A/N: Hello there dear reader! Just a quick little reminder that this story will not be containing anything canon to The Lion King live action the recent Mufasa: The Lion King. I will only be basing on the original film, Six New Adventures, Simba's Pride, The Lion Guard, trying my best to stay loyal to those stories, combining those while at the same time making my own from those ideas.
The sun rose throughout the African land, still not quite in the best condition yet, still partially dry and recovering from the damage its last reign had left. In the furthermost part of Pride Rock's main den, the new young king of the Pride lands slumbered through the early morning. Most lionesses had gotten up to fulfill their own individual duties to the pride, deciding to leave their king be as his tasks are far more complex than theirs, he needed the energy. But not long soon came a blue hornbill who flew throughout the cave to meet with the lion. Still asleep as the bird landed in front of him, he decided to wake his master up.
"Rise and shine sire.", the hornbill stated in a clear and rather loud tone, so did it effectively awakened the lion as he opened his right eye without moving another muscle, "Another day, another duty Simba, I'll be waiting for you at the opening of the cave."
Simba then breathed deeply before stretching his arms as his majordomo took off outside, he stood up and looked around hoping to see one lioness he expects to get a glimpse of every now and then, and like any other day, she's woken up before him and might've took off to do her duties as well. As cubs, he was always the one to be the early bird rather than his best friend, he was the one to wake her up and play, but as adults the tables have turned, he hadn't had the luck to ever catch up with her during the day. The king then brushed the thoughts off by walking towards the entrance and reminding himself that he has a kingdom to rebuild.
He quickly caught up with Zazu and as soon as the bird saw him, he announced all of the things he has yet to do as a ruler, but his mind seems to get clouded everytime the blue bird speaks of things to do...Simba also hates to admit it but being king is hard work, much to the disagreement of his younger self who was so excited to be king that he even made a song about it. When in reality, all he wants to do is find Nala and be with her for the rest of the day, something he hasn't been able to accomplish due to the lack of time and knowledge of her whereabouts to find her. He had asked his mother, her mother, her friends but Nala seems to have a certain routine no one knows about these days. The only current information about her was mentioned by Kula, that Nala hasn't been joining the hunting party for a week now, excusing herself of being sick, nothing more and so they let her be even though she's considered to be the best huntress when it comes to tackling down prey, leading to a successful hunt, but their female friends said that they could manage.
It made him worried to say the least, his best friend's sick, he just hopes to come across her just one time to catch up and somehow help her ease the ailment in any way he can. But they've grown apart ever since he reclaimed the throne, never had the time to make any effort for her for the past few weeks. In fact, none of the pride members know that they've gotten closer than just "best friends" and so they've been sleeping separately as he sleeps near his mother and Nala sleeps beside her mom... he's only ever had a glimpse of her whenever it's time to eat or sleep, both very crowded times to be openly affectionate with her. Of course, everyone knows they were meant to marry each other from when they were cubs, but no one really knows that they like each other now. It is a hard topic to bring up, especially due to the piled up things for the kingdom and so he frowned at the fact that he feels trapped even though his position is a powerful one.
The young king only cleared his thoughts and had no choice but to come back to his senses and listen to Zazu, perhaps by accomplishing everything first, he'll have the time to make an effort to find and be with Nala by the end of the day, and so he followed the bird down Pride Rock.
It seems as though Simba was wrong in his thoughts as the blue-eyed lioness he's been thinking about ever since he woke up watches him from a grassy area, crouched down to hide herself as she observes the king from afar, seemingly not wanting to get spotted. Once Simba passed by the area, she calmed down as she stood up straight to continue walking but instead realized she was near a waterhole to drink from. Hesitantly, she crouched again to drink, as soon as she gulped down the liquid, she felt nauseated and just decides to sit down and wait for the awful feeling to calm down, she breathed in and out slowly, closing her eyes, but the young lioness was startled when someone spoke up next to her.
