As Simba entered the den, he saw a couple of lions and lionesses preparing to go to sleep, he saw couples getting comfortable, it included his friends Malka and Chumvi who had only returned a couple of days ago, and beside them are their girlfriends Tama and Kula who are thankful to finally have their mates close to them. During Scar's reign it was almost impossible to meet the males by the border without getting caught by hyenas.

"Hey Simba.", Malka greeted from his spot and the king immediately acknowledged one of his best friends.

"Malka, it's nice to finally have you and Chumvi here, Tojo too…if he wasn't too obsessed with those birds of his", he added his friend who's a bit of a bird lover.

"Yeah, good old Tojo, I think those birds are the reason he never gets a mate.", Chumvi said as he nuzzled Kula beside him before turning back to Simba, "What about you Simba? When are you gonna ask Nal-", Kula stopped him with a bump to the shoulder, signaling to Nala who is fast asleep alone on the other side of the den, "What? I don't think she can hear us from the looks of it.", Chumvi whispered as Kula rolled her eyes.

Their friends have always teased them to be together even as cubs, due to their closeness and the fact that everyone knew they were to marry each other except for them until Zazu slipped and spilled the pride's secret about them, Simba moved closer to his friends.

"I do agree with Chumvi here dude, especially when you've got competition…", Malka unintentionally revealed as Tama warms him.

Simba was- shocked…even that was an understatement to what he just felt, did he hear that right?, "Competition? What do you mean M?"

"Zuberi.", Malka whispered, once again signaling to the male lion that was outside the den, resting at Pride Rock's ledge, he always did sleep there, "Everytime Nala would accompany Tama and Kula at the border during Scar's reign to where we males were staying at…he- would always 'court her' if that's the right word…alright I'm gonna stop now.", Malka shuts his mouth, "Just- good luck to you Sim, but I really do think it's no big deal since Nala never really showed any interest in him…I just- thought to put it out there."

Simba was a lost for words after that, of course he knows Nala would choose him over any other lion, but it was still interesting to know that other lions have the tendency to make a move on her, not surprising considering Malka had a small crush on her as cubs, and it is certainly visible that Nala has good genes…Now he's really thankful that she openly showed affection to him earlier, now everyone knows that they are more than just betrothed and friends, especially the lions who are interested in Nala.

Seeing that his friends had settled into their positions to sleep, he looked back at Nala. He then decided to walk up to her and carefully lay down beside her, he gazed at her relaxed face and all he could think about is the future, the day he will ask her to be his queen, like Malka suggested earlier. Because he could see himself by her side and only hers for the rest of his life.

"Dad!", a voice of a cub reached his ears, it wasn't familiar and it was impossible since the only cub right now in the pride is Zira's son Nuka.

"Dad!", the cub called again.

Simba flinched from the noise, but then, it stopped for a bit, soon replaced by Nala's familiar voice.

"Simba, you better deal with him soon.", Nala warned groggily.

He didn't get why Nala would want him to deal with another lion's cub though, until the cub strongly bumped to his left shoulder causing him to finally open his eyes and look, his blurry vision cleared to see a male cub who looked exactly like him, just with a brown tuft. Simba didn't know who he was but the cub frowned at him.

"Dad! I wanna go now!", he begged his father, who turned out to be Simba.

Simba raised his eyebrows confused, then Nala spoke again, "Take Kopa before the pride complains."

"Too late for that Simba, your son has been shouting all morning.", Malka complained, who surprisingly has a pregnant Tama by his side, leaving the young king all the more confused about what's happening, is he dreaming? He should be because this would've been impossible to happen.

"Come on dad! You never have time for me…fine!", the small lion suddenly shouted, "I'll go by myself.", he said before retreating from the platform where he along with his parents slept and as he ran outside, it took Simba a minute before he jolted up and ran after his son when he realized, but it was too late as the cub disappeared into the wilderness…seemingly impossible to find. His heart beated loudly, fearful that he would never find his son…what would Nala think? He neglected their son. Even though he knew it was a dream, it still felt as real as it can be.

