𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬， ➶𝑎𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑛𝑔

⒉- ✦

Don't Let Go.
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"Ready?" Your face held a subtle expression of nervousness, tightening your hold on Neteyam's arm as you floated closest to him for support. You had never been in open water ; sure, The forest had its own lakes where you enjoyed swimming in--you knew how to swim. It's just that, the ocean was a completely different experience. Having your feet left with nothing to ground on, it made you panic and anxious. You hated to admit that you were paranoid and afraid--your siblings understood that.

As you took a deep breath and closed your eyes, you all began to dive below the surface.

The first thing that entered your mind the moment you were submerged in the water was to keep your grip on Neteyam, and to not let go. You still kept your eyes shut, pulling yourself closer to your brother who chuckled lightly to how you acted.

Aonung and his friend were not far ; he watched you cling onto Neteyam for dear life. Your eyebrows were knitted as if you were deeply focused on making sure you didn't lose your hold on your younger brother--who couldn't enjoy exploring the reef since he was worrying about you and making sure you stay close. The two Metkayina boys obviously laughed the sight, signing how you looked stupid, and scared. Though, they wouldn't stay and watch you the whole time of course. But the moment they turned around to swim away, Tsireya met with them and signed, "Brother, go and help her. Neteyam does not know anything about the reef ; with her slowing him down like that, both of them cannot learn. And have pity for the poor girl, please." she requested as Aonung reacted with an irritated look, "No way. Why don't you do it yourself?", "I am already occupied with three of her other siblings. You do this one, Rotxo can come with me as company." His brows knitted in frustration, "Remember what father said." Tsireya signed last, before motioning to Rotxo to follow her before swimming away. Aonung was left with no choice but to do as his sister said, unfortunately for him.

Back with you and Neteyam, you two were emerged from the water because your panic got loose abit whilst underwater--you needed to breath. "Are you alright, sister?" Neteyam asked you, "Yes.. I'm sorry Neteyam, I'll just head back to the village so you can join the three below." it was a 50/50 deal. You knew that water just wasn't your thing, and now it was confirmed. In the meantime, Neteyam wouldn't have to worry about you while he enjoys the experience of the reef. You felt guilty that you were weighing down your brother from having fun like he's supposed to. "Are you sure? I can come with you, I don't mind a--"

"Do not worry, Neteyam. I'll handle it from here." And it felt like in an instant, your guilt was washed away by a wave of anger as Aonung's face emerged from the waters.

Neteyam was abit surprised at Aonung's abrupt appearance, he didn't feel right around the Olo'eyktan's son either. "What are you doing here?" You snapped, threaded eyebrows and a strong glare looking directly at Aonung. "Relax, I'm just here to assist you." he assured slyly, shrugging his shoulders and wearing a teasing smile as he looked back at you. "What makes you think I require assistance?" your tone was stern, and from your sentence alone earned you a look of disbelief from your brother. Aonung only huffed. He had no time for this so he simply told Neteyam that he may leave now. Neteyam felt reluctant to leave, eyeing the Metkayina a warning to not hurt you before swimming away.

At that moment you lost hold of your brother you began to panic--internally-- because you lost your only sense of grounding. Luckily for you, Aonung was near your reach so in a state of panicked instinct, you paddled closer to him and immediately wrapped your arms around his abdomen, catching him by surprise as you clinged on to him closer. It was fortunate that he was there or else you would've probably be crying your eyes out and hyperventilating by now, but it was also unfortunate because it just had to be him. "we do not speak of this." You told him breathily, trying to calm down the beating of your heart from your stupid panic. Embarrassed with your actions. Your face was hidden from his view as you pressed it against his chest, your arms tight around his body, and your legs closely in touch with his as you both kept yourself afloat by softly kicking in the water. It was silent for a moment. Aonung couldn't find the words to respond or to bring up, he only saw a view of your furrowed brows which reflected how anxious and afraid you were, unknowing of what could be there in the sea. He began to look around below the clear water, spotting a rock assumingly high enough for the two of you to stand on. "Hey, follow me. Swim." he told you with a large change in his tone than what you would usually hear. It was hushed, and calm. He offered you his hand to hold before beginning to swim to the direction of the rock, then landing on it with the water perfectly reaching just above your shoulders while his was just by the chest.