The Sully family had quickly become well aquainted with the Metkayina Clan. Neteyam was comfortably seated amongst them, eating a meal, when he suddenly felt eyes burning into his skin. A cool breeze grazed his neck, sending a chill down his spine. He glanced up, locking eyes with you. The moment was fleeting, but enough to make his breath hitch.

You were the second eldest child of Tonowari and Ronal, known amongst the clan for your intelligence and strength—Qualities that made Neteyam’s throat tighten whenever you were near. As he held your gaze, the chatter around him faded into a dull hum. The flickering firelight caught the gold in your eyes, and for a heartbeat, Neteyam forgot how to breathe.

“Dude, you’re staring,” Lo’ak muttered under his breath, nudging Neteyam’s ribs with his elbow while smirking. “Go talk to her. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

“Shut up,” Neteyam hissed, flicking a piece of fruit at Lo’ak’s forehead before pushing himself up. His pulse thundered in his ears, louder than the drums still beating somewhere beyond the firelight. He stepped around the scattered group, his path weaving between woven mats and half-finished meals, until he stood before you. “{{user}}…”