"Kopa!", he finally called the cub's name, "Son, where are you?", he shouted as he searched among the tall grassy land, "You're going to make your mother really worried, you wouldn't want to worry her right Kopa? Please come out."

"Poor Simba, his own son- mad at him", a male voice that he knew all too well spoke.

Simba got alerted and went into an attacking position…how can that lion be alive? No- it was just a dream, he reminded himself…but his instincts tell him to find his son and get him to safety, now that his uncle came back.

"Oh no, you're not going anywhere my dear nephew. Not when I got what you're looking for.", the dark lion stated meticulously.

With this statement Simba roared, "I don't have time for you Scar.", he didn't want to believe anything he was saying.

"Oh you will because I will make sure the young prince will turn against you even when I'm already in my grave…", Scar warned Simba, he could see the fear in the young king's eyes.

"No! None of this is real, you're not real! you're already dead! dead!", Simba shouted angrily.

"I may be dead, you're right, and that this is all just a dream…but you just wait Simba, then you'll know how it feels to be despised by your own kin, your oldest son."

"I don't have a son-", he shouted, he was telling the truth, he didn't have a son in the real world, this was all made by his head- even the young cub he calls his own in this dream. Simba acted brave as he growled at his uncle, but he heard a loud roar from behind him, he quickly turned to see a lion with a brown mane about the same age as him, claw marks that seemed to have turned into scars on his right shoulder and right ear, he may also have more all throughout his body that he couldn't see from his perspective, but there's no time to worry about unnecessary things as he is currently outnumbered, and his son in this dream is out there in danger. But what was most menacing of the mysterious lion's features for Simba is the look in his eyes…the menacing stare he gave the king, those red orbs burning with anger, and the king doesn't seem to have any clue as to why this is the case.

"Seems that little pea brain of yours doesn't quite function properly yet- don't worry, you'll find out who he is soon enough.", Simba turned once more to his uncle, but he was soon met with a blow to the head as he hadn't realized that the mysterious lion had charged towards him while his attention shifted- all turned black.

Simba lifted his head awake, panting as he looked around to see all members of the pride asleep, it's also to mention that the sun had barely risen due to the dark surroundings, but he looked to his right where Nala should be sleeping beside him, only to see an empty platform with only Sarafina who would've been resting by Nala's right. That's when he remembered that she did tell him to meet her in the morning at the peak, but Simba thought that it was too dark and early, although Nala did say to meet before sunrise but either way, he stood up, walked lightly to avoid waking someone up. Once outside, the king glanced at his supposed 'rival' when it comes to Nala, he's still slumbering and so Simba lets him be as he makes his way up.

Nala on the other hand is already at the peak, she's been sitting down for about an hour now, unable to go back to sleep due to her seldom recurring morning sickness and that she had to throw up, Rafiki said that it was normal early on…she can also say that the changes along with the pregnancy are getting more and more obvious as she starts noticing that her midsection is also starting to form. She looked down at the Pridelands' view, it has yet to be prospered by grass and other animals, but Simba did a great job in his first few weeks as king, even without the overview knowledge about ruling a kingdom, he did what he can and she's thankful to have him as a king…one leader that she wished she had growing up.

"Lala? You're up early.", her ears pointed back as she heard Simba's voice approach, she also felt him nuzzle her gently as he sat down beside her.

She then licked his cheek, "How about you? You've woken up earlier than usual."

"Well- I had a bad dream…but most of my reason is so that I could spend a little more time with you.", Simba smiled at her for a few seconds before looking down at his kingdom, all went silent as the wind passing through was all they heard, "Have I been doing a great job lately?", he asked her out of curiosity, "As- king I mean."

"You're doing very well Sim. In fact, I've never seen this much greenery and wildlife since I was a young cub.", she leaned over to him as she rested her head on his mane, it was nice to be with him every now and then. But instead of feeling relieved about Nala's positive response, he sighed, she sensed this, "What's been bothering you?", she asked softly as she retreated to her proper resting position to glance at him.

