~~~Superstes~~~UNDERGOING MAJOR EDITING

Sephora

Jake shook his head, his expression softening as well. "You spoke your mind--I would've done the same. And I know you wouldn't have done that unless it needed to be said, and I... I'm sorry that it took shouting to get me to listen." 

They stood in an awkward silence for a few heartbeats. It seemed no conversation like this ever happened to the point where when it did, neither of them knew what to say. 

Eventually, Jake just laughed. "Okay, off you go. Pack up your things, too." 

                                                                                      ~~~

There were tiny insects buzzing deep within Neteyam's stomach, along with the hopeful aching of his heart. After another twelve-hour night passed, he would be seeing his siblings after what felt like a lifetime. He couldn't wait to see them again. 

But he was also exited for another reason. He looked to his left, where Fe'ya on the back of her pretty ikran, her belongings all stuffed into pouches and bags that were tied securely behind her back. Her silky hair and all its feathers were blowing freely behind her, and due to the sunset's orange-pink glow across the horizon, her skin was radiance with light. 

Up ahead, Dad flew as the leader of the traveling group. Mom was soaring close to him, occasionally glancing over her shoulder to check on the two children behind them. 

But Neteyam wasn't paying attention--when Fey'atsi wasn't aware, he would shift Paysiy towards the side and bump into her ikran, gently knocking her off the path. She would drop her jaw at him, then repeat the same action and knock him off his path. 

His father and mother shared a remembering glance, both of them appearing thoughtful. But then Jake turned around, one arm dangling at his side and the other clutching his ikran, Bob. He raised his voice to be heard over the wind, "Okay, since we're doing this, there's gonna be some ground rules!" 

Neteyam stared at his father, side-eying the girl beside him. They both waited for him to continue, and he could only hope his dad wouldn't embarrass Feya in any way. 

"First, there will be no sneaking off alone--we'll be in Awa'atlu, not the forest. I'm just getting that out of the way." 

Neteyam practically melted away from the burning in his cheeks, and he cringed. Dad allowed Lo'ak to be alone with Tsireya all the time, but maybe that was because the reef was Tsireya's home, and besides, they were younger. He probably just had different expectations for Neteyam. Be mature, mature, mature. 

"Second, be on your best behavior. Neteyam, you know this, but make sure Fey'atsi learns fast and stays out of trouble, whether it be her fault or not. She already has a good rep, and we don't wanna ruin that." 

Neteyam nodded. 

"Third, Neteyam, your siblings are probably gonna tease you guys, so just be prepared. If they get too personal, let me know and I'll handle it. Oh, and absolutely no sleeping together--and what I mean by that is if I catch you two cuddling or something, I'll make you sleep in the ocean." 

"Dad!" Neteyam yelped, his ears pressing to his skull. Feya covered her face with her hands, trying to be respectful, but even she was wishing to disappear. 

His mom just smiled and looked at Jake, "I believe that is enough rules for now." 

He wasn't sure what to say to Feya after that, considering Dad practically ruined their whole fly together from now on. But Neteyam took a deep breath and straightened his back, so his posture was immaculate. He fought the urge to roll his eyes when he saw Jake chuckle menacingly as he turned back to what was ahead of him. When Neteyam caught Fe'ya's gaze, he grimaced, shrugging. She laughed a little.