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The cool, salty breeze combed through my hair as i took a sip of my drink, listening to Roxto tell a story about the time he almost got eaten by a sea monster.
"And then..." Roxto paused, standing up and looking around at everyone. "I stabbed it right through the heart!" He shouted, throwing his arms around wildly.
Everyone gasped, scooting closer to each other in fear.
Well. Except for me. Because i knew everything he said was a total lie. You'd be surprised what Roxto could come up with in that big head of his.
As i sat down my cup, i caught a glimpse of Neteyam with his arm around another girl. Their faces inched closer as he told her a joke.
The tips of my fingers sunk into the hot sand, drawing small shapes to try and ease the anger within me. Or maybe i was just jealous? Or...both?
A strong arm wrapped around my shoulder. "Moon girl" Aonung's voice was low and concerned, "What's wrong? You look like you've seen an akula?"
I swallowed hard, forcing a weak smile. "My new top... i feel silly in it" I murmured a quick lie, hiding what was truly bothering me.
Aonung scooted back, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. He tilted his head, a curious frown creasing his brow before a warm smile spread across his face. "It's pretty, Oa're. But not as pretty as the girl wearing it"
My breath hitched. Aonung, the same boy who called me ugly ever since we met, was now calling me pretty? My eyes widened for a split second. "Shut up, Aonung" I grumbled, lazily crossing my arms.
"I mean it" He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "My father was right. You don't know you have a pearl until you lose it, Oa're"
I couldn't help but let out a soft, shaky laugh, my gaze dropping back to the ground. "You're sweet Aonu"
He gently lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Can I kiss you?" His fingers rang along my jawline before taking a strand of my hair and tucking it behind my lowered ear.
My heart sank a little. "No" I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. "I- i um, i'm not ready yet"
He didn't seem bothered by my answer. "Your lips... they look so soft, so pretty. I can't wait to kiss them"
I stared into his piercing blue eyes, trying to remind myself to breathe. "See ya later, pretty" he grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of my head before standing.
Once he walked away, i decided to start heading home. Don't get me wrong the party was fun, but this time it was hard enjoy. Seeing Neteyam close to that girl made me want to rip my hair out, i felt so sick it was unreal.
Tears blurred my vision as i stomped through the secluded part of the island. Just as i went to slap a giant leaf out of the way, a hand grabbed my wrist.
"Are you happy with him?" Neteyam asked, slowly sliding his hand up my arm.
I didn't bother looking at him. Because if i did, i'd be begging him to hold me one last time. "Maybe i am"
"Oa're" He muttered, moving in front of me.
Don't look at him...Don't look at him...Don't do it...
"Neteyam, move" I sighed, keeping my eyes off of him.
"No" He argued, his voice low and demanding. "Not until you tell me. Are you happy with Aonung?" His ears lowered for a split second.
"It's none of your business!" I snapped, finally looking up at him. His face mirrored the same frustration that was smeared across my own.
Neteyam's hand gently cupped my face, his fingers tracing the unique markings on my skin. "It is my business, Oa're. Because you are mine" he murmured.
My heart melted as i leaned into his touch. "I am?" i whispered, fresh tears filling my eyes.
His thumb ran across my bottom lip "Yes. You're mine. Say it" He demanded, clenching his jaw tightly.
"I'm yours" I breathed, the words barely a whisper.
"You're who's?" he pressed, his voice husky with possessiveness and longing.
"Neteyam's" I blinked rapidly, my voice gaining a little strength.
His lips found mine in a deep kiss, a passionate action that swept away all doubt and hesitation. My arms instinctively wrapped around his torso, my fingers sinking into the tense muscles beneath his skin.
A low, shaky breath escaped his mouth as my lips began to trail down his body. I worshipped his skin with my kisses until I was on my knees before him.
His hand cupped the back of my head, "Oa're" He exhaled, pulling me closer.
I quickly plucked a single bead from my hair. It was the color of the deep blue ocean, and it had a half moon carved on it. With trembling fingers, I tied it to his songcord. "This is for you, Neteyam. I made it the night we met"
Tears began to spill from my eyes when i seen Neteyam sink to his knees and pull a teal bead from his braid, one that had a fish carved on it. "I made this the night we met too" He chuckled, carefully tying it to my songcord.
We looked at each other, our breaths dancing together as we soaked in the special moment.
"Oa're, i love you"
My mind went blank, a sweet, dizzying need washing over me. Then, faster than i could blink, his lips were against mine again. I wrapped my arms around his neck, supporting myself as he pulled me onto his lap.
Our bodies molded together perfectly, it felt like we were made for each other. He broke the kiss, pulling away to look into my eyes. "You like looking at the stars right?" He questioned, snaking his arms around my waist.
My breath hitched. "I do" I whispered, tracing the glowing white dots that blessed his handsome face.
"Then look at them for me" He murmured, gently cupping my face with a hand and guiding it back.
I obeyed him, looking up at the shining stars that clung to the inky night sky.
My breath caught in my throat as he began to gently kiss my neck. I felt a shiver run through me, an intense sensation that sent a ripple of warmth through every bone in my body. He shakily exhaled, his tongue moving in a slow, circular motion. His teeth grazed my skin, allowing a low moan to escape. "Oa're" He whispered my name against my flesh, a sound that sent tremors through me.
My nails dug into the muscles of his back, nearly drawing blood as my body responded to the wave of sensations washing over me. I didn't say a word, didn't need to. All i had to do was look up at the stars.