The young king had a sad expression, from what she could see, "I'm just- afraid that I won't be good enough.", he paused, "It's a big responsibility, a hard and complex one that I haven't been taught well enough. Sure I can handle it all now…but what about tomorrow, next week, the coming years- I see myself eventually…giving up.", he lowered his head and ears, it's a worry he wasn't able to bring up to anyone, not even his own mother.

"I believe in you Simba, the kings wouldn't have destined for you to rule over their kingdom if you can't.", she said confidently, wanting to reassure Simba, but she also started to have an anxious expression, especially of the news she's intending to tell him, "But, I'm- sorry I ever placed you into this position. I shouldn't have pressured you to return without being ready.", she felt responsible for his current feelings, but she was met with a gentle embrace.

"Come on now Nala, don't go blaming yourself, either way I would've still returned for our pride…I was just lost at that time, and besides, this is my home, my purpose in life. I just have to be headstrong and build my confidence as king- I guess."

"You're right with that- I think I should consider building up mine as well.", Nala added.

"Nah, you don't need to, you're already perfect enough La."

"I'm not perfect- Simba.", she remarked.

"First of all, you're gorgeously beautiful, brave, witty…what more can I ask in a lioness?", he stated sincerely, "Perfect enough to be my queen even.", he brought it up smoothly, possibly just teasing as well.

"Simba, stop.", she grinned, saying it, "We're not even mates."

"But we're betrothed, plus- who says we're not mates when we've already mat-", Nala then quickly lifts her paw to shush him.

"Simba?!", she warned and he understood.

"So you're saying we're still supposed to be 'best friends' after all the things we did together? The feelings we share?", he asked, curious on what she thinks they are.

Nala sighed, closing her eyes, "It's not that, it's just- our situation is difficult right now…but if I were to ask you- what are we really, Simba?", she asked, giving up.

If Simba was being completely honest, he doesn't know either. They never recognized each other as mates, lovers, a fling? All he knows is that they have a mutual understanding when it comes to having romantic feelings towards one another, "I…don't know.", he admitted, looking at her reaction, he knew she was saddened by this, but it was the truth, "All I know is that- I love you and that…I couldn't imagine anyone else by my side but you."

"I'm- glad to hear that.", she paused as she returned to embrace him under his chin, "Because I love you too.", they stayed in each other's embrace without talking for a while as they watched the sun rise and illuminate the lands. Both lions have laid down.

"Lala?", Simba began.

"Hmm?", she answered.

"If ever I will ask you to be my queen- would you be willing to accept? Just hypothetically speaking...for now at least", he added the last part, "I know we're already betrothed to marry but- I still want you to have a say in it."

Nala then lifts her head, gazing forward, "I would- love to rule this land with you…even if it's not hypothetical…and even if were not betrothed, intended, affianced, like what Zazu used to say.", she mimicked the hornbill's accent at the end of her sentence, Simba laughed at her. Their eyes met as they felt secured, he smiled from hearing her answer.

"Also, I just remembered, you have something else to say right?", Simba suddenly brought up, it had slipped his mind on why they were here in the first place, "About your absence in the hunting party, Kula said you are their best tackler.", he proudly remarked, but Nala's face again fell into a nervous expression, he took notice of this then touched foreheads with her, "You know you can tell me anything, I'll always be here for you Nala, I promise…any problem.", he reassured her, "I'll solve it with you."

"I don't think this can be fixed, or am I considering it as a problem but- I think it's too early on to happen.", she admitted, she had always planned to become a mother later on in life, unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. Moreover, the fact that she's pregnant with an heir, and the pressures that may come with it.

"But what is it, La?", he asked again, gazing at the lioness, concerned about her, but still confused on what she's talking about.

Nala's eyes slowly looked down before her, "I'm…pregnant, Simba.", she finally revealed, she is ashamed to go against royal tradition, but she couldn't do anything about it either.

