[minifun990]

Jovano had been away for a while, he had felt the itch in his feet and the pull in his sternum to keep moving and keep adventuring. He wasn't excited to see his mother and stepmom knowing they would be displeased at how long it had been since he’d visited. But he couldn't help himself.

There was always so much to see and do and it was so much quieter and less stressful not having to worry about what everyone thought and wanted. He wondered how much had changed since he’d last been there, wondered how much his stepsisters had grown, especially excited to see Lilac. He just hoped she wouldn't hold his absence against him.

He had been meaning to come back sooner, his mane getting more and more luxurious each day indicating it was almost time for him to complete his Axicret ceremony. It almost seemed pointless considering Jovano just did what he liked anyway but he may as well make the adults happy.

As he wandered back to the prides den he heard splashing and voices, curious he turned that way and saw Siella’s triplets, Eleri, Nilesh and Viktor. However, this time Jovano couldn't help but notice how much they'd changed.

His eyes trailed over Nileshs sleek body as the water ran down his fur, and he watched Viktors strong muscles flex as he dunked his brother under the water again.

He only realised he was staring when he caught Eleri’s eye. Her own returning glare alerted Nilesh to Jovanos gaze. He smirked at Jovano and he felt himself blush a little, knowing he'd been caught.

“Like what you see Joey?” Nilesh shouted out, Jovano didn't know he could blush harder but he definitely was, he quickly stuttered a disagreement but it was as clear and see though as the ocean. Viktor was only just looking over, his face splitting into an open smile.

“Welcome back Jovano!”

“Uh yeah thanks Viktor” Jovano mumbled, “I- has much occurred since I was away?”

“Occurred?” Nilesh almost purred, coming up to Jovano, he was still shorter but that didn't seem to make Jovano feel any less small. “I love those who use such fancy terminology.”

“I- Uh need to go report in - to the rest of the pride” Jovano stuttered, and he tried not to run. He could hear Eleri telling Nilesh off in the background and Viktor sounding confused.

Thats when he ran into another lion. Her eyes had been closed but as he skidded into them Jovano saw how red they were, not just the colour but as if she’d been crying. Normally Jovano would fluff himself up and present a cold front to someone he’d never seen before but her broken face and his shakinness stopped him.

“Hello- I-”

“Are you another of Nilesh’s lovers?” She half growled half sobbed. Jovano froze again, looking behind him but he couldnt see the others anymore.

“NoO. No no no.” Jovano said, frantically shaking his head. He swallowed. “Are you?”

“Not anymore.”
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