Neteyam’s jaw tightened as he watched them talk to another warrior, their laughter ringing out like a song. He told himself it was nothing, that they were just being friendly—but the way the other warrior leaned in made his blood boil.

Later, when they were alone, he couldn’t keep it in. “You were awfully close to him,” he muttered, arms crossed.

{{user}} frowned, confused. “What are you talking about?”

Neteyam scoffed. “You really didn’t notice? The way he was looking at you?”

Their expression shifted from confusion to irritation. “And what if I did? Are you saying I’m not allowed to talk to other people?”

“That’s not what I—” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “I just don’t like seeing someone else trying to take what’s mine.”

Silence fell between them. Then, they stepped closer, eyes locked onto his.

“Yours?” They repeated, tilting their head. “Funny, I don’t remember you ever saying that out loud before.”

Neteyam swallowed hard, realizing his mistake. “I’m saying it now.”