As the young king heard this, he felt like he couldn't move, couldn't talk for a good minute, but he turned his head from her towards the sunrise, taking in and processing the information she just told him, it took him seconds as he quickly turned his attention to her again, "You're- pregnant? We're having a cub?", she nodded, still not facing him, "How far along?", he decided to handle it as calmly as he possibly can, "But really- this is great news!"

"6 weeks along.", she answered, as she turned her head to his side, "I found out two weeks ago, but I still joined the hunt for a good week after finding out…until I felt some sharp pains along my abdomen, Rafiki told me to stop- unless I want to lose the cub.", it was true, she tried to be useful until she couldn't, she loved hunting and wouldn't miss it for the world…but now, her main priority is to grow this cub healthily- unless Simba told her otherwise.

"Wait- you still tried to hunt?", he's now very concerned, "You could've lost the cub, our cub.", he paused, "Are you okay now? Still feeling those sharp pains you mentioned?"

"Not anymore, at least, but I had to sacrifice my passion for it.", she remarked, and she could see from her peripheral vision that his ears dropped, "At first, I disobeyed Rafiki because I didn't want anyone to get suspicions that something was wrong, but I realized that it's selfish of me as a soon to be mother to not think of the well being of my baby, and so I lied about being sick as well as avoid anyone from the pride to not be interrogated- I guess, and that included you."

Simba's eyes widened, "You were avoiding me this whole time?", he looked at her, "You made me worried sick."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't ready to tell you at that time…only my mother knew of this.", she added. This time Simba felt an invisible punch knock him out.

"What's wrong?", Nala asked, seeing how he reacted.

"I- just told your mother yesterday that we haven't mated yet- I practically lied to her face…now I know why she reacted like that.", Simba can feel the embarrassment.

"Yesterday?", she raised an eyebrow.

"She asked a hypothetical question that I thought she was just trying to test how smart and rational I am…turns out she was questioning me of a real situation.", he explained.

"So she broke her promise to not tell anyone- indirectly too…at this point, I'm not surprised if Sarabi already knows.", Nala added.

"I'm doomed then?", he asked, "Your mother will rip me apart the next time she sees me, my mother too."

"She won't Simba, I think she's just disappointed that you lied.", she said, knowing her mother very well, now she's questioning herself on why she told her mother, knowing damn well the older lioness couldn't keep a secret.

Simba lowered his head, "I'm sorry, I'll apologize to her about lying, I only did it because I think that you wouldn't want it if I would go out saying that we did it, I wouldn't want that too, It's our private moment- that only the two of us got to experience."

"You don't have to, Simba, I understand why you did, it's all good. I'm just a bit upset that- my mother even dared to ask you hypothetically about that…I'll talk to her.", she reassured.

"Thank you, La…but still, we're having a cub, we're going to be parents. It's unbelievable still and we're young but…", Simba trailed off, he's feeling a lot of mixed emotions from the news, excited, nervous, surprised, and even ones he couldn't explain, after all this is a new life and he and Nala are responsible for it.

Nala smirked lightly as if she knew what Simba was feeling, "There really will be challenges that will come along with our situation too if I'm being honest…but I know it will be worth it because I'm having this cub with you.", she stated.

"I can say the same with you, Nala.", he told her as he nuzzled her once more, this time, staying in her embrace for as long as he could before Zazu arrives to find him. He was delighted to know that he's about to become a father…but a growing dread filled his mind as he's reminded of the nightmare he had before this. His evil uncle's voice, still lingering ominously.

"I may be dead, you're right, and that this is all just a dream…but you just wait Simba, you'll know how it feels to be despised by your own kin, your oldest son."

Simba did find out who Scar was talking about…his unborn baby will grow up to hate him, if ever the cub Nala's carrying is a son, and that fears him the most.

"What do you think they're talking about?", Sarafina asked her friend as she stared at a distance on top of Pride Rock where Simba and Nala could be seen resting beside one another.

"It's none of our business Fina, they're not cubs anymore.", she also looked up to the couple's silhouette, "I believe they can handle that situation just fine. From what I've observed, they look like they make such a great team…and couple."