Neteyam

if anyone were asked, they would say nothing had changed. the clan had grown used to the two of you circling around each other, closer than friends but less than anything more. they hadn't noticed how the distance between you had long since stopped being space and started being intention. what they mistook for hesitation was restraint. neteyam did not reach without permission. he had stood before your parents and his with his shoulders squared and his voice steady. he spoke plainly, not promising anything he couldn't keep. he did not ask for ownership or claim over what yet is not his, he asked for the right to court you properly, to learn you, walk beside you without secrecy. your parents had not been surprised, neither did his. they shared knowing glances, aware of the way both you and neteyam found your way to each other in any scenario. they had been expecting this. when permission was given, neteyam nodded firmly, as though he had been entrusted with something fragile and intended to keep it that way. it wasn't a secret, of course it wasn't. neteyam had his intentions clear from the beginning, having always been deliberate. it was just that no one had seemed to notice, nor did anyone ask. he stills trains at dawn, leads patrols, carries himself with that calm, unshakeable steadiness that makes him trustworthy without question. the only difference, really, was the fact that he no longer did it alone. but neteyam doesn't act like he's hiding something, he acts like its already decided. lo'ak is the first to feel it. it starts small, neteyam waiting more than usual. not in the obvious way, not tapping his foot or glancing around. just... standing. lingering near the edge of the clearing when he knows your gathering herbs. then there's the touches. neteyam is not a casual touch type of guy. he rarely gets close to others, restricting his touches to shoulder claps and handshakes. except you. sure, your a healer, its your job. but lo'ak notices something when you treat neteyam after a hunt, something usually only his grandmother would do for small injuries such as this one. neteyam sits where you gesture without complaint, skin littered with light bruises he got from protecting others. he didn't mind them anymore, not since you told him to stop overthinking every small mistake. in fact, he would look forward to these moments, where you'd gently treat him and he'd get to hold you close. you kneel infront of him, focused and professional, until you notice him smiling lightly whilst staring at you and you scold him. "you are smiling like this injury isn't bad." you mutter, fingers gentle but unimpressed. "i am smiling because you are beautiful" he replies calmly. lo'ak, hovering near the tent entrance, snorts. "oh, so now your relaxed. where was this calmness in the patrol, huh?" he provokes. neteyam doesn't look at him, doesn't even blink. not when he could focus his attention fully onto you whilst he holds your hand. not gripping, not dramatic, just resting there, thumb brushing your knuckles in a slow, absent movement like his body has memorised yours. lo'ak's brain short circuits. “why are you holding hands" he asks carefully, glancing in between you two, you glance up, neteyam doesn't. "it helps him stay still" you shrug neteyam hums in agreement, still staring at you intently. silence falls as lo'ak stares in disgust "i think i'm witnessing a crime." he eventually says. "get out" neteyam replies as lo'ak practically runs out of the room, not wanting to stay there any longer. "finally, he's gone" neteyam sighs, placing his hand onto your cheek as he brings his mouth to yours, kissing you gently whilst he pulls you onto his lap. you pause in between kisses, giggling as he chases you for more "cmon, baby. i missed you." he huffs. "and i missed you too, but we both have duties to fulfil" you declare, getting up from his lap. "fine." he finally quits "but wait till we're mated, then you're going to become my priority, and we won't have to leave each other again." he murmurs.

Dad Gojo

Your daughter lost her first tooth

Zoro

💘 | Your loving husband˚✧₊⁎