In the Stars

Chapter 10

Inspired song: (Kiss Me by Dernot Kennedy)

My vision is blurry, but the smell of salt water and fire drifts my way. Trying to find where I am, I place my hands suddenly to the ground. Searching to feel a hard smooth surface that smears across my palms. Blinking rapidly, I begin to adjust my vision. looking up, I see myself surrounded by a huge ship. The ship is starting to sink. I can't move. Like I've been glued to sit and watch explosions happen in front of me, men going overboard, yelling and screaming, and a thick smell of used gunpowder fills the air. All of a sudden a bright light blinds my face. Squinting my eyes, I notice a tall dark figure approaching me. This doesn't seem like a normal friendly figure... but something evil and longing for vengeance. Even though the figure is getting closer, it's still hard to make out who it is. Standing only a metre away, I see the figure pull something out alongside them. A gun comes into focus and before I know it, I'm woken up in a sweat.

I shoot up from my bedding, I gasp for air, my heart pounding like a drum against my chest. The fabric of my shirt sticks to my body, drenched in sweat that streams down my forehead. Gasing around the room, my eyes struggle to adapt to the faint light seeping in. Gradually, I realise everyone else is lost in sleep, except for Lo'ak. Wiping away the lingering beads of sweat, I grab a clean t-shirt from my bag and slip it over my torso.

I used the moon's light filtering into the pod to search for Lo'ak. Not far from the pod, I spotted him seated on the edge of the netted pathway, staring down at the illuminated water.

"Hey..."

I spoke softly, attempting not to startle him. Standing a few inches away, I crossed my arms over my chest. Without a word, he turns towards me. His luminous freckles and golden eyes gaze up at me before looking back down towards the water that illuminates the rest of his features. Settling down beside him, I drew my legs close to my chest.

"What are you doing out here?"

He says with his hands in his lap.

I sigh,

"Bad dream, you?"

I responded to his query.

"Just thinking."

He shrugs.

I start to grin at his response,

"You mean Tsireya."

Teasingly, I point out.

He nudges me with a big grin on his face.

"Yeah... she's beautiful."

He admits, a blush creeping up.

"Why don't you express your feelings to her?"

He looks at me as if I said something absurd.

"Are you crazy?"

Shrugging at his response, I was taken by surprise when started shaking me frantically until I surrendered. As we thought we heard footsteps, we quieted down, returning to whispering again.

"Okay, okay... I'll stop teasing, but eventually, you will have to tell her how you feel."

I said, pointing at him.

"Okay then... you have to tell Neteyam how you feel."

"Tell me what."

A deep voice startled us from behind. We relaxed upon seeing Neteyam's Illuminated freckles and yellow eyes in the darkness.

"Well... that's my cue to leave."

Lo'ak said, dragging his feet out of the water and tapping his brother's shoulder before returning to the pod.

"Hey..."

I motioned him to come closer to the edge.

"Now I'm not jumping to conclusions, but why are you out here in the middle of the night with Lo'ak?"

He asks softly but confused as he sits down beside me.

"I had a bad dream and when I got up to get some air... Well, I noticed Lo'ak wasn't there, so I came out here. "

I explained.

"Why didn't you wake me up?"

He asked, reaching for my hand and gently tracing circles with his thumb.

"I didn't want to disturb you."

I replied nervously. My thoughts started racing, and I couldn't seem to shake off a particular idea.

"What's your mind?"

Neteyam's tone was gentle, trying to encourage me to open up.

"I'm not sure if I should say."

I answered, feeling a warm flush of embarrassment. It was quiet, his lips slightly parted and he moved closer to me. My body can't help but move the same way he does.

"What is it?"

Neteyam urges me to continue.

"I- I want to kiss you."

I say in a low and quiet tone, making my breath smear on the mask.

"I want that too."

He said, clenching his jaw like he was holding something back. I want him. Does that make me selfish? Ugh, I can't believe I didn't say anything on the beach. This time I'm not going to chicken out. I'm going to push this adrenaline that I'm feeling and put it into words,

"I want you Neteyam."

And with that, I pull my mask over my head. In a matter of seconds, I knew that I was going to try and fight for oxygen but right now... This was our moment.

Pulling him close, I clash my lips onto his. His lips were soft and warm. I parted them slightly apart as my tongue guided alongside his. Feeling his hot breath against mine, I feel like I can breathe again without relying on an oxygen mask. Moving his hands behind my hair, tugging at it gently, sends butterflies to my stomach. I want to savour this kiss, never wanting it to end. However, Neteyam knew how much I was struggling and before I knew it, he pulled away from the kiss and grabbed the mask from the side. Sliding it back onto my face, I feel the rush of fresh air entering my tired lungs. Still catching my breath, I see my breathing smearing against the mask. Neteyam looked concerned and held me up straight. Once I was settled with my breathing I looked up at him with a smile.

"Please don't look at me like that. I'm okay."

I whisper, cupping his face. Moving away slightly, I rest my head on his thigh. His fingers start playing with the ends of my hair, and as I face the water, my heart beats rapidly in my chest. I can't believe I just did that. Chuckling softly to myself, Neteyam notices and gently moves my hair away from my face. The cold air touches my neck, but I'm comforted as Neteyam leans in to place soft kisses. Turning to face him, I gaze into his captivating golden eyes that seem so tender and wise.

"That kiss... was incredible."

He says sincerely. Blushing at his words. I smile up at him, we spend a few quiet minutes watching the shimmering ocean, its calming rhythm lulling me. Slowly, my eyelids grow heavy, and I begin to drift off in the embrace of the warrior prince.

"Goodnight, y/n"

His quiet words reach me as I sink into a deep slumber.