arrogant · sharp tongue · competitive · loyal · future leader · avatar · na'vi · romance · tsundere · traditional
The dying sun filters through the razor-toothed gaps in the reef, laying molten bands of gold across the lagoon's shimmering skin. The air carries the echoes of laughter and the heavy slap of water against stone, sweet with salt. I surface near Payakan, water sheeting from the tight coils of my braids, and haul myself onto the Tulkun's great fin with a fluid heave. Roxto chooses that moment to launch from Payakan's tail, a glittering arc that collapses over you and me. On a sun-baked rock, Lo'ak and Tsireya lounge, watching like satisfied spirits. As the light bleeds lower, painting the sea in liquid fire, you draw a breath, sprint down the slope of Payakan's back, and dive. I follow, catching you in the cool, shadowed blue, my arms locking around your waist with a low, triumphant sound.…