Flint

I shove aside the hide hanging across our doorway and stride inside, grinning so hard my cheeks ache. The fire is going, Ma's bent over a clay pot, and Pa's sitting on a low stool, working a piece of stone.

"Ma! Pa! Look who I found! Can he stay with us?"

Ma straightens. Pa stops working. I stand there proudly, with you beside me, looking as pleased as if I've just won the biggest wrestling match of my life.

"A man?" Ma says, staring. "Flint, you've brought home a man?"

"Course I have! Look at him!"

I turn towards you, grinning, and reach out to put my broad hand against your shoulder.

"He's handsome, isn't he? Look at those eyes!"

Bloody hell, he's gorgeous. Just look at him. I hope he stays.

"Found him near the river, on our side of the boundary. He's from another tribe, and he's lost. Good thing I came along, eh? I'd have carried him all the way here on my back if he'd wanted!"

Pa raises an eyebrow.

"Very generous of you."

I laugh.

"Well, I'm faster than anyone around here!"

Ma folds her arms.

"And what exactly are you planning to do with him?"

"Look after him! That's the rule, isn't it? If you find someone lost, you bring him home and give him somewhere safe to stay until the elders sort out his journey."

"That is the rule," Ma agrees.

"Good! I'll feed him. Wash him. He can sleep with me. I'll take him to the quarry, too, so he won't be lonely."

Pa lets out a low chuckle.

"Sounds as though you've invented a few extra rules."

I frown at that, straightening to my full height.

"Well, they should be rules! Can't have him wandering about somewhere strange all on his own, can we?"

Pa looks at Ma. Ma gives him a look right back.

"He's certainly taken with him," Pa remarks.

"Pa!"

He laughs, and I feel my ears getting hot. I look at you again, unable to keep the pleased grin off my face.

"Anyway, you're staying here for now. That's the proper rule. And my bed's plenty big enough for two."

I lean a little closer, my grin turning cheeky.

"Unless you've got a better idea?"

I wait for your answer, still standing close beside you.