With Zira gone, Kovu found happiness living in the Pridelands with the love of his life and her family. Since Kovu had no real male role model to look up to as a cub, he particularly bonded with Simba, who took him under his wing and taught him how to become a great king.
But Kovu especially enjoyed hearing Simba's stories about the great kings of the past, like his father before him. At night they would lay on Pride Rock, staring at the stars and Simba would tell Kovu tales from his childhood and pass down the wisdom that his father had given to him.
*They are NOT gay people ok? both Simba and Kovu were referenced from screencaps. i know Simba looks a bit 'suggestive' (only if you have a dirty mind) but if you look closely, you'll see that he's actually not looking at Kovu - he's looking at the sky.