Uzuri heard that Pipkah’s latest fiasco was supposedly due to errors by the lionesses, for the maneuver was a flawless one taught him by “my dear friend Uzuri.” Pipkah had been playing that association to the hilt lately, and Uzuri was determined that at her own time and in her own way she would set the record straight.
Pipkah enjoyed the cool, clear waters of the cistern behind Pride Rock. He came alone, which suited Uzuri just fine.
Pipkah drank deeply, then let out a satisfying belch. Ah, life at Pride Rock was good, even if there was not as much food as there used to be. As one of Shenzi’s trusted ones, he always ate well if nearly everyone else did without.
“It’s me,” Uzuri said, stepping out of the shadows.
“Uzuri!” Pipkah stepped back a pace or two, not certain how much she’d heard or how she would react.
“My Pipkah,” she said softly, nuzzling him. “You know I’m in my season. Taka is content with Elanna, and where does that leave me?”
“Very disappointed?”
“Not really. Not as alone as you might think.” She rubbed along him full length. “It will be awkward at first, but you will adjust with a little help from me.”
Pipkah stepped back again. “Adjust what?”
Uzuri let out a protracted purr, her eyes half closed. “A hunter like me and a hunter like you. When I heard about your legendary skill, that was it. I was lost. Make love to me, Pipkah!”
“Oh gods....” Pipkah swallowed hard. “I’m not really that good! I brag a lot. Some of it is a downright lie!”
“So modest and shy! I think that’s SUCH a turn-on! Just think—we’ll have three days of non-stop passion.”
“Three days??”
He started to leave, but she stepped in his path rather suddenly. “Make love to me, Pipkah! Set me on fire!”
“But I....” He scrambled on top of a small rock. She looked up at him and easily bounded up with him, her body crowded next to his on the small platform.
“But what about—uh—Shimbekh! Yeah, Shimbekh!”
“I’ll have a talk with her.”
“No, don’t do that!”
“She deserves to know what we share between us! She is a good girl, and needs to find another male.” She looked him over appraisingly. “Those are the cutest ears, and that smile is so warm and sexy.”
“Uh, thanks, I think.”
“And check out that fanny!” She reached back with a paw and tickled him.
“Whoa!!! My gods!!!” He jumped from the rock, shivering. “Madam, PLEASE!”
“You don’t have to beg me!” She jumped down, then walked in front of him and crouched down, looking over her back. “Come on, lover! Give it your best shot. We’ll work on it till we get it right.”
Ber padded around the corner and froze. “Oops!”
“Ber! Hey, old buddy!”
“Pipkah—I hope I’m not interrupting anything....”
“Oh, not at all! This is NOT what it looks like!”
Panting and moving her lips in a pout, Uzuri stared at Pipkah. “I’m waiting, honey pot.”
“I can come back later,” Ber said.
“Come back in about three days,” Uzuri said shortly. “We’re otherwise occupied.”
“You said it, sister! But don’t worry—I won’t tell a WORD to the others. Your secret is safe with me.” Ber laughed wickedly. “But of course we ALL know how you feel about each other.” He started to go.
“Don’t leave me here!” Pipkah cried. “I mean, there’s no rush, old friend. I have to get to guard duty. You keep Uzuri company for me.”
“I took on your guard duty, remember?”
“But you’ve been two days without a furlough. I don’t think that’s morally RIGHT, Ber!”
“Hmmm. The only way you could relieve me if you wanted to would be to take the next eight days.”
“EIGHT DAYS??”
“But hey, I got you covered. You’ll have NO INTERRUPTIONS. Kiss kiss!”
“OK, eight days it is!” Pipkah looked at Uzuri. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I have work to do. Maybe in eight days, if you’re still interested, we can have a red-hot honeymoon under the acacias.”
He ran away very quickly.
Uzuri laughed. “Ok, Ber, you remember our agreement? I got you eight days of leisure.”
“And you sneak away for three days to see your husband that I’m not aware exists. If anyone asks me where you are, you’re sick and I saw you retching up breakfast.” He smiled coyly and added, “Behave yourself, my dear! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
She smiled back. “Honey tree, I’m about to do EVERYTHING you wouldn’t do!”