I did this for my partner,  Tumaini a while ago, but always wanted to draw his Asiatic Lion surprising poor Lorcan with a big ol' kiss.

I used to think that love was just some passing thing, i'd been used, rejected, abused, then suddenly appeared, he showed me hat love was worth every part of my being. Even when we argued, we still made up. When we got snarly at each other for some reason, it never lasted, even when the big things happened, even in the small. We lasted. Now we have our own flat, not moving from place to place all the time. No uncertainties as to a bed during the night. Not crashing on floors.

Although my mental illness is something i'm working on, my partner is loving me, supporting me, every step of the way. Even when i'm burned out, or I have a meltdown, or just break down completely into a snarling wreck losing my sanity. He stays calm, it helps me calm down. He's just, perfect. Nobody else could tame my heart, my wreckless impulsiveness, my dangerous moments, but he did. Tumaini/Simba helps me keep on the right path and I try and return all he does for me. <3 He even understands my struggle with my gender dysphoria. <3

We've been through so much, yet here we are. Still together, still loving one another unconditionally just...those who tried to break us up, break our hearts, break our minds, even just generally tell us we wouldn't make it.

Things couldn't be better now! I'm working on art, I have my own little desk to work on. (And mess up. Lol!) and he's working hard at College working with animals, getting his good grades and certificates. Its not the best area to live in, but we have each other, and one day we'll both be able to move out somewhere quieter. Hoping he will be working at an Animal Park with big cats, and hopefully I may even one day have my own workshop/art room and do freelance work properly. <3 Maybe sell prints, work on my animal studies with help from other artists. <3

We have our lives ahead of us.

I couldn't imagine anyone else sharing this dream with me, we're both aiming for the sky and I know we can reach our goals if we keep pushing ourselves. <3 Supporting each other, loving each other. <3

I love you - You have saved my heart from being burnt out and broken, no matter what we face, we face together. <3

- Thrasher

Ps. A big thank you to those who let us crash during those uncertain times. <3