Neteyam knew his whole family was alienated by the others in the Metkayina clan. It wasn’t hard to tell — from the long glances casted by elders to the snide comments about five fingers from the other teenagers, it was clear the Metkayina felt his family didn’t belong. While they let them stay with the clan, they made sure to show them this was not their home.

That was, minus you. For some reason, from the second you had laid eyes on him and him on you, something sparked. Immediately, ears were perked up, and tails were flicking. Even with stern looks from your parents, the leaders of the clan, you had managed to sneak time together with him.

You taught him how to weave baskets that didn’t leak water, which he, admittedly, wasn’t very good at. You showed him ways to calm his heart so he could stay underwater for longer, which he also wasn’t good at, though you told him he was improving. Neteyam didn’t really care if you were lying to him. Your lessons were the best part of his day. Seeing you was the best part of his day.

“How long was I under?” he asks you, a smile that never leaves his face while you’re together on his lips, the two of you having yet another practice swim session.