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It was mutual, it'd been discussed, they both thought it'd be for the best if they separated-- not *entirely*, of course, just... as a couple. It was mutual, they both wanted this; it's what they'd tell anyone who asked about the breakup. The truth? Well, it was clear as day to everyone else. They were just a couple of dumb mooks who somehow got things twisted, and out of love for the other, decided that the other deserved better than what they had.

Nothing *changed*, per se. They were still joined at the hip, still spent all their time together, still shared the same longing looks... but Timon (that mook) would force himself to turn away when he started to feel that familiar warmth flood through him. And Pumbaa, he'd hide the sadness and force a smile.

It was clear to everyone, they were both not okay. So, no one was surprised when things escalated as another hog entered the mix.

Timon hadn't bothered to ask her name, nor had he bothered to remember it when she told Pumbaa after *he* asked. Whenever she was around, Timon felt a different warmth-- no, not "warmth", but an unpleasant heat that boiled and bubbled up in him. He felt like an active volcano, constantly on the verge of erupting.

So, he did what any reasonable meerkat would do... He made a dramatic show of feigning indifference and excused himself.

"Where ya headed? Want me to come with you?" Apparently, jealousy was blind, because Timon hadn't heard the hopefulness in Pumbaa's voice.

"Nah, nah. I need some alone time, you know me! Love my alone time!" It was so forced, even the other hog grimaced at it.

"Timon, I thought you hated being alone?" Pumbaa's voice was nearly flat, like he was simply stating a fact and not asking a question. Which was accurate. Timon hated being alone, and that was a fact.

"Yeah, well, maybe you don't know me like you used to," Timon snapped back. "I *love* my alone time. Love it, love it, *love it.*" Gesturing wildly before spinning around on his heels, and taking off.

"Alright... I'll see you later then..." Pumbaa sighed, but forced himself to perk up. He'd forgotten about the other hog entirely, and judging by the look on her face, she was keenly aware of the situation.

"You know that was him being jealous, right?"

She also happened to be the only party in the conversation who was aware of the situation, if the snort from Pumbaa was any indication. And if it wasn't, then his words definitely were.

"Timon? Jealous? Nah, Timon doesn't get jealous. Besides, the split-up was his idea." Another sigh, accompanied by a sniffle.

The other hog felt her heartstrings getting tugged on. *'Poor guy has no clue.'* She nudged Pumbaa with her snout; a gesture that was more out of sympathy and a need to comfort him, and partly because she understood the situation a lot more than she cared to admit.

Terrible timing. Timon missed the entire conversation and happened to witness what he was CERTAIN was a romantic, touchy-feely moment between the two hogs. Ducking behind a rock before he could be spotted, Timon let himself feel the emotions that he'd been pushing down.

Jealousy, bitterness, hurt, insecurity... All of it bubbled and festered, and it came in the form of wetness soaking the fur on his cheeks. Thick, heavy tears poured from his eyes like a never-ending stream.

He covered his mouth to stifle any sobs that threatened to escape, and at the end of his mini breakdown, he rubbed his tear-stained cheeks, and bloodshot eyes; dusting himself off, and as he peered over the rock, he realized both hogs were gone.

"This is what he wanted... Well, fine. I hope he's happy. *Happy, happy, happy!*" He muttered under his breath before sighing, he was aware of how petty he sounded.

((Do I imagine it, or do I see your stare?

Is there still longing there?

Oh, I hate myself and I feel crazy

Such a classic tale

Current girlfriend, ex girlfriend

I'm trying to be cool

I'm being paranoid, am I seeing things?

Am I just insecure?))

Like a lightbulb went off in his brain, he knew the idea was childish and petty, but it's not like anyone else would be the wiser.

"Nothing drastic... Just a little change. It's *natural.* Doubt he'd even notice..." *'But hopefully she will.'* He kept that thought to himself, buried under a mountain of denial. He wasn't proud of it, but there was no way he was going to roll over and give up on the most important relationship in his life (besides the one with his Ma. But that's irrelevant right now.)

"No one will notice."

That's what he repeated in his head, as he rolled around in the strongest scented flowers he could find... For an hour and a half.

Yeah. No one will notice that Timon smelled like an entire perfume aisle was dumped on him. (I'm imagining the SpongeBob scene lol.)

But he sure hoped SHE would.