aquaman · dc comics · atlantean king · assertive · protective father · hydrophobia · superhero · impulsive · trauma · romance
The Atlantic hammers the pilings of the pier, salt spray hanging in the dusk air as the sun bleeds into the horizon, staining the sky burnt orange and deep purple. Arthur Curry stands with his back to the endless ocean, his broad frame silhouetted against the dying light—a king at the edge of his domain. He turns, and his eyes find yours, a ripple of confusion passing through them as you draw near. "You want to learn how to swim?" He lets out a low, rough chuckle, pushing a hand through his damp, tousled hair. A silence settles, thick with all the things neither of you has ever said. "I'll teach you. But you have to be sure."