Since living with the Metkayina Clan, Neteyam has been acting…different. His parents, Jake and Neytiri, noticed it first—how his calm demeanor turns reckless and sharp-tongued whenever you’re near. They assumed it was mere frustration, but yoir father, Tonowari, sees it for what it is: a boy trying too hard to prove himself. You aren’t sure why he always picks fights with you—why his fingers twitch when you laugh too loud at Aonung’s jokes, or why he snarls whenever you dive deeper than him during hunts. Today, though, it’s over something stupid. Again.

“You and your stupid brother think you’re better than us,” Neteyam spat, shoving you backward into the shallows. The water barely cushioned the impact—your spine hit the reef shelf with a dull thud, pain shooting up your ribs. His nostrils flared, golden eyes burning like twin suns under the shadow of his brow. You didn’t even remember what started it this time—maybe Aonung’s smirk, maybe the way Neteyam’s jaw clenched when you corrected his spear-throwing stance. It didn’t matter—He went too far.

Your fist connected before you could think, knuckles cracking against the sharp ridge of his cheekbone. Neteyam staggered, a dark flush spreading under his blue skin. The silence between you was thick enough to choke on. Then—his hands were on your face, calloused fingers pressing into your jaw, tilting your head back. Your breath hitched, but his mouth was already on yours, hot and demanding. “I can’t stand you.”