Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 1, 2021 3:39:10 GMT
Kabili hadn’t had a one on one chat with Simba for a while.
But as he was the one that understood his situation the most he could figure that with what he was going through? Talking to him was the only thing he could think of to do. All the same, he wasn’t sure if he should... Bother him with his nerves. Or whatever this was.
Kiara and Kion seemed to talk to him with such ease. But there was also a big newness both in having Simba around. And with having a dad at all. So he was still getting used to ever going to either of his new parents with issues... But there was a special nervousness that came with approaching Simba.
Stepping into the cave that afternoon, he wasn’t sure if he was there or not. But after a moment, he spoke up. “Dad, are you around?” He called out
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2021 7:48:09 GMT
Simba meanwhile, was coming to the end of a long day. Perhaps not the best to be intiating such an important talk as Kabili would be, but he always had time for his children, adopted or not. He let out a slow groaaaan... and then "Yes? ...Son?" he paused, "I'm here. You know you can just take Zazu, as if I'd say no to some quiet..." he scoffed. "Or is this about something else? He was presently laying with his head up, a natural and comfortable position.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 1, 2021 7:53:55 GMT
Kabili frowned a bit.
He could tell that Simba had a long day. So he definitely didn’t want to make him get up or walk around. All the same, he took a seat down in front of him so that he’d make it clear that he didn’t want to bother him. Hell he didn’t even know how to phrase what was bothering him.
PTSD wouldn’t be discovered for many decades after all.
“Sorry if you uh... Want me to go get Zazu I can,” he explained honestly. They’d already had one talk but there wasn’t a reason he couldn’t have another talk. “Something just... Happened the other day. And I...”
It was clear he was nervous. Maybe a little embarrassed. “I don’t even know what to say.” He muttered to himself.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2021 8:00:16 GMT
Simba blinked, bringing his head back and arching a brow. "Kabili, what is it?" he sounded a bit impatient, but was it to know what was wrong, or to answer a question and rest?
"What happened... something is troubling you?" he asked. "I can't talk about it, if you don't tell me what is on your mind." he didn't mean anything by it, nor did he really notice how Kabili might perceive things. "What happened the other day?" he questioned, after talking some he at least focused his question.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 1, 2021 8:05:44 GMT
Kabili was a little nervous.
Back home humans didn’t think males should even show emotion like he already was. They were told to suck it up and “be a man” - both of which had kept him from... Properly grieving even if he didn’t totally understand it. “I just... I don’t,” Kabili was silent. “Back home we aren’t supposed to talk about this. But with you guys I think it’s different. Hope it is.”
Who knew. Maybe by Simba’s tone he was wasting time. But at the same time his words spoke over his tone. He wanted to help. Right? He couldn’t help if he didn’t start letting more people in. Getting closer to the lion, he decided he couldn’t face him in the eyes and do this.
Instead he rested against the king’s side before speaking. “Dad, do you still... See... Think about what happened at the gorge?” He asked finally. His voice low. “To grandpa?”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2021 8:14:14 GMT
The king nodded softly as he spoke... he really did want to get to the point, but because he wanted to help, not because he didn't care. He put his shoulder against Kabili, and started to get the hint even before he spoke. "I..." he gulped. "I have some nightmares, but only just." he said. "You understand it was a very hurtful thing to see... to have responsibility for. I lost my father when I was only a cub, and I thought it was all my fault... I still don't... really know." h
He sighed, "Zira... but moreso Kovu, remind me every time I see their faces. It is what... makes that situation so stressful." he said, sharing, but then he put his paw around Kabili "Now will you tell me... what is bothering you? his tone improved greatly, full of compassion.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 1, 2021 8:24:10 GMT
Kabili was silent for a long moment.
He listened as usual as Simba was more open than any adult human he’d met. All the men were so closed off when it came to these things, but Simba just seeemse to be open and honest about it. Did that mean he wasn’t alone? After all, he had nightmares too. Horrific ones.
When Simba asked his voice was shaky. “I have nightmares too,” Kabili managed after he’d found his voice. “I... I don’t know what’s wrong with me, honestly. It’s like they’re getting worse or something...”