"You can't keep on avoiding him forever Nala.", Nala turned to her right to see her mother beside her looking back at her, "You have to tell him.", she suggested, having such knowledge of her daughter's situation due to her secret announcement to her a couple days back, she's the only one who knew, not one friend of hers, not even Sarabi does.
Nala answered back, sighing, "I've told you this before mom, he's got enough things to deal with as it is, I don't want him to feel all the more pressured just because of my stupidity.", as if blaming herself.
"It was his fault too that this ever happened, not just yours. It takes two to create a new life.", Sarafina said, as a matter of factly, "He will grow suspicious of your absence as well, he asks me every single day on how you've been doing. He obviously cares about you even if he doesn't say it directly to the point that the pride gossips about you two."
If Nala wasn't in a serious position right now, she would've been blushing through her fur, but no, she's matured enough to hide it, she loves Simba more than any lion in the Pridelands and she does want to tell him but her rational side tells her to wait, as well as her care and empathy towards Simba.
"It's been long enough that I've kept this secret with you, besides, you can't control time and this will naturally reveal itself soon and in two months time, you'll have to deliver. So make a decision.", Sarafina advised one last time, nuzzling her daughter before she let her be, "But know that I'll be there for you whenever you need me.", she reassured before walking away.
It got Nala thinking as the older lioness walked away and she was left to contemplate, her mother is right, she has a unique case and she's dealing with it very poorly, but who can blame her? she's only looking out for the well-being of her "best friend", he's all the more busy, especially when he's restoring the bad condition of the land. Although, he deserves to know he's about to become a father, she stayed at the place for some time to look at herself in the water and ponder on her decision.
After some time, she's not certain yet and so she traveled to Rafiki's, figuring out that the mandrill will be wiser than her. She sat down as she looked up to call the monkey, "Rafiki."
"Yes, Miss Nala?", she almost jumped back startled as Rafiki appeared and answered right next to her.
"Hey now, don't ever do that again...I got startled.", she stated, calming down a bit as Rafiki pats her shoulder.
"So what brings you back here young one, any discomfort from the pregnancy?", he questioned, curious about her presence.
Nala shook her head, "No, but I will tell you immediately if I'm experiencing something bad...I just- I need your advice."
"Is it about the cub? You haven't told da king have you?", he asked accurately as he sat on the ground before her in a crossed position, Nala nodded, surprised that he knew, what's new though? He's Rafiki, he knows almost everything apparently.
With the confirmation, Rafiki spoke up, "I completely understand where you're coming from dear Nala, it is indeed a rare case to fall pregnant with the king's cub out of wedlock, and the pressures you might feel due to Simba's current situation with the Pridelands. He is indeed busy...but I must say that- this cub is also his responsibility along with the kingdom.", he paused to reveal a fruit from his back to eat from, "Is that what you're afraid of? Scared to feel that you and this cub would be a burden to him? A child should never be taken for granted by its parents, by its father in this case."
As much as it hurts, Nala nodded, "I fear how he will react if I told him, will he be accepting? Or will he run away- again? And I'm the one who placed him into the responsibility of being a king, he already has enough stress to deal with, and now I feel like I'm adding more to his plate with a cub on the way."
"It is true, and I do think he's still adjusting to his role, and that he's not in his best state right now but, how are you so sure that your unborn cub with him will be an additional burden? What if he will be happier to know that there's going to be an addition to the pride? An heir to the throne? A cub from the love of his life?", he paused as he observed the lioness, "And you are not responsible for his role as king, it was a sole duty instilled on him the moment he was born.", he added, Rafiki can see that Nala thinks that she was the reason why he was so busy since she was the one who convinced him to come back, "And this cub you are carrying is of royal blood, it will be born destined to be the future king or queen. Same fate as Simba.", he added, making Nala realize the seriousness of the situation.
"But what if he's not- ready?", she asked.
"You're his childhood best friend, you out of all the lionesses in the pride knows him best, you should know how he will react.", Rafiki then jumped to hand on a branch, "Take the risk Nala, it's not only for you or Simba, but for your cub as well…your baby is the future of our pride.", he spoke one last time before vanishing into the leaves of his tree, leaving the lioness below to ponder by herself.
