#kitani

As soon as her back hits the ground, Vitani gasps, eyes springing open, registering her surroundings one element at a time. First, the pink sky. Then, the dust floating up into the air. Then, a paw pressed to her chest. Then, at last, Kiara's triumphant face.

"Pinned ya! " the princess laughs. "Aw, man, you should see your face right now!"

As she boasts on and on, Vitani can only stare up at her in bewilderment.

No one has ever overpowered her so easily like that, even while play-fighting. Not Kovu, not Imara -- hell, not even her mother. Bitten, maybe. Swiped at and scratched, of course. Kicked in her gut with claws out, abso-fucking-lutely.

But this? Never has she had all power stripped away in just one circular motion, in such a short time.

And it was done by Kiara.

Kiara.

Pretty little pampered princess Kiara. A daddy's girl. A goofball.

Kiara with her big eyes, the color of the burning Outland sky; her jutting chin; her big, stupid, fantastic grin; her dumb, gargantuan muscles.

Kiara with her kindness, believing in Vitani’s abilities and trusting without reservation.

Kiara intercepting her, accepting the fall onto her own back if only to push Vitani upward to gain the advantage easily.

Kiara pinning her down with just a light paw now, out of breath and bragging about her victory, her golden fur dusty and tousled.

Kiara, Kiara, Kiara.

Vitani blinks. Oh.

"--used it on my dad all the time, it's practically her signature move!" Kiara hasn't caught wind of her internal dilemma. "You should've seen Kovu's face when I--"

Kiara. Her brother's girlfriend.

Vitani's stomach squirms uncomfortably.

"--right? Vitani?"

"HUH? " Vitani gasps, pulled back to attention to find Kiara looking at her with concern in those big eyes, those big, beautiful eyes – Gods, stop it . "Wh-What?"

"I asked if you're alright."

"Oh. Um. Yes. Yeah. I'm, uh -- I’m good. I'm cool."

Kiara quirks a brow at her and looks at her with an amused smile. Regrettably, oh gods, so regrettably (STOP IT , Vitani screams at herself), she moves off of her.

"You must be really tired after today. Sorry about that, I shouldn’t have thrown you around like that, heh.” (Don’t apologize, never apologize – fucking stop, Vitani! ) “Hey, c'mon, I think Mom's hunting party just got back." She looks off towards Pride Rock, smiling, and is already turning towards it to seek out her mother's figure. "I think I'll go meet her there. They may need help portioning." 

Vitani rights herself and gazes at her sturdy figure, the savannah sun glinting over her, a halo forming over her head. 

Kiara turns and grins at her. "Meet you there? As the victor of our fight, I demand you sit next to me at supper."