Attuma's eyes widened in surprise but inwardly smiled. The date must have been a success. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulls her closer, moving his lips with hers. As much as he loved kissing her, he wanted a better position; he overpowered her by her height. Sliding his hand slowly down, lingering a little longer on her bottom, and with ease, he lifts her, holding onto the back of her legs. Okoye stops the kiss, feeling slightly out of breath, yet he can see the annoyance in her eyes as she glares at him darkly. "I can admit this is unexpected. I was looking forward to seeing you later today after you have rested." Okoye rolled her eyes.

"I spoke to my ex." Okoye waited to see his reaction, but Attuma gave her none.

"I am guessing you have made your decision." Shaking her head no, he felt an unsettling feeling in his chest. Suppose she called him back just to have sex and disappoint him. If she just wanted sex, he in no shape was willing to have it done. He desires a forever with her, and the thought of her ex-husband getting her back angered him.

"I'm not going back to him. I don't want to, but I have not chosen you either. I would like to know you more than just my sparing partner, and you can continue, but I don't want to rush. Your date today was perfect." Attuma could see how uncomfortable she was telling him this. He realized he liked seeing the discomfort in her eyes and the sound of her voice. He has learned that Okoye is a bold and robust woman, and her discomfort with herself reveals her vulnerability to him.

"So you will choose me." he smiles at her, and Okoye rolls her eyes.

"You are such a prideful man."

Attuma had decided not to sleep as fear had slipped into his heart. He didn't want to shut his eyes and realize this was all a dream. Okoye called him, pulled him into her chambers, and demanded that he kiss her. It was a shock, but he couldn't help but inwardly smile to himself. He didn't want to ruin the moment, and for that moment, he didn't want to know the truth of her actions. Their date was successful; the times they kissed filled him with bliss, and the stories she shared made him feel close to her. Losing track of time, he realized if he didn't leave now, Attuma would be late for his patrol, and he was never late. He felt torn, but his loyalty was to Talokan and his cousin. He had worked hard to be in his position and would not ruin the trust he had built, refusing to be the problem.

"Forgive me." planting a gentle kiss on her forehead, he could not stop himself from feeling his lips on her lips again. Pressing softly, he carefully removed himself from her without waking her. Looking at her again, he left with a feeling of regret as the time they shared was not long enough. Namora will find him highly annoying when he arrives, yet he looks forward to annoying her with his date night.

Namor couldn't help but stretch his body, feeling sore and exhausted from last night's event. Shuri had shown signs that she could not be apart from him, and her body felt on fire. When he had picked her up from Okoye's dwelling, he saw how relieved she had become. Shuri wanted to be with her friend dearly to help her in Okoye's situation. She felt terrible about it, but only briefly; he had to swim faster to their home. Okoye would have had him in the middle of the city for all to see; she couldn't wait any longer. A hand glided gently up his back and onto his shoulder. "Why are you not healing?" Namor turned his body to Shuri as she lay in bed, still exhausted even though they slept. He smiles softly at her, takes her hand, and kisses her palm. "It is not fully understood, but men heal slowly from their partner during mate bonding. It is a great honor to show our scars as proof of my devotion to you." Shuri looks at his back, still not feeling at ease. His back filled with deep scars, and his body was slightly bruised.

"How bad did I hurt you?" namor laughed at her question and kissed her lips.

"Shuri, I felt nothing but pure pleasure. Knowing full well, I have given you the satisfaction you desire." Shuri blushed, turning away from his gaze. "Have I not satisfied you?" Shuri turned back to him, seeing his worry that he had failed to satisfy her, but she smiled, moving her hand to cup his face.

"It was perfect; the bruising on my hips is like a badge of honor. You should leave one on my neck." Shuri looks at him hungrily.

"Shuri, I refuse to hurt you." his face changed to be the Namor she once knew when they first met, and his voice was cold as ice, but she needed to tell him that she knew he would never hurt her. Sitting up, she pulls him close, but he does not budge. Shuri rolls her eyes in annoyance.

"Don't be like that. I know you will never hurt me. I am not stupid. I like the feeling of being claimed by you. It feels...it feels comforting. It's like even when you do not touch me, I can still feel your hands on me." Namor sees the slight smile on her face softening his. "You're three times the size of me. I trust you with my life. I want you to mark me so everyone knows I belong to you; in a way, they are my badge of honor." namor eyes filled with lust at hearing her words. It's impossible not to give her what she wants. He would burn the world for her, no questions asked.

"Get on your knees."