By noon, Simba surprisingly and quickly did everything he can for the day, help herds move back into the Pridelands, make way for blocked water to flow on streamlines, and other quests Zazu had given him before he ultimately announced to his majordomo that he's dismissed and free for the rest of the day, surprisingly much to the bird's delight. So the king went on to return to Pride Rock and expected for Nala to be there but she was not, he asked the other lionesses for her absence and their suspicions grew as he's always looking for her. Despite the questions and teasing of friends surrounding him, her mother finally spoke up.
"These days, she's always resting by the waterhole or at the foot of Rafiki's tree, if I must mention.", Sarafina shared and he happily thanked her excited that he forgot to acknowledge his own mother as he started to run as fast as he could but was quickly halted when he came face to face with Nala at the foot of Pride Rock.
He gazed at her for a while, taking in her appearance that has always been beautiful to him, especially now that this was the only chance he had to come face to face with her ever since he dethroned his uncle, he then realized he's been staring at her for a while when she looks back at him confused. So he clears his throat and fixes his posture, "Nala, it's- nice to finally come across you...after a long while. I missed you, I'm sorry I haven't been making time for- you know...us.", he admitted, he's guilty, for not making time for her.
"It's- fine Simba, there's no need to explain because…I've been busy as well.", she looked down, not able to make eye contact due to the secret she holds, "And- you're restoring the Pridelands."
"Right- I heard from our friends that you've been sick for quite some time, are you okay now?", he asked worried as he looked up to see some of the lionesses watching them but he didn't care anymore if they find out that he's in love with her as he gently leaned forward to nuzzle Nala, he's not afraid anymore to show the world that he has his eyes set on her and only her.
Nala was surprised by his gesture as they are indeed surrounded by lions but she returned the act anyway and they purred lovingly. It's about time, both lovers pulled back at the exact same time, she nervously sighed, she shouldn't lie to him any longer, "I lied about being- sick...actually, I'm fine- yes."
Simba raised his eyebrow, confused, "What do you mean by that La?", why should she lie about being sick? Perhaps she's sick of hunting thus excusing herself with a false reason?, "You're tired of hunting, but that's fine tho, everyone deserves to rest after everything that Scar did-", he was cut off.
"No Simba, it's not that, I actually love hunting.", she paused unexpectedly, giving a short answer, the lion before her had observed that she's starting to get tense so he stopped questioning.
"Alright now, I'll stop, I'm just worried and confused... that's all.", he said sincerely.
Nala then licked his cheek in reassurance, "You don't have to be, Simba, I'm alright I'm- sorry for lying.", she stopped still debating on whether to tell him now or another time, she can feel her heart beating louder than normal due to the nervousness and so, she immediately decided she would wait until tomorrow morning to do so. She wanted it to be just him and her, not surrounded by eavesdropping lionesses... especially ones that are more loyal to Scar, she whispered to him instead, "I'll meet you in the morning before sunrise at Pride Rock's peak, I'll tell you the truth then.", she then pulled back to speak normally, "I missed you too and I love you.", she nuzzled him one last time before she quickly retreated to go to Pride Rock's den and rest for half the day, she's certain to announce it to him by tomorrow morning.
Simba was left there stunned, it was the first time ever that Nala told him that she loves him, they hadn't been very vocal about their dedication for one another, just a mutual understanding was enough. In fact, they still announce themselves as just 'best friends' to the pride, too bad for them, majority of the lions think otherwise, but it sure does make his heart beat faster when she says those three words to him. Too badly, it was too late to say it back to her as she quickly walked up Pride Rock, "I love you too, Nala.", he whispered to himself, he's thankful that his parents ever thought that he would need a lioness like her one day, because he does and he wouldn't have it any other way. He watched her until she was no longer in sight.
The future king was then interrupted by his mother, "You truly do love her, do you Simba?"