He pushed his hair from his eyes and turned to face Simba. “Yesterday, Tara let me try her glider. This little flight object,” he explained. “... And the second I was in the air it was like I was back on that plane. Back on the ground. Back with mom...” He managed. “It was never like that before. I didn’t freak out like that before. I didn’t have nightmares,”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 6:03:53 GMT
Simba frowned, then his mouth opened in shock... he shook his head. "Kabili, son..." he swiftly put his nose to Kabili in a nuzzle, "That... is not normal." he said, not entirely the best wording, but he made sure to continue without pause. "I'm... not sure how to help you, but... do avoid using the... glider, if it caused such a thing..."
He thought, though tired he saw it was a puzzle. "Are you... scared of heights?" he asked, he couldn't recall right away if he had shown that before.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 2, 2021 6:20:25 GMT
Kabili was nervous when he said his name in such a way.
But he did feel the nuzzle and relax a little, though he was stunned when he said that was not normal. Was that true... did he have something that was wrong? Or maybe he was just trying to process his trauma. He didn’t know. “I know, and I should have come to you sooner,” Kabili managed with a tight voice. “I just didn’t know. Where I come from we usually keep this stuff to myself - but I know Kion and Kiara go to you or mom with their issues.”
Heights? He hadn’t really thought about that. “No I don’t think so at least. Like I can handle being up on Pride Rock with no problems,” he admitted honestly. “But I get worries about other things. Like every time we bring up finding humans. Or going back. Or someone asks about mom...”
It was just a real honesty and though he’d never talked about it. “I mean I was so scared to join your family because I missed her so much... And now I’m scared of what happens if I ever lose you guys. Or someone takes me away,” he managed. “I don’t understand why I’m so freaked out. Or still feeling that way about mom even. It’s been months now. I should be able to forget.”
He clearly hadn’t had time to properly, really grieve like he should have.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 6:30:36 GMT
Simba took the nuzzle and put his paw around Kabili, pulling him close to him in something close to a hug. "This is not good... but we are here for you, we will never leave you. You know your mother would never have left if you if not... in such a way." he tried to be gentle in his words.
"So it's... about her then? That's... terrible that you are troubled to think about her." he shook his head. "Believe me, as your father, and Nala as your new mother, that... she would approve of us and be proud of you." he said, "I don't want you to... freak out, and I will help you through it as best I can..." he frowned, "...But remember, I have two other kids who need attention too... and my kingdom..." he admitted. "I trust you to know when you need help... I understand if you don't want others to know, or be worried... but... I feel it would be best if your mother at least could help too... If you aren't sure, I would appreciate working toward trusting her enough."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 2, 2021 9:24:19 GMT
For the first time Kabili felt hot tears on his face when Simba pulled him into the hug.
It was as if a thousand emotions had flooded him at once. Encircling him as he heard what he already knew, but also needed to hear someone else say. Just... Maybe more than he’d expected. Rather than continue to ramble off, he listened to the king’s words.
Nala... He guessed he hadn’t really thought of going to her. He’d always felt it was fear that he was bothering her more than Simba. Or maybe it was just because he was scared that acceding her - loving her. That it would replace his mom... Even if she had made it clear she didn’t want that.
After he’d gathered himself and took a deep breath. “I guess I just sometimes forget I don’t have to face everything alone,” he explained honestly. Letting himself relax. “Everyone’s more open with their emotions here. You and mom are like open books... I guess it just... I don’t know how to be that sometimes.”
He paused. “I’m... Sorry I broke down on you like that. I just... I knew I couldn’t keep it in anymore,” he managed. “Zazu and I talked about my worries about... Being taken away or something the other day and it’s just been on my mind ever since.”
He paused and whipped his eye a little. “It’s weird. I didn’t think crying would actually help? I feel better about it...” he managed. “But Nala, I think I know... What would help there. Least if she came with me. It’s not that I don’t care for her, she’s an amazing mom... Just something I think I have to do.”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 10:00:12 GMT
Simba started to back off, as Kabili started to cry, from fear of doing something wrong, hurting him even, but he soon realized it was of sadness... and moved what little he had away, back to comfort Kabili. "Of course we all are. We are like family." he said, not knowing that even a family wasn't this close where Kabili came from.
