TLK WEEK DAY 1: Hakuna Matata Family Headcannons !
Timon and Pumbaa have always considered both Simba and Bunga as their sons, but it wasn't until the events of Bunga and the King did any of them really consider that, well, Simba and Bunga are brothers! this is mainly because Bunga was practically a part of the royal family's circle since Kion's birth anyway. in Simba's eyes, he was always an integral part of the ‘family’ even if they didn't see eye to eye, even before that episode where they both realise.
Simba is an age regressor, a topic that he talks openly about to very little. to Timon and Pumbaa, this is common knowledge and nothing they aren't used to. even as a young cub, Simba would regress to a younger version of himself (such as the age he was when Mufasa was still alive). his dads thought nothing of it and simply supported him however he needed. now that he's an adult and back in the pridelands, Simba can also find comfort in Nala when he regresses, but often seeks out his dads.
to continue the last point — Bunga is one of the only animals who knows about Simba's age regression other than Simba's dads and mate. i imagine Simba doesn't really tell him upfront- one day, Bunga goes to visit his dads and finds Simba with them. Timon and Pumbaa treat Simba like a young cub like its nothing. Bunga is initially confused but his dads welcome his presence and ask if he wants to join them in whatever they're doing. Bunga is happy to play along, almost giddy from getting to act like an older brother for once. maybe Simba and Bunga never talk about it outside of when the king is regressed, but even so there's an understanding between the little family. perhaps Bunga finds comfort in age regression too- if this is the case, Timon's heart melts from his sons playing together as if they're both young.
leading on from the last point, Simba mentally notes to make sure the Lion Guard gets plenty of time to just be the kids that they are. he doesn't want to continue the cycle of robbing childhoods. his connection to his son as well as his adoptive brother makes him a lot more understanding lion.
Simba and Bunga bond over the snail slurping (etc) competitions. if there's anything they share common ground over, it's beating poor old Timon at those contests.
Simba takes after Pumbaa's more sensitive nature, even if he hides it deeper down than his dad. Bunga, obviously, takes more after Timon and his tendency to say the first thing that comes to his mind.
the four of them all have a favourite grub each. if one of them spots another's favourite grub while on a stroll, they'll be sure to grab it for ‘em. when he moved to Pride Rock, Simba missed seeing his favourite grub in his nest. this changes when Bunga and Simba realise they're brothers, and Simba returns the favour whenever he visits Hakuna Matata Falls too.
in terms of affection- Simba is used to Timon and Pumbaa's coddling, plus he was used to Sarabi licking him clean as well. meanwhile, that sort of affection is more foreign to Bunga.
Simba and Bunga on the Trail To Udugu. that's it that's the bullet point.
after BATK, the brothers do indeed stick to their word and go on more adventures together. whenever Bunga finds an interesting cave system or something similar, he lets Simba know, who asks Zazu when he's free! they always have a great time.
Bunga is the only one with the privilege of riding on Simba's back, apart from Timon but he's usually on Pumbaa's back. cue a moment of Pumbaa carrying Timon whilst Simba carries Bunga on a cute little walk together.
when the Lion Guard left for the Tree of Life, Simba expected to miss Kion, but what he didn't expect was the deep pang of missing Bunga. the honeybadger was always there to jump on his shoulders, mess up his mane, wake him up, so on and so forth, every day- Simba feels sadder that he knew Bunga as his brother but he isn't around anymore than when he realised he would have had a sibling if Mufasa survived. he underestimated the importance of the brotherly relationship they formed and it hurts him. Simba wishes he'd done more to protect the Lion Guard from Scar so that they didn't have to leave.
screenshots because i love them. i would die for them. /pos