He flinched a bit but gently bumped heads with his mother to greet her, "I do, mom, she's- everything I could ever ask for.", he said without any shame whatsoever, even though he is in fact surrounded by a number of lionesses that had been trying to get his attention ever since they too returned to the Pridelands.
"If that's the case then, me and your father picked the right one as your betrothed."
"You and dad knew me well even as a cub."
"We betrothed you with her when you two were only newborns, so we didn't quite know what we were doing. But I'm glad things worked out.", Sarabi smiled at her son, "Ask her to be your queen."
This time, Simba's eyes widened, surprised by his mom's straightforwardness, "I- I want to but…I'm waiting for the right time."
"And when is that, son?", she asked.
"When- the Pridelands is fully restored, I'll do my best to serve my kingdom first, then I'll ask Nala to be my queen.", he paused, "I believe there's plenty of time and I want to give Nala that too, we're still quite young, and we'll also be youthful enough to get married in a year or two then possibly build a family of our own…only if she wants to have one of course.", he added the last bit, unsure.
"I'm pretty knowledgeable that my daughter does dream of having a family of her own- one day…and it's tradition for the royal couple to have an heir too so you two have no choice but to have one.", Sarafina butted in the conversation of the mother and son, sitting beside her friend and former queen, "Also, considering that she never really had a complete family ever since she was born.", the lioness lowered her ears guilty, her daughter barely knew her father, as well as her younger brother due to the fact that they chose to be rogues…it's always just been her and Nala. Now, she has to make sure that Simba will take care of her daughter…and her unborn grandchild.
"But do tell me Simba, hypothetically…if you ever have a cub out of wedlock with Nala, how would you handle it?" It was an odd question but she couldn't think of any other alibi.
The young lion then raised his eyebrow, taken aback by the most unexpected hypothetical question he's ever been asked in his life, even his mother was surprised by her friend's words as she gave her a confused look.
"Fina, did you really have to go there?-"
"No, it's fine mom, it's a good question actually. Helps me train the cogs in my brain, it will do the Pridelands good.", he interrupted and Sarabi quieted down, he thought about it for a second before answering, "I will accept it with all my heart, especially a cub that's coming from the love of my life.", he grinned at his own words, it was nice to call her that, at least for the first time ever in front of other lions.
"Then, I'll ask her if she wants to be my queen, make it official, as well as to make the cub officially an heir…but do hear me out that I will marry her because I love her, not just because she's pregnant with my cub.", he answered sincerely, it's what he would really do in this 'what if' situation…and in reality, "But- I mean…that's impossible because Nala and I have never been- that close…you know.", he laughed nervously, he knew that wasn't the truth.
"Really now? Simba…", Sarafina questioned, frowning, knowing what she knows.
"Of course…I wouldn't do it without your permission, Sarafina.", he answered back, this was her mom and he's lying to her face, but he doesn't have the guts to tell her the truth either, that it was one of the first things they did after they were reunited in the jungle.
On the other hand, Sarabi can feel the tension between the two, she doesn't know what it is but either way she decides to break it up, "Alright now, this is just a hypothetical scenario, let it go you two.", she spoke, "Simba, son, why don't you go on inside and rest, you've done what you can for the day.", she smiled at him before the young lion obeyed as he nuzzled his mother and nodded to the other lioness before he got up and climbed towards the den. She then turned to her left where Nala's mother laid down.
"Fina, I think that was too harsh on him.", Sarabi scolded.
Sarafina then stood up, "You clearly have no idea right now Sarabi, your son lied right to my face about not touching Nala.", it was not like she was mad, just disappointed that Simba lied.
Sarabi again raised an eyebrow in confusion and surprise, "What do you mean by that? Are you saying they've already mated then?", her friend then nodded, "Nala told you?".
"She didn't directly say that they did…it was- something else.", she couldn't bring herself to tell Sarabi the truth, she promised her daughter she will keep it a secret until she's ready to tell Simba…but Sarabi also deserves to know. After all, it is also her grandcub.
She sighed, I'm sorry Nala, she has to know, "Nala's- pregnant.", she whispered, only intending to tell Sarabi.