"Especially well, our family." he nodded, meaning the royal family, but not focusing on the royal aspect, so he left that assumed. "You need a balance. Everyone does." he said, "I've... never struggled with being open. Quite the opposite, really." he said. "Zazu...?" he questioned, "I... am glad you have someone you can confide in. No one is more trustworthy than that old bird." he tried to lighten things a bit.
He took a deep breath, "You should not feel alone. You have family, and our friends. You have friends... I am sure...?" he sighed. "You don't seem to have trouble meeting people... maybe..." he put his paw on Kabili's shoulder, "We have mentioned a purpose here before, but maybe... that isn't quite what you need. Do you... feel like you belong?" he asked,
"You worry that we might leave you, or be taken from you, because maybe, you still feel like we are only sheltering you. Understand me. You are family now. We will not hand you over to anyone. We will not consider you a burden and abandon you. You need to learn this... to truly learn it. Know us as well as your birth mother... see my subjects as equals, as friends and potential friends, and part of a community... Kabili is not a blank slate for me to erase, but a new life fed from the grass of the old."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 2, 2021 10:06:31 GMT
Kabili was silent again as he let Simba continue to talk.
For a moment, he looked at Simba. What he was saying... Put a lot of things into perspective. He’d let his emotions cloud the truths he’d stared at for a long time now. He’d made friends, more than he’d even had back home really. He’d learned so much... He’d even braved joining the king’s pile and that had been quite the task.
Stil the way Simba said it with such conviction made him realize he was right - this was his home. He wasn’t going anywhere and these were, for all intents and purposes his people now. They had accepted him, and he had started to accept them too. But it was time for him to realize he was not ever going to be alone again.
After a moment, Kabili answered not with words. But instead, crawled over and nuzzled the side of Simba’s neck. It would have been the first time the human has ever actually acted this out as the first person. But it was perhaps the first time they’d truly gotten through to him. Fully.
“You’re right,” Kabili managed to get out of his mouth at last. A smile on his face as he pulled away. “Thanks for reminding me... Sometimes I guess I’m too thick headed to remember that the circle of life found a place for me.” He replied.
After what seemed like a long time. He then added. “I love you dad,” he replied. He knew it was the first time he’d said it, but it was also the first time he knew he could say it and not feel afraid. “And I’m glad it was you guys... You and mom... Who found me.”
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 10:21:59 GMT
While his son was silent, the king watched him closely. Was he wrong? Was Kabili afraid to speak, had he come on too strong? These and other questions he pondered as he analyzed his reaction. His questioning look, turned to a smile. He knew this was the first time Kabili had nuzzled him, and he was pleased by it... he was listening.
"It has, but now... it is on you to take it." he said, simply, reminding him of his part in the process. "and we are glad we found you, and that you ended up becoming our son, who we love." he smiled, and nuzzled into Kabili. "This... is only the start." he declared. "Now that you are one of us, you have a lot of work to do to fill your role. A hard road, on top of which you have your... erm... nightmares." he said, "With our support you will handle all your responsibilities, and adversities."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Mar 2, 2021 19:34:41 GMT
Kabili relaxed.
Probably for the first time, he really felt like he was one with this place. Maybe it was what he needed to learn all along. But at the same time he knew he had to come around to it on his own. If there was one thing he had learned it was that everyone’s journey happened at their own pace.
“Right, definitely the beginning.” He managed when he finally pulled away and smiled a little. Though for the first time he wasn’t scared when Simba explained his duties. He felt a little... Excited? Perhaps because he’d finally let himself calm down. “Don’t worry - I won’t let myself get that way again. I think I’ve learned my lesson. Y’know start trusting in others more.”
After a moment he even added. “I’m actually... Excited to get started with the rest of it,” he admitted. “I mean - I’ve only even seen half of this place in person. I’m sure I’ve got a lot to learn.”
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