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♯┆blue world .ᐟ ━━━━━━━━━━
Hushed whispers and words of endearment, that is what it took for Lo'ak to get Maleia to fall asleep that night. Her thoughts racing with what her mother. When Maleia woke up that morning, she realised that the two of them had slept outside— together. On that same rock. Realising that Lo'ak hadn't let her go that night.
Her cheek pressed against his chest as his arms wrapped around her stomach. Keeping her as close as possible because he didn't want to let go of her.
After Lo'ak had seen Maleia in such a vulnerable state last night, it triggered his brain into realising his feelings. How he wanted to protect her from anyone that hurt her, anyone that threatened her.
Wanted to be the one that soothed her, calmed her down. It hurt him to see how the argument had broken her down. How much Maleia cared about impressing her mother and father. How much she didn't want to disappoint them.
His eyes fluttered awake once he felt Maleia shuffle against his chest, "How are you feeling?" The two of them sat up, Maleia sitting in front of him this time. Giving him the space he needed to run his hand throughout her short curls.
"Better... I think..." She wasn't even sure of herself now. How can she be so sure? Knowing that she hadn't returned home that night will irritate Ronal more. But, did Maleia even care? She was hurt and upset.
Until a familiar horn rang out throughout Awa'atlu. Realising that her sister had returned. Maleia stood up so quick that Lo'ak didn't have time to register.
She looked out and around the blue sea, eyes brightening when she watched multiple Tulkun's swimming their way. "What is it?" Lo'ak questioned as he stood.
Maleia chuckled and Lo'ak was glad to hear that sound once again. She took his hand, dragging him from the rock, "It is my spirit sister! She has returned!"
Maleia wasted no extra time before diving into the ocean, swimming towards her spirit sister. "Taio! It has been so long! I have you so much..." Taio was the name of her spirit sister, someone that Maleia could speak her feelings to without being judged.
Speaking with Taio had been simple. The Tulkun listened with full intent of wanting to be there for Maleia. "I have missed you also," Taio responded with clicks and groans.
That was when Taio's eyes stretched further from Maleia and to the dark blue boy swimming close behind her, "He is someone that I have met... from the forest."
Taio responded with cheerful clicks, "A boy you like?" Maleia swimming around before stopping her movements. She looked up at Lo'ak and felt instantly nervous. Her feelings for him were revealed last night— not out loud. But, within her heart. Remembering how much he cared for her.
"Maybe..." Bubbles escaped from Maleia's mouth and drove towards the surface. Disbelieving that she could admit her own emotions towards Lo'ak.
That was when Taio ordered to bring Lo'ak down towards them— wanting to meet him. Maleia nodded and waved her hand towards Lo'ak. It took him a second to swim down.
He swam next to them, kicking his legs around to keep in this position. He held onto her hand, like it was the most natural movement to begin with.
Taio clicked and let out sounds of excitement, "You do like him. You are so happy with him, my sister. I can feel it also."
It was calming for Lo'ak to see that captured smile upon Maleia's face. Knowing that this was what she needed. Something warm, something normal to her.
"Taio, you see too much," Maleia laughed before playfully rolling her eyes. "No, little one, I don't just see this. I feel this. It isn't something you should forget," Taio said making Maleia sigh.
Lo'ak didn't understand this conversation. But, if he did, he would be hysterical. It wasn't easy for him to admit his feelings. Knowing he had been keeping everything inside to make his dad happy. But with Maleia, he felt free.
