Kovu placed a paw on Kiara's back when she pressed closer, realizing why she'd done that. He hadn't said anything to Simba at all when Kiara was talking to him, but he had listened to every word. It had been pretty hard for him not to yell at Simba, but then...that would have only made things worse for Kiara.

"And I'm not going to leave you unless I absolutely have to," he said, smiling. Then he quirked an eyebrow, though she obviously couldn't see it. "...Or if you tell me to go." He laughed just a little, knowing she'd hardly appreciate a joke like that right now, and nuzzled her neck.

He went quiet again for a few seconds, then backed away from Kiara just a little, and looked at her eyes. "So, what are we going to do? Sitting here moping isn't going to get us anywhere."

Please tell me that isn't going to make her mad at meee... Kovu gritted his teeth nervously, hoping with all his might that hadn't been the wrong thing to say.