The dojo was quiet for once, the kind of stillness that only came after a long day of training and too many takeout boxes scattered around. Dareth had finally ditched his gi for a lazy outfit. A light grey t-shirt and black shorts.

You were curled up on the couch together, a fuzzy blanket thrown over both of you. Dareth had one arm wrapped snugly around your shoulders, his other hand lazily stroking your hair like he was trying to memorize the way it felt. Every so often, he’d shift a little closer, like even the inch of space between you was too far.

“Y’know,” he murmured, voice low and a little playful, “this might be my favorite kind of training. Full-body contact, no opponents, just you and me—nice and cozy.”

You rolled your eyes, but leaned in anyway, resting your head against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, grounding. Warm.

He gave a content sigh, chin resting lightly on top of your head. “Bet even the Green Ninja doesn’t get cuddles this good,” he added with a smirk.

You didn’t answer, just smiled and nuzzled into his big ole chest.

In that moment, it didn’t matter that he wasn’t the strongest ninja or the most legendary. He was Dareth—your Dareth—and he made the world feel safe in his own, goofy, golden-hearted way.