Chapter Text
The Tree of Life hummed with renewed life. Days had passed since the great mountain storm had lashed against its ancient roots, leaving behind a refreshed landscape and a lingering sense of unity among its inhabitants. The air was crisp, the foliage vibrantly green, and the Bharti Falls roared with a powerful, cleansing rhythm. For Kion and Nirmala , the storm had been more than just a test of the Tree's resilience; it had been the crucible in which their love, long simmering beneath the surface, had finally solidified.
Their dynamic had shifted subtly, yet profoundly. There was a new ease in their presence with each other, a silent understanding that spoke volumes. When Kion returned from a patrol, his eyes would instinctively seek Nirmala in the medical den, and her gentle smile was his immediate reward. During meal times, they often found themselves gravitating towards the same spot, sharing comfortable silence or soft murmurs that no one else quite caught.
One sunny afternoon, Kion was overseeing the Lion Guard's training near the Canyon Pass , working with Fuli on speed drills. He paused, watching Fuli blur past, and his gaze drifted towards a patch of rare medicinal flowers growing on a rocky outcrop. He knew Nirmala had been searching for those for a particularly stubborn cough among the baboons. Without a second thought, he excused himself, promising to rejoin them shortly.
He found Nirmala carefully tending to a young fawn with a sprained leg, her brow furrowed in concentration. The fawn whined softly as she adjusted a splint made of bound reeds.
"Need a paw, healer?" Kion asked, his voice a low rumble.
Nirmala looked up, a familiar warmth spreading through her. "Kion! I didn't hear you approach." She gave him a tired but grateful smile. "This little one is a bit jumpy. It helps to have another calm presence."
Kion moved closer, settling down gently beside the fawn, his larger frame providing a comforting barrier. He began to murmur soft, reassuring words to the trembling animal, his golden eyes filled with empathy. As he spoke, Nirmala expertly tightened the splint, her movements fluid and confident.
"I also noticed some of those purple blossoms you were looking for, by the Great Banyan," Kion added, his voice still low, meant only for her. "They're just starting to bloom."
Nirmala's eyes lit up. "Oh, Kion, really? That's wonderful! I wasn't sure they'd survived the wind." She glanced at him, a silent thank you passing between them.
As the fawn finally settled, drowsing off under their combined ministrations, Nirmala leaned back, stretching slightly. "It truly makes a difference, having you here," she said, her voice soft. "Your strength, your compassion… it’s a gift."
Kion nudged her gently with his muzzle, a casual gesture that was now imbued with deeper meaning. "And your healing touch, Nirmala. It's truly magical." He paused, then met her gaze, a playful glint in his eye. "Though, I suspect a good portion of it is just your presence."
Nirmala chuckled, a melodic sound. "Perhaps," she conceded, her heart fluttering. "It's a good team we make, wouldn't you say?"
"The best," Kion agreed, his purr a quiet hum beneath her paw. He then gently nuzzled her cheek, a slow, tender movement that sent a shiver of delight through Nirmala. She leaned into his touch, her eyes closing briefly as she savored the moment. Kion shifted closer, draping a paw over her back, pulling her into a soft, comforting cuddle. He rested his chin on her shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of her breath against him.
"So, the purple blossoms," Nirmala murmured, her voice a little dreamy, her paw resting on his. "We should go together. After this little one is fully rested."
"Lead the way," Kion replied, his voice a contented rumble, solidifying the unspoken promise of their future together, one paw print at a time.