment to end but it had to. They pulled away from each other and looked at each other. Rani let Kion up.
Rani: That was the first.
Kion: I know.
Rani: I just wish that moment didn't have to end.
Kion: But it had to. Would've Baliyo or anyone else found out?
Rani: We'll just keep it to ourselves for another month or so before we say anything.
Kion: Meaning nothing over the top.
Rani: Exactly.
Rani purred against Kion contently and honestly, Kion didn't mind.
Rani: Lets go relax by the watering hole.
Kion: Good idea.
Rani hated to but she separated herself from Kion and walked beside him, not touching his fur. She wanted to be up against him but that would be a huge give away unless we were keeping each other warm. So they walked to the watering hole side by side.