The morning sun made Kovu stir slowly. His dreams had made sleeping difficult at best, but his body had been so exhausted that it didn't matter. As he lifted his head toward the sun, a stinging feeling over his left eye reminded him why he was out here. He hadn't wanted them to worry about him, not when Simba was in such bad shape. Kiara's soft breathing against the back of his neck told him that she'd at least decided to get some sleep. That was good...especially after what had happened to her father. Kovu still couldn't imagine how worried she must have been.

He rolled over so that he was facing her. Even in her sleep, he could see lines of worry over her muzzle. "...Kiara..." he said quietly as he gently nuzzled her, her name barely more than a whisper.