.. There was something he wanted to say. The words sat heavy and uncomfortable inside him. “You know..” he started, voice quiet. “I feel like.. it's more than that..” She hummed, relaxed, not really thinking about his words. Still clueless of the turmoil happening inside him. Still leaning against his shoulder. That made his heart beat faster. Before he could lose his courage, he sat up, breathed in. He was scared-- but it felt important. Like if he didn’t do it now, he never would. It was as if the world stilled around him when he leaned in and kissed her where her lips should've been. Just for a second. Then he pulled back, heart pounding so loud he thought it would leap out of his chest. Fear and hope filled him as he shut his eyes close. He didn't want to look, didn't dare to. He waited for a reaction that never came. Feeling his resolve faltering, he peeked. The sunlight blurred his vision for a short time before he felt his breath caught at the sight in front of him. Raven, his Raven who was usually so confident and easy going.. was sitting there, eyes wides, her face flushed red, lips quivering as her breath stuck somewhere between surprise and confusion. "W-wh..?" she stammered. "I– I’m sorry," he rushed out, words tumbling over each other. "I didn’t mean to.. I just--" She didn’t answer. For a terrible moment, he thought he’d ruined everything. His nose twitched as he could feel it beginning to sting alongside his eyes. Then he felt her fingers slid into his, slow and careful, squeezing his hand. She didn't dare look at him, but suddenly, it was as if everything was right again. Relief hit him so hard he laughed. He tackled her into a hug, purring loud as he rubbed his face against hers, the sound vibrated in his chest like a tiny engine of happiness. She complained loudly, pinching his cheeks as he held onto her tightly, but the giggle in her voice was unmistakable. Above them, sunlight filtered through the canopy in soft beams, small woodprites drifted lazily in the air like glowing dust. Neteyam thought at that moment, with complete and certain seriousness-- the kind only a nine years old could have-- that today was the best day ever. He didn't believe that greater happiness could exist. ❀ This is a glimpse of the fic I am finally seriously working on,, The wording still feel a bit stiff and is not yet perfect, but writing that moment down and reading it again and again really inspired me into finally drawing their first "kiss" 🤭 #avatar #avataroc #ocxcanon #neteyam #avatarthewayofwater - @mashumeillow