Thunder (G/T P!Septiplier)

Revitalizing

"And where are you two sneaking off to in the dark?" Mark paused at the tent flaps, then turned to look over his shoulder and give Amy a sheepish grin.

"I promised Jack I would show him the Crystal Springs?" Amy rolled her eyes, but with an amused smile.

"And you were going to go without bringing your mate?" She teased. Mark turned all the way around to crouch at her side.

"Well, if you want to insist on spending time with this meathead," he answered slyly, making the healer giggle.

"Always." She reached up and gently lay her hand on his cheek, which he leaned into with closing eyes. "But if you do not want me to come along, it is alright," she reassured earnestly. "I just worry that someone else may have an uneventful night become very eventful, should anyone awake see you slip away from camp at such a late time." Mark put his hand over hers, removing it only to gently clasp with both hands.

"I have been careful. He remains out of sight until we are past the guard, and I cover my tracks and return prepared with an excuse."

"And what of the cold? And the animals? You do not take him on patrols because of them." Mark hesitated.

"And because of the tribe," he admitted quietly. Amy let out a soft but understanding sigh. 

"Mark, I know we think alike: How long must we keep this secret? We do not know how long he will live, or when his time will pass. Do you intend to hide him from the others until his Last Day?"

"I don't know." Mark let their hands drop and return to their owners, taking a seat as Amy sat up to properly converse with him. "I keep thinking of telling Tyler. But then I worry I have underminded him." The warrior bowed his head with a gentle shake. "I do not mean to, I never did. I just wanted to protect Jack, but... What if he banished me?"

"Mark..." Amy scooted closer, resting her arms on his shoulders and back. "He loves you like a brother," she insisted, "He would never place such a harsh punishment on your head."

"But he should. He's the chieftain! He shouldn't go gentle on me just because I hold the title 'best warrior'." Mark let out a gusty exhale. "Especially because of..." Amy raised her hand to gently pull on Mark, who complied and let himself lean against her within her embrace.

"I know you still grieve," she murmured, "Your father was good. All of your stories honour him well, and so do the ones you continue to walk in." Mark closed his eyes, feeling the warm springs of his own sting his vision.

"I wish he could have met you," he sighed remorsefully. "He would have liked you." The healer smiled and gently lifted Mark's chin, so that their eyes would meet.

"I see him in you," she assured. "His bloodline is with you, and I know you do him proud— with the tribe, with me, with Jack, everything." More tears sprang up in Mark's watery chocolate eyes, and he gave a sad smile with an appreciating nod. Amy nodded back, and then leaned in to give him a gentle kiss. With the contact fled the tension in the warrior's body, and he relaxed as he reciprocated; and then brushed a strand of hair out of his mate's beautiful face, studying her: she was so kind to him, yet always pushing him to be his best.

"Have I told you I love you lately?" He rumbled softly.

"Well, Jeóbien has made a few trips since the last time," she answered with a coy smirk. Mark chuckled warmly, kissing her forehead.

"You are too good to me."

"I do nothing. You are the one who walks your path. I simply walk alongside you... And patch up your trips and falls." Mark chortled.