𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓘𝓷 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴

Chapter One

🫀⋆ ࣪.

Thump. Thump. His heart raced as he did his revolutions. His eyes couldn't catch the wind swirling around him and he felt himself lift off the ground. Time stoped for the young figure skater. He couldn't quite wrap his head around it.

15. Just 15. Life changes quickly. A gun to the head of his younger brother—knocked down and nearly killed within a week. How does anyone keep up?

Neteyam did. All those revolutions and leaps across the rink—crowds cheering. He loved that. He loved it very much. Would he forget? Would he forget all those years of practice, determination, passion? He didn't want to move to New Zealand. How would he tell his parents? He wouldn't.

Neteyam held his breath and slowed himself, he had finished his last competition within a second. He wanted to go back and redo the dance, he wanted to feel the rush and thrill he did before. His braids pushing back with the overwhelming cold wind...his eyes soft and round...his cheeks flushed with the wind brushing against them and bouncing off.

As Neteyam stepped off the stage, he felt the warm tears go against the soft but frozen sensation that mixed. He licked his chapped lips and he touched his nose. He gulped and looked up to see his partner step of with him.

" What's the matter?" Kaia asked quietly, touching Neteyam's arm.

" I'll miss all this." Neteyam breathed out.

" We will miss you too." Kaia frowned.

" How can I leave? This is my home." Neteyam stated.

Kaia pursed her lips together and kissed Neteyam's cheek. She would miss her 'brother'. She touched his chest and looked solemnly at him.

" Home is wherever you feel loved, never forget."

Neteyam looked at her and his tears streamed down quicker, hotter. He looked back at the rink and the crowds of people who sat there. He stood tall and he felt the connection of those people that stood there. His family. He watched them, his heart filling with hope and his eyes remained stern.

" Come on. It's nearly time for the winners." Kaia held out her hand.

Neteyam took it confidently and he beamed. His eyes sparkled and he seemed to glow. His smile illuminated against the scrapped ice.
He stood tall and glided across the rink with Kaia holding close, he waved his hands and the crowds cheered his and Kaia's name. Kaia squeezed his hand and he looked towards her. He smiled wider at her enchanting smile.

They felt the pressure now arise as they listened to the pairs that won. 3rd. No. 2nd. Gone. And...

" And the winners for the annual competition is... Neteyam Eugene Sully and Kaia Isobel Álvarez Abara!"

Neteyam felt his stomach fall and it was as though the world shifted. He looked back at Kaia and their eyes connected. They beamed together now and as they received their medals and stood on the podium they felt the captivating sensation of accomplishment...together.

[...]
" Neteyam! That was amazing!" Turkey squealed as she ran into Neteyam's arms.

" Why thank you TukTuk. Did you guys enjoy?"

Neteyam smiled at his family, holding the flowers from his family, Kaia's family, and the judges. He shifted his weight and kissed Tuktiery's head.

" It was wonderful my son." Neytiri smiled and kissed her son's forehead.

" I'm glad. I have some money, why don't I treat you guys to some dinner?" Neteyam smiled.

" I'm down." Lo'ak said, his head stuck in the phone.

" Get off the phone." Neytiri scolded.

Lo'ak looked up and groaned before putting the phone back. Kiri looked at Neteyam and they connected eyes. Social anxiety. The two summed up.

" There is a pizzeria near by!" Neteyam smiled.

" Well—who wants pizza?" Jake asked the family.

" Me! Me!" Tuktiery squealed.

" Then it's settled, Kiri you okay with a salad?" Neteyam asked.

" Yea. I don't mind."

Neteyam nodded to his sister and placed the flowers in his other arm as he held Tuktiery's hand with the other.
He dropped the flowers off in the car and picked his phone up to find the locations.

" It's just 2 minutes." Neteyam smiled.

They walked the two blocks with soft conversations and compliments directed to Neteyam. It was a peaceful walk and the fresh doughy air of the pizza made the family smile with comfort.
It was a very old fashioned pizza with very cute decorations. The table they sat at had cute fake candles which Neytiri loved and considered stealing.

" What should we get?" Neytiri asked, looking through the menu to make sure everything was fit for their cultural diets.

" Regular pizza? I heard the margaritas are good." Neteyam smiled.

" I think I might get the Home salad." Kiri said.

They gathered their orders and waited for the food. Lo'ak mainly stayed on the phone while Tuktiery clung to Neteyam. Kiri scrolled through instagram and Neytiri flirted with Jake.
It was a peaceful night and the Sully's enjoyed their last day in Seattle before they would move across the world. Excitement wore on as the night wore on.